{"id":8863,"date":"2014-06-18T00:01:15","date_gmt":"2014-06-18T04:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/?p=8863"},"modified":"2025-06-10T15:46:58","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T19:46:58","slug":"summer-reading-one-for-all-and-all-for-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/2014\/06\/summer-reading-one-for-all-and-all-for-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer reading – one for all and all for one"},"content":{"rendered":"

One for all and all for one<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ah, summer… \u00a0Kids reading,<\/span><\/p>\n

teens reading,<\/span><\/p>\n

adults reading… \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wonderful … and yet, I have a complaint.<\/span><\/p>\n

I’ll begin\u00a0by stating, unequivocally, that I am a fan of the Collaborative Summer Library Program <\/span><\/a>and I mean no disrespect to the people who contribute countless hours to its\u00a0planning. \u00a0A themed summer reading program is\u00a0fun and invigorating, adding variety and inspiration to the summer season. This year’s theme is science<\/em>. When I visit schools and tell \u00a0kids that we’ll be focusing on science this summer, they erupt in excitement. Science is fun. Science is cool. They’re thrilled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

“What does this mean?<\/em>”\u00a0“Do I sign up for this, too?<\/em>” “It’s not the same for her brother?<\/em>” \u00a0“I’m an adult. This isn’t for me.<\/em>”\u00a0“How does it work again?<\/em>“<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I believe that it’s time for one slogan for all.\u00a0\u00a0If 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.\u00a0\u00a0Surely we can come up with a slogan that will appeal to the masses. Right?<\/span><\/p>\n

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!<\/span><\/p>\n

Your thoughts?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(For another commentary and chance to weigh in on CSLP, read Liz Burns’ post, “In Defense of CSLP<\/span><\/a>” at A Chair, A Fireplace, & A Tea Cozy.)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Photo credits:<\/span><\/p>\n