The Pennsylvania Summer Library Program 2024 Summer Showcase is now available on the PA Library Staff Academy. The purpose of this showcase is to highlight Pennsylvania library staff who made an impact on their communities with exemplary and innovative programming for youth ages birth -18 and their families and caregivers during summer 2023. Through this online showcase, library staff have access to summer information and resources developed by Pennsylvania library staff from across the Commonwealth.
Guest speakers share their expertise with you on their programming experiences from summer 2023 and describe a variety of engaging programs. Join us on adventures around the world, explore the wonders of outer space, and discover the joy of belonging with the library. Learn how you can replicate fantastic programs or generate new ideas to provide youth with a foundational library experience.
In addition to this virtual idea and information exchange, you’ll discover how Pennsylvania libraries provided the most excellent and equitable services to their communities by focusing on equity, belonging, and inclusion in order to achieve great outcomes. The Youth Services Advisory Team also has prepared a special presentation celebrating the highlights of the Summer 2023 Impact Report.
This showcase may be used for continuing education (CE) credits.
You’re also invited to participate in a series of Pennsylvania Summer Library Program Roundtable Sessions
Join in for great discussion on what we’re doing for summer and WHY we do it in informal, collaborative roundtable sessions. Share your excitement for your upcoming summer programs with colleagues across the Commonwealth and take part in the constructive and interactive conversation. Everyone is invited to listen in and speak out about how we make a difference in our communities through excellent and equitable library services to youth.
Register for the following Pennsylvania Summer Library Program Roundtable Sessions
Tuesday, February 27, 1:30 – 3:00 PM: Adventure Begins at Your Library
At this roundtable discussion, we will discuss Jenifer Strauss’ Collaborative Summer Library Program Symposium Keynote “Simplifying the Adventure of Summer Reading: Observations from a Seasoned Storyteller.” Join in conversation with colleagues across the Commonwealth on what it means to provide excellent and equitable library services to youth, families, and caregivers. We recommend viewing Jennifer Strauss’ Keynote before attending the session.
Tuesday, March 12, 1:30 – 3:00 PM: Summer 2024 Programing for All
At this roundtable session, we will discuss the Summer 2024 Showcase and program ideas. Bring your favorite ideas for your library’s 2024 program to share with colleagues in breakout discussion to generate energy and excitement around working with and for your unique community. Share your experiences working with community partners and learn about resources available to you to support adventurous outdoor learning for youth, families, and caregivers. We recommend viewing the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s “Taking the Adventures Outdoors: Programming and Partnerships” before attending this session.
Tuesday, March 26, 1:30 – 3:00 PM: Celebrating Our Success!
At this roundtable session, we will discuss how libraries make an impact on youth in their communities. Join in conversation with colleagues in group and breakout discussion on how we measure success, achieve goals, and celebrate outcomes.
Questions can be sent to Corri Hines, School Age Services Advisor, and Heather Warren Smith, Early Childhood Services Advisor, Bureau of Library Development, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
The Bureau of Library Development (BLD) in the Office of Commonwealth Libraries supports libraries and library services for Pennsylvanians through the administration of state and federally funded programs and grant opportunities including LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), Library Access, LAMP (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the Public Library Subsidy, and Keystone Grants for Public Library Facilities. BLD also provides advisory services, professional development, and continuing education for library staff and volunteer leadership at public, school, academic, and special libraries.
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