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.
Upcoming Beanstack Training
Beanstack 201 for Virginia Libraries
October 28, 2pm EST
Ready to level up your Beanstack skills? Join us for this advanced course in all things Beanstack and learn how to make the most out of your Beanstack site to engage readers and share your library's impact.Register here: https://zoobean.zoom.us/meeting/register/9US23K5BTcWyF-CsLLNORA
Virginia Libraries Beanstack Spotlight
November 16, 2pm EST Hear directly from libraries what is working for them as they engage readers in their communities! This session will spotlight several Virginia libraries as they share tips, tricks, and best practices for Beanstack success in their communities.Register here: https://zoobean.zoom.us/meeting/register/jzARBTX9RNqtJUZ5-znJ2w
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.
Dial a Story Books: October 2026
10/07/2026
How to Hide a Lion / Cómo esconder un león by Helen Stephens
Readers: Cynthia Temple and Hanni Nabahe
10/14/2026
The Interpreter / La intérprete by Olivia Abyahi
Readers: Amanda Lyon and Sara Meldrum
10/21/2026
The Happy Pumpkin / La calabaza feliz by DK
Readers: Sara Robbins and Aryn Dagirmanjian
10/28/2026
Leo’s First Vote / ¡El primer voto de Leo! by Christina Soontornvat
Readers: Hannah Kashmar and Katherine Chiriboga
CSLP Updates
Summer Reading Contact Person
Please fill out this survey to let me know who is the primary contact for communications about summer reading. This is the person who will receive the CSLP manual access code and be responsible for ordering materials. Please designate one primary person, and, if needed, one secondary person.
The Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS)/Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) recently selected and invited 16 libraries selected from 64 nationwide applications and representing 11 states to participate in the 2026 Fall Cohort.
Congratulations to James L. Hamner Public Library and Culpeper County Library for being chosen for this cohort.
BCBS is six-week faciliated program for library staff who want to engage community voices and provide inclusive summer services for all.
Volunteer for a CSLP Committee!
Volunteering for a CSLP Committee is a great opportunity to develop professionally while also contributing to the CSLP mission. Our committees are the lifeblood of CSLP. Volunteers play a significant role in the success of our organization and programs. While the duties vary, committee obligations generally run for one calendar year. However, CSLP is in the process of changing committee timelines. The obligation for this set of volunteers will run from January 2027 - May 2027. Volunteers for the Manual Committees may begin their work before January. All committee work is done virtually, either through email, phone, or online meetings. Attending the CSLP Annual Meeting is not expected for committee volunteers. We are recruiting for all committees, except the Artwork committee.
Most CSLP committees are open to all, however some have limited seats or require previous CSLP experience. Before volunteering, please visit https://www.cslpreads.org/committees/ to review the committee descriptions.
Inspired by the Theme and Slogan Listening Sessions, CSLP is hoping to gather some information on what manual elements member libraries find helpful, what is not being used, what changes may be appreciated, etc.
If you're interested in participating, the registration links for each date are here:
In collaboration with Cummins Inc., the American Library Association (ALA) invites applications from U.S. public libraries to participate in A Year of STEM, 12 months of curated STEM programming to foster curiosity and STEM-mindedness in early childhood learners across the country.
Twenty-five libraries will be chosen to participate in A Year of STEM, receiving professional development to prepare them for the project, copies of a newly created A Year of STEM programming guide developed by librarian advisors, a $5,000 programming stipend, four STEM kits (to be delivered quarterly), and support from ALA’s Public Programs Office staff throughout the project implementation period.
Libraries will be chosen through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process. The deadline is October 28, 2026. More information is available at https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/STEM
Merger of ALSC and YALSA
Beginning September 1, all YALSA memberships transitioned to ALSC memberships, giving members access to the resources and benefits of the reunified division. Members who currently belong to both ALSC and YALSA will likewise be part of the combined membership.
The division will continue operating under the ALSC name during the initial transition period while a comprehensive rebranding process takes place. The 2026–2027 ALSC Board of Directors will work with a consultant to develop the division’s new vision, mission, and strategic plan in alignment with the ALA Strategic Plan, while gathering input from members to help inform the division’s future identity and name.
The National Book Foundation announced the Longlist for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (YPL) with TheNew Yorker. The Finalists in all five categories will be revealed on Tuesday, October 6 with the New York Times; Winners will be announced live at the 77th National Book Awards Ceremony & Benefit Dinner on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. For more information and to register to watch the livestream, please visit nationalbook.org/awards.
Featured Programs
Your library program can be featured here! Please submit a photo and description of your favorite program!
Upcoming Important Dates & Celebrations
National and State Conferences 2026
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)
Library of Virginia: Library Development 800 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23219 804-692-3610 https://vpl.lib.va.us