The OLA's annual Best Bets evolved from a list put out by the Canadian Materials Committee of the Children's Services Guild. A second annual list highlighting materials for young adults was added in 2006.

The OLA's Canadian Materials Committee selects books on the basis of their literary/artistic merit as well as their appeal for children and young adults. Text and illustrations are of equal importance in picture books and information books.

BEST BETS ANNUAL SELECTIONS FOR
CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS.

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 |
1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994

We are missing the Best Bets from 1995, 1997 and 2000. If you, or someone you know, can provide information on how they may be obtained, please contact Amanda Braun, Administrative Services, atabraun@accessola.com. Any assistance at helping us complete this archive would be greatly appreciated.

OLA'S CANADIAN MATERIALS COMMITTEE

OLA members committed to children's and young adult services and eager to evaluate and promote Canadian children's books are invited to join the OLA's Canadian Materials Committee. We are a long standing committee with a strong voice in promoting Canadian children's literature for children and young adults. Our goal is to highlight excellence in children's literature for children and young adults for the OLA membership and those interested in children's literature.

Meetings are held a minimum of four times a year at S & B Books in Mississauga. Members discuss and evaluate recent publications by Canadian authors and illustrators. The books evaluated are suitable for children and young adults from birth to nineteen years old. From these discussions, the Committee produces "Best Bets" lists, annual annotated lists of recommended titles. These lists are released each year at the OLA Super Conference.

The Canadian Materials Committee is a wonderful opportunity to evaluate new Canadian books, network with colleagues and be an active participant in OLA.

OLA's Canadian Materials Committee Members:

• Patrick Gracey (Toronto Public Library)
• Sarah Hart (Brampton Public Library)
  
• Sandy Laird (Mississauga Library System)
• Sheilah O'Connor (Toronto Public Library)
• Laura Reed (Kitchener Public Library)
• Cecily Reid (Richmond Hill Public Library)
• Jane Salmon (Barrie Public Library)
• Jennifer Stephen (Vaughan Public Library)
• Dinah Gough (Retired)
• Carrie Dawber (Richmond Hill Public Library)
  

For further information, please contact Jane Salmon <jsalmon@barrie.ca> at the Barrie Public Library.