Monday, December 14, 2009

Caterpillar Program Huge Success!


In honor of the 40th anniversary of the book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” written by Eric Carle, over 30 NFLS libraries created large caterpillars last month.


Children ages 10 and under who read books each week during the month of November were able to add “parts” to the caterpillar.


NFLS partnered with Weidner Center Presents, Inc., to promote reading and fun in this five-week program.

Bookmarks were given to every child who signed up, and prizes were raffled off during the month.


One child from each library won a pair of tickets to see “The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites,” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts in Green Bay.



Check out the NFLS Flickr page of some of the caterpillars!



Karla's Reviews

Hook
by: Ed Young


A boy finds an egg. He gives it to a chicken to raise. It hatches into a strange chick, an eagle, and they teach it to fly. Spare text, lovely illustrations, and a metaphor for anyone who feels they aren't "meant for earth."



Princess Arabella's Birthday
by: Mylo Freeman

What do you get the princess who has everything? An elephant - that's what! But when Princess Arabella gets her birthday present, the elephant begins to cry, so Princess Arabella decides to take it home. When she arrives in the jungle, she gets a surprise that makes her think twice about getting everything you want...

~ Karla Giraldéz,
BCL - Southwest


Bits from Barb

SLP Preconference Summary

Most of the Preconference speakers have made their presentations available on the YSS web page. Pictures from Terry Ehle's (Two Rivers) decorating ideas are already posted. More pictures from the preconference will be posted as fast as Jill Linniger (Racine) can work with them to get them posted. Jill is doing all the posting for YSS. I have received numerous inquiries asking when pictures of Terry's ideas would be available so please let your librarians know they are posted.

Jill Linniger intends to continue to put great ideas up on the YSS page through spring. So if you come across individual ideas or have many great ideas, send summaries and pictures to Jill. If System create SLP pages, please send the link to Jill at jill.linniger@racinelibrary.info. The YSS web page will pull together summer program ideas and make it easy for everyone to share ideas, patterns, and resources with each other. To view the page go to www.wla.lib.wi.us/yss/preconferencehandouts.htm.


DNR Collaborations for Clean Boating Program

Christal Campbell with the Invasive Species unit of DNR will be sending a "Clean Boats, Clean Waters" story hour video to every public library before Christmas. This new training video leads librarians, early childhood educators, and elementary teachers through a lesson on how to present a fun activity-based story time focusing on how everyone, even kids, can help keep Wisconsin waters free of aquatic invasive species. The video features a former kindergarten teacher demonstrating how to do the story hour and related activities. The video can be viewed on the DNR web site. Copies of all the materials and resources to lead a story hour in can be found on the web site at http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/aquatic/cbcwstory/.

Christal is also working on a list of people librarians can contact to help find someone to bring a boat and trailer to the library to help with the follow up activities. Many thanks to Christal for developing the video and identifying people who might be willing to bring in a boat.

The people who might be able to bring a boat may also be able to help librarians identify area boating clubs that could organize a "Boat Day" in a library parking lot. There are numerous clubs that might be willing to bring in boats for an outdoor exhibit and talk about canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, or just talk about row boats, pontoon boats, speedboats, and maybe even sailboats. Local boat stores might also be willing to bring some boats to the library. The DNR contacts can't make the arrangements, but may be able to help connect librarians with boating groups. (A small inflatable rubber boat might make a great teen prize for those libraries that use prizes.)


DNR Angler Education Update

Theresa Stabo coordinates the Angler Education program for the DNR. (http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/kidsparents/anglereducation/) She demonstrated a wonderful activity at the preconference that involved "casting" for fish. The fish line was taped to a pop can, and when swung forward with a plastic bait fish on the end, the line flew out as if it was on a fishing rod. Theresa had sets of plastic fish, small bait fish, and larger fish that go on the floor. The fisher person "casts" a line out with a bait fish on it, and lines the bait fish up with a slot on the large fish. When the bait fish is in place the fisher person pulls in the fish they caught. Theresa taped a picture of a fresh water species of fish to the bottom of the large plastic fish. So when the fisher people pulled in their fish they could turn the plastic fish over see what kind of fish they caught. Pictures of the activity at the preconference are on the YSS web page www.wla.lib.wi.us/yss/preconferencehandouts.htm.

Theresa will allow librarians to borrow the fish sets, at no cost, from the Angler Education program. To find the nearest tackle loaning center to borrow the fish, go to http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/kidsparents/loanercontacts.html. Contact the center to schedule a date to use the sets. Or librarians can purchase their own sets. To purchase the fish contact Ironwood Pacific 1-800-261-1330, or go to their web site at www.ironwoodpacific.com/products/fishing/backyardbass.htm. It looks like the newest version of the fishing set uses a plug, or fishing-type lure, rather than the small fish that was demonstrated at the preconference. It works the same way.

Before Christmas Theresa will get me a list of Angler Educators who are willing to take groups of kids fishing. They provide all the equipment, the library has to get the kids to and from the fishing site. (Read Cross Plain's story about their fishing adventure with 200 kids on the YSS web page.)The fishing program would be appropriate for young children but groups of teens would also enjoy this type of outing.

Theresa will also identify programs her educators might be willing to do as a program in a library, for example, showing the equipment they carry in their tackle box, teaching how to tie flies, telling fish stories, etc. The educators will be asked to indicate the age groups they would most prefer to work with at the library. Some of them may be willing to present programs for adult summer library programs. This list of free presenters is going to be a wonderful resource for public libraries. Librarians will be able to contact someone on the list in their area and discuss potential dates and times. We very much appreciate all the effort Theresa has made to help libraries this summer. The YSS web page has links to free fishing coloring books and other coloring sheets on the Angler Education web site.


DNR EEK! Resources

Carrie Morgan coordinates the EEK! program for DNR. Carrie shared some great EEK! resources at the preconference. DNR invites librarians to encourage children to write up their Big Fish Stories and to draw pictures of fish. They could get them posted on the EEK! web page at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/cool/bigfish/.
There are links to the EEK! page and resources on the YSS page www.wla.lib.wi.us/yss/preconferencehandouts.htm or visit EEK! at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/.


CSLP Rules of Use

There are restrictions on what librarians are allowed to do with tCSLPSLP clip art and products. The Rules of Use are in the manual, on the dvd clip art discs, and available at www.cslpreads.org/about/rules-of-use.html. Karen Drevo, (Nebraska) Chair of the CLSP Copyright Committee, asked all state representatives to let people know that the following has been added to the Rules of Use: Librarians may not "photocopy incentive items (e.g., reading records, posters, reading certificates, etc.) purchased from CSLP's exclusive vendor via the CSLP catalog/order form." However librarians may photocopy the black and white items of this type that are included in the manuals.


Teen Read Week Generates Media Attention

More than 4,000 libraries across the United States celebrated Teen Read Week, October 18-24, with teens crowding libraries for author visits, movie marathons, craft programs, and book discussions. In addition, leaders from YALSA took to the nation's airwaves and appeared in newspapers, discussing the importance of teen literacy and teen library usage. Media outreach resulted in hundreds of placements in national outlets. For information about Teen Read Week go to www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2009/home.cfm
-American Libraries Direct, October 28, 2009


-Barb Huntington, System Youth Services Liaison Posting, November 2009

Bibliography of high interest, low vocabulary titles for teens

High Interest/Low Reading Level Teen Fiction and Street Lit Resources
Compiled by Mary Driscoll, Dane County Library Service

Townsend Press publishes the highly popular Bluford series. The Bluford series offers 15 books written at a 5th to 6th grade reading level. The books, which have less than 200 pages, focus on the problems of high school students. Townsend offers some books and materials free of charge. http://www.townsendpress.com/free.aspx

Townsend also offers "easy" versions of classic novels for $1.00 a title
http://www.townsendpress.com/books.aspx

Readalikes: If You Like The "Bluford" Series from SLJ:
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6619738.html?q=bluford&q=bluford

Orca Book Publishers also offers a wide range of high interest/low level books. The Orca "Soundings" Collection features titles with reading levels from grade 2.0 to grade 4.5. http://us.orcabook.com/showproducts.cfm?FullCat=147

http://www.teenurbanfiction.com/ is an excellent resource, "...dedicated to reviewing urban fiction, also known as street fiction, street lit, or gangsta fiction, that appeals to teen readers."



Urban Lit
Compiled by Kayleigh Miller, BUMP &BPL Intern 2008

Series Books

Bluford High (series). This series follows the conflicts of black high schoolers living in California dealing with traditional conflicts: popularity, romance, violence, and family. (Titles: Lost and Found, A Matter of Trust, Secrets in the Shadows, Someone to Love Me, The Bully, Payback, Until We Meet Again, Blood Is Thicker, Brothers in Arms, Summer of Secrets, The Fallen, Shattered, Search for Safety)

Chase, Paula. Del Rio Bay Clique. (series) Mina plans to climb to the top in popularity, but doesn't predict the consequences or the unexpected friendships that result. Combined with her friends' amorous escapades and a diverse school, the results are dramatic. (Titles: So Not the Drama, That's What's Up, Don't Get it Twisted, Who Are You Wit'?)

Divine, L. Drama High.(series) After Jayd James is bussed to a wealthy, mostly white neighborhood, a series of big changes emerge in her life. Her boyfriend dumps her, she falls for a white Jewish boy, and the other girls at the school give her a hard time. (Titles: Lady J, Frenemies, The Fight, Second Chance, Jayd's Legacy, Courtin' Jayd)

Kimani Tru (series). A cast of mostly female characters deals with teen issue, bringing a new addition to teen chick-lit. (Titles: Indigo Summer, The Edification of Sonya Crane, Can't Stop the Shine, Keysha's Drama, Spin it Like That, Fast Life, First Semester, Hallway Diaries, Pushing Pause, Gettin' Hooked, If I Were Your Boyfriend, The Pact, the Pledge, 16 Isn't Always Sweet, Dirty Jersey, Shrink to Fit, A Matter of Attitude, She Said She Said, Trouble Follows, How to Salsa in A Sari)

Precious and KaShamba Williams. Platinum Teen.(series) High schoolers Dymond, Abdul, and their friends navigate high school, love, drugs, and learn about the consequences of their actions. (Titles: Runaway, The Absolute Truth, Dymond in the Rough)

Booth, Coe. Tyrell. 15-year-old Tyrell is homeless, after his mother's refusal to work and their failed welfare time. Their stay in the shelter is problematic, as Tyrell resists the love he feels for another resident, tries to ignore the easy money in drug-dealing, and cares for his younger brother..

Davidson, Dana. Played. Much like "She's All That," popular Ian Striver is dared to seduce Kyle Winship, a less than popular girl. However, his deception is revealed, and he must come to terms with his choices.


Draper, Sharon L. Tears of the Tiger. A high school basketball player deals with remorse and guilt about his drunk driving accident that killed his best friend.

E-Fierce. The Sista-Hood: On the Mic. Mariposa, or MC Patria, falls in love with a close friend, and tries to impress him with her all-girl hip-hop group, "The Sista Hood."


Flake, Sharon G. Who Am I Without Him? This collection of short stories addresses unusual situations ethically and socially, and is written from both the male and female perspective.

Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. Bobby is a 16 year old dad in charge of his infant son, struggling to deal with his parents, girlfriend's illness, and other challenges.

King, Katina. Ride Wit' Me. Mercedes lives a life of privilege and luxury, attending an elite boarding school on the east coast, and returning to Chicago in the summers. However, an unlikely romance with 17-year-old Dalvin reveals her father's source of income, and the new source of her troubles.

Miller, Mitzi and Denene Millner. Hotlanta. Twins Sydney and Lauren Duke live in a posh neighborhood in Atlanta, go to an exclusive private school, and lead a life of luxury. But behind the glittering façade is a series of dark secrets that threaten their lifestyle and their relationship with each other.

Sitmore, Alan Lawrence. Hoopster. Andre Anderson is a teenager who plays basketball and works for a magazine. He is invited to write a piece about racism, and the consequences are unforeseen and dramatic.

Van Diepen, Alison. Street Pharm. Ty Johnson is a 17-year-old drug dealer taking over his father's business. However, out-of-town competition and new friendships threaten his future.


Websites of Interest

I Know Poe

Do you know Poe? Edgar Allen, that is. The Library of Virginia and The Poe Museum do, and they are inviting visitors to learn more about the man, the myth, the legend here at this collaborative exhibition website. Four icons greet the visitor: a raven, a swinging blade, a hot-air balloon, and a sinister looking cat. Clicking on the raven takes visitors to the "About the Man" area. Illustrated by primary documents from Poe's life (such as drafts of poems and highlights from the Southern Literary Messenger), this section serves as a fine introduction. One rather compelling fact described in this section is that Poe's best-selling book during his lifetime was in fact a guide to conchology, appropriately titled "The Conchologist's First Book". Moving on, visitors who click on the sinister cat section, formally titled "Explore the Myth", will find commentaries on some of the popular myths surrounding Poe. Visitors shouldn't miss the "Learn & Play" area (symbolized by the hot air balloon), as it contains the highly entertaining "I Know Poe Game Show". (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 10/16/09)


