FAQs

If you have questions about how you can get involved in the fight for literacy or about the NCBLA, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions listed below. If you don’t find an answer to your question, please use our contact information to get in touch with us. We would be happy to answer your literacy questions.

What does NCBLA stand for?
NCBLA is an acronym for the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance.

What does the NCBLA do?
Find out how the NCBLA informs, promotes, educates, and inspires the American public to pursue literacy for young people and libraries. Read our mission statement.

Do representatives from the NCBLA speak at conferences and literacy events?
Mary Brigid Barrett, the President and Founder of the NCBLA, is available to speak at conferences and literacy events. In order for Mary Brigid Barrett to participate, her expenses must be covered and a donation to the NCBLA is suggested. If you want to contact Mary Brigid Barrett to set up an engagement, please call her at 508-533-5851 or send an email to info@thencbla.org.

If I am interested in having an author associated with the NCBLA visit my institution, how do I get in touch with them?
The authors associated with the NCBLA can be reached through their respective websites and/or publishers. Please contact them and their publishers directly if you would like to schedule a visit.

How can I make a contribution to the NCBLA?
The NCBLA is a not-for-profit organization with 501(C)(3) status. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please send your check or money order made out to the NCBLA to the following address. If you are making a donation in honor or memory of a colleague or loved one, please be sure to include that person’s name and any additional information you would like us to know.
Send to:
Treasurer
The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance
P.O. Box 51
Wayland, MA 01778

You can also choose to donate online using our secure credit card service. Donate by credit card or PayPal.

I am interested in writing and/or illustrating children’s books. Can I send the NCBLA my manuscript and/or art samples?
The NCBLA does not provide editorial services for writers. Please do not send manuscripts or art samples to this organization. Instead you should consider joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). The SCBWI acts as a network for writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. For more information go to: scbwi.org.

Another valuable website for new and/or emerging writers and illustrators is Underdown.org. Harold Underdown’s site is essential for anyone interested in the business side of writing and editing children’s books. Features articles for the beginning writer, interviews with writers and editors, information about the US publishing industry, and more are provided.

Additional helpful advice is offered in our two articles: Advice on Getting Published: Fiction and Advice on Getting Published: Nonfiction.

How can I recommend an author or illustrator for your Great Reads Campaign?
Our goal is to add authors and illustrators to our Great Reads Campaign on a regular basis. To be considered, authors and illustrators must have published at least two quality books. In addition, they need to be nominated by their publisher. Publishers must be a member of the Children’s Book Council. Recommendations will be considered starting February 1, 2016. Please send an email with your recommendation to info@thencbla.org.