Report: summer reading 2013

Summer reading at HCL What? HCL’s summer reading program is Bookawocky – A Celebration of Summer Reading. Why? Young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. In contrast, those who do educational activities all summer start their next school year ready to learn. How? There are many ways families can participate: – Submit Read. Write. Draw. or Best Book Ever book reviews to win free books or gift cards – Attend fun, educational library programs – Join a book club – Participate in drawings for Twins or State Fair tickets Funding Bookawocky is funded by the Friends of Hennepin County Library and MELSA with some libraries receiving additional support from their local Friends groups.

INCREASING STAFF KNOWLEDGE

Increasing staff knowledge The summer reading work group (SRWG) hosted a staff learning session focused on: Current research. Summer learning at the library. Summer learning at home, online & in the community. 44 staff members attended.

Current research SRWG presented current research on summer reading and learning and shared a new Bookawocky overview document that informs patrons about the importance of summer reading & learning. After attending learning session, 87% of staff felt better informed about the importance of summer learning opportunities for youth. 75% of staff said the overview document was useful in talking to families about summer reading. 72% said it was useful in talking about summer learning. Comments: – “Teachers LOVED the language, as it helped them to emphasize the importance of reading during the summer. We printed lots of copies in English and Spanish for a few different schools.” – “It was a bit too wordy -- a lot to digest.” Bookawocky overview document

Summer learning at the library 89% of staff who attended the learning session anticipated creating or improving literacy environments in their library building. At the end of summer, 78% created or improved literacy environments in their building. Comments: – “We did lots of science and nature exploration in the library this summer. This was especially great for the school-aged kids and featured our non- fiction to encourage reading factual info in the summer, too.” – “Children and families are excited to come into the library. They want to see what new things we have in the children's area.” One idea shared to encourage summer learning at the library.

Summer learning at the library 64% of staff felt they effectively used reading incentives to encourage participation in summer reading. Incentives distributed to increase participation.

Summer learning at home, online & in the community. SRWG presented a new template to connect patrons to community resources: At the training, 69% of staff anticipated utilizing a new template that shares community resources with patrons. 39% of staff (14 total) created a Community Resource document to share with their community. Comments: – Many staff said they did not have time to use this template. – Selected comment: “This was a great additional piece. It helped us to include ourselves in the broader community and let the public know we care about community.”

Summer learning at home, online & in the community. SRWG presented the new Bookawocky website: 97% of staff planned to share the summer reading website with patrons. At the end of summer, 92% of staff had shared the summer reading website with patrons. Comment: – “Some families were really excited about the website early on--and the blog postings by the kids/teens that used it were fantastic! Given another year or two, I think it will really take off.”

Innovating new ideas SRWG challenged staff to identify areas to advance summer learning for youth: Beginning of summer 92% of staff left ready to enact ideas developed during an action planning session: Examples of ideas: – “Advocate the online book clubs, order extra copies of books, and make booklists for kids who weren't able to join a book club.” – “Empower all staff to engage with you using incentives as a bridge to conversation.” – “Creating more meaningful interactions around all aspects of summer reading. Focusing on the reflection component.” End of summer 89% enacted their top 1-2 ideas. Examples of ideas enacted: – “I followed through and gave a report at our staff meeting so everyone was informed on what to do with customers.” – “I changed the displays frequently to spur an interest in summer reading and provide reader's advisory available to everyone in the building. – Book displays were thematically tied to the different programs we offered throughout the summer to both promote programming and encourage learning and reading outside the library.”

Readers’ advisory videos Readers’ advisory is one of the essential ways the Library assists youth with summer reading & learning. 4 online videos on youth services readers’ advisory were created for the benefit of all staff. Topics included: an overview of readers advisory for youth and their families and explorations of Birth to Six, KidLinks, and TeenLinks.

Readers’ advisory videos Videos were viewed 135 times. 10 staff who viewed the overview participated in a pre and post test. Staff were asked, “How comfortable are you assisting families with youth services readers’ advisory questions?” – Pre-test: 8% very comfortable 17% comfortable 75% somewhat uncomfortable – Post-test: 20% very comfortable 70% comfortable 10% somewhat comfortable

EVENTS

Events Summer events: Are learning opportunities for youth and their families. Connect patrons with community members and organizations. Inspire youth to delve deeper into topics they enjoy. From June – August, youth events were attended by 37,428 patrons. 1,337 events for kids. – 68% who attended were kids. – 31% were adults. – 1% were teens. 219 events for teens. – 77% were teens. – 20% were kids. – 3% were adults.

