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G2S Project Code: 2020-AL-85727
State: Alabama
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
Alabama Public Library Service

Project Director
Director Name: Nancy C. Pack
Director Phone: (334) 213-3902
Director Email: npack@apls.state.al.us
General Information
Title: Summer Library Program
State Project Code: AL
Start Date: 10/01/2020
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The statewide summer library program encouraged children to read and maintain their reading skills during the summer months.  Studies show that students who take part in their local library’s summer library program significantly improve their reading skills which helps them as they return to school.  As the SLAA for Alabama, it was our intention to assist our public libraries with their individual summer library programs by providing SLP materials and manuals for their use.   
State Goal: Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$18,440.00
$0.00
$0.00
$18,440.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
After-school activities
Reading Program (Summer Reading)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: SLP Materials
Narrative:

Materials were distributed, including an onlineplanning manual, posters, reading logs, bookmarks, and certificates.  The majority of public libraries participatedin this program although adjustments were made due to the ongoing COVID-19pandemic.   Based on submitted statistics:  87 libraries held in-person programs; nineheld virtual programs; and 37 held hybrid programs (in-person/virtual).  A total of 5,405 programs were held with anattendance of 238,933 participants.  "Tails and Tales" was the2021 theme for children, teens, and adults.   An exact number ofmaterials distributed could not be ascertained.  An online planning manualwas made available. 


 


Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Combined physical & digital


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 0
Number of software acquired: 0
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 225
Number of electronic materials acquired: 1
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 225
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I am satisfied that the resource is meeting library needs.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: Applying the resource will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Having free Summer Library Program (SLP) materials and manuals provided to our public libraries enables them to plan and implement programs throughout the summer (and sometimes all year long) more easily because the themes are already set up for them. Please see the attached document for comments from public libraries.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
With the collaborative SLP initiative, we can help the libraries more easily determine how they want to proceed with vital SLP programs. The SLP is instrumental in helping students bridge the reading gap between one school year and the next. Many of the students who participate in the SLP enter the next school year at a higher reading level thanks to reading throughout the summer.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
When possible, libraries are able to determine how the SLP has benefited the youth in their communities based on school reading scores and Accelerated Reader (AR) rankings. 2020 was a year for the record books. The libraries' SLP offerings were somewhat affected by COVID-19 but they still found a way. In a time of isolation, patrons still had access to library services even if they were delivered in nontraditional ways.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
No
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: Summer Library Program