1. What is IBBY Canada?
IBBY Canada is the Canadian National Section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people who are committed to bringing children and books together. Our members include authors, illustrators, publishers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and academics from across the country. IBBY Canada is run by a volunteer executive who are committed to national and international projects that promote literacy and Canadian children’s books.
2. What does IBBY Canada do?
IBBY Canada’s focus is two-fold: national and international.
Through national awards, we support and promote established and up-and-coming authors, illustrators, publishers, and scholars who have made significant contributions to Canadian children’s books.
We also promote Canadian children’s book authors and artists abroad as the sole Canadian group allowed to put forth nominations for one of the most prestigious awards in children’s publishing — the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Through our involvement with international awards, we also support individuals and groups whose work mirrors our own values. In 2007, IBBY Canada nominated the winning candidate — Banco del Libro, a Venezuelan non-profit reading institution — for the world’s largest children’s literary prize, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
IBBY Canada also works closely with other IBBY National Sections and literacy groups to promote diplomacy, peace, and community-building in war-torn and developing regions around the world.
3. How can I get involved with IBBY Canada?
IBBY Canada is always looking for new friends!
You can become a member, volunteer for local events, or join the executive. Check our news page regularly to find out about events happening in your area. If you would like to apply for an executive seat, please email your CV and a cover letter indicating the position you are interested in to vicepresident@ibby-canada.org.
4. How are the IBBY Canada executive members chosen?
Generally the president moves up after serving a two-year term as vice-president, and the vice-president is selected by the president (with consultation from past presidents). The liaisons must be members of the organizations with which they will communicate. The councillors must reside in the province they will represent.
Every year in November, a call for applications is made through various academic and librarian networks to fill opening seats. The president, vice-president, and sitting past president decide who is suitable based on relevant experience and enthusiasm for children’s books. The executive is introduced and inducted at the Annual General Meeting, held in Toronto in February or March (check the news for updates).
If you would like to apply for an executive seat, please email your CV and a cover letter indicating the position you are interested in to vicepresident@ibby-canada.org.
5. How does IBBY Canada raise funds?
IBBY Canada raises funds for general operations and for awards through membership fees; donations; fundraising events such as our popular Hot, Hot Cuba; and the sale of our Cleaver Cards.
6. I am a children’s book author/illustrator. In what ways can I be involved with IBBY Canada?
Welcome to the neighbourhood; IBBY Canada is a great community for you! The easiest way to be involved with IBBY Canada is to become a member. With email updates and our seasonal newsletter, you’ll be updated on events, awards, and who’s who in the Canadian children’s publishing industry. You can also contribute to our website. As long as your piece or artwork is related to children’s books or literacy in some way, we’ll be happy to feature it and promote your own website or book as well! At events such as Hot, Hot Cuba, our artist and author friends donate their skills to help raise funds while also enjoying a night of networking. Please email vicepresident@ibby-canada.org to get involved.
7. There are many IBBY Canada events in Toronto. What does IBBY do in my community?
More events occur in Toronto simply because it’s where the majority of our executive and members reside. But we are always thinking of ways to make our national organization truly national. IBBY Canada executives regularly attend or even set up an IBBY booth at their city’s Word on the Street and other literacy-related events. Remember to check our news page for upcoming events and please don’t hesitate to contact your provincial IBBY councillor to find out what is happening locally or, better yet, help plan an event!
8. I am not Canadian. Can I still donate to IBBY Canada?
Yes, you can donate to IBBY Canada even though you are not a Canadian citizen or resident. However, you will not be eligible for a tax receipt for your donation. We encourage you to seek out ways you can help your own country’s IBBY chapter. Click here to find out if your country has an IBBY national section. You can also support IBBY International and all of their wonderful, far-reaching projects by clicking here.
9. I am a current member but my contact information has changed. How do I notify you?
Please email membership@ibby-canada.org.
