“Toxic Exclusion: Banned Authors Share How to Support Children’s Access to Information” was a well attended education session moderated by the ALSC Intellectual Freedom committee’s co-chair Julia Nephew. Authors Jess Callans, Kit Rosewater and Jarrett Dapier each spoke about personal experiences with author visits being cancelled due to single complaints by stakeholders, threats to them and their families posted on social media, and having their books removed from school collections. Kit Rosewater, chair of Freedom to Read New Mexico, shared how her middle grade book The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team (Amulet, 2020), selected as an all-grade read for New York City public schools, was pulled from Staten Island elementary schools in 2024 and found in school dumpsters. The complaint: the story contains a trans parent and a same sex crush. Jess Callans and Jarrett Dapier both spoke about ways they have used to support and empower readers and parents, choosing to “go quiet” and work under the surface more. Dapier said “we are much more” than the opposition.

Informal conversations are among the best parts of attending ALA Annual. While at lunch, a school librarian shared that a student was sent to her middle school library during a class reading of New Kid by Jerry Craft (HarperCollins, 2019) as the parent objected to the book and the school offered an opt-out. What did the student do? Checked out New Kid, then returned for the sequel. Kids know. If only they could be trusted.

Another conversation, again with a middle school librarian, was more chilling. A parent discovered their student looking up several subjects they thought inappropriate. The search was not in Google, but in a database. The solution was to pull funding for the database instead of learning how they differ from a browser. Now these students have their access to information curtailed .

It is clear that everyone and in particular youth, need and deserve to read what is meaningful to them, to grow into healthy, thinking adults. Books offer refuge to some, entertainment and enlightenment to others. It is our job to help keep these connections happening, and to requote Jarrett Dapier, “we are much more.”

Judy Ehrenstein is a children’s librarian in Maryland and an outgoing member of the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee. This blog post covers Core Competencies I. Commitment to Client Group; IV. Collection Knowledge and Management; V. Outreach and Advocacy; and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.

photo courtesy of A. Kaplan for the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee.

The post Intellectual Freedom at ALA: Formal Sessions and Informal Conversations appeared first on ALSC Blog.

This is my final post as ALSC Past-President—I know my term technically ended on June 30th, but I wanted to take a moment to say a few things now that I have cycled off of the Board.

First, I want to acknowledge the challenges that the last few years have brought for both ALSC and YALSA. When I first began my term in 2023, I was not expecting anything out of the ordinary to take place, but as we all know, that was not in the cards. And that brings me to my second point. It takes a village to undertake such a gargantuan task:

• Thank you especially to Claudette McLinn for keeping the ship afloat and guiding the regular work of the division forward, and to Ariana Hussain for remaining steadfast in her support and for confronting the formidable task of appointments in a time of such unpredictability.
• Thank you to the ALSC and YALSA Boards of Directors for their time, energy, guidance, and support over the last year and a half of planning and strategizing.
• Thank you to the members of the Reunification Working Group—Yvette Garcia (YALSA), Caroline Aversano (YALSA), Isaiah West (YALSA), Julie Roach (ALSC), and Robbin Friedman (ALSC)—who were instrumental in guiding staff, reviewing communications and strategic reunification plans, and making recommendations for Task Forces and other initiatives over the coming year.
• Thank you to Alena Rivers, the ALSC/YALSA Executive Director, and all of the ALSC and YALSA staff who have done so much invisible work to make the reunification happen as smoothly as possible while also continuing the day-to-day work of the divisions.
• Thank you to Mary Voors, our fearless ALSC Blog manager who has worked tirelessly to keep people informed, provide blogging opportunities for members, and ensure our committees have a venue to discuss their work and keep us all in the loop.

I also want to thank all of you, our members, and everyone who came out to the various member engagement opportunities at Annual and in the months leading up to it. This includes those who came to
the virtual Town Halls, the “huddle” in the exhibits hall at Annual, as well as ALSC/YALSA 101, the Interest Meetup, and the joint Membership Meeting. We say it a lot, but the division would not be able to function without all of you, and we truly mean it.

