Like everything in libraries, the summer library program is something that needs to be tailored to the community your library is in, as well as the capacity of staff and budget. Each library will have a unique approach. Here are some tools and resources. Please remember to reach out to Leah at IFLS if you want more support in thinking about your summer program!
Collaborative Summer Library Program
Thanks to funding from the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services, the Wisconsin Bureau of Libraries is a part of a multi-state project and gives you access to a jam-packed planning manual, images created by award-winning illustrator Brian Floca, and lots of other great resources. The 2026 theme is Unearth a Story, with a focus on dinosaurs, archaeology, and paleontology. The manuals, featuring illustrations by Mike Mullan, include illustrations, promotional materials and ideas, program ideas for all ages, booklists and more. You can choose whatever theme you want to use for your library’s programs, using this theme is optional. No matter the theme you choose you can find useful nuggets in the manuals!
- Go to the CSLP home page
- Download the CSLP manual. Submit a HelpDesk Ticket or conatact Leah for the code you’ll need to access the manuals
Check out the recording of this year’s CSLP Summer Symposium, with a keynote presentation by award-winning author/illustrator Dan Santat, plus sessions on using the manual, decorations, and science programming resources from the Detroit Zoo.
Upcoming themes:
2027: Mysteries Await at Your Library with a focus on mysteries/detectives/suspense
2028: Libraries Are Legendary with a focus on Mythical Creatures
Other Resources
Here are a list of resources to support developing excellent summer library programming.
- Performers
- Programming Kits
- Doing Good Together is a website chock-full of meaningful family-oriented volunteer projects and suggestions for hosting a Service Fair.
- Learning Beyond: 21st Century Summer and Out of School Time Programs for Youth (Association for Library Service to Children) is a 35-page resource with suggestions about designing and evaluating programs, creating partnerships, and lots of great case studies.