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The News: October 2023

Meet Shelley Tougas, library director and published author.

Shelley Tougas, director of Hudson Area Public Library and published author, will debut her latest book, Mommy’s New Friend,  due out from Macmillan’s Roaring Brook Press on February 20! IFLS’s Leah Langby thought it would be fun to find out a little bit more about Shelley, her writing, and how it fits in with her work as a librarian.

First of all, congratulations on the positive reviews for your new book!

Thank you!

How do you find time for writing, editing, creating books?

I'm figuring that out. I wrote and sold Mommy's New Friend in 2018 when I was part time at the library. In the pandemic's early days, I became a co-interim director when ours resigned. Cue the chaos: the pandemic, the job's learning curve, starting grad school, a divorce, moving (twice), my mom's cancer diagnosis and subsequent death, my child's chronic illness, the library's long-term funding crisis, a storm that destroyed part of our building. Needless to say, no writing. Now I'm back at it, though, by following the schedule I set to manage all of the above. I get up at 4 a.m. most days.  I don't cook, golf, bowl, knit, bike, shop or go to the gym (although I should). I work, write and read.

Does your work in libraries inform your writing in any way, do you think?

Absolutely. When you do storytime programs, you learn fast what kinds of picture books engage kids. You also see gaps in the marketplace, and you pay attention to the disconnect between what gatekeepers think kids should read and what kids actually want to read. You see which book covers kids walk right past and which covers makes them stop and look. If you ask kids for their opinions on books, get ready. They won't hold back.

Does your insider understanding of the publishing industry inform your library work?

I didn't work in a library until 2016, and that's when I really absorbed the connection. I don't think librarians fully understand they are the lifeblood of children's publishing. How do quiet books get noticed? Librarians. Who helps reluctant readers find "their" books? Librarians. Who helps parents understand early literacy? Who fights for children's right to read? Who ensures all kids have access to books that reflect their life experiences? Librarians, librarians, librarians. We build the entrance ramps from the book world to our communities.

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?  Your most challenging?

I'd write dialogue exclusively if that's all you needed for a book. I also love research. Not fun: the first big revision, the one that requires a chainsaw when you want to use a scalpel.

Why aren’t kids books given the attention they deserve by mainstream media or by “intellectual” media?

The mainstream media built its arts-and-culture coverage on elitism. There's erosion, though, thanks to sites like Goodreads and passionate bloggers. The internet gave readers control of platforms and gave them a voice. When reviewers actually write about children's literature, they usually focus on the most serious, the most highbrow. They assume if masses of kids enjoy something, it must be terrible. When I was little, I used to put crushed Doritos on bologna sandwiches, so maybe they're not wrong.

Five minutes. One question. Big impact.

For the third year IFLS is collecting library user stories to share with our elected officials on Library Legislative Day. Our users tell us what is unique and treasured about the libraries in their communities. This has a big impact when we visit our state and local officials and reach out for grants and donations.

This year’s Library Legislative Day is on Tuesday, February 6 at the capitol in Madison. If you want your story to be presented on that day please fill out the form by Friday, February 2.

You’ll find useful prompts and suggestions on the form, and you’re welcome to submit as many forms as you’d like. Please take a few minutes to send us your story, and share the link with other library users. Thank you!

Looking for other ways to support your local public library?

We’ve got you covered! IFLS staff and librarians have put together some easy steps that you can take to help make your local library even more awesome. Start with just one of our suggestions, or dive right in!

Especially for our trustees: Everything You Want To Know About Book Challenges…and a Bit You Probably Don’t

Join your fellow library trustees and catch up on the news in book reconsideration policies, challenges, and weathering this unprecedented time for libraries across the country. Seminar participants will review some of the latest information and trends on book challenges and attacks on libraries and librarians. Most importantly we’ll look at strategies for preparing for and managing when these challenges come to your library.

Our guest presenter is Tasslyn Magnusson, an independent researcher and a library trustee in Prescott, WI. She works with PEN America and EveryLibrary supporting their work to advocate for libraries and the right to read.

You must be a trustee at an IFLS-member library to attend. Choose on of the following locations:

Saturday, February 24   10:00-1:30, Altoona Public Library  register by February 15

Saturday, March 2     10:00-1:30, Somerset Public Library   register by February 22

If you have questions or need accommodations to participate, please notify Leah by February 12 (langby@ifls.lib.wi.us)