Summer Reading Program
The Cooperative Summer Library Program
How the Cooperative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Works
CSLP currently consists of 50 member states plus the District of Columbia,
American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands, to see a list go to the
Member section of their site.
Each state has input into decisions made by the CSLP, such as future summer reading
topics, according to the number of public libraries in the state. Nebraska has seven votes. Two representatives and the state coordinator represent Nebraska at annual meetings where the year's business is discussed and decisions are made.
To learn more about CSLP go to http://www.cslpreads.org/.
If you'd like more information on this topic please watch the NCompass Live
Recorded session that Sally did:
Summer Reading Programs: Who Chooses the Theme? it's under 1 hour.
Nebraska has been a member of CSLP since 1997.We are currently represented by Karen Drevo (Norfolk Public Library),
and Sally Snyder (state coordinator, Nebraska Library Commission). Members of the Nebraska Youth Advisory Board poll the librarians in their systems and/or organizations as to their
topic preferences. The information gathered is then discussed and processed at a Youth Advisory Board meeting, and a decision about Nebraska's general preference is arrived at. The representatives then present this decision at the all-states CSLP meeting, where much discussion finally results in
topics that everyone is willing to accept. The CSLP representatives from each state make an effort to achieve consensus.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nebraska's Participation in the CSLP
For Nebraska, the advantages of membership in the CSLP are quality materials at lower prices, a wider range of selections, a broader sharing of creative ideas, and less time invested at the state level on this annual program. The disadvantages are perhaps less local ownership of the program and a less efficient decision-making process. The effects of these "disadvantages" will probably be minimized as CSLP participants gain more experience working together. Another possible disadvantage of CSLP participation for Nebraska libraries is that the minimum quantity of materials is greater than they have need for or more expensive than they can afford. It is hoped that Nebraska
libraries will view this "disadvantage" as an opportunity to work together and place joint orders.
Teen Video Challenge
The national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) sponsored a teen
video challenge for the first time in 2011, and continues the challenge in
2012. Teens (ages 13-18) are invited
to create a video promoting Summer Reading for their fellow teens. To
learn more about this challenge, go to:
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/youth/summerreading/cslpcontest.aspx.