Excerpts From Past Statewide Summer Reading Program Reports
2011: One World, Many Stories / You Are Here
East Routt Library District—Sarah Kostin
This year, I held the second annual Uber Reader Sleepover as the
grand prize reading incentive for kids ages 5-10 that read 50 hours
or more during the summer. I cannot emphasize enough what a
tremendous motivator the library sleepover is for kids to read above
and beyond their typical amount during the summer. I received so
many comments from parents saying that having the sleepover as a
goal changed their son or daughter into a real reader or made them
advance into the next level of reading. The sleepover is fairly
inexpensive and easy to put on. This year, there were 55 Uber
Readers and 25 parents who slept over in the Library. That is a lot
of kids that read over 50 hours, which is no easy feat (about an
hour a day)! I'm so proud of our readers and of this very successful
program.
Hinsdale Library District/Lake City—Erin Cavit
One parent told us her 2nd grader just didn't like to read. At the
end of the summer she had received 66 credits for her reading. She
couldn't wait to earn her next 10 credits to receive the free book
the library provided. (A credit is one picture book or 3 chapters of
a chapter book). She loved reading and earning the books and other
prizes. Another student, a 2nd grade boy, had never read a chapter
book and by the end of the 6 weeks he was with us he had read 23
books, 14 of which were chapter books. We had 18 individuals who
volunteered to serve as tutors/readers for the program this summer.
We offer both reading and math instruction during the program to
help students keep current in their skill levels and insure they are
prepared for the fall semester. These tutors provided over 130 hours
of volunteer time.
Lafayette Public Library—Claudia Tomass
With the support of Friends of the Library and in response to the
growing literature relating the importance of books in the home to
literacy, we made the decision to put more in kids’ hands than ever
before. Every summer reader, children and teen. could receive up to
3 books as rewards. The enthusiasm and excitement generated by this
change was wonderful to behold. Reluctant readers made great
strides, pre readers picked books that they couldn’t wait to devour
and teens proved to be avid readers. Parents expressed their
appreciation and thanks to this change.
Littleton/Bemis Public Library—Val Fetters
A mother shared that her family had just moved to Littleton and her
son was having a difficult time adjusting. Mom forced her son to
sign up for the reading program and he became friends with some of
the kids he met at the Wii tournament at the library in June, and he
also completed 48 hours of reading over the summer.
Lyons Depot Library—Merlyn Williams
Participants averaged 6 visits over the summer; toddlers averaged 63
books; readers averaged 7,000 pages; audio listeners averaged 110.75
hours!
Mesa County Public Library District—Gail Yerbic
ADULT PARTICIPATION: Increased by 128% over the previous year.
Success in credited to increased programs and awareness. INSPIRED
READING: A parent shared the story of her 8 year old reluctant
reader who experienced a noticeable turning point after reading his
prize book from the Clear Creek Mysteries series. The boy borrowed
all the rest of the books in the series and the parent thanked a
library staff member.
Poudre River Public Library District—Jennifer Zachman
Customer Comment: I been signing my kids up for your summer reading
program for several years. When I noticed the adult reading program
and the drawings, I was tempted. The first year, I didn't really get
anywhere. The second year, I read some, but not enough. But it
sparked me to read and find books I like. I also wanted to model a
love of reading for my kids. Throughout this past year, I realized
something important and it was a turning point for me. I realized
that since high school I had been reading for other people. Even as
an adult, I was picking non-fiction and grown up books that I
thought I SHOULD read. This year, I started looking for fiction -
fun stuff that I could just get carried away in. Now, I have a blast
reading. I can't wait to get back to my book or my audio book.
Reading is actually fun again. It is just for me and my enjoyment!
What a revelation! Funny how a little contest entry could spark a
new habit for me. Thanks!
Pueblo City-County Library District—Michael Cox
Unsolicited comment submitted via our email suggestion box: I am a
mommy to Phillip, now 3rd grader. In 1st grade Phillip had a hard
time achieving the 15 point club in AR reading. 2nd grade showed
amazing improvement & he made the 50 point club. Phillip’s teacher
explained to him to continue reading during the summer so he would
not lose any of his hard earned progress. Phillip asked to instead
go to the library instead of the YMCA one day. The librarian working
that day was Dawn. Not only did she allow Phillip to read out loud
to me to ensure that he was pronouncing & having correct sentence
flow but she recommended the summer reading program. She took the
time to thoroughly explain the program & rewards system including
showing him the medal he could earn if he completed the program.
Phillip became very interested in earning his medal. Phillip began
taking books everywhere & reading at every possible opportunity.
Phillip finished his chart two weeks ahead of deadline & loved each
reward he was given. However, his greatest reward came today in the
shape of an AR reading test. Phillip entered 3rd grade last week.
His 1st test he missed 2 answers for 80% on a book grade level 3.6.
As good as that was he also tested on a 2nd book & achieved 100% on
a book grade level 4! From the bottom of my heart - Thank You! These
results are due to his summer reading & encouragement from Dawn!
Please let her know that she made a huge difference in this family!
I sincerely appreciate what this program has done for my son & his
reading!
Summit County Library—Sarah Nordholm
One family established their own personal reading goal of reading
500 books by the end of the summer. By the end of July, the 6 year
old was at nearly 300 books. Our Read to the Dogs had 96 children
participate with 3 dogs in eight visit. On four different occasions,
seniors attended our programs (no kids with them) just because they
love our programs. This attention from community members and the
fact that they fell welcome makes us declare the summer a success!