Whether you volunteer at the local library or are a paid staff member, you are probably preparing for the upcoming school year. During the summer, the library is usually the domain of the older crowd, with students off splashing in the pool. Once school begins, the scene changes, as kids flock to the library after classes end for the day.
Businesses use bookmarks for promotion but these are also a great way to get kids to read. Use an online printing service to create full-color bookmarks with attractive designs. Place them in a container at the checkout desk and let young patrons select their favorite one. These days, Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga bookmarks will be flying out of the pile.
Add a recommended reading list to the bookmark so kids know which books are most popular. They will soon be checking these out from the library, eager to read what everyone else recommends. This converts the bookmark into a promotion of sorts, encouraging reading. Change the design and reading list throughout the school year to incent children to develop a habit of reading.
Even a small library should be able to afford online printing of bookmarks. Five hundred 1.5×7-inch bookmarks on 14 point card stock with full color printing cost only $30. As a bonus, some printers throw in double-sided UV high-gloss lamination at no additional charge. This coating makes the bookmark more durable so it can withstand use by children.
To really get young library patrons involved, hold a reading contest several times during the school year. Allow the winner to help design a future bookmark and provide him or her with some new ebooks or hard copy books. Video games are fun to play but there is nothing like some old-fashioned reading to expand the mind of a child.
