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.
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: April 2026
04/01/2026
A Bad Case of Stripes / Un caso grave de rayas by David Shannon
Readers: Kristina King and Veronica Terry
04/08/2026
Tio Ricky Doesn’t Speak English / Tio Ricky no habla ingles by Maritere R. Bellas
Reader: Lynde Roberts
04/15/2026
Carmela Full of Wishes / Los deseos de Carmela by Matt de la Peña
Readers: Dana Bomba and Tanny Rourke
04/22/2026
Lola Plants a Garden / Lola planta un jardin by Anna McQuinn
Readers: Lynn Jacobs and Lynde Roberts
04/29/2026
Go, Dog. Go! / Ve, Perro. Ve! by P.D. Eastman
Readers: Alicia Phinney and Celeste Simon
REMINDER: Nature Backpacks
The updated State Park parking passes (good through December 2028) for the Discovery backpacks are available! A survey was sent to all public library directors to order new passes. If you haven't ordered yet, please contact me for the survey link.
Nearly all Virginia State Parks charge a per car parking fee for entrance. Two parks charge a per person fee: Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum state parks. Annual Passes include admission for up to 4 at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum state parks.
Beanstack
Wednesday, April 29, 2pm ET Beanstack Data Training for Virginia Libraries https://zoobean.zoom.us/meeting/register/SFYs0qA2SLm8DX6Q70Cjgw Learn the ins-and-outs of Reports and Insights so you can make the most of your data this summer. You'll leave this training with bookmarked reports, data best practices, and tips and tricks to help showcase your library's summer impact. This hands-on session is designed for library staff who manage and track Beanstack data for their library.
CSLP Updates
Do you adore wordsmithing words and phrases? Do you love word play?
Staff from member libraries are welcome to join the Theme & Slogan Committee for a deep dive into developing the short list of slogan options for 2029's Nature theme. Join us and share your thoughts!
We're offering two Zoom sessions to try and get input from as many libraries as possible:
Check out the 2026 Día Reading Lists! A great resource for readers' advisory.
Celebrate Día this year with engaging stories for children representing a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
This year's Día reading lists are available in English AND Spanish and free to download and distribute to your patrons to share the #bookjoy!
The lists are a great supplement to Día programming and stand on their own as a trusted guide for families looking for diverse books.
El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. Don't forget the National Día Program Registry. Tell us about your programs and promote them on the registry.
Celebrate the 16th Annual National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 16th!
National Park Trust is excited to celebrate the National Kids to Parks Day with your community! You are part of a nationwide network of hundreds of Kids to Parks Day partners who are encouraging their communities to get outside on May 16th.
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated by parks, cities, and towns across the country. Proclaim the day, register an event, or just share with your community!
Book News
Notable Social Studies Book Award Lists
The Notable Social Studies Trade Book Awards are an annual project of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children's Book Council, running since 1972. This award list features K-12 annotated titles published in the previous calendar year that are exceptional books for use in social studies classrooms, selected by social studies educators.