Thursday, August 14, 2008

ALSC provides “Kids Reading List” for Oprah’s Web site

ALA: 2008 August 12

CHICAGO—The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has teamed up with “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to provide a Kids Reading List on the show’s Web site.

The list, available at www.oprah.com, is divided into five age groups, from infant to 2 through 12 and up. Each grouping contains an annotated bibliography of librarian- recommended reading. There is also a separate “Classics” section, grouped by age ranges, giving parents the opportunity to share the books they once loved with their own children. The Web site also provides a list of ways to make reading fun for kids and other helpful tips for parents.

“One of our goals as librarians is to provide all children with quality reading materials,” said ALSC President Pat Scales. “By teaming up with Oprah’s Book Club, we’re able to connect with a wide range of people we may not have reached otherwise. Whether children come into our library or are given a book from our recommended reading list, we are helping our youngest and most important patrons.”

The Kids Reading List was complied by the ALSC Quicklists Consulting Committee, which works to promote books and other resources through recommendations, compilations of lists and related services.

ALSC is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,200 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit its Web site at www.ala.org/alsc.