Library Development

New York State Library

NYSED / OCE / NYSL / DLD / Summer Reading at New York Libraries / Information and Resources

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Information and Resources

The chart above shows growth in participation in Statewide Summer Reading Programs from 344,000 in 2000 to 1.99 million in 2015. Click on the chart above to enlarge it, or click here for a .PDF version of this chart. [44k]

Revised: Promoting Summer Reading at New York Libraries: A Local Approach; as a .PDF [785k] or PowerPoint slide show [11.5 meg]. Presented by Karen Balsen, April 2011; revised June 2011 with additional notes. NOTE: in the .PDF version, "mouseover" the icon at the upper left of each page, or right-click on that icon, to see the Presenter Notes for that page. SEE ALSO Suggestions for Promoting Your Library’s Summer Reading Program 2010 Summer Reading promotion workshop for local public libraries [.PDF; 98 slides; no audio; 2.26meg]. Presented by James Fairbrother, Fairbrother and Company, March 1, 2010.

Summer Reading at New York Libraries is an annual program that brings children and families into local public libraries for reading and activities. Over 1.9 million New York children and teens participated in the State Library-sponsored program in 2014. The State Library coordinates the program and works with the 23 library systems throughout the state providing a summer reading theme, promotional materials, a creative idea manual, and state-level support. Studies show that library summer reading programs will raise student learning levels and help prevent learning losses during the summer months. Summer Reading at New York Libraries is a growing program and is always reaching out to include more children and families. In 2007, New York joined the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), a national consortium of 50 states, the District of Columbia and two territories, that pools resources. The theme and many of the materials available to New York's libraries come from the work of this collaboration.

Some 1,100 local libraries throughout New York State use the theme and materials provided by the New York State Library and CSLP to create a summer reading program geared towards their communities needs. They partner with local organizations and schools to help promote and create the program. The library staff help children select reading materials and provide literacy-enhancing programs such as storytelling, music, creative arts, and performances.

Summer Reading at New York Libraries is the best summer bargain in town: Library programs are offered free of charge to all children from toddlers to teens. Parents are encouraged to participate as well. The New York State Library provides the CSLP Summer Reading Program manual to all 1,100 public library, branch library and reading center locations in the state, making available a professional-quality reading program to every community. Local libraries throughout the State work with the New York State Library and CSLP to create the best program for each community.

Additional Resources

• Family Literacy Library Services Grant Program 2013-2016: "Summer Reading at New York Libraries through Public Library Systems"
• New York State -- Summer Reading Program: Information for Librarians, Parents and Kids (opens in a new window)
• New York State Performers and Programs Database (opens in a new window)
  • PowerPoint Tutorial for the Performers and Programs Database (opens in a new window)
  • Print out bookmarks for distribution (two-sided, color .PDF file ; opens in a new window)
• The Importance of Summer Reading: Public Library Summer Reading Programs and Learning; highlights of research on summer reading and effects on student achievement
• Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP; opens in a new window)
  • CSLP Diversity Page
• Archives from previous years and Summer Reading Program posters 1992 to present
• Ready to Read at New York Libraries is a statewide initiative to provide public library staff with early literacy skills to help parents and caregivers prepare their young children for the school years ahead.
• is a virtual, early literacy calendar, with content that changes daily for parents and caregivers to use with their children.


• Contact Sharon Phillips at the Division of Library Development, New York State Library, Albany, NY 12230; 518-486-4863

Summer Reading at New York Libraries is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The New York State Library is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department.

Last Updated: September 21, 2016 -- asm