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By Janet Ingraham Dwyer, Youth Services Library Consultant
Libraries around Ohio opened up the whole wide world to their communities last summer, as many celebrated “One World, Many Stories” for the 2011 Summer Reading Program. This year’s Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) theme focused on travel and world cultures, with artwork and programming to engage the explorer in every reader. Public libraries are asked to report their summer reading statistics and evaluation to the State Library. This year, representatives of 230 public library systems responded to the online survey. They reported a total of 451,143individuals participating across Ohio as registrants in a 2011 library summer reading program. The respondents also reported a total attendance of 504,242 at SRP-related library programs (storytimes, performers, parties, etc.). 42% of respondents reported that their SRP participation increased over last year, while 37% reported that SRP participation decreased and 22% reported no change. A slightly higher percentage of libraries reported a decrease in participation in 2011 than did so in 2010. However, the overall numbers seem to indicate a modest increase in SRP participation statewide (allowing for the increase in survey participation from 218 libraries in 2010). The most frequently cited factors that may have contributed to an increase in participation at some libraries were improved publicity, attractive events/programs, public perception of free quality entertainment, and inclusion of activities for children aged 0-5. Libraries that experienced decreased participation noted gas prices, population shifts, reduced staffing, fewer prizes, and other economic factors affecting either the library’s capacity or the community members’ daily lives. The majority of libraries used CSLP themes including “One World, Many Stories” (for children), “You Are Here” (for teens), and “Novel Destinations” (for adults) as the focus of their programming, decorations, and displays. Overall response to the 2011 CSLP themes was very favorable. One librarian wrote, “This year's theme was fun and easy to program around. There were many ideas and avenues we could have used to teach children ‘One World, Many Stories.’” Another commented, “We thought the artwork for this year's SRP was some of the best so far. It was really beautiful and fun to use.” CSLP resources for public libraries, including custom theme artwork from noted children’s illustrators and a manual packed with program ideas based on the year’s theme, can make SRP planning affordable, manageable, and fun. However, Ohio public libraries are by no means required to use the CSLP theme, and some develop their own SRP themes using in-house resources to create artwork and materials. Themes used this summer ranged from “Follow the Yellow Book Road” to “Be a Hero – Read” to “Eat, Sleep, Read.” The complete SRP Evaluation report, which includes data on participation, themes, program length, tracking methods, resources and incentives, planning, and workshops, may be found at: http://oh.webjunction.org/ohsumread/-/articles/content/130581244. Program planning librarians and youth services librarians are already well into planning for the 2012 summer reading program. One survey respondent wrote, “Looking forward to breaking more records in 2012!”
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The 2012 CSLP themes focus on nighttime. The theme for children is Dream Big – Read! featuring artwork by 
