ALA Annual 2016

Day Three: Everything Is Connected. #alaac16

At lunch today Allyn Johnston of Beach Lane Books talked about how she and her team create the vibe of their very special imprint.  She described it as “giving readers an experience you care about; finding the beating heart to your picture book…an emotional center….giving the reader a chance to have an emotional experience …and it has to be fun.” That pretty much describes the experience at the Newbery Caldecott Wilder Banquet.

ALA Annual 2016

Caldecott/ Newbery/ Wilder Awards #alaac16

It wouldn’t be an annual conference for me until it’s the magical night of Caldecott/ Newbery/ Wilder awards! I’ve been attending for the last three years, and it’s always one of my favorite events at ALA. Everyone is dressed up, mingling around and discussing our love for children’s books! People are excited to be there, and it’s easier to strike up a conversation with fellow library lovers!

ALA Annual 2016

InbeTWEEN: Services and Programs for Tweens #alaac16

What do you offer these kiddos who aren’t little kids anymore, but aren’t quite teens yet? Do we give them their own collection or space in the library like we have done with teens and young children? What about the kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade? Won’t they feel left out, too? These questions and more were tackled and answered by Lisa Kropp of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library.