What are some of your old childhood favorite books that have been banned or challenged in the past? Even though the titles listed below were censored or banned more than 40 years ago, they and others like them have survived the test of time and continue to be read by a new generation of children. These four classic titles may be able to provide some perspective on book challenges and how social norms of a particular time period influence what materials are being challenged. While the past two years have been fraught with political agendas ignoring freedom of speech and the right to read, books—even those challenged or pulled from classroom and library shelves, will always find their way into the hands of readers. It’s instructive to examine a handful of classics to reflect on what seemed to alarm censors. The beloved picture book Swimmy by Leo Lionni (1963) shows…
Tag: collections
Book Displays: An Act of Courage, A Time to Listen
It takes courage to purchase books that could become controversial. And it takes even more courage to place them on a prominent display. You could, of course, keep these titles in their categorized place on the library’s shelves, with nothing drawing attention to them, or off in the corner, where only those walking by might see them. That way, you might think, those who need them can find them if they make the effort—the books are available—and you’re also not opening yourself up to a range of complaints. But the truth is that those who feel marginalized in our world may not know how to find the books they need, or they may be afraid to ask. Bright and inclusive displays highlight the collection and, more importantly, welcome those feeling alone with a big, literary hug. At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, we purchased what books we could…
State Reading Lists & the Early Literacy Librarian
One of my favorite tools in my librarian toolbox are our state reading lists. Before I get into the reasons that the state reading lists are awesome, I’ll give you a quick overview. A Quick Overview In Illinois, a committee made up of teachers, librarians, and educators chooses a list of twenty nominees. From those twenty nominees, kids and teens can read and then vote in February/March for the reader’s choice award. The book with the most votes then wins the Award for the year the voting took place. Illinois has four lists: Monarch Award for K-3rd graders Bluestem Award for 3rd-5th graders Rebecca Caudill Award for 4th-8th graders Abraham Lincoln Award for 9th-12th graders Many other states have their own lists. Some are by grade and some are by subject. (Check out Texas Maverick Graphic Novel Lists!) Why I Love State Reading Lists First of all, most of our…
Technology collections for children are making an impact
You’re providing access, but are you demonstrating the impact of technology collections for children? Outcome measures show how your technology services and programs are making a difference in your community.
Expand Your Collection with Bookapalooza!
Dream of expanding your collection with a huge shipment of books, videos, and audio books and recordings? Boy, have we got an offer for you! ALSC and the Grants Administration Committee are now accepting online applications for the 2015 Bookapalooza Program. This program offers select libraries a collection of materials to be used in a way that creatively enhances their library service to children and families. The materials are primarily for children age birth through 14 and include newly published books, videos, audio books and recordings from children’s trade publishers. Applicants must be personal members of ALSC, as well as ALA members to apply. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 1, 2015. For more information about the award requirements and submitting the online application please visit the Bookapalooza Web page.
The Importance of Diversity in Library Programs and Material Collections for Children
The Association for Library Service to Children is thrilled to release a new white paper titled, The Importance of Diversity in Library Programs and Material Collections for Children. This paper was written for ALSC by Jamie Campbell Naidoo, PhD, and adopted by the ALSC Board of Directors on April 5, 2014. The white paper explores the critical role libraries play in helping children make cross-cultural connections and develop skills necessary to function in a culturally pluralistic society. It states: By including diversity in its programs and collections, the library has the potential for helping children make cross-cultural connections and develop the skills necessary to function in a culturally pluralistic society. As this paper calls for libraries to include diversity in programming and materials for children as an important piece in meeting the informational and recreational needs of their community, ALSC encourage you to take action in your own library and…