CANSCAIP: School Library Heroes
Lisa Loffredi
The Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) is a not-for-profit national arts service organization founded in 1977. It offers professional development, promotion and support to many children and teen authors, illustrators and performers. It consists of over 400 traditionally published members and over 600 associate friends, which include self-published writers and illustrators, educators, librarians, publishers and journalists.
CANSCAIP offers school and library visits with its author and illustrator members. We all know that stories come to life when students meet the authors and illustrators of the books they’ve read or have had read to them. Therefore, developing a connection with CANSCAIP is an invaluable opportunity for every school librarian.
I have had the privilege and honour to interview Lana Button, the president of CANSCAIP’s executive board committee. Lana is the author of several children’s books and has received awards for her work. She visits schools and libraries where her literary presentations encourage students to dream, write and edit stories.
How can hosting local author events benefit our students and library programs?
Students are inspired to read and inspired to write after experiencing author presentations. Libraries can expect an increased excitement in reading after an author visit. Reading becomes more enticing after students spend time with a writer, learning ‘the personal side’ of a story that began as a creative spark and is now a book in the author’s hands. Like seeing a movie preview and then planning to watch the full feature, students reach for the author’s book and perhaps try out a new genre after experiencing author presentations.
Students also gain confidence in writing stories after spending time with a writer. Through author presentations, students learn about story development, character development and editing. They can learn about research techniques, storytelling techniques and the process of publishing books. Bringing an author to students brings stories to life and brings writing within the student’s reach.
Are there ways to subsidize the cost of author visits in schools?
The Writers Union of Canada has a Writers in Schools program, and you can find information on their programs at https://www.writersunion.ca/. This grant program opens twice a year, and authors who are members of the Writers Union of Canada can apply for a subsidized presentation on behalf of a school.
These grants cover the cost of an author visit. They are very popular, and the number of grant applications is typically greater than the number of successful applicants. But if you are approaching an author about a school visit, it is worth asking if the author is a member of the writer’s union and if they have a spot open in their Writer’s in Schools grant applications.
How does one go about hosting a local author from CANSCAIP at their school? Is there a list of authors to choose from?
CANSCAIP.org has a member directory that provides each author’s contact information. Authors welcome you to reach out! They will happily send presentation details, including availability and fees.
Can author visits be tailored towards different age groups and/or grade levels?
Each author has their own unique presentation style, and they are excited to speak to the audience they write for. In addition, many authors offer more than one presentation, can speak to younger and older grades and can speak on a variety of topics. Check out the author’s website for details on their various presentations. And reach out if you would like to discuss a tailored visit.
Generally, how long are author visits and what exactly do they entail (i.e. readings, workshops, etc.)?
Author presentations are generally 45 minutes to an hour in length. Each author has their own unique presentation, and specific details can be found on each author’s website. But a school can expect to learn about the writer’s process, their techniques and their inspiration with regard to their published books.
Do authors and/or CANSCAIP have any affiliation with the Forest of Reading program? Other children’s reading programs?
Although CANSCAIP is not affiliated with The Forest of Reading Program or other children’s reading programs, each year many CANSCAIP creators appear on these lists and are excited to visit schools participating in these programs.
How does CANSCAIP support school libraries?
CANSCAIP members wholeheartedly support school libraries and havebeen active in participating in the OSLA’s Save Our School Libraries Campaign. During monthly member meetings, we have informed members of the Save Our School Libraries campaign, directing them to the petition and encouraging them to share with others. A Save Our School Libraries petition signing table was also included at our Packaging Your Imagination Conference.
Many CANSCAIP members include statements of library support in their presentations, in their public statements and on their social media. CANSCAIP’s social media team also makes an effort to promote school libraries on CANSCAIP’s platforms.
Why do you feel it’s important to maintain the relationship and collaboration between authors and school libraries?
Authors understand that it is through school libraries that students, our readers, not only have access to books but also gain confidence and a lifelong love of reading.
Thank you, Lana Button, for chatting with us about the amazing library heroes at CANSCAIP! To connect with CANSCAIP and its members, please visit their website or follow them on social media.
Meet the Author
Lisa Loffredi is a secondary school teacher-librarian with the York Catholic District School Board.
For more information about The Teaching Librarian, please refer to the Terms of Reference.
