Several people at the synagogue librarians' meeting were interested in summer reading programs. Attached are some useful links.
Kathe Pinchuck Congregation Beth Sholom Teaneck, NJ Summer Reading Opportunities The Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles sponsors a Jewish Summer Reading Club for younger readers everywhere. Read 6 Jewish books throughout the summer which are age or grade appropriate. If you read to an older or younger sibling or friend, it counts for both of you; and if a teacher, parent or camp counselor reads to a group of kids it counts for everyone. The form and additional information are available at www.jclla.org/summer_reading1.htm, and everyone gets a certificate and prize for participating. Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education (Philadelphia, Pa) runs a summer reading program where three books wins a prize of Rita's Ices. The suggested reading list is mixed in terms of quality and content, but there are good examples of flyers, forms and booksmarks. http://www.acaje.org/content/educationalResources/readingclub/readingclub.shtml. The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle has last year's information posted, but it has age appropriate lists of secular literature and the rules for their incentive program. http://www.jds.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&Itemid=102. How to Promote Summer Reading Programs http://winslo.state.oh.us/newsletter/jun05howto.html. More Lists of Jewish Books http://www.faqs.org/faqs/judaism/reading-lists/childrens. New Jersey uses the Highsmith Program. This year's theme for younger readers is "Get a Clue at Your Library." There is a treasure map for recording (15 minutes a day), and the libraries provide activity sheets, lists of books appropriate to the theme, and often sponsor events related to the theme that includes performances and crafts.
