From: CSLPreads.org <custserv@cslpreads.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 6:15 PM
To: Lancaster, Cathy (MDE) <LancasterC5@michigan.gov>
Subject: CSLP Newsletter: Sept 2026

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Sixteen Libraries Selected for Building Community-Based Summers Fall 2026 Cohort

Providing professional development opportunities for our member libraries is a key priority. In fall of 2024, CSLP formed a partnership with the Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) initiative. 18 state library agencies and dozens of public libraries have participated in a series of BCBS learning sessions over the past several years. CSLP is continuing these important conversations around making summer programming community-centered.

The CSLP partnership with BCBS focuses on offering the series of BCBS learning sessions to CSLP member libraries. Learning cohorts of approximately 16 libraries meet over two months in spring or fall. The libraries are selected by an application process. Supported by the CSLP BCBS Project Team, these learning sessions are facilitated by CSLP State Representatives who are engaged in the national BCBS initiative.

We are happy to announce the 2026 Fall cohort, selected from 64 nationwide applications and representing 11 states:

Delta County Library District - Paonia Branch, Paonia, CO
Delta County Library District - Cedaredge Library, Cedaredge, CO
Commerce Township Community Library, Commerce Township, MI
Richard B. Harrison Community Library, Raleigh, NC
Braswell Memorial Public Library, Rocky Mount, NC
Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, NY
Yonkers Public Library, Yonkers, NY
Grace Pickens Public Library, Holdenville, OK
Atglen Public Library, Atglen, PA
Obion County Public Library, Union City, TN
Hondo Public Library, Hondo, TX
Laredo Public Libraries, Laredo, TX
James L. Hamner Library, Amelia County, VA
Culpeper County Library, Culpeper, VA
Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, VT
Madison Public Library, Madison, WI

The four-part learning series began in early October. Sessions covered include the why of summer services, letting go of tradition, connecting with community voices, and measuring progress. Each session will offer opportunities to talk with colleagues about the theme as well as the chance to reflect on what participating library staff are thinking and wondering about. BCBS facilitators work with participants to establish a sense of trust, support, and community within the cohort, helping to provide a space for all voices to be heard and for participants to grapple with uncertainty or discomfort. In past cohort evaluations, participants noted that the opportunity to reflect on equity together and hear diverse perspectives, along with the chance to “learn from other practitioners,” were valuable parts of the experience.

For more information about BCBS, including a self-paced introduction to the learning topics, visit CSLP's Community-Based Summers Guide at https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/.

Thank you to our 2026 Summer Reading Champion, Dan Santat!

Consider joining a CSLP committee!

Volunteering for a CSLP Committee is a great opportunity to develop professionally while also contributing to the CSLP mission. Our committees are the lifeblood of CSLP. Volunteers play a significant role in the success of our organization and programs. While the duties vary, committee obligations generally run for one calendar year. However, CSLP is in the process of changing committee timelines. The obligation for this set of volunteers will run from January 2027- May 2027. Volunteers for the Manual Committees may begin their work before January. All committee work is done virtually, either through email, phone, or online meetings. Attending the CSLP Annual Meeting is not expected for committee volunteers. We are recruiting for all committees, except the Artwork committee.

Most CSLP committees are open to all, however some have limited seats or require previous CSLP experience. Before volunteering, please visit: https://www.cslpreads.org/committees/ to review the committee descriptions.

Apply now through Oct 15th – CSLP Committee Application form
For questions about committees, please contact Jennifer Redford, CSLP President-Elect.

headshot of Laurie A. Conley

CSLP is excited to introduce our featured artist for 2027, Laurie A. Conley! Laurie created posters, slogans, program images, and even some mysterious characters to help bring our 2027 theme, Mysteries Await at Your Library, to life at your library next summer.

Learn more about Laurie A. Conley and the exciting (and mysterious!) upcoming artwork here.

Join us online, December 3rd for the 2026 Summer Symposium. Registration coming this fall!

We are excited to announce our current CSLP board and committee positions! Please note that (*) denotes those recently elected or re-elected during the Sept 2026 election.

CSLP Board of Directors:

President (2027) - Jennifer Redford
President-Elect (2028) - *Kelly McCabe
Past President (2027) - Abby Chumin
Secretary (2027 & 2028) - *Darby Porter
Treasurer (2026 & 2027) - Matt McLain
Board Member-at-Large (2026 & 2027) - Evan Bush
Board Member-at-Large (2026 & 2027) - Leigh Ramey
Board Member-at-Large (2027 & 2028) - *Carrie Sanders
Manual Liaison (2027) - Lindsay Trammell
Membership (2027 & 2028) - *Jeni Schomber
Vendor (2026 & 2027) - Sara White

CSLP Committee:

Artwork Co-chairs (2027 & 2028) - *Evan Bush & Christine Jensen
Budget & Finance Chair (2026 & 2027) - Matt McLain
Manual Chairs:

Manual Editor - Amanda Raiche
Adult (2027 & 2028) - *Jennie Walker
Children’s (2026 & 2027) - Danielle Welsh
Early Literacy Chair (2027 & 2028) - *Angela Germany
Spanish (2027 & 2028) - *Mollie Beaumont
Teen (2026 & 2027) - Lindsey Trammell

Membership (2027 & 2028) - *Jeni Schomber
Outreach (2026 & 2027) - Trisha Hutcherson & Tammy Kruger
Partnerships (2027 & 2028) - *Sue La Paro
Professional Development (2027 & 2028) - *Gabriella Trinchetta
Social Media (2026 & 2027) - Katie Rothley
Statistics Chair (2027 & 2028) - *Kate Brunner
Theme/Slogan Co-chairs (2026 & 2027) - Rachel Milburn & Jenni Schomber
Vendor (2026 & 2027) - Sara White

Thank you to everyone who ran for a position, has filled a position, or is continuing in their position.
We are so grateful for your time and commitment to CSLP!

Join us to provide feedback on how you use the manual, what elements you like, what you do not use, etc. Registration links below.

Wed, Oct 28, 11am CT (9am PT) - Register here

Tues, Nov 17, 3pm CT (1pm PT) - Register here

New Staff Welcome

CSLP is excited to welcome a new addition to our small, non-profit team! Join us in welcoming Kristin as our new Marketing Lead. Kristen lives in Traverse City, Michigan, and joins CSLP to support its mission of empowering thousands of member libraries nationwide. A marketing and communications strategist, her career spans impactful non-profit initiatives, regional start-ups, retail brands, healthcare services, and public libraries, highlighted by years at the Traverse Area District Library. Michigan-born and raised, she is a Central Michigan University graduate in Integrative Public Relations. Outside of work, Kristen loves exploring the outdoors and spending time with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Ralphie. She never takes a sunrise over East Grand Traverse Bay for granted.

Contact Kristen at: kristen.talaga@cslpreads.org.

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