2007 Printable Manual - Texas State Library and Archives ...

2007 Texas Reading Club Manual
their thoughts about the books they are reading and to recommend books to others. What a great
way to promote your reading club!
If you are not currently taking digital photographs, consider doing so. They are inexpensive to
print and you print only what is needed. Many drug stores and one-hour photo labs can produce
high quality prints for less than fifty cents. Many newsletters will accept electronic photographs
to print with a story. They also make great “thank you” gifts for sponsors and donors. Kodak
offers online tutorials and tips for digital photography at www.kodak.com. Click on “Consumer
Photography” and select “Taking Great Pictures.”
Public relations and marketing is a cumulative process. It cannot be done just one time. Submit
press releases consistently and regularly. Talk with the media contacts and solicit their support as
co-sponsors of your program. Thank them for past support, even if it was not as much as you
would have liked. Suggest feature stories that highlight your library, your programs, and the
Texas Reading Club. Feature stories to suggest might include any of the following:
• “Sail Away With Books!” programs for children and families
• Kick-off parties and special events
• End of summer celebrations
• Multi-cultural programs (bilingual storytimes, programs that celebrate cultural heritage)
• Teen volunteers
• Audio book suggestions for family trips
For more information about publicity, read Marketing the Texas Reading Club, available on the
Texas State Library and Archives Commission web site, www.tsl.state.tx.us.
Cooperation with Schools
One of the most effective methods for increasing participation in the Texas Reading Club is
through partnerships with local schools. The Association for Library Services to Children, a
division of the American Library Association, offers a compilation of ideas at
www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/forlibrarians/SchoolPLCoopProgs.htm.
Ask school librarians and teachers to encourage students to join the reading program. If possible,
visit the schools and distribute information about the library. Begin planning school visits as
early as possible in order to promote your summer program before the school year ends. Write a
letter to the district superintendent in February. Remind the superintendent that public libraries
and schools are natural allies in education. Specifically request permission to contact the schools
and ask the superintendent to endorse the library's reading program.
As soon as you receive permission to do so, contact the principals or school librarians. Write to
the librarian or teachers to schedule school visits in April and/or May. School visits can be brief
and simple or they can be longer programs, depending on the amount of time and staff available.
At a minimum, let the students know who you are, that the library is planning free summer
programs and activities for them, and that you look forward to seeing them in the library. If time
permits, tell a story, share some jokes, present a puppet show, sing songs, or lead a simple craft
related to the Texas Reading Club theme. Leave bookmarks or flyers for the students to take
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