Children and teens who participate in summer library programs benefit from engaging activities and opportunities which promote literacy development and encourage exploration and curiosity. Summer library programs for all ages enhance lifelong learning and provide meaningful, enjoyable experiences available to everyone in the community. The State Library is proud to support libraries in this endeavor.
Find information here about the 2023 “All Together Now” Collaborative Summer Library Program theme and materials, statewide summer library program (SLP) incentives and workshops, and a variety of SLP ideas, learning opportunities, and resources.
Theme
The 2023 CSLP program theme is Kindness/Friendship/Unity, and the slogan for all ages is “All Together Now,” with artwork by Frank Morrison. Gather your community for an inspiring 2023 SLP using the resources on this site and your CSLP program manual, available at no cost to every Ohio public library. Happy planning!
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| Early Literacy Program | Children’s Program | Teen Program | Adult Program |
A series of brief video tutorials is available to help you access and use CSLP resources. If you need assistance with anything related to CSLP, contact jdwyer@library.ohio.gov.
Incentives
Partner agencies support Ohio public libraries’ summer programs with coupon incentives for Ohio SLP participants. Any Ohio public library may distribute these incentives. Availability of statewide incentives is announced on Ohio library listservs including Library Youth Services, OPLINlist, and SmLibs.
The 2023 Ohio State Fair coupon for free admission for ages 5-18, and the 2023 Ohio State Parks certificate for $10 off camping/lodging for all ages, are now available to Ohio public libraries. Contact us for access instructions.
The 2023 Ohio Renaissance Festival coupon, good for 50% off gate admission for all ages, is available to Ohio public libraries. Complete this form to request Ren Fest coupons.
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers a specially discounted virtual program for libraries. Each summer booking of the Virtual Aquatic Escape program by an Ohio public library comes with 2 complimentary Aquarium admission passes that you can use as SLP prizes. Learn more and book a program. You may use this banner and/or adapt this flyer to advertise the Aquarium program at your library.
Resources
Check out a wide variety of Resources to help you plan and present your SLP.
Be an advocate and share the benefits of summer reading using Research and Best Practices.
Learn how libraries can support the well-being of children and end child hunger in Ohio by participating in the Summer Food Service Program.
CSLP Manual and Website
The CSLP website address is www.cslpreads.org. As part of its work to make its website 100% ADA compliant, CSLP no longer requires website registration and login to access the online manual or any other member-oriented resources. You need register and login only if purchasing items through the online CSLP store.
An access code is required for the online manual. This code is provided to all Ohio public libraries in the fall each year. The 2023 code was distributed in mid-September 2022.
Note: CSLP art/graphics are copyrighted for exclusive use by CSLP members and are used by permission. All public libraries in Ohio are CSLP members. Please review and be aware of the CSLP Rules of Use, which changed significantly in 2019.
If you work at an Ohio public library and need an access code for the CSLP online manual, or have questions about CSLP materials or rules of use, or need any support or assistance with your SLP, please contact Janet Ingraham Dwyer, library consultant for youth services at the State Library of Ohio at 1–800–686–1532 or jdwyer@library.ohio.gov.
Ohio SLP Evaluation Reports
The 2022 Ohio Summer Library Program Evaluation Report describes innovations, challenges, successes, and lessons learned, and features stories and photos from libraries around Ohio. Statewide participation and program attendance totals are included.
View, download, and print the report in PDF format.
View the report in a digital magazine format.
The report describes innovations, challenges, successes, and lessons learned, and features stories and photos from libraries around Ohio. Statewide participation and program attendance totals are included.
The Ohio SLP Evaluation Reports from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 are also available for download. Contact Janet Ingraham Dwyer for earlier reports.
Upcoming CSLP programs
2024: Theme is Adventure. Slogan “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Artist is Juana Martinez-Neal.
2025: Theme is Art. Slogan “Color Our World.” Artist is Brian Floca.
2026: Theme is Dinosaurs. Slogan TBD in fall 2023. Artist TBD.
CSLP themes and slogans from 1987 through 2025 are listed on the CSLP website.
Ohio’s four Regional Library Systems offer Summer Library Program workshops in support of public library SLPs. The State Library of Ohio is pleased to sponsor the workshops. All Ohio workshops for 2023 have taken place.
Slide sets from the SERLS / Central Ohio Youth Services workshop held on January 20 are available on the Ohio Youth Services Meetup Google folder, along with additional resources for 2023 planning. Presentations include a summer 2023 overview, Decorations, Presenters, School Visits, and Teen Programming.
