Kids Elect "Best Book Series"
by Andrea Rubin, Southwest County Regional Library |
With the 2008 presidential election having been dubbed as one of the most important presidential elections in contemporary times, the staff in the youth services department at Southwest County Regional Library knew that voter response would be strong. In order to share some of the excitement surrounding this year’s election with our patrons younger than 18 years of age we decided to hold an election of our own. Rather than have kids and teens vote for president, we had them vote for which popular series they felt was most deserving of the title, “Best Book Series.” In order to attract a range of voters, three different ballots were prepared: one for voters in grades K-3, one for voters in grades 4-6, and one for voters in grades 7 and up.
As a way in which to best replicate the voting process, an authentic voting booth was set up, votes were cast in privacy and then voters were asked to place their ballots in the official ballot box. While fewer ballots were cast than for the presidential election, we are pleased to announce that over 300 children and teens voted in the election. The results of the election were not much of a surprise. “Best Book Series” for grades K-3 went to picture book series Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor. “Best Book Series” for grades 4-6 went to Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, and “Best Book Series” for grades 7 and up went to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. It was exciting to see even some of our youngest patrons struck by election fever. |
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Posted: 11/06/08 |
