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.

A complete application will include:

• A statement of support from the school principal. 
• A statement of support from the local public library.
• A statement of support from the school librarian (if your school has one; not necessary if the school librarian is filling out the application).
• Statements of support from your school's literacy interventionist and/or other educators (optional, but strongly encouraged).
• Any additional materials that demonstrate the school’s need for supplementary literacy programming and/or the creative, enthusiastic ways that the school staff will help this initiative to succeed.
• Final statement: CLiF may ask grant finalists to submit a one-page final statement summing up their commitment to Year of the Book programs.

All grant applicants will be notified no later than April 1, 2026.    

WHAT CLiF ASKS OF GRANT RECIPIENTS IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR - SPRING 2026 

Schools that receive Year of the Book grants are asked to facilitate their grant’s success by completing the following activities before the end of the current school year: 

• Local Coordinator(s): Schools must select a local coordinator or co-coordinators. The coordinator(s) will be CLiF’s primary contact and it is crucial they have the capacity and energy for this project. They will work with the school and a local advisory committee to organize, schedule, and report on events and programs. The coordinator(s) may be a school administrator, educator, or librarian. CLiF will pay the coordinator a stipend of $800 for the year for their efforts (co-coordinators will split it). 
• Advisory Committee: CLiF asks the local coordinator to assemble a committee of teachers, staff, parents, administration, and/or community members to help with event planning and promotion and with maintaining momentum after the grant period.
• Attendance at the CLiF Community Literacy Conference on March 26, 2026: Save the date! Registration is free for two school representatives to attend at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. 
• Grant Kickoff Meeting: In April, May or early June 2026, CLiF will set up meetings with local coordinator(s), advisory committee, principal, and staff involved with the planning process. At this meeting, CLiF staff will work with your school to plan the fall kickoff event, brainstorm an initial calendar of events for the upcoming year, and answer any questions.