I've been checking out books to students for the summer for the past 11 years and usually get a great response!
Students can borrow up to 10 books out for the summer. I give them a tote bag (theirs to keep after the summer) and print out a list of what books are going into the bag. Parents and students say this helps them keep track of which books are from school and need to be returned in the fall.
I have a student and parent sign a form that says they are responsible for the books over the summer and will return them in good condition or pay for a replacement. Typically, all books are returned without a problem.
I also invite the incoming students to take advantage of this summer checkout. We're a 7-8 school so 6th grade students can come and borrow middle school books for the first time.
I try to offer a mix of before and after school hours and at least one evening for summer checkout.
I love that the books are with readers all summer instead of sitting on the shelves!
I use book fair profit to purchase the bags (the first couple years I was able to use grant money). I usually choose a few different designs and get more than 50 at at time so I get them for $1.90 each.
Lisa Polack
School Librarian
Ellington Middle School