For over 60 years School Library Journal has been the premier media and information services brand for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens.
Our readers are school librarians and media specialists serving students in a K-12 environment and Public Library children’s services librarians— decision makers who buy books, create programming, build curriculum and fight for kids right to read. SLJ’s advocacy work and thousands of reviews annually support them in all they do.
In addition to the monthly publication, SLJ’s reach extends to its 200K monthly digital visitors, weekly newsletters, webcasts, virtual events, social media, and professional development courses.
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Librarians and Public library
2026 Editorial Calendar
AI: Kids & Mental Health
Media Literacy
In the Reviews: Board books, Pro Media, Databases, Video
Great Books: Winter Olympics (all ages)
NEW: Programming How-To
Advertorials: Black History Month, Winter Olympics, Winter Sports
Book Price Survey - Follett; Mackin; Ingram
Planning for Summer Reading; what makes for good titles; how to keep kids reading; summer slide; proactive efforts/school-public library partnerships
In the Reviews: Databases, Audio, Graphic Novels
Great Books: Wordless picture books
Advertorial: Comics/Graphic Novels/ Manga
America at 250
• How we celebrate American history, honestly
• Curriculum connection
• Break into sub-features (like Climate Change)
Book Feature: YA
In the Reviews: Databases, RPG
Tabletop Games, Holidays: Spring & Summer
Great Books: Middle Eastern cultural presentation, not religious (all ages)
NEW: Programming How-To
Advertorial: Clean Fiction
School Librarian of the Year
NAEP story/Student Test Scores?
In the Reviews: Poetry, GN Databases, Video Games
Great Books: Biography picture books
NCTE Poetry
Nonfiction Series Made Simple
Advertorials: Summer Reading, Literacy and Early Readers
Planning for next school year
• ELA curricula
Fiction Series Made Simple
Budget Survey
NEW: Programming How-To Focus on Ed Tech
In the Reviews: Databases, Audio
Great Books: World Cup (all ages)
We Are Kid Collective Summer Reading list
Advertorials: U.S. 250th Anniversary/ History, STEM and STEAM
Margaret A. Edwards Awards
National Online Safety Month—Social Media, Games
Book Feature – Picture Books
EdTech Feature
Book Feature: Picture Books
In the Reviews: Graphic Novels, Board books, Back to School, Reference, Music, How To, Holidays: Summer/Fall
Great Books: US Semiquincentennial (all ages)
Advertorial: Social Emotional Learning
Bonus Distribution: ALA Annual, Chicago June 25-29
Stars So Far list
Cell Phone Bans—Impact, Outcomes
Early childhood education-K readiness
NEW: Programming How-To
NEW: Focus on Ed Tech
In the Reviews: Pro Media, Tech, Video
Advertorial: Picture Books
Back to School theme—What they’re looking forward to, new tools, concerns around legislation/policy
AI Policy for Schools
Reflection on Working with Community Panels (TX, FL, etc.)
In the Reviews: Graphic Novels, Poetry, Databases, Audio, Books in Translation
Great Books: Fantasy with themes of deportation and immigration, (MG)
Advertorial: Back-to-School Books and Resources
RA for Kids; Getting Kids Hooked on Reading (library card sign-up month); gateway books
Enrollment stats; impact on education
Book Feature: Middle Grade
In the Reviews: Cookbooks, Databases, RPG Tabletop Games, Birthday Book Lists
NEW: Programming How-To
Great Books: Adult books for teens (YA)
Advertorials: Kids Books en español
Making the Case for Programs: how to talk to administrators about popular programs
Fiction Series Made Simple
NEW: Focus on Ed Tech
In the Reviews: GN, Databases, Music
Great Books: Gross books NF (MG)
Advertorials: Educational Technology
School librarian stats; state-by-state; where is it required? Have they changed recently? Teacher librarians; continuing ed requirements
Nonfiction Series Made Simple
NEW: Programming How-To
Book Feature: Graphic Novels
In the Reviews: Board books, Databases, Audio
Great Books: Romantasy (YA)
Advertorial: Board Books
Best Books of the Year
NEW: Focus on Ed Tech
In the Reviews: Poetry, Reference, Video Games, Holidays: Winter/Spring
Special Review Supplements
SLJ’s Series Made Simple
Launched 20+ years ago to keep up with the demand for nonfiction series titles review, SLJ now covers more than 2300 titles annually.
