Friday, December 28, 2007

New Year's Resolutions for Kids

Have you made any New Year's resolutions yet? What about for your kids or kids who attend your story time?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives resolution tips for kids in preschool (I will clean up my toys) up to age 13 (I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition).

Check out the list!

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Youth Programs in 2008

Don't forget to mark your calendars for these youth programs/dates for 2008!

Thursday, February 7: SRP Planning Workshop, NFLS, 9:15 am - 2:45 pm
* Invites are going out next week!

Wednesday, March 12: Teen SRP Swap, NFLS, 1 - 4 pm

May 12 - 18: Children's Book Week

Wednesday, September 10: Grassroots Meeting, NFLS, 9:15 am - 12:30 pm

October 12 - 19: Teen Read Week

More "Catch the Reading Bug" Sites

A Grand Look at Grasshoppers

From Canadian Geographic Magazine’s website. Includes sections called: Friend or Foe?, Pest Detective, It’s a Bug’s Life, Grasshopper Anatomy, Literary Hoppers, and more.


Butterfly Website


The complete website for butterfly lovers, gardeners, teachers, students, and farmers. You’ll find butterfly clip art, inspirational stories, butterfly gardening tips, and more.


Milwaukee Public Museum’s Puelicher Butterfly Wing

Description of one of the best exhibits at the MPM.


- from Rhonda Puntney's CEO, December 19, 2007


Bits from Barb

DNR Recommendation Against Releasing Purchased Butterflies
As librarians plan their summer, one activity they may be contemplating is a butterfly release. At the October workshop we learned that the DNR recommends that NO purchased butterflies be released into the wild. The reason is that the purchased butterflies come from the same genetic stock. If they are released into the wild they could breed with wild butterflies and dilute the gene pool. If the library wants to release butterflies one approach is to create a small area indoors which contains the butterflies and where they can live out their short lives as adults.

These areas are fairly simple to create. The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay can help explain how to create an indoor butterfly release area. They routinely release Painted Lady butterflies in their indoor habitat at the Sanctuary.
Part of what we want to share with children is respect for insects and their environment. Avoiding the release of commercially bred butterflies can help maintain strong wild gene pools for insects.

For guidance on creating an indoor release area, contact Kim Diedrich, Sanctuary Naturalist at kimdi@ci.green-bay.wi.us or call 920-391-3677 or your regional DNR
etymologist.

LibraryPalooza Resources
Stephanie Stokes, who lives in California, is working with Mr. Anderson's Company. In the past she shared many great ideas with CSLP members as Chair of the CSLP Marketing and PR Committee. She has created a new library resource web site called LibraryPalooza.

She has a significant section devoted to the 2008 summer reading program themes. She will be adding new things continually. One of her featured items this month is the "Catch the Reading Bug" screen created by Carissa Christner, as part of her display at the SLP Workshop in October. There is a link to the font used by Harry Bliss is his 2009 "Catch the Reading Bug" artwork.

YALSA Book Club Grant
The Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens, and Books) is a book club grant program organized by the American Library Association Public Programs Office (PPO), in cooperation with the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Major funding for the Great Stories Club has been provided by Oprah's Angel Network.

The Great Stories Club is a reading and discussion program that targets underserved, troubled teen populations. The program reaches teens through books that are relevant to their lives, inviting them to read and keep the books, and encourages them to consider and discuss each title with a group of their peers. It seeks to show that reading can be a source of pleasure, a tool for self-exploration, and a meaningful way to connect to the wider world. Its ultimate goal is to inspire young adults who face difficult situations to take control of their lives by embracing the power
of reading.

The program is built on partnerships between libraries and a variety of organizations that serve troubled teens, including juvenile justice facilities, alternative high schools, drug rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, and other agencies.

All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special), located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens in the United States and its territories are eligible to apply for a Great Stories Club grant. Libraries that have already received a Great Stories Club grant are eligible to apply again, provided that the required final report has been submitted.

The online application will be available from December 3, 2007-February 1, 2008. All applications must be submitted by February 1. Libraries that are selected to receive a Great Stories Club grant will receive eleven sets of three theme-related books (33 books in all) to provide to members of the book club to keep, along with online resources to plan and implement the program. Some libraries (10-20) will also be selected to receive a small cash grant to support program-related expenses. See the
guidelines for complete details
.


BadgerLink Parent Toolkit

The Reference and Loan Library has developed a BadgerLink Parent Toolkit to provide public libraries with materials and support to assist in the promotion of BadgerLink resources. One of the Toolkit components is a set of Resource Hunt cards that are designed to teach users how to use various resources on BadgerLink. The cards have questions on one side and answers on other and provide valuable experiences in learning specific techniques for using BadgerLink resources. There is a set of cards for parents and a set for students.

The BadgerLink Resource Hunt cards were distributed as a boxed set that can be placed next to a public access terminal and used to train users in various aspects of searching BadgerLink resources. The development of the cards was funded through the Gates Foundation as part of DPI's statewide project. Retired school library media center staff, Cindy Turner and Cara Cavins, assisted with the content development. Public library system youth service staff have expressed a willingness to assist library staff in ways to use the cards to promote BadgerLink use.

A template for the cards is available on the BadgerLink Toolkit site and can be used by any Wisconsin library to print additional copies of the BadgerLink Resource Hunt cards. Here is the web address.

There was a misprint on one of the questions from the Parent Set. Therefore, we have included in the mailing a replacement set for this particular question with the appropriate verbiage.

