Summer Reading at New York Libraries logoSummer Reader Online Registration Tool

Sign-up | Training | Information

In 2010, the New York State Library began offering statewide access to Summer Reader, an online registration tool developed by Evanced Solutions, to New York's public libraries and neighborhood branches.

Summer Reader is a web-based online summer reading registration system that allows children, teens and adults to track their reading, monitor the prizes they’ve won, write reviews, and much more.  Summer Reader also allows library staff to easily manage summer reading programs, draw prizes, and build exciting educational programs that fit the needs of local communities. Summer Reader can also be used year-round for other public library reading-based programs.

The State Library is offering Summer Reader online registration software to all public libraries in New York State as a component of the statewide program Summer Reading at New York Libraries. This software tool will enable libraries to further enhance summer reading programs, to increase participation and to streamline the collection and reporting of data on program participation and related activities. Use of the software is voluntary. The software comes ready to use, but libraries may further customize the software to meet local needs.

Sign Up for Your Library’s or Library System’s Instance (electronic copy) of Summer Reader

If you do not have Summer Reader, please complete this survey*external link opens in a new window. You will receive an e-mail reply with all of the necessary information that you'll need to get started with Summer Reader, including web links to your library's Summer Reader site, passwords to access the administrative side of the software, and customer support information from Evanced Solutions.

For 2013, all New York Summer Reader sites have been upgraded to the newest version of Summer Reader (version 10) and have all New York-specific templates in place. Please take a moment to read this brief article explaining the changes in Version 10external link opens in a new window. Libraries can begin using Summer Reader and setting up their programs.

*If you have had a Summer Reader site in previous years, please do not fill out the survey. Contact SUPPORT@EVANCEDSOLUTIONS.COM, and your Summer Reader info will be sent to you.

For details on how to apply your Summer Reader themes (artwork), visit Evanced's Knowledge Baseexternal link opens in a new window.

Summer Reader Training

We recommend public library staff and public library system staff involved with the summer reading program, as well as IT staff at public libraries and public library systems, register for Evanced Summer Reader Training Sessions as needed.

To register for any ongoing Summer Reader Training Session, please go directly to the Evanced Training Calendarexternal link; opens in a new window; "mouseover" over any Training Session on calendar to see a full description.

New York State Summer Reader Training Webinar Sessions

Webinars will be archived after the live presentations. Your registration login will allow you to view the archived session(s).

Training:

Why Summer Reader? March 18, 2013  11:00 am – 11:30 am - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/379000970external link opens in a new window

This session is perfect for those libraries that might not be sure if Summer Reader is right for them!  We’ll discuss how you can use Summer Reader to fit your library’s needs, no matter how big or small your community may be.  We’ll also discuss how to use Summer Reader as a statistics management tool even if you’d like to still use paper logs.  We’ll review how to handle Summer Reader sign ups using Summer Reader and explain how Summer Reader improves reading program completion rates! 

Summer Reader 201  March 21, 2013 10:00 am – 11:00 am - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/756194442external link opens in a new window

This session will review how staff and patrons interact with Summer Reader and is perfect for those New York Libraries that have not used Summer Reader before are ready to start.  You’ll learn just how easy it is for patrons to access the site from the library, home or their smartphone, plus we’ll review how staff can quickly access information.

Summer Reader 301  March 21, 2013  1:00 pm – 2:30 pm  - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/158017802external link opens in a new window

After you’ve attended Summer Reader 201 (or have the basics of Summer Reader down pat) join us again for this session that will review the Summer Reader set up process and discuss exactly what you’ll need to do to ensure your program is a success and fits the parameters of the New York State Summer Reading Program!  Topics will include program set up, using style sheet templates (your NYS reading program graphics), using Summer Reader for prize notifications, using reading certificates, setting up reading logs and more.

Advanced Summer Reader Training for Repeat Users April 3, 2013 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/657517754external link opens in a new window

This session is for those New York State libraries that have used Summer Reader before but want a refresher as they prepare for 2013.  We’ll cover how to clean up and archive your 2012 programs, the process of statistics reporting and spreadsheet generation and discuss how to set up your Summer Reader program so that it meets the requirements of the New York State Summer Reading Program.

Summer Reader 201  April 15, 2013  1:00 pm – 2:00 pm -https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/970329234external link opens in a new window

This session will review how staff and patrons interact with Summer Reader and is perfect for those New York Libraries that have not used Summer Reader before are ready to start.  You’ll learn just how easy it is for patrons to access the site from the library, home or their smartphone, plus we’ll review how staff can quickly access information.

Summer Reader 301 April 17, 2013  10:00 am – 11:30 am  - https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/566520650external link opens in a new window

After you’ve attended Summer Reader 201 (or have the basics of Summer Reader down pat) join us again for this session that will review the Summer Reader set up process and discuss exactly what you’ll need to do to ensure your program is a success and fits the parameters of the New York State Summer Reading Program!  Topics will include program set up, using style sheet templates (your NYS reading program graphics), using Summer Reader for prize notifications, using reading certificates, setting up reading logs and more.

New York State-Specific Information

Continuous Support

Support is available from Evanced support staff 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. Access to all Evanced support materials, manual, FAQ’s, and recorded trainings are available 24/7/365. Evanced also offers ongoing unlimited free access to product training throughout the year.

For more information on the use of Summer Reader visit the pages and sites listed below:

For more information on Summer Reading at New York Libraries, please contact Karen Balsen, Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development,  New York State Library, (518) 486-2194.

Summer Reading at New York Libraries is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The New York State Library is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department.

Last Updated: April 1, 2013 -- asm