Get Your Summer Read On: Launch Dates & Ideas
May 15, 2023
We encourage library members to kick off this year’s TD Summer Reading Club registration on any day from June 12 to June 26, 2023. The kids’ website will go live on June 12.
Announce Your Date and Get Ready
· Promote the Club launch on your library’s website and social media, as well as in newsletters and email blasts. Use in-branch flyers and displays.
· Organize your TDSRC print materials for handing out to registrants. Have your stickers and book reporting questions ready too. Some eager kids love reporting right away.
· You can use our 2023 Registration Sheet for tracking statistics. The sheet automatically tallies the numbers you’ll be reporting on at the end of the summer.
Fun Ideas
· Check out our list of ideas to encourage registrations and interact with kids on launch day.
StoryWalk®
· The StoryWalk® is a way for kids to take reading outdoors. Promote your local StoryWalk® using these promotional items. Each StoryWalk® contains a QR code that links to an accessible audio recording of the story.
Promote in the Community
· Use this customizable template to connect with potential program ambassadors—for example, local athletes, celebrities, politicians or community helpers. The template gives an overview of the Club and explains how ambassadors can best spread the word over social media.
Download the ambassador overview
· Contact local media using this customizable template that provides background information on the Club and encourages accurate and engaging publicity.
Download the press release template
· Our Social Media Plan has tips and images that you can use as well.
Download the Social Media Plan
Make your program accessible
Everyone should be able to participate in your programs, either in person or virtually. Here are some ways to do this.
Think inclusive:
Before the event:
- Follow the Writing for web accessibility guidelines when you post information about your event online so those using screen readers or other types of accessible technology will know about your event.
- Check that your registration forms work with screen readers, and include a question about requiring any accommodations.
- Book sign-language interpreters for live and virtual events early—they are in demand! Spotlight the interpreters at online events.
- Provide instructions on how to use virtual event platforms, and include keyboard shortcuts.
- Invite local branches of disability organizations to your Get Your Summer Read On events. Use CELA’s Outreach Toolkit for a list of some organizations that support people with print disabilities.
- Prepare staff, volunteers and summer students to be able to answer questions by reviewing the accessible formats and the services you offer in your library. Also, remind them how to sign kids up for CELA.
At the event:
- Ensure that accessible entrances are easy to find and that the automatic doors are working.
- Arrange furniture so wheelchair users have room to turn around. Space out chairs to accommodate service animals, wheelchairs, scooters and walkers.
- Will you ask kids to go up on a stage or platform? Provide a ramp for easy access.
- Describe all actions, and avoid visual cues (such as “look here”). Inform guest artists and speakers to consider the needs of those in the audience who may be far away from the action and those who are blind or have low vision.
- Include audiobooks, large-print books and other accessible formats in your displays.
- Turn on captions during online programs.
- Use a microphone.
After the event:
- Provide feedback surveys in electronic formats, and follow survey best practices by using plain language and avoiding questions in a grid format.
Resources
Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines
Checklist: Creating Accessible Media Posts
Hosting Accessible Events: Building Accessible and Inclusive Virtual and In-Person Events