--from WISPUBLIB, Lisa H.
Reale, lisa.reale@dpi.state.wi.us
- System Youth Liaison Posting, December 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Handouts from Fall SLP Workshop

Those of you who did not get a chance to attend the Fall SLP Workshop at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary might want to check out some of the handouts that are posted on the DPI Website.

There are some crafts, chants, songs, recipes and readers' theater scripts.

Check them out!

Monday, November 12, 2007

SRP Theme Input Needed

Barb Huntington asked for feedback on the 2010 and 2011 Themes.  As a system, we will submit our top 5 ideas that will be collaborated with the other systems. The top choices are voted on at the CSLP meeting that Barb attends in April.     

The general theme for the 2010 CSLP summer reading program is: Water(lakes, rivers, oceans,conservation, etc.) With this in mind, please submit up to five slogan suggestions for the CHILDREN'S THEME and TEEN THEME.
Remember the public should associate the slogan with LIBRARY and READING.


Please submit up to five broad-based themes for the CSLP 2011 summer reading program. Keep in mind at this time we are only looking for general themes and not specific slogans for 2011.

Please get me these by the end of January, 2008! I will send another reminder as we get closer.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Teen "Brown Bags" Coming Soon!

Stay tuned for more information on Teen Brown Bag Meetings for 2008! Linda Jerome of the La Crosse Public Library will be speaking at our Teen Summer Swap on March 12th, and more opportunities for swapping and sharing for teens will be coming along!

Catch the Reading Bug Sites


The Virtual Insectary
The Virtual Insectary not only provides images of some common insects, but includes information on the foods which they eat as well as the habitats where they can be found. Excellent photographs and close ups of insects.

Young Entomologists Society
Organization kids can join to share their interest in bugs with other kids.

Origami Butterfly
Decorate your library with these cute butterflies!

Journey North: A Global Study of Wildlife Migration and Seasonal Change

Journey North engages students in a global study of wildlife migration and seasonal change. K-12 students share their own field observations with classmates across North America. They track the coming of spring through the migration patterns of Monarch butterflies, robins, hummingbirds, whooping cranes, gray whales, bald eagles — and other birds and mammals; the budding of plants, changing sunlight; and other natural events. Find migration maps, pictures, standards-based lesson plans, activities and information to help students make local observations and fit them into a global context. Widely considered a best-practices model for education, Journey North is the nation's premiere "citizen science" project for children. The general public is welcome to participate.

~ from Rhonda Puntney, CEO, Youth Services Update, Issue 296, Nov. 7, 2007

Chi

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Do Teens Refuse To Read?

Katy Neville, youth services librarian with North Carolina's Wake County Public Libraries, does a "Q and A" with the Kansas City Star on teen reading. Some of the questions asked of her include:

What proof do you have that teens read?
What can schools do to encourage reading?
Who is the most popular teen author?

Click here to read the article.

Bits from Barb

State Park Passes for 2007
The Wisconsin State Parks Department has agreed to offer daily park passes in the summer of 2008 in conjunction with the Summer Reading Program. They are using their own variation of the national theme for state parks in 2008, "No Child Left Inside." It should be a wonderful collaboration. If we work with county fairs in 2008, I anticipate assisting libraries at the county level to work out agreements with their own county fairs. The
arrangements are likely to be more effective than what I am able to negotiate with individual fairs. Libraries in many counties already do this.

Beginning in 2008 Children's Book Week Will Move to May
While Children's Book Week has traditionally been celebrated in November, next year the celebration will move to May 12-18, 2008. This decision was made by the Children's Book Council, Inc. (CBC), after much discussion with teachers, librarians, and booksellers from around the country. While the CBC recognized that moving the dates might inconvenience those people who have celebrated CBW in November for years, they had also received complaints about the November dates for many years, with teachers and librarians finding the timing impossible due to Thanksgiving and other holiday interruptions.
According to Michelle F. Bayuk, Marketing Director of the CBC, there really was no perfect time when looking for alternative dates, and early May provided the best opportunities for promotion and activities within all constituencies. Also, many of the teachers and librarians contacted by the CBC noted that this will be a great way to culminate the school year and to link Children's Book Week to local summer reading programs, perhaps even making Children's Book Week the launch of summer reading. The 2007 Children's Book Week will be celebrated November 12-18, 2007. Visit http://www.cbcbooks.org for more information.

Free Nursery Rhyme Mini-Coloring Book from Louisiana
The State Library of Louisiana has produced a series of 24 one-page printable nursery rhyme mini books for children to color and keep. Each mini book requires one sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper and just 2 folds. Librarians are encouraged to print them out and give them to children, parents, and teachers after programs, tours, presentations, as part of preschool outreach book delivery services, etc. All 24 mini books can be found as a PDF on the State Library's web site at:
www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/ALL%2024%20NRNS%20Mini%20Books.pdf

From the SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING, Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
October/November 2007

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Happy Halloween!


Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Click here for Northeast WI trick-or-treat times, courtesy of NBC-26!

Get Metamorpho-sized in March!


Teen Programmers - Mark your calendars for the afternoon of March 12th!

Join us on Wednesday, March 12th at NFLS for a "Teen Summer Swap." More and more of you are starting to focus on teen programs for summer, so this will be your chance to swap stories, brainstorm and receive a presentation from Linda Jerome, who does Youth Services at LaCrosse Public Library! Linda gave a presentation at the Wildlife Sanctuary a few weeks ago, and she has great ideas!

More info coming soon!

