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Aaron Stefanich (far left), Children’s Services Director, Grand Forks Public Library, was named the North Dakota Library Association's 2023 Librarian of the Year, recognizing Aaron's outstanding contributions to the North Dakota library profession. Congratulations, Aaron!

Dr. Ramona Caponegro (left center) joined the faculty of the University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies in January 2024 as full professor. Cheers to you, Ramona! (Photo credit: Randy Mascharka)

Tony Carmack (left), Senior Librarian, Placer County (California) Library, was honored in December as a Gold in Education Partner by the Placer County Office of Education for his contributions to early childhood education and literacy for youth. Kudos, Tony!

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ALSC is offering three online courses this spring.

Tools and Techniques for Promoting Early Literacy in BIPOC Communities - March 4 - April 14

Join instructor Dee Brown, a social services librarian, in an exploration of culturally responsive strategies, diverse children's literature, and community engagement practices to foster a love for reading and empower young learners from BIPOC backgrounds.

- April 1 - April 28

In this course taught by Rabia Khokhar, an elementary teacher and education and equity consultant, participants will learn: practical ways to launch conversations around social justice and equity using picture books, how to select picture books with a social justice focus, and cross-curricular strategies for enacting intentional and ongoing social justice work.

- April 1 - May 12

Programming expert and signing storyteller Kathy MacMillan explores the benefits of signing with all children and employs readings, multimedia resources, online discussion boards, and customized video assignments to help prepare participants for sharing ASL in effective and respectful ways in programs.

ALSC members receive a 25% discount on eCourses! Learn more about ALSC online classes.

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ALSC encourages libraries and community organizations to connect children with diverse books and programming opportunities through Día - Children's Day/Book Day. Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds.

National Día Program Registry 2024. Is your library hosting Día programming this year? Share information about the public programs you are hosting in your community by completing the program registry form. The Día Program Registry is a national database showcasing all types and sizes of Día programming that is searchable by state. Program coordinators using the registry can also request a personalized webpage to help promote their Día events. For more information, visit the Program Registry webpage.

Free resources for download! Updated 2024 Día reading lists - in English and Spanish - highlight engaging and award-winning books that celebrate diverse cultures! Use our eye-catching graphics to promote your Día opportunities in social media. Take advantage of these resources to celebrate literacy for all and #bookjoy!

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Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture is a family literacy program that reaches out to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) families and their intergenerational community members, celebrating and affirming Asian, Pacific Islander, and American Indian intersectionalities through books, oral traditions, and art.

Talk Story grants are available that support opportunities in library and community organizations that highlight AAPI and AIAN stories through programs, services, and collection materials.

Four $500 grants are being offered: two by the (AILA) and two by the (AP). Applications are due by March 15, 2024. Awards will be announced by May 1.

Visit the and Talk Story webpages for complete details.

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We Need Diverse Books recently announced the winners and honorees of the ninth annual Walter Dean Myers Awards. The award celebrates the legacy of author Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014), who served as the third National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (2012-2013), authored over a hundred titles, and won countless awards, including two Newbery Honors. The 2024 recipients include:

Younger Readers (ages 9-13) Category Award
Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson

Younger Readers Category Honor
Grounded by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S.K. Ali

Teen Category (ages 13-18) Award
Saints of the Household by Ari Tison

Teen Category Honor
All the Fighting Parts by Hannah V. Sawyerr

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