Summer reading programs for kids — that encourage youngsters to log their reading time and earn the chance to win prizes — go back generations at area libraries. But if the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and the Mount Prospect Public Library are any indication, numbers of participants are growing, significantly.
New participants pose for pics at the Mount Prospect Public Library.
Take the Mount Prospect summer reading program. Children formed long lines to register, even before the 9 a.m. start on Saturday and Sunday.
“We had enthusiastic readers lined up outside the doors both days to register and begin their summer reading journey,” says Jennifer Amling, Marketing Director for the library. “Opening weekend registration increased 19% over last year, continuing the program’s strong growth.”
In Arlington Heights, its Youth Services Department kicked off its summer reading program with an outdoor party, on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum. The bash drew more than 200 children and featured live music as well as a DJ, a fog machine and bubbles, while library staff members helped children enroll in the program.
Children have fun with a fog machine at the Arlington Heights summer reading kickoff party.
“So far this summer, more than 1,800 kids and teens have registered for Summer Reading, about 200 more than the same time period last year,” says Youth Services Librarian Allison Parker. “We anticipate about 3,600 youth readers will register by the end of the program. The program runs from June 1 through July 31.”
During that time, readers log their days of reading, and after 10, 20 and 30 days of reading, they can return to the library to play a game and win a small prize. Kids play Plinko in Kids’ World at the Arlington Heights library, while teens play Spin-the-Wheel in the Hub.
After 30 days, each reader gets to pick out a prize book of their choice. The books are purchased with funding from the Friends of the Library, a nonprofit organization that supports library initiatives.
The Youth Services Department in the Arlington Heights Memorial Library is decorated for a birthday party, celebrating the library’s 100th anniversary.
Mount Prospect library officials credit the program’s growth to expanded outreach efforts by its staff at local schools and community events. They also promoted a free summer reading T-shirt for every registrant, which proved to be popular. Over the opening weekend, library staff distributed more than 1,500 T-shirts to participants.
“We feel the strong turnout reflects the community’s excitement for reading,” Amling says, “as well as learning, and participating in library programs throughout the summer.”
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