Librarians As Doctor Frankensteins

There's a common thought that reading should be for pleasure first and secondly,  for knowledge.  It goes along with the idea that if something is enjoyable to read, the reader will gleefully look for me books to read.  There may be some truth to that for readers who already enjoy reading.   However, for those who don't like to read, nothing will get them to enjoy reading.  Not even incentives or prizes.  This is too sad for any librarian to sit back and digest very well.  After all, is not our profession which proudly and loudly advocates reading for everyone... anywhere?  Which brings one to ponder should librarians bribe children to  read?  Does this lead to enjoyable reading for the children ? Summer is just around the corner and many libraries are planning reading programs for  children, teens and  adults.   For many of these programs there are incentives given to participants to read all summer long.  It's true that , Library Summer Reading programs have proven to help children keep their mind actives during the summer breaks from school.  In many cases, reading skills either remain the same or improve when they return in September.   This is a good thing for many reasons.  However the question has to be raised, for the patron, not matter the age, who does not like reading even for pleasure, what does this program have to offer?  A quick answer, would be nothing.  A more thoughtful answer would be that it's a chore in order to obtain something they want.  Best case scenario would be that the child turns into an avid reader.   Worse case scenario,  this could the young patron, whose parents have forced them to join the program and will someday be the library's most vocal adversary in the community.  More than likely neither one of these scenarios will come to fruition, but finding a happy middle of the road solution would be great.


Librarians have to consider that incentive programs can have a negative effect on reading.  For the child who does not want to participate or is forced to participate will only see reading as a tedious chore.  The only good that can come out of this for them is the prizes or as referred to previously the bribe.   Do not mistake this concern as a call to end Summer Reading programs  Just the opposite.  This is a call to remind librarians and administrators that reading should be a activity that is looked upon as enjoyable.  Giving bribes to build up library's  circulations numbers and pretend this also translates into reading love is just foolish.


It would be interesting to see if there would be a library who is willing to experiment with reading programs without incentives. Reluctant readers are the hardest to reach and the hardest to turn into book lovers.  Perhaps the best thing way to go about advocating for reading is a Leave a Book/Take A Book program.  No strings attached.  All one has to do is to come to the library, leave a book they would like to donate and pick another book to take home.  No need for check out.  No worries about overdue fees.  No need to finish the book either if the reader doesn't want.   This program could work wonders in helping the patron find the right genre that is right for them.  There is no time limit here to find the right book, the right author.  No, just keep experimenting with different books until a genre or author is found that holds the key to unlocking the patron's inner reader.  One can become a book lover at any time or at any age.  


Perhaps it's time to look at Summer Reading Programs as the laboratory of reading where experiments go on everyday to find the right book for the hard to reach reader.  Which fits in well with this years CRP theme, Fizz, Boom, READ.    Just call librarians, Doctor Frankenstein.    All that we would like to do is turn out one Monster Reader at a time.   No matter what their age!

