This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Information and guidance on LSTA spending can be found here.
WHO Is iREAD? Librarians are creators AND users of the program; readers of all ages infants to adults, participate each year; and renowned illustrators create the artwork.
WHAT Is iREAD? A flexible, nonprofit reading program designed by librarians featuring appealing resources, compelling and adaptable themes, and a comprehensive resource guide chock full of ideas and reproducibles.
WHEN Is iREAD? Although originally designed as a summer reading program, iREAD can be used any time to develop excitement about books and reading. Themes for the next year are typically available in early November.
WHY Should I Use iREAD? iREAD is run by the Illinois Library Association (ILA), a nonprofit entity. Revenues are used to support libraries. There are NO membership fees, contracts, or commitments necessary. iREAD is flexible; you can use the art and guide in perpetuity after purchase. iREAD provides themed templates for any commonly used registration software package such as Beanstack, Evanced, and others.
WHO Is CSLP? The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is a member-driven, non-profit organization that provides a variety of materials, including programming manuals, incentive items, artwork, themes/slogans, and other marketing materials to support summer reading programs in libraries each year. Profit from the sale of materials is reinvested in CSLP to continue providing summer reading resources and support.
The Alaska State Library is not a member state of CSLP, but library outlets may join and purchase a copy of the annual themed CSLP programming manual in the CSLP Store for a small fee. Visit the CSLP FAQs page and the Rules of Use page for more information.
The Alaska State Library supports summer reading programs (SRPs) across the state using LSTA federal funds. This includes opportunities to plan and share with other libraries, an iRead reading program resource guide, and iREAD Store credit codes for program materials. The resource guide contains images, program ideas, reading lists, and reproducibles. Credit codes can be redeemed for allowable summer reading program materials according to federal regulations.
Schools located in communities without a public library summer reading program—or have unique needs for a separate school-based program—may request support from the Alaska State Library through the Statewide Summer Reading Program to host their own summer reading program.
After the summer reading program ends, participating libraries are required to submit a final program report to meet federal grant requirements. All libraries and schools that provide a summer reading program are invited to submit a report to help the Alaska State Library be responsive to changes and the needs of Alaskan organizations offering a summer reading program.
Libraries and schools do not have to be eligible for the Public Library Assistance (PLA) Grant to participate.
If you have questions or need assistance, please email valarie.kingsland@alaska.gov.
Statewide SRP Registration, open September 16 - November 23, 2025
Alaskan libraries and schools are welcome to register for the Statewide Summer Reading Program. We recommend organizations work with local public libraries, but understand there are circumstances when a separate program is highly impactful.
Statewide SRP Participants Portal (link coming soon)
Alaskan libraries and schools participating in the Statewide Summer Reading Program can use a password-protected portal to access instructions, iREAD Resource Guide Codes and iREAD Store Credit Codes. The password to the portal will be emailed to participating libraries when the guides and credit codes become available.
A recording of the Get Ready for 2026 Summer Reading with iREAD! webinar on 10/22/15 will be made available to libraries that register and through the participants program portal.
Webinar with the Alaska State Library and iREAD for all libraries and schools interested in participating in the 2026 Statewide Summer Reading Program to enhance their local summer reading program. Registration required. A recording will be available afterward.
iREAD Webinar Agenda:
SRP Final Report and Evaluation (closed Oct 5, 2025)
Please complete and submit this report and evaluation after your Summer Reading Program (SRP) ends.
We are interested in your SRP even if you did not register for or participate in the Alaska State Library's Statewide Summer Reading Program. These reports help the Alaska State Library plan and support future SRPs statewide, as well as meet federal grant reporting requirements.
Planning takes place throughout the year and the program takes place according to the organization's and community's needs and timeline. This is an approximate timeline for organizations participating in the Statewide Summer Reading Program.
September/October/November: Register for the Statewide Summer Reading Program
November/December: Resource Guide & Credit Code
January: SRP Planning Session
February/March: Order Deadline
May/June/July/August: Launch Program
August/September: Final SRP Report
October/November: Debrief Session
