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How to steer a board of nine- to twelve-year-olds and turn ideas into bold initiatives.

The approach is especially effective now that so many students are working asynchronously, experts say. 

Libraries are providing rich, ­creative sensory experiences to the young children who need it most. Here are ideas for stimulating, hands-on activities.

With science more prominent in the news, librarians are playing a greater role in science literacy and helping students learn how to flag biased and racist scientific research.

It's Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action. Resources and a starter kits are available, along with the new contest-winning logo from a South Carolina high schooler.

One school library's Graffiti Books program lets students connect and have "conversations" by writing in books. It also keeps some previously weeded titles in the stacks.

These lizards can be excellent ambassadors for school libraries.

High school students transformed children's books into 3-D printed creations that could help visually impaired youth experience the stories.

Librarians can promote empathy during virtual story times by modeling open-ended questions, providing parent tips, and encouraging dramatic play.

Messner and Sorell contextualize the "first Thanksgiving" myth; Hachette announces new BIPOC imprint; Linda Sue Park creates Korean and Korean diaspora author and illustrator resource; results of the K-12 Scholastic Student Vote.

Titles to inspire young and future voters at all grade levels.

Revising curricula and using resources from Black Lives Matter at School, the 1619 Project, and more is a key element of addressing systemic racism in education.

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association will use the money to fund a one-day forum to strengthen support for Black/African American MLIS students; students fight censorship in Texas and Alaska, and more.

Administrators need to make swift decisions based on immediate community needs, not what will look good to funders, mayors, and boards.

Educators greet returning students and ease their anxieties while addressing the COVID slide. 

Traditional education largely has not addressed race and racism. That will only change if all teachers adopt antracist teaching methods.

Literacy is the business of librarians. Supporting coding using the pedagogy of maker education is part of our work.

Parents, children, and relatives who read together, whether as part of a book club or on their own time, derive multiple benefits.

Help smooth the path from in-person to online making.

Foster reading engagement, no matter the learning environment.

Help students approach critical reading and character inferences in a way that doesn't center the reader's experiences and interpretations.

"Now is an especially critical time to inform readers," writes Kathy Ishizuka, SLJ editor in chief. "That means publishing stories centered on the people who power libraries and schools. We are here for it, and we hope you are, too."

When everyone in a school or community is reading the same book, that shared experience brings people together, and, as school librarian Terri Gaussoin said, "We need that now more than ever."

Disinformation is surging. So are novel ways to counter it.

Pandemic and politically polarized nation be damned, educators adjust lessons to take on escalating rhetoric, mail-in ballots, accusations of voter fraud, and more. They remain fierce advocates for engaged citizenry and will demand civil discussion whether online or in-person.

A PBS documentary, a picture book about his boyhood aspirations to become a preacher, and his own graphic memoir trilogy invite young readers into the life and battles of the late, beloved John Lewis.

Identifying community needs is crucial in a crisis. Participants proposed some recommendations in this next stage of the COVID-19 Reimagining Youth Librarianship project.

These open-source writing and drawing prompts to engage elementary students in zine making don't rely on access to the internet or books.

Summer is the season when music lovers usually head to festivals and outdoor concerts, but with venues closed due to the ongoing pandemic, musicians are adapting their events and virtually sharing their tunes. Here are some of the summer’s best online music events and digital festivals. 

Libraries' initiatives range from loosely structured book clubs and virtual places to talk to meeting children’s fundamental needs: providing Wi-Fi and reading material.

Make equity about people, not stuff. Rethink library policy. More than 120 library staff have signed on to advance next steps in the COVID-19 Reimagining Youth Librarianship project, a crowdsourcing effort to create a framework for youth services during times of crisis.

Created out of necessity, virtual library programs for little ones and their families, who tune in from home, have many upsides.

Research shows that preschoolers naturally categorize people by race, can be conscious of social stereotypes as early as age six, and naturally attribute positive traits to their own ethnic or racial groups.

Tackling a science project or exploring a science museum (virtually, of course) can help your child beat boredom and teach them some useful skills. If your kid loves hands-on projects, or if they just like making a mess, there is an array of free science experiment videos available online.

