Professional development training is an important part of ACL’s mission. At our monthly meetings, experts from ACL and other organizations offer presentations on current and essential topics regarding library service to youth. These sessions are fun, engaging and informative, and all members and potential members are welcome to attend. Presentations are either virtual or in-person. Check the Events calendar for details.
Read below for information about upcoming and past sessions. When available, supporting documents and videos are included. (View our Professional Development Archive for information about earlier sessions.) You can find additional professional development resources on our blog.
Professional Development Topics at ACL Meetings (second Friday of each month)
Please join us for our ACL Meeting on April 12th, 2024, from 9:00am-Noon in person at the central Berkeley Public Library branch. We will have our usual Book Reviewing and Outstanding Books discussion.
Join us in April when Andrea Kneeland and Sam Solomon will share information about “appeal terms.” This presentation will explore using Olga Nessi’s Appeal Terms in both school and public library programming, as well as its application to readers’ advisory. “Appeal Terms” are a highly adaptable way to move beyond genre in exploring reading preferences, and are a helpful addition to programs such as book clubs and book tastings.
Andrea Kneeland is a BUSD Teacher Librarian on Special Assignment, supporting libraries and instructional technology. She has worked in elementary, middle and high schools, in both public and private school settings.
Sam Solomon joined OUSD as an English Teacher and now serves as the librarian at Calvin Simmons Library which serves students in grades 6-12 at both Life Academy and United for Success Academy. When not at school you might find her on rollerskates, camping, or (surprise) reading while cuddling her cats, Albert, Gretchen & Minerva.
Mychal Threets will be joining us to talk about Library Joy, sharing about his path to librarianship, how he keeps so energized after hard days and difficult encounters, and generally sharing some library love.
Tune in to hear from our fabulous president, Caroline Davis! Hone your readers’ advisory skillset with a deep dive into Novelist.
Linda Perkins will share her experience of establishing the Pura Belpre Award and serving on the committee.
Nina Lindsay will be joining us to share practical considerations for designing children’s and young adult spaces in our libraries.
Youth services librarians will be introduced step-by-step on how to prepare and implement a sensory storytime.
A roundup of recently published picture books that work well for Storytime.
Roundtable discussion of highlights from American Library Association annual conference.
Bring your favorite storytime tip to share!
Brief overview of American Indians and the history of Native representation in children’s literature by Debbie Reese
How does the ACL Distinguished Book Process Work?