Let's spell it out - The trouble with acronyms by Dawn Finch

The world of children's libraries and reading is chock-full of acronyms and abbreviations, and it can be hard to know who does what. Below is a list of some of the top UK organisations connected to the work of library services and/or reading for children and young people. Most of these are happy to work with authors, and are keen supporters of our work. Many also have events throughout the year and hold annual conferences. They all love children's books, libraries and reading!

I hope this post is useful, but I know that it is by no means complete so please do add other organisations in the comments. There are many more organisations in the UK working with children and their reading, but all of the organisations below have done significant work with public and school libraries, and the children who use them.

All of these organisations have a presence on social media, and all share their most current work and information online. You can find their social media details on their websites.

ASCEL (Association of Senior Children's and Education Librarians) - The national network of senior managers in children's and public school libraries.

BookAid International - UK-based library development charity working in sub-Saharan Africa to help more people discover the joy and value of reading.

BookTrust - The UK's largest children's reading charity. Each year they reach 2.5 million children across the UK.
     Scotland is served by Scottish Booktrust, and Wales by BookTrust Cymru

CBC (Children's Book Circle) - A non-profit organisation established in 1962 by children's book editors to "promote, explore and celebrate" children's books and publishing. Since expanded to include anyone with a professional interest in children's books

CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) - The professional body that supports and represents librarians in all sectors of library and information management. The organisation has sub-groups that directly work with children's libraries and reading. The two largest are -
      SLG (School Libraries Group) - A body representing the network of school librarians in the UK
      YLG (Youth Libraries Group) - A body representing librarians who work with children and young people across all sectors. Particularly know for being the group responsible for the annual  Carnegie and Kate Greenaway awards.

CLPE (Center for Literacy in Primary Education) - A charity working with all those involved in teaching literacy in primary schools.

CWIG (Children's Writers and Illustrators Group) - A sub-group and committee of the Society of Authors that focuses on all issues relating to children's authors.

EWG (Educational Writers Group) - a sub-group and committee from the Society of Authors that supports and protects the rights and interests of educational writers.

FCBG (Federation of Children's Book Groups) - A UK organisation that concentrates on bringing books and children together.

IBBY (International Board on Books for Young people) - An international alliance of everyone with an interest in books for children. The organisation has over 70 national sections in countries all over the world.

NAWE (National Association of Writers in Education) - NAWE is the one organization supporting the development of creative writing of all genres and in all educational and community settings throughout the UK

NLT (National Literacy Trust) - A UK charity transforming lives through literacy. Information and support for parents and teachers. Campaigns to raise the profile of literacy.

Poetry Society - Arts organization representing British poetry both nationally and internationally, with a mission to advance the study, use and enjoyment of poetry for both children and adults.

PLAA (Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award) - A national award celebrating the work of pupils in their school libraries.

Reading Agency - A charity whose mission is to inspire people to read more, encourage them to share their enjoyment of reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes. They support people at all stages of their reading journey.

SCBWI UK (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) - Professional organization dedicated to serving the people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children's literature. The organisation has branches all over the world.

Seven Stories - The national centre for children's books. Celebrating children's books and reading.

SLA (School Library Association) - An organisation with a mission to support all those committed to the promotion and development of school libraries and information literacy. They are responsible for many school library events and awards such as the School Librarian of the Year Award, and they deliver the School Librarian magazine (TSL).



Written by Dawn Finch, children's author and librarian,  past president CILIP, chair of CILIP's EC (Ethics Committee), member of  both SLG and YLG, committee member for CWIG, member of SoA, member of the PLAA judging panel, SLA author, and occasional acronym wrangler.
@dawnafinch
www.dawnfinch.com
#iamalibrarian