It’s Summertime at the Library! Let’s Talk Programming and How You Can Help Your Patrons Beat the Summer Slide Summer is one of the most energizing seasons in the library world. School is out, families are looking for activities, and libraries become hubs of creativity, learning, and community connection. Whether you’re planning hands‑on programs, building themed book displays, or preparing for a surge in circulation, we’ve got you covered. Here are some summer ready ideas that your library can use (and ways you can leverage your ILS to help)!
Summer Programming Inspiration
Summer programming doesn’t have to be complicated to be engaging. Let’s look at some simple, high impact ideas…
• Family Storytime Picnics – Move story time outdoors and invite families to bring blankets and snacks for a casual picnic story time. If your budget allows, grab some healthy snacks that are in-theme with the book you’ve chosen. Pair this with grab-and-go reading bundles that families can check out on the spot.
• Teen Takeovers – Put out a call for teen volunteers to run a one-day mini-con, game tournament, or other workshop. You may even be able to pair up with local teen groups, like scouts or YMCA, to recruit candidates. You can even train the teen volunteers on how to properly use your OPAC to locate materials related to their workshop so that they can create a display!
Help Kids Avoid the Summer Slide
The “summer slide” refers to the learning loss that can occur when students take a long break from reading and writing. Libraries are uniquely positioned to help students keep their skills sharp so that they can smoothly move into the next school year without issue.
• Skill Boosting Bundles – Leverage your ILS to curate themed bundles, like “STEM Stories,” “Adventure Chapter Books,” or “Early Readers on the Go.” When possible, include access links for digital resources and include non-print items, such as puzzles, kits, or audiobooks that fit the theme. Diversifying the types of resources in the bundle can open your patron’s eyes to resource types they may not have previously tried.
• Writing Prompts – For every display book, attach a writing prompt to encourage patrons (of all ages!) to think critically about what they read and offer their thoughts and feedback. Collect writings throughout the summer and then scan and compile them at the end of the summer. Post the compilation in a newsletter so that patrons can see the impact of their words!
• Run a Read Aloud Campaign – Promote the benefits of reading aloud (even for older kids) on your OPAC and displays. Prominently feature read-along titles in these areas as well. You can even offer the chance for kids to practice their reading skills by reading aloud to older patron willing to volunteer their time in the name of reading literacy.
• Summer-Themed Resource Lists – Perhaps the easiest of all, make sure that you put together some fun summer reading resource lists. Highlight these on your OPAC’s home page to aid in discoverability. Here are some ideas for lists to compile:
◦ Splash Into Reading: Water Themed Favorites
◦ Campfire Classics: Stories for Summer Nights
◦ Road Trip Reads: Best For and About Long Drives
◦ Backyard Explorers: Nature Books for Curious Kids
◦ Summer STEM: Science and Nature Reads
◦ Under the Stars: Astronomy and Night Sky Picks
◦ Oceans of Possibilities: Sea Creatures, Ships, and Shorelines
◦ Craft Kid Summer: Arts, Crafts, and DIY Inspiration ◦ Garden Adventurers: Plants, Pollinators, and Outdoor Learning
◦ Summer Slump Busters: Reading and Writing Boosters)
◦ Picnic Perfect Picture Books
Conclusion
Summer is a season of possibility. Position your library at the heart of it! With a little creativity and the right tools, you can turn long, hot days into opportunities for discovery, connection, and skill‑building. Whether you’re hosting outdoor story times, empowering teens to lead, or helping kids stay sharp with curated bundles and reading prompts, your library’s impact stretches far beyond the walls of your building. And by leveraging your ILS to highlight resources and support discovery, you make it even easier for patrons to dive into all things reading this summer!
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