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Maximizing Library Potential Together

Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

2026 Summer Reading Success Stories

Andover Public Library
The Andover Public Library's community enjoyed 7 weeks of summer reading fun. Here are some of our highlights.
  • 676 summer readers registered, with 47% adult readers, 36% children (ages 6-11), 14% Teen (12 - 18), and 9% Toddlers/Preschoolers (ages 0 - 5). We saw an increase in summer reading registration and participation with children and teens this year. We believe it is due to a partnership with our local Pymatuning Valley Schools (PV). The primary, middle, and high schools all offered incentives for their students who complete both the library's SRP log and an additional reading log just for PV students. Both logs must be completed before the students return to school at the end of summer. Our staff visited the schools with presentations and tabled at lunch hours to push registration and the cool incentives.
  • All ages enjoyed 54 programs and events during the 7 weeks.
  • Program highlights:
    • Our teens made Dino Nugget Pillows with the assistance of the local quilting group, The Steeple Stitchers. This highly successful multigenerational program was made possible by the elder members of the quilting group who provided sewing machines, basic sewing lessons, and tons of patience. Several teens commented that this was "The coolest craft ever!"
    • Our adult summer readers showed up in record numbers this year. The reason may be due to our end of summer reading adult party. Registered adults are invited to join us at The Stable Winery in Andover to celebrate. The Stable Winery partners with us to provide the space at no cost and discounted food pricing, which our Friends of the Library funded. It is a beautiful venue, and the "grown-up" setting is appreciated by our adult participants.
    • The littlest summer readers enjoyed a hands-on nature experience with Pymatuning State Park Naturalist, Austyn Hamper. Austyn trekked the trails of the park the morning of the story time event, bringing cool critters that typically live underground. The littles learned what wonders can be found when we "Unearth A Story" with local nature. 
    • Our low-cost children's end of summer party is always a big hit. We just provided sprinklers, squirt guns, simple fun activities, and some cool tunes for an awesome way to celebrate our readers.
    • We are fortunate to have a beautifully landscaped StoryBook Trail in our greenspace. We displayed the book "I Am America" by Charles Smith, Jr. Any community member can participate, but our summer readers loved the interactive adventure that was included with the installment. The last kiosk featured a QR code that when scanned provided permission and a form to upload their selfie. We displayed the photos inside the library with the title "We are all America". The photos were so sweet. 
-Submitted by Maria F.

Kaubisch Library Adult Summer Reading
Using the Unearth A Story theme, I added, "Indiana Jones Style". There was a "map" with scratch-off stickers with one of three symbols beneath: glasses, hat and whip, and a snake. Each symbol corresponded to different types of categories. Glasses=Conduct Research, Hat/Whip=Go on an Adventure, Snake=Do an activity you are "afraid" of. There were 10 activities for Research and Adventure. People filled out tickets for each activity they completed for a chance to win various gift cards. We finished Summer Reading with our first Outdoor Movie (Raiders of the Lost Ark) in downtown Fostoria, with help of local businesses.

-Submitted by Shallon G.