Whether you’re a brand-new ALSC member or a long-time supporter of library service to children, there’s something special about finding “your people.” The Membership Committee exists to help make that connection happen—because when members feel seen, supported, and inspired, the entire organization thrives. Throughout the year, ALSC hosts a variety of engagement opportunities designed to connect members across distances, job titles, and experience levels. From the ALSC 101 session at ALA Annual Conference to virtual meetups, mentoring programs, and committee work, these events are built around a shared goal: fostering a vibrant, membership-driven organization that champions the value of library service to children. One of the most rewarding aspects of these gatherings is how quickly professional conversations turn into personal connections. A member might attend a virtual coffee chat to learn more about serving on a committee and leave with a new mentor or programming idea. Another might attend ALSC…
Tag: membership committee
Crashing a Membership Committee Meeting
When I first joined ALSC in 2023, I enjoyed seeing all of the great posts come through ALA Connect and reading the ALSC blog posts, but knew that I was craving more in terms of connecting with others in the field. Upon renewing my ALA/ALSC membership earlier this year, I decided to do something about that. So I crashed a Membership Committee Meeting. I started to panic during the meeting when I realized everyone in attendance already knew each other, but was quickly welcomed by all. This crashing of the meeting turned into a happy accident for both myself and the committee. ALSC members are able to attend process committee meetings (just not awards committees) to check out what work is being done! It turned out that the Membership Committee needed additional members at that time and I was able to contribute my expertise right away by taking over blog…
An Introduction to ALSC Committee Work
Learn about ALSC Committees at the upcoming ALSC 101 session on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 2 pm EST.
Banned Books Week: Keep on Keepin’ on in the Fight for the Freedom to Read
In 1964, Len Chandler, an African American folk singer and activist recorded, “Keep On Keepin’ On,” a song that encapsulates the idea of persevering in the face of challenges. Chandler’s song was popularized during the civil rights movement but has continuing relevance today as challenges to books in schools and libraries surge, and librarians come under attack. The theme for Banned Books Week 2023 (October 1-7) is “Let Freedom Read.” A nod to the civil rights era, this theme also serves as a rallying cry for those who believe that defending the freedom to read is an essential part of safeguarding our broader freedoms of thought, expression, and creativity. Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has highlighted the resilience and enduring spirit of those voices who refuse to be silenced. Moreover, Banned Books Week serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles against censorship. It is crucial…