Much of the pop culture world is all a-twitter about Adam Lambert’s sexually charged performance at last night’s American Music Awards. Every morning radio show seemed to be covering it during my commute, every blog seems to have a post on it, and “Adam Lambert” is a top trending topic on Twitter.
And among the teens at my high school… not a peep.
When I walked in my library this morning, I had no internet. No intranet, even–I couldn’t load the high school home page at all.
On another morning this might have sent me into a panic, but I already knew I had a light schedule for the day and wouldn’t be giving out many library passes because today’s an advisory day for frosh and sophomores, so I headed over to the front office, remembering that one of our secretaries was out for the day and her counterpart might need a hand.
Half an hour later, I returned to find that one of our paras had graciously stepped up and made a pencil and paper list of passes for juniors and seniors as well as one for a handful of book checkouts.
Low tech? Absolutely. Just as effective in a pinch? You bet!
Please help YALSA’s MAE Award committee help publicize our monetary award by spreading the word. If you know of someone who you feel would qualify, encourage them to apply AND become a YALSA member. Every bit helps in these tough economic times!
Win $500 and an additional $500 for your library with the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens
Here’s your chance to win $500 for your pocket and another $500 for your library!’ YALSA members are eligible to apply for this award recognizing an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults.’ If you have created an exceptional reading or literature program in the 12 months before December 1st consider applying for the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens.’ The MAE Award is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.’ The winner receives $500 and additional $500 for their library.
Application forms can be downloaded at http://www.ala.org/yalsa/awards&grants and must be emailed to Nichole Gilbert at ngilbert@ala.org by December 1.
Not a member of YALSA?’ It’s not too late to join.’ ‘ Please note that it may take up to 2 months for new memberships to be fully processed.’ New members should send an electronic copy of their membership application with the grant application.
For questions, contact Alexandra Tyle-Annen at atyle@homerlibrary.org.
Reward yourself for bringing young adults and books together and encouraging the development of life-long reading habits.’ Apply today!
Last night, YALSA hosted a lively chat on teen programming, focusing on inexpensive ways to hold programming. The chat was hosted by Jenine Lillian, editor of YALSA’s new book, Cool Teen Programs for under $100. Thanks to Jenine and our participants!
You can read the chat transcript (PDF). Join us next month, on Dec. 2 when we talk about teens and technology (and stay tuned for an important announcement regarding our Wednesday chats. Don’t worry, they’ll continue, just better than before).
I was doing some research, and I came across the news that Teens Don’t Tweet—as in teens Don’t Use Twitter.’ I started clicking through links, and discovered it’s a really hot topic.
At the request of YALSA’s Board, the Competencies Task Force is taking a look at YALSA’s Competencies for Librarians Serving Youth: Young Adults Deserve the Best to see where they need updating. The Task Force invites you to read (or re-read) the Competencies and share with us any ideas you have about making the Competencies more useful and up-to-date. Leave your comments here.
I’ve been working at my new job for less than a month, but already I’m raising some eyebrows. And for once, it’s not the piercings or tattoos.
And, no, it’s not even the shelf of new books (wildly popular new books, I might add) that maybe kinda sorta definitely have some risque content.
I’m not even talking about wiping out the library reservation system our teachers knew and loved with one fell swoop.
So what am I doing that’s so controversial?
Instruction.
Recently a flyer went out to ALA/YALSA members about a grant opportunity called the Great Stories CLUB. It is a way to connect with hard-to-reach, underserved teens by conducting a Great Stories CLUB reading and discussion program in your library.’ Books used in the program are relevant to their lives, including:
The grant is available to libraries located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens, such as juvenile justice facilities, alternative high schools, drug rehabilitation centers and nonprofits serving teen parents.’ Teen participants are invited to read and keep three theme-related books, as well as discuss each title with a group of their peers.’
By showing teens that reading can be a source of pleasure, a tool for self-exploration and a meaningful way to connect to the wider world, the program inspires young adults who face difficult situations to take control of their lives by embracing the power of reading.
For more information on the Great Stories CLUB, including guidelines, book descriptions, application instructions, and feedback from past participants, visit www.ala.org/greatstories. Online applications will be accepted through November 2.
Ed. note: This post from 2009 remains a perennial favorite for readers, but don’t forget to visit our extensive App of the Week archive for more suggestions on iOS and Android applications for teens.’
An article in a local newspaper recently touted the launch of a new iPhone application (iCommunicate) designed to help parents of autistic or developmentally delayed children. It sounded like such a wonderful tool, and it made me wonder if there were any apps out there (other than games) that might be useful for teens. I decided to do a little research and see what I could find. Read More →
“I tried to join a ping-pong club, sign on the door said all full up!’ I got nicked, fighting in the road an’ the judge didn’t even know…what’s my name…?!” – The Clash
Back in July, there was a rather sprited discussion on YAAC about the idea of reordering some of our most hallowed boxes of stickers.’ Much of the converstaion, it seemed, centered on the idea of service being provided to the 18 – 30-ish age bracket; whether or not we have a responsibility to help transition people to adult services, and how to collaborate in that area with the adult services department.’ I do agree there is a definite need for such collaboration, as little seems to be exist in libraries these days for this crowd.’ ‘ My esteemed colleague Alissa blogged about this very point just a few days past (most eloquently, I might add!).’ But the discussions began on a point of’ ‘ such seeming importance, one I feel like we get overly wrapped up in at times: what’s their label!?