Association for Library Service to Children

Registration open for 2021 Children’s Literature Lecture Celebration honoring Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop

CHICAGO — The 2021 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture Celebration will take place from 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. This celebration will be held virtually and will honor the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. 

Dr. Bishop was awarded the Children’s Literature Lecture Award for 2021. The award, formerly known as the May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, honors an individual of distinction in the field of children’s literature; that individual is selected to deliver a distinguished lecture on behalf of ALSC. 

Dr. Gregory Leazer Awarded ALSC Research Agenda Pilot Grant

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has awarded the ALSC Research Agenda Pilot Grant to Dr. Gregory Leazer, Associate Professor in the Department of Information Studies at University of California, Los Angeles.

ALSC National Institute coming in Fall 2022 - call for proposals open

CHICAGO — The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), announced that the 2022 ALSC National Institute will be held at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown in Kansas City, Missouri, from Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2022. 

The Call for Programs for Institute is now open; proposals will be accepted through Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. CT. 

New webinar series examines hiring and onboarding in youth services

CHICAGO — The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce a three-part webinar series from its Managing Children’s Services committee: “Building Great Teams: Hiring and Onboarding in Youth Services.” This webinar series is designed for library directors, leadership, human resources staff and other hiring managers, youth services managers, branch managers, as well as experienced youth services staff who are looking to develop their management skills. 

Applications open for 2022 Virtual Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is seeking applications for its eighth biennial “Bill Morris Seminar: Book Evaluation Training,” to be held virtually in February 2022. This invitational seminar supports and honors William C. Morris’ dedication to connecting librarians and children with excellent children’s books.

Aimee Strittmatter departing as ALSC executive director; Alena Rivers steps in as interim

CHICAGO – Aimee Strittmatter, executive director of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), announced she has decided to embark upon a new professional path and will be leaving ALA, effective Aug. 31, 2021.

Strittmatter joined ALSC as deputy executive director in April 2005, bringing to the division extensive experience as a children’s librarian and children’s services supervisor. In 2009, she was named executive director.

ALSC supports 2021 Bound to Stay Bound, Melcher, and Spectrum Scholarships

CHICAGO – The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has awarded a total of 6 students the Bound to Stay Bound and Melcher Scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year. Additionally, ALSC has sponsored 2 Spectrum Scholars and 1 additional Spectrum Scholar made possible through the generous support of Ellen Fader, 2005-2006 past-president.    

Virginia Beach Library Foundation Awarded 2021 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Visit Award

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has awarded the 2021 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Visit Award to the Virginia Beach Library Foundation on behalf of the Virginia Beach Public Library in Virginia Beach, VA.

The award, sponsored by Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, is designed to provide up to $4,000 to an ALSC member’s library to fund a visit from an author/illustrator to speak with children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to hear from a nationally known author/illustrator.

Summer Online Courses from ALSC

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is offering two online courses this summer: The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future and Utilizing the Competencies to Boost Skills and Services.

Amy Koester elected ALSC vice-president/president-elect

Amy Koester, learning experiences manager, Skokie (Ill.) Public Library (SPL), has been elected vice president/president-elect of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). She begins her term as president-elect on July 1, 2021.