Countdown to Summer with YALSA
The countdown has begun! The time for flip flops, bicycles, swimming lessons, and Summer Reading Programs is nearly here. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has started counting down with its latest 100 Days Till Summer initiative. Check out their Summer Reading & Learning site for activities and ideas to help you get ready for your summer reading or learning program. Anyone who is interested can become an online community member. Sign up is free, and the resources will help you stay up to date with the latest summer reading and learning news. The online forums will feature scheduled discussions on topics ranging from programming strategies to school outreach. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the dates:
● April 8 – Effective school outreach
● May 2 – Building summer learning into existing reading programs
● May 27 – Tips for marketing to teens
Log onto the website each of these dates to connect with library staff and educators from around the country on these important topics. These collaborative conversations will help librarians share ideas and best practices to enhance SRP success. The discussions will take place all day, so log in when it’s convenient to share your ideas and learn from others. YALSA will also be giving away prizes after each of the remaining three sessions.
Also of interest in the Learning resources area is a STEM toolkit and booklist. If you haven’t yet incorporated math and science elements into your programming, or if you’re looking for ideas to fit with your SRP’s science theme, these resources are a great place to start.
The Promotion tab consists of marketing tips to help spread the word about your library’s SRP. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find reproducible, customizable fliers, and a plethora of YALSA-created handouts and presentations for outreach events and school visits.
For more information about this initiative: Join YALSA in its 100 Days till Summer Countdown
Tags: grants, summer reading programs
