Our numbers are also low but we have some die hard summer reading program participants out there. Our biggest success is the Summer Reading Packet we gave out during registration. You could register through the vestibule OR on-line using a google doc form. This was very successful because our local schools use the google docs. We had it so the participants could pick them up in the vestibule or we could email them and they could print them out themselves. Participants used both options. We had virtual programs but the attendance has been low for them. A lot of the families are off the computers this summer.

Our Summer Reading Program Packet included a Welcome Cover, Logsheet with Star Rating, A shape color sheet for every 20 minutes read for the kids OR a book review for the teens, and a Bookopoly Board. This system is working out great and they love the bookopoly board challenge. They are trying to find the Imagine Your Story selections for their bookopoly board. They are also watching the recordings of the storytimes and programs so they can mark them off of their bookopoly board.

I did notice the LIVE Storytimes were well attended at first and then attendance dwindled because they like the idea of watching the recording on their own time later. We may go to just scheduled recordings. Less bloopers that way, too. lol.

It's relieving to hear that we are all encountering the same challenges.

Thanks for this post.

Dixie Andres
Youth Services Coordinator

The Schultz-Holmes Memorial Library

407 South Lane Street
Blissfield, MI 49228
517-486-2858

www.blissfieldlibrary.org
517-486-3565 (fax)

From: "Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2020 8:39 PM
To: "Rebecca Higgerson" <rhiggerson@brandonlibrary.org>, "michlib-l@mcls.org" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Virtual Summer Reading numbers

Hi Rebecca, et. al.,

I am hearing a lot of similar reports in youth services, not only in Michigan but across the country. Some libraries surveyed their communities and are tailoring programming/packets to meet those needs. But overall, families are exhausted/burned out. I would not sweat the numbers, as it is happening to us all. We’ll always remember what 2020 was… Some libraries are cutting-back/eliminating live virtual programming and providing more passive, in-their-own-time engagement opportunities for families (like 1 recorded story at a time) or offering print packets at curbside.

We’re in this together!
#ImagineYourStory

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan

You have the power to shape your future, and the future of all children, by counting everyone in your home in the 2020 Census.

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From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Rebecca Higgerson via Michlib-l
Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 10:15 AM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Virtual Summer Reading numbers

CAUTION: This is an External email. Please send suspicious emails to abuse@michigan.gov

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

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