Please excuse cross postings FYI, From ALA Connect: As part of the work of the [1]CALA/YALSA Taskforce, we're hosting a series of webinars featuring authors from the Stories Beyond Borders: A Chinese American and Diasporic Reading List. You can view our printable PDF now housed in the Chinese American Librarians Association's repository (CALASYS): [2]bit.ly/calastoriesbeyond The first webinar [3]Middle Grade Storytellers will take place on May 15th at 10am CDT / 11am EDT and ...Continue Reading

FYI, From ALA Connect: Are you invested in questions about who (which racial/cultural groups) is being represented in children's books featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) and how (what messages are being sent) they are represented? Are you a conscientious reader of picture books, early readers, middle grade and young adult literature? If so, the Diverse BookFinder (DBF) Metadata Community of Practice may be for you! The [1]Diverse BookFinder seeks app ...Continue Reading

FYI, Applications Open for 2023 Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund Programming Grants Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes grants for organizations to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Weeks celebration (October 1-7, 2023). The 2023 theme is "Let Freedom Read." Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and non-profit community organizations are encouraged to apply. Gran ...Continue Reading

FYI, From Book Riot: Seattle Public Library Grants Free Access to Banned Books [1]The Seattle Public library is the latest to[2] join the fight against nation-wide book banning. The library is the second to offer free library cards through Books Unbanned, an initiative started by the [3]Brooklyn Public Library last year that granted young people across the country access to their digital collection. Through the initiative, the Seattle Public library is providing free access to ...Continue Reading

Digital Literacy Forum Libraries continue to define and refine their role as providers of digital literacy services as computer and technology skills become increasingly important for individuals to access educational, healthcare, workforce, and government resources. However, digital literacy does not stand on its own. Understanding the broader scope of literacy is crucial for the effective delivery and implementation of digital literacy programs. The second annual NJSL Digital Literacy Foru ...Continue Reading

Hi all, Book Eval NJ is seeking children's & young adult library workers for it's revamped book evaluation program. Come to our next meeting to select books, review them, and keep the books that you review! This is a great way to meet other library workers and get familiar with the newest titles for youth. For more information contact Liz Karstadt, [1]...@bookevalnj.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 102, 147); font-family: Helve ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings I’m passing this along for informational purposes only from ALA Connect from PLA: My name is Zachary Stier and I am the Director for Children's Services at Ericson Public Library in Boone, Iowa. I am working on a presentation I will present for the Fred Rogers Institute in June. I'm seeking 7-10 public librarians to submit a short video or audio response to the question, "what impact will public libraries have to enhance community wellbeing in the future?&qu ...Continue Reading

FYI, Hayes Award Opportunity Did you know that ALSC's Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award, established with funding from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, brings together children and a nationally recognized children's book creator by funding up to $4,000 for an author/illustrator visit to a library? Take advantage of this opportunity to create an engaging and memorable event for your young patrons. Hurry, the Hayes Award application closes this Friday, April 28. For more in ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, My Youth Services Consultant colleague from Minnesota is on the planning committee for this conference and shared this with me. I’m sharing it with you: Power Up: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers & Staff 2024 Call for Proposals Now Open! The Power Up Conference Committee wants your program proposals for Power Up 2024 to be held March 21-22, 2024, in Madison, WI. Topics may include, but are not limited to: strategic planning, ...Continue Reading

NJSL Digital Literacy Forum Literacy Before Digital Literacy ================================ [1]2022 Digital Literacy Forum Libraries continue to define and refine their role as providers of digital literacy services as computer and technology skills become increasingly important for individuals to access educational, healthcare, workforce, and government resources. However, digital literacy does not stand on its own. Understanding the broader scope of literacy is crucial for the effe ...Continue Reading