Summer reading theme in Northeast Ohio aims to keep people engaged

Despite competition from pools, picnics and other leisurely activities, libraries are not left out in the cold during the warm summer months.

Staffers use outreach as well as in-house programs to attract new patrons and keep regular supporters interested and engaged.

“We’re going out of our buildings to get people to notice us. I think that’s the key anymore,” said Lori Weber, marketing manager for the Geauga County Public Library system. “I’m passionate about letting people know that libraries aren’t quiet places where people are getting shushed. Nowadays it’s all about learning and discovering.”

Opportunities abound for both.

Focusing on this year’s statewide theme of “Libraries Rock!” set by the State Library of Ohio, music is being used not only to reach people in a reading capacity but also to expand their overall educational and recreational experiences.

The Geauga County Public Library system is linking its concert series with other activities to provide multi-faceted benefits. For example, the popular local group Abbey Rodeo will perform on June 22 at Chardon Square. Those who attend may also tour the Fun Bus Bookmobile and sign up for summer reading. On Aug. 13 the oom-pah sounds of the Chardon Polka Band will be played at Observatory Park in Montville Township where library staffers will be on hand with information for attendees.

“Anytime we can play off the theme we are,” Weber said.

Among other area libraries tuning in to the concert channel is Kirtland. Friends of the Kirtland Public Library coupled with the City of Kirtland will present a series of concert/film nights. Kirtland High School graduate Chaz McPeak will perform on June 20 at the Gazebo Greens followed by a showing of the movie “Trolls.” Jane Carle, Kirtland Public Library director, said the two concert/movie events held last summer were so successful that four dates have been set for 2018.

“It keeps people thinking about us…and maybe we’re not just for books anymore. We might encourage people to download books, just explore lots of different things. We like to keep ourselves in front of the public,” she said.

The “Cleveland Rocks!” theme also broadens libraries’ reach to those interested in other topics such as history and dance. For instance, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library system recently presented a program on the history of rock ‘n’ roll in Cleveland. On July 18 at the Willowick library dancers of all ages can create a musical craft and party on while dancing the limbo, Mexican hat dance and other lively steps.

“We’re focusing on programs. It’s bringing people in and reaching out to the community,” said Eric Linderman, deputy director of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library System.

With library directors realizing the need to reach groups of people outside of libraries over the summer they’re also taking advantage of such gatherings as farmers markets.

Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library frequently sets up a display at the farmer’s market in downtown Willoughby where people can sign up for library cards, check out books and more. The farmer’s market on Chardon Square presents a particularly special spot for the Geauga County Library System to spread the good word of all that libraries have to offer. After speaking with staffers at the market it’s only a short jaunt to explore Chardon library also located on Chardon Square.

Another link in the chain of library networking over the summer is WEPLCON presented by the Willoughby-Eastlake Library system.

Linderman described last year’s event as a “smashing success.” Returning this year on July 28 at Willowick Library the festive happening is based on the popular Comic Con showcasing comic books, related characters, costumes and more.

Along with the addition of many new outreaches ensuring that libraries continue to thrive throughout summer, library staffers maintain that longstanding summer reading programs remain highly popular and bring hundreds of readers through their doors.

“We typically have highly successful reading programs in summer,” Carle said, and added that librarians visit schools just prior to the end of the school year which results in many families signing up.

Michelle Hudson, communications & development associate for Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, maintains that fun activities, games, prizes and more associated with the programs help to keep everyone reading over the summer and strengthen children’s skills.

“We try to make it engaging, fun and entertaining,” she said.

With summer programs geared to children, adults and teens, Hudson said she’s witnessed family members take part in friendly competitions to see who can reach the best success with their endeavors.

In 2017 more than 2,500 people took part in Willoughby-Eastlake Libraries’ summer reading programs.

“In summer people are looking for things to do,” Hudson said.

Varied and creative efforts by local libraries are clearly helping with their search.

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