To: Jeanie Mccallister
From:
Re: Summary of 2005 Summer Reading Program
Date: October 29, 2005
I. Summary
The 2005 Summer Reading Program saw a 28% increase in reading log participation from 2004. The Rapid City Public Library entered into a partnership with Rapid Ride which provided a free bus ride to 167 youth patrons throughout the summer. A survey of participants suggests the most successful promotional tools were school visits and the consistent ‘branding’ of RCPL’s Summer Reading Program (as indicated by repeat participation from year to year).
II. Promotion
Promotion began in May with a series of visits to local schools. From May 2nd to May 20th , youth services staff members gave 30 presentations at 16 schools.
Results from a summer-long participant survey indicate the following in terms of the library’s promotion of the Summer Reading Program:
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How did you hear about the Summer Reading
Program? |
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Promotion |
Response |
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School Visits |
281 |
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Repeat Participant (did SRP last year) |
125 |
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Staff |
49 |
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Word of Mouth (other than library staff) |
36 |
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Story Time |
13 |
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Website |
12 |
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Newspaper, Newsletter, Parks & Rec Flyer, Library Handouts, or Kickoff Day |
All less than 5 responses each |
III. Reading Logs
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SRP 2003 |
SRP 2004 |
SRP 2005 |
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Total Logs Collected |
1117 |
1135 |
1450 |
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30-day Logs |
859 |
697 |
756 |
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60-day Logs |
233 |
337 |
448 |
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90-day Logs |
25 |
101 |
246 |
The total logs collected in 2005 was a 28% increase from total logs collected in 2004. More significantly, 90-day participation increased by 144%. Increasing the summer-long participation was determined to be a goal for the 2005 Summer Reading Program.
IV. Programs
Special events:
Kickoff Day
This event was modeled after the successful 2004 SRP Kickoff. Several activity stations were setup and operated by volunteers and groups.
Participation:
30, 60, 90 Day Events
To emphasize the 30, 60 and 90 day reading track, special events were held at each of these dates.
· The 30-day event consisted of a mime performance and workshop.
Participation: 110
· The 60-day event was a celebration of “Hometown Heroes”.
Participation: 150
· The 90-day event was a “Dragon Day” consisting of a fencing demonstration, dragon mascot and other activities.
Participation: 100
Weekly programs:
Weekly programs were offered during the month of June for three age groups.
·
Dazzling
Dreamers: This program targeted 4-6 year olds.
Average Weekly Participation: 98
·
Jester
Tales: This program targeted students in 2nd and 3rd grade.
Average Weekly Participation: 7
·
Daring
Deeds Book Club: targeted 4th and 5th grade
students.
Average weekly participation: 6
Staff performed story times at
Average attendance:
55
Rapid Ride
Partnership:
Arrangements were made to provide youth patrons in possession of a library card with a free bus ride to the library. A total of 167 youth received rides to the library. Rapid Ride was reimbursed $167 from Youth Service’s programming budget for this endeavor.
Family Quest
This program consisted of a do-it-yourself walking tour of
downtown
Participation: 38
families, 140 individuals
V. Recommendations:
Based on this summary the following considerations are recommended for next year’s Summer Reading Program:
· Continue school visits
·
Continue
· For clarity, run program June 1st to August 31st
· Continue Rapid Ride
· Continue ‘Family Quest’, increase interaction with library resources
·
In order to increase efficiency, seek partnerships
with other community organizations that provide summer programming (YMCA, Parks
and Rec,
· Discontinue advertising in Parks and Recreation flyer
· Reconfigure weekly programs in June:
o Retain successful weekly programs for 4-6 year age group.
o Discontinue unsuccessful weekly programs for 2nd –5th grade age group.
· Retain 30, 60, 90 day events, but focus on 2nd to 5th grade age group
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Summer Reading Target Audiences |
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June |
July |
August |
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Early Childhood |
Expanded story time |
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Elementary |
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30 Day |
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60 Day |
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90 Day |
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Young Adult |
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Creature Feature |
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Creature Feature |
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Creature Feature |
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Families |
Family
Quest activity |
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Evening Story Time |
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Evening Story Time |
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Evening Story Time |
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