Leveraging the Power of Libraries to Expand Access to High-Quality Summer Learning
Libraries in communities across America have long played a pivotal role in summer and out-of-school time learning. With third-grade literacy levels serving as strong indicators of academic achievement and lifelong success, these centers of learning are empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders. Libraries that provide summer learning programs also advance critical 21stcentury skills such as STEM/STEAM learning, empowering youth for success in school, and in life.
The National Summer Learning Association’s (NSLA) Library PLC is a community for peer learning and sharing, which focuses on the ways in which public library-led summer reading and summer learning programs can deepen our work and outcomes for all youth and outcomes. PLC members meet virtually at least four times per year and emphasize the Winter and Spring as gear-up seasons to summer.
The Library PLC is a free group sponsored by NSLA aimed at library professionals who are interested in deepening their summer programs to align with best practices and evidence-based quality indicators. It is also meant as a support and place of professional peer learning to better understand and move the field forward.
Planned, led, and facilitated by NSLA Field Consultants, the PLC:
- Shares best practices, hears, and responds to latest thinking and comes together for knowledge, professional renewal and growth
- Regularly convenes and trains library professionals across the U.S.
- Holds quarterly training meetings and one in-person all day retreat at NSLA’s Annual Conference in Washington DC
- Covers key topics such as: Family & Community Outreach, Literacy Support, Policy, and Partnerships
Who Should Join the Libraries PLC?
Library professionals interested in exploring and sharing strategies to expand access to high-quality summer learning.
Join Our PLC Today!
PLC Team Leader
Elizabeth McChesney, NSLA Field Consultant
Former Chief Children’s
Librarian in Chicago
Youth Service in Libraries
Email Liz at: lizmcchesney6712@gmail.com to learn how to join the PLC.