The Youth Services Consultant coordinates a variety of professional development and support for Oklahoma librarians who provide services to youth. Information about children and young adult (CYA) opportunities can be found below.
Every summer, students across Oklahoma are out of school and looking for adventure. Public libraries throughout Oklahoma are the place to go for a reading adventure during June and July. Local librarians have used materials and program ideas developed by the Collaborative Summer Library Program to keep thousands of Oklahoma children reading during their summer vacation months.
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children, teens, and adults at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries joined the Collaborative in 2005.
Over two decades librarians across the state have enlisted performers for the entertainment of thousands of children, young adults and adults. Oklahoma librarians can find a performer on the CYA Wiki database and at the annual Oklahoma Performers Showcase. The intention is for Oklahoma librarians and teachers to find a variety of performers for children and teens.
The showcase is a venue for librarians and educators to preview quality programming appropriate for children, teens and/or families. Through annual showcases, the talents of a well-balanced variety of performers can be viewed. The goal is to foster and promote resource sharing of performers and programming information throughout Oklahoma.
Summer Reading Workshops
Each spring the Youth Services Consultant provides up to six workshops for Oklahoma librarians around the state introducing the upcoming Summer Reading Program theme. The workshops are designed to provide programming and activity ideas, decorating and promotion ideas, working with teen volunteers, steps to plan for the Summer Reading Program and much more. These workshops are free and continuing education units are provided.
An author and book-signing tour travels to several towns in Oklahoma promoting reading and discussion of books. During the tour, students and library patrons are able to meet the authors, hear about writing techniques, learn the stories behind the books, get recommendations on other books in the genre, ask questions, and get their books signed by the authors.
A weekly podcast reviewing new and popular books for children and young adults. The CYA Podcast Blog is a review site for librarians by librarians. Books are chosen by the reviewers and discussed on the podcast.
News about children and young adult programs and activities. Check out what other Oklahoma libraries are doing for their young patrons.
Questions? Contact Adrienne Butler on the Staff Contact Form or Youth Services on the Division Contact Form.