High-Quality, Low-Cost Resources and Products to Promote Reading
iREAD Testimonials
Testimonials from iREAD State Partners:
"The iREAD program is more than a fun slogan and artwork; it is a rich and layered tool that allows library staff to create enjoyable and beneficial summer reading experiences for their patrons. Every year, the Resource Guide, which is created by library staff volunteering their time, is full of strategies and ideas. These include booklists of titles that can be used in story times, family literacy program ideas, and strategies for partnering with local schools. These templates and outlines save library staff time and give them the tools they need to create successful literacy programs in their communities. I am constantly impressed by the quality of the materials provided and the responsiveness of the iREAD staff.
As the welcome letter in the iREAD Summer Reading 2026, Plant a Seed, Read, Resource Guide states, “a farm grows food that nourishes our bodies; a library grows ideas that nourish our minds.” In this metaphor, the iREAD program is the sun; it provides energy to the libraries' growing ideas and shines a light on the good work that they do in their communities. The impact of iREAD is tremendous, and we are grateful to have them as collaborators in our work supporting libraries."
Christi, Massachusetts Library System
Testimonials From iREAD Libraries:
"We have been using the iREAD materials for many years. There is always a wealth of resources available. Last year [2025], I did a deeper dive into the available materials using the Reading with Dragons and One Card Mazes, as well as the craft ideas. This year [2026], I am happy to receive the e-newsletter on a regular basis to keep my mind cycling back to the program ahead. Thank you to the creative and thorough contributors who give me a lot of jumping off and landing places as I plan for loads of reading fun this summer."
Melody D., Arrowhead Library System - Mail-A-Book, MN
"iREAD provides incredible and engaging ideas that become motivating jumping-off points for exciting summer reading programs!"
Laura B., Bancroft Memorial Library, MA
"Everything you need for Summer Reading, and so much fun to boot!"
Charessa S., Centralia Regional Library District
"We love using the Illinois iREAD program! The themes are always fun, creative, and inspiring for both staff and patrons. The high-quality resources make planning easy and enjoyable, and the ready-to-use materials save us so much time. iREAD helps us create engaging summer experiences that truly connect with our community."
Jess N., Cortland Community Library, IL
"iREAD provides beautifully designed, well-thought-out, and creative summer reading program packages, including everything you need - certificates, shirts, giveaways, and posters. I love the partnerships with different authors and illustrators, making each year special. I also appreciate that the prices are reasonable too."
Kyla W., Cupertino Library, CA
"I love the resource guide! The graphics package makes branding for summer reading so easy. It’s a great starting point and lends itself to stretched to fit what ever out of the box idea we come up with! I also love going through the programs provided to help me with ideas all year round. It’s been so helpful with more than just Summer Reading."
Eisenhower Public Library District, IL
"The iREAD program makes summer reading easy because the Guide offers comprehensive ideas, images, and overall support for our library."
Beth T., Exeter Public Library, RI
"The graphics and social media resources are so helpful!"
Four Star Public Library, Mendon, IL
"I have contacted Customer Service several times over the last few years. I have always received a quick, good answer from Tina. I really appreciated that! I have had lots of fun ordering iRead items in the past."
Jane A., Great River Regional Library, MN
"iREAD makes planning summer reading enjoyable because they provide SO much in the way of support through webinars, answering emails, and providing an excellent program guide that gives so many amazing ideas! I wouldn't be able to do SLP without iREAD!"
Alex H., Manson Public Library, IA
"iREAD has made summer reading planning so much easier. All the themes are incredibly versatile, so we are able to use them to fit the specific needs of our community. Also, the graphics are always top-notch."
Ellen F., Naperville Public Library, IL
"iREAD is my actual favorite thing--it helps make Summer Reading (giant, scary, occasionally overwhelming) feel accessible, exciting, and fun. I have fully used the Resource Guide to help me when I've been stumped on a next program, even outside of Summer! I love that it's a chance for librarians to share with other librarians and help build up an even bigger library community!"
Maisie I., Naperville Public Library, IL
"I love iREAD because it inspires my students to explore, dream big, and fall in love with books. iREAD keeps my students reading all summer long."
Heather M., Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School, IL
"iREAD is a fantastic support to have for planning Summer Reading activities. We have found that the Resource Guide shares lots of applicable activities and programming that we can apply throughout the summer. You can tell that a lot of thought was put into including materials from other local librarians, as well as the beautiful illustrations year after year for each summer campaign."
Mae C., O'Fallon Public Library, IL
"Being the only staff member, iREAD helps lighten my load by providing imaginative & fun plans, ideas, and resources!! I appreciate everyone involved!"
Julie R., Shawneetown Public Library, IL
"iREAD is an incredible resource for summer reading programs. The staff is always responsive, the spot art is wonderful to add to event fliers, summer reading materials, and social media, and the shop has reasonably priced items to offer as prizes and incentives for participation."
Jenny A., South Hadley Public Library, MA
"iREAD is the best of what a library should be: engaging, fun, and community-focused!"
Piper A., Towanda District Library, IL
"Our patrons love the different themes year to year, and it's so nice not to have to develop a theme, graphics, and ideas from scratch every year. It saves our small department so much time!"
Jennie S., Thomas Ford Memorial Library, IL
"iREAD has created the best all-encompassing Summer Reading Program year after year. They provide a complete guide, materials, and resources that work for tiny single-room libraries up to the multiple-branch libraries of large cities. The reason it works is the absolutely incredible amount of work that actual librarians put into the program every year. Our library is an iREAD library, and it will always be so."
Winfield Public Library, IL
We would love to hear your iREAD testimonials! Submit them here.
Not an iREAD library yet? Learn more about iREAD here or download the Bring iREAD to Your Library flier!