Digging in For Reluctant Readers This Summer

The Summer Reading Program (SRP) 2013 is a wonderful theme this year. There are countless ways to get the librarian's mind thinking creatively on attracting all types of readers. The readers that is of most often spoken about but hardest to reach are the reluctant readers. They are the children that will say that reading is boring. Reading isn't interactive or exciting. These words might as well be a stake that drives through the librarian's heart. It really is a difficult task but one that is well worth striving to achieve. Not every child is the same, nor are every reader the same. With that in mind, here are some ideas that might help with finding the right touch to get reluctant readers to get excited this summer. First, let's get the idea packed away that all readers must read a certain number of books or pages for the summer. There are too many librarians and teachers who think this is a productive measure of reading and some even make it into a contest. Who can read the most. Let's face it, to some young readers you might as well tell them they are climbing Mount Everest for the very first time. By themselves. With no help from anyone. Game over, who care. They's rather be doing something else, like counting what level they've reached in Mario Cart or racking up points in another video game. Instead of counting the number of books or pages. Let's try for reading for fifteen minutes everyday. Let the young readers decide what they will read. It can be a book, magazine or even a website. Just as long as they are reading sometime during the summer. There are titles that are perfect for the reading is boring crowd. For example, The 39 Clues series has it all for reluctant readers who say that reading is boring. It is not only an action thriller that features two siblings on a chance for the family's treasure, it is also linked to a website that provides other outlets to finding out more about the characters, search for more clues and hopefully find the family treasure. It is a rip roaring romp around the world. Not to mention that fact that the Cahill family puts the fun in dysfunctional. Amy and Dan Cahill are determined to win their Grandmother's fortune but along the way of the fortune hunt they learn many things about their past and their parents. The masterful list of YA authors that write for the series keep the plots twisting and exciting. When the series first debuted the concept of bringing novels and a website seemed impractical. yet, it was just innovated enough to capture reluctant readers attention. What could be better than reading a book that is actually a game of searching for a treasure and solving riddles. This is definitely a must have on a list for summer reading program reader's advisory. When reaching out to the hardcore gammer, the one who will not put down the game controller or joy stick to take a few minutes to read, look for the opportunity to bring the games to the library. How? Consider a gaming day where young adults could compete for small prizes. Additionally, it would be a good idea to invest in "how to" books that provide information on the secret ways to move on to the next level and ultimately win a favorite video game like Halo. Be aware that these are often stolen from library collections. It is better to keep them at the reference/information desk. If the director or collection development librarian has a problem with adding these books to the collection, try "selling" the collection as another way to entice reader to come to the library. These types of books are excellent introductions to non-fiction reading as "pleasure reading". These books can be used as incentives/prizes during SRP which will be a good draw for the gamer to not only join SRP but to get a library card. On a side note, if a librarian has the time and talent, playing the games that the young patrons like can provide the icebreaker to getting to know the patron. If the library/librarian shows an interest in the young reader, chances are they will come back. However, not knowing how to play okay, so long as the librarian knows the games and the characters. Which can lead to reading gaming magazines as professional development. (Try that one with your library director!) Finally, if all else fails in getting the reluctant reader interested in digging further into reading, try graphic novels. Leonardo DiCaprio's recent work in The Great Gatsby is a wonderful way to introduce classic literature and graphic novels. Sure this sounds a little bit like school work, however, sell the idea to the patrons as a way to impress their English teacher next fall. Not only have they read the Great Gatsby, but other great novels such as Dracula and Hamlet. This is reading beyond what they would normally try. The format of the graphic novel works well because it is visual, quick and accessible. For too long, reluctant readers have felt they were not smart enough to understand such classic titles. With graphic novels, the complex has been made simple. As an added bonus, understanding the classics might help them on their ACT scores too. This summer should be loaded with fun for children of every age at the library. Don't worry, the digging for SRP ideas has just begun. There will be lots more ideas and fun coming in the next couple of entries. Hope you'll stay tuned.

Humor in Children's Books: Laugh Out Loud Favorites

Most of the reluctant readers that come into the Youth Services area of the library tend to sing the same song: Books are not fun! Whenever that song starts coming out of a child's mouth, it's time for an intervention. What these lost readers need are books that will capture their imagination as well make them smile. Not all authors can pull off humor effectively but those who do will hook the reader in by the first page. There are many types of humor, such as sarcastic, slapstick and silly. Humor in books is a perfect genre to demonstrate that reading can be fun. Contrary to popular belief, humor in children's literature does not begin in chapter books. Over the years many authors have cleverly used humor, in words and illustrations, to entertain their readers. If the funny bone is tickled, chances are the reader will move from reluctant to reaching for another book.

There are very good picture books to introduce to children who are learning to read but find it a tedious task. Doreen Cromin's Click Clack Moo i, a tale of labor negotiations between Farmer Brown and the striking cows, has become a story time favorite. Children giggle as the frustrated farmer tries to come a "reasonable" solutions with his very literate cows. All ends well, until the ducks decides to make demands too! Another picture book whose star is a literate cow is Adventures of Cow. marshall Taylor uses a play on words and humorous pictures to tell the tale of how Cow gets lost and finds his way home. The sequel to this title is Adventures of Cow, Too.. Both books are well worth the time to read and share. Even with older children who love a good laugh and will catch the play on words.

A different take on a well known fairy tale will have children rolling on the floor. This book has been around for a while, but it is a testament to it's ageless appeal. Jon Sciexka's True Story of he 3 Little Pigs is told by the Wolf himself who defends his actions of blowing down the pigs' houses. He's been framed. The unique few point allows the reader to wonder if indeed the poor wolf has been wrongly accused and misunderstood. More often then not, no matter how sly and silly the wolf is in telling his side, the little pigs still win the verdict.

To chase away the monster fears which plague many small children, Sean Taylor uses humor in When A Monster is Born. This bright, hilarious look at the monster world will have children begging for the kind of monster who lives under their bed. Who couldn't love a monster who goes to school, eats the principal and falls in love. This book is wonderful for story time because the refrain "That's that" encourages the kids to join in the fun.

