Ready to Read Michigan Presents: 

Foundations of the Science of Reading for Public Library Professionals (a two-part webinar series)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 
2:00 - 3:00 PM ET
The Reading League advances the awareness, understanding, and use of evidence-aligned reading instruction. This two-part webinar series* will be taking a deeper dive into the "Science of Reading" and how libraries can help support best practices for early literacy development. The Science of Reading embodies over 40 years of research findings from multiple fields of study that shine a light on key fundamental principles of reading instruction. In the Foundations of the Science of Reading session, participants will learn about three "anchors" that have emerged from this research.

 *This webinar series will be recorded for registrants, but live attendance is encouraged for an engaging conversation. You only have to register for the first part to be a part of the second session.
I checked in with our presenter, Rachel, of The Reading League, today and am very excited to offer this webinar! Please come prepared to participate with a camera and a microphone if possible. She's expecting your questions, too.


This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.

Summer Reading

Unearth A StoryTM  is almost upon us! If you wish to receive the manual code you can complete this form to request the code using your official library email. 

Shipping turnaround in the CSLP store update - order by/receive by dates will be:

Feb 1, 2026 / Apr 1, 2026
Mar 1, 2026 / May 1, 2026
April 1, 2026 / June 1, 2026
May 1, 2026 / June 15, 2026

CSLP added several new products (in smaller quantities) due to popular demand.  These do not appear in the 2025 catalog:
https://shop.cslpreads.org/product/unearth-a-story-tm-dino-librarian-pullover/
https://shop.cslpreads.org/product/unearth-a-storytm-pterodactyl-sweatshirt/
https://shop.cslpreads.org/product/unearth-a-story-vinyl-floor-tiles/
https://shop.cslpreads.org/product/digby-large-cut-out/ 

Dan Santat is our 2026 Summer Reading Champion!  Learn more, access the poster and activity sheet here: https://www.cslpreads.org/nationalsummerreadingchampion/. Store orders will begin having a poster added to each order now while supplies last.  


The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a third national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) in Spring 2026!  
Learn More and Apply: CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort and apply by the end of business on Monday, January 26, 2026, to be considered for the Spring cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in February. 

Food Programming with Teens

Looking for affordable and engaging Teen programming this summer? Register now for our Food Literacy workshop: 
Gather 'Round the Table with Teens!

In-person workshops, 10:00 am ET - 5:00 pm ET for the following dates/locations:
Food literacy is essential for teens to understand and learn about food in a positive way, including food skills and best food practices. Young Adult library library staff will benefit from this workshop designed to guide libraries to in turn support teens as they explore the impact of food on so many levels of their lives.
Many people over the years have requested more training around food programming, so now is your chance to register! 
This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.

Resources

StarNet: Science Across America
As America celebrates its 250-year anniversary, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and STAR Net have launched a new campaign to help libraries highlight the history of scientific achievement in our country, and the local connections to science in our communities: SCIENCE ACROSS AMERICA, the newest campaign from Spark of Science@ My Library, invites libraries to showcase local scientific advances and scientists, engage your communities with focused Community Dialogues, and host educational and inspirational activities that shine a light on the past, present, and future of science in our lives.  Selected libraries will receive a $500 honorarium, programming materials, access to award-winning HHMI Tangled Bank films, and more! Applications are due January 23rd, 2025. Application link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VT2Q6J2

Learn more about the project here: https://community.starnetlibraries.org/science-across-america-new-opportunity-for-libraries/ - View the Pre-Application Webinar Recording Here

The Minneapolis Public Schools library team is activating to create resources to support students with the turbulent events happening  by creating a Crisis and Trauma Booklist.  

The BBC Learning Hub is an award-winning commercial education site from BBC Studios. Their  goal is to inspire the next generation of learners, along with their parents and teachers, to explore, understand and shape the world around them.

Youth Media Awards
The 2026 Youth Media Awards, announcing exemplary literature and media for children and young adults released in 2025, will be held Monday, January 26, at 10:00 a.m. CT, in Chicago. Join us in personor virtually! The announcement will be live streamed at ala.unikron.com and on the ALA Facebook page. No registration is required to view the livestream.

Upcoming ALSC Webinars
Creating More Accessible and Inclusive Library Gaming Programs
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 1:00pm-2:00pm CT
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 1:00pm-2:00pm CT
Much of the focus on library gaming collections has been around their creation and some support related to programming. This webinar aims to delve deeper into the accessibility barriers to our gaming collections and programs and suggests more inclusive programming to reduce these barriers. Using the framework developed by Meeple Like Us, participants will learn about socioeconomic, cognitive, tactile, emotional, intersectional, and visual accessibility in relation to games in libraries. Using this knowledge, suggestions for more inclusive collections, services, and programs will be provided to ensure more of our users can engage with our collections. Part One (2/25) will emphasize Collection Development; Part 2 (3/4) will focus on programming in the library.
Future-Ready Youth: Preparing Our Patrons to Navigate the Age of AI
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 12:00pm-1:00pm CT
Children and teens are often eager adopters of new technology, but access doesn’t always mean understanding. As we navigate the age of AI, important questions arise: How is artificial intelligence impacting our youth, and what does the future hold? More importantly, how can we, as library professionals, empower our patrons to understand and engage with this consequential technology?

News to Know:

Fact-Finding: Teaching News and Media Literacy Skills - SLJ, 1/8/26


And now a note of thanks to all who have reached out to me personally, as the Library of Michigan navigates the sudden loss of our State Librarian, Randy Riley. Please continue to be patient and kind to everyone at LM and with each other as we navigate some unknowns in 2026. We are stronger together! 

Thank you,

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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Join the MiYouth Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.





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