Each summer, the Tennessee State Library and Archives sponsors a statewide reading program.  By providing all Tennessee public libraries with materials to promote and present a summer reading program in their library, the Tennessee State Library and Archives helps communities encourage reading during the pivotal summer months.  All libraries also receive a manual packed with fun, creative, and literary ideas based around the theme of each summer’s reading program.

To help librarians prepare for the Summer Reading Program, the Tennessee State Library and Archives also offers workshops across the state for librarians responsible for the program.  These workshops are presented by Tennessee librarians and feature program and display ideas, book suggestions and other creative recommendations for conducting the best Summer Reading Program.  One of the most beneficial aspects of these workshops is the opportunity for collaboration with fellow librarians across the state.

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a member of the Collaborative Summer Library Program [hyperlink: http://www.cslpreads.org/ ], a 50-state consortium of librarians that develop the materials and manual for each year’s summer reading program.

This year’s theme is “Every Hero Has a Story".

• 2013 Underground theme
• Children: “Dig into Reading”
• Teen: “Beneath the Surface”
• Adult: “Groundbreaking Reads”
  
  
• 2014 Science theme
• Children: “Fizz, Boom, Read!”
• Teen: “Spark a Reaction”
• Adult: “Literary Elements”

• 2015 Hero theme
• Children: “Every Hero has a Story!”
• Teen: “Unmask”
• Adult: “Escape the Ordinary Elements”
• 2016 Wellness, Fitness, and Sports theme
• Children: “On your mark, Get set, Read!”
• Teen: “Get in the Game: Read”
• Adult: “Exercise your Mind - Read”

For more information on the Summer Reading Program, contact Heather Lambert at e-mail: Heather.Lambert@tn.gov or at (615)253-6445.