As we embark on the next year of the transition to the reunified division, it is more important than ever that we hear from you and understand what it is that you are wanting from the division. We recently approved a new organizational/committee structure for all of the combined standing committees, and over the next year, staff and member leaders will assess how to best ensure that the charges and rosters best address the needs of those who serve children and teens.

In addition, as leadership and staff work with our new consultants on long-term strategic planning, there
will be many more opportunities for member engagement and consultation, leading to a stronger division with a unified mission and vision, and a brand that better reflects the work of everyone in the newly combined division membership.

I am excited to see how things come together over the next year, and I look forward to seeing what can be accomplished by the division with the guidance, passion and determination of you, our dedicated members. Please be sure to fill out your volunteer form or email your fabulous new President if you want
to me a part of an award committee or standing committee in the future.

Filling all of these positions can be a daunting task—I know from experience—and I also know that we are all feeling the pressure these days, but I know that Ariana and the division can rely on you all to help us spread out the work and make sure that the division not only survives, but thrives, amidst the many financial, political, and social obstacles we are facing. So, a great big THANK YOU in advance for your time and commitment to this work.

And with that, I wish to say farewell as your ALSC Immediate Past-President. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the division in this capacity. Thank you all for making it such a wonderful experience. I look forward to seeing the division thrive under the leadership of new President Ariana Hussain, Vice-
President Danielle Jones, and the newly seated Directors, Deadra Brown, Renee Ting, and Heather Beverley.

Onwards!

Rob Bittner

The post So Long, Farewell, but Definitely Not Goodbye! appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Keeping it Simple is Okay!

In my research for writing this post, I was so impressed with the amount of libraries that utilize teen volunteers in a unique way. From having teens put on children’s performances as a theater club to Adopt-A-Shelf programs, there are so many amazing ways to have teen volunteers contribute greatly to your department. BUT, do not feel the pressure to build programs specifically for your teen volunteers! Simple tasks like straightening shelves, cutting out crafts, even handing out egg shakers during storytime works just fine for teen volunteers. These kinds of tasks are important too and it takes pressure off your volunteers as well.

Get to Know Your Volunteers

Sadly, not every teen that comes in wants to be a librarian one day. However, that does not mean that you can’t motivate your teen volunteers. Getting to know your teens can be helpful for both needs to be met. For example, I had a teen volunteer that just needed community service hours completed for school and she wanted them done quickly because she wanted to get to her main passion: art. After learning she was passionate about art, I had her prep crafts for my program. Not only was she able to complete her hours, but she was excited to help kids hone in on their artistic abilities. It’s nice to be able to assign tasks that align with your volunteers’ interests when you can.

Be Flexible and Understanding

Between school, extracurricular activities, and family obligations, teens have a lot on their plate. Keep in mind your volunteer may have schedule changes and that’s ok! If you are relying on teen volunteers for a big event, overestimate how many volunteers you may need, in case some do not show up. Otherwise, provide assignments that can be done at other times, so it is not the end of the world when the volunteer cannot come in.

Having teen volunteers in your department can be a great resource and way to connect with the teens in your community. Tell us about your experience working with teen volunteers in your children’s department!

This post addresses ALSC Core Competency VI: Administrative and Management Skills.

The post Working with Teen Volunteers in the Children’s Department appeared first on ALSC Blog.

One of the highlights of my conference experience was celebrating the launch of the Supporting Children, Teens, and Their Caregivers Impacted by Carceral Systems toolkit, created by the Library Services to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee, while also attending the presentation Libraries Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline by Jill Anderson and Carrie S. Banks. Anderson serves as the Assistant Director of Jail, Prison, Reentry, and Youth Justice in Queens, and Banks is the Supervising Librarian for the Brooklyn Public Library. Together, they recently authored Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: An Action Guide for Libraries, a practical guide that combines research with real-world library practices to help library workers better understand the impact of carceral systems on youth and identify meaningful ways libraries can make a difference.

