I’ve been an ALSC member since I was a student in 2014 and when I first joined I wasn’t the most engaged member. Shortly after landing my first job as a Children’s Librarian, I got involved with the children’s book award committee in my state. I also wanted to get more involved on a national level–but how?
My Journey
The first thing I did was join the ALSC Mentoring Program as a mentee. This experience was not a great fit for me, but I decided to keep looking for one that was.
My goal was to get involved in committee work and eventually serve on an Awards Committee: the dream of so many of us. Shortly after my failed mentorship experience, I attended the 2018 ALSC National Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. While there, I attended a “new member ice breaker” session and I caught the attention of the at-the-time ALSC President, who was looking to fill open spots on a few committees. Shortly after, I joined the Notable Children’s Recordings Committee (NCR) and then things really took off!
After a two-year committee term, and a third year as the chair, I not only had committee experience, but I had made connections. Those connections turned into real friendships with some of my fellow NCR members. I loved that I was making librarian friends all over the country and I didn’t want it to end! I filled out my ALSC Volunteer Form and selected a few process committees, as I knew those were almost always looking for volunteers. So I threw my hat in the ring for my dream appointment: the Newbery Award Selection Committee.
A Dream Come True
I was SHOCKED when I received my appointment to the 2025 Newbery Committee (it’s our jam!). The work was life-changing and has been the highlight of my career to date. Not only did I get to evaluate excellent children’s literature, I formed strong bonds and lifelong friendships with my fellow committee members. I am now on the ALSC Membership Committee and am having a great time meeting new people and sharing the good news that is all things ALSC and why you should join! Committees are always filling openings, so fill out your volunteer form anytime (learn more about the appointment process).
Did you ever have a not-so-great experience with ALSC work? I encourage you to try again! If I had given up after my one bad experience I wouldn’t have the friendships, experiences, or involvement I have today.
Get Involved
Looking to get involved, but don’t have time for committee work? Write for ALSC through a blog post, newsletter piece, or an article for Children and Libraries. Still not ready for that big of a commitment? Start small and join a discussion (or start one) on ALSC Connect.
This blog post relates to ALSC Core Competencies of: VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.
Jill Frasher is a Youth Services Manager at the Boone County Public Library in Union, Kentucky and currently serves on the ALSC Membership Committee.