Summer+Reading+Program

This message was compiled from CALIBK12 Summer Reading Program:

I am considering running a summer reading program in which students are allowed to check out maybe 3 library books over the summer to return in the fall. I feel really bad that we cut off access to books in the last weeks of school. I know that public libraries run excellent summer reading programs, but most of our students never think to go or sign up. I'm just worried about the accountability. We have a 24% mobility, but perhaps the books lost would be worth the cost of doing business? Is anyone out there already doing something like this?

Responses:

As someone who works in a joint-use library, I think that the public librarians would love to be invited to talk to the students about signing up for summer reading programs. They can bring flyers, library card applications and more. They usually give out prizes during the program and they also have some very cool 'carnival' or the like at the end of the program. The various programs are age-appropriate. Having the public librarians come to the campus for a brief assembly would help the kids to think about signing up--and to bug their parents to take them to the public library all summer long! Victoria Waddle

We don't run a "reading program" per se, but we check out books to students who want some things to read over the summer. Same for teachers. We have had very few problems getting the books back.

Jackie Ghio

You know all those books that get donated to your library, paperbacks that aren't quite up to circulation, or not quite appropriate for school? I save those & give them away to students at the end of the year so they have summer reads. Then I don't care if they come back.

Megan Fuller

I don't know what your public library folks are doing but, in my experience, they knock themselves out in the summer. Maybe an easier thing would be to pump up their numbers with your kids and do something complementary--just a thought. Marilyn Robertson

Here at Yosemite High we allow students to bring in a bag and fill it with library books for the summer! At the most we have 5 or 6 of our best readers take advantage of the opportunity. And so far, I don't believe any one has failed to return the books the first week of school.

Janell Balaguy

I have a collection I call "On Your Honor." These are used books, mostly paperbacks, books I have weeded because I have multiple copies, donations I receive etc. I put a stick on the front that says "On your honor" They are a grab and go collection, not check out...return them when you are finished. Kids like them because if they have an overdue book and the computer won't let them check out, they can still get a book. How about developing a collection similar to this and letting them take them for the summer? Just a thought.

Jo Carson, LMT

I have allowed students to check out books over the summer. Most if not all books are returned in the fall. I have had to chase a few students, but usually get all the books back. I consider is successful and I don't have hordes of students, but a few of my really good readers are excited to take the books over the summer. The students are not all honors students but a mix of all kinds of readers. Diane Greene

I let students take books over the summer. I will turn it in though so they have to turn the books in at registration in the fall (the last week before school starts up) and I call them beforehand. It isn't hordes so it works for us. I also hate cutting them off from books. Joy Millam

I have been doing that since I've been here. We only have 7th and 8th graders, and I only allow 7th graders to do it. They and their parents have to sign a form (attached.) I create a separate category for them-they are no longer students, they are summer, and all of their books are due two days into the new school year. they can check-out and return books up through the last day of school. I usually get maybe 35 out of 325 students sign up, including low-income ones. Sometimes they are in the middle of a series and are able to check out the rest of the series for the summer, because all the books are back. Sometimes they just check out one book they are reading. I don't limit the number of books. I have only had one student who didn't return all the summer books after a reminder notice, and she did after nagging.

The other thing I do is give away donations I'm not going to keep, worn out but popular books, and magazines. I offer them first to the EL and resource classes, then to the general students. Let me know if you need more information. Karen Karen Andresen, Teacher Librarian