ALSC - The Association for Library Service to Children

06/23/2026

Thinking of starting a library garden? Check out this post for information and inspiration!

It is springtime in Chicagoland, and when the weather begins to get warmer, our members look forward to the summer season in our Giving Garden. The windows in the Early Learning Area of the Indian Trails Public Library look out to this space, and families love viewing the progress of the plants grow...

06/22/2026

Blogger Aryssa Damron shares her plans for finishing the school year on a high note!

It's time to wrap up the school year in the school library--here's what I'm doing this year to save my time and sanity

06/19/2026

ICYMI, we're looking for bloggers to share their conference experience with our blog readers. Interested? Learn more in this post.

Learn how you can join the Join the ALSC Blogging Team as a Conference Blogger at in Chicago, IL next month.

06/18/2026

Before Reading Rainbow inspired generations of readers, it began with a bold idea at a public television station in Buffalo.
At , hear the untold story behind one of the most beloved children's programs ever created. Join Barbara Irwin, PhD, Tony Buttino Sr., and Pam Johnson, PhD, for a Big Ideas Session on Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children's Series.
October 2 in Buffalo. Plus 50+ programs, discussion sessions, preconferences, and the first-ever Teen Services Development Day.

Thank you to our Library Advocate Sponsor, West Herr Auto Group, for supporting this Big Ideas Session.

Register by July 10 to save with early bird rates.
https://www.ala.org/alsc/confevents/institute/genl-sessions

06/18/2026

Toys can provide mirrors, windows, and sliding doors, just like stories. Learn how one library gets creative with their doll play collection.

Just as stories provide mirrors, windows, and sliding doors for folks – toys can too! Being intentional with the items we place in our public spaces makes our spaces more engaging. Being creative with our toys and play spaces also helps us make our limited budgets go further. One way we’re being...

06/17/2026

Take a walk through a dinosaur-themed storytime peppered with math concepts. This post provides sample asides and fun activity ideas.

Early literacy asides lead to storytime success by explaining concepts and empowering caregivers to continue working on skills at home.

06/16/2026

ICYMI, May 18 was International Museums Day! Blogger Ann Baillie shares titles perfect for a Museums Day book display. Bookmark this post for next May!

Learn how one librarian celebrated International Museums Day with a book display!

06/12/2026

What 2026 children's book titles are standing for you so far this year? ALSC's Notable Children's Books Committee wants to know.

Learn how you can offer suggestions for consideration of quality titles to the 2027 Notable Children's Books committee

06/11/2026

Blogger Anna Melvin discusses a local partnership at their library that supports parents and caregivers in having age-appropriate conversations with young children about body safety & healthy boundaries. Learn more

In the fall of last year, ALSC blogger Eleanor Howell-Shryock highlighted ways that she models consent in her story time at the library...

06/10/2026

Looking for some engaging picture books for class visits? Blogger Ariel Barreras shares some of her favorites.

Check out my favorite picture books for class visits!