Summer reading program explained

Summer reading programs take place at 95% of public libraries in the United States.^[1] Children, teens, and adults participate in activities meant to encourage reading, such as keeping a reading log. Other names for summer reading programs include vacation reading club, summer reading club, vacation reading program, and summer library program.^[2]

History

Summer reading programs at public libraries in the United States began no later than the 1890s.^[3] Early programs featured how to care for books, reading logs or lists, and focused on older kids and teens. By 1929, summer reading programs were sometimes themed. In the 1940s, professional publications began including prevention of summer reading loss as a goal of summer reading programs. As of 2014, 95% of public libraries in the United States offer a summer reading program. Summer reading programs are common in Canada as well.^[4]

Features

Two thirds of public libraries host a summer reading program with a theme.^[5] Most summer reading programs offer books, coupons, or bookmarks as incentives for participating.^{[6] [7]} Participants receive those incentives when they achieve a goal. Libraries commonly keep track of the number of participants, time spent reading, or number of books read.

See also

• Collaborative Summer Library Program
• Summer Reading Challenge

Notes and References

1. Bertot, J.C., Real, B., Lee, J. McDermott, A. J., Jaeger, P.T. (2015). 2014 Digital Inclusion Survey: Survey findings and results. Information Policy and Access Center. https://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/2014DigitalInclusionSurveyFinalRelease.pdf
2. Fiore. Carole D.. 2007. Summer library reading programs. New Directions for Youth Development. 2007. 114. 85–98. 10.1002/yd.215. 17623415.
3. Bertin, S. (2004). A history of youth summer reading programs in public libraries: A master’s paper for the M.S. in L.S. degree. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
4. Goss Gilroy Inc. (2006). Literature Review on the Impact of Summer Reading Clubs. Library and Archives Canada, Program Branch. https://tdsrcstaff.cdn.prismic.io/tdsrcstaff%2F218ad805-5aff-49e7-9c66-36667e0bfc10_009003-06-040-e.pdf
5. School Library Journal. (2019). Public Library Summer Programming Survey.
6. Web site: Summer Reading Incentives: Love Them or Hate Them, Prizes Bring Kids In. Yorio. Kara. School Library Journal. 2020-02-10.
7. Web site: Public Library Summer Programming Is Vital to Communities, SLJ Survey Shows. Barack. Lauren. School Library Journal. 2020-02-10.