I’ve been an ALSC member since I was a student in 2014 and when I first joined I wasn’t the most engaged member. Shortly after landing my first job as a Children’s Librarian, I got involved with the children’s book award committee in my state. I also wanted to get more involved on a national level–but how?
Category: Mentoring
Tips and Tricks for New Children’s Librarians!
If you are reading this, I want to start off by saying CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a Children’s Librarian! This is an incredibly rewarding field and I am happy that you have joined this community. I have been working in libraries for 7 years, almost exclusively in Children’s Services. I worked my way up from a Library Assistant to the Head of Children’s Services. Through my experience, I have learned so much and continue to learn every day. If you’re a new Children’s Librarian, here are some tips and tricks to get you started!
A Librarian’s Gratitude List
November always feels like the perfect month to pause and reflect on the small, wonderful things that make working in youth services so special. Amid the rush of busy programs, stacks of youth books, and the lingering sparkle of last month’s glitter-filled crafts, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Each day brings new smiles, creativity, and connections that remind me why I love what I do. Little Moments, Big Smiles At the top of my list is the enthusiastic kid who greets me every day with a big wave and a cheerful “Ms. Jessica!” Some days, there’s even a hug—or a new drawing to add to my ever-growing collection of crayon masterpieces. Those small gestures never fail to brighten my day and remind me why I love what I do. Volunteers Who Make Magic Happen I’m also deeply thankful for our outstanding volunteers—the ones who quietly…
Library Hacks: 7 Things I Always Keep at My Desk (and Why)
No two days in Youth Services ever look the same. One minute you’re answering reader’s advisory questions, the next you’re running a STEM program, then suddenly you’re scrambling to fix a falling book display with five minutes before your next storytime. Because library life is full of surprises, I’ve learned to keep a few “lifesavers” close by. These little things on my desk have rescued me more times than I can count—sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small, but always right when I needed them. Here are seven things I always keep at my desk (and why you might want to, too): 1. Scissors and Tape These two never fail me. Whether it’s reattaching hippos that fell off the bulletin board, fixing a ripped sign, or helping a child repair a beloved book, scissors and tape are my quiet heroes. They may be simple, but they’ve saved countless programs from…
Low Attendance? Beyond the Perfect Program to Flexible, Resilient Service
We’ve all been there. You spend weeks planning what feels like the perfect children’s program. You prepare thoughtful activities, gather materials, and add creative touches. Then… only a handful of kids show up. It can feel disappointing and frustrating. But low attendance is something every youth services librarian faces at some point. Instead of letting those moments get us down, what if we saw them as chances to rethink what success really means? The Pressure of the “Perfect Program” It’s easy to get caught up chasing the perfect program—one that fills the room and wows the crowd. The desire to showcase bustling, successful programs often comes from passion and pride. But it can also create pressure that overshadows our true purpose. When we judge ourselves only by how many chairs are filled, we lose sight of what really matters. The deeper connections and meaningful moments often happen quietly, in smaller…
Building Connections and Fostering Leadership: How ALSC Members Can Get Involved
At the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), we’re committed to fostering connections, creating valuable resources, and developing new leaders in the field of children’s library services. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer, there are countless opportunities for ALSC members to get involved, grow their skills, and contribute to our mission! The Membership Committee’s goal is to ensure that we’re supporting new members and also nurturing the active engagement of our existing ones. Here are a few ways you can take part in ALSC’s vibrant community and make a lasting impact. 1. Volunteer for a Committee or Task Force ALSC is powered by the energy and dedication of its member leaders. Volunteering for a committee or task force is an excellent way to contribute to the development of programs, resources, and initiatives that support children’s librarians and the children they serve. By volunteering, you’ll not only help…
Looking for Mentorship?
Are you looking to connect with others in the field of librarianship? Are you seeking opportunities to learn and grow by tapping into the knowledge and experiences of others? If you responded, YES, the ALSC (Association of Library Services to Children) Mentorship program has openings for interested candidates.
Mastering Mentorship: Tips for Success
Mentorship is an important part of professional development and growth. But how would you define mentorship? Writing this post, I struggled to find a definition that resonated. Too many focused on the ambiguous work of a mentor, failing to define either mentor or work. Finally I found this beautiful definition: Mentorship is an intentional effort to support, encourage, and/or motivate someone in a particular space…who has less experience/expertise/creativity than you do in that space. – Kathy Fall I love how this definition captures so many parts of mentorship. Moreover, it doesn’t require years of experience, specific skills, or job titles. Instead, it focuses on everyone having something to offer others. For me, that’s key. I’ll be focusing on mentors and mentees as equally important participants in the relationship.