ALSC - The Association for Library Service to Children

Can you spot a prospective youth librarian when you see one? Here's a list of indicators. You may know someone perfect for a second career in youth librarianship!

Confessions of a Second Career Youth Librarian This post explores quirky habits and traits to talk about with potential library workers for recruiting and retention.

Here's a fresh look at professional development: learning to draw inspiration from presented library programs rather than trying to duplicate them.

Professional Development that Actually Sticks Perfect professional development by shifting your mindset to embrace opportunities that challenge and support your growth.

Thinking of starting a library garden? Check out this post for information and inspiration!

Sharing More Than Food Through the Giving Garden It is springtime in Chicagoland, and when the weather begins to get warmer, our members look forward to the summer season in our Giving Garden. The windows in the Early Learning Area of the Indian Trails Public Library look out to this space, and families love viewing the progress of the plants grow...

Blogger Aryssa Damron shares her plans for finishing the school year on a high note!

Ending the School Library Year Strong (And Creatively) It's time to wrap up the school year in the school library--here's what I'm doing this year to save my time and sanity

ICYMI, we're looking for bloggers to share their conference experience with our blog readers. Interested? Learn more in this post.

Join the ALSC Blogging Team as a Conference Blogger at #alaac26 Learn how you can join the Join the ALSC Blogging Team as a Conference Blogger at in Chicago, IL next month.

Before Reading Rainbow inspired generations of readers, it began with a bold idea at a public television station in Buffalo.
At , hear the untold story behind one of the most beloved children's programs ever created. Join Barbara Irwin, PhD, Tony Buttino Sr., and Pam Johnson, PhD, for a Big Ideas Session on Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series.
October 2 in Buffalo. Plus 50+ programs, discussion sessions, preconferences, and the first-ever Teen Services Development Day.

Thank you to our Library Advocate Sponsor, West Herr Auto Group, for supporting this Big Ideas Session.

Register by July 10 to save with early bird rates.
https://www.ala.org/alsc/confevents/institute/genl-sessions

Toys can provide mirrors, windows, and sliding doors, just like stories. Learn how one library gets creative with their doll play collection.

Windows, Mirrors, and Doors in Play Just as stories provide mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for folks – toys can too! Being intentional with the items we place in our public spaces makes our spaces more engaging. Being creative with our toys and play spaces also helps us make our limited budgets go further. One way we’re being...

Take a walk through a dinosaur-themed storytime peppered with math concepts. This post provides sample asides and fun activity ideas.

Storytime Success Through Research-Based Early Literacy Asides Early literacy asides lead to storytime success by explaining concepts and empowering caregivers to continue working on skills at home.

ICYMI, May 18 was International Museums Day! Blogger Ann Baillie shares titles perfect for a Museums Day book display. Bookmark this post for next May!

Happy International Museums Day! Learn how one librarian celebrated International Museums Day with a book display!