After seven years as a children’s librarian, I finally made it to my first ALSC Institute! I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and it feels especially exciting to be here in Buffalo, New York, surrounded by so many people who share my passion for children, books, and libraries.
Of course, the past seven years have not exactly gone according to plan. Somewhere in the middle of them, COVID-19 happened, and it sometimes feels as though we lost almost two years from our calendars. Conferences were canceled or moved online, travel changed, and so many professional experiences had to wait. Being here in person feels even more meaningful because of that.
Our first evening began with the Opening Celebration and the opportunity to hear Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give. I loved her confidence, honesty, and empowering message. One idea from Angie Thomas’s speech that especially stayed with me was Rudine Sims Bishop’s concept of books as “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors.” Angie explained and shared how it is something she strives to offer children through her work.
Books can be mirrors that allow children to see themselves, their experiences, and their power. They can be windows that allow readers to look into lives and experiences different from their own. And they can be sliding glass doors that invite readers to step into another world and connect with people and experiences beyond their own.
As children’s librarians, we have an important role in making sure our collections offer all three: mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Children need books that reflect who they are and allow them to see themselves represented, but they also need books that introduce them to people, cultures, experiences, and realities different from their own. Literature can help children develop empathy, curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world around them.
That is one of the reasons diverse and inclusive children’s literature matters so much. A child’s understanding of the world should not be limited to what they see in their own lives. Books can open doors to experiences they may never encounter personally and help them see both themselves and others with greater understanding.
We ended our first conference day with a visit to the exhibits in the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. And, of course, this is where the excitement of being a librarian really kicks in: books! There were publishers, educational organizations, library vendors, and sponsors ready to share new titles, resources, and ideas. Over the next few days, I’ll be exploring the exhibits and sharing some of my favorite finds!
After seven years of working as a children’s librarian, attending my first ALSC Institute feels like both a long-awaited milestone and the beginning of something new. I am excited to spend the next few days learning, connecting, discovering new books, and bringing ideas back to my library and the children and families we serve.
And, yes, I am also excited to see which books make their way home with me!
Elizabeth Hurtado (she/her) is a Youth/Children’s Librarian at Springdale Public Library in Arkansas, where she has worked in children’s librarianship for about seven years. She is looking forward to learning new ideas, connecting with fellow children’s librarians, and bringing inspiration back to her community. As a child, Elizabeth wanted to be a teacher, a babysitter, or a flight attendant. She jokes that combining all three makes a children’s librarian! She loves working with kids, learning through their eyes, and traveling to new places through books.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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