Summer Reading: A Librarian’s Thematic View

It’s been a privilege to be Youth Services Librarian for more than ten years, symbolized by the summer reading programs we’ve shared. Let’s traipse down memory lane.
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In 2007, kids delved into mystery and Got a Clue @ Your Library while teens YNK @ Your Library. I don’t know what that means but You Never Know what teens mean.

In 2008, youngsters were encouraged to Catch the Reading Bug. I have an abject fear of bugs and don’t comprehend the linking of something so peaceful---reading---with something that wants to kill you---bugs. The teen theme was Metamorphosis @ Your Library. Instead of focusing on the caterpillar to butterfly metamorphosis, my insect phobia dredged up the less attractive maggot to fly image.

Hello 2009 when kids will Be Creative and teens will Express Themselves @ Your Library. When’s the last time you saw me do something crafty?

Hurray for 2010 and its aquatic themes! Make a Splash and Makes Waves @ Your Library were as refreshing as a dip in the pool followed by a little reading under the sun. And suddenly, adults were invited to swim too with Water Your Mind. Jump in!
Enter 2011 and One World, Many Stories for kids; You Are Here for teens; and Novel Destination for adults. Learn more about your world, yourself through stories!

In 2012, themes went nocturnal with Dream Big, Own the Night and Between the Covers. Perfect! Fulfilling reading experiences always occur in the comfort of your own bed. The sun sets at night specifically to allow for this.

Excavation reigned in 2013. We dug, went below the surface and broke ground. Guess what lives in the dirt? Bugs! Please let me enjoy my book without a case of the heebie-jeebies.

Science was boss in 2014. Kids had Fizz, Boom, Read!; teens were prompted to Spark a Reaction; and adults indulged in Literary Elements. It’s three years later and science itself is suspect! Grrr.

2015 featured Marvelous themes. Every Hero Has a Story, Unmask, and Escape the Ordinary pleased cape crusading readers (and librarians) of all ages. Books to the rescue!

2016 themes emphasized the undeniable link between mental and physical health. For kids, it was On Your Mark, Get Set, Read! Teens were encouraged to Get in the Game while adults were reminded to Exercise Your Mind. How do you lessen treadmill monotony? With a book, of course!

2017. Our eleventh summer reading program together. And this year, I truly mean together. For the first time, we will share the same theme. Let’s Build a Better World, one book at a time. We’ll explore cultural diversity, the environment, and innovation. We’ll share music and art and witness huge bubbles. We’ll eat and cook and eat some more. And of course, we’ll reward you. Summer reading begins June 1. Come along for the ride.

Alicia Mangin, Youth Services Librarian