December is an exciting time for the Library Services to Special Populations and Their Caregivers Committee as we begin to review applications for the ALSC\/Candlewick Press \u201cLight the Way: Outreach to the Underserved\u201d\u009d Grant. Reviewing applications is a wonderful way to learn about the accessibility and literacy challenges facing children and their caregivers throughout the U.S.\u00a0 It\u2019s also an opportunity to learn about and support the creative programming happening in our libraries to meet their needs and help them feel at home in the library.<\/p>\n
In addition to the grant, committee members remain busy writing about library services to special populations for the ALSC blog. This year, we\u2019ve written about welcoming LGBTQ families<\/a> into the library, providing fun financial literacy education<\/a> during storytime, and getting started as a new librarian<\/a> serving special needs populations. Committee members have also highlighted books to celebrate National Adoption Month<\/a> and suggested ways the library can get involved<\/a> with Hunger Action Month.<\/p>\n Contributing to the ALSC blog is the committee\u2019s way of increasing awareness around these and many other important issues facing our library patrons. We see it as a way of advocating for those who aren\u2019t always top of mind when it comes to services. What I love about this particular work of the committee is that we’ve written about the many faces of special populations, recognizing that special populations are not limited to those with disabilities. We hope our posts inform and inspire the work of fellow librarians, and we look forward to continuing this work. Stay tuned for more blog posts and activities from the committee.<\/p>\n And, if you\u2019re interested in collaborating feel free to contact any committee member listed below:<\/p>\n