On September 13th & 14th the CSLP Staff, Board-of-Directors, State Representatives, and Committee
Chairs gathered virtually for our 2023 Annual Meeting! Many great discussions were had, and business matters accomplished. Representatives also voted on the 2026 Slogan/2027 Theme and the winners are:
Slogan for the 2026 dinosaur theme will be “Unearth
a Story.”
Theme for the 2027 program will be Mystery
/ Detective / Suspense.
As always, libraries are encouraged to reach out to their CSLP
Representatives to learn more about the Collaborative, and library staff are also encouraged to volunteer
to serve on a CSLP committee (applications close October 3, 2023).
Adventure Begins with…Bookmarks
Our bookmark selections have some upgrades for 2024! All standard bookmarks are now double-sided, with English on one side and Spanish on the other. We’ve also added a 4th design with the early literacy artwork for even more options. These are
the same size as last year (2 ¼ " x 6") and packaged in the same quantities of 200 per pack.
In addition, we’re trying out another uncut bookmark option that we’re calling “All Ages.” This package will feature the four standard bookmark designs and are also double-sided with English/Spanish. When cut, these will measure the same as the standard bookmarks
and are sold in packages of 200. If you’re a fan of the original uncut bookmark featuring the children’s artwork, these are still available in packages of 200.
Don’t forget about the magnetic bookmarks that help keep those dog-eared pages away! These bookmarks slip securely over the book’s pages and are held in place by magnets on either side. Measuring 2 ½ " x 3", these come in packages of 12 and will feature the
same four standard bookmark designs.
Success Stories
How are other libraries using the CSLP theme?
The Wead Library
in New York hosted an Elephant & Piggie Friendship Party. For the 2023 Summer Reading Program, the library decided to stick closely with the themes of friendship, unity, and kindness. Partygoers helped Gerald and Piggie get ready for a party while reading
"I Am Invited to a Party!" by Mo Willems before jumping into a simple but fun craft. With the use of paper, cupcake liners, and glue each attendee created their own versions of Gerald and Piggie. Each child was able to leave the party with a new stuffed animal
of their choice.
From
the Onondaga Free Library in New York - This summer, with the All Together Now theme of community, we invited community helpers to join in our Family Storytimes. Special guests included firefighters from Onondaga Hill Volunteer Fire Department, a trash collector
from Dependable Disposal, a deputy from Onondaga County Sheriff's Office and an EMT from WAVES. Families loved learning about their roles in the community as well as checking out their vehicles!
Located at the heart of Lake Livingston, 80 miles north of Houston, the Onalaska area is a popular vacation and retirement community that still retains a small-town
quality with a country atmosphere—offering outdoor and recreational activities that provide fun for all ages. Leveraging these features, the Onalaska Public Library dedicated this summer’s library program to fostering community connections with weekly topics
and reading-themed events focusing on kindness, friendship, and unity.
Programming showcased guest speakers from local businesses, the farming community, and library volunteers who introduced families to skills like sending cards of
gratitude, reflecting on the community’s unique history, and caring for pollinators. There was even a photo contest encouraging the community to“share their bloomers” as flowers are a great place to find pollinators - flowers’ little friends who bring kindness
and unity to our yards! Moreover, participants collaborated to create a Kindness Wreath and a Favorite Place to Read quilt that will be auctioned or raffled off at the December Auxiliary Fundraiser.
In conclusion, Director Sherry Brecheen states that her favorite part was “hearing children reflect on books they were reading at home. Knowing that we are changing
lives and giving hope for a promising future makes the job worth all the effort.”
CSLP Summer Symposium - Save the Date!
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) will host our 3rd annual
CSLP Summer Symposium. This half day virtual offering is for public library staff to connect, learn, and collaborate as we plan for summer library programming around the upcoming theme of Adventure
Begins at your Library. Scheduled for Thursday, December 07, 2023, speakers and topics will be announced soon.
