I am fortunate to live in a city and work at a school that value libraries and librarians. Regrettably, that is not true everywhere. I Love Libraries is an initiative of the ALA to advocate for the worth of libraries and library staff. There are numerous resources and materials that explain how and why the library is more than a place to check out books. Not only do libraries help foster communities and provide technological access, but also they protect our First Amendment rights and promote literacy. For many communities, libraries provided vital services during the Covid-19 pandemic. I Love Libraries offers many opportunities for individuals to show their support for school and local public libraries.

This periodical has a multitude of information and resources for school librarians, including articles, book reviews, and blogs. There are links to relevant professional development seminars and reports on research and data. In addition, there are features on classroom curriculum, programming, diversity, and censorship. As a school librarian, this journal is invaluable.

The Virginia Association of School Librarians advocates for every public school in Virginia to be well-funded and properly staffed with full-time, certified librarians. Through its initiatives, awards, and programs the organization championship the value, worth, and necessity of school librarians. One of the highlights of the organization for me is that they offer grant opportunities for librarians to weed and grow their collections.

Long ago, I was advised that to be successful in one’s career, it is important for professionals to become a member of one’s state/local professional association. The Virginia Library Association advocates on behalf of librarians and library staff throughout the Commonwealth. Membership in the association also affords opportunities for networking, scholarships, awards, and employment. As a new librarian, joining the VLA is a vital step in my career.

If I had to choose a favorite library, the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library in Norfolk would easily win. Located near the Chesapeake Bay, this library truly serves its incredibly diverse community. The library serves as a focal point for the Ocean View neighborhood whose inhabitants represent a myriad of ages, races, religions, socio-economic levels, and the library provides services to meet their needs. From the expansive computer lab to the huge, second-floor children’s library, the librarians and staff make everyone feel welcome.

Librarians who are seeking to add to their collections should utilize this great publication from the American Library Association. Booklist provides synopses of the latest releases of fiction and nonfiction for adult, early reader, young adult, and youth, as well as graphic novels. There are also reviews of audiobooks and self-published novels, are review. Different genre are spotlighted each month, and there is a yearly editors’ choice edition which highlights the best books, audiobooks, and graphic novels.

The American Library Association provides important resources, information, and guidance for every librarian through its Core Values of Librarianship. For librarians, membership provides a multitude of publications, websites, and articles aimed at enhancing the profession. This summer (2022), I am fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the ALA’s Annual Conference & Exhibition.

https://www.facinghistory.org/

This site is an invaluable resource for documents, speeches, novels, and other materials for social justice resources. The site has lesson plans so that librarians can collaborate with teachers to incorporate empathy and an understanding of diverse perspectives through different forms of media. There is an e-book lending library that can be accessed for materials that may not be available in the classroom or in the library.