The Effectiveness of Summer Reading Programs in Public Libraries in the United States

Locke, Jill. The Effectiveness of Summer Reading Programs in Public Libraries in the United States (Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh, 1988).

The previous studies showed:

• Any summer reading plan is better than no plan, but a library reading program is superior. (Cook, 1952)
• An experimental group that received individual library attention achieved significant gains in reading comprehension, speed and vocabulary when compared to a control group which received no library attention. (Bogensen, 1960)
• An experimental group showed a gain in ability of seven months after a summer of weekly bookmobile visits and completing a reading record log. (Aasen, 1956)
• A significant gain in reading ability was noted among first graders participating in the public library summer reading program. (Howes, 1986)
• The number of books read in the summer is not as important a factor as enrollment in a summer reading program. (Carter, 1988)

Jill Locke's study showed that public libraries successful in reaching more than eight percent of their child population in the summer reading program have:

• Less restrictions in program design
• Stated goals and objectives
• A marketing strategy
• Evaluation methods
• Trained children's specialists

[Note: this dissertation is in the collection of the New York State Library.]