ACL

Association of Children's Librarians

Association of Children's Librarians

of Northern California

ReviewsMembershipDistinguished Books 2025Mini GrantsHelfeld Fellowship
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What is ACL?

ACL bonds traditional youth librarianship with the cutting edge of the field. Our members are public and school librarians, library school students, and others. We review books, network, host events, participate in professional development and work together in mutual support to build the future of library service to young people.

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What's New?

Review of the Week

Lola’s Perfect Hideout Review

McQuinn, Anna. Lola’s Perfect Hideout. Rosalind Beardshaw, Illus. Charlesbridge, 05/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-384-6. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.            Lola returns in this simple story, happily playing with her baby sister while also wanting a [continue reading]

Read-Alikes

Little Prince Read-Alikes

The Little Prince   by Antoine de Saint-Exupery   Bozzi, Riccardo. The Forest. Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Secret Garden. Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland. DiCamillo, Kate. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Garnier, Jonathan. [continue reading]

Storytime Themes

Bigfoot Storytime

BigFoot      Mythical creatures such as BigFoot (also known as Sasquatch) can make a fun theme for a storytime. For a craft project, make a Bigfoot out of a Kleenex box: Big Foot Box & [continue reading]

When people join ACL, they may already be good librarians, but ACL will make them even better. It has made a difference in my professional development and continues to keep me in touch with a terrific group of practitioners.

--Linda Perkins, ALSC Past President and Distinguished Service Awardee

ACL Events

Performers' Showcase

All kinds of acts.

All kinds of fun.

Discover talented performers for children.

ACL Institute

Inspiring speakers.

Innovative and interactive programs.

Engage with the future of youth librarianship!

I have been a member for 30 years, and I learn something new at each month’s meeting.

--Penny Peck, San Jose State University, editor of BayNews

Reviews of the Week

Every week, we hand-pick a current ACL review to share.

Read-alikes

Get help with readers’ advisory.

Storytime Themes

Suggested books, songs, and crafts based on popular topics

Professional Development Resources

Materials from ACL trainings and workshops

Dorothy Helfeld Fellowship

Are you curious about youth librarianship? Read more!

Programming Ideas

Get inspired!

Experience ACL for yourself

Come to a meeting. Attend one of our events. Read our blog.

When you're ready to take the next step, we'd love to have you as a member.

Become a member