Published twice a year in April and November, this is a showcase for the best in Nonfiction Series.
Launched in 2024 in response to the market’s need for SLJ reviews for continuing series titles, SLJ now publishers over 1300 reviews of fiction series annually.
Published twice a year in May and October, it covers the most popular kids’ titles.
May 2026 - Reservations: March 16 | Ads due: March 23
October 2026 - Reservations: Aug. 17 | Ads due: Aug. 23
Questions? Call Your Account Manager: Roy Futterman, 631-848-0495, rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com | Cathy Hoey, 917-692-4943, choey@mediasourceinc.com | Justin Nathan, 914-998-5432, jnathan@mediasourceinc.com
2026 Advertorials
Highly targeted special sections offer custom coverage for advertisers.
These special ad sections are opportunities to get covered editorially in a variety of subject areas. Space allotted is commensurate with ad size.
By Dennis Pierce
As librarians prepare to celebrate Black History Month this February, the events of the last few years underscore the significance of this occasion. Educators are working hard to close the racially aligned achievement gaps that increased during the global pandemic.
Honoring the achievements of Black Americans throughout the nation’s history bolsters the selfesteem of Black youth and can empower them to excel in school.
These advertiser sections provide customization within an eye-catching section:
• Each advertiser is interviewed to develop content tailored to showcase their new titles, products, or services
• Special sections appear in print and online: sections prominently promoted on SLJ homepage and on newsletters
• Ad sizes: Full page, ½ page, 1/3 page
At the same time, efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have come under attack in a growing number of communities. Promoting EDI for all students is a fundamental value of schools and libraries, and events like Black History Month are essential components of EDI strategies.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the legacy and contributions of African Americans across U.S. society—from
Black History Month theme is African Americans and Labor According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), “Work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that fed Low Country colonies, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role in fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S., Africa, and the Diaspora.” Here are some notable books for teaching and celebrating Black culture and history.
I love reading it [SLJ] and look forward to its arrival every month. It is my ‘go to’ for book reviews and ordering.”
Graphic Novels : A compelling draw for young readers
BY DENNIS PIERCE
2026 Webcast Calendar
• SLJ Offers dozens of lead-gen opportunities during the year for sponsors to engage in a live 60 minute presentation of their products and services
• SLJ’s team offers turnkey management of the events
• Each sponsor has 10-15 minutes to present.
• SLJ handles all marketing of the event through digital and social marketing
• Sponsors receive all registration and live attendee names after the event
• Event archived for 6+ months
• Partner with SLJ to plan and execute your company’s own webcast
• SLJ’s turnkey process offers all of the organizing and marketing for the event
• Fully targeted to support your company’s goals
• Powerful thought leadership opportunities for engagement
• All leads delivered after the event
• Event archived for 6+ months
2026 Virtual Events
SLJ virtual events are lively, full-day events that provide great opportunities to promote new books and authors while engaging with attendees in a virtual environment. Contact your sales rep for info on how to submit an author for a panel, or to schedule a demo.
Full-day events bring together publishers, vendors, and librarians in virtual exhibit hall
Live panel discussions/speakers throughout the day
Live author chats, new title announcements, giveaways, videos, downloadable galleys
Full post-event reporting provided
Questions? Call Your Account Manager: Roy Futterman, 631-848-0495, rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com | Cathy Hoey, 917-692-4943, choey@mediasourceinc.com | Justin Nathan, 914-998-5432, jnathan@mediasourceinc.com
2026 Newsletters
Breaking
Check out SLJ’s newest
SUBMISSIONS:
Creative materials must be submitted to: digitalads@mediasourceinc.com. Materials are due 7 business days prior to “live” date or may be subject to rescheduling.
