Technically summer is over in library world. Summer reading has ended and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library had a very successful summer reading program. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Director David Singleton reported, "This
year, 17,868 children and teens participated in the library’s summer reading
program, documenting 156,404 hours read. And this year, a revitalized
summer reading program for adults drew 4,299 participants (about 8 times more
participants than in 2011!), with an emphasis on modeling reading behaviors for
youth, and documenting 73,914 hours of reading. The total number of 22,167 registrations for
Summer Reading this year represents an increase of about 26% over last year’s
program, and the total 230,318 hours of reading represents an increase of about
25% over last year’s program."
The Outreach department brought summer reading into the community. Youth who could not get to our physical locations were still able to participate in our summer reading program. Youth also had library books to read at their summer camp locations and donated books to take home. We offered family workshops to encourage family reading and reduce the "Summer Slide." Participants looked forward to weekly library visits and the fun prizes that came along with reading.
For the first time the department extended the Adult Summer Reading program to our Library by Mail participants.Twenty homebound adults participated and completed the program. Library by Mail program coordinator Connie Ellington said," Customers were very excited that they were included in the summer reading program. They loved earning prizes." Library by Mail customer Michael D. said, "I want to thank you for how quickly you have been able to send out books that I have requested. This service made it possible for my daughter and I to be able to take advantage of library books again, since I can't drive anymore due to being paralyzed." Outreach Services continues to be a needed and valuable community service. It gives all citizens, no matter the circumstances, the opportunity to take advantage of library services and resources.
For more information on Library by Mail, contact:704.416.0552.
