YALSA’s new Practical Programming: The Best of YA-YAAC offers tried and true ideas for teen programs

CHICAGO — Young adult services practitioners from around the world coalesce on YA-YAAC, a discussion list of the Young Adult Library Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association. There they chat about things like cool STEM ideas, share teen programming successes and solicit suggestions for challenges like uptight managers, tight budgets and programming brain freeze! YALSA’s "Practical Programming: The Best of YA-YAAC," a new book available in the ALA Store, will provide librarians and library workers with a wealth of tried and true programming ideas for teens.

Author Monique Delatte Starkey culled the best ideas and compiled them into this easy to read resource. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just need to implement an engaging program quickly, you are sure to find helpful ideas and advice in this dynamic new book. Highlights include examples and how-to guides for active programs, educational and technological programs, pop culture programs, culinary programs and new ideas for marketing, outreach and collaboration.

“This resource features a wide variety of practical programming options from across the globe. The plans and ideas that the book compiles include activities that have been field-tested by: libraries of all sizes (from urban to rural); new and experienced teen services librarians and library workers; and perhaps most importantly - these are teen-tested events. It's a resource that will benefit anyone who is charged with the task of planning either passive or active programming for young adults.” said Starkey.

Starkey is an associate professor at Fullerton College and an adjunct for Rio Hondo College in Calif. She worked in teen services for over five years with the County of Los Angeles Public Library and has authored/co-authored over $100,000 in grants for libraries. As a member of the 2011 cohort of ALA Emerging Leaders, she began taking advantage of the opportunities available with YALSA through publication in "Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, Young Adult Library Services Journal (YALS)" and "Cool Teen Programs Under $100."



"Practical Programming: The Best of YA-YAAC" by YALSA is available at the ALA Store or by calling 1 (866) SHOP-ALA. The book is $36 for ALA members and $40 for nonmembers. To learn more about the YA-YAAC email discussion list, visit http://ow.ly/oDVW2.

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 e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.