As school winds down, libraries gear up for summer reading. What is your libraries plan for this summer?
Author: Emily Mroczek-Bayci
Youth Media Award Predictions 2022!
The Youth Media Awards are announced in exactly one week. Here are predictions for what will win which award. Remember to add your predictions in the comments!
Best Books of the Year: Gotta Recommend Them All
The end of the year is when all the various “best of,” lists come out and as a librarian it is overwhelming to keep up with everything. I find that my holds list gets obnoxiously long as I frantically try to read ALL THE BOOKS I missed. I like looking at various library’s “best of” lists like Chicago Public Library’s “Kids Best of the Best Books,”https://www.chipublib.org/kids-best-of-the-best/ or Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids I prefer to refer my family, friends and patrons to library or review journal recommended lists (like School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2021) I find these can be helpful to introduce new titles for people who might revert to their childhood favorites or another series title. I also love to see what wins Mock competitions at various libraries. Another fun favorite to look at is Betsy Bird’s 31 Days of Lists where she features…
Easy Reader Deep Dive: Leveling a Reader Collection
Levelling your easy reader section makes it easier for patrons to browse and find the titles they are looking for.
A deep dive into: Picture Book Categories
How many times has a patron asked you for books about princesses, or Pete the Cat, or colors and you’ve had to ask them for specific titles or to wait a few minutes to consult your computer? The traditional method of organizing books by an authors last name does not allow for brows-ability, especially in a picture book section. That is why many libraries find ways to feature their picture books with face out shelving and to reorganize the picture books into categories or topics. I took a look at local libraries around me and on the Internet to see various trends and ideas for organizing picture books. It seemed like common trends with libraries who employed categories were customer satisfaction, easier brows-ability and increased circulation. Naming it My old library called our organized picture books, “Kids Favorites,” and divided certain books into specific categories while keeping some books in…
Advanced Readers Advisory: Comfort Youth Librarianship
During uncertain times that never stop being uncertain, I find myself wanting to curl up in the “comfort portions” of children’s librarianship. One of the aspects of my job that has not been altered drastically by COVID-19 is readers advisory and my speciality: advanced readers advisory. The kids are still reading, reading and reading. The kids are still coming in thinking they have read every book in the library and it is still my job to stump them. Here are “five of my back-pocket tricks” to win readers advisory.
Highlights from Liz McChesney- Distinguished Service Winner #alaac21
In todays ALSC membership meeting, 2021 ALSC Distinguished Service winner Liz McChesney made a beautiful speech. I am inspired. I already knew she was great (quick disclaimer that I was a member of the committee that picked her) and she did give a shoutout to my child. But her speech inspired me as a children’s librarian to serve the children and their families to the best of my capabilities. Her speech highlighted some of the many things she cared about (and everything she cares about is very meaningful and important) including equity, collaboration and fellow people in librarianship). She helped me think about WHY I am a children’s librarian and HOW I can make sure my population is receiving the services they need. My blog post does not do her speech justice. I strongly encourage you to listen to the recording when it is posted (her speech is the beginning…
Own Monday, Own ALSC Day at #alaac21
It’s Monday of ALA Annual Conference 2021 or as I like to call it- ALSC Day! Today is when the big ALSC meetings are happening: in a mere nine minutes (10 a.m. CST) we have the 2021 ALSC Awards Presentation and at 2 p.m. CST is the ALSC Membership Meeting. The Awards Presentation features 2021 award winners that were not highlighted at last nights banquet: the recipients of the 2021 Batchelder, Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media, Geisel, and Sibert Awards. This afternoons membership meeting is themed: “Strategizing Youth Services in Time of Transition. President Kirby McCurtis will have her last hurrah as our fearless leader and members will hear from the 2021 Distinguished Service Award recipient, Liz McChesney, learn about division news and accomplishments, and engage in a member facilitated discussion. A recording from the meetings will be available at a later time, but I hope to see you there.