Please excuse cross postings

FYI,

The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch the fourth national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) in Fall 2026!  

BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive 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 library workers say about BCBS

“I'm so impressed by the amount of thought and care that has gone into creating this curriculum. The resources provided were new to me, unique, engaging, and very helpful.”

“We have been looking to make changes to almost all aspects of our summer services, from registration to logging, and prizes/completion. This series and the materials shared will be providing the framework to get us started in the process.”

“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 library is encouraged to send a team of two staff members from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administrators. Participation in the BCBS initiative will require, of all team members:

• Consistent attendance and active participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms. 

2. Participation in six sessions including an introductory orientation, four learning sessions, and a wrap-up/review session. An optional discussion session will also be scheduled.

3. 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 1-2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions.

Dates/Times

• Sessions take place Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 and November 10 and 17, 2026. An optional open discussion session will be scheduled on November 3.

2. Sessions are 2 hours long: 1:00-3:00 pm ET / Noon-2:00 pm CT / 11:00 am-1:00 pm MT / 10:00am-Noon PT

Learn More and Apply

CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort and apply by 8:00 am ET on Monday, August 17, 2026 to be considered for the Fall cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in early September. 

Questions?  Contact ...@cslpreads.org" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.3; color: #2199e8; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">b...@cslpreads.org  

All the Best,

Sharon Rawlins (she/her)

Youth Services Specialist

Library Development
New Jersey State Library

P.  609-278-2640 x116 

E. sraw...@njstatelib.org

W. www.njstatelib.org

185 West State Street

P.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ  08625

NJ250: Living Documents, Evolving Rights - New Jersey Through Three Constitutions
https://www.njstatelib.org/nj250