Hello Wonderful ALSC Members,
If you recall my last blog post, I started off with a line that feels like it will be the new normal over the next few years: These are strange times, and it can often feel like we’ve gone two steps forward, and now ten steps back. So, please allow me to begin this post with the two steps forward.
I was just in Portland for the 2025 Children’s Literature Lecture, given by the incredible Kyle Lukoff. And although the weather was less than ideal—very rainy and, well, typical for Portland at this time of year—attendees found themselves very warmly welcomed by staff from the Multnomah County Library System. The event took place in a delightfully unique venue called The Judy, a converted movie theater that is now a center for youth arts and children’s theater. Attendees were even offered rice krispy treats and popcorn to accompany Kyle’s lecture.
The lecture itself was insightful and thought-provoking, asking us all to think about the question, “What do we ask books to do?” Though he somewhat jokingly refers to the Children’s Literature Lecture Award as “The Homework Award,” Kyle did not shy away from that homework in the slightest, having read back through decades of previous speeches, and even reading the original works of May Hill Arbuthnot, for whom the award was originally named. Attendees were treated to an in-depth exploration of empathy in children’s books, along with jokes, tangents, and later, one-on-one engagement during book signing.
If you were unable to attend but are still hoping to see the lecture, please check it out on ALSC’s YouTube Channel.
Unfortunately, at the same time as this amazing event was taking place, other events were unfolding related to the Institute for Museum and Library Services, namely the elimination of the organization, leading to the loss of critical resources and programs which will have widespread impacts on children and families across the United States. ALA has released a FAQ and update on the Association’s efforts to fight back. Additionally, ALSC, AASL, and YALSA are in active communication with one another to determine ways that we can support our members and the programs that so many young people and their families rely on.
If you have any examples of how your own libraries are fighting back or creating resources for advocacy, please let ALSC know, and/or send details to Mary Voors so we can disseminate the information on the blog or through other venues like Children & Libraries or ALSC Matters!
It is my hope that ALA Annual, which is coming up quickly, will give those who are able to attend a venue to reunite, collaborate, and find ways to move forward meaningfully and hopefully bring about positive change. I am looking forward to seeing many of you in Philadelphia! I know that it will be a mix of emotions, but I know we can find ways to both celebrate the good and find ways to fight back against those forces that seek to dismantle our profession and isolate us from those we serve.
I am grateful every day for all of you, for ALSC staff, for the dedication of those who serve on our many committees—even during these uneasy times, when we are having challenges with staff and volunteer capacity—and for the support of friends and colleagues. Serving as your President during this moment in time is not without its significant challenges, but with your help, ALSC will continue to thrive, just as we did during the global pandemic, and just as we have for the last century—as the Section for Library Work with Children (1901), the Division of Libraries for Children and Young People (1941), the Children’s Services Division (1957), and eventually the Association for Library Service to Children (1976).
Onwards!
Rob Bittner, PhD (He/Him)
President, Association for Library Services to Children