Launching the New Year with the Public Library Summer Reading

I decided to start our year picking up where we left off - connecting with the Public Library.  At the end of the school year our Public Library kicked off a Literacy Afternoon.  They shared with our students how they could take part in the summer reading program.  I began our first class of the year with a demonstration of MY summer reading.  It served two purposes:

1. Share my reading life 
2. Excite students about the new books that are on order for our library 

I began by taking a poll to see how many students visited a library over the summer.  Roughly 40% of students reported they visited a library.  Ouch.  That's it?  I asked how many students participated in Summer Reading.  If a hand went up in the class (and there were classes where there were NONE), I could count them on one hand.  Gulp.  However.... I had glimmers of hope when students DID raise their hands and excitedly share with me how they earned the pins on their lanyard.

Sporting MY lanyard

The most beautiful moment of the week was when a child's teacher sent him back to class to "get something" and he came back proudly wearing his lanyard.  Later I traveled to the classroom to find this beautiful display of reading pride:

What we did 

There were 10 categories of summer reading and/or experiences.  I created a Jeopardy-like board so students could choose a category and see what I did to earn my pin.  

Students chose a category and we viewed the associated book trailer, pages from the book, information about the author, music clip, or photos.  I concluded each category with "and if you are interested, this book is on it's way to our library."

When all categories were viewed I asked students to raise their hands if they saw a book that might interest them.  Most hands flew into the air and eager, "when will they be here" questions arose.  

After choosing books, students had an opportunity to share what kind of books they would like to read this year:

My takeaways

• Only 40% of students reported visiting a library over the summer.  (And that was probably generous because often students respond "yes" because they think that is the correct answer).  I would like to see these numbers improve.  A dynamic new public library director is making the school/Public Library connection an exciting and viable opportunity for community building.  We are now working together and I can't wait to see where this takes us.
• Getting children to the public library is multi-faceted.  I can build excitement and inspire them to go, but I have to convince their families that this is a worthwhile venture because my young students need someone to take them there.  Developing communication with families is key.  This is the year that I venture beyond my monthly newsletter.  Facebook - here I come.
• As always, a little excitement building goes a long way.  I only wish the books were actually here by the time I introduced them, but they will be here shortly.
• Week 1 was about building excitement about reading.  Week 2 will again connect to summer reading and build community.  Here we go!