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CHICAGO - The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) will announce its Youth Media Awards at 8 a.m. CT, Jan. 24, 2022. Selections will span more than 22 categories, including the coveted Newbery and Caldecott medals, Printz Award and Coretta Scott King Book Awards. Library professionals, students, publishers, parents and booklovers across the globe will follow results via webstream at and ALA’s Facebook and YouTube channels and by following #ALAyma. The event is part of the ALA’s , held virtually from Jan. 21 - 24, 2022.

Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the YMAs guide parents, educators, library workers and others in selecting the best materials and media for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in children’s and young adult literature and media. Prize-winning titles rarely go out of print and have inspired such major motion pictures as “The Hate U Give,” “Divergent,” “Jumanji,” “The Polar Express,” and “Hugo.”

The excitement surrounding the announcements continues in the era of COVID-19, as more than 18,000 virtually joined the ¾«¶«´«Ã½for the 2021 YMA announcements. School librarians and other educators used the announcements to support literacy and such social activities as mock elections and book clubs. Thousands of students in classrooms and school libraries shared their book picks with classmates and compared mock election results to those selected by YMA committees.

Understanding the valuable role books play in the lives of youth, over the past year YMA committees made their way through thousands of award submissions. Meeting virtually, committees continue to debate, examine, and select honor and winning titles despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

After the announcements, will feature an award wrap release detailing 2022 selections. Also, an encore presentation of the event will be available at the exact location immediately after the announcements.

Additional information regarding the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Youth Media Award announcements is available at ala.org/yma.

Media interested in scheduling interviews with award committee chairs and 2022 winners may contact Macey Morales, deputy director, ¾«¶«´«Ã½Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-4393, mmorales@ala.org; or Steve Zalusky, communications specialist, ¾«¶«´«Ã½Communications and Marketing Office, 312-280-1546, szalusky@ala.org.

About the ¾«¶«´«Ã½

¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

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¾«¶«´«Ã½Youth Media Awards

(Jan. 24, 2022, 8 a.m. CT)