Dear Michigan Summer Library Program Planners,

Please find attached a statement on the 2020 Artwork from the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). As the State Representative to CSLP for Michigan, I apologize in advance for any troubles this presents as you are planning and purchasing for this summer.

In the Spring of 2018, I saw sketches at the CSLP 2018 Annual Meeting. Throughout 2018 and early 2019 the CSLP art committee worked with the artist and even invited the inclusion committee’s input. During this time, we at CSLP did not realize the negative impact of pairing sacred Native symbols with fairytale images.

Since recognizing this issue, CSLP has made a lot of effort to reach out to tribal librarians, Native American educators, and tribes. In early November when the conversation with the CSLP Board began, I made sure to reach out to one of our tribal librarians here in Michigan and appreciated her insight on the issue. CSLP asks that libraries honor the attached statement and not display any of the posters that have Native symbols, if you have already purchased them.

In terms of next steps, the online manual files have been updated to remove any clip art or reproducible that features Native symbols. CSLP has also updated the online shop. If you would like a refund on any posters you’ve already received, details on how to obtain that are in the attached statement.

I have kept State Librarian Randy Riley informed throughout this process, and I encourage you to continue to plan your summer library programming with the “Imagine Your Story” theme. CSLP is implementing a more transparent process for artwork review in the coming years. I will continue to push opportunities for library staff to volunteer and serve on CSLP committees, because it is truly a volunteer driven organization that strives to empower libraries to foster community through summer library programming.

To recap, what you need to know:

Please see the attached Artwork Statement for a full explanation, as well as the steps CSLP is taking to correct the issue.

Note that all four posters as well as any other art containing those images have been removed from the online store and the online manual/artwork downloads. CSLP is working to develop at least one replacement poster and reading log. We hope to make these available within the next few weeks.
If your library has already purchased posters or other artwork containing these images, in the end it’s up to your organization to decide whether or not you want to use the original posters. If you prefer to not use them in light of this information, instructions for returning/exchanging them are also included in the attached statement.

For further information & to reflect, take a look at the Guide to Selecting Anti-Bias Children’s Books.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan