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10 Must-Listen Audiobooks for Teens

I Love Libraries Staff on March 23, 2021

Audiobooks are a great way to fit reading into your daily routine, adding literary flair to your chores, workouts, car rides, and more. For teenagers looking for great reads they can listen to on the go, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has released their 2021 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults list.

Selected titles feature powerful stories paired with compelling audio narration. YALSA’s picks come from a diverse range of authors and genres, and selections include audiobooks ranging from just 118 minutes to almost 19 hours.

Here are YALSA’s top 10 audiobook picks for teens:

Cemetery Boys, by Aiden Thomas, read by Avi Roque

Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo, read by Melania-Luisa Marte and Elizabeth Acevedo

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Book 1, by Holly Jackson, read by Bailey Carr, Melissa Calin, Michael Crouch, Gopal Divan, Robert Fass, Kevin R. Free, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Carol Monda, Patricia Santomasso, Shezi Sardar, and Amanda Thickpenny

Kent State, by Deborah Wiles, read by Christopher Gebauer, Lauren Ezzo, Christina DeLaine, Johnny Heller, Roger Wayne, Korey Jackson, and David de Vries

Legendborn, by Tracy Deonn, read by Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Raybearer, by Jordan Ifueko, read by Joniece Abbott-Pratt

The Snow Fell Three Graves Deep: Voices from the Donner Party, by Allan Wolf, read by Bahni Turpin, Whitney Dykhouse, Teri Schnaubelt, Tim Gerard Reynolds, Lauren Ezzo, Eric G. Dove, Ramón de Ocampo, and Shaun Taylor-Corbett

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning, by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, read by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

We Are Not Free, by Traci Chee, read by Scott Keiji Takeda, Dan Woren, Ryan Potter, Ali Fumiko, Sophie Oda, Andrew Kishino, Christopher Naoki Lee, Grace Rolek, Erika Aishii, Brittany Ishibashi, Kurt Sanchez Kanazawam, and Terry Kitagawa

When Stars Are Scattered, by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, read by Faysal Ahmed, Barkhad Abdi, Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, Robin Miles, Ifrah Mansour, Bahni Turpin, Hakeemshady Mohamed, Sadeeq Ali, Dominic Hoffman, Christine Avila, JD Jackson, and more

For the full list of 81 titles, visit the YALSA website.

R.E.M.’s Mike Mills Supports Literacy and Libraries

I Love Libraries Staff on December 9, 2020

Mike Mills of the legendary rock band, R.E.M. wants you to know that libraries provide a place for people of all backgrounds to to discover their creative talents and nurture their creative abilities.

R.E.M. has a long history of supporting libraries and literacy. Thirty years ago, they posed for the American Library Association (ALA)’s READ campaign, and the resulting poster became an instant collector’s item. Now, book lovers and music fans can enjoy the iconic image as a jigsaw puzzle, with all sales supporting literacy efforts.

Thank you, Mike Mills and R.E.M.!

The video, with and without captioning, is available for download

Please help us spread the word about the R.E.M. Jigsaw Puzzle and the value of libraries by posting to your website, social media, and more!

Sample social media posts:

  • R.E.M.’s Mike Mills explains how you can support libraries and the missing piece of the puzzle is YOU! Purchase the R.E.M. puzzle & support ALA: https://store.remhq.com
  • The iconic R.E.M. (@remhq)  READ® poster is becoming a puzzle to support literacy and U.S. libraries! Proceeds of the puzzle sale will benefit @ALAlibrary and @BFK_Athens. Order yours today: https://store.remhq.com
  • Shiny happy people, support literacy and U.S. libraries. https://bit.ly/372Kw80 #LibrariesTransform
  • Support literacy and libraries with this R.E.M. puzzle based on the iconic READ poster. Learn more on how libraries support their communities & purchase today: https://store.remhq.com

Stacey Abrams: Libraries are among our nation’s most democratic institutions

I Love Libraries Staff on April 8, 2020

Author, entrepreneur, and activist Stacey Abrams explains how libraries promote access and opportunity for all in a new video PSA.

Help spread the word by posting it on social media! Videos with open captioning are available for download: https://bit.ly/lt-psas

Library professionals, please visit the American Library Association website to download and share the PSA.

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library in person or online

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your library online and sign up for a library card, if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide technology and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share news on your social media channels

Here are some sample posts you can use to spread the word about the PSAs:

Twitter: .@StaceyAbrams wants everyone to know about the important role libraries play in our communities and our democracy. #LibrariesTransform

Facebook: @stacey.abrams.77 wants everyone to know about the important role libraries play in our communities and our democracy. #LibrariesTransform

Instagram:@staceyabrams wants everyone to know about the important role #libraries play in our communities and our democracy. #LibrariesTransform #LibrariesStrong

About Stacey Abrams

Stacey Abrams is an author, serial entrepreneur, nonprofit CEO, and political leader. After eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives, seven as Minority Leader, Abrams became the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia, where she won more votes than any other Democrat in the state’s history. After witnessing the gross mismanagement of the election by the Secretary of State’s office, Abrams launched Fair Fight to ensure every Georgian has a voice in our election system. She also founded Fair Count, an organization to ensure that the 2020 Census is fair, accurate, and counts everyone.

Abrams received degrees from Spelman College, the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas and Yale Law School. Dedicated to civic engagement, she founded the New Georgia Project, which submitted more than 200,000 registrations from voters of color between 2014 and 2016. She has founded multiple organizations devoted to voting rights, training and hiring young people of color, and tackling social issues at both the state and national levels; and she is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Under the pen name Selena Montgomery, Abrams is also the award-winning author of eight romantic suspense novels, which have sold more than 100,000 copies.

Abrams is the 2012 recipient of the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and the first black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States.

 

Harrison Ford: Find epic stories at your library!

I Love Libraries Staff on February 4, 2020

“Call of the Wild” star Harrison Ford highlights how libraries are full of adventure. Libraries offer free programs, materials and resources that transform lives.

Library professionals, please visit the American Library Association website to download and share the PSA.

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library in person or online

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your nearest library or check out their website and sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide technology and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share news on your social media channels

Here are some sample posts you can use to spread the word about the PSAs:

Facebook: Take it from @CallOfTheWildMovie star Harrison Ford: “You can find epic stories at your local library, which is full of books, movies, and games just waiting to be discovered.” https://ilovelibraries.org/harrison-ford #LibrariesTransform #CallOfTheWild
Twitter: Harrison Ford from the new movie #CallOfTheWild highlights the epic stories available at your local library: https://ilovelibraries.org/harrison-ford #LibrariesTransform
Instagram: @callofthewild star Harrison Ford shares how you can find epic stories for free at your local library. #LibrariesTransform #CallOfTheWild

About “The Call of the Wild”

Adapted from the beloved literary classic, “THe Call of the Wild” vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master. “The Call of the Wild” opens in theaters on February 21, 2020!

Milo Ventimiglia: Libraries are powerful

I Love Libraries Staff on July 24, 2019

Actor Ken Jeong from the new film “Wonder Park” supports libraries with a new video Public Service Announcement highlighting the magic of libraries. Libraries offer audiobooks, games and technology that transform lives and communities.

Library professionals, please visit the American Library Association website to download and share the PSA.

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library in person or online

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your nearest library or check out their website and sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide technology and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share news on your social media channels

Here are some sample posts you can use to spread the word about the PSAs:

Facebook: Take it from @artofracingmovie star Milo Ventimiglia: “Libraries are so powerful.” Thanks for spreading the word about the importance of libraries! http://bit.ly/ventimiglia-psa #LibrariesTransform #ArtOfRacing

Twitter: .@MiloVentimiglia from @TheArtOfRacing shares a powerful message about how libraries bring people together: http://bit.ly/ventimiglia-psa #LibrariesTransform #ArtOfRacing

Instagram: @miloanthonyventimiglia from the upcoming @artofracingmovie wants you to know: “Libraries are so powerful.” We couldn’t agree more! #LibrariesTransform #ArtOfRacing

Justice Smith: Catch ‘em all at your library!

I Love Libraries Staff on May 23, 2019

“Pokémon Detective Pikachu” star Justice Smith highlights the opportunities for magic and adventure at your local library. Libraries offer books, games, and technology that transform lives and communities.

Library professionals, please visit the American Library Association website to download and share the PSA.

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library in person or online

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your nearest library or check out their website and sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide technology and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share news on your social media channels

Here are some sample posts you can use to spread the word about the PSAs:

Facebook: @detectivepikachumovie star Justice Smith has a message for aspiring Pokémon trainers: catch your next adventure at the library! http://bit.ly/ilovelibraries-pikachu #LibrariesTransform

Twitter: No mystery here-libraries are the perfect place to find free books, games, movies, and more. Shout out to #DetectivePikachu star Justice Smith (@standup4justice) for spreading the word about the power of libraries. http://bit.ly/ilovelibraries-pikachu #LibrariesTransform

Instagram: Catch ’em all at the library! #DetectivePikachu star Justice Smith (@standup4justice) shares how #Pokemon lovers can find free books, games, and more at their library. #LibrariesTransform

Ken Jeong: Find something wonderful at your library!

I Love Libraries Staff on March 13, 2019

Actor Ken Jeong from the new film “Wonder Park” supports libraries with a new video Public Service Announcement highlighting the magic of libraries. Libraries offer audiobooks, games and technology that transform lives and communities.

Library professionals, please visit the American Library Association website to download and share the PSA.

Discover fascinating facts about libraries

Check out our thought-provoking Facts About Libraries page. Share how libraries are a resource for all members of the community to find what they need to help improve the quality of their life.

Nearly 113 million people attended public library programs in 2016, including storytimes, theatrical performances, and cooking and yoga classes. (Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services 2016 public libraries data.)

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library in person or online

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your nearest library or check out their website and sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide technology and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Zoë Kravitz: Find your magic at the library!

I Love Libraries Staff on October 9, 2018

Zoë Kravitz supports libraries with new video Public Service Announcements (PSAs). In the PSAs, Zoë Kravitz shares the magic of libraries.

Libraries offer audiobooks, games and technology that transform lives and communities. Your library has everything you need to experience new worlds or create your own like those found in the Fantastic Beasts movies and Harry Potter books.

Librarians, please visit the American Library Association website for more information about promoting the Zoë Kravitz PSAs.

Discover fascinating facts about libraries

Check out our thought-provoking Facts About Libraries page. Share how libraries are a resource for all members of the community to find what they need to help improve the quality of their life.

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library in person or online

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your nearest library or check out their website and sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide technology and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Share news on your social media channels

Here’s a sample post you can use to spread the word about the PSAs:
How cool is it that Zoë Kravitz is a fan of libraries!? She’s starring in video PSAs to shine a light on libraries and all they do to open up new enchanting worlds like those in #FantasticBeasts. https://ilovelibraries.org/zoe-kravitz #LibrariesTransform #HarryPotter ALA READ poster featuring Zoe Kravitz as Leta LeStrange

Zoë Kravitz makes her debut in a READ® poster

Show your love for Zoë Kravitz and the Fantastic Beasts by getting the new READ® poster at the ALA Store.

Kravitz will play Leta Lestrange in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” which arrives in theaters Nov. 16.

Kravitz’s most recent credits include the groundbreaking HBO miniseries “Big Little Lies,” opposite Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman. Directed by Jean Marc Vallee, the series won eight Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. She has also appeared in “The Road Within,” with Dev Patel; “Good Kill,” with Ethan Hawke and January Jones; “Rough Night,” alongside Scarlett Johansson and Kate McKinnon; the critically acclaimed film “Dope,” produced by Forest Whitaker and executive produced by Pharrell Williams; and “Gemini,” with Lola Kirke.

 

ALA and Constance Wu Team Up to Celebrate Libraries

I Love Libraries Staff on July 18, 2018

The American Library Association is thrilled to partner with Constance Wu to remind the world that libraries transform lives and communities. By offering free access to books, games, and movies featuring diverse characters, libraries help people of all backgrounds see themselves represented in medi

Learn more about how libraries benefit communities

Want to learn more about how today’s libraries engage and empower the communities they serve? Read real stories from the I Love Libraries archives about some of our nation’s most innovative, life-changing library programs and services-from therapy dogs to prison libraries to the power of archives.

Visit your library

One of the best ways to support libraries is to start locally: visit your nearest library (or check out their website) and sign up for a library card if you haven’t already. Want your support to go even further? Ask your library staff about volunteer opportunities or joining a Friends of the Library group.

Join the online conversation

Love how libraries provide diverse books and crucial resources to people of all backgrounds? Stay informed about national library news and stories by subscribing to the I Love Libraries newsletter and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tweet about it to help spread the word!

Tweet: Exciting news: @ConstanceWu is lending her support to libraries! She's starring in video PSAs to bring attention to how libraries offer community resources and inclusive stories like @CrazyRichMovie. Watch the PSAs at https://ctt.ac/b7g67+ #LibrariesTransformExciting news: @ConstanceWu is lending her support to libraries! She’s starring in video PSAs to bring attention to how libraries offer community resources and inclusive stories like @CrazyRichMovie. Watch the PSAs at ilovelibraries.org/constance-wu. #LibrariesTransform

 

Tools for libraries

Libraries are encouraged to share Constance Wu’s video PSAs on their websites, social media, and more! Head to our Tools for Libraries page to download the videos, plus see sample social media copy, graphics, and more.

ALA READ poster featuring COnstance Wu holding the book "Crazy Rich Asians"

Get your own Constance Wu READ® poster

Show off your love for Crazy Rich Asians by getting our new READ® poster featuring Constance Wu from the ALA Store!

 

About Constance Wu & Crazy Rich Asians

Constance Wu is best known for her roles in the web series EastSiders and ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat. She has also had supporting roles in Law & Order: SVU, Torchwood, Covert Affairs, and One Life to Live. In 2017, she was named one of the TIME 100, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Ms. Wu stars as Rachel in the romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians, based on the worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan. The story follows Rachel as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that he has neglected to mention a few key details about his life…including the fact that he is from one of the country’s wealthiest families and is one of its most sought-after bachelors. Crazy Rich Asians, directed by Jon M. Chu, opens August 15.