Their presentation explored what the school-to-prison pipeline is, how libraries can support youth before they become involved in the carceral system, ways to provide meaningful services to detained youth, and how libraries can continue to support young people when they return to their communities. One of my biggest takeaways was that libraries can have a powerful impact long before a young person ever enters the carceral system. By creating welcoming spaces, fostering community, providing access to information, and building partnerships with local organizations, libraries can help support youth and families in meaningful ways. The presenters also shared examples of successful programming in juvenile detention settings, including art workshops, journaling, and drawing activities that encourage creativity, self-expression, and connection.

The presentation was complemented by the newly released Supporting Children, Teens, and Their Caregivers Impacted by Carceral Systems toolkit, which is now available as a free download. At any given time in the United States, nearly 2 million people are incarcerated in local jails, state and federal prisons, and immigration detention centers. The effects of incarceration reach far beyond those individuals, impacting children, caregivers, families, and entire communities, including many who use our libraries.

The toolkit serves as an excellent starting point for library staff looking to better support these populations. It is organized into three sections: recommended books for children and teens with incarcerated family members or caregivers; recommended books for youth who are themselves impacted by the carceral system; and resources to help library staff deepen their understanding of these issues and connect families with additional support. Beyond book recommendations, the toolkit includes organizations, research, and practical resources that libraries can use when building collections, developing programs, or strengthening community partnerships.

One of the things I appreciated most about both the presentation and the toolkit is that they remind us we don’t always need to create entirely new services to make a difference. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from being intentional about the work we’re already doing: building inclusive collections, creating welcoming spaces, connecting families with resources, and ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and supported.

Whether you work in a public, school, or academic library, these resources offer valuable ideas for serving an often-overlooked population. I encourage you to explore both the toolkit and Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: An Action Guide for Libraries and consider how your library can continue creating opportunities for connection, learning, and belonging for all members of your community.

Today’s blogger is Tanya Prax. Tanya is a Youth Services Librarian at Arapahoe Libraries in Denver, Colorado. Her favorite things about her job (if she had to pick) are a family cooking program and booktalking to kids at schools. Tanya wrote this piece as a member of the Library Services to Underserved Children and their Caregivers committee.

The post Reflections from ALA Annual 2026: Supporting Youth Impacted by Carceral Systems appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Serving as ALSC President during the 2025-2026 term has been both an honor and a privilege. This year was defined by action, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening library service for children and the library workers who support them. Together, we advanced strategic priorities, fostered meaningful partnerships, celebrated innovation, and created opportunities for members to connect, learn, and lead.

This wrap-up reflects on the accomplishments of the past year, highlights the collective impact of our work, and recognizes the dedication of ALSC members, volunteers, staff, and leaders, whose passion and expertise made this progress possible. As we look ahead, the foundation we are building together will continue to strengthen library services that empower every child and every community.

Under my leadership as ALSC President, we began the 2025-2026 transition year by looking ahead to the reunification of two divisions, the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). This reunification will be effective September 1, 2026. Plans are in progress and on track for a successful transition.

The work is supported by a team of ALA staff, as well as ALSC and YALSA leadership. This was and continues to be a collaborative effort. The focus of the new unified division, effective September 1, 2026, will be inclusive of children and teens. The work of ensuring a balance across the age ranges (0 to 18) is already in progress.

The 2026 ALA Annual Conference began with a high energy and positive reception sponsored by ALA Governance at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center. The reception was followed by a special panel discussion featuring ALA Executive Director Dan Montgomery, Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown, and Obama Presidential Center and Museum Director Louise Bernard, moderated by Dr. Carla Hayden.

During the conference, as president, I was honored to preside over the following award presentations: the 2026 Odyssey Awards; the 2026 Pura Belpré Celebracíon and Award Ceremony; the 2026 Newbery Caldecott Legacy Awards Banquet; and the 2026 ALSC Awards Presentation, which includes the Robert F. Sibert Informational Medal and Honor Books, the Mildred L. Batchelder Award and Honor Books, the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award and Honor Books, and the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award and Honors.