17 Things I Am Not Allowed to do Anymore is Jenny Offil's tribute to a little girl who just can't stay out of trouble. This book is not for the faint hearted. Some of the heroine's brilliant ideas are absolutely hilarious. However, little minds who are seeking inspiration may get ideas about flies in ice cubes, stapling siblings' hair to a pillow or gluing slippers on the floor to keep them in place. Sure they are all innocent and seem like a good idea at the time, but actions have consequences. This is a wonderful laugh out loud book that parents will enjoy reading with their kids. However, before opening up the book, they may want to warn their audience to not try this at home.

Reading does not have to be a serious task. Moving children from the reluctant to the reaching for new book category can be as simple as using the "laugh" factor. Let's face it, no one likes doing things they do not enjoy. Children are no different. Discover what "quacks" up the reluctant reader in your life and watch their attitude change when it comes to reading.

Reaching the Reluctant Reader!

Reading is an activity that can either be pleasurable or painful. Librarians have always known that good reading skills help students to succeed in all their subjects. it is what I call a foundational skill in which all other subjects build upon. Everything for English to Math to Vocational Education. To remind parents of this fundamental truth is like preaching to the choir. They understand all to well the importance of reading and success. So when dealing with reluctant readers in their family, they turn to librarians and teachers for advice on the best methods to motivate their children to read. Every child is different and there isn't one magic solution that will help every child. One piece of magic that always works can be summed up in one word: FUN. Here are some suggestions that might make a difference for your child.

Children love quality time with their parents. Whether it is going out to the park, watching a movie together or just hanging around the house together. New parents always ask when is it appropriate to begin reading to their baby. It is never too soon to read to your baby. With so many great books and authors to choose from, even in board books, that finding a book should not be difficult. Not all children respond to being read to the same way. There are some children who just can't sit still or lose interest in the book. One solution to this is to not finish the book. Sounds silly doesn't it? Think of it this way, you want the reading time to be enjoyable for both you and your child. Before you begin reading with your child, let them know that you will only read two or three pages of the book. After that place a bookmark on the page you've left off and announce you will find out what happens next in the story tomorrow. If your child is okay with that, good. If they are not, and they want to hear more, than continue on with the story until they tell you they are done listening.

Another good tactic to use is letting a child be active during the time you are reading to them. Especially if you have a child who needs to move constantly. During a Dr. Seuss story time with over active boys, I've brought out puzzles that are based on the title that I am sharing. Fox in Socks is one of the titles I use for story and puzzle time. The puzzle has very large pieces (48 count) which is quite easy to put together for small hands. After reading a page or two, I would stop and direct the children's attention to the puzzle. At first they don't know what the puzzle will be since the box is hidden. Together, we picked out pieces and connected them. (HINT: I know the puzzle inside out, so I guide the children in what pieces to pick. It's cheating a little but it moves things along faster) After a couple of pieces are connected, I begin reading again and repeat the process until the book and the puzzle are completed. Children are surprised to find out that the puzzle is a picture of Fox in Socks.

When the child is ready to read and finds the process difficult, parents sometimes begin to force their child to read. Never use force. The children will relate the unpleasant experience with reading and from that point it will be that much harder to get them to read later in life. One program that I have found to benefit struggling readers are the Paws for Reading programs. Many libraries and schools have used this program which allows children to read aloud to a friendly canine. The cost to run a program like this is minimal to the library. The return on this small investment is huge. Not only do reluctant readers gain confidence in their reading skills, but they begin checking out library books, telling their neighbors about the program and participating in other library programs. What does the library gain? A library supporter for life, hopefully.

Large type books are wonderful for patrons with vision problems. They are also wonderful for children who hate reading. When a book is in large type, the book "seems" to flow faster. Fewer words on the page than in normal type makes page turning go much faster. What is the benefit of that? The reluctant reader finds it easer to finish a book. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. This is the ultimate goal that librarians and parents strive when working with children on their reading skills. They need to find out that they can read, and they have the ability to become better readers with time and practice.

My last piece of advice, is simply this: read aloud to children at any age. You'd be amazed at how reading aloud helps children in school. It improves their memory, their reading skills along with comprehension and most importantly it opens their mind to their own imagination. In third grade, I had a wonderful teacher who read aloud to our class every other day. The first time she did this, she read from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Listening to the story helped our minds to concentrate one activity during reading, the imagination. This opened up a whole new concept in reading to me! Reading was a chore, something to "finish" and say that I had done the job. It never occurred to my young mind that if I could learn to read and imagine at the same time, the story would come alive. That's when the "light" came on for me and reading became pleasurable. I suspect that this can happen to children today as well.

This topic has always hit close to home for me. Libraries are my passion for a very good reason. The power of reading has changed my world and in a small way, I've wanted to help others find that power as well. Having said that, this will not be the first or the last entry on reluctant readers. Stay tuned, there is much more to come.