Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

Dim the lights, put on a little soft music, and let's READ!
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/02/silent-book-club-kids-edition/

AI, KPop Demon Hunters, and the Rise of the Knock Off Book Learn about what one librarian did when patrons began requesting knock off books based on KPop Demon Hunters.

The AI age has brought us knock-off books. Learn how to steer clear.
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/02/ai-kpop-demon-hunters-and-the-rise-of-the-knock-off-book/

Sneaky Censorship Take a look at the subtle (and "sneaky") ways censorship shows itself in libraries, negatively impacting the availability of materials.

Hidden materials. Nonfiction gone missing. Rearranged displays. Beware sneaky censorship!

A New Opportunity for Children’s and Teen Services Collaboration Learn how the reunification of ALSC and YALSA will help shape future Youth Media Award (YMA) announcements and the National Institute

Many members have had questions about the future of ALA's Youth Media Awards. Rob Bittner, co-chair of Reunification Working Group, has the answers!

The 2026 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award Apply for the 2026 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award to host renowned authors and illustrators at your library and inspire children.

Learn how ALSC's 2026 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award can help bring a children's book creator to your library!

Attending the National Storytelling Festival Learn about a storytelling journey to the National Storytelling Festival and how it can enhance your own storytelling efforts with kids.

Guest blogger Melissa Sokol shares her experience at the 2025 National Storytelling Festival and as a budding storyteller.

Supporting the Supporters: How Libraries Can Serve Caregivers Under Stress Behind every child who enters the library is often a caregiver navigating stress that may be invisible, but is deeply felt. How can we help?

Libraries are committed to serving underserved children. That also must include intentionally serving the adults who care for them -- especially in challenging times.

Do you ever have staff members call in sick on their day to present storytime? What do you do -- cancel? Find a sub? Here are thoughts on what to consider when faced with that choice.

Thinking of making changes to your storytimes? Here are insights from a librarian who had to move to mixed-age storytimes.

AI is on the rise! Where do you even begin thoughtful consideration? Read about opportunities, challenges, ethical concerns, and the importance of balance and youth services librarians' role in helping kids navigate

Exercise More: Creating Movement-Friendly Library Programs Explore how intentional movement, adaptations, and spaces make library programs more inclusive and engaging for all ages and abilities.

Blogger Jaime Eastman is looking at traditional New Year's resolutions through a library lens. This month's focus -- exercise more ... at the library.

Put the Bulletin Board to Work: Turning Time, Art, and Feedback Into Community Voice Changing bulletin boards each month can feel like a lot of work, especially when you are responsible for several at once. They take planning and time to put together, so it makes sense to get more fro...

Make your bulletin boards serve the library and community better! Check out these ideas for sharing patron art, inviting community feedback, featuring "Did You Know" updates, and more!

Round #1 of Pokémon Club! In this post, I will share the setup for my first session and what I have learned after completing Round #1 of Pokémon Club!

Blogger Ariel Barreras shares the setup for her first session and what she learned after completing Round #1 of Pokémon Club!

More Great Books for Young Readers Monday was an unexpected snow day, as half the country was digging out of Winter Storm Fern, so I was lucky enough to watch the 2026 Youth Media Awards comfortably at home.  If you are anything like m...

Looking for a few more great books for young readers to add to your to-read list? ...

Craftivists: For Budget Friendly Meaning Makers These budget friendly craft projects inspire makers and DIY-expression.

Looking for budget-friendly ideas for DIY, maker, and crafter programming? Read on...

Science of Reading in the Library: Types of Words for Emerging Readers Understanding the types of words for emerging readers helps us know how to help when reading with children.

"Dolch words?" "Fry words?" "Irregular words?" What do they all mean?! Blogger Kelley Taksier shares why it's so important to understand types of words for emerging readers.

Aryssa Damron shares five things she's doing differently in her school library in 2026 to better serve her students and make her work easier. Read on...

Starting up a department newsletter for youth services or looking to update your existing one? Check out two successful newsletters: Preschool Pages and Selections, Jr.

And Who is Ms Rachel Anyway? While it’s possible you are unfamiliar with the early childhood educator and YouTuber Ms Rachel, she is likely already important to some of your youngest patrons and their families.  The YouTube chann...

Do YOU know who Ms Rachel is?

Interviewing Library Advocates: Isariya Locke, Children's Librarian, Fresno County Public Library Read how Isariya Locke is helping families feel seen and welcome through play and advocacy.

Read how Isariya Locke is helping families feel seen and welcome through play and advocacy.

Save the (Monday) Date: the Charlemae Hill Rollins President’s Program at ALA Annual Mark your calendars for the Charlemae Hill Rollins President's Program, featuring distinguished creators and discussions on visual literacy.

Plan to join us for the Charlemae Hill Rollins President’s Program at ALA Annual in June! Picture Books for All: Celebrating the Joy of Visual Literacy!

The Importance of Evaluation: How to Check In on New Services At any given time, many of us who are children’s librarians are experts in multi-tasking, from implementing weekly programs to adding new services that we would like to try or addressing patron reques...

Lisa Mulvenna, of ALSC's Managing Children's Services Committee, writes about the importance of evaluation in helping library staff discover “why” something is important and in providing a valuable moment of pause instead of continuously adding more.

Dive Deep into Discovery! 🔍

Celebrate 25 Years of the Sibert Medal with new, nonfiction gear from ALSC - 25% off in the ALA store 2/10-13! (We're partial to the Eco-Friendly Cotton Tote to help cart around all those amazing Sibert-winning titles!)

Shop Now: https://www.librarygiftshop.org/sibert

Diversity in Craft-ernoon Learn about incorporating diversity in craft into your routines with a craft-ernoon of activities for young creators and their families.

February 17 marks the Lunar New Year! Check out these fun crafts for celebrating. https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/01/diversity-in-craft-ernoon/

ALSC Blog 2025 – A Year in Review Read about what the ALSC Blog has accomplished in 2025, including most viewed blog posts and opportunities for you to get involved.

ICYMI last month, Blog Manager Mary Voors shared blog highlights for 2025 -- top-viewed posts by month, activities, distinctions, and more!

Let's Create! The Power of Process Art Explore the world of Process Art where imagination knows no bounds. Let creativity flow with every art supply around you. Let's Create!

Looking for a process art program where anything goes?! In the Let's Create! program, the "only real rule is to have fun making something that feels like you!" Read on...
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/01/lets-create-the-power-of-process-art/

Winter Mindfulness for Kids Learn how librarians can support mindfulness for kids during winter.

Harsh winter days often means lots of time cooped up inside. This is a rough season for those who already struggle with regulating. Here are strategies to help them feel more grounded.
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/01/winter-mindfulness-for-kids/

Revisiting the Reunification Town Hall Learn about the goals and discussions from the ALSC/YALSA Reunification Town Hall, focusing on member involvement and our united vision.

Rob Bittner, ALSC's immediate past president, provides brief summary of last October's reunification Town Hall.
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/01/revisiting-the-reunification-town-hall/

So Long Stranger Things, Hello Stranger Reads Find out which books one librarian recommends for kids who want something to read now that Stranger Things has ended!

Do you have some "Stranger Things" fans at your library? Here are some great books to recommend.
https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2026/01/stranger-things-reads/

Congratulate yourself -- you've almost made it through January! But, it's STILL winter, and these self-care tips might be just what you need.