The Association for Library Service to Children is a division of the American Library Association, with a focus on serving and advocating for children, children’s literature, and education. They have recently adopted a new strategic plan with the intention of strengthening diversity and inclusion in all areas of ALSC. As a member of a public library’s Youth and Family Services team, this association has extensive resources and information that I can use for professional development.
The Virginia Library Association has been serving the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1905. VLA focuses on developing and promoting libraries and information services, safeguarding the profession of librarianship, and extensive legislative advocacy. They also provide professional development and training opportunities, and have a number of committees that library staff can serve on. I have been a member of this organization since joining the field of public libraries in 2013.
School Library Journal is a print and online publication which provides relevant news coverage, resources, and reviews for librarians who work with children and teens. I read this magazine frequently to help make decisions on book ordering, educational material to use in planning programming, and to keep abreast of what’s happening in the library world.
In the Library with the Lead Pipe is a peer-reviewed journal run by librarians and contains articles pertaining to the sphere of libraries. Although I had not encountered this online journal prior to beginning my MLIS journey, I have greatly enjoyed discovering the wide range of topics covered and forming my own opinions based on the well researched information presented.
Everyday Diversity is a blog that helps librarians connect with books featuring underrepresented characters, which may then be used in Storytime programs and recommended during Reader’s Advisory. Diversity and representation are very important, especially to young readers who need to see themselves positively reflected in literature and also need to find ways to connect with those who are unlike themselves. I find the suggestions on this website very valuable.
http://everydaydiversity.blogspot.com
Social Justice Books is an offshoot of the organization Teaching for Change, with the mission of helping parents and teachers find multicultural books and the tools they need to promote social justice and world change. The website has over eighty curated book lists that focus on certain topics, demographic groups, or cultures, which have all been reviewed and rated for their message of diversity. I often utilize these lists when planning programming.
The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness is an online webinar series encouraging professional development and addressing how to best deal with difficult patrons, who are often also experiencing homelessness. Ryan Dowd, a shelter director in Illinois, has put together a powerful message of empathy based on decades of experience working with troubled individuals. I completed this virtual course during the pandemic, and it had a huge impact on me both personally and professionally.
Storytime Katie – one librarian’s journey into storytimeland – is a blog written by an Early Literacy Librarian named Katie (who also has a Facebook page, Twitter handle, and Pinterest boards). Her goal is to help other librarians with theme ideas and suggestions for organizing storytime programming. I find her layouts match my storytime outlines well, and have used her ideas for inspiration frequently throughout my years of planning YFS programs.
Lindsey and Dana are two Canadian children’s librarians who created a blog and YouTube channel to share their expertise and storytime content with other YFS librarians. They curate favorite books lists, upload videos of songs and activities, and have an entire page dedicated to professional development. I enjoy using their ideas as a starting point for my own programs, and love the attitude of fun they bring to their blog!
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