LibGuides: Summer Reading Programs: Resources

ALA Library Fact Sheet 17

Best Practices

We have collected resources on summer reading programs across the country.

Adopting a Summer Learning Approach for Increased Impact: a YALSA Position Paper
This position paper is meant to help guide libraries as they re-envision the services and programs they provide youth during the summer months.
Collaborative Summer Library Program
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children, teens, and adults at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries.
Make a Splash with Project Outcome: Measuring the Success of Summer Reading Programs
This free webinar is designed to teach participants how to administer Project Outcome surveys to measure outcomes for their library’s summer reading program. By successfully administering surveys, libraries are able to use the results to showcase program successes and influence future summer reading programs.
Reading Rockets - Summer Reading
Resources and articles provide information about summer reading and summer learning loss. Plus discover great activities to encourage kids to learn, read, and have fun in the summer sun.
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) - Summer Learning
Check out RIF’s fun-filled booklists, activities, tips and resources to keep kids reading and learning throughout the summer and all year long.
PBS Summer Reading Tips
Learn tips for weaving language and literacy activities into your child’s summer days and for helping your school-aged child tackle her school summer reading list.
Summer Meals at the Library
Libraries are natural spaces for serving meals to children whose access to lunch disappears when school ends and summer begins.
Thinking Outside the Book: Summer Reading
In an effort to prevent regression, encourage summer reading by providing literacy-rich activities to keep students motivated. Using online resources is one way to keep literacy activities fresh this summer.
Making a Splash with Summer Reading: 7 ways public libraries can team up with schools
An article from Library Journal about ways schools and public libraries can team up to benefit children.

Outreach & Programming

Outreach, Programming

Evaluating Summer Reading Programs
While there is a plethora of literature pertaining to Summer Reading Programs (SRPs), there is little literature that focuses on the evaluation of these programs. What literature there is can be conveniently divided into two broad categories: summer school programs and public library SRPs.
Facilitating a Summer Reading Book Group Program
Summer book groups enhance and sustain student literacy behaviors over the break, making
available an enjoyable social forum for critical-thinking and critical-reading practices to occur
naturally. Significantly, the book groups grant faculty and students an informal space to connect
meaningfully through reflective discussion of texts.
iREAD Resource Guide
The summer reading Resource Guide includes ideas contributed by librarians from all over the world.

Camp Summer Read by C. Kay Gooch; Charlotte Massey
ISBN: 9781598844474
Publication Date: 2010-01-01

This how-to book tells you everything you need to know to run your own summer reading camp. More than 30 examples of activities;both arts and crafts and academic;to use with books. A bibliography comprised of many different book lists that can be adapted for camp
The Complete Summer Reading Program Manual: From Planning to Evaluation by Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
ISBN: 9780838986042
Publication Date: 2012

Summer reading programs are a mainstay of public library services; whether you’re embarking on your first SRP or you think you could plan one in your sleep, you’re sure to find helpful ideas in this complete manual from the experts at YALSA.
Fiore's Summer Library Reading Program Handbook by Carole D. Fiore
ISBN: 9781555705138
Publication Date: 2005-01-01

You will learn how to set goals and objectives; establish themes and schedules; coordinate statewide and regional efforts; market and promote events; and evaluate program success.
Start-To-Finish YA Programs by Ella W. Jones
ISBN: 9781555706012
Publication Date: 2007-01-01

What teen wouldn't be interested in a poetry slam, hosting a cable TV show, or learning to be a DJ? This title provides 25 teen programs from public libraries based on the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets for Teens. The companion CD-ROM provides the sign-up forms, promotional posters, evaluation worksheets, permission slips, and more.
Summer Matters: Makinhg All Learning Count by Elizabeth M. McChesney and Bryan W. Wunar
ISBN: 9780838915615
Publication Date: 2017

A collaboration between the Chicago Public Library and the Museum of Science and Industry resulted in A STEAM-inspired approach, using evidence-based research to build the case for the change.
Summer Reading Program Fun by Wayne L. Johnson; Yvette C. Johnson
ISBN: 9780838907559
Publication Date: 1999-01-01

This guide to planning a summer reading programme offers a brief background on running games, clear instructions and ready-to-use graphics.

Summer Reading Lists

For suggested summer reading lists, see:

ALSC Summer Reading Lists
The lists are full of book titles to keep children engaged in reading throughout the summer. Four Summer Reading book lists are available for Birth-Preschool, K-2nd, 3rd- 5th and 6th-8th grade students.
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) - summer fun booklist
Books selected for children ages birth through Grade 5.
Reading Rockets - Summer Reading Booklists
This list can be a springboard for helping your kids choose books on topics that pique their curiosity — that's what really motivates children to want to read!
Recommended Reading: ALA's LibGuide
A collection of book lists drawn from the American Library Association's award winning books, book lists, and resources.
YALSA Summer Learning - Recommended Reading
Links to YALSA's book awards, book lists, and Teens' Top Ten.

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