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May
2026 | |
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Youth Services Notes |
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From the Library of Virginia
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Day by Day Virginia and Day by Day Virginia (Spanish) have been taken down while we review accessibility and content. We are evaluating the early literacy resources the Library of Virginia offers and considering alternative projects.
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Please start sharing your Summer Reading/Learning decorations. I would like to highlight the wonderful creativity in public libraries around the state.
Please send photos to Sue La Paro. |
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Dial a Story
Every Wednesday, a new story will be shared with listeners across the Commonwealth. From recent picture books and timeless fairy tales to inspiring folk tales and stories that celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion, there’s always something magical to discover. Our volunteer readers are the heart of this program that offers a unique blend of picture books and telephone technology to boost reading readiness. |
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Dial a Story Books: June 2026
06/03/2026 The Plant Rescuer / El rescatador de plantas by Matthew Rivera
Readers: Beka Castagna and Tanny Rourk
06/10/2026
Adopt a Dinosaur / Adoptar un dinosaurio by Jose Carlos Andreas Readers: Cynthia Temple and El Simmons
06/17/2026 Surf's Up / ¡Vamos a surfear! by Kwame Alexander
Readers: Cynthia Temple and Katherine Chiriboga
06/24/2026 How to Catch a Dinosaur / Como atrapar a un dinosaurio by Adam Wallace
Readers: Belinda Levy and Lynde Roberts
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The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Vendor and Artwork committees are currently accepting feedback for the 2028 CSLP program theme and slogan. The theme is Mythical Creatures, and the slogan is Libraries Are Legendary.
As CSLP starts work on creating artwork and selecting products for 2028, they are asking member libraries for feedback. This survey is open through June 7. All staff members at your library who have anything to do with summer are invited to give their opinion, so please share the survey link with your team: youth and adult library staff, marketing staff, purchasing decision-makers, etc. All feedback is welcome! |
| Complete Survey |
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Believe in Reading
These grants funded by the Steve & Loree Potash Family Foundation are awarded to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations for existing and successful literacy programs that have been running at least two years. The grant funds any programs supporting reading and literacy, including English as a second language programs or projects for the blind or visually impaired. Grant amount:
Up to $10,000
Timeline:
Applications are considered as they are received. Information and to apply: believeinreading.org/grant-guidelines |
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Hometown Grants
The T-Mobile Hometown Grants program funds projects to build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that help foster local connections in your town. Eligible projects include adaptive uses of older and historic buildings into community gathering spaces and technology projects for the public library. The project must be located in towns with fewer than 50,000 people. Grant amount:
Average grant is $50,000
Timeline:
Grant applications are due by June 30 Information and to apply: t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants |
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Photography Scavenger Hunt
From the Archaeological Institute of America, here’s a photography scavenger hunt that aligns well with the 2026 CSLP “Unearth a Story” theme.
This summer, participate in the #DigThisPhoto Challenge. Participants will receive a bingo card filled with photo prompts and will have from June 1 – August 31 to complete and submit their entries. Download the bingo card here.
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Each completed bingo row counts as one entry into the prize drawing. Rows may be completed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Participants may submit multiple entries, and each additional completed row increases their chances of winning!
The challenge is open to all skill levels. Five winners will be randomly selected to receive a one year AIA Supporting (or student, if applicable) membership including ARCHAEOLOGY magazine in the digital format.
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2026 ALSC Summer Reading lists
The 2026 ALSC Summer Reading lists are packed with a wide array of engaging books and selected digital resources for children from birth through grade 8. The lists are compiled and annotated by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee.
These colorful lists are available for free download from the ALSC website to share with children and families and to assist with readers' advisory. |
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Your library program can be featured here!
Please submit a photo and description of your favorite program! |
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Upcoming Important Dates & Celebrations
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National and State Conferences 2026 September 16-19: Association for Rural & Small Libraries (Montgomery, AL) October 1-3: ALSC National Institute (Buffalo NY)
October 18-20: Virginia Library Association (Norfolk) November 4-6: Virginia Association of School Librarians (Williamsburg) December 5-8: NAEYC (Washington DC) |
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