May
2025

Youth Services Notes

From the Library of Virginia

Summer Visits

I would love to attend your Summer Reading events, as scheduling permits. If you have a kick-off, a special program, or a finale, let me know, and I'll see if I can plan a visit. I am happy to help at an event, too, if you need an extra set of hands!

Just email me!

Sue

CSLP Updates

To access the PSAs and Social Media toolkit, sign in to the CSLP manual website using your Access Code, then check out the following:

Video PSAs: https://programs.cslpreads.org/videos-psas-for-2025-program/

Social Media Toolkit: https://programs.cslpreads.org/2025-social-media-toolkit/

(Have you forgotten your Access Code? Email me and I’ll send it to you!)

Collaborative Summer Library Program Author Talks

CSLP is excited to partner again with the Library Speakers Consortium to bring summer author events to CSLP members!
The Library Speakers Consortium (LSC) is a partnership of more than 400 libraries working together to bring high-quality online author talk programs to their patrons. CSLP member libraries will receive free access to TWO of the amazing live-streamed events.
Katherine Applegate, award-winning author and our CSLP Summer Reading Champion, will host a 30-minute session on her novel in verse, Odder. Raúl The Third, Pura Belpre award-winning illustrator, author, and artist, will host two sessions - one in Spanish and one in English. Both sessions will be 30 minutes long, with discussion focused on ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read!.

Along with access to the live-stream, members will also have access to the recordings and marketing resources to use for planning a special program around one of these fantastic author talks!
For dates, times, and registration information, please visit the LSC | Collaborative Summer Library Program Author Talks webpage.

Grants and Opportunities

The Colorado State Library invites interested librarians everywhere to attend its upcoming interactive webinar on restorative justice and trauma-informed approaches in public libraries:

Talking Teen Services: Kids and Teens are Patrons, Too

Thursday, June 12, 1:00-2:30 pm EDT

How can public libraries be truly inclusive spaces for youth and teens, especially those from marginalized communities? In this session, we will explore how traditional patron codes of conduct often alienate young patrons and discuss the role of trauma-informed library services in building a more empathetic and equitable environment. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to adopt restorative justice practices and communicate rules in ways that foster trust, understanding, and inclusion. This will be an interactive learning opportunity. Please bring a copy of your library's patron code of conduct with you for a group exercise. Registration is required.

Book News

ALSC’s 2025 Summer Reading Lists

The 2025 Summer Reading Lists feature book titles and digital media options to keep children engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. Four lists are available for birth-preschool and grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. The lists are free to download and share!

The 2025 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.

Featured Programs

Radford Public Library

Staff member Janet Crenshaw of Radford Public Library painted on the front windows of the library building. We all know the song – “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.”