Your submission must include:
• Advertiser name
• Newsletter name
• Campaign start date
• Clickthough URL
• We accept .GIF, .PNG, or .JPG format
• Max file size 100kb
“
It is the standard reviews that I look for. I love the age appropriateness and I feel it is the most aligned with what I think.”
Website Digital Ads
Leverage SLJ’s high traffic website to amplify your company’s branding and messaging. As the most trusted source of library news and information, SLJ will deliver your message with credibility.
SUBMISSIONS:
Creative materials must be submitted to: digitalads@mediasourceinc.com. Materials are due 7 business days prior to “live” date or may be subject to rescheduling.
Your submission must include:
• Advertiser name
• Newsletter name
• Campaign start date
• Clickthough URL
We accept .GIF, .PNG, or .JPG format. Max file size 100kb.
“
Among my peers, we trust SLJ because it proves to provide quality, but most importantly, unbiased views of books and authors.”
LEADERBOARD - 728x90
RICH MEDIA ROLL BAND (stays static as website scrolls)
RICH MEDIA ROLLER
(Displays on entire screen, and then moves out of view when user scrolls).
School Library Journal BLOG Network
SLJ’s blog network is where librarians come for their regular fix of great books, programming how-to, and pure fun. SLJ blog sponsorships are offered by the month – ‘takeover’ all of the ads on the blog for high visibility.
BETSY BIRD FUSE 8
Popular middle grade from Betsy Bird
Books and programming from Karen Jensen
SCOPE NOTES
Titles from Travis Jonker
and GN updates from Brigid Alverson
MEDAL BLOGS
Newberry blog (Sept thru Jan.)
AND RUBY Edi Campbell focuses on diversity in books
Dedicated Monthly Sponsorships available*
*Sole Sponsorship includes 3 ads appearing for 30 days of ads on Blog.
SUBMISSIONS:
Creative materials must be submitted to: digitalads@mediasourceinc.com. Materials are due 7 business days prior to “live” date or may be subject to rescheduling.
Your submission must include:
• Advertiser name
• Newsletter name
• Campaign start date
• Clickthough URL
We accept .GIF, .PNG, or .JPG format. Max file size Banners 100KB Rich Media 200kb.
Leaderboard - 728 x 90
Medium Rectangle - 300 x 250 Wide Skyscraper - 300 x 600 Mobile - 300 x 50
“
I use their reviews above other reviews, because I have found that they most closely align with my purchasing needs. I can trust the review to be accurate and non-biased.”
Content Marketing
Sponsored content offers vendors and publishers an opportunity to highlight their newest products or company profile, presented with the look and feel of an SLJ feature. Showcase your newest products, titles or company profile..
Custom Content
• 750-word article created by the SLJ content team focused on a product
• Puts the spotlight on your key benefits
• Produced for the SLJ website, with client images and logo
• Marketed and promoted using SLJ Digital offerings
Behind the Book For Publishers
• Promote your lead authors and biggest books of the season
• Custom Q&A interview
• Content appears in print as 1 page print ad and marketed digitally
Branded Content
• Article created by Vendor/ publisher tells the story about a product or service
• Content hosted on the site
• Marketed and promoted using SLJ Digital offerings
Custom Research
• SLJ develops (with client) and manages survey, does data analysis, produces report
• Brand perception; test new product concepts, establish industry leadership
• Create custom content from research to share results
Focus Groups
Bring together a small group of targeted librarians for a 90 minute online focus group moderated by SLJ to share opinions and input on a topic.
Email Marketing
SLJ’s highly engaged readership and targeted lists offer great opportunities to reach the market with your messaging. SLJ can deploy your email to the full readership or just a portion to get your messaging into the right inboxes.
