READING IS SO DELICIOUS!
CLA and iREADFACT SHEET
Why is CLA partnering with iREAD?
CLA is partnering with iREAD so that we can continue providing a statewide summer readingprogram FREE OF CHARGE to California’s public libraries.
California’sparticipation in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) was entirely dependent on LSTA funding from the State Library. LSTA funds paid for every California public library’s CSLP membership fee, program manual, and DVD.
CLA did not generate revenue from California’s participation in CSLP. Currently, the future of LSTA funding in California is uncertain. With no LSTA fundingthere can be no statewide summer reading program within the CSLP model.
In partnership with iREAD, CLAwill generate revenue from the purchases that California libraries make from the iREAD store. That revenue will be used tocontinue providinglibraries with high-quality statewide summer reading resources that are tailored to our state.
Why should libraries participate in the new statewide program?
By using the iREAD program you are sustaining a statewide summer reading program for California. The more California libraries that participate in the iREAD program, the more resources we can provide, and the better the program will become. We are always stronger together!
California libraries will be directly involved in developing the resource guide and all other materials to ensure that the program is tailored to California’s needs.
The iREAD program supports libraries. As a coordinated, self-supporting effort between librarians, the Illinois Library Association, and the California Library Association, every purchase from iREAD supports library advocacy.
There is no time limit on using iREADmaterials, including the graphics. You can use the themes at any time, e.g. , in future years for winter or spring break!
The economies of scale. The more libraries that participate, the more we can lower the cost of the incentives and other products—which benefits us all!
What will change now that we are working with iREAD? What will stay the same?
Libraries will continue to receive freeresource guides and CDs; professionally-designed graphics; access to theme-based incentives and promotional tools; statewide program evaluation; training workshops; a resource-rich website; and year-round support from CLA staff.
There are some changes associated with the move to iREAD—all of which we think you will like!
Every purchase you make from the iREAD store supports library advocacy.
No membership fee for libraries.
Greater input into the design of future summer reading programs.
A one-theme, one-slogan program to unify your summer reading message.
Use youriREAD graphics however you would like to promote your program.
Outcomes-based evaluation materials are included in every resource guide.
A boutique summer reading service: you tell us whether you want to receive your resource guide in print form or on CD.
Why is our 2013 theme Reading Is So Delicious!?
The official 2013 iREAD theme is based on travel, which California libraries used in 2011. To avoid repetition, we will use Reading Is So Delicious! this year and join up with other iREAD libraries in 2014.
Libraries in other states used Reading Is So Delicious! in 2012 with great success!iREADhas customized the program for California libraries by increasing thehealthy eating graphics and resourcesand adding bilingual (English/Spanish) material.
What is the 2014 theme?
The theme is Paws to Read. If you have program suggestions for this theme, please submit them to iREAD:
The deadline for entries is February 28, 2013, and five people who contribute to the resource guide will win a gift certificate to the iREAD store!
Please submit your ideas! Your contributions will ensure that we develop the summer reading program that you want!
Additional Resources
CLA’s Reading Is So Delicious! programming and training resources are available at: > Programs > Summer Reading > Program Ideas
The iREADwebstore is available at:
Contact Natalie Cole, CLA Programs Director, with questions:
The California Summer Reading Program is a project of the California Library Association, supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.