ALSC Member Profiles

Allison Knight

Michelle Ng, Youth Services Librarian, San Mateo (CA) County Libraries

Why did you join ALSC? I noticed the ALSC website and saw the wealth of resourses available, and I joined as a library school student. I checked the blog frequently and was blown away by the imaginative, innovative, and passionate posts. If this was available for free, who knows what information I could get if I became a member?

What’s your best ALSC memory? Many, including working with passionate librarians across the nation, checking out Guerilla Storytime at ALA Annual, and serving on the 2020 Caldecott committee. I think one of the most visceral memories I have is attending the Youth Media Awards announcements for the first time. As I stepped into the ballroom it was a GIANT PARTY! The energy and excitement were palpable. Every time a winner was announced, the energy shot through the roof! I recommend that every librarian attend the Youth Media Awards in person at least once.

Why did you want to be a children’s librarian? I get to use creativity and imagination when developing programs, and I love showing our community that libraries extend beyond books. The library is really a place to cultivate lifelong learning and exploration, and I’m not sure everyone knows that yet!

As a former struggling reader, I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for my childhood librarian recommending engaging books that captured my imagination. Being a children’s librarian means I can potentially hand a child a book that sparks them on their journey to being a lifelong reader.

Rebecca Ballard, Children’s Librarian, Oconee County (GA) Library

Why did you join ALSC? I am passionate about working with children, and I love getting kids excited about the library. I knew instantly that this was the group for me. I wanted to learn from other children’s librarians and to see if I could collaborate and contribute, too!

What’s your best ALSC memory? Attending the ALSC 2020 Virtual Institute and sharing my experiences as a guest blogger. All of the Institute presentations were simply amazing, and I learned so much, and even though the event was virtual, I felt like I met people and made connections. I can’t wait until the next in-person Institute.

What makes you want to be a children’s librarian? Children’s librarianship is the best part of library-ing. I love that I get to interact with children of all ages and educate, encourage, and entertain them. I can’t think of any other job where I can do so many things that I love all at once! &