The Santa Barbara Public Library System invites interested readers to the Goleta Library to become part of the Goleta Children’s Book Evaluation Group.

Orientation Meeting:  Thursday, April 25th from 6:45 – 7:45 pm.
Where:  Goleta Library, 500 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta

Goleta Branch Manager Allison Gray is one of eleven librarians from the United States appointed to the national Notable Children’s Books Committee. During 2013 and 2014 she will read every book published in the United States for children ages birth through fourteen years. She and ten other librarians will ultimately evaluate approximately 1,500 books each year. In January 2014, the Committee will meet and select between 50 and 75 titles that are the most notable ones published in 2013. They will repeat the process the following year.

Gray is looking for fellow lovers of children’s literature interested in reading some of the best books published in 2013 to give her their opinions on specific titles. “My goal is to get a group together of people of all ages, children and adults, who would like to borrow some of my books and then let me know what they like or don’t like about each one.” The meeting on April 25th is to describe the Notables evaluation criteria and the form that each participant will fill out about each book she reads.

“If the group wants to get together and have book discussions at some point during the year, that would be wonderful,” expressed Gray. “However, if people want to read independently, that would be very helpful to me in evaluating the titles.” Gray explained that she invites the community to have fun by participating in this unique experience, at the same time giving her a broader perspective on the appeal of specific children’s and young teen’s books.

For more information call, Allison Gray (805) 964-7878 or visit the Santa Barbara Public Library System’s web site at www.SBPLibrary.org. All Library programs are FREE and open to the public.