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)