Scranton Library Holds Program to Help Young Readers Cultivate A Love of Literature

Beach reads have long been a part of the summer season. The romance novel that gets toted along to Rhode Island, the murder mystery that captures one’s attention as the family van speeds along I-95 to visit Grandma, or the bestselling Steig Larson novel that distracts you from the cries of a baby on a plane to Hawaii, are all books that can be found in the travel luggage that personifies this time of year. However, for many teenagers and youth, books aren’t just a distraction, they are true entertainment. During the summer months, the Scranton Public Library in downtown Madison, Connecticut holds a Teen Summer Reading Program that helps young readers have appetites for the best the literary the world has to offer.

Starting on June 20th, students entering grades six through twelve were able to sign up either online or in person for the Teen Summer Reading Program, called “You are Here”. The program has a travel theme with the prize containers for raffle tickets won, based on minutes read, placed in suitcases and global themed activities taking place throughout the summer. Then on June 27th the students began recording their progress, in terms of minutes read, online. The Children’s Summer Reading Program follows the same dates; however it is for children entering grades kindergarten to fifth.

Both programs have significant importance says Chris Angeli, the teen librarian at Scranton. “…It is our way to help support the educational goals of the community by providing the books our students are required to read over the summer, without charge. We also provide free, entertaining and educational programs that kids can participate in all summer long in a welcoming community environment.”

 The new online recording system was introduced last year and according to Angeli, instead of decreasing the communication between library staff and the readers, the new online format has actually helped the program.  “I was worried that the online recording would lead to a decrease in this interaction.  However, going online actually gave staff more time to interact with and assist the kids coming in during the summer. The business of recording time spent reading is more streamlined and quick so we have more time to spend helping the kids find just what they are looking for. Last year the participation rate for our summer reading program increased 15% from the previous year.”

As a reward for their reading, students will receive raffle tickets based on how many minutes they have read, along with other prizes. For every 300 minutes students move up a level and also receive five raffle tickets to put in a themed case. When students have read 600 minutes they receive a certificate they can use to erase overdue fines at the library, at 1,200 minutes they will be featured in a customized READ poster, and at 2,400 they will receive ten extra raffle tickets and an R.J. Julia Gift Card. Additional raffle tickets can also be earned by attending Teen Library Programs and posting reviews on the Teen Book Blog. At the end of the program, there will be a Teen Summer Reading Party, on August 19th, to award the themed case prizes and the grand prize, a brand new Barnes and Noble e-reader or the Nook.

There is much more to the Teen Summer Reading Program than recording minutes and receiving prizes explains Angeli. “There are a lot of programs going on this summer! Hopefully everyone can find something of interest. We are hosting two different book discussion groups – one focusing on the Teen Nutmeg Book Award nominees and a more casual one called Unshelved – where middle and high school students can come together and share what they’re reading and learn about new titles their friends and peers are reading.”

In addition to the book groups there will be other events continuing throughout the summer to engage readers. “We are also having weekly craft programs focusing on different cultures around the world.  Some of the crafts are henna art, Guatemalan worry dolls, African beading, Harry Potter crafts and an Iron Chef competition. Other programs include a digital photo contest, a t-shirt decorating contest, and Friday night movies,” says Angeli.

Although the Teen Summer Reading program has increased in popularity over the last few years, it and the other programs Scranton offers are constantly in danger of being cut as the library’s budget has been operating with reductions for the past few years. However, the library will continue to try and provide all the services to the community stresses Angeli. “We have always tried to give the best service and have the most materials available for all our users, while introducing new services, such as downloadable e-books. Obviously this gets more difficult as budgets shrink.  As the community library we are always looking for ways to stay within budget while having the least impact on our users.”

The Teen Summer Reading program is a wonderful example of the Scranton Public Library using its funds to help the youth of the community find meaningful and exciting activities while introducing and fostering a love of reading. For Angeli the program is truly about putting students on a path of success. “I hope that the program, and the program incentives, encourages kids to do a bit more reading than they might normally. If we can connect someone with just the right book we can hopefully put them on the path of being a lifelong reader.”