It’s hard to believe that summer has already come and gone! While fall brings a new set of programs, services, and problems to solve, it’s important to make space and time to reflect on the whirlwind of summer reading and learning. What challenges did you overcome, what successes and joys did you find, and what are you hoping to carry forward into 2024? These are all important questions to sit with, and now is the perfect opportunity to share your reflections on the lessons you’ve learned with others! Children and Libraries (CAL), the journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, is seeking articles and photos from Summer Reading Programs for the Spring 2024 issue. In particular, the journal is looking for “Best Practices” pieces around summer reading and learning. These pieces are typically 1,500 words or less and detail a successful (or not-so-successful) children’s program. Effective best practice…
Category: Children and Libraries (CAL)
Meet Sharon Verbeten – Editorial Director of Children and Libraries
Sharon Verbeten, Director of Youth Services at the Manitowoc Public Library, has been at the helm of the Children and Libraries journal as its Editorial Director since the journal’s start twenty-one years ago. Over the past two decades, Sharon has curated a quarterly publication of best practices and scholarly articles that has long been a venue for Association for Library Service to Children members to build community and share resources in youth librarianship. In a recent interview with ALSC’s CAL committee member Sarah Simpson, Sharon shared her background and what inspires her as CAL’s Editorial Director.
Silent Censorship in a New Era of Book Challenges: Your Stories Wanted
United for Libraries defines silent censorship as “…librarian choices to not purchase new materials, to weed ones already available to patrons, or to not sponsor a program for fear of a challenge from the community.” As this type of censorship is “silent,” it likely occurs way more often than we are aware. What are some real-life examples of silent censorship? What pressures are library workers and educators serving youth struggling with in their day-to-day operations? What tips, techniques, and proactive practices can help fellow practitioners avoid the pitfalls of this censorship and confidently provide the resources that vulnerable users may need? Share Your Experience For an upcoming article in Children and Libraries (CAL), Sharon Verbeten, CAL editor, is soliciting submissions from ALSC members and ALSC Blog readers on the topic of silent censorship. Your comments, examples, and anecdotes related to silent censorship and experiences in your public or school libraries…
Dear Reader, Meet CAL
Hey ALSC Members, have you read Children and Libraries lately? Children and Libraries (CAL) is ALSC’s quarterly journal written by members just like you. When I was a fresh MLIS graduate and working as the only children’s librarian at my first job it was hard to find peers that I could rely on. Having already been a member of ALSC, however, I relied (and still do!) heavily on CAL. While I didn’t know many youth librarians in the field yet, I now recognize many names in each issue of CAL – for the articles they are authoring and the great work they are doing. Children and Libraries is an excellent form of continuing education for any librarian working with youth whether you’re new to the field or looking for new tips and best practices.
Summer Reading Crunch Time Décor!
Summer Reading Crunch Time! By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what your SRP program for 2023 looks like. You’ve got your performers lined up, got your giveaway items and prizes. However, let’s say you are like me and are biting off that proverbial chew of decorating the children’s section. I am in the lucky position of having two whole small branch libraries that I get to help decorate for summer reading; that was sarcasm. That aside, it occurred to me to write a bit about the creative process. My painting students are frequently treated to it, so I thought of you, the audience at home. It’s Always a Process and Frequently Involves Cardboard This process gives a few options and rely on just a few factors. Here’s a flowchart for you to guide you! If you dawdle and or procrastinate, here is what your creative process…
Happy Birthday, Children and Libraries!
What were you doing 20 years ago? In the spring of 2003? We won’t talk about ages, but,twenty years ago, I was playing Pippi in a touring production of Pippi Longstocking: the Musical. Always a devoted patron of libraries wherever I went, my path to librarianship did not come untillater in life.
All Together Now 2023 SRP
But It’s Still Winter… Believe it or not, this is my 20th year working – as a paid employee – in Central Florida libraries. If you include volunteering…well…that’d be most of my life. From all I’ve ever experienced, you can never be fully or overly prepared for a season of summer reading programming. As a matter of fact, I am known for ALWAYS having a backup plan for each program, right down to duplicates of mission critical equipment. Sounds like a military operation, doesn’t it? So, yes, it’s January and we are talkin’ All Together Now, our 2023 Summer Reading Program! Nitty Gritty, Nuts and Bolts I always love a tool kit, a place I can have everything in one spot, like a Swiss Army knife. I’m based in Florida, but this seems to have universal appeal: CSLP 2023 Program Resources 2023 Summer Program (and beyond) Resources: Overview of popular…
Learn, Share, & Reflect with Children & Libraries journal
Are you burning to share your latest programming win with your colleagues? Have you been working through a problem and willing to share what you’ve learned? If so, you might consider sharing your thoughts in a “Best Practices” piece for an upcoming issue of Children & Libraries. These short pieces are 1500 words or less and are intended to cover successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the real world experiences of children’s library staff. They also can help you reflect on your own experiences and work!