Learn more about what iREAD 2021 has to offer and get some of your questions answered!
How much will this cost?
The State Library of Iowa provides the iREAD program to all Iowa libraries free of charge. You will receive access to an iREAD manual that will provide you with ideas and outlines for displays, crafts, and programs for all ages. This manual also contains all the graphics, bibliographies, and more!
How will I get the manual?
This year, we're transitioning to providing online access to the manual. You won't have to worry about losing a USB drive or entering access codes at a website anymore, hooray! Each library will be granted download access to a manual and can do whatever best suits their needs with it. You can save it your own USB or multiple USBs, you can store it in a shared drive for multiple users to access, you can even print it all out if you want. An advantage of iREAD is that this access isn't a license, it's a purchase, so once you download the manual, it's all yours.
What if I want to buy a USB or print version of the manual? Can I buy program swag like t-shirts, bookmarks, posters, and incentives?
You can purchase all of this and more at the iREAD store! (The items currently in the store are still for the 2020 theme but in October will switch over to 2021 items.)
What's new about iREAD?
While many of the supports for your summer programming will remain the same, iREAD has some great new features. They have a special focus on preventing summer slide, including specific products made to help educate people about the importance of summer programs. Additionally, iREAD is flexible; you can use the art in perpetuity after purchase, it doesn't ever expire. iREAD is designed by in-practice librarians with an understanding of how summer happens in a public library. As an example, I especially appreciate there's an entire chapter on decorations and displays, complete with pictures from real libraries. Also, iREAD contracts with illustrators to license the work of familiar characters. 2021's art not only features the work of Hervé Tullet, creator of the best-selling sensation Press Here but also the beloved Crayons from illustrator Oliver Jeffers. This recognizable, well-known art and characters help with promoting the program.
Can I tell performers and other partners about this theme?
Please do! We look forward to seeing and hearing about what you will create around and using this awesome theme. As a reminder, many libraries in Illinois use iREAD and their themes, so some regional performers might already be familiar with their work.
What if I still want to use the 2021 Collaborative Summer Library Program theme?
Any library interested in using Tails & Tales, the Collaborative Summer Library’s (CSLP) 2021 theme, is welcome to join the CSLP on their own. You will need to pay their annual membership base fee, which is $20 for standalone library plus $2 for any branch libraries, and purchase any other material, such as a manual, that you wish to use to run the program. The State Library of Iowa will not be providing monetary funding, technical support, or continuing education on the CSLP’s 2021 theme.
What are Iowa librarians saying about iReads?
The choice to use iReads was made in concert with the Youth Advisory Council, a council made up of in practice librarians across the state. Their insights and discussions about iReads were invaluable. Here are thoughts from two of the members who helped make the decision!
"I was beyond excited about the switch from CLSP to the iREAD program. I appreciate the themes around current, relevant children’s literary characters our readers identify with. This approach takes out a lot of the guess work as a programmer on what books to highlight, and gives us more time and guidance on how to shape our programs rather than researching the hundreds of books being published which fit in a vaguer theme." - Tyler Hahn, Director, Cherokee Public Library
"As Youth Services Librarian at Hiawatha Public Library, I am excited about implementing iREAD for summer 2021 and other YS librarians across Iowa will feel the same way. The theme "Reading Colors Your World" celebrates the diversity in our state and while embracing a simple commonality, the love of reading. Additionally, the artwork is phenomenal. The use of beloved book characters and identifiable color schemes will draw in readers of all ages." - Alicia Mangin, Youth Services Librarian, Hiawatha Public Library
I want to learn more!
Good news, you’ll have several opportunities to learn more! In September, iREAD is hosting a welcome webinar for all librarians participating. Attendance at this session is capped at the first 500 attendees, but don't worry! Not only is this session going to be recorded but iREAD staff is joining us for an Iowa exclusive webinar in October. Our October Pop YS session on Thursday, October 15th from 1:00-2:00 will be all about iREAD and a representative from iREAD will walk us through all the excitement. After that session, you will be able to download your manuals! Instructions on how to create an account and register for courses in the new catalog will be coming mid-September, so stay tuned. Further online continuing education training and work group sessions will take place throughout the fall and winter.
Have other questions? Contact Angie Manfredi directly.
Ready to learn more about iREAD, this theme and see more designs (and see the t-shirts!) from 2021's featured artists: Oliver Jeffers, Yuyi Morales, Hervé Tullet, and Zach Lehner?
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