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Summer Reading Program Resources for Connecticut Libraries

  • Summer Reading Program Guides
      Links to program manuals and other major resources for Connecticut's programs, summer reading initiatives from sports teams and restaurants, and other general summer reading support.
  • Summer Reading Lists
      Check here for summer reading lists of a general nature (we'll only post what we think are the very best!) as well a lists tied to summer program themes.
  • Promotion, Decor & Incentives
      Help for attracting participants, marketing, publicizing, decorating and motivating.
  • Programming & Performance Ideas
      Suggestions for programs tied to your summer reading program theme, with links to the Library Resource Online Catalog.
  • Games, Crafts & Activities
      Keep your readers happy and engaged with tie-in activities for your program theme.
  • The FCCLR Summer Reading Program
      All about the Fairfield County Children's Librarians Roundtable's 25+ years of summer reading programs, with links to online manuals.

To help locate items specific to the two major themes in Connecticut for 2007, look for the following icons throughout this guide:

    Resources pertaining to "Read Around the World"
    Resources pertaining to "Get a Clue @ your library" (Children's CSLP) or "YNK - You Never Know @ your library" (Young Adult CSLP)

Summer Reading Program Guides

Here, you'll find links to program manuals and resources of interest, summer reading initiatives from sports teams and restaurants, and other general summer reading support.

PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG ADULTS / TEENS

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

  • Adult Summer Reading
    Not an actual reading program, this site from the CSLP includes resources and activities that focus on unique programs that work with adult library patrons during the summer. Included are sample adult summer reading programs, sites to assist in adult programming and general resources for working with adults. Many resources have a mystery theme.
  • Summer Sleuthing At Your Library
    A summer reading program for adults, from the California State Library & California Library Association.

GENERAL PROGRAMS / SITES


Summer Reading Lists

Check here for summer reading lists of a general nature (we'll only post what we think are the very best!) as well a lists tied to summer program themes.


Promotion, Decor & Incentives

This is the place to get help for attracting participants, marketing, publicizing, decorating, promoting, motivating ... in short, making sure your library, your prizes and incentives, and your publicity materials are all working for you!

  • Affordable Custom T-Shirts
    LROC listing; Web site
    For the summer reading program at the Cheshire Public Library, 600+ readers received special t-shirts for signing up. The state prison facility in Cheshire has a graphic arts shop, and they gave the library a price of $4/shirt for brightly colored t-shirts in adult and child sizes with white screen printing on both front and back. The umbrella program is called "Correctional Enterprises of Connecticut." They do work for state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofits. The Cheshire facility also does tote bags and more.
  • Mysterious fonts and graphics
    From the California Summer Reading Program. These fonts, clip art files, etc. are designed for use with California's Adult SRP, but most would be suitable for any age level working with the mystery theme.

Programming & Performance Ideas

Selecting just the right performer is a great way to accent your Summer Reading Program and keep your participants excited throughout the summer.

The following performers were recommended by the Children's Librarians Roundtable South and CLC librarians from throughout the state. We've included links to their listings in the Library Resources Online Catalog (LROC) and their web sites. If your library has an additional performer to recommend, please email Deb Zulick at CLC, dzulick@ctlibrarians.org.

This list also aims to help facilitate block-booking among neighboring libraries. Contact performers to discuss tailoring programs to best meet your programming needs.

