Adult Summer Reading Program FAQ's

Adult Summer Reading Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Adult Summer Reading?
For the first time, JPL is participating in the adult component of the Summer Reading Program. This year’s “Express Yourself” theme is all about creativity and “mastering the art of reading”. It is a more grown-up version of the children’s “Be Creative” theme. Anyone can participate. Customers do not have to be artists or performers to join in the fun. More information about the theme and upcoming programs can be found on the Programs & Events page of the JPL site or in the Adult Program Highlights guide.

How do I sign up?
Customers can sign up by filling out a participation form. Copies of this form have been sent to all library locations and should be available at information desks or areas where program flyers are kept. Customers can also sign up by calling 630-0495 or emailing artofreading@coj.net .

The Community Education & Enrichment Office is happy to assist customers wishing to sign up. Please send participation forms directly to the Comm Education & Enrichment office. Staff can also add names to the Excel document used to track participation in G:Shared\Community Education & Enrichment\Summer Reading.

Participation information is being collected primarily to informally gauge the number of adults planning to read arts-related materials and/or attend creativity-based programs. Customers who have signed up for Adult Summer Reading will automatically be eligible for prizes to be awarded at the end of the summer. Each customer is equally eligible for prizes and may not submit multiple participation forms in hopes of increasing their chance of winning a prize.

How does it work?
Customers are invited to read books related to this year’s summer reading theme. They are also encouraged to participate in related thematic programming offered by JPL. There are no reading “requirements.”

To make it fun JPL provides reading logs for customers to keep track of the books they read. Book review forms also allow the customer to give a “Boo” or “Bravo” and comment on the books they read. Staff is encouraged to display book reviews on a bulletin board or other community venue if possible so customers can see what fellow readers have to say about books they’ve read.

Each location received copies of all forms. More are available in PDF format for staff or customers to print on the Adult Summer Reading webpage featured on the Programs & Events page of the JPL site. Branches may also contact the Community Education & Enrichment Office for more copies.

Each branch location has been provided with a copy of the Adult Summer Reading staff manual and has been invited to create book displays, host programs, and otherwise participate in Adult Summer Reading. Each branch will determine its own level of participation. Branches are encouraged to submit information about their programs to the Community Education & Enrichment Office for inclusion in promotion.

When does it start?
Adult Summer Reading takes place from June 1 – August 31. Prizes will be awarded the first week of September.

Where do I take my list of books that I’ve read?
This year JPL is not requesting that adult customers turn in lists of books read. However, we do want customers to submit book reviews for display at the branches. As part of future Adult Summer Reading programs we may collect reading lists or have additional ways for customers to interact with the program.

Other questions?
Feel free to refer customers to Jenny Mooney or Frank Smith in the Comm Ed and En Office at 630-0495 or email artofreading@coj.net.