Enhance Your Reach with Social Media Boosting—Go Beyond Your Inbox
Pair your HTML Eblast with a customized Facebook boost to reach the librarian audience. This powerful combination increases visibility, amplifies clicks and strengthens your brand across multiple channels.
“
I almost always end up buying [the book| when the review says it is a good book!”
Paid Social Media Marketing
Reach School Library Journals’ highly engaged (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) audience with targeted paid social ads that appear as they scroll for their daily news and updates.
SOCIAL
Facebook Instagram 33K LinkedIn
TARGET: SLJ Magazine followers on Facebook (46k+) Instagram (26k+) and Linkedin (33k)
TIMING: 10 or 20 days
REPORTING: See clicks, post engagements, and reach
AVERAGE LINK CTR: Facebook: 1.75%, Linkedin: 1.2%, Instagram: 1.00%
PRICE: $1,000 (10-day campaign)
$2,000 (30-day campaign)
CREATIVE SPECS:
• Submit 2-3 creative sets in your format of choice: Video, slide show, static images/copy
Social Media Boost-Add-On: $750, your message reaches 10,000 verified Library decision makers.
Questions? Call Your Account Manager: Roy Futterman, 631-848-0495, rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com | Cathy Hoey, 917-692-4943, choey@mediasourceinc.com | Justin Nathan, 914-998-5432, jnathan@mediasourceinc.com
Print Specifications
Mechanical Requirements
• Printing: Web offset, SWOP standards apply.
• Publication trim size: 7 7/8” x 10 1/2”
• Binding method: Contact Production Department for specific details
• Standard unit size in inches. Keep live matter 3/8” or more from head and foot trims. Allow 3/8” safety from gutter and face trims for all live matter. Spreads in perfect bound issues must include a 3/8” gutter safety on each page from type to trim.
• Insert, Tip-Ins, Gatefolds and Aqueous Cover Coating where applicable: Please consult production department for specifications and production charges.
File Format
Our required file format for print advertising is PDF/x1a2001 with your compatilibity set to Acrobat 4 (PDF 1.3).
Upload files to www.mediasource.com.
Note: Our publication prints at 133-line screen. This means that resolution for artwork is to be 300 dpi at 100%.
Questions? Call Your Account Manager: Roy Futterman, 631-848-0495, rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com | Cathy Hoey, 917-692-4943, choey@mediasourceinc.com | Justin Nathan, 914-998-5432, jnathan@mediasourceinc.com
Digital Ad Specifications
Dedicated Email Specifications and Delivery
• Layout width creative should be maximum of 600px in width, with a max file size of 102KB.
• We have no specified height restrictions for HTMLs.
• Subject line required: 80 characters max: no FREE exclamation points or all caps.
• Full-size image layouts permitted. If your intention is to e-mail a single image please send the image (JPG or GIF with a single click-through link and a subject line to emailmarketing@mediasourceinc.com).
Newsletter Banner Ad Specifications and Delivery
• We accept GIF, PNG or JPG format (flash files will not be accepted) Note: Some e-mail clients will only display 1st frame of animated GIFs).
• Final ad file may not exceed 60KB. Banner ads over 60KB may be rejected or resized.
• A click-through URL is required for each ad position and should not be an e-mail address.
• Materials that due 7 business days prior to live date or may subject to rescheduling.
*Important note: Please be sure to properly label all newsletter creative to ensure proper placement: Newsletter banner should be sent to digitalads@mediasourceinc.com (subject line should include client name, ad position, run date and URL) or GIF with a single click-through link and a subject line to emailmarketing@mediasourceinc.com.
Branded Content Specifications and Delivery
• Please provide image headline text (65 character maximum) body text (25 to 50 words) call to action and URL linking to your content at least 7 business days prior to live date. Call to action must be relevant to content type contained in the URL provided (ie: watch video, read more, download the report, etc).