Art & Architecture

This website was created by the Courtauld Institute of Art, a British institute created for the study of Western art. The website is "designed to be explored," and with over 40,000 images and a network of over 500,000 links, there's a great deal to explore. Because of the vast amount of content, visitors might find it helpful to first check out the link at the bottom of the page, entitled "About A&A". From there, click on the "How to Use the Art & Architecture Web Site". This extremely useful link has over a dozen categories of instruction, from "Basics" to "Search Tips" to "Profile and Preferences". The "Quizzes, Polls and Discussions" section on the left hand side of the page is a clever section with quizzes, such as those on the value of watercolors and polls. On the right hand side of the page the "Stories" area contains transcripts of fascinating interviews with artists and architects. ". (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/6/09)



Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

This museum in Hannibal, Missouri, includes author Mark Twain's boyhood home, the home of the girl who was the model for the Becky Thatcher character in "Tom Sawyer," and his father's office and courtroom, which was the model for the courtroom in "Tom Sawyer." The site features images of the buildings, a chronology and genealogy, a book publishing history, a large collection of lesson plans, and a section for children. (Copyright 2009 Librarians' Internet Index, LII, 11/5/09)


Vincent Van Gogh: The Letters

The letters written by Vincent Van Gogh have appeared many times before, but this is the first time they have appeared as part of a complete digital edition. This fascinating collection was created by the Van Gogh Museum and the Huygens Institute, and the letters were edited by Leo Jansen, Hans Luijten and Nineke Bakker. On the site, visitors can view 902 letters from and to Van Gogh, complete with detailed annotations and illustrations from the
master himself. First-time visitors should definitely click on the "Quick Guide" to get an overview of the site’s holdings, and then they should also take a look at the sections "Van Gogh as a letter-writer", "Correspondents", "Biographical & historical context", and "Publication History". The letters include those from many of his contemporaries, including Paul Gauguin, and of course, those lovely pieces of writing from his brother, Theo. Users can also use the search engine here to look around by keyword. Finally, visitors can also look through the "About this Edition" area to learn about the reading texts included here, the translations, and the annotations. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/13/09)


Louis Braille: His Legacy and Influence

This compelling digital exhibit pays homage to the life and work of Louis Braille, the inventor of the tactile six-dot reading and writing system which changed the way that blind people were able to understand and contribute to the world. The exhibit was created by the Library of Congress, and it complements an in situ exhibit at the Library’s James Madison Building. Clicking on the "Exhibition Items" will bring up two dozen items from the exhibit. There’s quite a trove here, including a historic image of the Library of Congress’s Reading Room for the Blind from 1902 and a tactile map of the District’s Metrorail system. Many of the documents also have extra interactive features that allow users to zoom in and out around each dot, image, or corner. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/13/09)


Langston Hughes Papers

A portion of the Langston Hughes Papers are available here on Yale University’s Digital Library site. Hughes' complete papers (1862-1980) are comprised of "letters, manuscripts, personal items, photographs, clippings, artworks, and objects" and are available at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. For the digitized collection, visitors should click on the "See All Images" option on the left hand side of the page to view the nine pages of thumbnail images. Each thumbnail image can be expanded so that visitors can view each image in detail. Each document can also be saved, by clicking "Save" above the thumbnail. The saved images are then moved to a folder that can hold saved images to be ordered, or just viewed again. The folder is called "My Group", and can be found below the pink menu near the top of the page. Visitors shouldn't miss the beautiful poem entitled "For A'lelia" that Hughes wrote for A'Lelia Walker after she died in 1931, and which was subsequently read at her funeral. It can be found in the second row of images, in the first spot, when "See All Images" is selected on the homepage. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/13/09)

- CEO, Youth Services Update, Issue 335, November 18, 2009

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Millennials Teleconference

NFLS has purchased the Soaring to Excellence and Library Challenges and Opportunities series from the College of DuPage.

There are five teleconferences in the series, and they will be recorded.

All teleconferences are 90 minutes in length, from 11 am - 12:30 pm.
The first one is November 13, called "Millennials in the Library."

Take a look at the website for more information or to see upcoming sessions.
http://www.dupagepress.com/library-learning-network/

Let me know if you are interested in participating!