Young Writers Program at the Lena Library

Attention all of you young writers out there!

The Lena library will be working in collaboration with Nanowrimo in the month of November to help you create a novel in 30 days! What is Nanowrimo you ask? They are a non-profit organization that sponsors libraries and schools during national novel writing month in November of every year. This is the library's first year participating, so come help make this program a success. Our "novel writing kits" are on their way, and preliminary materials can be picked up right now. So come by and sign up!

For you computer savvy independent sorts, you can even bypass the library and sign up independently online at http://ywp.nanowrimo.org. Make sure to enter Lena Public Library as your host agency, and you will be ready to roll. In the last few years, participants who completed a novel got one published copy for free. Everything starts November 1st, so don't lose any precious writing time. Stop by the library to sign up and pick up your materials or call Jennifer Thiele at 920-829-5335 to find out more about this program.

And for you writers of every age group, please remember that the library has a writers club that meets the third Monday of every month at 5:30pm. There is one in November, and is a perfect time for you to discuss your work in progress. We hope to see you at the library!

~ Submitted by Jennifer Thiele, LPL

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Pre-Conference Workshop Well Received

Several NFLS librarians attended the SLP Workshop last Tuesday, October 16 at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. I was lucky enough to be able to attend some of the sessions myself, and they were great! Here are some comments from participants.:

It was GREAT!  Fired us all up & gave us a "headstart" for picking things up between now & summer.  Teen ideas (LaCrosse presenter), Georgia Jones' preschool ideas & Patti Sinclair's session were my favorites.
- Kathy Dettman, Brown County Library

My co-worker, Brianna, and I enjoyed the break-out sessions we went to. We found the Teen session very informative with many good ideas. Since we don't have a separate teen area (yet), we were excited to glean information, so hopefully we will be able to implement one in the near future.
- Julie Dassler, Shawano City-County Library

The workshop was fabulous! I really thought it neat that we were given the handouts for all of the sessions at the time of check in. That way if you couldn't get to something that you really wanted to go to, you still had the information. There were some really neat ideas in the display area and a couple of the programs that had enough info to plan an entire summer - without even having the manual!
- Bonnie Joski, Kewaunee Public Library


Positive Uses of Social Networking in Libraries

Young adult librarians respond to the challenge of YALSA's "30 days of positive uses of social networking project. Every day throughout October three YALSA bloggers posted ideas and information about using social networking in the school and public library." - Neat New Stuff I Found This Week, http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html Copyright, Marylaine Block, 1999-2007.
- From "Monday Memo," October 22, 2007

Thursday, October 4, 2007

What is YOUR 4-2-1?

Even if you are not a football fan, you have to admit that Green Bay Packers' quarterback Brett Favre accomplished an incredible feat on Sunday, by breaking Dan Marino's all-time touchdown record with 421.

If you decide to incorporate any sports-related themes into your upcoming storytimes, it might be fun to ask the kids to illustrate what record, silly or serious, THEY would like to break?

Maybe they think they can climb 421 steps? Eat 421 carrots?
I collect shot glasses when I travel, and I am only up to 90! I probably will never get to 421!

Great Programs Geared Toward Kids @ WLA

For those of you who have not registered for the WLA Conference yet (held right here in Green Bay!), there are some great programs geared toward youth and teens! Some of the highlights include:

* Reaching Out to the Spanish-Speaking Community
* Bookmaking 101
* Teen Time
* CCBC
* Manga and Anime: It's All Japanese To Me

Click here for a full list of programs!

Halloween Ideas


Isn't Halloween one of the most fun holidays to celebrate? Last year I asked if you would share favorite Halloween books, storytime ideas or activities that you like to do at your library. Please email me any ideas you would like to share, and I will post them.

Here is a great site for Halloween crafts, including "footprint ghosts" and "Halloween Bags."

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Book Conference Review

I never win anything. That has been my fate all my life. I faithfully buy a lottery ticket on Saturday, but alas, I am still working.

So when Jamie told me that I won the trip to the Northwest Wisconsin's Children's Book Conference in Cable, WI, I thought my luck had changed. I drove up to Cable last Thursday morning. The weather was beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. It is quite a hike to Cable, five hours to be exact. They say that we live in the "sticks" in NE Wisconsin. This trip gave a whole new meaning to the word "sticks!"Not having a children's program at the Oconto Falls Library, I felt that I had much to learn.

I attended the presentation from CCBC for 2008 titles. Great as always. I also attended Storytelling 101 by Stuart Stotts. His workshop was on telling a story telling instead of reading, using expression, gestures, and voice to add character to your story. He is also presenting this workshop at WLA this month. The second workshop was Story Time Techniques by Susan Santner. She presented a DVD that she developed for story time. She received a grant at UW Madison to develop this dvd on techniques. She will be presenting this workshop at WLA. She also said that all libraries will be receiving the dvd soon (hopefully by Children's Book Week). So, I already attended 3 WLA workshops! The final workshop was called Where No Reader Has Gone Before.

It is about Science and Science Fiction in Middle Grades and Teens. This couple from my old stomping grounds of Plymouth MN also told about the history of science fiction. They gave lists of recommended science fiction for our libraries. Even though you may think that you are not a science fiction reader, you would be surprised at how many that you may have already read.

So I can't say any more that I have never won anything in my life, but the lottery would have been nice.

~ Joan Denis

Happy Scarecrows


Preschoolers attending storytime at Farnsworth Library in Oconto made their own "happy" scarecrows to take home after enjoying the story, The Falling Leaves, and The Scarecrow, by Steve Metzger.
~ Wendy Spice



Thursday, September 13, 2007

Did You Know...

