A few weeks ago on LinkedIn, we asked libraries to tell us how the planning for their all-important summer reading program was going so far. More than a third of respondents said they hadn’t started planning yet. Others said they had some bumps in the road or were feeling stressed.
Library staff pour their hearts, souls, and energies into summer reading because it has a significant impact on their community of readers. We know from recent reports that reading scores for students continue to drop. Studies vary but according to Learner.com, the consensus is that 20 percent of children lose up to 2 months of reading progress if they don’t read over the summer.
Libraries help fill that gap and encourage reading with incentives, fun programs, meals and snacks, and social interaction. And when kids come into the library with their caregivers, we have an opportunity to re-engage with that adult as well!
That's why we created this list of our 13 best ideas for a successful summer reading program. These tips, broken into three strategic categories, will help you work with readers and promote your library. Bookmark this guide and let us help you make this the best summer ever!
Summer Strategy #1: Get ready to recommend books to every reader
Tip 1: Watch this video on how to use NoveList Plus in your everyday work with readers.
Tip 2: Bookmark this guide on using NoveList Plus to support your summer reading program. Or print it out and put it at the desk so you and your co-workers can reference it when you need help.
Tip 3: Check out the special Summer Reading Curated Lists in NoveList Plus. You’ll find them under the Seasonal Reads fiction category at every age level. They match the prompts from CSLP and iREAD. (We recently revamped our recommendation lists to make them easier to use.)
Tip 4: Make sure you are ready to match young readers with books that are right for their reading level by following these expert tips. And, if you are asked to help find books for toddlers, follow these steps. Remember, there is a perfect story element for every reader, even the little ones!
Tip 5: Encourage adult readers to take part too! Use the 2025 NoveList Reading Challenge as an easy way to incentivize adult participation and spark conversation about the story elements your adult readers love.
Tip 6: Get a subscription to Learn with NoveList Plus. Everyone on staff can learn how to navigate challenging genres, work with teen and tween readers, match children with books, and find terrific titles for toddlers! Reach out for details and a free trial—there's still plenty of time before summer gets here!
Tip 7: Get familiar with the new user experience for Core Collections by watching this video. If your library has some collections but not the full suite, consider adding the missing collections to ensure you have a well-rounded selection for readers of fiction, nonfiction, and Spanish-language materials.
Tip 8: Add books to your collection that complement your summer reading program by searching Core Collections by reading level.
Summer Strategy #2: Plan your Summer Reading promotional campaign
Tip 9: If you have LibraryAware, watch our training to quickly create emails, social media posts, reading logs, and more to promote your summer reading program. Use our templates made especially for your summer programs or customize our templates. And don’t worry if you don’t have any design experience. Follow these five design tips for the non-designer.
Tip 10: Email is the most effective way to stay connected with your readers all summer. This one sent last year by the Manhattan-Elwood Library District in Illinois is a great example. Remind readers to log their reading and invite them to special summer programs. You’ll know if your emails are successful by comparing your metrics to this email benchmark report, the first of its kind created exclusively for libraries. Wondering when to send your summer reading emails? Follow these tips!
Tip 11: Summer is a wonderful time to re-introduce your community to your library’s digital offerings. Use these tips to plan promotions that highlight your online books, databases, and more. Be sure to share this video to let your community know they can use NoveList Plus to find great reading recommendations anytime (even poolside).
Summer Strategy #3: Empower yourself!
Tip 12: Maintain your own summer reading momentum by signing up for NoveList News. Each month, we’ll send inspiration and news to everyone working with readers, promoting their library, and looking for staff training opportunities.
Tip 13: We’ve all seen ChatGPT, or similar generative AI services recommend books. But dig deeper and you’ll start to see the cracks. Remember, your human-powered book recommendations outshine anything AI can do. And there’s nothing quite like the connection you make when you spark joy in a reader.
Angela Hursh is Manager of Library Engagement, Marketing, and Professional Development for NoveList. She is listening to The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.
