• 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: Bernard Margolis, Sarah Sachs (incoming YSS Pres.), Annette Birdsall (YSS Pres.), Lisa Jacobs (past YSS pres).

On Thursday, July 23, 2009, 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. This year’s meeting was an opportunity for Bernard Margolis, the new State Librarian, to share his ideas and learn more about NYLA’s Youth Services Section and the goals they have for library services to youth in New York State. YSS President Annette Birdsall, past YSS President Lisa Jacobs, and in-coming YSS President Sarah Sachs led the meeting. Also in attendance were Cassie Artale, Karen Balsen, and Tiffany Allen representing the Division of Library Development.