My duties and responsibilities as your president were to preside and chair the Executive Committee meeting and the Board of Directors meeting during the conference, as well as thanking the outgoing Board members, welcoming the new Board members, and passing the gavel to our 2026-2027 President Ariana Hussain who began her term on July 1, 2026.

The final act of my presidency was presiding over the Charlemae Hill Rollins President’s Program titled, “Picture Books for All: Celebrating the Joy of Visual Literacy.” The presentation brought together a panel of picture book experts to explore visual literacy and the enduring impact of the art. Three award-winning illustrators: Cátia Chien, Vashti Harrison, and Kadir Nelson, and moderator extraordinaire Leonard Marcus shared their insights into their creative processes and the ways picture books shape how we see, learn, and connect with the world. Special thanks to the President’s Program co-chairs Elisa Gall and Jené Brown and ALSC liaison Anne Michaud for planning this wonderful, well-attended program.

Thank you, Board of Directors and ALSC staff for your dedication: ALSC’s Executive Committee (Ariana Hussain, Dr. Robert Bittner, Julie Roach, and Robbin Ellis Friedman), and Directors (Sandra Farag, Ayn Reyes Frazee, Alia R. Jones, Danielle Jones, Allison M. Knight, Katherine Lawrence, Maegen J. Rose, and Valerie Tohom) and ALSC Staff (Alena Rivers, Executive Director; Sarah Polen, Deputy Director
(through February 2026); Ana Cackley, Awards Coordinator; Gavin Damore, Marketing & Membership Specialist (through September 2025); Anne Michaud, Program Officer, Governance; and Laura Schulte-Cooper, Senior Program Officer, Communications and Website). Thank you to all Committee chairs and members for your work and commitment to our common mission.

In closing, our members are the reason our division exists, and our shared mission is the reason we, as members, do what we do, working in community, in service to children. Serving as your president has been the joy of my life, ALSCJOY! As I move into my new role as past president, I look forward to continued work together. Thank you.

Dr. Claudette S. McLinn,
2025-2026 President, Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC)

The post ALSC Presidential 2025-2026 Term Wrap-Up with #ALSCJOY: A Year in Action appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Are you interested in learning more about running for a leadership position in ALSC? In this blog post, Heather Love Beverly shares her experience serving in YALSA, what excites her about serving on the ALSC Board, and advice for those interested in serving in a leadership position within the association.

1. What committees have you served on over the years, both ALSC and YALSA?
   
   I’ve been fortunate enough to serve on a wide variety of committees for both Divisions. Some highlights include being a member of the 2024 YALSA Printz Award Committee, the Chair of ALSC’s Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media in 2022-2023, Chair of YALSA’s Symposium Evaluation Taskforce in 2021, a member of YALSA’s Symposium Planning and Marketing Taskforce from 2022-2023, a member of ALSC’s School Age Programs and  Services Committee both in 2019-2021 and 2025, the Chair of  ALSC Children and Libraries Editorial Advisory Board in 2016-2017, and a current member of ALSC’s Professional Recognition and Scholarships Committee. I’ve loved the depth and variety of all these various committees I’ve worked with over the years!
   
   
2. What have you enjoyed most about serving on the YALSA Board? 
   
   Hands down, what I’ve enjoyed most has been the amazing people I have had the privilege of meeting and working with as a member of the board. Everyone I have met—from fellow board members, to ALA staff members, to YALSA members– has been so passionate about library services for teens, and they all care so deeply about the issues teens and libraries are facing. It’s been very rewarding to work with such an amazing group of people, all with similar goals and passions.
   
