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Feature Stories
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by Lisa Hamrick, Children's Learning Center Manger, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County & Michelle Elliott Children's Librarian at Harrison Branch Head
The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County will soon begin its 36th Summer Reading Program (SRP). Each year, we develop a unique theme with coordinating graphics, prizes, and programs. This year, Creature Feature will begin on May 30th.
For years, we presented creative programs and gave away fun prizes that helped keep children reading throughout the summer months. Teachers and parents thank us and truly appreciate our efforts to make reading a special part of summer activities. Because our SRP is the largest system-wide annual programming event, we recently reviewed the program from start to finish. Then, we made changes to help us better meet the program's goals and objectives.
Some of our most important best practices are:
Keep it Simple - Children keep track only of the time they spend reading. They receive their prizes after they read for the required length of time. No more writing book reports or lists of titles.
Statistics For A Reason - Staff members also have it easier. We cut down on paperwork! And statistics are kept to a minimum. Demonstrating the Library's efforts to invite people into the program, we count the children who receive a game card. Showing initial SRP interest, we count children who earn at least one prize. Quantifying continued interest in SRP, we also count the children who "complete" the program. This is plenty of useful information.
Fewer Prizes, More Chances - With a lean budget, we offer four individual prizes - three toys and one book. Then, participants read to earn entries into grand prize drawings. Preschoolers can win a Diego tricycle. Elementary school children can win a Cincinnati Zoo Family Membership. Teens can win a Target gift card. With 41 locations there are 123 grand prizewinners!
Involve All Ages - Our goal is to involve everyone in summer reading, and the Library has a SRP component for all ages. Preschoolers, grade-schoolers, teens, and adults each have different prizes. There is something special for every reader.
Get Into the Community - Even if children can't get to the library this summer, Children's Librarians will find them with visits to summer child-care locations throughout Hamilton County offering Creature Feature game cards and prizes.
Edu-tainment - Throughout the summer, we offer a huge number of free programs for all ages. The programs combine learning and fun - programs that keep those brains working. Each program is guaranteed to include smiles and laughter!
Money Helps, and Good Partners Are Invaluable - Most of our SRP budget comes from our extremely generous Friends organization, but we also look for partners that help make the program even more enticing. This year, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens donated the 41 family membership grand prizes. This reading reward offers a fun-filled experience at a community landmark!
Last year, over 25,000 children and teens participated in our SRP. We are looking forward to seeing even more happy faces throughout this summer's program.
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