2007 Summer Reading

Get Ready for Summer Reading 2008!

Thank you for sending us your statistics to help us document the impact of summer reading. One hundred sixteen (116) libraries have reported 44,600 children participated in 2007 summer reading. Congratulations!

The 2008 summer reading manual "Catch the Reading Bug" has been mailed to public libraries. Included is information on the Summer Reading Outreach Incentive Program.

Read to Me, a service of the Idaho Commission for Libraries, is delighted to give you a preview of the mysteries in store for your summer readers.

Our program is part of the Collaborative Summer Library Program. We support summer reading because we know that children who read over the summer will maintain or improve their reading readiness when they go back to school. We also know that libraries and kids go together! What better place to satisfy your curiosity than at your public library?

 

                                            Participate in 2008 Bright Futures Outreach

 Streamlined Summer Reading Outreach Opportunities 

Join the fun and "Catch the Reading Bug! @ Your Library!" For those who want to apply for outreach opportunities, this year we streamlined the process!  There is no pre-application required. Simply fill out the program forms you want to participate in and return them to us. Libraries that applied for these programs last year can apply again. Select your opportunities today! Find a link to each application, print it out and mail it by March 14, 2008!

Back by popular demand, your library can apply to participate in one or more of the following programs:

Underserved Children:  Partner with one or more agencies or organizations in your community.  Together with your partner organization, plan at least two programs outside of the library in June, July and/or August that target underserved children.  You'll receive one of three paperback book packages-grades K-2, grades 3-4, or bilingual -to be given away to children attending the program.  You'll also receive painting sheets for the kids and a standup display for your program! Send the completed form by March 14 to qualify!

School Visits: Receive free summer reading plush "bugs" for students if a library staff or volunteer visits one or more schools to promote your Summer Reading program. Classroom visits, assemblies, and field trips to the public library qualify. You'll also receive two "Catch the Reading Bug" tote bags for your library and two for each school.  There is no limit on partner schools.  Submit elementary school enrollment numbers and K-3 Idaho Reading Indicator scores with your application by March 14!

Read for Your Library: Partner with 1, 2 or 3 elementary schools and you are on your way to "winning" $200 in books for your library AND $200 in books for your partner school(s)!  You and your partner(s) will also receive a Summer Reading flag, suitable for official flag pole duty. To qualify, submit Idaho Reading Indicator scores for each partner school, a letter of support from each principal, work with each school to set participation goals, set up a recognition event at each school, track the results, and make at least one presentation to parents, educators, or community members.  Start planning now for the March 14 deadline.

Steering Committee The first 25 libraries that form a summer reading steering committee are eligible for $100 in free books plus 15 "Catch the Reading Bug" buttons.  Submit the names of committee members and their community positions by March 14.  We'll send you the books upon receipt of your first meeting's notes.  The last date to send in your meeting notes is June 2.

Summer Reading Webpage: Set up or update your Summer Reading page with a link to your home page by June 2 and receive a "Catch the Reading Bug" vinyl banner AND 50 bug jugs! Just send us the link to your website and brand it with the Read to Me logo and we'll send you the incentives upon receipt!

Print the forms, fill them out, and then mail the form(s) along with supporting material to the Idaho Commission for Libraries (our address is on the cover sheet):

Help for filling out those mysterious forms

You'll notice some of the program forms request information like IRI scores, total school attendance and letters from the principal. This information helps us make a case for continued funding of the Read to Me program. We've followed the clues and have links below to help you gather your information.

• IRI Scores
• School Enrollment Numbers 2006-07
• Principal Letter & Working with Schools Tips
• Summer Reading Partnership Flyer
  

Presentations

Sometimes even the hard-boiled cases find they get cold feet when it comes to giving presentations. You'll find your staff are much more willing to pitch in when they know why Summer Reading is important. In fact, given a chance, they come up with some cool ideas on how to handle the summer-rush stress. And trustees are very good at advocating for your library when they know what to do. That's why you'll find two "in-a-box" staff and trustee mini-workshop sessions below. And for those educator, parent and community presentations, we've developed power points to help you along. Let Anne Abrams know if you want the Mini Workshop DVD or PowerPoint presentations (with scripts) sent to you.

Staff Orientation

Staff & Trustee Mini Workshop

Download the Seven Minute Video Here (30MB File)

Parent/Community PowerPoint (Powerpoint or pdf) & script

Educator PowerPoint (PowerPoint or pdf)

What Really Counts

We know it's not the prizes or praise from the Idaho Commission for Libraries that makes you come into your library with a smile on your face and a song to share. We know it's the kids. That's why it is so important for us to share your successes. Your Summer Reading Report Form is due August 31. Thank you!