If you wish to explore additional content focused on planning and producing a Summer Library Program, these free webinar recordings may be of interest.
Collaborative Summer Library Program Summer Symposium: “All Together Now”
Recordings, slides, chatboxes, and other resources from the CSLP Summer Symposium held in December 2022 and featuring ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall. Sessions cover outreach to underserved children and caregivers, intergenerational programming, decoration ideas, and inclusive and affirming programs for LGBTQIA+ Youth.
All Together Now: Summer Reading 2023 webinar
An overview of the 2023 CSLP program with Beth Yates at the Indiana State Library. Some content is Indiana-specific. Numerous additional resources are linked from the webinar page under “Resources for Summer Program Planning.”
2023 Colorado Virtual Summer Learning Programming Workshop
The link above goes to a resource page of websites, slide sets, and other summer programming resources compiled by the Colorado State Library. Recordings from a two-part online workshop are also available. The first part covers social-emotional learning and adult programming. The second part covers children’s and teen programming and how to engage community helpers. Each is about 1.5 hours long.
“All Together Now!” with the Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoological Society shares activity outlines that give a nature twist to the “All Together Now” theme. Exploring forests, wetlands, lakes & rivers, grasslands, and urban environments; each activity is designed to help learners think about how we all are part of one biosphere, all while using Citizen Science and additional program supports created by the Zoo. Handouts are available here. Please note the coupon offer described in the webinar is for Michigan libraries only.
Collaborative Summer Library Program’s 1st Annual Summer Symposium
Recordings and materials from CSLP’s first-ever programming symposium in December 2021. Sessions cover inclusive summer learning, marketing, community assets and connections, program ideas, Summer Food Service Program.
Tutorials from the Collaborative Summer Library Program
A series of brief video tutorials demonstrate how to log into the CSLP website, access the CSLP online manual, access or submit user-created content, and create posters using CSLP artwork.
Summer Planning Conference: Oceans of Possibilities
State Library of Ohio youth services consultant Janet Ingraham Dwyer discusses trends in summer programming, and CSLP and state resources, in this session hosted by SWON Libraries as part of its 2022 Summer Programming Conference.
Ocean Literacy
90% of the Earth’s water is in the oceans, which are also the greatest producer of oxygen on earth. Learn more in this introduction to ocean literacy with Alexa Hoffman, Research Scientist and Program Coordinator at the Ocean First Institute. This webinar was presented by the Colorado State Library.
CSLP 2022: Oceans of Possibilities
An overview of the 2022 CSLP program with Beth Yates at the Indiana State Library. Some content is Indiana-specific. Numerous additional resources are linked from the webinar page under “Resources for Summer Program Planning.”
Oceans of Possibilities: Teens and Middle Graders
Kayla Martin-Gant at the Mississippi Library Commission shares program ideas, book suggestions, and strategies for working with teens and middle-graders, using the Oceans of Possibilities theme.
NCompass Live: Summer Reading Program 2022: Oceans of Possibilities
Sally Snyder, children’s services coordinator at the Nebraska Library Commission, booktalks 70 recent ocean-themed titles, from picture books to teen fiction.
CSLP 2021: Tails and Tales
This webinar from the Indiana State Library succinctly covers CSLP news and updates, lessons from 2020, program planning resources, and program ideas in just 52 minutes! Some content is Indiana-specific, but most is entirely applicable to Ohio libraries.
NCompass Live: Summer Reading Program 2021: Tails and Tales
Get ready for summer by learning about quality books to consider for your library’s collection and start planning for Tails and Tales. Presented by the Nebraska Library Commission.
2020 Summer Planning Webinar
The Massachusetts Library System produced this webinar to help librarians recreate summer reading for 2020. A companion Google folder contains the slides and many other resources, including a collaborative brainstorming document open to contributions.
CSLP 2020: Imagine Your Story
The Indiana State Library produced this webinar for public library staff serving any age. The session includes program ideas for preschool, children, teen, and adults. Attendees at the original live webinar also shared their own program ideas, which were added to a Program Idea Sheet available on the webinar page.
Summer 2020 Programming Ideas
This recorded webinar from the Colorado State Library reviews the CSLP manual and related resources, and includes programming ideas for all ages.
Imagine Your Story: Ideas & Tips from the Library of Michigan’s Youth Services Advisory Council
Your peers in the field share programming ideas and tips for the CSLP 2020 “Imagine Your Story” theme, from early literacy through teens.