• If ad materials are not received within 7 business days of deployment time, placement may be rescheduled.
• Image must be GIF, PNG, or JPG and sized at 140x140PX.
• Body text must be 25 to 50 words. Text exceeding 50 words may be cut or reworded.
• Please provide one URL linking to relevant content. Multiple URL’s may be subject to additional fees.
• All branded content is subject to review according to LJS editorial policy changes may be requested prior to deployment.
*Important note: Please be sure to properly label all newsletter creative to ensure proper placement newsletter manner and should be sent to digitalads@mediasourceinc.com (subject line should include client name app position run date and URL).
Website Banner Ad Specification and Delivery - 728x90, 300x250
• We accept gif, png, jpg format files. Maximum ad size is 60K and a URL is required.
• The email should include advertiser name, newsletter name, run date, and click-thru URL.
• A click through URL is required for each add position and should not be an e-mail address
• Materials are due 7 day prior to live date or may be subject to rescheduling.
Website Roller Specifications and Delivery
• Video Media types: Video URL, YouTube, or VAST are recommended. Uploaded MP4 also available. 4MB max. File size: Chrome’s Heavy Ad Intervention Policy will remove
Questions? Call Your Account Manager: Roy Futterman, 631-848-0495, rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com | Cathy Hoey, 917-692-4943, choey@mediasourceinc.com | Justin Nathan, 914-998-5432, jnathan@mediasourceinc.com
Digital Ad Specifications
ads that have a combined file size of more than 4MB, so all assets must total less than 4MB. Alternatively, you can send a larger video and we will host it on our server.
• Video dimensions: 16:9 recommended
• Maximum video length: Variable (recommended up to 15 seconds maximum if no user interaction and up to 30 seconds with user interaction)
• Background Image Dimensions: Any, as long as it can be stretched to fit the browser window without affecting quality.
• Foreground image Dimensions: 16:9 aspect ratio recommended for 100% rollers (1430x804px for 1920x1080 or smaller screens).
Website Rollerband Specifications
Desktop Banner Image: Please send all 4 of the following assets:
1) 1920x200px (leave a 16:9 aspect ratio space in the center for the video to be placed, or you can leave a 355x200px space in the center of the Desktop Banner Image).
2) Desktop Collapsed Image: 40x200px
3) Video: 16:9 aspect ratio
4) Mobile Collapsed Image: 320x50px
Images:
• Media Types: Image URL, GIF, JPG, BMP, PNG
• File Size: recommended under 100KB*
Videos:
• Media Types: Video URL, YouTube ID, VAST (MP4 Only), MP4.
• File Size: recommended under 4MB*
• Resolution: 720p or 1080p.
• Frame Rate: 24-30 fps.
*Combined size of all hosted files (image + video) must be less than 4MB.
Rollerband Without Video
Desktop Banner Image: Please send all 4 of the following assets:
1) 1920x200px
2) Desktop Collapsed Image: 40x200px
3) Video: 16:9 aspect ratio
4) Mobile Collapsed Image: 320x50px
Images:
• Media Types: Image URL, GIF, JPG, BMP, PNG
• File Size: recommended under 100KB*
Webcasts
Senior webinar program manager Rebecca Jozwiak Rjozwiak@mediasourceinc.com
• Marketed and promoted to LJ SRJ readers up to 4-6 weeks before the event audience
• The Webcast event runs for approximately 60 minutes in PowerPoint format
• Audience opinion polling downloadable materials qualifying registration questions
• Publishers will receive any questions that attendees have posed via chat post webcast
• All sponsors receive attendee content information team address within 48 hours after
• Webinars are archived for 12 months and continue to generate leads
Production Questions?
Contact: digitalads@mediasourceinc.com
Questions? Call Your Account Manager: Roy Futterman, 631-848-0495, rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com | Cathy Hoey, 917-692-4943, choey@mediasourceinc.com | Justin Nathan, 914-998-5432, jnathan@mediasourceinc.com
