Promoting Your Summer Reading Program - Campaign Guide

← Campaign Guides for Promotional Success
Summer Reading is an institution at public libraries. It’s also an evolving program as libraries update their approach to stay relevant and meet the needs of their communities. LibraryAware is here to help. We have templates and resources to ease the workload for you while maintaining that WOW factor you need for promotion.

Use this Promoting Your Summer Reading Program Campaign Guide to guide you through the steps with templates created by our designers. It’s simple to follow, doesn’t require any marketing experience, and can be used by any size library.
 

Keywords help you find everything you need


To find any of our Summer Reading templates, enter the keywords summer reading into the search bar on the LibraryAware homepage. Then, refine your search by the format of the piece you wish to create (i.e., flyer-events, bookmark-4-page, e-blast, etc.). 



Step-by-step plan to promote Summer Reading


1. BUILD EXCITEMENT AND CONFIDENCE IN YOUR STAFF

You can use a LibraryAware e-blast template to announce the details of your plan so staff can amplify your message. Share the channels you’ll use, like email and social media, and the timeline for your children, teen, and adult promotions.



2. TARGET CAREGIVERS AND EDUCATORS THROUGH EMAIL

Create an interest group (or groups!) for Summer at the Library. Your group(s) will be automatically added to your opt-in page so people can sign up. Then create your first e-blast. Be sure to include reading suggestions! If your library has NoveList, use this Search Strategy to find books to match your summer themes.

 

3. CATCH THE ATTENTION OF PATRONS VISITING YOUR WEBSITE

Use widget templates to create an eye-catching graphic on your homepage to compel visitors to sign up for your summer program, earn prizes, and register for events. Don’t forget to add graphics and information about your summer program to your kids, teen, and adult pages.

  PRO TIP: You can swap out our graphics with ones you upload to LibraryAware! It’s an easy way to customize your materials to follow your library’s specific summer program.


4. DESIGN HANDOUTS & POSTERS TO SPREAD THE WORD


Create a bookmark or quarter-sheet flyer to promote your Summer Reading Program. Then, slip your print promotion into holds, checkouts, and grab-and-go bags! Place posters and signs promoting Summer Reading in key locations, including your elevators, restrooms, makerspace, computer stations, and printers.

Go beyond the library’s walls. Daycare providers, schools, and recreational centers all have access to your target audience. Ask them to help distribute your promotional items or share information about your summer program on their social media accounts.



5. EXPAND YOUR REACH WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Parents, teachers, and students are all on social media, so it’s a great place to promote your Summer Reading Program offerings. Use graphics (widget slides) to catch the attention of people scrolling through social media platforms. You can even schedule all your Facebook and Instagram posts right in LibraryAware! Take advantage of the popularity of video content. Use the “stories” feature on Instagram or Facebook, or create a TikTok video, to demonstrate a summer craft/activity or share reading recommendations.



6. MAKE SURE STAKEHOLDERS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS UNDERSTAND YOUR VALUE

Invite stakeholders, donors, and local elected officials to participate in your Summer at the Library programs. When summer’s over, create a beautiful infographic to clearly explain the impact of your program to your community at large. Send your infographic to your local newspaper, TV station, or radio station, and include patron testimonials. Your work makes a great feel-good story for the media. A positive story is great publicity for your library.


  BONUS TIP: Short on time or looking for inspiration for your Summer at the Library programs and activities? Our Bingo Card, Scavenger Hunt, Activity Badges, and Reading Logs templates are ready-to-go (or you can customize as needed)!


Training

Get Ready for Summer Reading with LibraryAware

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Looking for an easy way to promote summer reading at your library—and get more participation? Discover how LibraryAware can help you quickly create engaging emails, social media posts, reading logs, flyers, and more using our library-specific templates. Whether your library uses CSLP, iRead, TD Summer Reading Club, or another summer reading program, we've got you covered! You’ll learn how to use our ready-to-go designs or upload your program's graphics and make marketing your Summer Reading Program a breeze.


Learn with NoveList

Give your library staff what they need to connect with their readers and their community. With a subscription to Learn with NoveList Plus, your staff get quality, expert training in readers’ advisory and marketing. Visit our website to learn more and request a free demo and trial.

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