Billy to Browser: Celebrating Summer Reading
The Milwaukee Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program kicked off June 1st, and comes with a rather interesting background. It all started with the Ancient Order of Bookworms (A.O.B.W.) and a mascot named Billy.
MPL’s Summer Reading Program has a history that dates back to the summer of 1935, beginning with the Third Street Branch. Though it was not yet officially titled the Summer Reading Program, they held a summer vacation reading contest. The goal was to encourage reading by offering a prize each week for the child who read the most books. Weekly meetings were held, each filled with story times, book reviews, songs, and games. At the end of the summer, a larger grand prize was awarded to whoever read the most. In 1936, the Llewellyn Branch picked up a similar idea for a summer reading contest themed “Robinson Crusoe Club”. Children were given a “map” of Crusoe’s Island and checked off a location for every book read.
In 1937, the A.O.B.W. officially began in all library branches. To become an official member, each child had to read a total of sixteen books, five of which had to be non-fiction. After the first book, a membership card was received in a step called “Taking the First Degree.” Throughout the summer, each child would receive various “titles” when a reading milestone was reached. These titles ranged from the First to Third Degree Bookworm. After the sixteenth book was finished, the child would also receive a sash. Finally, the child with the best-written book report, from the list “Fifty Best Books for Boys and Girls”, would become the “Grand Exalted Book Worm” at each branch. The cult-like reading program drew in thousands of young readers, with librarians from all over the state requesting copies of program materials each year.
November of 1937, the South Side Library held the First Convention of the Order of Bookworms. More than 500 were in attendance. The program consisted of a Bookworm Play, singing, announcing the Grand Exalted Bookworms of each branch, and awarding various prizes. Children arrived dressed in costumes, some as bookworms and others as the characters of their favorite books.
Another important part of the Summer Reading Program history is Billy the Bookworm. He was the mascot for the MPL A.O.B.W Summer Reading Program, beginning in 1939 and continuing until his successor, Browser the Library Lion, took over. Billy had made appearances during the Summer Reading Programs, being the centerpiece of many story times. He had made several television appearances over the years and was featured on shows such as Bookworm Playhouse and Billy’s Quiz.
Billy the Bookworm gained a new fan base in recent years since being featured in social media videos on the library's TikTok and Instagram accounts. To make your own crochet Billy please follow these instructions. Special thanks to librarian Casey Lapworth for creating the crochet design for Billy.
Now, MPL’s mascot and Summer Reading Program personality is Browser the Library Lion, who made his first appearance in April of 1985 during National Library 
Week. At the time, he was little more than a sculpted head created by local artist, Bob Geniusz. He didn’t receive the name Browser the Library Lion until MPL held a naming contest during the summer of 1985. Browser was made a “live” mascot in 1993, and wore a headpiece designed to look like the dome atop of the Central Library. He was given a makeover in 2016, and is often featured on MPL’s social media sites.
The structure of the Summer Reading Program has changed quite a bit since 1937, but remains every bit as fun. In 2009, MPL introduced the new Super Reader theme as a way to offer continued support and encouragement of all super reading over the summer months. The Super Reader Squad (Alpha, Blink, Dewey, Fan and Turner), were added in 2018 and have been a part of the Super Reader family ever since.
MPL locations are open and ready for all summer reading needs, story times and special programs. Information about registering for the Summer Reading Program can be found on the MPL website, or by visiting any MPL Branch. A badge is rewarded just for registering, and you and your family can head to any of our locations to pick up a free book. There are no lists of specific books to choose from, each child is free to read what they please.
Summer reading is for all ages and there’s a program for children, teens, and adults. Visit any Milwaukee Public Library or sign up from the Summer Reading webpage to get started. Make sure to stop by the library to choose a free book and a Super Reader Squad window cling or yard sign!