Look to Libraries in Times of Crisis
Children's library professionals have access to information, resources, and community partnerships that contribute to the development of materials, programs, and services that support families in their library communities. In turn, ALSC supports library professionals in these efforts by providing them with access to timely research in areas such as early literacy and media mentoring, professional development, recommendations for high-quality books and media, and opportunities to connect with an extensive network of library professionals and partner organizations serving youth. These connections build the capacity for library professionals to deliver relevant programming and services to their communities, particularly during times of crises. ALSC encourages parents and caregivers to look to libraries as they consider their options for the education and well-being of their children during a global pandemic and racial unrest.
#LookToLibraries for Media Mentorship
Navigating the extent of digital devices and content available to young children can be daunting for parents and caregivers, and even more so during times of crises. Library professionals empower parents and caregivers with the tools they need to develop a media plan that best addresses their family's needs. These tools have been available through the library and, just as families have had to adapt their expectations and guidelines for media use, libraries are continuously adapting to accommodate new situations and new challenges, like that of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tip Sheets
- Media Mentorship Tip Sheet - Learn more about media mentorship and how you can look to children's library professionals to find excellent resources, model safe and effective digital device use, and find objective suggestions on creating a family media plan.
Children & Libraries Articles
- To Tech or Not to Tech? The Debate about Technology, Young Children, and the Library
By Kathleen Campana, J. Elizabeth Mills, Claudia Haines, Tess Prendergast, and Marianne Martens - Where Are We Now? The Evolving Use of New Media with Young Children in Libraries
By Kathleen Campana, J. Elizabeth Mills, Marianne Martens, Claudia Haines
ALSC Blog Posts
Other Resources
#LookToLibraries for Support during a Pandemic
The resources below can help families and their children navigate and adjust to drastic changes in routines and the lack of access to familiar people and places as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tip Sheets
- Tough Conversations Tip Sheet - Consider the strategies of Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, that describe how to talk with children about difficult topics.
Booklists and Resources
- Apps, Podcasts, and Activities - Apps, podcasts, and activities to support family well-being during the pandemic.
- Books for Older Children - Titles for older children that include nonfiction information about epidemics and ways to manage anxiety.
- Books for Young Children - Books to help young children understand germs and how to cope with the feelings they may be having.
- Comforting Reads - Times of crises bring times of change. These books were selected to help children going through challenging situations like the death of a loved one, an unexpected move, natural disasters, and more.
- COVID-19 Expert Resources Tip Sheet - Connections to information about the virus to help children understand the pandemic.
- COVID-19 Resources Tip Sheet - Print and online books, articles, apps, podcasts, and websites for youth and parents/caregivers to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Online Books for Children - Online books for children that address the COVID-19 pandemic and how to cope with its challenges.
- Resources for Parents/Caregivers - Books and articles to help parents and caregivers on a range of topics, from caring for a newborn in the age of COVID-19 to trying to balance parenting and coping with the pandemic.
- Tough Topics - The books on these lists are to help inspire conversations with children going through challenging situations like the death of a loved one, an unexpected move, natural disasters, and more.
ALSC Blog Posts
Graphics and Other Resources for Librarians to Use
To assist children's library professionals with marketing their programs, resources, and tips to their communities, below you will find ready-made graphics for use on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. They can also be plugged into any print resources you wish to share! Customizable Canva graphics are also available below. Thank you to the Friends of ALSC for funding the graphic design of these images!
Ready-Made Graphics
For Twitter Use: Version 1 | Version 2
For Facebook Use: Version 1 | Version 2
For Instagram Use: Version 1 | Version 2
Customizable Images
Feel free to include your library logo, program and/or contact information, using these Canva templates!
