[OPLINLIST] Apply to join a Building Community-Based Summers virtual cohort this Fall!

[jdwyer at library.ohio.gov]

Cross-posted. Please excuse duplication.

In late July and August, library workers transition from the “doing” to the reflecting/assessing phase of summer reading. Now is a great time to look into Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> (BCBS), a series of learning and discussion sessions designed to help libraries build strategies to work with their communities to create and provide inclusive summer programs and services. 

Ohio library workers will have several opportunities to explore BCBS this fall. Today’s announcement is about an application-based, national online cohort sponsored by CSLP. Space is limited and previous national cohort applications have been highly competitive.
In a few weeks, we’ll announce registration for a one-day in-person BCBS workshop expected to be offered twice in November, once in NW Ohio and once in SE Michigan. These workshops will be cofacilitated by library consultants from Library of Michigan and State Library of Ohio. Both the online cohort and the workshops are offered at no cost to participants.

Please note that we will not offer an Ohio-only or tri-state (IN/MI/OH) online cohort this fall as in the past. Katy Hite and I are among the cofacilitators for both the national cohort and the in-person workshops, and we are maxed out for fall 2026!

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The Collaborative Summer Library Program is excited to launch the fourth national cohort for Building Community-Based Summers<https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> (BCBS) in Fall 2026.

BCBS is designed to help member libraries identify the “whys” behind their summer services, build strategies to engage community voices, and create and provide inclusive summer services for all members of their communities. The discussions and activities will focus on how to connect with communities experiencing marginalization to design and implement summer library services. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with a nationwide cohort of library staff to dig deeply into inclusive summer services.

What library workers say about BCBS

  *   “I'm so impressed by the amount of thought and care that has gone into creating this curriculum. The resources provided were new to me, unique, engaging, and very helpful.”
  *   “We have been looking to make changes to almost all aspects of our summer services, from registration to logging, and prizes/completion. This series and the materials shared will be providing the framework to get us started in the process.”
  *   “Thank you for the experience! I enjoyed talking to other people from different libraries! It has expanded my knowledge and has changed my point of view on libraries and communities.”

Participation
Each participating library is encouraged to send a team of two staff members from across departments including youth services, adult services, programming, outreach, and administration. All team members commit to:

  *   Consistent attendance and active participation using cameras, shared whiteboards, and breakout rooms.

  1.  Participation in six sessions including an introductory orientation, four learning sessions, and a wrap-up/review session. An optional discussion session will also be scheduled.
  2.  Sessions take place from 1:00-3:00 pm ET Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, and 27 and November 10 and 17, 2026. The optional open discussion session will take place November 3.
  3.  Additional work will be required within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing and planned summer programs and services through an equity lens. Expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours/week doing this work, in addition to the virtual sessions.

Learn More and Apply
You are invited to learn more about BCBS and the upcoming cohort<https://www.cslpreads.org/community-based-summers/#aboutbcbs> and apply by 8:00 am ET on Monday, August 17, 2026<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-jeTMXuHoGTfB3G40jWG5puw87T73HEejIeUuFD7FtSqVZA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104689062020655876980> to be considered for the Fall cohort. Accepted participants will be notified in early September.

Questions?  Contact bcbs at cslpreads.org<mailto:bcbs at cslpreads.org>


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Janet Ingraham Dwyer
Youth Services Library Consultant
Library Programs & Development
State Library of Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Floor 5
Columbus, OH 43215-2477
614.644.6910
jdwyer at library.ohio.gov<mailto:jdwyer at library.ohio.gov>
library.ohio.gov<https://library.ohio.gov/>

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