The Vermont Department of Libraries supports the mission of local public libraries to provide quality programming for children, teens, and families. The Department sponsors an annual Summer Reading Program available to all Vermont public libraries to foster summer reading for youth of all ages. The program encourages a love of reading, introduces new books and authors to expand children and teen leisure reading choices, and works to prevent the loss of reading skills during the summer months when youth are out of school.
The Department is a member of the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a nation-wide organization collaborating with libraries to create and present inclusive literacy-based programs that are enjoyable for all ages. Each year CSLP shares this reproducible program with member organizations. The program features a unified theme, professional support services, and a rich variety of program and promotional materials and resources. Through the Department's membership, Vermont public libraries have access to CSLP's Summer Reading Program.
2025 CSLP Summer Reading Program, Color Our World™
Member libraries across the country chose the CSLP 2025 Summer Reading Program theme, Color Our World™. The theme reflects the idea that art "has the power to transform, uplift, and connect us. It allows us to see the world through different lenses, fostering empathy and understanding. The theme encourages libraries to embrace the beauty of art in all its forms, creating a colorful tapestry of experiences for everyone."
2025 Resources
- Summer Reading 2025 Information Session Webinar (2/26/25)
- This webinar provides an overview of the 2025 Summer Reading program and available resources. Dawn Krause, Executive Director of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, joins us to talk about the Color Our World program manual and other materials and resources available to all Vermont public libraries. The recording and slides from the Summer Reading Information session are available on Niche Academy.
- This webinar provides an overview of the 2025 Summer Reading program and available resources. Dawn Krause, Executive Director of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, joins us to talk about the Color Our World program manual and other materials and resources available to all Vermont public libraries. The recording and slides from the Summer Reading Information session are available on Niche Academy.
- 2025 Regional Summer Reading Meetups
- Seven summer programming-focused discussions were hosted by public libraries around the state in March and April.
- Summer Programming Grants
- New in 2025: Rather than coordinating a summer reading supply order with the CSLP, the Department will award $350 for the 2025 Summer Programming Grants. Libraries may use Summer Programming Grant funds to either purchase supplies directly from CSLP (including themed apparel, incentives, and other products) or for other summer reading programming purposes. We encourage all public libraries to apply for this grant! Please note: While $350 is being awarded to each eligible public library this year, future annual grant amounts may vary based on available funding. Applications are now closed.
- Summer Meal Programs
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On Monday, April 21, staff from the Agency of Education and Hunger Free Vermont joined the Department of Libraries to present a virtual information session about the Summer Food Service Program (also known as Summer Meals) and other free meal programs in Vermont. They discussed how to find existing programs in your communities and ways libraries can partner with site administrators such as school districts to serve as meal sites. Together, we can work to end malnutrition and hunger for all Vermonters. You can access the recording and slides on Niche Academy.
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- Grant Reporting & Summer Programming Survey
- The summer program reporting will open at the end of August. Reporting is mandatory for all libraries that received the 2025 Summer Programming Grant. We also want to hear from libraries that offered a summer reading program but did not use the CSLP theme and chose not to apply for grant funding.
- CSLP Information and Materials
- 2024 CSLP Summer Symposium (12/5/24) Featuring the keynote, You Belong in Libraries with Mychal Threets, and an overview of Color Our World™ materials, programming seminars, marketing ideas, and inspiration.
- 2025 CSLP Color Our World™ programming manual: Through the Department's CSLP membership, Vermont public libraries have access to the manual, featuring resources, graphics, book lists, and more. To access the manual:
- Directly access the manual
- Request the programming manual access code by emailing Jonathan Clark, the Department's Library Consultant for Children and Teen Services, or Lilly Talbert, the Department's Communications and Administrative Coordinator. Please do not share this code or post it in a publicly accessible location.
- 2025 Color Our World with Citizen Science: From Space to Sea webinar recording and materials: This event took place February 4, 2025, and introduced participants to hands-on STEM activities for all ages, from exploring the wonders of space to uncovering the mysteries of the deep sea. Explore the resources below to learn how these activities align with the Color Our World theme and provide opportunities for library users to contribute to real-world scientific research.
- 2024 CSLP Summer Symposium (12/5/24) Featuring the keynote, You Belong in Libraries with Mychal Threets, and an overview of Color Our World™ materials, programming seminars, marketing ideas, and inspiration.
Additional Resources
- Vermont Library Association's Recommended Performer and Speaker List and Submission Form
- Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) website
- VT Authors/Illustrators Guide (2022)
- New England Youth Summits website and a New England library staff crowd-sourced Summer Programming Idea Swap Padlet with resources and program ideas.