Hear Ye! Hear Ye! | February 2025

Aryssa Damron, Van Ness Elementary School in Washington, DC, was awarded the 2025 Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship, a stipend of up to $7,500, which allows the recipient to spend time studying at the Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at the University of Florida, Gainesville. She will pursue a study of author Margaret Sidney’s body of children’s literature. Yay, Aryssa!

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Were you unable to attend ALSC's institute last fall? We have great news! This year ALSC is offering "Best of National Institute," a webinar series of professional development presentations that were presented at the 2024 National Institute and highly rated by attendees. The first round of webinars is scheduled. Complete details for the March and April offerings on our website. Jumpstart your spring with continuing education that's just a few clicks away.

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Ready to bridge cultures through books? ALSC encourages libraries and community organizations to connect children with diverse literature and programming opportunities through Día - Children's Day/Book Day. The Día initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds and Diversity in Action!

National Día Program Registry 2025. Is your institution hosting Día programming this year? Share information about your public programs by completing the program registry form. The Día Program Registry is a searchable national database showcasing all types and sizes of Día programming.

Free resources for download! New 2025 Día reading lists - in English and Spanish - highlight engaging and award-winning books that celebrate diverse cultures and stories. Use eye-catching graphics to promote your Día opportunities in social media. Take advantage of these resources to celebrate literacy for all and #bookjoy!

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Looking for partnership ideas to expand your advocacy work? Does your library have a successful relationship with a local organization that’s strengthening connections with your community? Join ALSC’s Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee for “How to Identify Community Stakeholders and Form Partnerships.” This We Are ALSC Chat will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m. (CT) via Zoom. Register here!

We Are ALSC Chats are online, informal networking get-togethers for resource sharing and discussion. They are open to ALSC members and non-members. Bring your questions and/or ideas! We hope to see you there.

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Award-winning author Kyle Lukoff will deliver the 2025 Children's Literature Lecture, "What Do We Ask Books To Do?," on March 20, from 7-8:30 p.m. PT. The lecture, hosted by Multnomah County Library, will be held at The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts in Portland, OR. The event is free but does require registration. To reserve your spot, visit the lecture webpage.

Lukoff's middle-grade novel, Too Bright to See, was a 2022 Newbery Honor Book, a Stonewall Award winner, and a National Book Award finalist. His other titles include When Aidan Became a Brother, Different Kinds of Fruit, and If You're a Kid Like Gavin, which was co-authored by trans activist Gavin Grimm. The date and time of the lecture, which will take place next spring, will be announced as soon as available.

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Take advantage of free shipping from the ALA Graphics Gift Shop from February 27 through March 4. Show off your ALSC spirit with logo-branded items from t-shirts to bags or go retro with vintage styles from old-school ALA campaigns! Check out the full selection at the online gift shop and save with free shipping.

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School librarians are invited to apply for a $5,000 award recognizing outstanding humanities programming in libraries that serve children in grades K-12.

Nominations for the 2025 Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award will be accepted until May 1, 2025. Applications, award guidelines, and a list of previous winners are available at www.ala.org/jaffarian.

The award is presented annually by the ALA Public Programs Office and is sponsored by ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund in cooperation with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

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We Need Diverse Books recently announced this year's winners and honorees of the 2025 Walter Dean Myers Awards for Outstanding Children’s Literature. The award honors diverse books by diverse creators and celebrates the legacy of author Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014), who authored over a hundred titles and won countless awards, including two Newbery Honors.

The 2025 recipients include:

Younger Readers Category Award
Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston

Younger Readers Category Honor
The Creepening of Dogwood House by Eden Royce

Teen Category Award
Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Teen Category Honor
A Crane among Wolves by June Hur

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Every Child a Reader and the Library of Congress currently are accepting proposal submissions from schools and school libraries, public libraries, and other community organizations interested in hosting an official event with Mac Barnett, the 9th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

Barnett is a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages. His books have won many awards, including two Caldecott Honors.

Find complete details on the Every Child a Reader website. Hurry! The proposal submission deadline has been extended to Friday, March 7.

Photo source: https://newsroom.loc.gov/

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