[MeL favicon]For most public libraries, the biggest event of the year is the annual summer reading program. Prizes and special events organized by library staff help prevent the "summer slide" for kids. Summer Reading also gives kids and their caregivers a chance for social interaction and a sense of community. This year's Summer Reading is sure to be different. Many libraries have pivoted to online or outdoor Summer Reading programs and we've created a list of fresh content and resources to ensure a successful Summer Reading in 2020. Resources for Staff The CSLP theme for 2020 is "Imagine Your Story." Impress your summer readers with some of these practical tips and ideas: * Summer reading search strategies<https://www.ebscohost.com/uploads/novelist/pdf/SearchStrategy_SummerReading.pdf>: Including the CSLP theme as well as books for your fussier readers. * The Secret Language of Books<https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/idea-center/learn/learn-story-elements>: A guide to Story Elements: Download your copy and brush up on your appeals, genre, and themes skills. Think worldbuilding and whimsical. Be prepared for those seeking a once upon a time. Ready up that wand with fairy tale and folklore-inspired fiction. * Crash Course in Fantasy<https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-the-latest/blog-article/webinar-crash-course-in-fantasy>: Need a refresher in Fantasy? Watch a replay of the webinar. * Avoiding the "summer slide"<https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-the-latest/blog-article/this-summer-keep-the-slide-on-the-playground>: This summer let's keep the slide on the playground. Want to quickly find content related to summer reading inside NoveList? Type Imagine Your Story into the search bar and select "Lists & Articles." [Searching for Imagine your Story in NoveList] Don't Cancel, Go Online! Many libraries have taken storytime and other programs online. Now it's time to expand that to Summer Reading! Virtual programs are valuable during social isolation. You may even reach readers who have never set foot in one of your buildings. If you do your program live, be sure to post the video to whatever social media platform you are using. You're likely to get more on-demand views of your program. Watch this recent microtraining <https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist-the-latest/blog-article/microtraining-were-not-closed-were-live> to get tips about how to do live programming on social media. Keep It Simple Try a very easy set of requirements -- participants read for a certain amount of time or a certain number of pages and get a prize. No complicated levels, no hoops to jump through. Make your program more inclusive and drop the library card requirement. The easier it is, the more participation you are likely to get. In addition to NoveList, MeL has lots of resources to support you no matter how you are interacting with your patrons. Check out MeL's Summer Reading Book Lists<https://bit.ly/MeLSummerReading> and our list of Printables<https://bit.ly/MeLPrintables> for activities and takeaways for younger kids. If you're new to using the MeL eResources<https://mel.org/az.php>, or want a refresher, check out our MeL eResources Learning Academy<https://my.nicheacademy.com/michiganlibrary-staff>. You will need to create an account to access these quick video tutorials. To access other types of support resources, visit our Library Staff<https://mel.org/staff> area where you will find downloadable promotional material<https://mel.org/library-staff/marketing-resources/downloadablepromos>, eResources Web Buttons<https://mel.org/library-staff/marketing-resources/eresource-web-buttons>, Logo files and usage guidelines<https://mel.org/logos-and-usage-guidelines>, and training support<https://mel.org/library-staff/eresources>. Try NoveList Plus<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-novplus> or NoveList K-8 Plus<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-novpk8>! By Molly Wyand, Communications Specialist at NoveList Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out! We're happy to help! Liz Breed, Michigan eLibrary Coordinator<mailto:breedl@michigan.gov> Theresa Runyan, MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries<https://www.mcls.org/index.php?cID=753> Ann Kaskinen, MeL Engagement Specialist for K-12<https://www.mcls.org/index.php?cID=753> Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Want more information on MeL? Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. #IMLSGrant Sonya Schryer Norris Library Consultant Library of Michigan Michigan Department of Education 517-335-1498 Norriss2@michigan.gov<mailto:Norriss2@michigan.gov> https://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan https://mel.org<https://mel.org/> http://michlibrary.org<http://michlibrary.org/> I am on temporary lay-off status on Mondays only from May 18 - July 20. You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census<https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmy2020census.gov%2F&data=02%7C01%7CNorrisS2%40michigan.gov%7Ce7ec159400914a99c42d08d7d5c450e1%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637212911508123639&sdata=xx6zojNDhjfJla%2F0VwFZ7lWKmBZx7vtJ3Y%2BMUagjNL4%3D&reserved=0>. [A close up of a sign Description automatically generated]
