One challenge I gave myself at the ALSC Institute was to find three new resources to bring back to my library; resources that could help us continue our mission at Springdale Public Library: to entertain, inspire, connect, and inform our community. But now that I’m writing for the ALSC Blog, I’m thinking beyond my own library. I’m thinking about your community, too.
There were so many amazing resources at the Institute that choosing only three was HARD. But here we go!
1. Pokémon Club: Catch Them All!
If you work with elementary-aged children, you probably already know: Pokémon is a big deal.
For the past couple of years, I’ve seen Pokémon clubs popping up in elementary schools, bringing kids together to play, trade cards, and share something they love. This year, Pokémon is the Platinum Sponsor of the ALSC Institute, and they came ready to help librarians bring that excitement into our libraries.
ALSC and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) have partnered with The Pokémon Company International to offer free Pokémon Club kits and programming support to public and school libraries.
At the Institute, librarians could learn how to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game and get ideas for creating their own programs.
And yes—ALSC members can apply for a kit!
Sometimes a great library program starts with a simple question: What are kids already excited about?
2. AV2: More Than a Book
The second resource I discovered was AV2, and I immediately thought about our young readers and English language learners.
AV2 combines print books with digital content. Depending on the title, children can access videos, audio, interactive activities, slideshows, and more through the book’s unique access code.
But what really caught my attention was AV2 World Languages. Many titles offer text and audio in multiple languages, giving children another way to connect with the content.
For me, that means more doors into a book—and sometimes, that’s exactly what a reader needs.
3. TALK: Literacy in Your Pocket
And finally, one of my favorites: TALK (Text and Learn for Kindergarten).
Maybe I love this one because I’m looking at it through both lenses: children’s librarian and mom of a new kindergartener.
TALK is a free text messaging program that sends parents and caregivers simple early literacy activities for children ages five and under. The activities are based on the Every Child Ready to Read practices: reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing.
The best part? The activities are simple enough to fit into everyday life and participating libraries can use TALK to connect families with local events, programs, materials, and other early literacy services.
As a children’s librarian, I love resources that help parents see that literacy doesn’t always require a special activity or a pile of books. Sometimes, it happens while you’re cooking, driving, playing, or talking about a family photo.
Three resources. Three very different ideas:
A card game that can create community. A digital platform that can open new possibilities to books. And a text message that can turn everyday moments into literacy opportunities.
That’s one of my favorite things about conferences like ALSC Institute: I leave with new ideas, but I also leave thinking about how those ideas can make a difference back home.
And now, I hope they can make a difference in your community, too.
(Feature photo courtesy of conference blogger, Elizabeth Hurtado)
Today’s Conference Blogger is Elizabeth Hurtado (she/her). Elizabeth is a Youth/Children’s Librarian at Springdale Public Library in Arkansas, where she has worked in children’s librarianship for about seven years. She is looking forward to learning new ideas, connecting with fellow children’s librarians, and bringing inspiration back to her community. As a child, Elizabeth wanted to be a teacher, a babysitter, or a flight attendant. She jokes that combining all three makes a children’s librarian! She loves working with kids, learning through their eyes, and traveling to new places through books.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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