Pursuing excellence for library service to children
Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of ALSC, I was able to attend the recent ALSC Mini Institute in Atlanta. Having not previously been able to attend a national professional conference or workshop, it was extremely exciting and rewarding to be in the company of so many of my fellow youth librarians in a place of learning and engagement.
For the second morning session of #ALSCMI, I attended “Fighting Intergenerational Illiteracy with Family Reading Engagement & Community Support without a Grant,” presented by Jonathan Dolce of Florida’s Lake County Library System. Jonathan’s presentation revolved around the outreach project he had coordinated to bring families at risk for low literacy into the library and show them what the library and literature have to offer them by way of a book club — and I have to say, this book club sounds like a lot of fun.
My #ALAMW17 adventure began at the ALSC Mini Institute’s Breakfast for Bill! Alongside a tasty continental spread, we were treated to a delightful lineup of two creative couples on the Breakfast with Bill panel, held in honor of William C. Morris of HarperCollins, longtime champion of children’s literature and librarianship. Viki Ash of San Antonio Public Library moderated the panel, which featured picture book power couples Laura Droznek and Kevin Henkes, and Erin and Phillip Stead. If you’re a lover of picture books with even the tiniest drop of romance in your heart, this panel presented some serious #RelationshipGoals.
I just arrived in Atlanta, ready for my first ALA conference. I couldn’t make the ALSC Mini Institute, but there are so many panels, exhibits, and signings happening this weekend – how do you keep your head from spinning? I scheduled EVERYTHING I have even a bit of interest in onto my Google calendar. Depending on where I am, I can see at a glance what’s going on, what I can easily make, and plan ahead while still being spur of the moment. Kinda. Know what your must-attends are. For me, the Youth Media Awards are THE reason I’m here this weekend. Can’t make it? We’ll keep you updated, and you can follow along on the live webcast on Monday morning. There are several maker events that I want to attend, so they’ll get priority when I’m making decisions on what to attend. Take time to enjoy! Learning is fun…
ALSC recently released its schedule for the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Atlanta, Ga. You can join in by participating in one of ALSC’s many events. These include: Leadership & ALSC ALA Youth Media Awards ALSC Mini Institute (separate registration required) And don’t forget that the Conference Scheduler is now available. You can find all of ALSC’s events by clicking the “Sponsors” criteria and choosing “ALSC.” Learn more and register! See you in Atlanta!
ALSC announced a new learning opportunity for librarians serving youth. The ALSC Mini Institute is a one-day event that will take place on Friday, January 20, 2017. The Mini Institute will be held just prior to ALA’s Midwinter Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.