Apply for YALSA’s 2014 Maker Contest

For Immediate Release
Wed, 06/18/2014

Contact:

Anna Lam

Program Coordinator

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

alam@ala.org

CHICAGO – The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association, (ALA) invites libraries with brilliant summer “maker” programs to apply for its 2014 Maker Contest.

The idea behind the contest is to encourage “making” during the summer months at libraries across the nation. Qualified maker programs must be specifically designed for and targeted at young adults ages 12-18, take place during the summer months of June – August of 2014 and engage young adults in some aspect of making as defined in the Making in the Library Toolkit (PDF).

Individual library branches within a larger library system are welcome to apply. Applications will be vetted based on the program’s innovation, engagement and outcomes. At the conclusion of the contest, a compilation of best practices from the submitted programs will be shared with the library community.  Applications must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2014. Selected recipients will be notified through email the week of Oct. 6, 2014. To apply, visit the online form.

Selected recipients will receive outstanding recognition and prizes such as MaKey MaKey invention kits and other items. At least one prize will be distributed per category of library (based on budget size).

To learn more about making in libraries and to find some great ideas, check out the Maker & DIY wiki and download the free Making in the Library Toolkit. Libraries and other educational institutes can also visit YALSA’s Summer Reading & Learning site for great ideas and resources related to summer reading and learning programs. 

For more than 50 years, YALSA has worked to build the capacity of libraries and librarians to engage, serve and empower teens.  For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to www.ala.org/yalsa, or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390, or email, yalsa@ala.org.