Many children rely on the library for a safe and stable place to spend time away from school and home. However, staff at the Lewis & Clark Branch have had to contend with the behavioral challenges resulting from the number of unsupervised children who frequent the library for long periods each day. The Game Changers incentive program was developed by the management at Lewis & Clark to address these issues.

After signing a behavior agreement, participants earn tickets for getting good grades at school, assisting library staff, completing volunteer hours and attending select library programs. They can then exchange the tickets in increments of five, 10, 15 or 20 for rewards like key chains, art supplies, basketballs, phone cases, earbuds, bike locks and more. As an added incentive, kids who earn a certain number of tickets throughout the month are eligible to attend a special monthly celebration.

Since the launch of this pilot program in October 2018:

• 264 kids have registered
• 966 tickets have been awarded for good behavior
• 21 prizes have been awarded
• There has been a 14% decrease in incidents

SLCL has received positive feedback from adults, parents, teachers and community partners and been asked to talk about the program at:

• Moline Acres Police Department
• Violence Intervention Program
• ACE Alternative Learning Center
• Various school district classes touring the library