Tackling the Summer Slide Through School System Partnerships
Hartford Public Library

Earlier this month, Hartford Public Library and Hartford Public Schools held their Summer Learning Kick-Off celebration at the Downtown Library. The event included a 250th Anniversary parade, celebrating the historic milestone of the Library. This strong partnership between the library and school system demonstrates their shared belief that learning has to happen all 12 months of the year.

“We are so grateful for the continued relationship with Hartford Public Schools as our partner in our Summer Learning initiative and are thankful to all our community partners that help make this happen year after year,” said Bridget E. Quinn, HPL President and CEO. “We are looking forward to the Summer Reading Challenge, this year’s theme is Reading Through Time to help celebrate HPL’s 250th anniversary."

Learn more about the Summer Learning program.

"Boys, Books, and Ballet"
Louisville Free Public Library

The Louisville Free Public Library and the Louisville Ballet are collaborating to show young people, primarily boys, that dance has space for them. Ballet Bound is an initiative from the Louisville Ballet meant to give young dancers the opportunity to take classes in a professional space at no cost. It aims to lower barriers that could hinder youth from exploring their interest in dance.

“We do a fun brain dance, we teach them lots of locomotor moves to move across the floor, then of course, we give them some ballet basics. And then they always get to learn a little bit of choreography,” said Louisville Ballet Director of Community Engagement Stacey Blakeman. This year attendees will learn choreography inspired by “Swan Lake.”

In addition to learning dance, participants will read books about male dancers. By partnering with the library and traveling to different branches, Blakeman said the ballet hopes to continue to break down access barriers. “Boys, Books, and Ballet” programs are happening at library branches throughout Louisville from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday this month.

Read more from Louisville Public Media.

How Pima's Pride Team Stands Up for the LGBTQ+ community
Pima County Public Library

In 1997, a small group of Pima County Public Library staff got together and decided to form the Gay & Lesbian Services Committee. It was a revolutionary idea; Pima County Library was one of the first public libraries in the United States to form a committee specifically dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.

The original committee pushed for the library to officially recognize employees’ domestic partnerships for health care and other benefits. They also put together entertaining and educational book lists for the community and invited prominent queer authors to come and speak in Tucson. The original team knew that somebody had to stand up for Tucson’s gay community, and they decided it would be them. Today, the committee is as involved as ever.

Read Pima County Librarian Casey Short's profile on the Committee in the Arizona Daily Star.

A Trio of Summer Programs in Milton
Milton Public Library

Milton Public Library is kicking off the summer with not just one type of Summer Programming, but three! The annual Read and Ride program in partnership with Milton Transit, the TD Summer Reading Club, and the Summer Giving Campaign all promote literacy, community involvement, and accessible transportation throughout the summer months.

"The Read and Ride program, along with the TD Summer Reading Club and the Summer Giving Campaign, collectively exemplify our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and community access for our younger residents. By merging the resources of the Milton Public Library with free transit, and providing engaging reading and giving opportunities, we empower our youth to explore, grow, and contribute positively to our community all summer long," said Sarah Douglas-Murray, CEO/Chief Librarian, Milton Public Library.

Read the full press release.