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July
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 continue to share 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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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: August 2026
08/05/2026 Carlito’s Butterfly / La mariposa de Carlito by Angele Delaunois
Reader: Lynde Roberts and Katie Siehien
08/12/2026
The Night Before Preschool / La noche antes de preescolar by Natasha Wing
Readers: Jane Blue and Aryn Dagirmanjian
08/19/2026
Amos & Boris / Amos y Boris by William Steig Readers: Michaela Crawford and Tanny Rourk
08/26/2026 Lola Goes to School / Lola va a la escuela by Anna McQuinn
Readers: Beka Castagna and Jenny Ellis
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Listening Session Option #1
Thursday, August 13 at 1pm EST/12pm CST/11am MST/10 am PST
Join us on Zoom – no need to register Listening Session Option #2
Tuesday, August 18 at 4pm EST/3pm CST/2 pm MST/1 pm PST
Join us on Zoom – no need to register |
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Library Card Sign-up Month
No matter what your tastes are, a library card hits all the right notes!
Check out a classic story or hit shuffle and try something new. Find harmony at your library’s book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and author talks. A headphone kind of day? Find your focus |
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in a study room or vibe out in a cozy nook. Compose your future with new skills in your library’s makerspace or check out instruments and tools in the Library of Things. No matter what rhythm you find yourself in, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you. This September, B sharp, and sign up for a library card!
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| ALSC Toolkits Support Your Work
ALSC's Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers committee recently updated a host of toolkits that provide fresh resources for library practitioners working with populations that are marginalized. Each toolkit offers professional and leisure reading recommendations, support for programming, and materials for families, covering the following topics: |
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Creative Commonwealth Sticker Competition
The Creative Commonwealth Sticker Competition is a creative opportunity for students across Virginia to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This contest invites students in grades K–12, as well as collegiate students enrolled in Virginia colleges and universities, to design an original sticker that reflects the spirit of Virginia’s history, culture, and contributions to the nation in honor of the Semiquincentennial.
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Submissions may be created through hand-drawn or digital artwork, allowing students flexibility in how they express their ideas.
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026
Winners Announced: October 12, 2026
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In celebration of ALA's 150th anniversary, ALSC has compiled the We Love Libraries! booklist, featuring books about books, reading, and libraries! The list is free to download and share and includes recommended titles for ages birth to 18.
Many thanks to the Quicklists Consulting committee for producing We Love Libraries! and numerous other fantastic reading lists throughout the year! |
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VA Reads is proud to announce the 2025–2026 VA Reads Award Winners!
VA READS is the official book award and a program of the Virginia Association of School Librarians. Congratulations to this year's outstanding titles:
Dogwood Picture Book Award
Tricky Chopsticks by Sylvia Chen
Tiger Swallowtail Chapter Book Award
Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas
Foxhound Middle School Award
Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang
These exceptional books captured the hearts of Virginia readers and represent the very best in children's literature. Thank you to all of the students, educators, librarians, and committee members who participated in this year's program! |
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Cavern Storytime - Shenandoah County
As part of our summer programming, we partnered with Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, VA to host a storytime underground. Participation had to be capped at 30 people so we had patrons preregister. The day of the program everyone gathered at the caverns where the manager, Joe Proctor, shared a bit of the history and families got to ride in the 1931 elevator (they are the only cavern with an elevator in the state!) Once down in the cavern, we had a storytime area set up with chairs where I read two books: Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer and Caves by Nell Cross Beckerman. Mr. Proctor shared that, to his knowledge, it was the first time a storytime had been held in Shenandoah Caverns. It was definitely my first time reading underground!
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The next day, Mr. Proctor and Ashley Proctor, the cavern’s program coordinator, came to the library and gave a presentation on fossils found in the cave. Mr. Proctor had a 3D model of a peccary skull discovered by researchers in 2023. The actual fossils are being studied at the University of Kentucky. Apparently, these peccary fossils are the first time a full skeleton of this now extinct species has been found in Virginia. After sharing information about caves and fossils, we did our own “dig” for gemstones. I had filled a plastic tub with playground sand and assorted gemstones (Nat Geo kit). The participants were able to put a scoop of sand into a sifter and then dunk it in a tub of water. The gemstones left behind were then taken to a “cleaning” station with paint brushes and magnifying glasses where the children could use gemstone charts to identify their stones. I purchased small organza drawstring bags so the kids could take their stones home.
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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 September 16-19: Association for Rural & Small Libraries (Montgomery, AL) 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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