The County of Los Angeles Public Library Teen Services department has created some materials that libraries can use to plan and implement library programs relating to the reading writing connection, in particular with diary/journal writing. The resources can be accessed from Meg Cabot’s web site. They include program ideas, a suggested book list, journal starters and downloadable journal pages. YALSA also has a Popular Paperbacks list called “Lock It, Lick It, Click It: diaries, letters and emails,” which can be accessed from PPYA’s web page.

-Beth Yoke

So the Popular Paperbacks Committe was in rare form–but then it usually is!–during our first Midwinter session.

Here are some of the reasons why this is such a fun committee:
*the discussion is always EXTREMELY lively–there is absolutely NO danger of nodding off, no matter how late you were up carousing last night
*committee members seem to truly like and respect one another, no matter how much opinions might differ (see below) and how much name-calling there might be. In a good way, of course!
*everyone respects the groundrules–like no throwing things at each other, at least inside
*the snacks are excellent
*everyone cares passionately about coming up with the best possible lists to reflect our charge of popular books promoting pleasure reading for teens

After introductions and overviews, there were two hot issues today. First does Uglies belong on the Criminal Elements list or the Books That Don’t Make You Blush list? After hearfelt debate, the Blush list got to keep Uglies (Hurray!) and the decision was made to avoid setting a precedent of having a book on two lists simultaneously.
And secondly, one of the lists next year will be books about Religion in Our Lives.

And a meeting highpoint was when a certain Blush Sub-Chair burst out with a certain F word prompting deafening applause.

Stay tuned for more PPYA news!

Sally Leahey