[Publib] summer reading program prizes

[Ann Brown]

We don't give out grand prizes at the end of the SRP.  Our Friends group
pays for the program, but doesn't give us enough for big prizes.  We
give out coupons from local fast food places for certain amounts of
reading time and try to give the coupon worth the most as the final
prize.  We used to have a treasure chest full of small items that the
kids could choose from for various amounts of time spent reading, but
last year decided it was more trouble than it was worth-kids would spend
15 minutes pawing through the treasure chest trying to find the very
best prize and then after they left we would find the "treasure" dropped
on the floor or a shelf somewhere in the children's area.

 

We didn't have any problems with expectations of big awards, because we
have never done it the other way.

 

Ann Brown

Director

Duncan Public Library

Duncan, OK

 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Gayla Tennison
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 4:42 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] summer reading program prizes

 

Does anyone NOT give out grand prizes at the end of their summer reading
program. For the past few years we have given out small toys and coupons
throughout the summer and a grand prize at the end. Cheating is rampant
- not just a few. We tried doing titles and 6th graders would put down
board books. We tried time logs and a kid and PARENT tried to tell me
the kid read 27 hours a day for 8 wks straight. He turned in something
like 2000 hours. Last year we tried passing out tickets and limiting the
time they could enter the grand prize drawing. They still cheat! 

 

This year we are strongly considering not having grand prizes and just
giving little things away. 

 

Does anyone not give out grand prizes? If so, what is the justification
you give to angry parents and city management, after said parents have
called to complain?

 

Gayla Tennison

 

Library Director

Burleson Public Library



 

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