Getting Ready for Summer

Yep, some of us are already in the throes of SLP; some just on the verge. Here at my library we're verge-ins yet. The materials are ready, the surprises are counted out, the database is empty and awaits our first registrants, our team is wrapping up school SLP promotion visits and our mystery bags are ready for their mystery books. Bulletin boards and book displays are just about ready too.

We are putting up  few decorations (although with the Deke Slayton Space Museum nearby and endless kids' collections of Star Wars, we feel like cheaters).  We are holding off doing most decorating because we built in DIY decoration/craft days right away to encourage kids to create space-y fun. Their art will rule the room!

Non-public schools have had their last day and families are flocking into the library already. Public school kids are stopping in after school, excited about what they heard from the children's librarians visiting their schools. Check-out is already creeping out of the May doldrums and our reader's advisory and reference is skyrocketing as well.

What tips will I keep in mind for the next eight weeks when it gets crazy busy?

1. Have fun.
2. Make sure the kids have fun
3. Put aside all other work and concentrate on all the kids in front of us.
4. Don't stress over the boat
5. Do what we do best - connect kids to books and reading
6. Again, have fun!

After all, it, a mere 8-9 weeks out of 52 weeks.

Ok, I'm ready, are you?

Image: 'Take off of Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-117)'  http://www.flickr.com/photos/8228351@N07/536653708

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