   
3. What surprised you the most about serving on the Board?
   
   For me, I found it surprising, and rewarding, to see just how much YALSA did as an organization. Being on the board exposed me to the full scope of what the Division offered—from amazingly curated resources on hot topics, to professional engagement opportunities, to all the various committees that kept the Division running. I was always discovering a new resource that YALSA provided to its members, and it delighted me to share what I learned with my fellow librarians. Truly, ALA’s Divisions have a wealth of resources available to its members, just waiting to be discovered.
   
   
4. What excites you the most about serving on the ALSC Board?
   
   Just as I learned so much more about YALSA as an organization once I was on the board, I am looking forward to learning more about ALSC, too. Even though I have been a member for years, I know that there is so much more to learn about this amazing organization, and I am eager to find it all out!
   
   I am also looking forward to helping shape the future of ALSC as the reunification with YALSA solidifies. I care deeply for both organizations, having been a member of both ALSC and YALSA for the entirety of my library career, and being able to be a voice for both divisions as they blend together is deeply meaningful to me. I am eager to help shape the future of a reunited YALSA and ALSC!
   
   
5. Why should teen-focused folks consider running for the ALSC Board?
   
   This is a very exciting time to consider running for the board! With the reunification of ALSC and YALSA going forward in September, the next year’s ALSC Board will be setting the tone of what that blended union will look like. It is vital that the board is filled with voices that speak for youth of all ages—babies to grade school students to tweens and to teens! It is more important than ever to make your voice heard, to speak for the communities we are so passionate about serving. 
   
   
6. What advice do you have for someone who is hesitant to run for a leadership position in ALSC?
   
   The thing I have always loved about the library profession is how absolutely kind, nice, and welcoming everyone is, and that goes doubly so for the ALSC board, too. While it may seem daunting to run for the board, perhaps even overwhelming, you will be working alongside amazing and wonderful people who will help you every step of the way. We are a helping profession, and that means we help each other, too.
   
   
7. Anything else you would like to share?
   
   Being involved with YALSA and ALSC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. Through the work I have done as a committee member and a board member, I have learned so much, broadened my skill set, and made so many colleagues turned friends, all while working on things that help the library community at large. It has been both a privilege and an honor, as well as a true delight!

Thank you, Heather, for sharing your expertise!

If you’d like to self-nominate, or nominate someone you think is a stellar leader, for consideration for the ALSC Board, please fill out this Informal Nomination Form for the 2027 ALSC Ballot. Filling out the form expresses interest–it’s not a firm commitment. So if you’ve been looking for opportunities to develop higher level leadership skills for your career, summer is the season for expressing interest in board service!

We’re seeking candidates for the following positions:

• ALSC Board of Directors member (3 open seats)
• ALSC Vice President/President-Elect (1 open seat)

Heather Love Beverly is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Cook Memorial Public Library District in Libertyville/Vernon Hills, Illinois (northern suburbs of Chicago) and has been delighted to be a youth librarian the entirety of her 21 years in the library profession! In her position, she has done a bit of everything over the years: storytime, STEM programming, tween programming, teen programming, and collection development across the whole spectrum of ages, just to highlight some of the fun!

When not librarianing, you can find her spending time with her family: her partner (who is also a children’s librarian!), two kids, a menagerie of cats (one cat shy of being a crazy cat lady) and one very confused, thinks- she’s- a-cat, dog. She also stays up way too late either reading (fantasy, sci-fi, and romance being her genres of choice), or binge-watching whatever her  latest TV obsession is while crocheting an endless stream of blankets and scarves (all she claims to know how to make!).

Heather can be reached at heatherlovebeverley@gmail.com.

Today’s blog post was written by Celeste Swanson, Co-Chair of the ALSC Nominating Committee. Currently, she is the Youth Services Director at the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers, Indiana. She can be reached at acbadger@gmail.com

The post “A very exciting time to consider running for the board!” appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Institute at a Glance

This year’s National Institute offers:

• 40+ education programs
• unique preconference experiences
• networking discussion sessions
• expanded tracks for school libraries
• a band-new Teen Services Development Day

Attendees will also hear from best-selling and award-winning author, Angie Thomas, at the Opening Session Dinner, and the creators of Reading Rainbow, Barbara Irwin, PhD, Tony Buttino Sr., and Pam Johnson, PhD, during Friday’s Big Ideas session.

