Summer reading programs have long been a staple of libraries, offering a fun and educational way for patrons of all ages to stay engaged during the summer months. This year, we found 3 summer reading ideas from libraries that we had to share. Hopefully they can help to attract more participants and make these programs even more exciting this season. 

Fresh Approaches to Summer Reading

Libraries are adopting new methods to make summer reading programs more appealing and accessible. Instead of traditional reading challenges, many libraries are allowing participants to set their own reading goals and are including a variety of activities beyond just reading. This flexibility helps cater to diverse interests and schedules, and makes it easier for more community members to join in.

Balancing Community and Staff Needs

A successful summer reading program balances the needs of the community with the capacity of library staff. By leveraging tools like community calendars and meeting room management systems, libraries can streamline planning and execution. This helps to ensure programs are sustainable and impactful without overburdening staff.

3 Innovative Summer Reading Ideas

Libraries are incorporating a wide range of activities to attract and engage participants. Many of these ideas come from librarians sharing their experiences and suggestions on r/Libraries and r/Librarians on Reddit:

1. One-Hour Events: Short, engaging activities can draw in attendees who might not have time for longer commitments. Some popular ideas include:

• Geocaching: A modern-day treasure hunt that encourages participants to explore their local area and discover hidden caches.
• Campfire Story Times: Evening events where participants gather around a (real or artificial) campfire to share and listen to stories, fostering a sense of community and adventure.
• Book-Themed Crafts: Creative sessions where participants can make crafts related to their favorite books, combining art with literature.

2. Targeted Programs: Tailoring programs for different age groups ensures that there is something for everyone, not just children. Examples include:

• Teen Book Clubs: Offering a space for teenagers to discuss their favorite books and explore new genres together.
• Adult Reading Challenges: Programs specifically designed for adult readers, such as themed reading lists and social gatherings to discuss books over coffee.

3. Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations can provide additional resources and help reach a broader audience, offering more varied experiences. Some successful partnerships include:

• Local Parks and Recreation Departments: Partnering to offer outdoor reading events and nature walks that combine physical activity with literary exploration.
• Schools and Educational Institutions: Working together to promote summer reading and provide educational workshops and activities.

Evaluating and Improving Programs

To continually improve summer reading programs, libraries are setting specific, measurable goals and collecting data on participation and feedback. This allows them to refine their offerings and demonstrate the impact on participants’ reading habits and skills.

Enhancing Engagement with Technology

Modern tools are playing a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of summer reading programs:

• Community Calendar: A community calendar helps libraries manage and promote events efficiently, gather registrations, and report on their success. This ensures that patrons are well-informed about upcoming activities and can easily participate as well as making it easy to share results with board members and the state. 
• Meeting Room Management: Efficient meeting room management ensures that spaces are utilized optimally and avoids scheduling conflicts. Many libraries are supporting a variety of programs and workshops that complement the reading challenges, so avoiding double bookings is especially important during this busy season.

Libraries are successfully revitalizing their summer reading programs by adopting flexible, inclusive approaches and leveraging modern tools to enhance engagement and efficiency. These efforts not only make summer reading more accessible and enjoyable but also strengthen the library’s role as a vibrant community hub.

By continuously innovating and improving, libraries can ensure that their summer reading programs remain a beloved tradition. A tradition that brings communities together, and fosters a love of reading in patrons of all ages. If you would like to connect to review how WhoFi’s all-in-one suite of services could help simplify library management across the board, we would like to meet. Visit WhoFi.com/demo or email us directly at marketing@whofi.com to schedule a meeting.