Hear Ye! Hear Ye! | May 2026
Member News
ALSC/ALA News: National Institute Registration Open | Upcoming eLearning | Share These Recommended Summer Reads with Your Community | Blog for ALSC at ALA Annual | Stay Up-to-Date on Reunification News | Bring Pokémon to Your Library
Field Notes: Dayton-Metro Named Top Innovator
Member News
Valerie Byrd Fort, University of South Carolina, Columbia, is a 2026 recipient of the I Love My Librarian Award, which honors librarians for their expertise, dedication, and impact on the people in their communities. Congratulations, Valerie!
Search for a Mysterious Mushroom (Chronicle) by Amy Seto Forrester, former youth services librarian, was released earlier this month. The title, part of the nonfiction pick your path Science Explorers series, puts readers into the role of mycologist as they look for a tiny fungus in three national parks around the world. Kudos, Amy!
Registration Open for ALSC National Institute
Secure your spot today and save with early bird registration for ALSC's National Institute in Buffalo, New York, October 1-3, 2026.
A full list of education programs is posted on the Institute website. Program topics range from culturally responsive school and public library practices and nurturing critical thinking skills to early math precursors for babies and toddlers, how to incorporate RPGs into youth and teen services programming, and much more!
In addition to the 42 education programs comprising children's, young adult, and school library services, there will be discussion and general sessions, networking opportunities, book signings, and more.
This year, in anticipation of the reunification of ALSC and YALSA, a Teen Services Development Day (TSDD) is being offered on October 1, immediately prior to the Institute opening. Optional preconferences are also taking place on October 1.
Visit the registration page for rates and further details.
Upcoming eLearning
Thinking of to-do's for after the summer reading push? Book some professional development time with ALSC. Back by popular demand this fall is our ASL course.
eCourse: American Sign Language with Children in Storytime or in the Classroom: A Practical Guide | October 5 - November 15, 2026
Registration for this well-regarded eCourse is now open. Slots can fill up quickly, so reserve yours early!
American Sign Language (ASL) is most commonly used in storytimes for babies, but the applications can go much further. In this 6-week class, programming expert and signing storyteller Kathy MacMillan explores the benefits of signing with all children. In addition to learning basic ASL vocabulary appropriate for use with children in library and classroom settings, you will also learn techniques to share stories, songs, and other activities that incorporate ASL. Learn more!
Share These Recommended Summer Reads with Your Community
The 2026 ALSC Summer Reading Lists are here! Compiled by the Quicklists Consulting committee, the lists feature entertaining and award-winning book titles to keep children reading all summer. For digital media fans, the committee also recommends a range of apps, podcasts, and websites to pique kids' interests.
The lists, for ages 0-14, are FREE and easy to download and print for distribution in your library and community. Check them out on the ALSC website.
Blog for ALSC at ALA Annual Conference
Are you attending the ALA Annual Conference from June 25 to June 29 in Chicago? If so, we invite you to join the ALSC Blog’s #ALAAC26 Live Blogging Team!
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy writing to share their experiences, insights, and discoveries with those who are unable to attend in person. Live blogging is also a fantastic way to reflect on your own experiences and information learned, adding depth to your conference experience. For more information, visit the ALSC Blog.
Stay Up-to-Date on Reunification News
The reunification of ALSC and YALSA is set for September 1, 2026. Progress on the work is being shared via blog posts, email messages, Town Hall meetings, web FAQs, and ALA Connect.
For easy access to all these updates, visit ALSC's Reunification News webpage. You'll find links to town hall recordings, FAQs, pertinent blog posts, and more. All in one convenient place.
If you have questions or concerns about the reunification, please reach out to us: alsc at ala dot org!
Still Time to Bring Pokémon Club to Your Library!
ALSC and AASL’s Pokémon Club program initiative, in partnership with The Pokémon Company International, is still rolling along. More than 600 libraries are participating, and more kits are still available!
Filled with materials, resources, scaffolded activities, and prizing for children ages 5-14, the Club kits help libraries run Pokémon Clubs in their communities. Club members can have fun while learning strategic thinking, math, reading comprehension, and creativity. Learn more and apply today.
Note: You MUST be an ALSC or AASL member to participate.
Reading Railroad Initiative Honored with Top Innovator Award
Dayton (Ohio) Metro Library (DML) has been named a Top Innovator for 2025 by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries. This recognition is in honor of DML’s Reading Railroad initiative, which fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning by supporting Black boys, men, and their support systems.
Photo courtesy of Dayton Metro Library. Used with permission.