...that bees do not have ears! They can sense vibrations through their sensitive hairs!

You could have a chance to learn even more about bees and other insects if you attend the Grassroots meeting next Tuesday and win the book, "1000 Facts on Bugs!"

There is still time to sign up for the fabulous Grassroots Meeting. There will be some GREAT door prizes, great ideas shared and tasty snacks!!!

Sign up today!

Summer Reading Fonts, Order Forms and Manuals

Barb Huntington shared the following:

Stephanie Stokes has posted some new bug fonts on her site for 2008:
http://www.librarypalooza.net/paloozafonts.html.

The 2008 "Catch the Reading Bug" order forms will be arriving here any day now. As soon as I get them they will be distributed. Libraries who order them by December 1, 2007 will be guaranteed shipment of materials by March 1, 2008. The manuals are also expected to arrive this month.

2009 SRP Input!

Ok, I know we're just getting done wrapping up detectives and mysteries for SRP 2007, and we're starting to think ahead to bugs for 2008, but the CSLP Children's Manual for 2009 is already underway!

Ideas are being sought for the 2009 Manual, "Be Creative @ Your Library." Listed below are the chapters. They are interested in YOUR ideas for:


-School visits and other ways of promoting the program in your community
-Setting the Scene: library decorations, bulletin boards, props, etc.
-Original skits, puppet plays, etc.
-Family literacy/adult/inter generational activities

Chapters:
Ch 3. Movin' About
Ch 4 I've Got Rhythm: Music and Rhythm
Ch 5 Now You See It: Visual Arts of all Kinds
Ch 6 Ham It Up: Drama and Storytelling
Ch 7 Imagine That! A Mix of Creative Activities
Ch 9 Adult and Inter generational Ideas

Please send me your ideas for these chapters by Monday, December 10, so I can get them to Patti Sinclair. Thanks!
 


Grants Galore!

The following grants were listed in the September 2007 System Youth Liaison posting:

Lego Children's Fund:
Lego Systems, Inc. has announced the formation of the Lego Children's Fund. The fund will make cash grants to nonprofit organizationsin the United States with programs dedicated to a child's exploration of creativity that cater to children ages birth to 15. Priority is given to projects serving disadvantaged or at-risk youth. The fund's cash grants generally will range between $500-$5000 each. Additionally, the fund aims to make one $100,000 grant per year to a single organization identified and selected by the fund's board of directors.

The fund will award grants to qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, including educational organizations with specific, identifiable needs, in these areas of interest:
-Early childhood education and development
-Technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities
-Sport or athletic programs that concentrate on underserved youth

The fund will provide grants quarterly. Applicants are invited to submit proposals anytime throughout the year; however to ensure that a request is considered for a particular trustee meeting, proposals must be received by the following dates: February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

Grant program guidelines and application instructions are available at the Lego Children's Fund site at www.legochildrensfund.org.

Dollar General Grants:
The Dollar General store chain has a variety of grants that are awarded to non-profit organizations. Included the categories are:
Adult Literacy
Back to School
Family Literacy
Youth Literacy
For more information on the grants go to www.dollageneral.com/community/communityinvestments.aspx


The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Grant Competition:
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is pleased to
announce the 2008 national grant competition. The Foundation's grant-making
program seeks to develop or expand projects that are designed to support the development of literacy skills for adult primary care givers and their children. A total of approximately $650,000 will be awarded; no grant request should exceed $65,000. For more information and to download the application, go to www.barbarabushfoundation.com/wn.html
For answers to questions, please contact Kiev Richardson at (202) 955-6183 or krichardson@cfncr.orgr.
--American Libraries Direct, August 15, 2007

Monday, August 27, 2007

2008 Summer Library Program Training Workshop


We just received the invites and registration form for the 2008 Summer Library Program Training Workshop, held at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 8:30 am - 3 pm.

Breakout Sessions include:
- Preschool Programming Ideas
- Bug Ideas with DNR Staff
- Craft and Programming Ideas with Patti Sinclair
- Bug Idea Swap

This program is an opportunity to get a jump start on the 2008 "Catch the Reading Bug" Theme!

NFLS is one of 10 sponsoring systems, so we'd love to see as many of you as possible attend! Registration is $10 and it includes lunch.

Please register as soon as possible, before the space fills, and let me know if you did not receive the form!

Grassroots Meeting Invites

You all should've received invites to our Annual Grassroots meeting held on Tuesday, September 18 from 1 - 4 pm. It will be held at NFLS. Treats will be provided!

READ Pins

Barb Huntington contacted us in July regarding a ladybug lapel pin that Colorado State Library was offering to its CSLP members.

I thought they were really cute, and the price turned out to be pretty reasonable, because some other states went in on their order. I ordered enough so that each NFLS library or children's librarian should get one for next summer!

Children's Publishing Workshop

Lisa Strand mentioned the Center for Children's Literature, Hedberg Library, Carthage, is hosting a conference, "The Business of Children's Publishing," October 12-13 at Hedberg Library.

Get an inside look at the process of moving a children's book from first draft to bound book in a bookstore, told by authors, illustrators, publishers, marketers, and other experts.

Click here for more information and to register!

Monday, July 30, 2007

YALSA Resources To Keep Teens Reading after final Harry Potter Book

As Harry Potter's saga ends with the release of "Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows" on July 21, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), can help parents, librarians, and educators keep the attention of teens hooked on Harry with read-alikes and resources for planning teen-focused programs.