  • Cheryl Blum - "Science Sense-ations"
    LROC listing; Web site
  • Dan Bowen, Magician
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Helen Glassen, Atwater Library, North Branford
  • Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo - "Zoomobiles"
    Web site
    FEE: $120 plus mileage
    Recommended by Judy Rabin, Woodbridge Town Library
  • Bob Conrad - Conrad Productions
    LROC listing; Web site
    For GET A CLUE: "Get a Clue" with Bob Conrad's "Magical Mystery Revue." Bob takes your audience on a Magical Mystery tour. They will solve the mystery of the Linking Rings and an optical illusion that will have them seeing spots before their eyes. With the help of "Watson," Bob's puppet rabbit assistant, they will solve "The Great Stamp Book Mystery." They will meet ventriloquist puppet "Timex the Dog." Members of the audience will become Secret Agents and help capture the mysterious Serpent. Magic, puppets, ventriloquism, storytelling and fun for all.
    For READ AROUND THE WORLD: "Read Around The World" with Bob Conrad's "Magical Approach to Geography." This highly entertaining and educational program is really an introduction to geography and the world we live in. Children will take a magical journey to all seven continents, with stop-overs at China, India, France, Africa, Brazil and Australia. Using large visual aids - globes, a 6x8 foot map of the world, and a talking picture of the Earth - Bob Conrad will give the audience new insight into the world and its people and cultures. This unique program is filled with magic, audience participation and a world of facts.
    "We have had Bob Conrad to the Ridgefield Library a couple of times and found him very entertaining." --Diane Tinacci, Ridgefield Library
  • Discovery Museum - CSI Crime Lab (for grades 5 and up)
    Web site
    FEE: $250
    For GET A CLUE: "Students will examine fingerprints, match powders, compare handwriting samples, and consider other clues as they try to figure out who committed the crime."--Web site. Recommended by Jane Ash, EC Scranton Library, Madison
  • Water Heinz "The Fossil Hunter"
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Sue Hartley, Cheshire Public Library
  • Robert Holland and his books for boys
    LROC listing; Web site
    FEE: $300-$499
    Author of junior mystery/sport fiction.
  • Art Horn - The "Art" and Science of Weather!
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Sue Hartley, Cheshire Library
  • Jonathan Jacques, Magician
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Sue Hartley, Cheshire Library
  • Mary Jo Maichack
    LROC listing; Web site
    For READ AROUND THE WORLD: "I have a show called 'Round the World in Tales and Tunes,' and I've been running it for years. It's a big, happy mix of folktales and tunes with loads of variety and laughs, singing, guitar, participation, an act-it-out story, fiddle, lumberjack puppet, a smidgeon of foreign language play, so easy for young and old. Publicity is already up on site: flyer/posters and swipe-to-adapt press releases.
    For GET A CLUE: "The other show is 'Riddle Me This: Tales and Tunes of Mystery to Solve.' It features the same elements above, but with riddle stories to solve--very fun, and will work on a multi-age level. I'll probably draw on some of George Shannon's stories, but will make sure there will be some good fun with brain teasers that won't frustrate the young ones. All my other shows are available, as usual." --Mary Jo Maichack
  • Paulette Morin - Fun With Science Programs (MA)
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Jane Ash, EC Scranton Library, Madison
  • Mr. Science - Jonah Cohen
    The Children's Museum (formerly the Science Center of Connecticut)
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Judy Rabin, Woodbridge Town Library; and Jane Ash, EC Scranton Library, Madison
  • Museum of Connecticut History - Patrick Smith - "Connecticut Invents"
    LROC listing
    FEE: FREE!
    Recommended by Kate McCarthy Bond, Wallingford Public Library
  • Nappy's Puppets - Jim Napolitano
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Helen Glassen, Atwater Library, North Branford
  • New Britain Rock Cats Visits and Tickets
    LROC listing; Web site
    FEE: FREE!
  • Ed Popielarscyk's Magical Moments
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Judy Rabin, Woodbridge Town Library
  • Diane Postoian - Arts Educator, Storyteller, Motivator, Comedian (Rhode Island)
    LROC listing; Web site
    FEE: $300 - $400
    "Diane was excellent. She included the audience and made them feel very comfortable. She was funny and very interactive. Overall the program (Diaries of a Frog) was a success." --Kate McCarthy Bond, Wallingford Public Library
  • South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority
    LROC listing; Web site
    Call the RWA to ask about their educational outreach programs. These hands-on science programs are free to the following towns/districts: Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Prospect, Regional District #17, West Haven, Woodbridge. Groups from other towns may be accepted for a small fee if schedule permits. These programs come recommended by several libraries.
  • Sparky's Puppets - Sparky Davis (Rhode Island)
    LROC listing; Web site
    For GET A CLUE: "The Book Detective" - Meet a larger-than-life raccoon detective who loves to help children discover the wonders hidden in books. The audience will help him decipher clues written in secret code that lead to the discovery of some funny stories--fables, trickster tales, and "how and why" stories that explain nature's mysteries.
    For READ AROUND THE WORLD: "Travel the Reading Road" - A library card is the ticket to this round-the-world adventure. Visit a silly donkey in Greece, a mischievous spider in Africa, and some singing mice in Japan! This show is a lively collection of folktales and fables from world literature.
  • Traveling Lantern Theatre Company (California)
    LROC listing
    For GET A CLUE: The featured show is "Sherlock Holmes Takes the Case." Solve a mystery with the world's most famous detective! Something's amiss, and now "the game's afoot!" for the brilliant scientist and criminologist, Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Along with his trusted companion, Dr. Watson (played by a child volunteer), Holmes will follow the clues and solve the mystery with audience's help.
    Libraries in CT are looking to block-book this troupe for a summer visit in July. Contact Traveling Lantern at 1-800-936-4723 if you are interested in joining the other libraries.
  • Tuckers' Tales Puppet Theater (Pennsylvania)
    LROC listing; Web site
    FEE: $350 approx.
    Recommended by Judy Rabin, Woodbridge Town Library
  • Wingmasters - Julie Ann Collier
    LROC listing; Web site
    "They were excellent. The presenter had an extremely dry sense of humor, which really added to the program (although the humor went over the kids' heads). She was very knowledgeable and adept at handling the birds she brought (which were incredibly spectacular). She does set some rules at the beginning but once you see the birds you know why she does (and she explains why she sets the rules: kids must be extremely quiet, no loud noises, etc)." --Kate McCarthy Bond, Wallingford Public Library
  • Yorick's Marionette Theater (Rhode Island)
    LROC listing; Web site
    Recommended by Sue Hartley, Cheshire Library

Games, Crafts & Activities

Keep your readers happy and engaged with these tie-in activities for your program theme.

  • Crack the Code
    This short but excellent guide could be used as intended - for a 1-2 hour activity for teens on ciphers and codes - or as a basic manual to an entire summer reading theme. Includes several suggestions each for decor, books, prizes, web sites, etc.

Last update: July 2, 2007
 
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