View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/cslpreads/cslp-newsletter-may2026-6752473?e=c18caf2bb6> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/ed31fdf7-bdb5...] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/97f21186-cc47-04b...] FREE Patron Webinar Opportunity [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/e24694f5-1bc8-8390-660a-ef107d56a340.jpg]New Dinosaurs? New Discoveries? Ask a Real Paleontologist! Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Time: 1:30 pm Eastern Time (EST) |12:30 pm Central Time (CST) | 11:30 am Mountain Time (MST) | 10:30 am Pacific Time (PST) Library locations register here to attend live: https://amnh.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oVyt6bGNTe6q76ImfKXQ8Q<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=05adbf374f&e=c18caf2bb6> As part of CSLP’s Unearth a Story™ summer reading program, and part of our partnership with AMNH, public libraries and their patrons are invited to a FREE virtual event featuring paleontologist Dr. Aki Watanabe. This event is geared towards families. A 1,000-seat Zoom room is available, and registration for the live event will be capped. The recording will be made available for library programming shortly after the live event. Patrons will find out about: * New dinosaur discoveries that are making headlines around the world * How paleontologists search for and study fossils * The cutting-edge technology helping scientists unlock ancient mysteries * What dinosaur fossils can tell us about evolution, behavior, and life millions of years ago AMNH's expert paleontologist will answer patron questions during the live Q&A portion. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/087fdd89-4b1d-5b6...] Dr. Aki Watanabe shares some of the most fascinating dinosaur finds from the past year. He is an Associate Professor of Anatomy at the New York Institute of Technology and a Research Associate in the Division of Paleontology at the American Museum of Natural History [Image banner that says "Partnership Spotlight" with an image of a T-rex reading a book] [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/28d716a5-723c-45d...] Unearth a Story™ with NewsBank Looking for ways to extend your library's Unearth a Story™ summer reading program? CSLP partner NewsBank has created a dedicated Unearth a Story™ Resource Center featuring tools for library staff, engaging activities for patrons, and a variety of games, articles, and educational content designed to spark curiosity and discovery. From exploring fascinating moments in history to uncovering stories hidden in newspaper archives, these resources help readers of all ages dig deeper into this year's theme while encouraging lifelong learning. Explore their resources today: Library Staff Resource Center<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=1ea5e58e2a&e=c18caf2bb6>: Unearth a Story™ Resource Center for Library Professionals Patron Activities Center<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=51d726907e&e=c18caf2bb6>: Unearth a Story™ Games, Articles, and Activities For more information, contact NewsBank at newsbankmarketing@newsbank.com<mailto:newsbankmarketing@newsbank.com>. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/68c28bca-d660-9bd...] Member library staff are welcome to join the Theme & Slogan Committee to provide input on the 2029 slogan and the 2030 theme in a live session format. No need to attend both. Choose your date/time: Listening Session Option #1 Thursday, August 13 at 1pm EST/12pm CST/11am MST/10 am PST Join us on Zoom<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=238a32294d&e=c18caf2bb6> - no need to register Listening Session Option #2 Tuesday, August 18 at 4pm EST/3pm CST/2 pm MST/1 pm PST Join us on Zoom<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=45fa4ca95c&e=c18caf2bb6> - no need to register [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/4e87cc3e-9984-099...] Mark your calendars! Our survey opens in a month! To support CSLP’s vision to ensure vibrant summer reading programs are available to everyone through their library, the Statistics Committee is requesting your library’s data on your summer reading program. All public libraries that do summer programming are welcome to complete our survey, regardless of whether you used CSLP's theme. Survey Opens: Monday, July 20, 2026 Survey Closes: Friday, September 11, 2026 The survey will cover three age groups: Children (0-11), Teens (12-18), and Adults (19+) [age categories as defined by the Institute of Museum and Library Services] To prepare, here are a few key requests the survey will include: * How your library tracks participation in your summer library program. * Total number in each of the three age groups who participated in your summer library program. * Total number in each age group who completed the minimum goal. * Total number of summer library program-themed events for each age group. * Total number of individuals attending summer library program-themed events for each age group. Look for the link to the annual survey on July 20th from your State Rep, from our newsletter blast, on our social media, and on our webpage at https://cslpreads.org<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=31705e7133&e=c18caf2bb6>. Thank you for helping us create a complete national data picture of summer reading 2026! We look forward to your responses! [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/4277c4ff-f5e6-c1a...] Do you have an eye for art and design, and prior summer reading experience? Are you passionate about artwork that resonates with libraries of all sizes and locales? CSLP is seeking volunteer applicants to serve on our Artwork Committee. Committee members play a vital role in guiding the visual direction of future themes and ensuring artwork is inclusive, engaging, and relevant for the different communities our member libraries serve. Committee Composition and Time Commitment: The Artwork Committee consists of approximately 15-20 members, including State Representatives and frontline library staff with summer reading program experience. Committee members will serve for two theme cycles (2028 Libraries Are Legendary and 2029's nature theme with slogan to be determined in September), beginning work on August 1, 2026, providing continuity and perspective throughout the artwork development process. This two-year commitment involves monthly virtual meetings and ~2-4 hours of work each month. CSLP committees also use Basecamp (a project management app) to collaborate. Responsibilities include: ● Recommending and reviewing artists for the 2028 and 2029 themes ● Helping develop artist briefs, project scopes, and creative expectations ● Reviewing and providing feedback on initial poster concepts and subsequent design drafts ● Helping identify spot art needs that support both library marketing efforts and CSLP products ● Reviewing spot art concepts and multiple rounds of revisions ● Collaborating with the Vendor Committee on artwork-related product needs ● Providing feedback on member surveys related to artwork and products Apply here: https://forms.gle/V7ifAdg13pCTkHHN6<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=35634291b1&e=c18caf2bb6> Application Deadline: July 24, 2026 We encourage applicants from a variety of public library sizes to apply. Diverse perspectives help to create artwork that truly serves all our member libraries. [https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/3c8f9ee8-7170-9277-4d16-63c04fae92b4.jpeg][https://mcusercontent.com/043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405/images/ab5d6fd2-95f5-192f-debe-e58fed67a745.jpeg] Dino Decoupage Decor Spotlight At the Johnson County Public Library<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=e8ba3c81fc&e=c18caf2bb6> located in Paintsville, Kentucky, Summer Reading Program patrons pose with Fran the Diplodocus, the library’s newest volunteer. She is a cardboard and papier-mache creation built by members of the programming department. Fran spends her days greeting patrons at the front desk and giving hugs to anyone who needs one. The two patrons are Elijah and his daughter, Aubrey. Parents, Elijah and Shelby, permitted CSLP to use this photo. Partner List<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=e535565012&e=c18caf2bb6> Was this forwarded to you? Click here to sign up for your own copy of the newsletter!<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=9135c38157&e=c18caf2bb6> [Facebook]<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=1fd530b198&e=c18caf2bb6> [Pinterest]<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=db74563153&e=c18caf2bb6> [Website]<https://cslpreads.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=043a7515ceb3ad45bdd2dd405&id=414fbd2fb7&e=c18caf2bb6> Copyright © 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.