­­Right before ALA's Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Evanced Solutions (ALA Booth #1103), a library software developer, will offer a sneak peek of Wandoo Reader—a gamified reading tracker— to ALA attendees during an exclusive-to-ALA-attendees webinar “Gamify Your Summer Reading Programs: How to Increase Participation and Completion with Wandoo Reader” on June 18 at 1 p.m. ET.

Both a reading tracker and a game, Wandoo Reader features a new story, graphics, and game theme annually. For 2014, young library patrons play a virtual robot-building game. As children record their reading, they progress through difficulty levels geared to their individual reading abilities. Along the way, they can unlock different robot-part combinations to build their own unique robot. Children will also receive game codes that unlock special robot parts and incentivize return visits to the library. At the end of the library’s reading program, participants can print and share their robot creations. Each user account is automatically saved, enabling librarians to easily track reading development all year long and from year to year.

“With the ability to customize and build more than 10,000 unique robots and win incentives, Wandoo Reader empowers children to develop their reading levels further and continue gameplay even after summer ends,” said Rob Cullin, president and co-founder of Evanced Solutions. “The program takes reading to the next level by offering a true gaming experience for kids while easing the administrative load for library staff."

The webinar is free and exclusive to ALA attendees and geared for all public library decision-makers, including directors, deputy directors, and assistant directors. (All attendees will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card to boot.) During the webinar, attendees will see Wandoo Reader in action and learn tips and tricks to help get the most out of their seasonal reading programs. (Wandoo Reader is compliant with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and can run as a standalone product or in conjunction with Evanced Solutions’ classic Summer Reader program.) Register to watch at www.evancedsolutions.com/webinars.