Here in Dearborn Heights we have actually had a record-breaking response for this year's Summer Reading. Realizing that our face-to-face plans were toast, we identified the most important goals for our Summer Reading—fun, radically inclusive, learning based, and free. Virtual programming needed to be included. But as our community does not typically engage very much with online content we mostly focused on how we could deliver an at home program that played to our strengths.
Rather than offering age-divided programming, for this year we went with a whole-family approach. We came up with two crafts per week, one best for elementary-age kids and one for pre-schoolers. There were also “quests” that involved reading or learning skills. We then boxed up the information and supplies and delivered the first half right to our patron's doors. Staff members spent 4 days driving all around the community doing contactless delivery.
We were incredibly touched by the huge response from our families. While we miss having our in-person programs, we have found that by offering kits, we were able to reach more of our patrons that were not able to make it to the library. Social media and hash tagging helped us to create a feeling of togetherness.
We also attribute our success to having a good relationship with the superintendents and principals across our three school districts. They helped to promote the program. We also have a wonderfully supportive community, so our unofficial "mom network" helped spread the word. Finally, we really embraced social media more actively this year than we had before, and we have seen quite a boost from that.
Jennifer Wyatt-Greene, Teen Services Librarian
Jim Moir, Youth Services Librarian
Dearborn Heights City Libraries
_______________________________________________Good idea Don.TeresaFranklin Public LibraryFrom: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Cc: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 1:52:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Virtual Summer Reading numbersWell, I must say, hearing all of this doesn't make me feel GREAT, obviously we'd like more participation, but I certainly feel better about the numbers I'm seeing. I'm currently planning on keeping registration and prizes open through August, at the least, maybe into early September, to give people more time to participate and join up. With slow, limited openings (and none at all yet for us), I think giving people more time just makes sense. We've already got all the supplies, after all, doesn't cost us anything to extend the program. Summer doesn't technically end until late in September anyway!Donald Priest
Director
Southgate Veterans Memorial Library
14680 Dix-Toledo Rd.
Southgate MI 48195
734-258-3002From: "michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
To: "Rebecca Higgerson" <rhiggerson@brandonlibrary.org>
Cc: "michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 1:39:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Virtual Summer Reading numbersWe are down about 52% in registrations compared to this time in the summer last year. But our finishers are up a little compared to this time last year.Be encouraged. Promoting reading is so important for kids and teens. 2021 will be better :)Marisela Garza | Youth Services Specialist
Capital Area District Libraries – Administration
401 S. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
Office: 517-367-6341 |garzam@cadl.org | cadl.org
On Thu, Jul 9, 2020 at 12:28 PM Rebecca Higgerson via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:_______________________________________________Hi everyone,
We have a shockingly low number of people who have signed up for our Summer Reading program (we are down 85%) and I’m wondering if others are finding the same results. If your numbers are strong, to what do you contribute your success?
Thanks in advance!!
Rebecca Higgerson
Director
Brandon Twp Public Library
304 South Street
Ortonville MI 48462
248-627-1474
ENGAGE • EDUCATE • ENRICH • EMPOWER
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