91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Today Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) President Kirby McCurtis, appeared as a guest on "," a new ABC Network program temporarily replacing the third hour of Good Morning America. This national news segment focused on ALSC’s new initiative #LooktoLibraries, a national effort to bring attention to the work and expertise of children’s librarians as media mentors, especially in times of crisis.

McCurtis discussed how during the pandemic librarians and library workers are on the front lines assisting parents and caregivers verify the accuracy and trustworthiness of sources and materials they encounter online. She also explained that librarians can assist with the conscious consideration of how screen time fits best within a family’s overall media consumption.

In mid-March, ABC introduced a news show dedicated solely to covering the latest developments related to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Since its inception in March of 2020, the program has attracted more than 40 million viewers, with an average of 2.5 million viewers per episode. Its digital footprint is just as impressive, with the program reaching more than 270 million viewers through ABC News Live.

"Pandemic: What You Need to Know" airs weekdays at 1 p.m. ET | noon PT/CT on ABC, temporarily replacing "GMA3: Strahan, Sara & Keke." The program also streams at 4 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. ET on ABC News Live and is distributed through the ABCNews.com website and mobile apps. ABC News Live also is available through streaming services like Hulu and YouTube TV and OTT devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

ALSC leadership also participated in a series of #LooktoLibraries interviews with print and radio outlets including and FOX Radio Network.

The 91´«Ã½’s Communications and Marketing Office and ALSC Staff worked in tandem to make today’s segment and #LooktoLibraries media coverage possible.

Through #LooktoLibraries, ALSC provides free access to media mentoring tools and resources to support library professionals in all types of libraries. Items include a variety of booklists with selections meant to assist children with understanding and healing from challenging situations like catastrophic illness, unexpected moves, the loss of a loved one, and much more.

A compilation of web resources from expert sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provide guidance on talking with children about sensitive topics, keeping children healthy while school is out, talking with children about COVID-19 and managing stress.

For more information on ALSC resources, visit .

For more 91´«Ã½ leaders in the news please visit the 91´«Ã½ News and Press Center at .

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