"Ever since massive numbers of teens finished the first Harry Potter book and began to look for something else 'like that' to read, librarians have been faced with the welcome challenge of connecting these eager readers to new authors, series and characters," said Paula Brehm-Heeger, YALSA president. And they do welcome that challenge, noted Marin Younker, chair of YALSA's 2008 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults (PPYA) Committee.

The committee compiles themed reading lists each year with the goal of encouraging young adults to read for pleasure by presenting them with popular or topical paperback books with teen appeal.Younker points to the nominations for the 2008 PPYA list "Magic in the Real World" as a starting point for Harry read-alikes. This list of recommended reading is meant to encourage teens to imagine what life would be like if magic really existed.

The full list of 2008 nominations, as well as other PPYA themed lists, can be found here. The final 2008 lists will be announced at ALA's 2008 Midwinter Meeting January 11-16, 2008, in Philadelphia.
Great examples of innovative programming aimed at capturing teen interests can be found in the many innovative programs recently selected by YALSA in the fifth round of Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults."For lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.
--from American Libraries Direct, July 18, 2007.

Grant Opportunities

ALA and Scholastic Library Publishing Announce 2008 National Library Week Grant Libraries across the United States are invited to apply for the $5,000 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant, which will be awarded to a single library for the best public awareness campaign incorporating the 2008 National Library Week theme, "Join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library."

This grant is sponsored by the Scholastic Library Publishing, and is administered by the Public Awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA). This year's application deadline is October 1, 2007. National Library Week is April 13-19, 2008. All proposals must use the theme, which incorporates the Campaign for America's Libraries. "@ your library" brand, on any and all promotional and publicity materials supporting National Library Week activities. Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign Web site under the "download logos."

A grant application form and guidelines are available on the Campaign for America's Libraries Web site. Information is also available from the ALA Public Information Office. (800-545-2433, ext. 2148; mmcfarlane@ala.org) The winner will be notified
and announced following the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia in January. Information on last year's winner, the Minoa Elementary School in Minoa, New York, and the winning application can be views on the Campaign's Web site. Members of the National For more information about the Campaign, visit www.ala.org/@yourlibrary.
--from American Libraries Direct, May 30, 2007

Shopko Foundation Grants
The ShopKo Foundation supports local grants for organizations are working to
make their community a better place to live. Grants should focus on education, health and wellness. To apply, your community must have a ShopKo store. The quarterly Deadlines are the 1st week of February, May, August or November. For more information go to
http://librarygrants.blogspot.com/2005/08/shopko-foundation-grants.html
--from Arrowhead Library System's electronic newsletter, Monday Memo, for
June 4, 2007.

2008 State Kick Off Training will be on October 16, 2007

At the request of the Youth Services Section (YSS) of the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA), the Division is collaborating with ten Systems to offer a fall Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Training. This will take place on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, the day before the WLA Conference. This may seem very early, but many librarians have expressed interest in a fall program to get them started on their planning. Many Systems (Nicolet included) also intend to offer spring C.E.. programs, in addition to this state-wide training. The collaborating Systems have contributed the funds to underwrite the training. As a result, the anticipated costs to the participants are primarily for lunch and breaks. 

Registration materials will be distributed in mid-August.

Collaborating Systems are Arrowhead, Eastern Shores, Indianhead,
Mantitowoc-Calumet, Milwaukee, Nicolet, South Central, Waukesha, Winnefox, and Wisconsin Valley.

- from the System Youth Liaison Posting, July 2007

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Grassroots Meeting to Be Held September 18th!

Mark your calendars for the annual Grassroots meeting, held on Tuesday, September 18, from 1 - 4 pm.

Besides swapping stories and SRP ideas, I am very excited that Jill Camber Davidson, Nutrition Education Consultant for the DPI, will be presenting for us at this meeting! For those of you who saw Jill at WAPL, you will remember she gave an excellent presentation on food allergies, sanitation and obesity, that I also featured on Little Nic. If any of you have any specific questions or topics you would like her to cover at the Grassroots meeting, please let me know! There will be time to ask her some questions as well.

I am also asking that every participant bring a book, idea or craft to swap, especially if it can be geared toward the 2008 "Catch the Reading Bug" theme.

Invites will be going out in August! Don't miss out!

More Read-Alikes

HARRY POTTER READ-ALIKES


If you liked the humor:

The Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede

My Teacher is an Alien by Bruce Coville

If you like the magic:

The Dark is Rising (series) by Susan Cooper

So You Want to Be a Wizard (series) by Diane Duane

Red Wizard by Nancy Springer

If you liked the friendships:

Circle of Magic (series) by Tamora Pierce

The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg

The Gold Dust Letters by Janet Taylor Lisle

If you liked Hogwarts:

A Little Princess by Francis Hodgson Burnett

Dear Mom, Get Me Out of Here by Ellen Conford

Dial-a-Ghost by Eva Ibbotson

If you liked the animals and creatures:

Redwall (series) by Brian Jacques

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Here There Be Unicorns by Jane Yolen

~ Compiled by Ruhama Kordatzky Bahr, via CEO, Issue 285, July 11, 2007

CE


FREE Program on Blindness

Elizabeth Timmins, Director of the Muehl Public Library in Seymour, passed along a resource that some of you might be interested in.

