In an effort to support the work of its nationwide community of authors and artists during the Covid-19 outbreak, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has launched #SCBWIConnects, an online directory of free digital resources by the organization’s published members. The platform aims to get these materials into the hands of educators, parents, and caregivers who are keeping kids active and engaged at home while schools are closed.
Updated frequently with new resources, SCBWI Connects is an information hub for virtual readings, lessons, craft projects, and more. The #SCBWIConnects newsletter will be sent every Monday to members with a link to the directory. The debut issue, released on March 23, features more than 350 listings, including authors and illustrators reading books, giving drawing and writing demos for kids, and offering tips and exercises for authors and illustrators. Published members are invited to submit their online resources here. SCBWI plans to promote the webpage to its 26,000 members, across social media, and via Common Sense Media.
In addition, executive director Lin Oliver said that SCBWI is moving conferences online, offering free programming to all of its members, reaching out to educators for resources, and implementing an emergency fund that will provide grants to members in extreme financial need.
