Youth Services
The Arizona Reading Program provides materials to public and school libraries that promote reading during out-of-school times.
Building a New Generation of Readers supplies participating librarians and their community partners with the resources and training to hold workshops on early literacy skills for parents and childcare providers. Many of the materials are from the Public Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read @ Your Library initiative.
ONEBOOKAZ for Kids encourages students across the state to read the same book and participate in discussions and programs centered on that book.
Family Place consists of a network of children's librarians nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth, and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families. As coordinators of Family Place, LFF and the Middle Country Public Library conduct trainings on how to create spaces where young children and their caregivers can play and learn together. The Arizona State Library and community agencies have sponsored Arizona Family Place libraries.
The Teacher-Librarian Division of the Arizona Library Association has a mission to “promote literacy and academic achievement through student engagement, curriculum support, and collaboration through the school library and throughout the school community”. The Arizona State Library partners with TLD on professional development opportunities, promoting statewide literature programs (Grand Canyon Reader Award and ONEBOOKAZ for Kids), advocacy, and professional networking.
Letters About Literature is a national reading-writing contest for students in grades 4-12. Arizona students are encouraged to participate by sending their letters directly to the Center for the Book. The Arizona Center for the Book reads and judges the semi-finalist letters and determines the winners in each age category. An awards ceremony is held at the annual Arizona Book Festival.
Professional development opportunities are offered frequently for librarians who serve youth. Check the State Library’s Continuing Education online registration regularly for new listings.
The Arizona State Library is a sponsor of the Arizona Library Association’s Annual Conference, which is another opportunity for professional development and networking for Youth Services staff.
Updated: 05/06/2008
