The 2027 Geisel Committee welcomes ALSC membership to suggest titles for consideration for this year’s award.
Author: Guest Contributor
World Kid Lit Month: Celebrate a global outlook this September
As we embark on the new academic year, many school librarians will be thinking how they can expand collections and program events to celebrate diversity in the community, global and local. If this is you, we’ve got you covered, because September is World Kid Lit Month, an annual celebration of international literature for children and young adults, including books from other countries, set in other countries, and translated from other languages. And 2026 is the 10th anniversary of World Kid Lit Month: the perfect time to get involved if you haven’t before!
Reflections on YALSA
Autumn is my favorite time of year, and I always look forward to the “ber” months, but this year arrives with a touch of sadness. Starting September 1st, YALSA will no longer be its own standalone division, as it reunites with ALSC. On the eve of this reunification, I took advantage of a day off to go hiking—a perfect opportunity to reflect on all the ways my life and career have been enriched by my YALSA membership.
Is the Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship your next professional adventure?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the applicant who was awarded the Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship? To be able to spend time in the archives of the Baldwin Library in Gainesville, Florida? To dive elbows-deep into original and archival materials and really dig into the history of children’s literature?
5 Things Library School Didn’t Teach Me
Do not misconstrue this – I loved my time in the University at Buffalo’s M.S. Information & Library Science program. My professors and academic advisor were a wealth of knowledge, my classmates were equally as passionate about the field as I am, and the remote format of the program allowed me to have the flexibility to continue working in the public library.
Balancing Act: Third Space VS Burnout in Libraries
Before I accepted the position of full-time Children’s Librarian at Lake Region Public Library (LRPL), the position at our library was only part-time. I couldn’t wait to dive in and expand on the legacy that our previous Children’s Librarian built here. I wanted our collection to better represent the youth of the Lake Region, to expand programming, and create a space that was accessible, equitable, and available to all families. I knew it could be done and I was excited to get started.
Fall Harvest Stories – These Books Look Good Enough to Eat!
September is a perfect time to start celebrating the bounty of Fall. Here are some delicious reads that you can feature in a fun food themed storytime perfect for young readers ages two to five years old. If possible, invite a local farmer or grower to bring some of their crops in for a demonstration so little ones can explore and experience Fall’s bounty for themselves. If that is not available, see about picking up some of the featured fruits and veggies at your local stores or farm stand. For an easy to share snack serve small cups of store bought unsweetened applesauce. Keep the container handy in case of any questions about food allergies and make sure to advertise that food will be served.
Reunification! September 1st is Almost Here
In just a few days, on September 1, ALSC and YALSA will officially come together as one division. I wanted to write a short reminder of what that means for you, where to find more information, and, of course, an invitation to get involved.