Latino Books Committee Application

The Rhode Island Latino Books Award Committee, a program of Rhode Island Latino Arts (RILA), is seeking new members to serve a 2-year term beginning September 2025. Each year, RILA's Latino Books Award Committee selects the nominees for grades K-12 for the award. Rhode Island students are encouraged to read from the booklist and vote for their favorite book. If you have not yet done so, please visit our webpage BEFORE filling out this form.

New Members should:

Be a Public Youth Services/Teen/Children's Librarian in Rhode Island, School Librarian or Educator
Commit to reading 5 to 10 books each month including chapter books, picture books, graphic novels, and more
Prospective members should have experience working with youth in any of the following grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 or 9-12 and have knowledge of current children's and teen literature.
Attend meetings as follows: First meeting will be an in-person meeting in August TBD and two other in-person at later dates TBD; other meetings will be virtual on the 1st Wednesday of every month starting September 2025, 6-7:30pm from September to May.
Member must attend at least 85% meetings to receive RILBA Certification of Completion for CEU credit.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

What is the name of your school or library. If neither, please elaborate:*

What city is your school or library?*

Why are you interested in serving on the RI Latino Books Award Committee? (Briefly share what draws you to this opportunity and how it connects to your work, interests, or community.)*

3-4 sentences max

What experience do you have working with children or teens in a reading, library, educational, or cultural setting? (Include any relevant professional or volunteer roles.)*

3-4 sentences max

Have you participated in book selection, review, or literacy programs before?*

YesNo

If yes, please briefly describe your role and the age group(s) served.

Which grade-level reading category are you most interested in reviewing books for? (You may select more than one)*

Grades K-2Grades 3-5Grades 6-8Grades 9-12

How familiar are you with books by Latinx authors and illustrators?(Please elaborate below)*

No experienceBeginnerSomewhat familiarVery familiar (please elaborate below)

Please elaborate

Are you able to commit to reading and evaluating approximately 10–15 books between October and April?*

YesNoNot sure

Please share any time constraints you may have.*

Do you have any connections to libraries, schools, bookstores, or community organizations that promote reading among youth? (May be helpful for outreach and community engagement.)

YesNo

Elaborate:

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your background, identity, or interests that would enrich the work of this committee?

I affirm that I am aware of the commitment I will be undertaking and will work closely with the Committee Chair, attend scheduled meetings, and offer support with outreach to authors.*

Selection Committee Form