One for all and all for one
Ah, summer… Kids reading,
teens reading,
adults reading…
Wonderful … and yet, I have a complaint.
(photo credits below)
I’ll begin by stating, unequivocally, that I am a fan of the Collaborative Summer Library Program and I mean no disrespect to the people who contribute countless hours to its planning. A themed summer reading program is fun and invigorating, adding variety and inspiration to the summer season. This year’s theme is science. When I visit schools and tell kids that we’ll be focusing on science this summer, they erupt in excitement. Science is fun. Science is cool. They’re thrilled.
When they arrive at the library with their families, however, they’re often more confused than excited. When confronted with three different programs (kids, teens, adults) with three different slogans they’re unsure. They often register for the wrong program.
“What does this mean?” “Do I sign up for this, too?” “It’s not the same for her brother?” “I’m an adult. This isn’t for me.” “How does it work again?“
I believe that it’s time for one slogan for all. If we want to promote family and community reading and cohesiveness, let’s have everyone on the same page. Sure, contract with different illustrators for age-appropriate graphics, but make it easy and give the program one name. Surely we can come up with a slogan that will appeal to the masses. Right?
Next year’s slogans (all good ones, BTW) are already set in stone; but for 2016, I’d like to see one for all and all for one!
Your thoughts?
(For another commentary and chance to weigh in on CSLP, read Liz Burns’ post, “In Defense of CSLP” at A Chair, A Fireplace, & A Tea Cozy.)
Photo credits:
- StateLibQld 1 115956 “Woman and child sitting on the beach at Sandgate, Brisbane, ca. 1907” Public domain photograph
- “Girl Reading at the Beach and a Dog” by By El coleccionista de instantes [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- “Woman Reading at the Beach” by jgoge [CC-BY-2.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Casey O'Leary
Yes, yes, yes! This year we chose one theme for our entire SRP for all ages. Everyone signs up in the same place and does the same process. The CSLP materials were used to develop programming ideas, but one cohesive theme has really brought our Youth Services team and our patrons together.
Lisa
Glad you agree!
Karen Yother
Hi Lisa,
I am so glad to hear that the science theme has been well-received by your kids. The possibilities for programs, displays, and Reader’s Advisory are endless!
I wanted to clarify that in addition to the 3 distinct slogans each year, CSLP offers a one slogan option, including posters, t-shirts and materials. We are always working to meet the needs of our libraries across the country and appreciate your support and suggestions.
Thank you,
Karen Yother
CSLP President
Lisa
Karen,
Thanks for your reply. I had no idea that there was a “one slogan” option. Is there a link where I might see the artwork, etc.?
Lisa
Karen Yother
There is! http://shopcslp.com/cslp/search/theme:All-Ages/
Some items are sold out so they no longer appear on the order page. If you have other ideas for one slogan items please let me know.
Karen
Abby Johnson
We do online signup through Evanced’s Summer Reader module, and one thing that’s made this year significantly easier is that we’ve named all the clubs the age ranges that they’re for. So the tabs patrons see when they sign up say “Ages 0-2”, “PreK-5th Grade”, “Teen”, and “Adult” instead of saying “Fizz Boom Read”, etc.
Lisa
That’s a great idea, Abby! I don’t know why we didn’t think of that. Thanks.