Updates: Summer Reading Program & Summer Reading Volunteers

EPS & DVS wanted to provide the following updates regarding our Summer Reading Program and Summer Reading Volunteers.  

Summer Reading Program Dates

Although our Summer Reading Program will be simplified and look a little different this year, it will still run from June 1-July 31, with pre-registration beginning on May 15.   

Training for Staff

While we don’t have a set return to work date, we will be moving forward with Summer Reading training digitally in May and continue it into early June. More information will be shared with all staff in early May and plans are in place to accommodate staff who are non-exempt and staff who do not have access to technology at home.  

Below are some key modifications to this year’s program. All Summer Reading Program modifications will be shared with staff via this year’s training video and Summer Reading Intranet page, which will go live in May.   

Key Modifications to Summer Reading 2020

The following key modifications have been made to this year’s Summer Reading program. Please note that more information will be shared via this year’s training materials, which will go live in May.  

• Goal Levels 
  • This year we will only have 1 Goal Level of 600 Points 
    • Participants will be able to earn up to 200 activity points by completing digital and home-based literacy activities 
    • With so many unknowns, we want to ensure that this year’s program is as simple and straightforward as possible 
• Prizes 
  • Once a Summer Reading participant reaches Goal Level 1 they will have the option to receive:  
    • 1 fine waiver (all age groups)  
    • Choice of 2 books or 1 Spoticus themed tote bag (all age groups)  
  • Prize pickup will take place August 1 through September 15  
  • We will still have drawing prizes, but they will be scaled back and announced in August  
• Read it Forward  
  • We will Read it Forward together as a community if we reach our shared community goal of 10 million Points  
  • Read it Forward deliveries will take place in November and December  

Summer Reading Volunteers

Due to the simplification of this year’s Summer Reading program and the need to ensure the safety of our teen volunteers, our formal Summer Reading Teen Volunteer Program will be put on hold this summer. This means that there will be no in-person volunteering at our libraries as originally planned. Teen Services staff will be discussing potential virtual engagement opportunities (e.g. Reading Buddies) for SR teen volunteers at the Teen Services Afternoon Tea zoom meeting scheduled for April 24.  

Heidi Port (DVS) will be removing all Summer Reading volunteer opportunities from our website and will be in touch with all Summer Teen Supervisors with additional details. If you have any questions regarding Summer Reading Teen Volunteers, please reach out to Heidi Port via email.  

Summer Reading Programming

EPS is still monitoring what programming should and will look like this summer. EPS continues to stay in touch with our programming partners at the OKC Zoo, Science Museum OK, OKC Museum of Art, and Arts Council. EPS will keep staff posted as we determine a system-wide programming contingency plan for this summer. Details will most likely not be known until early May. Our hope is that many of these programs can take on a digital format.