Here at CSLP, we’re always looking ahead for our libraries. We’re already making exciting plans for our dinosaur themed 2026 program, Unearth
a Story. However, did you know that 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence? We’ve heard rumblings from some libraries about patriotic festivities and staff already being appointed
on town committees about these celebrations. Some libraries wish to celebrate the 250th during summer reading and are wondering what we might offer.
We need your feedback!
CSLP volunteers created a short survey on this topic so we can better shape our program for 2026. We would love to have your input! https://forms.gle/tT1N5Bk3ztwJQ4x96
CSLP staff will be at Exhibit Booth #154 for ALA’s Annual Conference in San Diego this June 28th-July 1st. If you are attending, please stop by to say hello and get a sneak
peek of 2025’s Color Our World™ artwork!
Summer Sale!
Enjoy 30% off everything in the CSLP Store! storewide! No coupon code needed. Shop the sale here:
https://shop.cslpreads.org
Summer Library Programming Kicks-off
By Cathy Lancaster
Adventure Begins at Your Library™ is off to a great start in libraries across the country! Earlier this month I was able
to take my niece and her best friend around to a couple of summer library programming kick-offs happening right here in mid-Michigan. We began the day at Delta Township District Library, where we enjoyed crafts, root beer floats, and a bounce house. So many
families, of all ages (and even a few dogs), were enjoying bubbles and games on what was a beautiful, sunny Saturday.
Next we headed up to DeWitt District Library’s event, which began by leading us along their StoryWalk® to a large site where they hope to build a new library. There we met with some friendly Llamas,
face painting, and even more outdoor fun. I had arrived just in time to overhear the lead librarian state that they’d run out of packets - there was an overwhelming show of support that day!
Throughout my years as a public librarian, and now in my role as a state representative for the Collaborative Summer Library Program, I have always looked forward to summer library programming kick-off
events. It is that time of the summer that all your planning and hard work has finally come to full fruition. Being a part of that excitement, where the kids and their families are so eager to register for summer reading, is very rewarding. And it is simply
a thrill to watch the “CSLP Official Summer
Library Programming!” Facebook group as all of you share the photos and your hard work with one another. As the summer weeks get longer and hotter, I hope you all take the time
to reflect on and to celebrate the collaborative efforts that make our summer library programs so beneficial to so many of the children, teens, and adults in our communities. May the joy of their summer reading energize you and bring you renewed excitement,
year after year.
Adventure Partner
More than ever, the role of libraries is particularly important in helping children
learn and thrive through reading. Make sure your library's summer reading program is the best it can be with the new CSLP Adventure Begins at Your Library Brag Tags. Proven to increase summer reading participation!
"These Brag Tags are bringing in new patrons. Kids are telling their friends about
the Brag Tags and those kids are dragging their parents to the library so they can earn their own brag tag collection. Best marketing tool I’ve found!” -
Marcy P, Sawyer Community Library
"Thanks to your wonderful Brag Tags and ball chains, our Summer Reading Program more than doubled! Thank you. You have made my job so much easier, gone are the days of worrying about reading participation.”
- Carolyn, Public Librarian
"Our young borrowers cannot read their books fast enough to qualify for the next Brag Tag in the series. This is
the best gift incentive we have offered." - Anne S., Public Librarian
