As a new(er) librarian, this was the first time that I had the opportunity to attend ALSC National Institute, and let me tell you – it did not disappoint!
Reflecting on #alsc26
Author: Anna Melvin
Reunification Recap at #alsc26
Saturday morning started bright and early for several ALSC members as we headed to ALSC 201 to discuss reunification updates!
Escape (Room) Your Book Club at #alsc26
This afternoon was full of play at #alsc26 as I learned how to transform my book club into an engaging tabletop escape room for teens and tweens!
Mastering the Dungeon at #alsc26
Have you ever wanted to start a TTRPG (tabletop role-playing game) program at your library? Perhaps you’ve never played a game yourself before, but you know that youth at your library would be interested. Perhaps you were not a theater kid and are worried that you just aren’t a good actor or good at improv. Or, maybe you have completed a few campaigns with a local D&D group, and you know how much preparation goes into a successful campaign. You worry that you just don’t have enough hours in the day to prepare something fun and engaging for your library patrons. This morning at #alsc26, Youth & Teen Services Librarian Elizabeth Sanderson aimed to help with these common challenges, and more!
Angie Thomas – “I’m Looking Forward To Getting Banned Again”
This year’s #alsc26 started strong with a delicious dinner and remarks from the amazing Angie Thomas, author of the frequently challenged title The Hate U Give. In conversation with ALSC president Ariana Hussain, Thomas discussed her notable Nic Blake and The Remarkables series, the current state of multicultural children’s books in the U.S., and her recent collaborations with other authors of books for tweens and teens.
Engaging Teens and Tweens in Fan Programs
Often when I am at the library providing reader’s advisory services, I get asked by young folks, “Can you recommend a book to me?” My immediate follow-up is, “Well, what do you like?” I tell them that it doesn’t have to be a book; it could be a favorite character, movie, or activity. This sparks so many conversations about what youth feel very passionately about. Often, I pocket these conversations not only to help in the moment, but also for later programming ideas.
Working with Teens at the Library
Many library systems around the country rely on the help of volunteers to make our workflows successful. In my system, this includes teen volunteers, and in the summer paid teen employees. If you are new to working with teens, you may feel apprehensive about how to manage their workflow. Whether you work with teens as summer volunteers or school year employees, these tips can help you set them up for success!
A Sunrise Breakfast at #alaac26
As the sun came up over Chicago, I headed to the Marriott for the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table’s (CSKBART) 57th annual Breakfast and Awards event.