Diversity Insights from ALSC’s EDI Committee Co-Chairs Mai Takihashi and Ayn Reyes Frazee We are Ayn Reyes Frazee and Mai Takahashi, co-chairs of the newly formed Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee for ALSC, we recently had the opportunity to record a podcast with the Oregon Library Association’s EDI & Antiracism Committee OVERDUE: Weeding Out Oppression in Libraries podcast. The conversation delved deep into the heart of our new committee’s mission, the challenges we’re facing, and the inspiring motivations that keep us moving forward. We’re excited to share more about our n ..read more

Not long ago, I asked a group of grade six English learners to do a “source language scavenger hunt,” finding middle grade and YA novels in the school library and recording the language in which each was written. I also had them note the author’s name and, if applicable, the translator’s. This “hunt” had several goals: I hoped it would get the students comfortable ferreting out works of fiction in their library. I also wanted them to consider language among the many markers of authorial identity, since they were performing a diversity audit of their independent reading. I wanted them to see t ..read more

Happy Autism Acceptance Month! When you think of an autistic person*, who are you envisioning? Maybe Sheldon from Big Bang Theory? Or Dustin Hoffman’s character in Rain Man? In popular culture, we tend to have a stereotype about who is autistic. That person is usually white, male, heterosexual, and cis-sexual, but in reality, the autistic community is incredibly diverse! Take the time this Autism Acceptance Month and update your recommended reading lists, your displays, and your storytime selections to reflect all kinds of autistic experiences. Who Is Seen As Autistic? When we don’t know much ..read more

In the weeks leading up to the Drag Story Hour at my former branch, I was equal parts excited and worried. I had been wanting to host a Drag Story Hour for a long time because these special storytimes encompass some of the best parts of children’s programs in libraries: having fun, encouraging creativity, and celebrating diversity through stories. And I was certain that it would be popular with the families who came to that branch.  But I also knew that Drag Story Hours and other library programs that highlight the LGBTQ+ community had become a lightning rod for hate groups. Libraries acr ..read more

When I began my career as a children’s librarian, I inherited the board book collection for a couple of reasons but mainly because board books often have the reputation that they are possibly the easiest collection to manage in youth services. Most of them are straightforward and teach basic concepts like abc’s, 123’s, colors, and shapes. However, almost a decade later I’ve come to realize that although most board book stories may be simple they are more than just the “basics” and provide depth beyond the handful of words that are printed on the cardboard pages. Board books introduce new paren ..read more

Middle grade novels are often discovery stories–who am I? What is my place in the world? These three diverse books are no exception, and I hope you enjoy reading them and recommending them as much as I have.  The one who loves you the most, by medina (debut novel). The first sentence, “I have never felt like I belonged to my body,” is a breadcrumb. This book does not leap onto the horizon, hi, i’m your new LGBTQIA+ protagonist. Gabriela starts by not even knowing the word queer. In this book, Gabriela makes new friends, reads new books (including the classic Annie on my Mind), tries out d ..read more

Photo courtesy Reimagining School Readiness Have you ever broken a bone?  Or accidentally injured your eye and needed to wear a patch?  If so, you may have unexpectedly developed empathy for individuals who navigate everyday life with disabilities. Using universal design to create storytimes events helps libraries plan for successful participation and play. By using universal design, all people are assured opportunities to engage at the library! Wheelchair access between shelving, low lighting, small print, loud voices, cavernous spaces, and more impact people with and without i ..read more

Week of the Young Child 2023 Logo What is The Week of the Young Child?  Every year since 1971, the National Association for the Education of Young Children sponsors a weeklong celebration called The Week of the Young Child. The 2023 Week of the Young Child (WOYC) takes place from April 1-7. The WOYC aims to focus attention on the importance of the early childhood stage, recognize the value of early childhood programs, and community services that support young children and their families.  What can you do to support Week of the Young Child?   Continue to connect wi ..read more

Libraries are for everyone! All are welcome at the library! If you work in any type of library, especially public libraries, you most likely have heard or seen this message. As a member of the ALSC Program Coordinating Committee, I find it incredibly meaningful to play a role in selecting sessions that are presented at the annual library conference and to have the opportunity to review conference proposals with an equity lens. Every year librarians and educators from all over the country earnestly attend the ALA conference to hear about how they can positively grow and impact their communities ..read more

Summer Reading Crunch Time! By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what your SRP program for 2023 looks like. You’ve got your performers lined up, got your giveaway items and prizes. However, let’s say you are like me and are biting off that proverbial chew of decorating the children’s section. I am in the lucky position of having two whole small branch libraries that I get to help decorate for summer reading; that was sarcasm. That aside, it occurred to me to write a bit about the creative process. My painting students are frequently treated to it, so I thought of you, the audience at ..read more