The 2025 Summer theme is "Level Up at Your Library" and features artwork from Ruth Chan, Carey Pietsch, Oge Mora, and Vanessa Brantley Newton. Designed for all ages, our summer reading program will feature the idea of games and gaming.
MLS is co-hosting a webinar to introduce the artwork, artists, and materials for Summer 2025. Join us!
Informational Webinar
Webinar Recording is here! Get the slides for the webinar here.
iREAD Webinar Agenda:
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 does my library sign up for the summer library program?
You don't need to do anything to sign up! In the fall, information will be shared across MA listservs about Summer Library Program materials. If your library would like to use the statewide theme and materials, then you will use your library's voucher code to order materials and the statewide code to download a copy of the resource guide/manual.
Does my library have to use the iREAD theme and slogan?
No, you can use whatever theme you want (or no theme at all!) MLS offers iREAD resources to help libraries save time and money on planning for summer. There are no rules dictating how libraries support their communities with summer library programs. However, we cannot provide financial support if you choose a different theme or program.
How do I order summer paper/promotional materials?
All public libraries are assigned a voucher code that provides a discount for iREAD materials. Voucher amounts are determined by library size and are only good at the iREAD store. Starting in mid-November you will find all the information for ordering on this guide. Email Christi if you need the password.
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?
Yes, libraries do need to pay for shipping. Depending on what you order, you may use your voucher to cover shipping costs.
What kind of statistics do you need at the end of the summer?
Keep the statistics that you need for your own library. Starting in 2023 MLS will not be gathering statistics for summer library program, rather we will ask you about the outcomes, impact, and positive stories of your program. There are questions on the ARIS survey about number of participants, however the way you designate "participant" is up to each library.
What if I am at a branch library?
We ask for one person to be responsible for disseminating summer information and materials amongst all branches. There is only one voucher code per library, not per branch.
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?
Spot art images are in Part 2 of the iREAD Resource Guide. There is 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: "The Massachusetts Statewide Summer Library Program is funded by the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners."
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.