Events: Arts 164 evaluations were completed: Because of this event, patrons will learn more about art by: – 48% Reading a book. – 78% Trying to make art myself. – 17% Finding info on the internet. – 5% I do not want to learn more about art. After this event, 59% will read more books about art. Selected comment: – “We appreciate programs like this at the library. We're homeschoolers and use these programs as part of our art curriculum because it exposes us to different forms of art.” Arts events included: Hands-on projects Music Performance arts

Events : Book Clubs 176 evaluations were completed: 63% of patrons said the book club inspired them to read more. 85% remembered what happened in the book they read and could answer questions at the club. 88% asked or answered questions. 92% felt comfortable being a part of the book club. 81% felt others listened to club members respectfully. Selected comment: – “This book club encouraged me to read books I normally wouldn't choose, but ended up enjoying all of them.” Book clubs include: Variety of age groups (grades 2-3, 4-6, 7 & up) Child & parent Girls Only, Guys Read and open to everyone

Events: Reading 166 evaluations were completed: 75% of patrons learned something new at this event. When asked what they learned, selected comments: – “Letting your imagination go crazy. To make up and share good ideas.” – “More big words. These are my first chapter books.” 66% will read more books after attending this event. Selected comment: – "What a unique opportunity not always available for children." Reading events include: Further explorations of particular books Telling stories through yoga

Events: STEM 143 evaluations were completed: Patrons will learn more about STEM by: – 60% Reading a book. – 43% Finding info on the internet. – 51% Trying a similar project at home. – 7% Do not want to learn more. After this event, 60% will read more STEM books. Selected comment: – “I want to try an experiment with magnets at home. I want an electromagnet for my birthday.” STEM events included: Hands-on technology Hands-on experimentation Zoo presentations

Events: Art Out of the Box This annual event employs teen art educators who deliver a hands-on art programs for youth. Offered in partnership with the Minneapolis Institute for the Arts, each year’s theme focuses on pieces at the museum. Youth who attend learn about and create art. Teen art educators develop job skills and learn about art.

Events: Art Out of the Box Attendees: 351 kids attended events at 30 libraries and 274 evaluations were completed: 96% rated the event as good or better percent enjoyed creating their own art work. Because of this event, patrons will learn more about art by: – 23.5% Reading a book. – 83.1% Trying to make art myself. – 14.0% Finding info on the internet. – 2.9% I do not want to learn more about art. After this event: – 41.3 % will read more books about art. – 93.4 % would like to visit the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in the future. Selected comments: – “I loved it and I cannot wait to make more art.” – “This was really fun and I want to do it again!” – “Great idea for a class. Good way to incorporate the ‘non-artist.’” – “One girl who was unsure about doing the program expressed afterwards that she was really glad she participated and that her family was now planning a trip to the MIA.” Teen Educators: 11 teen educators worked over 120 hours presenting the event. Comments from Teen educators: – “The program was a great experience! The children enjoyed the program, and the other teens and I enjoyed teaching it. Definitely a positive work experience.” – “The program was overall such a great and positive experience. All of the children seemed to enjoy it.” – “I had an amazing summer with this program, and I think the kids did too. A few even turned up to a second class, which was really cool.” – “Thank you so much for this opportunity. Best job ever!”

Events: Camp Bookawocky 1,706 youth attended Camp Bookawocky events: – 602 one-on-one or small group sessions. – 443 enrichment activities. – 807 books read. Planning to expand locations in Double click on document to see the full report from VISTA: Held at four libraries (EL, Fr, NR, and Su) in partnership with Minnesota Literacy Council and AmeriCorps VISTA, this program connects VISTA workers with youth to improve their reading skills through tutoring, games, creative projects, and book clubs. This program is particularly successful in reaching youth visiting the library on their own and ELL youth.

