Upcoming Opportunities
These opportunities are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
2023 Read Across Texas Grants
Applications Open
The Texas Center for the Book (TCFB) invites libraries and readers statewide to join in its 2023 reading campaign, Read Across Texas: Empathy. The campaign kicks off in March, with libraries signing up to facilitate reading and discussion opportunities exploring what “empathy” could mean within their communities. Furthermore, the TCFB is excited to announce four book selections that give communities a platform to engage in challenging, insightful, and transformative conversations.
Texas libraries are eligible to apply for grants to receive a bundle of 10 copies of one of the four chosen titles. The amount of “book bundle grants” available depends on funding, and applicants will be evaluated and awarded as fundraising progresses. Libraries are encouraged to apply for book grants now and hold programming space on their spring calendars. For more information visit the event website.
Collecting Information about Social and Emotional Health Programs
The Collaborative Summer Library Program’s Child & Community Well-Being Committee is collecting examples of library programming that promotes social and emotional health. We are looking for library programs, for any age group/audience, on any topic that supports social and emotional well-being – from self-care, to mindfulness, to community building, to giving back. Please tell us about any programs your library has offered that you’re proud of and would like to share. Use this form to share your program(s). Submissions will be compiled and shared with libraries nationwide in conjunction with planning for the 2023 All Together Now summer program. Thank you for sharing your programs!
Tocker Foundation: TLA Annual Conference Travel Stipend
February 3, 2023 Deadline
The Tocker Foundation is pleased to provide travel stipends for staff at rural libraries to attend TLA’s annual conference. Attendees will enjoy opportunities to learn from experts in the field, find new vendors in the exhibit hall, network with their peers, hear from authors as well gain valuable CEU’s at designated sessions. Library staff in towns of 12,000 or less qualify to apply for this grant. First-time attendees are given priority in this grant selection. Apply early to plan for a full experience at the conference. For more information, visit the professional development grants page.
Take Your Child To The Library Day
First Saturday of February (recurs annually)
Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD) is an international celebration that encourages families to take their children to their local public library. TYCLD is held annually on the first Saturday of February to celebrate libraries across the country and around the world by welcoming families with programs, activities, and special events. Since 2011, more than 1,400 libraries have participated, serving a population area of 48.7 million people, and drawing attention to the importance of the library in the lives of children. To register and participate, visit the event website.
Public Library Division: TLA First-time Attendee Annual Conference Stipend
February 6, 2023 Deadline
The Public Libraries Division (PLD) is once again offering 2 conference stipends of $800 each. The stipends are meant for public library employees who have not attended a TLA Conference before. It is a great opportunity for those who might not be able to attend otherwise. The stipend will cover conference registration and a portion of travel expenses. To qualify applicants must be currently or formerly employed by a Texas Public Library. For more information, visit the stipend webpage.
Eisner Graphic Novel Grants
February 12, 2023
Three Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are given annually – two Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants will provide support to two libraries that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant will provide support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program or initiative. These Grants will support two categorical grants that will encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium. The objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is to facilitate library-generated programs and services that will promote graphic novels to library patrons and to the local community. For more information, visit the grant website.
Ongoing Tools
These tools are available for free unless otherwise noted. Descriptions are provided by host organizations.
AARP Mind Games
These online games have been curated by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to help keep minds stimulated and active. For more information, visit the AARP game repository.
CSLP Summer Symposium
The recordings from the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s “All Together Now!” Summer Symposium are now available, including the powerful keynote address from ALA Executive Director, Tracie D. Hall. Along with the recordings are links to the handouts, slides, and chatbox information. For details, please visit the CSLP Summer Symposium website. There is also a symposium survey, open through January 6, 2023, and an education unit certificate available for printing, for reporting continuing ed hours.
CSMCL Best Books in Multicultural Literature
Each year a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books. According to the CSMCL criteria, “best” is defined as: worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As applied to books, best should be thought to include books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels that reflect and encourage the interests of children and youth in exemplary ways. To see the 2022 list, visit the CSMCL announcement page.
Google Lit Trips
The Google Lit Trips project is the flagship project of GLT Global ED, a 501c)(3) educational nonprofit not affiliated or sponsored by Google. The essence of the project is the use of Google Earth to create immersive 3D literary field trips where students virtually become traveling companions with characters in stories commonly taught in grades kindergarten through high school. Google Lit Trips is an internationally-acclaimed educational technology project, recognized by such prestigious organizations as: The Tech Museum of Innovation Laureate Awards; The Goldman Sachs Foundation Prizes for Excellence in International Education; The CUE LeRoy Finkel Fellowship; Public Radio International; American Library Association; School Library Journal; International Society for Technology and Education; National Council of Teachers of English; Teacher Librarian, the Journal for School Library Professionals and many others. For more information, visit the Google Lit Trips website.
Netflix Educational Documentaries
For many years, Netflix has allowed teachers to screen documentaries in their classrooms. However, in response remote learning Netflix made a selection of their documentary features and series available on their YouTube channel. For more information and to download accompanying educational resources, visit the YouTube playlist.
TLA Reading Lists
The Texas Library Association’s Children’s Round Table (CRT) and Young Adult Round Table (YART) strive to promote and improve youth library services in Texas. To that end the round tables sponsor the following reading. The current recommendations are out and offer a wide variety of titles, so there’s truly something for everyone.
- 2 x 2 List – General Titles | Ages 2 – Grade 2.
- Texas Bluebonnet Award – General Titles | Grades 3 – 6.
- Little Maverick List – Graphic Literature | Grades K – 5.
- Lone Star List – General Titles | Grades 6 – 8.
- Tayshas List – General Titles | Grades 9 – 12.
- Maverick List – Graphic Literature | Grades 6 – 12.- Spirit of Texas List (SPOT) – Texas Titles | Grades 6 -12.
Furthermore, the Youth Texas Topaz List provides recommended nonfiction titles for children and teens.
Need more resources?
Resource Archive
Wish you had access to a repository of all the tools that have been featured in the monthly Youth Services Updates? Check out our Resource Archive for more information.
Training Catalog
In addition, be sure to peruse our Training Catalog for webinars that focus on Youth Services. Our holdings are constantly updated, so check back often.
Questions?
For more information, visit our youth services page, contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, or call 512-463-5465.
