Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Steering Committee Members Needed

UELMA is excited to announce the Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Recognition. 

What: The Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is a respected author and/or illustrator either born or living in Utah chosen by the UELMA steering committee whose creative work represents the aspirations, imaginations and stories of and for young people. Similar to the Library of Congress’s National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, the Utah Ambassador will be appointed to “raise [state] awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.” 

Why: Funded in part by a grant from the Utah State Library, the Utah Ambassador will travel statewide over the course of their term, showing children and teens that reading is a fundamental skill and vital part of their lives. Speaking to parents, caregivers, teachers, school and public librarians, local booksellers, administrators, political leaders—everyone invested in young people’s literacy, the Utah Ambassador will promote ways to better connect with children and teens through literature and help them love reading.

Action:  The UELMA Executives and Board are seeking volunteer applicants to join the Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Recognition Steering Committee. As a member of the ten-person steering committee, volunteers will meet virtually monthly or as needed to define the scope of the recognition and organize the work of the committee including selection, promotion and recognition of the appointee. If you are a current or retired licensed school library educator, school library paraprofessional, or public or academic children’s or teen librarian, please consider applying for a committee position by filling out the short application form linked below. Applications will be accepted through the end of day January 22nd.  Committee members will be notified of their selection in early February.

How:  Apply hereThe Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Recognition Steering Committee Application.

When:  Applications will be accepted through the end of day January 22nd .

UELMA Awards Nominations

Book Enhancement Grant

Children and Teen Book Enhancement Grant now open.  Deadline to apply is January 27, 2023.  
Libraries will receive up to $3,000 to purchase any combination of books from the designated lists. Apply here: https://cce.my.salesforce-sites.com/usl/ .

After clicking on the link you must create (or log-in) to the Utah State Library grants website in order to apply. Good luck!

Call for presenters #UELMA23