Summer Reading Outcomes
An hour-long webinar from the California Library Association on how to plan and present an outcome- and outreach-based SLP.
Summer Reading mini-tutorials
Micro-trainings from the Arizona State Library. While some are specific to Arizona libraries, more general topics include using CSLP resources and demonstrating the value of summer reading. Longer webinar recordings about SLP are also available here.
Find additional information and content on our Resources page.
Resources
Explore these Summer Library Program resources and enjoy planning! New resources to support planning SLP in 2023 will be added as they become available.
- Frequently Asked Questions – about CSLP themes, manuals, and rules of use, incentives, Ohio resources, and more.
- Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) homepage
- CSLP’s FAQ page orients users to CSLP’s online manual, product catalog, and other resources.
- Summer Food Service Program: How Libraries Can Help – information on how libraries can participate in this USDA program and help eliminate child hunger in Ohio while boosting SLP participation and engaging new library users. Also check Libraries and Summer Food, a how-to guide from the CSLP.
- Read Up! A mini-manual for summer feeding sites is a 26-page PDF for SFSP sites outside of libraries. It features easy-to-implement enrichment activities that support reading, creativity, and fun. Libraries are encouraged to share this resource with local feeding sites to give them tools and ideas for integrating literacy enrichment programming.
- 2022 Summer Library Program Resources and Ideas is a collection of programs, slide sets, and other resources provided by Ohio librarians. Borrow ideas or add your own!
- STEM Programming Resources in Ohio is a county-by-county list of STEM organizations, clubs, societies, and other establishments. Librarians can reach out to local or regional experts and enthusiasts when planning STEM programming during the summer and year-round.
- This Summer Reading Ideas – Alternate Service Models document was compiled by the youth services consultants at state libraries around the USA.
- OPLIN’s Online Programming Database for Public Libraries is a one-stop for libraries to share their program ideas and how-tos, and to find programs (with instructions!) submitted by other Ohio libraries.
- CSLP’s Social Media Toolkit for the “Imagine Your Story” program includes sample social media posts to use throughout the year.
- The official CSLP Pinterest page – a growing collection of ideas for Tails & Tales, and ideas for past and future programs as well.
- Ohio Youth Services Performers’ Showcase – links to area performers who offer SLP bookings.
- The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) sponsors Summer Learning Week, a celebration dedicated to advocacy and awareness, and promotes investment in summer learning throughout the year to help close the achievement gap.
- Summer Learning Resources from the Urban Library Council (ULC) in partnership with the NSLA, including a resource guide, strategies, examples of successful programs, and research reports.
- Libraries at the Center of Summer Learning and Fun: An Online Toolkit to Expand from Summer Reading to Summer Learning (PDF), a project of the ULC and NSLA partnership, helps libraries to make the case for summer learning programs and to evolve their practices of summer reading into summer learning.
- Summer Reading Outreach Guidebook (PDF) from the Idaho Commission for Libraries – a resource and best-practices guide for planning outreach activities; some information is Idaho-specific but most is applicable anywhere
- Early Literacy and Summer Reading Ideas from Oregon Libraries (PDF) – a compilation of good ideas, proposed by public librarians, for enhancing SLP/SRP programming and helping to meet education goals, such as family engagement and reading comprehension. The ideas can be implemented or adapted anywhere.
- CSLP Partners are organizations aligned with CSLP’s work and supportive of library summer reading activities. are organizations aligned with CSLP’s work and supportive of library summer reading activities. These include National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Brag Tags, STAR_net, and Read Aloud 15 Minutes. These partners offer free or discounted resources to CSLP members.
- iREAD summer library program resources coordinated by the Illinois Library Association. iREAD’s 2023 theme is “Find Your Voice.”
Research and Best Practices
Summer library programs (SLPs) encourage children and teens to practice reading and literacy skills, and other academic and life skills, during out-of-school time. This can help maintain academic proficiency, and keeps young brains active throughout the summer. SLPs offer enriching activities for the entire family and community.
- Learning Beyond: 21st Century Summer and Out-Of-School Time Toolkit, a 2022 publication from ALSC, supports the integration of equity-building and co-design into library program planning. It also considers effective evaluation and the role of reflection.
- The vision of the National Summer Learning Association is for every child to be safe, healthy, and engaged in learning during the summer. The NSLA connects summer learning program providers and stakeholders with tools, resources, and expertise to improve program quality, generate support, and increase youth access and participation.
