Hello ALSC!
As many of you may already know, I’ve made the difficult decision to step down as ALSC Executive Director. It’s been a terrific 3+ years with all of you, but my husband and I are seeking to adopt a second child (we adopted Steven, now 5, in January 2004), and I feel like I [...]

April is a wonderful time to celebrate libraries and library workers. Don’t keep it to yourself. Take the message to the streets and to your legislators during National Library Week (April 12-16, 2009) and School Library Media Month.
As you think about the message you want to share, take the time to visit the Issues & [...]

April is almost here, and I am sure there are many of you looking for a new way to celebrate National Poetry Month.  Why not look to a web 2.0 way for 2009?  Over at GottaBook, the blog of poet/parent/screen writer/ volunteer librarian/ author Gregory K. Pincus, something pretty amazing is about to begin.  It [...]

For the past few weeks, I have been a member of the ALSC online education course called “The Newbery Medal: Past, Present, and Future.” This is the first time that I have taken advantage of ALA’s continuing education courses, and I have to say that I couldn’t be more pleased.
The virtual class was taught by [...]

The Pura Belpré book awards, which are named after the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library, are being highlighted on Thinkfinity.org. The awards are presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and [...]

What do you consider the most important role of the ALSC President? What are the necessary skills to be ALSC President? What strengths would you bring to the office?
I see two primary functions for the ALSC President.
First, it is the responsibility of the President to listen to, advocate for and be appreciative of [...]

What do you consider the most important role of the ALSC President? What are the necessary skills to be ALSC President? What strengths would you bring to the office?
The most important role of the ALSC President is to be a leader in implementing the ALSC mission of “forging excellence in library services for all children.” [...]

StoryTubes – the 2-minute or shorter “my favorite book” video project sponsored by public libraries has accepted videos from across the United States and Canada in 2009. The number of contest participants tripled from last year (over 400)! Now it’s time for voters to view and choose their favorites.
This week. March 16-19, anyone can [...]

The 2009 candidates for ALSC Vice-President/President-Elect are Viki Ash, San Antonio (Texas) Public Library, and Julie Corsaro, Chapel Hill, N.C. Despite a very quick turnaround (due to my completely losing track of time), both candidates have graciously agreed to answer my questions. On Tuesday, March 17, each candidate’s responses will be published on the ALSC [...]

ALSC Members, the 2011 Arbuthnot Lecture Committee is gathering ideas for possible speakers at the 2011 Arbuthnot Lecture. If you have someone in mind that you think should be honored, please let us know.
You can contact me at cedwards@denverlibrary.org. Thanks very much for your thoughtful support and contributions.
Carol Edwards
Chair of the 2011 Arbuthnot Committee
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Our [...]