Get Caught Reading Month &
Older Americans Month
In turning the calendar to May, you might be ready for new book displays, bulletin boards, or Facebook posts. The month of May boasts many familiar celebrations like May Day, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day. But this month is also recognized as
- National Photography Month
- National Inventors Month
- National Bike Month
- National BBQ Month
- National Get Caught Reading Month
All suitable for book displays to great patrons. The one that resonates most with library workers and book lovers everywhere is Get Caught Reading Month. The Association of American Publishers founded this campaign in 1999. It’s now managed by Every Child A Reader and receives support from the Lois Lenski Covey Foundation. This campaign actually runs all year long, with May designated as Get Caught Reading Month.
Among the many ideas to promote Get Caught Reading Month at your library:
- Set up a Get Caught Reading event in your community and invite local radio and television personalities and other community figures to read aloud at the library
- Stage pictures with kids reading to family members—or to family pets
- Switch up local book discussion groups for the month and have kids, teens, and adults read and discuss the same book.
- Ask children to draw their own version of someone they caught reading and post their drawings throughout the library
The website provides teachers and librarians with bulletin board-sized posters of authors, sports starts, and TV personalities "caught reading" their favorite book. From the website, find posters featuring author Kate DeCamillo, actor Mayim Bialik, WNBA player Sue Bird, and more at the button below.
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Alongside the above recognitions that the month of May if known for, May is designated “Older Americans Month.” In 1963, this celebration was originally titled “Senior Citizens Month” by President Kennedy; it was President Carter’s administration that re-named it Older Americans Month in 1980.
The 2022 theme is “Age My Way,” a theme selected to focus on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. From the Older Americans Month website: “ In 2022, 'Age My Way' sets up an opportunity to look at the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. Programming can center on how planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections all play a role in aging in place—emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique."
The OAM website suggests ideas such as asking older adults to share or read stories, perhaps in connection with a senior center. Ask local school students to interview older adults in the community and help them write their biographies, then plan a program at which the students read aloud their stories.
Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation in May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Making Older Americans Month a perfect occasion for library book displays, bulletin boards, social media shout-outs. Find more at the button below, including posters to help with your local promotions, along with activities and resources to use in local planning. Learn more about Older Americans Month and share your plans with each other on LIBRARY TALK!
Tuesday and Thursday This Week
Communications Specialist Emily Bainter sent a bulletin last week with this announcement that bears repeating here. The servers that host the State Library’s SILO services will be undergoing maintenance this week on Tuesday May 3 and Thursday May 5.
Emily explains: “Due to the nature of the work, SILO resources could be unavailable at times or all day; however, the server disruptions should not extend further than these two days. We wanted to let you know in case you receive questions from your patrons or staff. We will create a post on Library Talk early next week with a reminder and will add status updates to the thread throughout each day…”
The following services will be impacted on each day:
Tuesday May 3
- Public Library PLOW websites (about half)
- SILO ILL
- Locator
- SILO Helpdesk System
- Iowa Heritage Digital Collections
Thursday May 5
- Public Library PLOW websites (the other half)
- State Library website
- Iowa Publications Online
Keep an eye on Library Talk this week for SILO maintenance updates.
Thanks for your patience!
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