The Summer Readers grant offers a CLiF presenter who will tell stories, read aloud from books, and share their love of words, reading, and writing at your program site. Every child who participates chooses two books to keep from a wide selection of brand-new children’s books that CLiF sends in advance of the event. 

Applications are due by May 18, 2026. We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible to have a better chance of receiving programming and to enjoy greater scheduling flexibility.  

An organization, program, camp, library or facility must meet these requirements to apply for CLiF’s Summer Readers program:

• Based in Vermont or New Hampshire
• Active during the summer months
• Serve children between birth and age 12
• Minimum 35% of children served qualify for free and reduced lunch, reduced program tuition, or a camp scholarship
• Able to gather at least 25 children either in-person or virtually for a storytelling event

Note: there is no holdover or waiting period on this grant. Return grantees are encouraged to apply.

For the 2026-27 school year, applications are due May 25, 2026 with grant notifications by mid-June.

GRANT RECIPIENTS RECEIVE: 

• $500 programming funds to kickoff the grant in Summer 2026.
• $2,000 in retail value of new children’s books for the public library, to be chosen by the public librarian from CLiF's extensive book list. 
• $500 in retail value of new children’s books for the elementary school library, to be chosen by the school librarian from CLiF's extensive book list. 
• Author/illustrator visit at the local elementary school for all students K-6, to be held in Fall 2026. The public and school librarians will showcase their new library books purchased with the CLiF grant.
• Author/illustrator visit & book giveaway at the local elementary school or public library to be held in Spring 2027. Each student will be able to select one book to take home provided by CLiF plus an author/illustrator visit. 
• Board books for children (and their families) ages 0-5 to be shared at the library, partner preschool, or local childcare center. *Bonus board books & mileage stipend for those who can identify and deliver books to in-home childcare programs demonstrating need.
• Literacy backpack kits for children (and their families) ages 0-5 to add to library circulation.
• $500 mini-grant for family & youth programming. This can be used for supplies, food, incentives, special guest stipend, etc. anytime during the grant year.
• $1000 library choice for you to select one: 1) Additional library books; 2) Children's section upgrades; 3) Transportation reimbursement for school students to visit the library; 4) Summer, vacation week, homeschool, and/or afterschool programming; 5) Family literacy event(s); or 6) 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.   

ELIGIBILITY:

• Public library in Vermont or New Hampshire.
• Self-identify as serving "rural" communities. 
• Limited budget, libraries with annual budget of less than $125,000 generally given preference.
• Demonstrated community need. 
• Demonstrated commitment to partner with the local elementary school, child care centers, and community members.
• Must be a minimum of five years since the conclusion of your last Rural Library grant.   

GRANT COODINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Main point person for the grant and available by email.
• Attend Zoom grant training session in June 2026. 
• Take photos, attendance data, and provide grant final reporting information.
• Coordinate with the elementary school for the two author/illustrator visit(s) and book giveaway. 
• CLiF offers a $200 stipend to coordinators in appreciation of their time.