And Teen Services Development Day on October 1 includes an opening keynote featuring debut author Delali Adjoa and an engaging lineup of educational programs.

We are looking forward to a vibrant and enriching Institute experience in Buffalo and hope you can join us!

Laura Schulte-Cooper (she/her/hers) is Senior Program Officer for Communications in the ALSC office.
Image courtesy of ALSC.

The post Play. Learn. Connect. Save! – Early Bird Rates End July 10 appeared first on ALSC Blog.

After a more traditional marketing manager fell through, MCL pivoted to someone with no marketing
experience but also no library experience. Essentially hiring an artist-in-residence. With her background in freelance art, Emma Plitzner fits a role that a library of her size rarely has, but her results arguably catapult her small library to a completely different weigh class.

“Prior to Mukwonago Community Library I was a normal library user! I previously worked in an Administrative Assistant role in addition to my background doing freelance art. Pursuing your Bachelors in Fine Art does not give you a lot of free time, it does give you a lot of listening time. A few librarians introduced me to the wonders of Libby before I could spend too much money on digital audiobooks.”

“Emma’s talent allows us to get much more creative about marketing,” says Library Director Abby Armour. “Instead of just thinking about Canva graphics or a fun social media post, we can develop entire campaigns. For example, when we needed to develop an eye-catching but functional design to wrap our smart lockers, all I gave Emma was a vague picture in my head of tumbling books. She took that scrap of an idea and turned it into multiple polished concepts that captured exactly who we are.”

The wrap on their smart lockers featuring Emma’s design, which went up in 2024, would later be used again one year later as the header for their new website, creating a more unified theme throughout all aspects of the library and one coherent message. “Her true artistic ability is allowing us to craft our image and our brand that would normally require an outside agency, “ Abby said. “We not only have someone that is talented in house, but understands the need of the library. Because she’s embedded in our staff, she’s talking with the librarians and out at our events. It’s not just it needs to be a pretty picture. Emma has the rare ability to use the artistry to deliver the message.”

That ability to combine both form and function was on full display when Emma was tasked with designing window coverings. The director’s office, which is right behind the circulation desk, has several large windows that can see right into the office, removing any kind of privacy. “With the three window panels, I was able to connect the libraries vision statement of: Inspire Creativity, Embrace Community, and Cultivate Connections.”

“A new library user would not know about the library’s vision statement, which is something we wanted to change, while also covering the windows. We opted to use the cute raccoons to channel some playful energy into showing users how they can use their card or library spaces. The raccoons themselves are a call back to my original interview marketing proposal to potentially use a character in promoting the process of getting your card and everything it unlocks.”

So instead of asking librarians to be marketers and artists, perhaps it’s just easier to ask artists to be librarians. Their fresh perspective catches what years of familiarity from traditional staff may overlook, while their creativity is able to then translate those concepts into creations, as is evident in this last example. “In redesigning our Library of Things [The Thingery], key accessibility points in the tag designs stood out to me more than the librarians. The placement of small white text on a bright blue background used on the item tags made them hard to read and did not align with the growth and maturing of the libraries branding. Instead I designed color-blind-friendly tags with QR codes to our website, to not only push traffic there, but create a less overwhelming experience for the customers and the catalogers.”

But for those that still have to wear all those hats, Emma’s advice is keep it simple. “Accessibility and design consistency have been the most important thing I think about. Leave the fun graphics and fonts for those memorable event posters.”

(All images courtesy of Emma Plitzner)

Today’s guest contributor is Peter Blenski. Peter has been a children’s librarian in the Milwaukee and Waukesha area for over a decade.  He runs the popular library blog, Lego Librarian, where he talks about library programming and marketing.  In 2021, he served on the 100th Newbery Award Selection Committee, which gave the award to “The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera.  He recently served on the 2026 Geisel Award Selection Committee, which gave the award to “Stop That Mop!” by Jonathan Fenske. 

