Member Meetups are an informal way to network with other professionals around a topic relevant to youth librarianship. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how does it affect our work as librarians? At our next CLEL meetup we will discuss applications, ethics, and challenges of AI as it relates to our profession. Join us on …
In our recent CLEL Member Meetup in May, attended by librarians from all across the country, we discussed resources for dyslexic patrons. What we learned was that, while available resources within our libraries was slim, the need was great. Many of us have had difficulties in finding appropriate reading material to assist dyslexic readers and …
What’s with all this tracing in board books? By: Cora Astin Have you ever read a board book and noticed the raised or textured objects that little ones can trace with their fingers? Those elements aren’t randomly placed there by accident! They are actually designed to help support early pre-reading and pre-writing skills. As littles …
Member Meetups are an informal way to network with other professionals around a topic relevant to youth librarianship. Everywhere we turn, libraries and supporting organizations are dealing with budget shortfalls. In this month’s meetup we will talk about how we are affected, what funding options may be available, and how to be creative with what …
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, sixteen librarians and early literacy enthusiasts from around the country came together to share favorite Storytime books from this year. Though not all of them were published in this year, those that came to light have brought joy to children in many a Storytime session! Please check out the list …
CLEL Mini-Grants Blog By Thea Martinez In 2022, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) created four $500 mini grants to be awarded annually to eligible CLEL members. The grant funds were awarded to libraries to help with CLEL’s mission of being “passionately committed to strengthening children’s literacy through library services and community advocacy”. Since then, …
Here is a look at the schedule for the Conference with Dates and Times of Presentations or Speakers: Here are the Session Descriptions for CLELCON25: Brain-Building & Trauma Informed Early Literacy Practices Understanding how children’s brains grow and develop is a crucial part of early literacy. But for children who have undergone trauma or toxic …
By: Justine Ferrara, Union (NJ) Public Library Do you want to incorporate CLEL Bell books into your storytimes? Are you looking for some caregiver tips, rhymes, songs, and activities to freshen up an existing storytime? Read on for some ideas to plan and execute an engaging storytime all about singing! CLEL Bell Award Winners & …
In our most recent CLEL Member Meetup, which was attended by librarians from around the country, the conversation revolved around inclusive spaces in our libraries. Refreshingly, new buildings are often being crafted with a consideration for inclusive spaces. From lower shelving to all-user restrooms, closed-captioning to fully-equipped sensory rooms, many accommodations are being made to …
SAVE THE DATE! CLELCON 2025 will be held this year on October 16th from 12:00 to 5:10 and October 17th from 11:00 to 4:35 (MST). Cost for this year’s conference will be $45 and it will be a virtual platform. Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy is committed to training and staff development. During our annual …
