Kymberlee Powe | Children and YA Consultant

We are excited to launch our 2021 Summer Reading Report with several new questions reflecting the direction the Connecticut State Library (CSL) is moving toward collecting outputs alongside outcome-based data from public library summer reading programs. In addition to the new questions on the Summer Reading Report, CSL is asking libraries to utilize and submit results for patron surveys to help evaluate the impact of your library’s summer reading program. Visit our Summer Reading Reporting page to access the annual Summer Reading Report, the accompanying instructions, patron survey, virtual patron survey template, and more.

Interested in learning more about why CSL is migrating to outcome-based, or impact, data? We have a video!

Connecticut libraries are once again able to use the READsquared platform this summer thanks to the continued support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services of CSL. Over the past year, CSL has hosted various demonstrations that have been recorded for viewing as well as created video tutorials to walk users through various READsquared features such as uploading new programs, registration, creating book lists, digital badges, and creating bingo boards.

READSquared continues to run bi-weekly onboarding and training sessions open to all libraries, whether you are just starting or need a refresher on navigating the control room before summer reading. Each session's agenda includes:

To join a webinar, simply click and join on the date of your choosing. There is no need to register for these webinars.

To support the Summer Reading program, the Connecticut State Library is a member of the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). CSLP has crafted a white paper on the state of research on summer reading, the effectiveness of summer reading programs, and summer reading best practices. Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) allows Connecticut libraries to freely access material from CSLP.

CSLP provides a catalog of supplemental material such as reading logs, fliers, lawn signs, incentives and more; and they have a Pinterest board, Facebook, and Twitter page to share programming ideas and provide opportunities for collaboration.

For help navigating the CSLP website and uploading materials, watch these tutorials.

To see how other libraries run summer programs across the country, make sure to sign up for the monthly CSLP newsletter.

Join Children and YA Consultant Kymberlee Powe as she answers all of your state wide summer reading questions! Submit your questions in advance to the shared document, and the day of the event, Kym will go through all of your questions. There will be an opportunity to ask clarifying questions during the event and it will be recorded.

Join Children and YA Consultant Kymberlee Powe to go over the new Summer Reading Report questions, the new reporting spreadsheet, and all of its support material.

kymberlee.powe@ct.gov | (860) 704-2207

Connecticut State Library | Division of Library Development

Middletown Library Service Center

786 South Main Street | Middletown, CT 06457