A Community’s Need Becomes a Community Opportunity

For a public library, summer is possibly the busiest time of year. It’s when some version of a summer reading program is offered. Aimed at reducing what researchers call the “summer slide,” library summer reading initiatives provide enrichment and learning for children while they’re out of school. From reading challenges to clubs, and from STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs to adventure opportunities, kids of all ages can be active and have fun learning at their local library throughout the summer.

Led by Library/Community Services Manager Beth Morris, Richmond Public Library’s Summer Reading Program offers all of this and more. Year after year, Morris and a group of dedicated Youth Services Librarians team up to attract Richmond’s youngest learners to summer reading events in new and exciting ways. Cool prizes, enjoyable performers, and hands-on projects all create interest and enthusiasm. However, like many public libraries, Richmond Public Library could offer more – if only there were more staff.

And so, this was how the idea to offer a mutually beneficial internship program was born. College-aged students interested in literacy and education would work at one of our library locations throughout the summer. The hoped-for results: an increase in program attendance and a well-structured, career-building educational opportunity for young adults.

What began in 2023 as a two-intern pilot program blossomed into a system-wide initiative in 2024, when 10 bright, dedicated interns served our libraries. Each location gained a young leader who brought fresh energy and new perspectives to summer programming. These interns led storytimes, created book displays, and fulfilled patron requests. They added coverage wherever and whenever it was needed, all while gaining valuable work and career skills.

• The 2024 Summer Reading Program’s attendance increased 52.6% over 2023’s program.
• The number of STEAM/STEM programs offered quadrupled.
• New storytimes were added across all branches, sometimes at the families’ requests.
• Interactive programs such as Teeny Tiny Farm, Mad Science, and others had full attendance.

However, this program’s success is not just told through numbers – the RIPPLE (the name of our library’s mascot) effect was much greater. Interns became vital members of their branch’s teams, taking the lead in essential projects, assisting staff with program preparation, and creating welcoming spaces for patrons of all ages. Near the end of the internship program, one young visitor to the East End Branch asked, “Is Ms. Tee coming back to see us?” – a clear testament to the meaningful connections that had been formed.

Nervous about her first storytime, Ginter Park Branch Intern Keshra was informed by Rachel, the Youth Services Librarian, that they might see up to 20 attendees, a typical number for this type of program. Keshra felt confident until more than 30 parents and their energetic wards crowded into the library for this event.

After the Summer Reading Finale, the interns were brought together for a concluding exercise and asked how the program could be improved. We were delighted that 100% of the participants indicated they would recommend the internship to their peers. This year, with unanimous Branch Manager support, we’re strengthening the program by adding a pre-internship orientation, extended training opportunities, and a midpoint check-in for peer support and feedback.

As our East End Branch Intern Tee shared, “I didn’t understand or appreciate the full power of the library until this internship.” With insightful and engaging students like Tee, we’re looking forward to another fun summer full of opportunities for patrons and library fans of all ages.

– Jennifer Deuell, Library/Community Services Manager – Outreach & Engagement, Richmond Public Library and Susan Revere, Executive Director, Richmond Public Library Foundation