In my first blog post, I spoke of the high energy that I experienced during the 2025 ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia. The energy at the conference was electric and overwhelmingly positive even in the face of new challenges for our library profession.
With #ALSCJOY Lighting the Way Forward, I have now completed the task of appointing co-chairs to the many ALSC process committees. I’ve been able to sit in on many of these committees as they meet, and I am so impressed with all of the important work that is getting done. Finishing these appointments has been very rewarding (and a relief!).
Appointments to the ALSC awards committees will begin in late fall. If you are interested in serving on a 2027 award committee (for which the work begins in 2026), now is the time to complete the volunteer form. Click on this link to learn about the award committees (Priority Group V, Awards) Once you know which award committee you would like to volunteer to serve on, please complete the online volunteer form (member login required).
I am very excited to report on the phenomenal progress of my 2026 Charlemae Hill Rollins President’s Program, scheduled for the end of my term in June 2026. Please add this event to your 2026 ALA Annual Conference ‘to do’ list. The conference will be held in Chicago, and the ALSC President’s Program promises to be a highlight. Look for details as the year progresses.
There are other activities planned that I will inform members about soon. (Keep reading my blog for details.)
Speaking of members, this is the time to get on board and be sure that you have renewed your membership in ALSC so that you can continue to experience our #ALSCJOY. Together we will make ALSC an even stronger division of the American Library Association. I will continue to give you updates on the progress of the ALSC/YALSA reunification when information permits.
One last statement about the 2025 ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia: I made a valiant effort to attend the event titled, “Dr. Carla Hayden on the ALA Annual Stage!” I was stopped at the door due to a standing room only overflow!
ALA attendees were everywhere I looked and still coming. It should be noted that in her early years of librarianship, Dr. Hayden was a children’s librarian at the Whitney Branch in Chicago and served as the young adult coordinator. Thank you, Dr. Hayden for your extraordinary service as Librarian of Congress. We can’t imagine the great things that you will do in the newly appointed position as Senior Fellow of the Andrew K. Mellon Foundation.
Children’s and young adult librarians have always been at the forefront of great service, doing foundational work for the profession. Dr. Hayden stands as an extraordinary example of how challenges can be faced with strength and grace. The high energy we share is fueled by leaders such as Dr. Hayden and by our work together as we remain resolved to support all children through active involvement in ALSC.
Dr. Claudette S. McLinn
2025-2026 ALSC President