Bookapalooza!


The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is pleased to announce that applications now are being accepted for its new Bookapalooza Program. The program will offer select libraries a collection of materials that will help transform their collection and provide the opportunity for these materials to be used in their community in creative and innovative ways. The program aligns with ALSCs core purpose of creating a better future for all children through libraries.

The deadline for receipt of applications is April 15, 2007. Each year the ALSC office receives almost 3,000 newly published books, videos, audiobooks, and recordings from childrens trade publishers. The materials are primarily for children age birth through 14 and are submitted to ALSC award and media evaluation selection committees for award and notables consideration. The Bookapalooza Program was created to find new homes for these materials once the award and notables selection process is completed for the year.

ALSC will select three libraries to receive a Bookapalooza collection of materials, published in 2006, to be used in a way that creatively enhances each librarys service to children and families. For the pilot year, libraries must be located in the United States and the applicant must be a personal member of ALSC.Details and applications are available on the ALSC Web site at http://www.ala.org/alsc, click on "Awards and Scholarships." The ALSC Executive Committee will review applications. Winners will be notified by May 1, 2007.

The Association for Library Service to Children is a network of more than 4,000 children's and youth librarians, children's literature experts, publishers, education and library school faculty members, and other adults committed to improving and ensuring the future of the nation through exemplary library service to children, their families, and others who work with children.