Adult Summer Reading Programs

This year I am tasked at my new job with running the adult summer reading program for our 9 libraries. In the past we had people write short book reviews and at the end of the summer did drawings for gift cards to our local independent bookstore. This year I am exploring other ways of doing an adult summer reading program. If you have a method that works we would love to hear about it in the comments section.

DC Public Library
http://dclibrary.org/adultsummerreading 
How to Play
Sign up online or at any neighborhood library. Win a DC Public Library totebag just for signing up. This year's game consists of 10 activities: 5 Reader Block activities and 5 Explorer Block activities. 
Reader Block
Realist - Read 1 non-fiction book Fictionista - Read 1 work of fiction Digitarian - Read 1 eBook Audiophile - Listen to 1 audiobook : downloadable audiobooks, audiobooks on CD Book Clubber - Attend 1 DCPL book club Explorer Block
Library Learner - Attend a Summer Reading event at the library Maker - Create an object in Digital Commons Downloader - Try Zinio or Freegal at dclibrary.org I ❤ DC - Try the DC By the Book App | for Android | for iPhone Fun & Games - Attend a movie night or game night at the library How to Win
Silver Level: Complete any 2 different activities (Reader or Explorer Block) and log your activity online. Then, visit your neighborhood library to receive a coupon for a free burrito at Chipotle.
Gold Level: Complete 2 different Reader activities plus 2 activities from either block for 4 blocks total. Log your activity online. Then, visit your neighborhood library to choose a free paperback book. You will automatically be entered into three raffles.
All prizes available while supplies last.Prize RafflesNeighborhood Library Raffles** Drawing will take place on Monday September 1.  To qualify you must have completed the adult summer reading program by Sunday, August 31.
· 1 Amazon Kindle
War of the Worlds with cover art by local artist Tracie Ching>
One Grand Prize Raffle** Drawing will take place on Friday, August 22.  To qualify you must have completed the adult summer reading program by Thursday, August 21.
· Washington Nationals Game Experience for four people, including:
     -4 field-level tickets
     -special on-field batting practice session
     -free parking for game day

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Did you know?

• Reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by more than two thirds. 
• Reading (or bibliotherapy) can help reverse symptoms of depression, by activating the frontal lobes of the brain. 
• Reading provides an opportunity for social interaction. Rather than a focus on negative issues such as gossiping, you'll have a positive topic for conversation. 
• Reading improves your general knowledge and boosts your analytical skills. Reading gives you time to nurture yourself and slow the pace of a hectic life. 
• Reading keeps your memory sharp, your mind healthy and ensures your capacity to learn as you age.

Washington-Centerville Public Library

Getting staff invested in registering adults

 Beyond getting patrons to register, we wanted them to actually read. The random drawing helped, but nothing can replace the staff members personally encouraging patrons to read. We found that the efforts of our front-line public services staff were crucial in keeping people excited about reading for ASRC. So, we decided the best marketing opportunity would have to occur on the front line. To encourage our staff to “sell” continued participation, we created a unique incentive program. At our library, each staff member takes a turn signing up patrons for ASRC during the first few weeks of the summer. Thereafter, if a person they registered for ASRC wins a weekly drawing, the staff member wins a gift certificate for lunch at a local restaurant. Thus, staff members’ chances of winning are directly tied to the reading efforts of those they registered for ASRC. Staff loved the gift certificates, and we loved the fact that the number of ASRC participants who actually read increased 74 percent over our 1997 numbers!