This week's WMRLS Online Catch the Beat at Your Library Contest is inspired by Connie Francis' famous summer tune "VACATION". I'm calling our contest C*O*O*P*E*R*A*T*I*O*N

INSTRUCTIONS:

This contest begins February 20 and runs through Friday, March 2.

1. Every WMRLS member librarian who shares a few thoughts on ways that school libraries/public libraries can work cooperatively on this summer's Catch the Beat at Your Library Summer Reading Program will win a prize!
2. WMRLS will compile all entries and post on this webpage on Monday, March 4.
3. To enter this contest, email jeckert@wmrls.org; Subject Line: C*O*O*P*E*R*A*T*I*O*N.

Congratulations WINNERS!

Student Skit ~ Each year I go to the elementary schools in my area and promote summer reading with the help of the school librarian and/or teachers. The 5th grade teachers choose students to perform the skit, which we modify for the occasion. The School Librarian works with me and the students to help them memorize the skit and then coordinates the schedule for us to perform and she also talks up summer reading with her classes. I have one advantage others may not, but one of the School Librarians is also the Librarian in a neighboring town so she knows how important summer reading is. But I have good results with the other school in my town as well. Also the teachers ask their students in the fall which ones have participated in their local libraries summer reading program, this really reinforces the work they did over the summer.~ Holli Jayko, Adams Free Library

Double Credit ~ During my first summer (2004), I felt that the number of participants in the SRP was low. In speaking with the parent of a non-participating student, I found out that her child was working to meet the summer reading requirements from the elementary school (lovely grade level booklets for all of the students) and thinking that she would have to read additional books for the library program. I realized that I need to make it very clear to parents and students that whatever children read to fulfill their school requirements, they can use the time read as part of the library’s SRP. Being able to say that they are getting “double credit” for the same book (or “triple” if the student is taking part in the Barnes & Noble summer promotion) is a big selling point. Plus, then the kids get to do all of the other groovy stuff as part on the SRP. I have spoken with the elementary school librarian and she is willing to put a page in her book, or one required piece of reading per page, that reflects the library’s summer theme into her booklet during future summers. She’s even willing to come to the library to meet with me so that we can decide how to do it and what books to recommend. ~ Karen Stinchfield, Cushman Library, Bernardston

Popular Books ~ One idea that has worked well for Chicopee was to talk to the School librarians and ask them what books were most popular on their shelves so we could use that boost interest in the books in the public library. A few of the most popular books in the school libraries were ones that we didn't have in our city public library. We also use the school libraries as a place to post examples of incentives that will be available for summer reading as well as fliers about activities and events that will happen over the summer. I look forward to hearing about more ideas from other libraries. ~ Carol Lynne Bagley, Chicopee Public Library

Promoting The Power of Summer Reading ~ Working with our local school librarians, our public library sends a letter home with every elementary school student, explaining the benefits and ease of participation in the Library Summer Reading Program. I also write a letter of request to our Superintendent asking that all of the schools encourage parents to enroll in the reading program. When the summer program concludes, we give the schools a list of participants, and some teachers give the students who read in the program a free homework day. ~ Cindy MacNaught, East Longmeadow Public Library

A Dynamic Duo ~ Throughout the year the school librarians and I foster collaboration. I have been fortunate to work with wonderful school librarians I must say! Beginning in early June together we initiate an "early bird" at-school sign up. At my classroom visits I hand out flyers about the program with a registration form at the bottom. The school librarian is given logsheet packs to give out to students who turn in their registration forms at school. Kids usually get very excited about being able to register at school. About 1/3 of our registration forms are handed in at school. Sign up at the library starts the day school is out- so they are a step ahead. The school librarians allow me to set up a table with a colorful display in the school libraries with props for the last two weeks of school. Last year I set up my large praying mantis hatchery at both schools (alternately) with big plastic bugs and bug books. This year I plan to create a display using books & colorful inflatable instruments (Oriental Trading Co.) at one school and some snazzy instruments from around the world in the other. The school librarians are very enthusiastic about chatting up the summer reading program. Their year has wound down and they do not usually circulate books in the last weeks of school. Last year children came into the library and told me about the Praying Mantis that were hatching in the school library and it gave me the chance to tell them again that the display was part of the public library's summer reading program. I always send the school librarians a thank you note or small gift at the end of the in- school sign up and offer to help them out in any way. ~ Janice McArdle, Youth Services, Granby Public Library

Cooperative SRP Registration ~ Provide school librarians with summer reading program registration forms for kids to sign up at school. Also give them a supply of library card application forms too for those children who don't yet have library cards. You can also present a special storytime at school for children so they can either meet you or see you again. ~ Meg Clancy, South Hadley Public Library