- Accelerate Summer: A Partnership for Learning is an IMLS-funded collaboration of the NSLA and the Urban Libraries Council to research how public libraries are delivering summer learning activities. The findings point to the importance of participatory activities, community engagement, partnerships, and support from local officials.
- Adopting a Summer Learning Approach for Increased Impact: a YALSA Position Paper is a 2016 publication that calls on libraries to “expand their efforts beyond summer reading in order to identify and meet the particular needs of the youth in their community”, including building workplace skills, improving English language skills, and offering safe spaces for creativity
- PA Public Libraries SummerQuest, an initiative of participating Pennsylvania public libraries and the State Library of Pennsylvania, is a summer learning program that helps libraries to create interest-based, experiential, fun summer programming that encourages all participants to learn, grow, and have fun over the summer.
- The Collaborative Summer Library Program’s Summer Reading White Paper (PDF), updated in 2015, considers the state of research on SLPs, their effectiveness and best practices.
- Summer Reading Best Practices from the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services gathers timely ideas on program planning, incentives, burnout prevention, and more.
- Components of High-Quality Summer Reading Programs, a list from the Youth Services Best Practices for Oregon Libraries blog.
- Summer Reading Programs, a LibGuide from the American Library Association, includes a section on research and a section on the benefits of SLPs.
- Summer Reading from Reading Rockets provides information about summer reading and summer learning loss, including tips for parents as well as resources for teachers and librarians.
- How to Create a Knockout Summer Literacy Program by Karen Springen (School Library Journal, March 17, 2014) discusses planning, outreach, collaboration, and appropriate, literacy-related incentives. According to the article, “Many librarians are combining … inventive activities with statistic- and research-based initiatives that track summer reading outcomes. They’re aiming to redress a serious problem: the achievement gap that especially hurts lower-income kids, who typically lose two months of reading proficiency per summer, according to research.”
- Mid-Continent Public Library Proves Summer Reading Programs Boost Student Achievement by Lauren Barack (School Library Journal, February 12, 2014). This article reports on a pilot study in Missouri that suggests summer reading programs raise student reading levels in the fall, particularly among at-risk kids.
- Summer Reading and the Rich/Poor Achievement Gap: An Educator Responds to Questions, a June, 2013 School Library Journal interview with Richard L. Allington, co-author of Summer Reading: Closing the Rich/Poor Achievement Gap. Allington argues that the main cause of the rich/poor reading achievement gap is unequal access to books. He urges librarians to get books into the hands of children from low-income families, especially during the summer.
What are the upcoming Collaborative Summer Library Program themes?
The 2023 CSLP program theme is Friendship and Kindness, and the slogan for all ages is “All Together Now.” Frank Morrison is the artist for the 2023 program.
2024: Theme is Adventure. Slogan “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Artist is Juana Martinez-Neal.
2025: Theme is Art. Slogan “Color Our World.” Artist is Brian Floca.
2026: Theme is Dinosaurs. Slogan TBD in fall 2023. Artist TBD.
What do I have to do to use these themes?
Every public library in Ohio is a member of the CSLP and is eligible to use the shared themes and related materials if desired. Each fall, every public library receives an access code to obtain the program manual and themed artwork in electronic format through the CSLP website. These manual sets are provided to Ohio public libraries at no cost to the libraries. This service is supported in whole by Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA funds granted through the State Library of Ohio.
Do I have to use these themes?
No Ohio public library is obliged to use CSLP themes. Libraries are welcome to create their own themes and artwork if they prefer. Some Ohio libraries develop their own Summer Library Program (SLP) theme each year. Some occasionally use the CSLP theme and occasionally craft an independent theme. Some use the iREAD SLP program themes and materials (note that purchase of iREAD manuals is at the discretion of the library and is not subsidized by LSTA funds). However, the majority of Ohio libraries use the CSLP theme each year.
Every Ohio public library receives the CSLP manual, at no cost to the library (see above under “What do I have to do to use these themes?”). Libraries that choose not to use CSLP themes may still use and benefit from the programming ideas and other resources included in the CSLP manual. Libraries may use CSLP artwork and manual resources for program planning throughout the year.
Regardless of SLP theme or materials used, every Ohio public library may take advantage of SLP resources provided by the State Library of Ohio, Ohio’s Regional Library Systems, and partnering agencies, including statewide incentives, workshops, and all materials posted to this website.
What is the Collaborative Summer Library Program?
The CSLP is “a grassroots consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries”. Read more about CSLP.
CSLP includes representation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and the Mariana Islands. This is the eighteenth year that Ohio has been a member of CSLP.
