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CHICAGO — Amy Dickinson and Jillian Rudes have been selected to receive the library worker stipend from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The stipend will provide Dickinson and Rudes with up to $1,000 to offset travel expenses to attend the symposium, which will be held Nov. 4-6 in Baltimore, MD.

Jillian Rudes is a School Librarian at Q167 Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Forest Hills, NY. “My philosophy is that the library belongs to my students, it is their ‘third place.’ Students spend time in the library exploring new ideas, building friendships, and finding outlets for self-expression and joy.” Rudes wrote in her application.

Amy Dickinson is a Teen Services and Reference Librarian at the Montrose Regional Library District in Montrose, CO. “In working with young adults, I’m trying my best to listen, respect their knowledge of their communities, and create spaces in which they can lead and advise.” Dickinson wrote in her application. “I’ve discovered as a teen librarian that the young people with whom I collaborate know a lot more than I do of what’s wanted, needed, or dreamed about in teen services.”

The 2022 theme is: “Rediscovering our Charm: Supporting Teens and Each other in our Libraries.” To learn more about the symposium, including information on programs and how to register, please visit the . Join the conversation online with the hashtag #yalsa22.

Members of the 2022 YA Services Symposium Task Force who vetted the applications are: Amy Ojserkis, Chair, Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Mays Landing, NJ; Scot Smith, Robertsville Middle School, Oak Ridge, TN and Heather Love Beverly, Cook Memorial Public Library District, Vernon Hills, IL.

About YALSA:

YALSA’s mission is Through networking, advocacy, and professional development, the Young Adult Library Services Association empowers all those involved in the profession to provide equitable, diverse and inclusive teen services. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.