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 download and complete this New York Summer Reader Order Request Excel documentExcel document, and e-mail as an attachment to SUPPORT@EVANCEDSOLUTIONS.COM. After you e-mail the Summer Reader request form, 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 electronic copy of Summer Reader, passwords to access the administrative side of the software, and customer support information from Evanced Solutions. Sign up...Your page will come installed with banners for Young Children, Children, and Teen Programs. Each banner uses the current year's CSLP graphics along with the Summer Reading at New York Libraries logo. Also included in the software for New York State public libraries are certificates, using the CSLP graphics, to print out and award to participants.

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

Videos of all training webinars are now available for viewing. To view each webinar, click on the link provided to register. You only need to rewister once and can view the webinars as often as needed.

Why Online Summer Reading?

Register HERE: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/154102338external 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! 

New York Advanced SR User Session

Register HERE: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/277906314external 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 2012.  We’ll cover how to clean up and archive your 2011 programs, how to transfer patron data in to your 2012 program, how to apply the 2012 reading program templates, 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

Register HERE: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/675322082external 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.  (**Highly recommend that 201 attendees also take 301, also on April 10 and linked below**)

Summer Reader 301

Register HERE: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/450627826external link; opens in a new window

After you’ve attended Summer Reader 201 and had a break, join us again for this afternoon 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. (**Highly recommend that 301 attendees also take 201, also on April 10 and linked above**)

New York Advanced SR User Session

Register HERE:https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/286364650external 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 2012.  We’ll cover how to clean up and archive your 2011 programs, how to transfer patron data in to your 2012 program, how to apply the 2012 reading program templates, 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 Frequently Asked Questions

Register HERE: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/553394914external link; opens in a new window

This session is perfect for those libraries that use Summer Reader but have questions they’ve been meaning to ask.  We’ll give you a chance to send in your questions beforehand through a survey form, but if you decide to just show up and ask away, not a problem!  If we still have time after your questions, we’ll review other questions that come up most often!

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 20, 2012 -- asm