Staff Site

Get Your Summer Read On: June 13–26, 2021

March 31, 2021

We’re encouraging library members to open their registration for this year’s TD Summer Reading Club on any date between June 13 and 26, 2021. We’re aiming to launch the Kids’ Site on June 15.

While this year’s Get Your Summer Read On (GYSRO) will look very different compared to previous years, it’s key to letting your community know when and how to register for the Club.

What should my library do to prepare?

Choose your day and promote it

If you are registering kids in person, you will want to have all your TDSRC print materials ready for the big day. Many libraries are considering offering grab-and-go bags with Club materials and information for curbside or limited branch service. If you’re able to offer in-person registration, you can use our 2021 Registration sheet, which will automatically tabulate the statistics you’ll need to report on at the end of the summer.

Promote the Club on your library’s website, social media, newsletters, email send-outs, and, if possible, with in-branch flyers and displays.

StoryWalk® pilot project

The StoryWalk® pilot project is a fun socially distanced activity. Promotional items for the StoryWalk® program will be available on the Templates and Guidelines page in the near future.

Ideas

In addition to the StoryWalk® program, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for ways you can encourage registrations on your launch day.

Download Ideas for Get Your Summer Read On Day

Have a great idea? Let us know in the comment box and we will share it with participating libraries.

Reach out to potential ambassadors

We’ve created a customizable template to make it easier for you to reach out to potential program ambassadors (e.g. local athletes, celebrities, politicians and community helpers). The template provides an overview of the Club and invites ambassadors to spread the word through their social media networks. 

Download the ambassador overview

Get local media involved

We’ve also created a customizable template for reaching out to local media. The template provides background information on the Club and encourages the media to publicize information about the Club. 

Download the press release template

Promote your program on social media

Promoting on social media is a great way to engage with families. We’ve compiled tips, as well as images that you can use on your online platforms.

Download the Social Media Plan

You can also adapt the TDSRC social media protocol to suit your purposes.

Download the Social Media Protocol

Make your program accessible

Encourage the participation of families with children of all abilities. Here are some ways to do this.

StoryWalk® pilot project

CELA member libraries, as well as all CELA patrons, may access audio, braille, printbraille and e-text versions of The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, our StoryWalk® for 2021. For information about logging in and accessing the book, visit celalibrary.ca.

Think inclusive:

  • Post information about your events online or through email so those using screen readers or other accessible technology will know about your event. If you send printed material, follow the Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines
  • Ensure your library’s accessible entrances are easy to find and that the automatic doors are working.
  • Consult the Planning Accessible Events guide for information on how to make your events inclusive.
  • Display the large print notebooks and “Bounce into Accessibility!” poster to promote that your library offers accessible materials. Prepare staff, volunteers and summer students to be able to answer questions by reviewing the accessible formats and services you offer in your library. Also ensure they know how to sign kids up for CELA.
  • Include audiobooks, large print books and other accessible formats in your displays.
  • Invite local branches of disability organizations to your GYSRO events by adapting the template letter for community organizations. Use CELA’s Outreach Toolkit for a list of some organizations that support people with print disabilities.