December is always such a busy month and this one was no exception. As soon as the holidays were over and done with, many of us were all off and running (or flying as the case may be) to San Diego for the ALA Midwinter Meeting in January. ‘ Most of December was so busy with Midwinter prep work that there wasn’t much time for anything else, but we did see one fantabulous new edition that kicked off just before the holidays.’ The Hub, ‘ YALSA’s new blog specifically dedicated to young adult literature was launched by blog Member Manager Sarah Debraski! Many thanks Sarah for leading YALSA’s successful new blog venture!
YALSA also started a new cause on Facebook. Books for Teens seeks to raise funds to help teens have a brighter future. Funds raised through Books for Teens will be distributed to libraries in communities with a high level of poverty, where teen services librarians will purchase and distribute new books, encourage teens to get library cards and provide teens with reading-focused events and activities. Many, Many thanks to all involved in the Books for teens support page!
I also want to extend my deepest apologies to all those who tried to attend the YALSA First Wednesday Chat on January 5, 2011. Due travel problems and illness I was not able to log into the Chat I am sorry for the inconvenience this caused anyone. In the event that the chat is rescheduled we will notify everyone as soon as possible.
COMPLETED:
- Final preparations for YALSA board meetings at ALA’s 2011 Midwinter Meeting in San Diego, CA
- Final preparations for representing YALSA at the Joint Youth Divisions’ meeting held during the Midwinter Meeting
- Held two virtual chair information sessions to help Chairs work effectively year round
- Held a conference call with the chairs of two new member groups in order to help them get started on their work: 2011 Readers’ Choice List Taskforce and the 2011 Awards Marketing Taskforce
IN PROGRESS
- Filling vacancies on an as needed basis to complete committee/jury/taskforce rosters
- Planning for the Leadership Development session at Midwinter
- Making preparations to give remarks at ALA’s Youth Media Awards and YALSA’s Morris and Nonfiction Award Program and Reception
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT YALSA NEWS:
- Tell us about your advocacy efforts and you could win $500! Learn more about YALSA’s Thinking Big about Advocacy Contest. ‘ Applications due February 1, 2011.
- Applications are now being accepted for the member editor position of the Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults! The new term will begin with the Spring 2011 issue. Applications are due Jan. 31. Learn more.
- Registration is open for several YALSA’s webinars and online courses, including Homework Help Programs (Feb. 17, 2 p.m. Eastern). Learn more.
- Register now for Teen Tech Week’s Mix and Mash @ your library, March 6-12, 2011.
- Registration now open for YALSA’s Winter Online Course: Connect, Create, Collaborate: Supporting Teen Needs with Technology! This self-paced class takes place Feb. 7-March 21. Learn more.
- YALSA is accepting applications for its Teen Services Mashup table talk session at the 2011 Annual Conference. Learn more and apply. Applications are due Jan. 31.
- Why are you a YALSA member? Tell us and you could win an e-reader and a free year of YALSA membership! Details at the Why’ I’m a Member’ Contest Page.’ Submissions due Jan. 31.
- Apply to be part of the YALSA Research Committee’s poster session at ALA Annual in New Orleans! Applications are due Feb. 15. Learn more.
- Apply to edit Young Adult Library Services, YALSA’s award-winning quarterly journal. Applications are due March 1. Learn more.
- Win $1,000 for your summer reading program! YALSA is distributing twenty grants for summer reading from Dollar General. Applications due March 1. Find out more.
–respectfully submitted, Kim Patton
