Summer Reading programs are not a new concept. Linda Eastman earned herself a place in librarianist history in 1895 for creating the first program ever to engage children with the library during the summer months, and it became the precursor to nationwide summer reading programs. Summer Reading programs further expanded to include teens in the 1970s. These programs for kids and teens were created with the idea of combatting the “summer slide,” the (debatable) idea that children’s reading performance slackened over the summer when not in school—but what about for adults?
It wasn’t until the 2000s that adult summer reading programs and incentives really began, and they didn't take off until closer to the 2010s. Do adults slide off on their reading over the summer? Maybe, maybe not. Many adults read more in the summer because they have more time: time to read by the poolside, lakeside, on a plane or in a car, out on verandas or patios sipping cocktails or tall glasses of iced tea. Critics of adult summer reading programs say “reading is its own reward.” No librarian would disagree, so why have libraries begun to spend bundles of money rewarding adults for reading in the summer?
First, libraries want to create new readers! Being a reader means making the choice to devote yourself to reading. Incentives encourage non-readers to choose to become readers—at least during the summer, and we hope they’ll feel that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from a good book and get hooked! Next, people associate library events with children, but libraries offer many programs and events for adults (check out our calendar)! In every library across America, some adult has found their niche, learned a new hobby, idea, or concept, or just plain had fun because of a library event! Libraries want adults to know about and take advantage of these, and summer reading programs offer a platform to disseminate information. The last and most important reason libraries started offering summer reading programs for adults: adults are people, too! We appreciate all of our patrons, we love the fact that you read a ton, and we love the fact that you come to us in order to do it! Offering prizes for adults is a way of giving back to our patrons for their—well—patronage! Now, if you haven’t signed up yet, go to Beanstack and sign up!