This year, libraries were faced with the challenge of creating a pandemic responsive summer reading program. We saw this as an opportunity to design a program that had low impact on staffing, kept public safety in mind and helped to establish an inclusive connection with our library members and communities. It was a challenge figuring out how to bring all of those pieces together in a meaningful way that built community while remaining socially distant.

Our design focused on our library’s vision statement, “Kind, Connected Humans” and key strategic priorities. Key elements included:

• Singular game board of expansive activities for all ages and abilities
• No sign-ups and no start or finish line
• Weekly prize submissions inspired by activities
• Photo album of submissions to foster community connection
• No online version to encourage less screen time
• Prizes purchased from local small business
• Kindness journals to promote creative process in a digital anthology

Our members continuously wrote to us about the positive impact the game was having on their families. They found ways to express kindness through a time of global sorrow. We achieved:

• A deep connection with our members
• Families felt safe exploring new things together
• Inclusive activities for all abilities allowed families who had previously been excluded to participate
• Members expressed a sense of belonging and self-confidence
• Community was created through shared experiences