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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-25; Library Board of Trustees; 03; Youth Reading Engagement InitiativesMarch 25, 2026 Item #3 Page 1 of 2 Meeting Date: March 25, 2026 To: Library Board of Trustees From: Suzanne Smithson, Library & Cultural Arts Director Staff Contact: Marin Faeyera, Librarian marin.faeyera@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5364 Allyson Goodwin, Senior Librarian allyson.goodwin@carlsbadca.gov Ashleigh Hvinden, Librarian ashleigh.hvinden@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2866 Subject: Youth Reading Engagement Initiatives District: All Recommended Action Receive a report on three of the library’s youth reading engagement initiatives. Executive Summary The Carlsbad City Library has a variety of reading initiatives for patrons of all ages. This presentation will provide an overview of three self-directed programs created for young people from birth through eighteen years of age: • 1000 Books Before Kindergarten designed for ages of birth to 5 years old • 50 Books Before Middle School Promotion designed for readers in grades six through eight • 100 Books Before High School Graduation designed for readers in grades nine through twelve Explanation & Analysis None. Fiscal Analysis No financial impact. Next Steps None. LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES March 25, 2026 Item #3 Page 2 of 2 Environmental Evaluation The proposed action is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) and does not require environment review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) and 15061(b)(3), because the proposed action to report on the department’s reading initiatives is an organizational or administrative government activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Any subsequent action or direction stemming from the proposed action may require preparation of an environmental document in accordance with CEQA or CEQA Guidelines. Exhibits None. YOUTH READING ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES Ally Goodwin, Senior Librarian Marin Faeyera, Librarian Ashleigh Hvinden, Librarian Library & Cultural Arts Department March 25, 2026 2 READING INITIATIVES AT THE LIBRARY •Book clubs •In-N-Out Cover to Cover program •Winter Reading Challenge •Summer Reading Adventure •Paws to Read & Reading Intervention ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 3 TODAY’S PRESENTATION •An overview of three self-directed initiatives: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten 50 Books Before Middle School Promotion 100 Books Before High School Graduation •Participation numbers ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 4 READING ENGAGEMENT OBJECTIVES •Encourages and incentivizes lifelong reading •Gives readers a sense of accomplishment ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 5 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN •Inspired by research from American Academy of Pediatrics •Benefits of reading regularly with young children Boosts brain development Strengthens parent-child bonds ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 6 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN •How it works: A self-paced initiative using Beanstack Register online or download the app Reading 1,000 books is easier than you think! ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 7 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN •Milestones & rewards: Earn fun incentives at 250, 500, 750 and 1000 books •Early literacy practices are based on Every Child Ready to Read principles ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 8 STATISTICS Year​Registrations​Books Read​Completions​ 2022​519​30,087​39​ 2023​380​35,158​15​ 2024​424​38,757​14​ 2025​371​44,160​1​ Total​1,694 148,162 69 ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 9 TEEN READING INITIATIVES •Inspiration came from peer libraries •Purpose: Ties in with American Library Association competencies Encourage reading for pleasure ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 10 HOW IT WORKS •Readers register in Beanstack •Teens write down the titles they have read •When 10 books are logged, a badge will light up •Emails are sent by Beanstack to inspire progress •These initiatives are accessible without technology ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 11 REWARDS •Participants can earn the following: Registration: A book and branded pin board A book themed pin for every 10 books read A graduation lei for completing the program ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 12 PARTICIPATION 7850 Books Before Middle School Promotion registration numbers 54 100 Books Before High School Graduation registration numbers 5months 5 completions ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 13 CONCLUSION •All initiatives accessible through Beanstack •We invite you to spread the word •Sponsored by the Friends of the Carlsbad Library ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES 14 ITEM 3: READING INITIATIVES