Contact: Stephanie Kuenn
Communications Specialist
312-280-2128
skuenn@ala.org

For Immediate Release,
November 6, 2007

YALSA announces avatar contest

CHICAGO —The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), invites librarians to showcase both their creativity and their library’s technological resources in its Create Your Own Avatar contest. The winner and up to five finalists will win $100 in books and other materials from YALSA.

An avatar is an icon that someone creates to represent themselves online. They're often used in online gaming, Web forums or instant messaging. All avatar entries must be an original work; librarians are encouraged to team up with their TAG (Teen Advisory Group) members or other teens in creating an award-winning avatar. Entries must be sent to yalsa@ala.org by midnight on Jan. 4. Entries must also be accessible online. The winner and up to five finalists will be announced at YALSA's third annual Gaming Night, Jan. 11, at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. The contest is open to YALSA members or registered attendees of Gaming Night. Winners need not be present to enter.

Contest details, official rules and an entry form can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/midwinter.cfm.

For 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone at 800-545-2433, ext. 4390, or by e-mail at yalsa@ala.org.