It can feel sad to be physically separated from friends and family in real life for special occasions. However, there are some upsides to hosting a virtual event. The costs are low, there is no cleanup, and guests can’t really hang around after the party is over. You can also invite more people to attend, and no one needs to travel. Here are some tips to help you throw a great virtual bash.

There is a vast amount of genealogical information available that families can access online, and much of it is free. Here are some of the best resources to help you get started. 

Juneteenth isn't taught in most schools, but this year's attention could help push it into the curriculum.

To help you and the young people in your life get moving, we have rounded up some of the best online fitness videos that families can do together at home. These eight classes are fun, free, and suitable for all fitness levels.

As schools remain closed because of the pandemic, kids who help in the kitchen are also getting an educational boost as they learn math lessons and scientific concepts. In addition, making food at home saves money and creates meaningful family memories in an uncertain time. Here are eight of the best sites for kid-friendly cooking videos.

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay is adding educational resources to her productions, starting with a learning companion to When They See Us, and more news and resources in this issue of News Bites.

Librarians join forces to serve students better as distance learning stretches on.

In a new series of articles and virtual sessions, the authors will guide a conversation about the future of public libraries, culminating in a practical plan to reenvision youth services.

Restorative justice practices—which emphasize group engagement to repair harm —can make our libraries safe spaces for everyone. Here are suggestions.

Experts shared advice on how to teach students to analyze information during an SLJ/ISTE webcast on critical thinking in the age of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.

A panel of school librarians talks about creative and effective ways to use virtual meeting tools with students as remote learning continues.

More than half of public librarians have collaborated with local school systems and teachers since the closures to provide digital and online services for children and teens, according to SLJ's Youth Services in Public Libraries COVID-19 Response Survey. And nearly 33 percent have collaborated with local agencies toward the same goal.

Bored in the house? Try one of these eight family-friendly board games. 

The annual event celebrates, elevates, and affirms the excellence of educators of color, while forcing readers to think and act for a more equitable, informed school and community.

Pets are important companions during the pandemic. Tune into these pet- and animal-focused podcasts for some extra comfort and some fun, too.

It's easy to lose track of time and tasks in the current learning environment. Try these organizational strategies for faculty and students.

During virtual events, President and Michelle Obama will speak to graduates who have lost their in-person commencement ceremonies; a school librarian’s efforts during school closures are honored; celebrities are doing video readings of the first Harry Potter book; EduHam at Home can bring history and Hamilton to everyone, and more in this pandemic-related edition of News Bites.

In San Francisco, employment agreements say that librarians can be deployed as disaster workers. Elsewhere, librarians voluntarily pitch in to help municipalities.

Spring research season is here. Adjust your practice to ensure students have a rich and meaningful immersion while working on year-end projects.

Children lead the conversations in many of these informative, family-friendly episodes about the novel coronavirus. The first of a 10-part series of curated podcast playlists on different topics.

A summer initiative allowed Denver Public Library to evaluate  competencies such as relationship skills, engagement, and problem-solving, which are difficult to gauge with drop-in public library programming.

“Imagine Your Story” is the focus of this year’s Collaborative Summer Library Program. These podcasts for elementary, middle, and high school students will keep their imaginations active. 

Four strategies to decode messaging and motive in meme design.

Tuscaloosa City Schools centered librarians in literacy efforts and has boosted reading engagement, raised test scores, and reinvigorated staff. The program's success can be a model for others, especially as schools and educators will need to come together to overcome the probable academic slide from school closures.

Things to bear in mind when your library re-opens for programming: Opportunities for self-expression, games, and makerspaces are a draw. Anything school-like is not. 

The changes the coronavirus pandemic has brought to education are just beginning. Use these strategies to support your students and yourself during this time.

Perfect the lighting, display song lyrics, introduce your pet, and other ways to get little ones engaged and singing along to from home.

Noting a need for connection now more than ever, Pernille Ripp announced the Global Read Aloud choices today.

