Doctor Who Comics Day

July 9 will mark the third annual Doctor Who Comics Day. The global event, led by Titan Comics, celebrates the adventures of the Doctor with book signings, contests, comics, and more. Librarians and booksellers can participate in the event by registering to host a comic reading day and receive an event kit, well before Saturday, July 9. Last year, the celebration featured a special Doctor Who crossover series, and was hosted in over 2,900 locations, including comic book stores, booksellers, and libraries. More news about the 2016 holiday will be released soon.

Apply now for YALSA’s 2016 Symposium Travel Stipend

Still wondering how to attend the YALSA’s 2016 Symposium? Apply for the travel stipend that can help offset the expenses. Two stipends will be awarded to one student, and one library worker, worth up to $1000 each. To be considered, apply by June 1.

2016 BookCon YA Lineup

BookCon is an event created by ReedPOP, which merges pop culture and storytelling. It focuses on the origin of stories and pop culture’s influential aura over creators, publishers, and authors. Recently, ReedPOP announced several YA authors that will be present at the convention including Victoria Aveyard (Red Queen, Glass Sword), Kimberly McCreight (Reconstructing Amelia, The Outliers). BookCon will take place on May 14 in Chicago, following BookExpo America. Author appearances:

• Victoria Aveyard
• Alyson Noel
• Colleen Oakes
• Katherine McGee
• Kendare Blake
• Kimberly McCreight
• Lauren Oliver John Corey Whaley
• Kami Garcia
• Meg Cabot
• James Dashner
• Veronica Roth

Apply for the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee

The Margaret A. Edwards Award commemorates an author for significant and lasting contribution to YA literature. Their work has been accepted by teens, has a genuine voice about their experiences and emotions, and offers insight into their lives. The Margaret A. Edwards Award committee is unique because it is virtual participation. The virtual committee is great for those who cannot afford the money, or time to participate in other conferences. To learn more, visit the ALA site. For committee consideration, please complete the nomination form. Selected nominees will appear on the ballot for election in spring of 2017 and terms would start February 1, 2018. Any questions can be directed to chair, Franklin Escobedo, at adrithian@gmail.com.

Kweli Children's and YA Writers Conference

Kweli Journal held its second annual Children Book Writers Conference for authors and artists on April 9 in New York City. Several editors from major publishing houses and established authors, such as Edwidge Danticat, Daniel José Older (Shadowshaper), along with Sheela Chari (Vanished), connected budding creators with leading professionals in the publishing industry. The conference was an opportune day of dialogue, community building, and encouragement to address the underpublicized books about or written by people of color.

The Bulk Bookstore Announces Free Books for Educators

The Bulk Bookstore, an online wholesaler, publicized their new giveaway opportunity exclusively for school administrators, libraries and teachers. The Big K-12 Educator Book Giveaway provides one educator each month $100 of free bulk books. Complete the contest entry form to be eligible one month’s drawing. Educators are encouraged to enter every month for a chance to win. The Bulk Bookstore, created in 2007, is an online wholesale that specializes in orders of 25 copies or more of 3 million published titles.

2016 Teens’ Top Ten Book Giveaway

YALSA’s Teens Top Ten list is managed by teens who nominate and choose their favorite books. The 2016 list will contain titles published in the previous year. This year, Dollar General Literacy Foundation is generously funding 40 sets of the nominated 2016 Top Ten titles to libraries in need. With the new set of books, those libraries can enrich their YA collection and attract teens to the library. Applications must be submitted by May 1 to be considered.

JLG Book Trailer Contest

The entries are in for Junior Library Guild’s Book Trailer Contest! JLG has chosen their Top 5, and are asking librarians across the country to vote for their favorite. Please vote by April 21.

Summer Learning Program Contest

YALSA’s Teen Programming HQ wants to find out what you have planned this summer by holding a contest to find the “top ten” summer learning programs. Those whose programs are STEM/STEAM, digital literacy, college and career readiness, service learning, or anything beyond reading are welcome to submit their program outline via program template at Teen Programming HQ. The top ten in this context will be chosen in June and will receive a gift pack of YALSA resources and “swag.” Entries will be accepted until May 1.

Teens Succeed with Libraries Video Contest

Now through May 1, librarians and teens they serve can participate in a video contest supported by YALSA. The contest is seeking a creative video that demonstrates to the public how teens use the library in the 21st century, and how teen services encourage success in school, college and career preparedness, and life. Winners will be announced no later June 1, and will receive a box of books, audiobooks, and graphic novels worth a minimum of $200. Entries must be uploaded by May 1. For more information and eligibility requirements, please view the contest entry form.