ACL

Association of Children's Librarians

Association of Children's Librarians

of Northern California

ReviewsMembershipDistinguished Books 2025
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What is ACL?

ACL bonds traditional youth librarianship with the cutting edge of the field. Our members are public and school librarians, library school students, and others. We review books, network, host events, participate in professional development and work together in mutual support to build the future of library service to young people.

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What's New?

Review of the Week

Whale, That Was Unexpected Review

Lyall, Casey. Whale, That Was Unexpected. Kathryn Durst, Illus. Tundra, 06/2026. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-77488-361-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.    An old fisherwoman named Maude and her dog Claude go out for their daily fishing [continue reading]

Read-Alikes

Lions’ Run Read-alikes

READ-ALIKES   The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker Angus, Sam. A Horse Called Hero. Avi. The Road from Nowhere. Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The Night War. Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life. Gidwitz, [continue reading]

Storytime Themes

Zombie Storytime Revised

Zombie Storytime Revised      For a Family Storytime with older children or a Halloween storytime, there are several funny stories about Zombies. For an art project, make one of the projects listed here: Zombie Crafts [continue reading]

When people join ACL, they may already be good librarians, but ACL will make them even better. It has made a difference in my professional development and continues to keep me in touch with a terrific group of practitioners.

--Linda Perkins, ALSC Past President and Distinguished Service Awardee

ACL Events

Performers' Showcase

All kinds of acts.

All kinds of fun.

Discover talented performers for children.

ACL Institute

Inspiring speakers.

Innovative and interactive programs.

Engage with the future of youth librarianship!

I have been a member for 30 years, and I learn something new at each month’s meeting.

--Penny Peck, San Jose State University, editor of BayNews

Reviews of the Week

Every week, we hand-pick a current ACL review to share.

Read-alikes

Get help with readers’ advisory.

Storytime Themes

Suggested books, songs, and crafts based on popular topics

Professional Development Resources

Materials from ACL trainings and workshops

Dorothy Helfeld Fellowship

Are you curious about youth librarianship? Read more!

Programming Ideas

Get inspired!

Experience ACL for yourself

Come to a meeting. Attend one of our events. Read our blog.

When you're ready to take the next step, we'd love to have you as a member.

Become a member