All-Ages Summer Learning
Kitsap Regional Library, 2016
In 2016, we realized it was time to completely re-design Summer Learning. The Library had recently gone through a re-branding process, and not only did we have a new look, we had newly clarified shared values, direction, and strategy. We saw that our biggest and best-known program could benefit from a fresh look through this lens.
Formerly called Summer Reading, the program used to use CSLP themes, and function differently for children and teens. Adults were not included at all. Although kids enjoyed and heavily used the program, teens didn't always like the abrupt change, and we did not directly encourage adults to use summer to model a lifelong love of reading to their families. We also had just started experimenting with going beyond just counting hours or pages; we wanted to encourage many types of engaged learning over the summer, in addition to reading.
I proposed an all-ages approach to best reflect our core value of being open to all, and to accomplish our outcome of creating a celebrated community of readers. This meant that anyone could participate at any age, and that the process would be the same for all. Families could participate together easily. Teachers and classrooms could share the same experience. Adults could connect back to their happy memories of childhood summer reading. Seniors and adults with limited ability to get a library could still feel that they were participating in a community event.
Working with a team that included adult services, youth services, public services, and communications, we designed an innovative, inclusive new approach to Summer Learning.
There are two ways to participate:
The "Read" tracker is the classic way to participate. Read 10 hours, win a prize. Read 100 hours, win another prize!
At 10 hours, the prize is a book. Children and teens pick from an age-appropriate selection. Adults receive a copy of the One Book, One Community selection for the upcoming year. (This was a suggestion from a frontline staff member that had huge impacts on adult participation in Summer Learning and in One Book, One Community. Read more about it on the One Book page!)
""This summer, I want my children to gain a love for reading. We have started coming to the library to check out books on a regular basis. Borrowing books has taught my children a love for a diversity of stories. They have learned a responsibility for taking care of things that do not belong to them. The books have also increased their language skills." – Sue, age 28
At 100 hours, readers win an exclusive 100-hour t-shirt designed by our communications department. These are a HUGE draw, and it's so much fun to see people young and old sporting their reading pride around town!
At 10 hours, the prize is a book. Children and teens pick from an age-appropriate selection. Adults receive a copy of the One Book, One Community selection for the upcoming year. (This was a suggestion from a frontline staff member that had huge impacts on adult participation in Summer Learning and in One Book, One Community. Read more about it on the One Book page!)
""This summer, I want my children to gain a love for reading. We have started coming to the library to check out books on a regular basis. Borrowing books has taught my children a love for a diversity of stories. They have learned a responsibility for taking care of things that do not belong to them. The books have also increased their language skills." – Sue, age 28
At 100 hours, readers win an exclusive 100-hour t-shirt designed by our communications department. These are a HUGE draw, and it's so much fun to see people young and old sporting their reading pride around town!
The "Inspire" tracker is a new way to participate. It targets people who may not self-identify as "readers", but who have a goal or an idea or just want to keep learning. It guides the participant through setting a goal, learning about it, experimenting and tinkering, and reflecting on the experience.
"My goal was to take a college class in early childhood. Remember one day is a new day, do your best. I hadn’t been to the library in probably 30 years, enjoyed relearning the system, everyone was so helpful in teaching me. Thank you KRL." - Deanna, 68
"I wanted to learn to speak Italian. My grandmother was a war bride from Italy. She was always afraid to teach us the language; afraid of persecution. I was raised with the culture, morals, celebrations and food but the language was missing. I want to learn Italian to feel closer to my heritage and to feel closer to my grandmother." – Sarah, 36
"My goal is to write a novel in a year. I have learned this summer that I need to make my goal part of my schedule, have a writing buddy, and read read read. I has been delightful to have a focus this summer during road trips, camping, and long nights to work on." - Erica, 34
"I wanted to learn to speak Italian. My grandmother was a war bride from Italy. She was always afraid to teach us the language; afraid of persecution. I was raised with the culture, morals, celebrations and food but the language was missing. I want to learn Italian to feel closer to my heritage and to feel closer to my grandmother." – Sarah, 36
"My goal is to write a novel in a year. I have learned this summer that I need to make my goal part of my schedule, have a writing buddy, and read read read. I has been delightful to have a focus this summer during road trips, camping, and long nights to work on." - Erica, 34
The adult response to this new opportunity was amazing! Between the first and second years, adult 10 hour finishers increased by 27% and adult 100 hour readers increased by 43%. By comparison, child 10 hour finishers increased by 4%, and child 100 hour readers increased by 36%.