On June 27, Donna from "Prevent Blindness Wisconsin" presented a FREE, interactive program at the Muehl Public Library. The 60-minute program includes:

Eye Safety--Eye Hazard search; depth perception games; imperfect eye games
Safe Summer Jeopardy
Safe Options for celebrating around fireworks
Snack
Children's Vision Screening

Elizabeth said Donna is willing to travel, and is interested in doing more programs! If you are interested in the possibility of Donna presenting at your library, here is her contact information.

Prevent Blindness Wisconsin
1524 University Ave.
Green Bay, WI
920-432-5466
Contact: Donna
donna.pbw@sbcglobal.net

Thank you, Elizabeth!

Evaluations

Please remember to fill out an evaluation for Jim Lenz's performances! You can access the form on the NFLS Youth page. We appreciate your feedback!

Friday, July 6, 2007

Magician Continues to Amaze Audiences!


Magician Jim Lenz continued to amaze his audience at the Brown County Library on June 13 as part of their "Summer in the City" program. Over 600 people attended the two performances!

Harry Potter "Readalikes"

The following list includes titles for children, YA adults:

http://www.waterborolibrary.org/potterlike.htm#ifyoulikehp

http://www.flls.org/youth/harryra.htm

http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=News&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=97082

http://auburn-hills.lib.mi.us/Adult/Booklist/LikeHPotter.htm

http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/youth/booklists/hogwarts.html


http://www.kclibrary.org/guides/children/index.cfm?article=read&articleID=612


- From the Children’s Event Organizer, Lakeshores Library System and Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System
Youth Services Update - Issue 284, June 28, 2007

Grassroots Input

I'm tentatively looking at holding the annual Grassroots meeting around September 13-14. Since time is precious for many of you, I would like to do a shorter meeting, either from 9:30-12:30 or from 1 - 4.

Last year we focused on teens/tweens. The year before Kimberly Faurot did a storytime presentation.


Are you interested in having someone brought in to speak? Who would this be, and what would he/she speak about? If so, do you have someone in mind? Or, are you interested in having some of "us" present on things that went well this summer?


What do you think? Email or call me any ideas!

Detective Agency Display


The Farnsworth Public Library in Oconto created a P.I. Office display in their children's area, featuring an "old," manual typewriter, as well as handcuffs (for viewing only!) The "Wanted" posters on the wall are of library staff, each one with a different library offense!
~ Photos submitted by Wendy Spice

Friday, May 25, 2007

"Get a Clue" Preschool Storytime Ideas

Ruhama Kordatzky Bahr of the Burlington Public Library and Carissa Christner of the Madison Public Library presented some great storytime ideas at the WAPL conference. Among them:

Sensory Mysteries Using Books:
All Senses: Rain (Stojic)
Sight: Bus Stops (Gomi)
Sound: Too Much Noise (McGovern)
Taste: Lunch (Fleming)
Touch: Feely Bugs (Carter)
Smell: Whose Nose Is This? (Lynch)

Curious George Program:
Games:
Banana Hunt
Puzzle (Goes to the Hospital)
Chocolate Guessing Game

Crafts:
Paper Boats (Rides a Bike)
Swinging Monkey

Food:
Banana Things
Featured in the Book: cake, spaghetti, chocolate, pizza


They also talked about Reader's Theatre, party ideas, letterboxing and more. Please let me know if you would like any of these hand outs!

Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Program for Public Libraries

This is a great starting point for librarians who have never written a grant. The application is only two pages and is very simple. Libraries can receive $500 for their project. The deadline is September 15, 2007 and announcements will be made in December. For more information go to the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Click on Programs, then on The Ezra Jack Keats National Minigrant Program for Public Libraries and Public School Libraries.

~ Barb Huntington, May 2007 Posting for Youth Services Liaisons

Grants Available to Celebrate Wisconsin Literature

Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators Speak Communities can celebrate and explore the literature of Wisconsin with its authors and illustrators. The Wisconsin Center for the Book will award up to
ten grants of $250 each to qualifying organizations wishing to sponsor a Wisconsin author or illustrator at a public event.

The event must be free of admission charges. Wisconsin Center for the Book defines a Wisconsin author or illustrator as any author or illustrator who has lived in Wisconsin for a significant period of time, including someone who may no longer be living in the state. The honorarium will be paid
directly to the speaker. This program is made possible through the cooperation of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters and generosity of donors.

Wisconsin nonprofit organizations interested in books and reading are eligible to apply. Collaboration among groups is preferred. Such groups may include, but are not limited to, public libraries; public and private elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools; community organizations; and places of worship. Libraries are encouraged to look beyond their Friends
groups for partnerships.

Applications will be judged on the basis of
* Community outreach and collaboration,
* Thoroughness of planning, and
* Rationale for the choice of speaker.

Time line
* July 1, 2007: Applications due; if mailed, they must be postmarked on or
before this date.
* July 30, 2007: Winners will be notified by this date.
* September 1, 2007 - April 30, 2008: Programs must be scheduled between
these dates. A final report must be submitted within 10 days of the event or
the honorarium will be forfeited.

The application can be found online here. Send five completed copies of your application to Sarah McGowan , WAIS 2007-08 Chair, Wisconsin Center for the Book, W13679 Liner Road, Brandon, WI 53919. If you have questions, please contact her at 920-346-2784 or windsong@centurytel.net.
--from the April 18th, 2007 edition of NewsFlashes, the Indianhead Federated Library System electronic newsletter.