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please read and fill out our Guest Blogging Interest Form. We would love to hear from you!

The post Why This Small Library Hired an Artist instead of a Librarian appeared first on ALSC Blog.

How It Started

In January of 2023 I was chatting with my friends Nikki and Monica about how they both felt they needed a break from their routines as working moms.  I mentioned that I had permission from my library to attend the 2023 ALA Annual Convention in Chicago and asked if they’d be free to join me for a few days towards the end of June. I described the vastness of the exhibition hall that they could buy a pass for and how there were three stages of author talks going on at any given moment. There was also the chance to meet authors, browse books that were recently published, and to pick up a few ARCs of books coming out later that year.  The more I spoke the bigger their eyes got, since they are both avid readers.  I also mentioned, they didn’t need to do any conference stuff with me, they could just share my hotel room and bounce around Chicago sight seeing and we would meet up for meals when it worked out.    

They both quickly agreed to join me. When it was time to register they both surprised me by not only buying the exhibits only pass, but also purchasing a year long membership to ALA. They made plans to do a few touristy things in Chicago as well.  As soon as we got our badges at the registration table and received our program of events, my friends were pouring over the brochure and checking out all the vendor coupons that enticed attendees to visit their booth.  

The Experience

On Saturday, I attended several sessions related to my committee and children’s librarian work.  I expected my friends to have only spent a few hours there, but each time I texted to see where they were, they stated that they were still at the exhibits hall.  It was comforting to know that I could spend time with my friends and hear about their day in between my sessions. By the end of the first full day, my friends had walked well over 10,000 steps going to one museum and spending the rest of the day in the exhibits hall.  

I bought tickets for myself and my friends to attend the Newbery-Caldecott-Legacy Awards Banquet.  I was excited to hear the speeches and see my ALSC colleagues and wanted my friends to experience it too.  I hoped they would have a good time, but their reactions far exceeded my expectations.  They jumped into the spirit and enthusiasm of the room.  Our seats were towards the back since we had general admission tickets. I explained that if we bought a full table’s worth of seats we would be closer to the front.  This led to them declaring that sometime in the future we would buy a whole table and hand out tickets to friends we make on the conference floor. 

At breakfast on Monday, my friends wondered aloud whether any other professional conference could hold a candle to what ALA offers in terms of entertainment and interest. I admitted I probably would not have gotten as much out of attending an accounting or microbiology conference (their areas of expertise) as they did out of ALA.  Our meal ended with Monica declaring that we would go again in 2026 when ALA would be back in Chicago!  Every time my friends and I get together we inevitably bring up a book or memory we brought back from ALA.  At the time of this writing we each have our tickets and accommodations reserved for 2026.  At the time of this blog’s publication we will have already ended our 2nd ALA trip together.

Reflections from Friends

I have enjoyed every professional library conference I have ever attended, but the one with my friends stands out as the most relaxed and memorable of the bunch.  Even though I gained so much from them joining me,  I never would have guessed how much my non-librarian friends would have gotten out of it for themselves. I texted them both asking for their thoughts on ALA 2023 and they both sent back walls of texts.  Some of the highlights were:

• I was impressed by the sheer scale and diversity of topics, sessions, and vendors.  Hearing about how elements of a book and story are discussed made me think of books in a new way beyond personal preference.  
• Meeting and hearing from authors was really special and I haven’t had many opportunities to do that.
• I gained an appreciation for graphic novels by talking to authors in a booth.  Reading with pictures to guide the stories is another way to challenge the brain and is just as good for kids as novels.  
• A session with two mystery authors was probably my favorite.  Their processes were so different.  One of them was very structured and the other wrote in a more fly by the seat of your pants manner.  

If social anxiety has ever been a reason you have hesitated from registering for a conference, then I highly recommend that you reach out to a friend or family member to come with you. Their response might surprise you!

