LM offers Michigan public libraries a virtual site on ReadSquared, where staff/volunteers can hand enter participants or you can set-up a device (or two) for them to sign-up on their own. Support response is pretty quick with ReadSquared, but I’m not sure how much time it would take at this point in the summer to create a site. Please reach out if you are interested. Additionally, I’ve seen gudience in the CSLP Manual, in their “Getting Started” section, as well as registration forms available to print, if you chose to stick to paper. Details on ReadSquared are as follows:

The Library of Michigan provides public libraries across Michigan READsquared for tracking their online reading programs. The opportunity to request a site is open. Follow this link for recorded trainings and a preview of READsquared.

A few key points: 

• READsquared will help libraries import any files from other online platforms, such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten or past registrants that created accounts for summer reading.
• Pre-created programs are set-up to choose from and libraries will be able to adjust all program defaults to meet their needs, or, if you choose to design your own from scratch, the estimated staff time on program design is less than 2 hours.
• A Mobile App is available.
• Reading recommendations, booklists, and the ability to link to your catalog is available.
• READsquared also offers the ability to track "paper program" participation, so libraries can easily collect data.

This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Thank you,

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of JC Wheeler Public Library via Michlib-l
Sent: Monday, June 3, 2024 1:07 PM
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Summer Reading Sign Up Reccomendations

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

Hi all! I am rethinking how we do our summer reading sign ups this year and trying to conserve some paper. In the past, our library would hand a whole sheet of paper to everyone who came in to sign up, they would then write their name and contact information on the paper and hand it back to us. How do you handle summer reading sign ups? 

JC Wheeler Library
PO Box 226
1576 S. Main
Martin, MI 49070
269-672-7875

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson