Teen readers are at the height of discovering who they are or are on the path to who they might become. Even more reason to make books available to them that represent a variety of lived experiences and reflections of their interests. Allow me to introduce you to the All CT Reads Teen lists. This annual list consists of four titles, one primary and three short list, geared towards teens ages 13-18 and all published within three years prior to the award year. The titles are suggested and read by librarians across the state and focus on inclusivity, addressing universal social issues, and striking a balance between literary merit and appeal.

This year is the fifth-year anniversary of the inception of All CT Reads which means that there is a total of 20 unique titles. As with the titles for kids, if you’re not sure your patrons know about this list, let me assure you that they do-especially for libraries that include the lanes created by Brad Bullis for eGo and the Palace Project app. In comparing overall checkouts for teens in both Palace and MLSC book sets, the percentage of checkouts on Palace have matched or exceeded the percentage of readers of MLSC book sets. Why not take advantage of the interest and connect readers to programming and the rest of your collection? Some MLSC book sets have wide availability! Especially if a title made it onto a Nutmeg award list, there are most likely multiple book sets to borrow. [View the MLSC Equipment Catalog]

Connecting books with readers and readers with books is one of the fun parts of teen librarianship. Here are a few ideas to inspire displays and conversations:

Watch for the 2027 list when it’s announced via YouTube on November 12, soon to be followed by the date for the virtual author launch in January. During the launch, authors of the primary titles will be invited to speak in conversation with a member of the selection committee for each age bracket. Questions are solicited from committee members and the audience. Collect questions from your teens and submit them prior to, or during, the virtual author launch. Join the live virtual author launch by hosting a livestream event party for teens at your library or in the classroom. Afterwards the full recording is posted to the All CT Reads Playlist on YouTube and curated recordings are made available for specific audiences. If you missed recordings from prior years, they’re all there for the viewing!

MLSC book sets will be available for booking in January. Each set includes 12 copies of the same title and circulates for 45 days. Bookings can be made 365 days in advance. The All CT Reads site includes a description of the book, borrowing and purchasing options, an author spotlight, and resources to use for engagement. Digital titles will be added to the Palace Project App for the official announcement in November.

Planning an event or book club around an All CT Read title? We’d love to hear about it! Share details with us by completing the All CT Reads participation form.

Happy Reading! 

Questions about borrowing? Reach out! Cathy Potter at catherine.potter@ct.gov.

Cathy Potter

Librarian I

Connecticut State Library | Division of Library Development (DLD)

Middletown Library Service Center | 786 South Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457

Office: (860) 704-2208 | Fax: (860) 704-2228

catherine.potter@ct.gov | DLD Homepage