Detective Ike @ Kohl's

Detective Ike LaRue Stuffed Toy and Mark Teague Books Are Available for $5 at Kohl's Department Stores Ike LaRue, Mark Teague's canine hero of this year's summer reading program, is available as an incredibly soft stuffed toy at Kohl's department stores for only $5. (He even comes with an eponymous heart-shaped dog tag.). Copies of "Dear Mrs. La Rue: Letters from the Investigation" and "Dear Mrs. La Rue: Letters from Obedience School," are also $5 each. According to Kohl's, all net profits "will be donated to support health and educational opportunities for children nationwide."

--from Rhonda Puntney, Lakeshores/Mid-Wisconsin Systems, and Chris Moesch,
2007 New York State Summer Reading Program Coordinator

Inexpensive Bug Items @ Target

Target stores currently have great bug items. In their area known as "The Dollar Spot," they have a bunch of bug-related items - all for a dollar! There are puzzles, coloring books with crayons, wind-up bugs, pull-back bugs, soft (like stuffed) bug key chains, rubber bugs in two sizes, pencils and more. Hit them now for next year's summer program!!

--from Tami Chumbley Finley, Youth Services Manager, Bettendorf Public
Library, Bettendorf, IA via Barb Huntington's Posting for the Youth Services Liaisons



Free Parenting Guide Available in Spanish and English

The National Institutes of Health has released ¿Qué Significa ser Padres? (What Does It Mean To Be Parents?), a free Spanish-language publication geared toward Hispanics who are seeking advice on parenting.

"We are very pleased to announce the release of this booklet, especially during the time of the year when parents are being celebrated," said Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the NIH's National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). " ¿Qué Significa ser Padres? is an educational tool that offers valuable parenting information for first-time parents and grandparents alike."

¿Qué Significa ser Padres?—a Spanish-language version of the NICHD’s “Adventures in Parenting” booklet—offers parenting strategies based on scientific research that can be used for children of any age. The booklet gives practical suggestions for successful parenting that parents can adapt for their own lives and situations. It also includes real-life examples of how some parents have incorporated these strategies into their own day-to-day parenting activities. For free copies of /¿Qué Significa ser Padres?/ call 1-800-370-2943 or visit this site.

~ from "Yen of Youth,"
E-Newsletter from the Indianhead Federated Library System

Step Up to the Plate @ Your Library

Mark passed along that ALA just posted this information, for anyone who is interested!

As the temperature rises and the school year draws to a close, it is time to batter up for summer reading. Help your community's kids and teens beat the heat this summer with Step up to the Plate @ your library(r).

Developed by the American Library Association and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the program brings together two of America's favorite pastimes - baseball and libraries - to encourage reading. Children and young adults between 9 and 18 years of age are invited to go to their library, check out a book about baseball and describe how their favorite character inspired them. One grand prize winner will receive a trip to the Hall of Fame in October 2007.

You can register now for free tools to help libraries promote the program locally. Tools include program logos in both English and Spanish and a toolkit that includes sample press materials and programming ideas.

Kids are not the only winners in Step Up to the Plate. The library that brings in the most entries will win a $100 bookstore gift certificate, and three runners up will be awarded a $50 ALA Graphics gift certificate. All four will also receive a copy of Lawrence Hogan's Shades of Glory: The Negro Leagues and the Story of African-American Baseball (published by National Geographic Society).

The Step up to the Plate @ your library program was officially launched during National Library Week in Peoria, Ill., with program spokespeople and Hall of Famers Ryne Sandberg and Ozzie Smith. Both appeared on field before a Peoria Chiefs game as the team announced the program and Sandberg, who is the Chiefs' manager, also spoke to students a local junior high.

First-place prize packages also will be awarded (five in each of four age categories: age 9-11; 12-14; 15-16 and 17-18) and include a commemorative hardbound copy of the Hall of Fame Yearbook; Hall of Fame t-shirt; commemorative set of 20 Hall of Fame baseball cards; DVD copy of the classic baseball movie, "The Sandlot;" miniature souvenir Akadema Pro baseball glove; and a Jackie Robinson History Lives poster from ALA Graphics.

The program concludes September 1, 2007.

Step up to the Plate is part of The Campaign for America's Libraries, ALA's public awareness and advocacy campaign about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a Campaign Founding Partner. Supporters of the Step Up to the Plate program include the American Association of School Librarians (AASL); the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC); the Public Library Association (PLA); the Black Caucus of the American Library Association; and REFORMA, the Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, an affiliate of the ALA.

CCBC Wrap Up

The Outstanding Books for Children and Young Adults presentation was a great success yesterday!
View some photos on Nic Bits.
Next week the winner will be drawn for the promotion in conjunction with the Northwest Children's Book Conference. Please let us know by today if you are interested in being in the drawing!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

CCBC Reminder

There is still time to register for the CCBC Program next Thursday, May 24. Please let us know by next Monday if you would like to attend! Megan Schliesman and Hollis Rudiger of the CCBC will both be available to talk about the books.

And don't forget that if you attend, you are eligible to go to the Northwest Children's Book Conference in September!

County Fair Posters to Promote SRP

Those of you who asked for passes to the county fairs will be getting several posters in the mail. Feel free to hang these in your library and in local businesses, stores, community centers, etc., in order to promote your summer reading programs!

Nancy Drew Posters


Barb Huntington just sent me some Nancy Drew movie (Get a Clue) posters that each of you will receive. Stephanie Stokes, who is the Chair of the CSLP Marketing and PR Committee in California, contacted the production company for the movie and explained that 44 states were using the mystery theme this summer. As a result, the producers moved up the distribution date and changed the name of the movie to "Get a Clue."

