Frank Carlson "Create a READ poster" CE Project report by Denise De Rochefort-Reynolds

After attending the READ workshop, the Frank Carlson Library’s staff was inspired to make individualized posters as part of our Summer Reading Program. But we couldn’t afford the cost of the official ALA READ poster software so we decided to create our own version without infringing on copyright.

Here’s what we did:

Individualized posters were created for every child who reached his or her reading goal this summer. Each child was allowed to choose where his or her photo would be taken. Some wanted to pose with our SLP cutout, others preferred to sit in a comfortable chair. Outdoor photo opportunities were offered but not chosen.

We used our digital camera and Microsoft Office Publisher to create the posters. We simply imported the picture, positioned it on the page, and, using a text box, added the 2009 SLP theme at the bottom of the poster. Then we printed the poster in full color on plain paper. Each staff member was taught how to do this and by the end of the program, every staff member had an opportunity to create at least one poster. To make the posters even more unique, we varied the font for each poster. We made the posters “on demand,” that is whenever a child met the reading goals.

We made two copies of each poster. The first copy went home with the child. The second copy was posted on our giant bulletin board. By the end of the summer we had quite an array of posters on display.

Because the posters were going to be displayed, we did not include any child’s name.

We did not publicize this project with a press release or other conventional means. But the growing display of posters drew quite a bit of interest.

We thought that the individualized posters given as a prize for meeting reading goals was a good way to support this year’s theme: Be Creative @ Your Library.