How are you making your library fun and welcoming for young people in the Summer?
Summertime is a great opportunity to relax and get away from rigorous routines, but it is also a time when young people can build their reading muscles and their relationship with the public library and its resources.
Consider the dog-days of August a time to welcome youth patrons, their caregivers and make connections that will support successful back-to-school transitions come September.
Their most important relationship is the one with —
YOU!
Offer Alternative to Reading Logs
Alternative:
- Bingo cards for using library resources– Did you teach yourself to play a game? Did you use a museum pass to explore a local historical site? Bring a picture book home and read it to a family member or pet? Recommend a book to a friend?
- Incentivizing library visit rather than bulk number of books read. – We want to see their faces, make connections, build relationships and trust. When young people see your library as their home, seeing themselves as readers comes so much more naturally.
- Invite preteens to be Youth Volunteers. Short shifts, doing tasks according to their interests and strengths. This strengthens a connection with the library and creates a sense of ownership.
Examples– Picking up in-house library circs, craft prep, putting carts of reshelves in order, creating displays, writing or giving book recommendations.