Actress Emma Roberts (Julia Roberts' niece) plays Nancy Drew. She also recorded a television message for CSLP encouraging kids to sign up for their local public library's summer reading program. Librarians may use this message as a PSA. We are very fortunate here in Wisconsin to have these items. Thank you, Stephanie!

Focusing on Food for Children

I saw an excellent presentation at WAPL called "Focusing on Food for Children's Programs at Public Libraries." (Our own Kymberley Pelky was part of this panel, and she did a great job!) The session focused on combining food and kids at the library.

One of the panelists, Jill Camber Davidson, is a DPI Nutrition Education Consultant. Jill shared some imperative information about food allergies, obesity and sanitation. The timing couldn't be better as many of you are gearing up for your summer programs. She asked questions such as,

Do your current storytimes interfere with lunch or dinner? Do you have alternatives in case of food allergies? Are there ways to "reward" kids with non-food rewards? Is there a way you can limit food as props?

In her presentation, she also shared the following:
* Approximately 10 percent of 2-5 year-olds and 16 percent of 6-19 year-olds are overweight, and the percentage rate is near 25 among black and Hispanic children.

* The American Academy of Pediatrics says that children under 4 years old, often due to choking hazards, should not eat:

hot dogs
nuts and seeds
chunks of
meat or cheese
whole grapes
hard, gooey or sticky candy
popcorn
chunks of peanut butter

raw veggies
raisins
chewing gum

* As far as handling food and sanitation, hand washing is the most important. As far as "anti-bacterial" sprays or hand gels, Purell is the ONLY one that is FDA approved, but hand washing is still your best bet. Batches of food should also be kept at room temperature for two hours maximum.

She also listed several websites that might be helpful.
DPI Nutrition Education Page
Fighting Bacteria
USDA Team Nutrition Web Page
Action for Healthy Kids

Jill was kind enough to email me her PowerPoint presentation! Please let me know if you would like me to send it to you.




Tuesday, May 8, 2007

PSA on "Get a Clue"

The PSA on "Get a Clue" was sent to the four main stations in Green Bay: WBAY, FOX, WGBA and WFRV.

If you haven't previewed it on the CSLP page, Paul Giamati narrates this, starring the dog detective, Ike LaRue. It's cute! If any of you happen to see it on a local station, please let me know!

I do have an extra disk with the PSAs if someone is interested in running it on a local cable station or looping it at your library. First come, first served!

NWCBC and CCBC Promotion

Last September I attended the Northwest Wisconsin Children's Book Conference up in Cable, WI (near Hayward). Despite the drive, it was well attended and very interesting! Kymberley Pelky also attended (see comment below) and enjoyed it. There were sessions on story time techniques, creative writing, songs and literature, AND....a presentation by the CCBC. You will be getting brochures this week with more information on this year's conference, held September 27 and 28 in Cable.

An NFLS librarian who attends the CCBC presentation on Thursday, May 24, will have a chance to go to the Northwest Wisconsin Children's Book Conference this year, on behalf of NFLS! We will cover one person's conference fee (includes, dinner, breakfast and lunch), one night of lodging and your mileage! Here is what you need to do:

1.
Sign up (if you haven't already) and attend the entire CCBC presentation at NFLS on May 24.

2. Register to win a chance at going to the Northwest Wisconsin Children's Book Conference by May 24. The drawing will be done after the CCBC workshop on May 25.

3. After you attend the conference, compose a post/article for "Little Nic," sharing what you learned.

As mentioned, your library will be receiving a conference brochure this week in the mail.
Please take part in this exciting promotion if you are interested!

Magic Materials

The posters for Jim Lenz's program "Magic of Reading" went out last week, along with some instructions. There is also a press release and PSA that you can submit with your library information, available on the youth page.
Please feel free to use these in order to promote the performances! If you also need more posters, let me know, and I'll email them to you.

PLEASE remember that you DO NOT need to pay Jim on the day he performs. You will be invoiced ($25 per performance) by NFLS.
Any questions, let me know!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Lots 'o Stuff

I've been sending a lot of "stuff" your way the past month. For those of you who requested it, you should've received:

- Culver's posters, coupons and coloring sheets
- SRP incentive coupons for the Outagamie Historical Society
- SRP incentive coupons for A-MAZE-ment Park

The County Fair coupons should be here in early May, and we'll get that out to you as soon as it's here.

Invites for the CCBC presentation will be going out soon (May 25th, 1-4 pm @ NFLS), but you are welcome to register NOW. Hollis Rudiger will be joining us again this year, along with Megan Schliesman.

Please also let us know if you are interested in meeting beforehand at 12 pm for a "SRP Swap brown bag" lunch. So far only one or two of you have expressed an interest. It might give you some last-minute ideas or an opportunity to wish each other well before the summer madness hits!

Jim Lenz Publicity Materials

I'm working on publicity materials for Jim Lenz's "Magic of Reading" program, including flyers, a press release and PSA. The press release and PSA will be online so you can easily insert your library's information. I am hoping to get that all to you by the first week of May.

Every library will receive 2-3 posters. I will also post it online if you want to print more. Every poster will have the specific library, date and time.

In past years, libraries have had to pay the entertainer their $25 portion on the day of the performance. Last summer we had some problems with this, so this year the libraries will pay NFLS and we will send him monthly increments. I already spoke to Jim about this, and it is fine with him. This way, you won't have to worry about paying him the day he is at your library. I'll have more details on this later.