READ, EXPLORE, CONNECT

Read, Explore, Connect Youth read, explore ideas, and connect with their community with: – Bookawocky summer reading website – Read. Write. Draw. – Best Book Ever

Website 306 patrons participated in the online program. 7,259 badges were earned. 149 book lists were created. 263 book reviews were written. 418 blog posts were written. 6,474 quiz questions were answered. Ages of participants: – 12% 7-8 – 29% 9-10 – 32% – 14% – The re-vamped summer reading website encourages reading and develops comprehension. It features virtual badges youth can earn by creating book lists, completing quizzes, writing book reviews or blogging. They can also browse other youth’s book recommendations.

Website evaluation 23 patrons completed the online survey: 70% of patrons agreed that the website made them want to read more books. 52% said it will be easier for them to read books in school next year because of the books they read for the website. What was your favorite part of the website? – 26% Blog – 48% Quizzes – 22% Book Reviews – 52% Book Lists – 39% Leaderboard 68% liked reading about what other people were reading and doing this summer. 48% learned or tried something new because of using the website. Selected comment: – “I have learn to read a lot better this summer because of Bookawocky both in English and Spanish and with help from my mom.” – I Really love this site! Its so fun.

Selected posts from summer reading blog Ramona Q. read about something and used it in real life: I was really nervous for middle school so I read a series called: The Mother-Daughter Book Club. In the books you get to read and learn about their lives. The girls have many conflicts that they face and those conflicts can happen to you to. The books go from grade 6 to grade 10. These books are mostly for girls. iHound read about something and used it in real life: I read a 'Terra Nova' dog research book about Basset Hounds because I am OBSESSED with them. It also came with a training DVD that gave me a lot of pointers, tips, & ideas for things like training, feeding, caring for, and traveling. So, if you are looking for a helpful research book or just want to know more about a dog breed, look for a Terra Nova book at your Library.

Selected posts from summer reading blog writerbot1000 read about something and used it in real life: I like to babysit my neighbors and other younger kids so I checked out and read a book about it. The book gave me great pointers and tips and stuff. Supermancole volunteered : Yesterday I help my grandpa fill his wagon with wood to bring to a friend. truth contributed a booklist: Hope people find my reading list useful! I only put my top favorite books on it :)

Read. Write. Draw. This program develops comprehension skills and encourages reading. Youth up to grade 6 write a book review or draw a picture about a book they read and are entered to win a book. They can also browse other youth’s reviews. 23,800 forms were distributed and 3,961 completed forms were returned.

Read. Write. Draw. Evaluation After participating in the program, 88% of their children want to read more books. 77% agreed that it will be easier for their child read books in school next year because of participating in the program. 85% of their children learned something new because they participated in the program. Selected comments: – “We read more books because RWD inspired us to borrow more. It's fun.” – “I like how my children have to think about the books they read to draw a picture and write about them.” 647 forms were completed by caregivers. Ages of their children: 18% % % % 14-18

Best Book Ever This program develops comprehension skills and encourages reading. Youth in grades 7 and up write a book review or draw a picture about a book they read and are entered to win a book. They can also browse other youth’s reviews. 5,550 number of forms were distributed and 728 completed forms were received.

Best Book Ever Evaluation 88% of teens wanted to read more after participating in the program. 74% agreed it will be easier for them to read books in school next year because they participated. 84% learned something new through the books they read. When asked one thing they learned, selected comments: – “That you can’t think something of a person by the way they act or look.” – “Writing about your books helps you understand.” Other comments: – “I enjoyed sharing my book recommendations and learning what others have read. I hope we do it next summer, too.” – “It encourages me to read more and stimulates my mind over the summer So, when I go back to school it will be easier for me to get back into the swing of things and retain information.” 109 evaluation forms were received from teens. Ages of teens: 37% % % % 16-19

REACHING OUT

Reaching out The Library reaches out to the community to encourage summer reading & learning in many ways including classroom visits (over 50 visits between April-August) and mailers. The Library connects patrons to community resources that help patrons experience a learning-rich summer. By MELSA: This mailer was sent to 15,000 households (with kids under 10, income under $40K) in the metro two times during the summer. By HCL staff: 14 Libraries used this template to connect their patrons with other community resources.

THANK YOU! Thanks to the summer reading work group – Kristina Darnell, Laura Krentz, Betsy Larson, Amy Luedtke, Bethany Wagenaar, and Stephanie Wyman for their planning and execution of summer reading. Thanks to library staff in executing summer reading. Thanks to our primary sponsors: Friends of Hennepin County Library, local Friends groups and MELSA.