As of 2022 MLS will be using the iRead Summer Reading Program! The 2022 Summer theme is outdoor adventure and features artwork from Dav Pilkey, Kayla Miller, Jessica Gibson, and Christina "Steenz" Stewart. “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” combines camp, adventure, and skill development. Summer camp at the library can encompass many different summer experiences such as hiking, campfire stories & songs, animal identification, arts and crafts, and STEAM activities.
The Massachusetts Statewide Summer Library Program is funded by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order summer paper/promotional materials?
Beginning in summer 2020, libraries will receive a voucher to order materials when they submit their statistics to MLS.
What materials do I get with the voucher?
You may order any materials from the catalog of the chosen vendor for the statewide summer program. Anything over your voucher amount will need to be paid by your library.
Do I need to pay for shipping?
You may use your voucher to cover shipping costs.
What kind of statistics do you need at the end of the summer?
If you are the designated summer contact for your library you will be emailed a link to an online statistics and feedback form near the end of summer. On this form you will provide your summer program statistics and provide contact information so you can receive a voucher to order materials for the following summer.
The questions we ask are included at the top of this page.
All libraries that participate in the statewide summer program are REQUIRED to submit stats to MLS.
What if I am at a branch library?
You will need to bundle your stats and order with the main branch. We also ask for one summer library program contact person who will be responsible for disseminating summer information and materials amongst all branches.
Artwork, Copyright & Credit Lines:
Do we really have to follow the iRead Copyright Rules?
Yes! Due to copyright and contractual arrangements between MLS and iRead, MLS members are expected to be aware of the rules of use. The best practice is to read the rules in your upcoming resource guide/manual.
I need to do my publicity brochures! Where is the clip art?
Clip art images are in the manual. There is clip art with the copyright embedded for online use and we encourage you to use those images for posting to social media and for use on your website.
Is it OK to edit/alter the summer artwork—such as changing the colors or adding color to the line art or Photoshopping a piece of art to remove part of it or to add a new element to it?
No, it is not acceptable to alter (other than resizing) the summer artwork.
Is there a credit line we need to use on our publicity materials recognizing the Massachusetts Library System and other organizations?
Yes, you can find it here: Resources.
Do I have to credit the Bruins?
Yes, you do have to credit our statewide sponsor, the Boston Bruins. The Bruins pay for promotional materials, provide prizes awarded statewide, offer incentives and programs for participating libraries, and promote the statewide summer library program. Without their support, MLS would not be able to provide program basics at no cost to libraries. Our partnership with the Bruins has also elevated our program’s visibility throughout the state and beyond.
If we just use the slogan, but none of graphics, do we still need to add the credit line?
Yes, the slogan is part of the whole program.
