The Commission offers this outreach program to publicly-funded public libraries in
Idaho. The goal of this program is to promote library summer reading programs to school-age children. We know that kids who don’t read over the summer lose some of the gains made in reading during the school year, and low-income kids in grades K-4 tend to lose the most. It’s critical that we keep our kids reading over the summer.

The School Visits program is designed to encourage partnerships between the school and public library and get kids excited to participate in summer reading. Some libraries register students on-the-spot and some provide take-home information. Comments from 2012 participating libraries were very positive; staff reported seeing lots of backpacks in the library over the summer and the majority of libraries saw an increase in program participation. Only public library staff may apply for this program.

Research suggests that in order to close the achievement gap and counter summer learning loss, we need to invest in programs targeting young school-age children. The materials we provide for this program are chosen and designed with this age group in mind. At this time we are not targeting preschool children or middle school children. However, if we still have backpacks available after the deadline date we will consider your requests for additional backpacks for these age groups.

To participate in School Visits, simply contact your local public elementary school principals, make an appointment to visit the school(s) to promote the
library’s summer reading program, and tell us how many children are enrolled in the school(s). We’ll send you these great drawstring backpacks that you can stuff with your library’s summer reading information and/or registration forms to give to the students. Classroom visits, assemblies and field trips to the public library all count as school visits. There is no limit on partner schools, but the materials are only available for public school children grades K- 6.

Once our supply is depleted we can no longer accept applications. Please make arrangements with your schools now and apply as soon as possible. You may apply for School Visits and Reaching Underserved Children using the same application form. Deadline is March 20, 2013.

To see a chart of current applicants, please visit our main summer reading webpage and click on “2013 List of Bright Futures Applicants”: http://libraries.idaho.gov/landing/summer-reading

Questions regarding School Visits can be directed to: Staci Shaw