Melissa Sokol is a children’s services librarian for Dayton Metro Library.  She is writing this post on behalf of the ALSC Membership Committee.

This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competency: VII. Professionalism and Professional Development 

The post Attending ALA Annual with Friends appeared first on ALSC Blog.

Some days, I feel like I’ve said the same things a hundred times. The repetitive nature of busy library days can leave even the most enthusiastic librarians feeling mentally and physically drained.

The Mid-Summer Routine

Some afternoons, after cleaning up yet another pile of paper scraps and glue sticks, I’ve caught myself thinking, Tomorrow, I’ll do it all again. I also wonder how to keep my energy up for another week despite the onset of Summer Reading burnout that can come with this routine.

And then a child walks up to show me their project, instantly cutting through any hints of summer burnout that linger from the reading season.

They’re proud of the garden they built, and their excitement is often contagious even during weeks of Summer Reading burnout.

They’re excited to tell me why they added flowers, a tiny pathway, or a paper dragonfly next to their scene. This is a reminder of what makes Summer Reading so rewarding even when burnout starts to appear.

They’re already asking what we’re making next week. This is a sign that the joy of summer reading overcomes any staff burnout I might feel.

In that moment, I remember something I lose sight of during the busiest weeks of summer. While this may be my twentieth program of the season, it could be their very first Summer Reading experience. That experience is untouched by burnout and fresh with excitement.

Children don’t see repetition the way adults do, making Summer Reading burnout less of a concern for them.

They don’t know I’ve read the same story multiple times this month. They don’t notice that I’ve explained the craft directions over and over. Also, they simply know that someone is excited to welcome them into the library and help them create something they’re proud to take home. They feel this even when I’m feeling the effects of burnout from a full summer of reading programs.

The Moments That Matter Most

One of my favorite parts of working in youth services is seeing those familiar faces return each week. At first, they’re quiet and stay close to their caregivers. A few weeks later, they’re raising their hands to answer questions, chatting with other children at their table, and telling me about the books they’re reading at home. In addition, watching those changes reminds me why the busy season is worth it. This is true even when Summer Reading burnout tries to creep in.

And yes—by mid-summer, I’ve also answered “Do you have zoo passes left?” more times than I can count. It becomes part of the rhythm of the desk: prizes, passes, reading logs—repeat. Of course, this repetition often leads to the feeling known as Summer Reading burnout for many library staff.

Those moments happen constantly, and I can easily blur them together when I focus on the next program prep or the next crowd walking through the door. I have to remind myself to slow down and notice the small interactions that make each day meaningful. This is important even when summer’s steady pace starts to wear me down as reading program routines continue.

Summer Reading burnout has reminded me that success doesn’t come from creating the newest craft or the most elaborate activity. Instead, it comes from creating a space where children want to return—a place where they feel comfortable, welcome, and excited to learn.

Finishing Summer with Fresh Eyes

By the end of July, my voice feels tired, the craft closet needs reorganizing, and I’ve usually repeated the same directions hundreds of times. Even so, I’m determined to finish the summer strong. I also want to find ways to reduce burnout during Summer Reading’s final stretch.

But every child who walks into the room experiences the program differently, which helps me break that pattern.

For them, every visit to the library brings new excitement, even when I’m feeling the effects of Summer Reading burnout behind the scenes.

And remembering that has helped me rediscover the joy in the busiest season of the year, despite the occasional burnout experienced from Summer Reading.

As librarians, we often spend the summer making magic for others. Sometimes, all it takes is seeing the library through a child’s eyes again to remember that the magic is still there for us, too. It also reminds me that Summer Reading burnout is only temporary.

Jessica Brownley (she/her/hers) is a Youth Services Librarian at the Bartlett Public Library District in Bartlett, Illinois. She is dedicated to developing creative and immersive programs that spark curiosity and joy among children.

All photos by Jessica Brownley, ALSC member

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