Call for 2028 Resource Guide Contributions

The theme for iREAD 2028 is Craft Your Own Story. 

Crafting and creating transform imagination into something tangible. Through books, programs, makerspaces, and creative tools, libraries foster innovation, curiosity, artistry, and self-expression for everyone. From writing and knitting to 3D printing and woodworking, making connects us with others and ourselves while giving shape to our unique visions of the world. In an increasingly digital environment, many people are returning to hands-on, analog activities as a way to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with the satisfaction of experiencing something meaningful. With iREAD 2028, we celebrate both the art we create and the restorative act of creating itself.

Let your imagination and vision lead you to create and submit a proposal for the 2028 iREAD Resource Guide in one of the following categories:

    • Getting Started
      Publicity and Promotion; Registration and Recording; Staff Resources; and Slogans, Jokes, Tweets, and Quotes.
    • Crafts and Maker Ideas
      Please include a list of materials, sources for materials, step-by-step instructions, and resources. An original drawing, sample, and/or photograph is required.
    • Programming 
      Participatory and Passive Programs, Storytimes, Events, and Presenters
    • Decorations and Displays 
      Please include a list of materials, sources for materials, step-by-step instructions, and resources. An original drawing, sample, and/or photograph is required.
    • Bibliographies and Other Resources
      Fiction and nonfiction books, audio, or films for various ages. Indicate the reading level/interest category: board books, picture books, early readers, grades 2-6, teen, adult, or family.

Note: If you do not have all parts of your contribution ready, the forms allow you to start a contribution and save your progress. You can then access your contribution at a later time, make necessary additions and submit. 

Not sure what to submit or how to prepare a complete contribution? View samples below:

The deadline for contributions is January 31, 2027.

Benefits of submitting a proposal for the iREAD Resource Guide:

  • Help shape iREAD future programs 
  • Share your ideas and programming work with colleagues
  • Have your name published in the iREAD Resource Guide 
  • Build up your resume

REMINDERS: 

  • All ideas must be original. Any ideas originating from copyrighted materials including books, magazines, or the Internet must be provided in your contribution. The actual copyrighted idea (picture, craft, etc.) cannot be included in the iREAD Resource Guide.
  • Please do not use AI to create your submissions. The Resource Guide celebrates the ingenuity and generosity of librarians and library workers. Summer Reading is a big job, and no one person can do it all. Instead of turning to AI for your contributions, turn to your colleagues.
  • Please note that incomplete submissions cannot be included in the Resource Guide. If your submission is incomplete, a member of the iREAD Committee will contact you to request any missing components that were not included in the original document.
  • Due to Canva’s copyright limitations, we cannot publish any Canva-generated content.

If you have any questions, please email iREAD@ila.org