The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a third national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> (BCBS) in Spring 2026! BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The discussions and activities will focus on how to connect with communities experiencing marginalization to design and implement summer library services. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with a nationwide cohort of library staff to dig deeply into inclusive summer services. What librarians say about BCBS “I found BCBS very insightful and helpful. We are changing things up! It was great to do the training with co-workers so we could rethink the way we do our summer programming.” “Thank you for the experience! I enjoyed talking to other people from different libraries! It has expanded my knowledge and has changed my point of view on libraries and communities.” Participation Each participating library should be represented by a team of at least two staff members. Libraries are encouraged to send staff from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members: * Active attendance and participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms. * Participation in six sessions including an introductory orientation, four learning sessions, and a wrap-up/review session. * Additional work will be required within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing and planned summer programs and services through an equity lens. Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions. Dates/Times * Sessions take place Tuesdays, March 10, 17, 24, and 30 and April 7 and 14, 2026 * Sessions are 2 hours long: 1:00-3:00 pm ET / Noon-2:00 pm CT / 11:00 am-1:00 pm MT / 10:00am-Noon PT Learn More and Apply CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> and apply<https://www.cslpreads.org/building-community-based-summers/> by the end of business on Monday, January 26, 2026, to be considered for the Spring cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in February. Questions? Contact bcbs@cslpreads.org<mailto:bcbs@cslpreads.org> Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org<http://www.mypronouns.org/> to learn more. LancasterC5@michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan> Follow us: Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/libraryofmichigan/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/libraryofmich> | Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/libraryofmichigan/> [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.