When and where do the SLP workshops take place?
The four regional library systems (NEO-RLS, NORWELD, SERLS, and SWON Libraries) offer SLP workshops for librarians to share ideas for programs, crafts, decorations, and more. The workshop schedule is updated when workshops are announced.
Where do I order theme prizes and incentives for 2023?
A catalog of graphics, incentives, and other products for “All Together Now,” featuring Frank Morrison artwork , is available online: https://shop.cslpreads.org/.
In 2019, CSLP ended its relationship with an exclusive vendor for products, and is now working directly with a contracted design house. Only CSLP artwork appears on all products in the CSLP catalog.
Where else may I order incentives for 2023?
For summer reading incentives not affiliated with the CSLP, you may purchase from your preferred seller of promotional products, any dollar store, novelty store, school supply store, or other vendor. Please be aware of the CSLP Rules of Use when considering custom items. See “May I use the artwork to make t–shirts or other products to sell to patrons?” below.
You may also solicit donations from local and area businesses for SLP incentives and prizes. Additionally, any statewide discount coupons available may be used by any Ohio public library. Availability of statewide incentives will be posted to Ohio library listservs and to the Ohio Summer Library Program page.
What is the deadline for ordering materials from the CSLP catalog?
Place your order by December 1, 2022 for delivery by March 1, 2023.
Place your order by January 1, 2023 for delivery by April 1.
Place your order by March 1, 2023 for delivery by May 1.
Place your order by May 1, 2023 for delivery by June 1.
Is the artwork available online?
Yes, the entire manual and all exclusive artwork are available to public libraries online as well as on the CSLP manual USB flash drive available for purchase through the CSLP catalog. Instructions for accessing the online manual and artwork are emailed to a youth services point person at each Ohio public library in September or October of each eyar. Contact jdwyer@library.ohio.gov with questions.
Please read the CSLP Rules of Use regarding use of CSLP artwork. The Rules of Use changed significantly in 2019. Please review the rules even if you have read them before!
May I use the artwork to make t–shirts or other products to sell to patrons?
From the CSLP Rules of Use: “Because CSLP relies on sales from its catalog to fund future programs, member libraries are strongly encouraged to purchase products provided by CSLP. In cases where existing products do not meet member’s needs, or where custom items are desirable, member libraries will need to seek permission from CSLP to create customized items. A licensing fee may be charged, depending on number, and type of item produced. Please contact the CSLP national office to request permission to create custom items at contact@cslpreads.org.”
Please note that requirements regarding custom items changed in fall 2019, as CSLP has ended its relationship with an exclusive vendor and is now retaining ownership of all art provided by the artists to CSLP for its programs. Libraries now have more flexibility in use of the CSLP artwork. For example, libraries may now use CSLP artwork and slogans on all paper items created in-house or through other vendors, without seeking permission from CSLP.
If you have any questions at all about the CSLP Rules of Use or use of the artwork, please contact Janet Ingraham Dwyer at 1–800–686–1532 or jdwyer@library.ohio.gov.
May I resell products purchased from the CSLP catalog?
You may resell products purchased from the CSLP. Such sales must be solely for the purpose of supporting the charitable or educational purpose of your library.
I work at a school. How can I get a CSLP manual and participate?
Only public libraries are included in CSLP membership and have the rights and responsibilities of members, including use of the CSLP manual and artwork. The CSLP manual is not available to schools. However, a public library may partner with a school or other organization, and the partner organization may use CSLP artwork on its promotional materials supporting the library summer reading program. See the CSLP Rules of Use for “Third Parties” for details.
I did not receive a manual. How can I obtain one?
To update your address, or if you did not receive an access code for the online manual, contact Janet Ingraham Dwyer at 1–800–686–1532 or jdwyer@library.ohio.gov. If you need a USB or paper manual, you may purchase them from the CSLP catalog.
I want a USB or paper copy of the manual. How can I obtain one?
The State Library provides access codes to the online CSLP manual to all Ohio public libraries. This service is supported in whole by Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA funds granted through the State Library of Ohio. The manual is also available in USB and paper formats. Any library may purchase paper manuals (with artwork on USB), or the complete manual on USB, from the CSLP catalog. Please note that the 2023 paper and USB manuals are in production as of September 2022 and will be added to the catalog when they are ready.
My question isn’t addressed here. What should I do?
Contact Janet Ingraham Dwyer, Library Consultant at the State Library and Ohio’s state representative to CSLP, at 1–800–686–1532 or jdwyer@library.ohio.gov.