Much of PLCE’s work is based in public school libraries, where we partner with community and school groups to build robust collections of diverse, engaging, and high-quality books that are responsive and relevant to all in the school community. We apply standard collection management strategies to keep school libraries responsive and relevant to students’ curricular and recreational needs through balancing purchasing of 1) new and compelling books 2) books that need replacing due to high use 3) and demand-driven acquisitions based on requests from students, staff, and administration.
To build collections intentionally, we regularly research current trends in children’s and YA literature, while also analyzing collections data to determine which areas need updating. The picture book and young adult collections that we build center identity, social-emotional learning, and social justice. In addition to building these physical collections at school libraries, we also curate lists of children's book recommendations and related interactive resources that anyone can access online.
Our close attention in reviewing titles:
COMING SOON. Explore curated collections of children’s books and activities, covering themes like art, wellness, culture, and joy! Each theme is presented by a unique character based on a Philadelphia literacy champion or storyteller.
COMING SOON. This guide features sets of themed books, many of which have read along questions, discussion prompts, and activities.
As part of the Community Alliance Against COVID-19 (CEAL), a partnership between Penn Nursing and Philly Counts, PLCE has collaborated with nurses, reading specialists, ESL teachers, and counselors at our partner schools to curate this list of health-related books for children and teens.