Students at Meadowcreek High School make it work on the runway in high style, with books in hand.

These songs serve as reminders of strategies to keep calm and carry on in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak and related media frenzy.

Children's authors and illustrators are creating resources and reaching out to educators to help during the coronavirus school closures.

A wealth of information is available about the Holocaust, but many students don't know much about it. Educators supplement curricula by exploring patterns of genocide and the power of propaganda.

It might seem daunting or challenging, but with the help of a few resources, it’s possible to develop rich connections between young booklovers and authors right in their own community—and schools and libraries are the key.

As more children and teens are taught at home, libraries are stepping up to serve them.

Strategies to help students determine determine whether a video has been altered include analyzing what motivates people to create fakes in the first place. 

The Boston Children’s Museum and the Institute of Museum and Library Services are doubling the number of states participating in a school readiness initiative. Creating a coalition of museums, libraries, and community groups is key to its success.

Addressing technology’s negative impact on parent/child engagement and group participation.

More U.S. librarians are using this interactive programming model, in which human "books" speak with patrons about their life experiences.

The partnership benefits the New Jersey students, who are learning accessible design and to create with empathy and imagination, as well as the blind and visually-impaired kids, who not only get to play the games but have a voice in the process.

Connect students with their favorite writers—and others they might not know yet—to create excitement around books.

With educational intent, role-playing games can provide a narrative that holds students' attention and be customized to teach specific lessons.

When school librarian Lisa Egan was offered a visit from movie stars to help her connect with students and generate interest in her library, she jumped at the chance and hosted a Q&A with Greta Gerwig, director of the film "Little Women," and its stars, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen. 

By expanding what a collection can include, some librarians create spaces that inspire curiosity and address equity issues in their schools.

Librarians who add a little hip-hop, spoken word, and rap to their repertoire get students reading and writing. 

Free meals for all children and culturally relevant programming led to higher community engagement and joyous experiences.

As part of SLJ’s Tech Trends series of webcasts in cooperation with ISTE, a panel of experts discussed makerspace learning and offered guidance on how to create and design an effective program. 

Students have traditionally accepted information in textbooks without question. But In high schools throughout the country, that's starting to change. 

Esports programs offer the opportunity for lessons that fit educational standards, as well as helping with school attendance and student engagement.

The 2019 National Conference spotlighted equity and inclusion, along with advocacy, media literacy, makerspaces, reading, and other topics, in more than 130 professional development sessions.

A suggestion from a teen patron has turned into a popular program that allows teens to discuss social issues important to them at the Waltham (MA) Public Library.

An escape room is an engaging and educational program for teens, even on a limited budget.

The most valuable aspect of school and other off-site visits is not necessarily that they pose new questions for visitors, but rather that they suggest new answers. 

Jump-start your grant search with these sources and success stories.

A library program in Waltham, MA, offered teens an opportunity to practice active citizenship. The result was a powerful, practical, and often, a heartbreaking document of their hopes and fears.

A collection of personal essays by immigrants in high school empowers them and affects their peers.

The New York Times Magazine's 1619 Project and companion curriculum is being used by teachers to change the narrative of American history lessons in the classroom.

Bring students in from the sidelines to participate fully in group discussion.

The actor-oriented transfer perspective can help librarians learn how are students using information literacy skills and why they decide to use the skills in the ways that they do.

With citizen science projects like those in NASA's GLOBE program, students are learning scientific skills, connecting their regions with global trends, and aiding scientists with research.

A school librarian and Smithsonian food historian guide students in their explorations of food heritage and provide research tips.

Summit attendees explored equity and access across different areas of education including technology, community engagement, and advocacy.

While decorative banned books displays draw attention to censorship, there's a deeper opportunity for meaningful conversation about the issues.

Audio offers great potential as a connected learning tool. Here's what you need to get started. 

Hired as a tween librarian, the author gained insight into her patrons' interests through an anonymous question box, and followed up with related programming.

For almost 15 years, The Harry Potter Alliance has used the power of the beloved series to help fans create a community of activists.