The upcoming summer issue of Children and Libraries highlights the many ways libraries support learning, creativity, and community connection beyond the walls of the classroom. From joyful summer reading and early literacy programming to disciplinary literacy, STEM learning, intellectual freedom, and community partnerships, this issue offers practical ideas and thoughtful reflections for library professionals serving children and families.
As libraries prepare for summer programming, “Pablo Cartaya Loves Libraries! NSLA and The National Summer Learning Book Award†offers a timely reminder that summer reading should feel joyful, personal, and curiosity-driven. In Liz McChesney’s interview with award-winning author Pablo Cartaya, Cartaya reflects on his novel Curveball, the importance of play and exploration during the summer months, and the role libraries serve as accessible community spaces where children can discover stories that help
them feel seen.
Several articles center on early literacy and caregiver engagement. In “Enhancing ECRR2: The Benefits of Using Culturally Responsive Approaches,†Christy Cook explores ways librarians can strengthen Every Child Ready to Read practices by centering families’ home languages, cultural traditions, and lived literacy experiences. Laura Raphael’s “What MORE Can I Say: Expanding Early Literacy Tips†similarly focuses on supporting caregivers, highlighting creative early literacy tips developed by librarians at Tulsa City-County Library. Together, these pieces offer practical strategies for making early literacy guidance more inclusive, engaging, and accessible for families.
Family-centered, hands-on learning also features prominently. “Learning Together and Forming a Community: PBS KIDS Work It Out @ Your Library Program†examines a collaborative library outreach initiative designed to support computational thinking in rural communities through guided play, digital media, and family engagement. “Little Engines: Laying the Tracks for Early Literacy†by Constance C. Beecher and Zachary Stier shares findings from an early literacy partnership project connecting libraries,
preschools, and community organizations through take-home literacy kits, family activities, and community programming.
Readers interested in literacy instruction and children’s literature may also enjoy “Thinking Like a Scientist, Historian, and Mathematician: Introducing Disciplinary Literacy with Picture Books†by Brittany Adams and Deanna Poe. The article explores how picture books can serve as accessible entry points into disciplinary literacy by helping young readers engage with the unique ways scientists, historians, and mathematicians ask questions, evaluate ideas, and make meaning.
The issue also turns to broader questions of access, advocacy, and belonging. In the refereed article “From Penguins to Crayons: Paranoia and Panic About Children’s Books,†Jo Papadopoulou and Shireen Campbell examine contemporary book challenges through two picture book controversies in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: And Tango Makes Three and Red: A Crayon’s Story. Meanwhile, “The Library as
Bridge: Hosting EDsnaps to Strengthen the Precollege Pipeline†highlights how an academic library at Bronx Community College served as a welcoming institutional anchor for a STEAM enrichment program for girls and young women.
Together, the articles in this summer issue demonstrate the wide-ranging and evolving role of children’s librarianship. Whether through storytimes infused with pop music, culturally responsive literacy practices, STEM programming, disciplinary inquiry, or community partnerships, libraries continue to create spaces where children can learn, explore, and belong.
We invite ALSC members to explore the Summer 2026 issue of Children and Libraries for inspiration, practical programming ideas, and new perspectives on serving children and families in today’s libraries.
Brittany Adams, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at the University of Alabama, is writing this post on behalf of the ALSC Children & Libraries Editorial Advisory committee.
This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competency: VII. Professionalism and Professional Development
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