FYI,

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch a second national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) this Fall!  

Traditionally public libraries plan summer library programming from the inside out, with staff hoping for community participation. BCBS flips this script by starting with community input first! BCBS is designed to help CSLP member public libraries build strategies to engage community voices and provide summer services for all members of their communities. The discussions and activities will focus on how to connect with communities experiencing marginalization to design and implement summer library services. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with a nationwide cohort of library staff to dig deeply into inclusive summer services.

What librarians are saying about BCBS

“I found BCBS very insightful and helpful. We are changing things up! It was great to do the training with co-workers so we could rethink the way we do our summer programming.”

“Thank you for the experience! I enjoyed talking to other people from different libraries! It has expanded my knowledge and has changed my point of view on libraries and communities.”

Participation 

Each participating public library should be represented by a team of at least two staff members. Libraries are encouraged to send staff from across departments and can include youth services and/or adult services staff, programming coordinators, summer library program coordinators, outreach staff, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members:

• Active attendance and participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms. 
• Participation in an introductory orientation before the learning sessions begin.
• Additional work will be required within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing and planned summer programs and services through an equity lens. Expect to spend approximately 2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions.

Dates/Times

Sessions last  2 hours and are scheduled for 1:00 - 3:00 pm ET / Noon - 2:00 pm CT / 11:00 - 1:00 pm MT / 10:00 - Noon PT. 
All sessions will be on the following Tuesdays: 

• 9/23/25
• 10/7/25
• 10/21/25
• 11/4/25
• 11/18/25
• 12/2/25 

Learn More and Apply

CSLP member public libraries are invited to learn more about the upcoming CSLP/BCBS cohort and apply by end of business on Monday, August 25, 2025, to be considered for the Fall cohort. Accepted participants will be notified the first week of September. 

Questions? 
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All the best,