Reading incentive programs

There are a variety of reading incentive programs. There are those devised by librarians that are unique to one library, programs developed by one or more librarians to use throughout a district, good ideas from one librarian that are shared with others for adaptation to their libraries, programs developed by nonprofit educational organizations,and commercial programs developed and sponsored by various companies for various purposes.

The incentive programs I use vary among those. Three times a year students get to check-out an extra book. That is a huge success. I also allow students to come to the library everyday to exchange books. Several children take advantage of that literally on a daily basis. With the Bluebonnet program sponsored by our state library association, students vote on a favorite book among a list of twenty. Some choose to read all of the books and others choose to read the minimum of five to qualify to vote. Others will read only a few that interest them. We also participate in two commercially sponsored programs. Six Flags has a program in which students read a minimum of six hours to earn a ticket good at their theme parks between certain dates. We just finished that one. It is moderately successful. Not all parents encourage their kids to participate. After all, those who earn tickets can't redeem them without someone else having to buy a ticket. I like Pizza Hut's Book It program better. Students who meet reading goals receive a coupon for a personal pan pizza. No purchase necessary. A personal pan pizza can be ordered for take out without buying anything else. Then it becomes a special treat just for that child.

In my opinion though, the best reading incentive is a passive one. When students are given basically free reign to checkout whichever books they choose, they get excited about reading. Prior to becoming a librarian I would have never guessed that nonfiction books would be so very popular, especially with young students. Therefore, a collection that is strong in up-to-date nonfiction is important. Not though to the detriment of the fiction materials of course. It's a joy to watch students eyes light up when they find the perfect book. This type of reading incentive has a snowball effect as students read more they want more. Students also share their new found treasures with their classmates who then they want more also. Sounds greedy, but I can't find fault in wanting to read more and more! I may be just a bit biased though...