Final push for COVID relief: ALA issues broad call for library advocates
ALA is urging library advocates to contact their U.S. representatives and senators with an ask to provide funding for libraries in a COVID relief package as House and Senate members work to pass an emergency assistance plan before adjourning for the year.
According to the advocacy alert, “With additional broadband funding, libraries could provide even more services to the public via internet hotspots, extending Wi-Fi signals or locating mobile hotspots throughout the community.”
In addition to broadband funding, the alert calls for funding for libraries and library workers, many of whom were furloughed or laid off in 2020. Read more
Actress, author and activist Natalie Portman to serve as 2021 National Library Week honorary chair
Natalie Portman, Academy Award-winning actress, director, producer, author and activist, will lend her star power to shine a spotlight on our nation’s libraries as the honorary chair of National Library Week, April 4-10, 2021. She will help highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in serving their communities, especially during challenging times.
“I’m delighted to join ALA and libraries everywhere in celebrating National Library Week,” said Portman. “Libraries are open, inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community. They show us anything is possible by encouraging a love of learning, discovery and exploration. I hope people will take time during the week to visit their library online or in person.”
The theme for National Library Week 2021, “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content and educational programs.
“We are so pleased to have Natalie Portman as the honorary chair of National Library Week 2021,” said American Library Association President (ALA) Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. “As a children’s book author, Natalie is a champion of empowerment and equality, values that reflect the work of librarians and library staff every day to make a difference in people’s lives and communities.” Read more
YALSA
announces 2021 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award finalists
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), selected five books as finalists for the 2021 Excellence
in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, which honors the best nonfiction books written for young adults between Nov. 1, 2019 and Oct. 31, 2020. YALSA will name the 2021 award winner virtually at the Youth Media Awards on Jan. 25, 2021 during the American Library
Association’s virtual Midwinter Meeting. Registration is open now through Jan. 15, 2021. Read
more
Registration Opens for 2021 AASL National Conference
Registration is now open for the 2021 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National Conference. The conference, taking place Oct. 21-23, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah, convenes school library professionals for in-person learning and networking opportunities. Registration rates and date-sensitive, money-saving promo codes can be found at national.aasl.org. Read more
Hicks and Lester seek 2022-2023 AASL presidency
Laura Hicks and Kathy Lester will seek the 2022-2023 AASL presidential term during the 2021 American Library Association (ALA) election. The full slate of AASL candidates can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/elections. Read more
A coloring book of quotes for library lovers
Just in time for year’s end appreciation gifts for colleagues, volunteers, library board members, and bibliophiles, ALA Editions presents “Well Said: The Library Lovers Coloring Book of Quotes.” Read more
Applications open for The Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation
Applications are now open for The Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation. The annual award recognizes U.S. libraries and librarians who create lasting innovative community service programs that successfully inspire and connect with new readers. The award consists of a $10,000 cash prize. Read more
Every year, the Rainbow Round Table (RRT) of the American Library Association seeks to honor librarians, library related organizations (including libraries, library staff, library boards, library friends), and other individuals or groups (public or private) that have demonstrated excellence in the area of responding to the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, genderqueer, queer, intersex, agender, asexual, and ally (LGBTQIA+) community. Read more
ALCTS Publishing has released its final printed guide in the Sudden Selector’s Guide series. The Sudden Selector’s Guide to Philosophy Resources offers key resources for selectors of philosophy materials. Read more
This webinar will show users how to leverage the free Google Sheets Add-on called MatchMARC to retrieve OCLC records based on user criteria. Read more
RUSA’s Accessibility Academy newly updated webcast tutorial “Positive Interactions: Making the Library a Welcoming and Empowering Place for People with Disabilities” is available for purchase now.
The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is a division of the American Library Association. RUSA serves all types of libraries in reference, user services, adult readers advisory and collection development as well as resource sharing, genealogy and archives, business reference and reference technology. Read more
Grounding library work in community engagement
Community engagement isn’t simply an important component of a successful library—it’s the foundation upon which every service, offering, and initiative rests. Working collaboratively with community members—be they library customers, residents, faculty, students or partner organizations—ensures that the library works, period. “Ask, Listen, Empower: Grounding Your Library Work in Community Engagement,” published by ALA Editions in cooperation with ALA's Public Programs Office (PPO), provides targeted guidance on how libraries can address a range of issues for the betterment of their community, whether it is a city, neighborhood, campus, or something else. Read more
Free Webinar from Core on Building Virtual Team Cohesion at your Institution on Jan. 13, 2021
Boost your skill set and enhance your career and attend this Core webinar. Read more