Do you struggle to bring boys into the library and get them excited about libraries and books? You may find helpful info in the American Libraries article Connect Guys With Books.
It is the story of how the New Albany–Floyd County (Ind.) Public Library implemented a “Guys Read” program series, which was designed to attract boys to the library and get them excited about books, with the help of local high school teacher and “Twitter legend” Paul Hankins (@PaulWHankins). The program involves Skyping with “guy-friendly” authors.
If it turns out that you just don’t have your own version of Hankins, you can still offer Skype chats at your library. Carefully choose books and authors likely to appeal to your male audience. (If you’re not sure, ask some guys.) Then, check out the Skype an Author Network, which lists potential guests, many of whom will offer brief “meet ’n greet” chats for free. Just make sure to check with them before you purchase books or supplies for your program.
Connecting boys with books is a perennial hot topic among librarians, and a program like this may be just what you need to inspire the young male readers you serve.
Good luck!
Guy Reads – Shelf 1 (Photo credit: Enokson)
A Life in Libraries 
Cheryl,
I home-schooled my children for 10 years and we visited our local library several times a week. My son was excited about going to the library and enjoyed reading – until he got into middle school. (sigh) He started attending a public school in 8th grade and has only read when it is assigned. I don’t know what happened. Both of my daughters love reading as much as I do. My son is 18 now and I so hope that he takes up reading for pleasure again.
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This is a fairly common phenomenon. Kids use the library until they are teenagers, then they fall away, and may come back as adults. Many libraries are really trying to cultivate and keep a teen following by having special programs, teen advisory boards, etc. Your son may find his way back. (And don’t forget–libraries are for much more than reading too!)
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