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April
2026 | |
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Youth Services Notes |
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From the Library of Virginia
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Day by Day Virginia and Day by Day Virginia (Spanish) have been taken down while we review accessibility and content. We are evaluating the early literacy resources the Library of Virginia offers and considering alternative projects.
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Please start sharing your Summer Reading/Learning decorations. I would like to highlight the wonderful creativity in public libraries around the state.
Please send photos to Sue La Paro. |
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In case you missed it!
Dinosaurs 101 by Timshel Purdum of the Science Museum of Virginia |
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Dial a Story
Every Wednesday, a new story will be shared with listeners across the Commonwealth. From recent picture books and timeless fairy tales to inspiring folk tales and stories that celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion, there’s always something magical to discover. Our volunteer readers are the heart of this program that offers a unique blend of picture books and telephone technology to boost reading readiness. |
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Dial a Story Books: May 2026
05/06/2026 Fly Little Bird / ¡Vuela, pajarito! by Ingo Blum
Readers: Katie Moss and Cee Reyes
05/13/2026
Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel / Dragones y tacos 2 la continuacion by Adam Rubin Readers: Dana Bomba and Veronica Terry
05/20/2026 Lucy Tries Baseball / Lucy juega al béisbol by Lisa Bowes
Readers: Belinda Levy and Celia Isbrecht
05/27/2026
The Three Little Javelinas / Los tres pequeños jabalíes by Susan Lowell Readers: Amanda Wall and Katherine Chiriboga
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| REMINDER: Nature Backpacks
The updated State Park parking passes (good through December 2028) for the Discovery backpacks are available! A survey was sent to all public library directors to order new passes. If you haven't ordered yet, please contact me for the survey link.
Nearly all Virginia State Parks charge a per car parking fee for entrance. Two parks charge a per person fee: Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum state parks. Annual Passes include admission for up to 4 at Natural Bridge and Southwest Virginia Museum state parks. |
| CSLP Updates |
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CSLP orders have shipped to libraries. If you haven't received your materials, please contact me or CSLP Customer Service.
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Join this webinar from the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) and get up to speed with the archaeology component of the 2026 Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSLP) theme: “Unearth a Story.” Learn archaeology basics and the cool things archaeologists can reveal about the past. We’ll give you the inside scoop on pseudoarchaeology (which you are sure to run into this summer) and the influence of Indiana Jones. Last, but certainly not least, our panel of experts from the AIA’s Outreach and Education Committee will answer popular questions to help you and your library patrons “dig in” to archaeology this summer. A recording will be available after the webinar.
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| CSLP is pleased to share the recording of the recent webinar, Dinosaurs 101, targeted at library staff who may be fielding dinosaur questions this summer.
Raoul Seroy, Children and Family Learning Educator at the Museum, guided participants through the foundational concepts to connect with young learners and get them excited about paleontology. Raoul shared how AMNH teaches large and abstract ideas, such as exploring deep time and fossilization, to elementary-aged students and fosters lifelong learning and a sense of wonder for the natural world.
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| View Recording |
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Celebrate the 16th Annual National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 16th!
National Park Trust is excited to celebrate the National Kids to Parks Day with your community! You are part of a nationwide network of hundreds of Kids to Parks Day partners who are encouraging their communities to get outside on May 16th.
Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated by parks, cities, and towns across the country. Proclaim the day, register an event, or just share with your community! |
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CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards
Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy has announced the 2026 CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards, an annual recognition of five high-quality picture books that provide excellent support for early literacy skills for young children. The five winning picture books exemplify the early literacy practices READ, WRITE, TALK, SING, and PLAY. |
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Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
The 2026 laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is Jon Klassen. “Jon Klassen’s body of work forms a subtle, astute, and humorous investigation into existential questions, where feelings of anticipation, suspense, and shock play a central role. His books open new perspectives on life’s challenges of uncertainty and hopefulness.”
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was created in 2002 by the Swedish government to promote every child’s right to great stories. This global award is given annually to a person or organization for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor, it is the largest award of its kind. Above all else, it highlights the importance of reading, today and for future generations. |
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Your library program can be featured here!
Please submit a photo and description of your favorite program! |
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Upcoming Important Dates & Celebrations
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National and State Conferences 2026 October 1-3: ALSC National Institute (Buffalo NY)
October 18-20: Virginia Library Association (Norfolk)
November 4-6: Virginia Association of School Librarians (Williamsburg) December 5-8: NAEYC (Washington DC) |
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