• Provide quality, equitable service to all young people from birth through High School
• Attract new patrons and create lifelong learners and library supporters
• Respect children and young adults and treat them with the same courtesy and attention other patrons receive
• Supply developmentally appropriate materials and resources
• Provide access to current information and communications technology
• Promote general literacy and information literacy
• Collaborate with other agencies that provide services to young people
• Develop programs that meet and anticipate the constantly changing needs of patrons
• Recognize that services available for adult users should be provided for children and young adults
• Employ well-trained, qualified staff that demonstrate a love and respect for young people
• Provide professional development and continuing education for staff members
• Advocate for children and young adults

NYLA Youth Services Section annual meeting with the New York State Librarian

L-R: Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education; Mary Fellows (past Pres.YSS ); Annette Birdsall (incoming Pres. YSS ); Lisa Jacobs (Pres. YSS)

On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the Youth Services Section (YSS) of NYLA (; opens in a new window) held their annual meeting with the New York State Librarian. The meeting provides an opportunity for the YSS president and the past and in-coming presidents to discuss statewide issues related to public library service to youth and families. Jeffrey W. Cannell attended as then-interim New York State Librarian along with Carol Desch, Cassie Artale, Karen Balsen, and Tiffany Allen representing the Division of Library Development. YSS President Lisa Jacobs, past YSS President Mary Fellows, and in-coming YSS President Annette Birdsall led the meeting which focused on the following topics:  the importance of youth services consulting at both the system and State levels and the development of online registration and increased promotion for the Statewide Summer Reading Program.