Young Adult Library Services Association facts for kids
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is a group that helps libraries serve teenagers better. It started in 1957 and is part of the American Library Association (ALA). YALSA works with librarians and others who care about teens.
YALSA gives out several awards for books and audiobooks. It also hosts events like the Young Adult Literature Symposium. They organize Teen Read Week every October and Teen Tech Week every March. YALSA has more than 5,200 members who work to make library services for teens stronger. They do this through research, training, and special events.
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How YALSA Started
The group we now know as YALSA began on June 24, 1957. It was first called the Young Adult Services Division (YASD). This happened after the American Library Association changed how it was organized. The Association of Young People's Librarians split into two parts: the Children's Library Association and the Young Adult Services Division.
One of YASD's main jobs was to pick and review books for young adults. Their book selection committee was very active. YASD also spoke up for library services for young people. They sent people to important meetings like the White House Conferences on Youth in 1960 and 1971.
By the 1970s, YASD was growing stronger. It got its own office and staff. In 1979, it gained a special spot on the ALA council. YASD kept choosing books, and by 1988, they had committees for different types of books.
In 1992, the group changed its name to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). This new name helped more people recognize the organization. It also came with a new look, logo, and goals. In the 1990s, YALSA also started to use the internet. They launched new programs like Teen Read Week. YALSA also began giving out the Printz and Alex Awards.
The ALA has given YALSA the World Book Goal award twice. This was for their great work helping young adults in public libraries. Since 1994, YALSA presidents have chosen themes for their time in charge. These themes included "Youth Participation Revisited" and "Developing a National Leadership Agenda for Library Service to Young Adults." YALSA's official magazine is called Young Adult Library Services. It shares interesting articles, book reviews, and news about the organization.
Important Awards for Teen Books
YALSA gives out several important awards each year. These awards celebrate great books and authors for young adults.
The Alex Awards
The Alex Awards are named after a librarian named Margaret "Alex" Edwards. Each year, ten books written for adults are chosen. These books are picked because they are especially appealing to young adults. The Alex Awards were first given out in 1998.
The Edwards Award
The Edwards Award is also named after Margaret A. Edwards. This award is given every year to an author. It honors their specific books that have made a big and lasting impact on young adult literature. The Edwards Award started in 1988.
The William C. Morris Award
The Morris Award is named after a publisher named William C. Morris. It is given each year to the best first book by a new author writing for teens. This award celebrates exciting new voices in young adult literature. The Morris Award was first given in 2009.
The Odyssey Award
The Odyssey Award is named after the ancient Greek epic poem Odyssey. This reminds us that storytelling has a long history. The Odyssey Award goes to the best audiobook production for young adults. YALSA gives this award together with the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). ALSC is another part of the ALA. The award is supported by Booklist magazine. The Odyssey Award was first given in 2008.
The Michael L. Printz Award
The Printz Award is named after a librarian named Michael L. Printz. It is also supported by Booklist magazine. This award is given every year to a book that shows excellent writing in young adult literature. The Printz Award was first given in 2000.
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction
The YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults honors the best nonfiction book. This book must have been published for young adults (ages 12–18) in the past year. This award was first given in 2010.
See also
- Young Adult Library Services, magazine published by YALSA
- Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
