Youth Source

YALSA offers more than $35,000 in grants for conference, research and more

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is announcing more than $35,000 worth of grants and awards available to YALSA members. Members can use the awards to attend ALA Annual Conference for the first time, start a research program, add to their library’s collection and much more. In addition, YALSA will award the biennial YALSA/Greenwood Publishing Group Award for outstanding achievement in teen services on a national level.

Back to school with ALSC online education

Start the school year off on the right foot by taking an online education course from the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Starting in October, ALSC is offering two engaging courses that will enhance your skills and knowledge.

The two fall courses being offered are: “The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future” and “Children with Disabilities in the Library.” Registration is now open, and discounted rates are available for ALSC members. Courses begin the week of Oct. 5 and run through Nov. 13, 2009.

ALSC and Candlewick Press once again offer “Light the Way” grant

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), in partnership with Candlewick Press, is once again offering the “Light the Way: Outreach to the Underserved” grant in 2010.  This $3,000 grant, which is presented in honor of Newbery Medalist and Geisel Honoree Kate DiCamillo,  was first given in 2008 as a one-time award.  Through the generous contributions of Candlewick Press, the Light the Way grant will now continue in 2010.

Book club program will target under served, troubled teen populations

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) announced the theme and book titles for the next round of Great Stories CLUB grants.  Electronic applications for the reading and discussion series will be accepted Sept. 1 through Nov. 2 at www.ala.org/greatstories. Funding was provided for this program by Oprah's Angel Network.