FAQ
1. What is IBBY Canada?
2. What does IBBY Canada do?
3. How can I get involved with IBBY Canada?
4. How are the IBBY Canada executive members chosen?
5. How does IBBY Canada raise funds?
6. I am a children’s book author/illustrator. In what ways can I be involved with IBBY Canada?
7. There are many IBBY Canada events in Toronto. What does IBBY do in my community?
8. I am not Canadian. Can I still donate to IBBY Canada?
9. I am a current member but my contact information has changed. How do I notify you?
1. What is IBBY Canada?
IBBY Canada is the Canadian National Section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people who are committed to bringing children and books together. Our members include authors, illustrators, publishers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and academics from across the country. IBBY Canada is run by a volunteer executive who are committed to national and international projects that promote literacy and Canadian children’s books.
2. What does IBBY Canada do?
IBBY Canada’s focus is two-fold: national and international.
Through national awards, we support and promote established and up-and-coming authors, illustrators, publishers, and scholars who have made significant contributions to Canadian children’s books.
We also promote Canadian children’s book authors and artists abroad as the sole Canadian group allowed to put forth nominations for one of the most prestigious awards in children’s publishing — the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Through our involvement with international awards, we also support individuals and groups whose work mirrors our own values. In 2007, IBBY Canada nominated the winning candidate — Banco del Libro, a Venezuelan non-profit reading institution — for the world’s largest children’s literary prize, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
IBBY Canada also works closely with other IBBY National Sections and literacy groups to promote diplomacy, peace, and community-building in war-torn and developing regions around the world.
3. How can I get involved with IBBY Canada?
IBBY Canada is always looking for new friends!
You can become a member, volunteer for local events, or join the executive. Check our news page regularly to find out about events happening in your area. If you would like to apply for an executive seat, please email your CV and a cover letter indicating the position you are interested in to vicepresident@ibby-canada.org.
4. How are the IBBY Canada executive members chosen?
Generally the president moves up after serving a two-year term as vice-president, and the vice-president is selected by the president (with consultation from past presidents). The liaisons must be members of the organizations with which they will communicate. The councillors must reside in the province they will represent.
Every year in November, a call for applications is made through various academic and librarian networks to fill opening seats. The president, vice-president, and sitting past president decide who is suitable based on relevant experience and enthusiasm for children’s books. The executive is introduced and inducted at the Annual General Meeting, held in Toronto in February or March (check the news for updates).
If you would like to apply for an executive seat, please email your CV and a cover letter indicating the position you are interested in to vicepresident@ibby-canada.org.
5. How does IBBY Canada raise funds?
IBBY Canada raises funds for general operations and for awards through membership fees; donations; fundraising events such as our popular Hot, Hot Cuba; and the sale of our Cleaver Cards.
6. I am a children’s book author/illustrator. In what ways can I be involved with IBBY Canada?
Welcome to the neighbourhood; IBBY Canada is a great community for you! The easiest way to be involved with IBBY Canada is to become a member. With email updates and our seasonal newsletter, you’ll be updated on events, awards, and who’s who in the Canadian children’s publishing industry. You can also contribute to our website. As long as your piece or artwork is related to children’s books or literacy in some way, we’ll be happy to feature it and promote your own website or book as well! At events such as Hot, Hot Cuba, our artist and author friends donate their skills to help raise funds while also enjoying a night of networking. Please email vicepresident@ibby-canada.org to get involved.
7. There are many IBBY Canada events in Toronto. What does IBBY do in my community?
More events occur in Toronto simply because it’s where the majority of our executive and members reside. But we are always thinking of ways to make our national organization truly national. IBBY Canada executives regularly attend or even set up an IBBY booth at their city’s Word on the Street and other literacy-related events. Remember to check our news page for upcoming events and please don’t hesitate to contact your provincial IBBY councillor to find out what is happening locally or, better yet, help plan an event!
8. I am not Canadian. Can I still donate to IBBY Canada?
Yes, you can donate to IBBY Canada even though you are not a Canadian citizen or resident. However, you will not be eligible for a tax receipt for your donation. We encourage you to seek out ways you can help your own country’s IBBY chapter. Click here to find out if your country has an IBBY national section. You can also support IBBY International and all of their wonderful, far-reaching projects by clicking here.
9. I am a current member but my contact information has changed. How do I notify you?
Please email membership@ibby-canada.org.