2026 Rules of Use & Trademark Reminder

As libraries gear up for summer marketing, we want to share a quick reminder about CSLP’s Rules of Use and trademark guidelines. For Unearth a Story®, CSLP has formally registered the slogan with the USPTO. This means libraries should use the ™ or ® symbol when referencing the theme, and ensure the © CSLP credit appears on artwork when CSLP graphics are used. These small details help protect our intellectual property and reduce unauthorized or pirated uses. Libraries may create their own marketing materials and apparel—including staff shirts and giveaways—as long as items are not sold and proper trademark and copyright symbols are included.
 
Here’s an example of the correct use of our slogan and Tom Bonson’s work in a design created in Canva:

 



Here’s an example of an incorrect use:


In this example, the ™ is left off of the slogan (or removed), and there’s no © CSLP visible.  If the library wished to replace Tom Bonson’s imagery with some from the Canva library, this is allowable. We ask that if the slogan is used in whichever font you choose, the ™ is attached.
This is also an acceptable use:

Download some fun resources from our 
2026 Summer Reading Champion, Dan Santat!

Dan Santat, CSLP's 2026 Summer Reading Champion, has some wonderful Summer Reading resources available for your library this summer! A colorful, ready-to-hang poster and a free printable drawing activity are both available now. Visit here to view and download!

Also, a free full-sized poster created by Dan Santat will be added to CSLP store orders at no charge (while supplies last) thanks to our partner, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group! Want one for your library? Visit the CSLP store!
 

Follow Dan Santat on Social: @dsantat (IG); @dansantat.bsky.social (BlueSky); https://www.facebook.com/dan.santat/ (Facebook)

Update on CSLP Public Service Announcements (PSAs)

Based on insights from CSLP’s 2025 Annual Survey, we will be discontinuing the production of the longer 1-minute-30-second broadcast PSA that used stock footage and voiceover narration. Survey data and library feedback indicate that traditional broadcast PSAs are used by a relatively small portion of our member libraries. Comments indicated that shorter, flexible video content would be more effective.
 

Moving forward, CSLP will focus resources on shorter, more adaptable promotional video assets designed to better match how libraries actually market their summer reading programs today—maximizing impact while being mindful of member needs and organizational costs. For Summer 2026, we will focus on shorter animations of Tom Bonson’s artwork in 15 and 30-second snippets. These can be used on social media and in-library display screens and branded locally. Video assets will be added to the 2026 online manual this spring, so watch for announcements here and on our website  
 
CSLP is open to feedback about video assets that help market annual themes and summer reading programs in general, so please feel free to share your ideas or comments with Dawn Krause, Executive Director at dawn.krause@cslpreads.org. 

CSLP libraries are preparing to

this summer with 3D Dino fun!

 

Soil Explorers
Chapter 2, pg 72

Using a few simple recycled items, layer dirt, sand, and leaves to create a viewable environment for worms and watch them do their work over the course of a week. Visit the manual for instructions and resources for this activity!

•  Add a nature walk to learn about and discover where worms can be found based on the environments they thrive in, then collect worms to be used in the activity.
• Create worm hotels in groups or individually and allow patrons to take their worm hotel home to view or create worm hotels that stay at the library and can be checked on during other activities/visits throughout the week.
• Discuss composting or invite a guest to speak on soil health and the role of worms in home gardens.