Camp Read-A-Lot (PCLS/PLS)
To introduce participants to authors they may about before. To provide a fun and inviting venue for public librarians, school media specialists and educators to network and share ideas and resources, that by extension, will encourage children to read. To expose participants to new reading materials that they otherwise may not have considered. To provide a venue for acquiring continuing education credits. To provide a program that would encourage participation in and partnerships for future programs.
Authors Avi and Kathy Baxter made presentations. 96% of those surveyed said that Avi's presentation exceeded expectations or met expectations. 100% of those surveyed said that Kathy Baxter's presentation exceeded or met their expectations. 97% of those surveyed responded that the book discussion sessions were helpful because they generated idea-sharing, introduced them to books and resources that were new to them, and generated networking between colleagues. Through written comments, we learned that receiving Continuing Education credit for reading and summarizing books and attending Camp Read-A-Lot was appreciated. Through written comments, educators indicated that they received valuable information that would be incorporated into the classroom and renewed enthusiasm for reading that would extend to their students. With 95% of respondents indicating that they would attend Camp Read-A-Lot again and 98% indicating they would recommend Camp Read-A-Lot to others, the outcome to provide a program that would encourage participation in and partnerships for future programs demonstrates the success of the program and demonstrates that the projected outcome was achieved.
Plum Creek Library System and Pioneerland Library System, Pioneerland Library System area schools, SAMMIE, SMSU, Participants. Partner Organization Contribution/Role in the Program: Pioneerland Library System and SAMMIE – shared expenses and coordination of the event and PR. Area Schools promoted the event internally to educators. SMSU provided the space. Participants covered the cost of all food.