Websites of Interest

International Children’s Digital Library

The International Children’s Digital Library puts hundreds of books from around the world at the fingertips of anyone with a computer and an Internet connection. Children, parents, and teachers will enjoy the wealth of wonderful reading that is available at this site with an interface in fifteen different languages. Users will want to enter by clicking on the “Read Books” button to be presented with the virtual library. Here they can choose from the featured list or search in more than forty languages and in a variety of ways, including the age level, thematic listing, such as kid characters or animal characters, award winning books, book cover color, short books or long books, easy books or hard books, and the list goes on. There are four ways most books can be read; the Standard Reader, the Plus Reader, the Comic Reader, and Adobe Reader. With a free library account, users can create a bookshelf to save their personal ICDL favorites in one place. This would be a great way for teachers to select books for a classroom bookshelf for students to read. (Education World Site Reviews, 10/13/09)


Sound Junction

SoundJunction is a great multimedia site for anyone to learn about music. The content is divided into seven major sections where users can access interactive games, musical excerpts, interviews and videos to explore music, see how it works, learn about musicians, and of course listen to music. For the would-be composer there is a Composer Tool that allows users to create their own compositions. Navigating the site in Journey mode allows users to track their progress and suggest further steps or use the Learning trail forum for some step-by-step trails on particular subjects and issues. Music educators will find an
enormous free music resource with around 1,000 pages of information and activities as well as curriculum materials such as packets of lesson plans, ideas for using the site with students, quick links for learning how to use features the site, and a forum for sharing learning ideas. This is one to bookmark for further exploration! (Education World Site Reviews, 10/13/09)


National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

The institute "conducts and supports research on topics related to the health of children, adults, families, and populations." The site features an alphabetical listing of health and human development topics, an overview of NICHD research, news, links to health education campaigns, information about research funding opportunities, publications, and related material. The NICHD is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (Copyright 2009 Librarians' Internet Index, LII, 20/2/09)


The Chemistry of Autumn Colors

This site briefly describes the chemical process that occurs each fall when the leaves of plants in the Northern Hemisphere change from green "to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red." From a University of Wisconsin-Madison chemistry professor. (Copyright 2009 Librarians' Internet Index, LII, 20/2/09)

- CEO, Youth Services Update, Issue 334, October 14, 2009

Presentations Available

Both powerpoint presentations from the Grassroots meeting and the Teen Brown Bag are available on our CE page.

Rachel Strehlow of the Brown County Library gave an excellent anime/manga presentation at the Grassroots meeting. Linda Jerome talked about "Books for Boys" at the Teen Brown Bag. Even though attendance was lower than in the past, both meetings had enthusiastic attendees!

Create a Caterpillar

The "Create a Caterpillar" Reading Promotion should be well underway! The promotion runs through the month, and you can pick your ticket winner when it's done.

Do not forget to get the name and number of your ticket winner to the performance in case it gets canceled. This happens rarely, but it can occur.

I will expect to see some great pictures of caterpillars from your libraries!

Bits from Barb

YALSA's Great Books Giveaway Competition

Each year the YALSA office receives approximately 1,200 newly published books, videos, CDs, and audio cassettes; materials that have been targeted primarily towards young adults. Publishers and producers submit copies for selection committees to review and nominate. After committees select their annual lists, these materials need to be removed from the YALSA office to make room for the next year's publications.

YALSA and the cooperating publishers are therefore offering one year's worth of review materials as a contribution to a library in need through this application process. This is a formal competitive process and applications must be complete. Applicants must be personal members of YALSA as well as ALA. All applications must be received complete in the YALSA office no later than December 1. For further information, contact YALSA at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4387, or via e-mail at YALSA@ala.org.


New ALA publication on Serving Youth

The American Library Association announced the release of "Twenty-First-Century Kids, Twenty-First-Century Librarians," by Virginia A. Walter. Inspired by a new generation of librarians and children, Walter reconsiders the legacy passed on by the matriarchs of children's services and examines more recent trends and challenges growing out of changes in educational philosophy and information technology. With extensive experience in children's services as well as library instruction issues, Walter brings readers vital information on the current state of library services to children. This thoroughly researched book includes the current issues and trends of:

• Outcome-based planning
• Early literacy
• Homework centers in libraries
• Children's spaces


Depiction of Librarians in Children's Books

How libraries and librarians are depicted in children's books has been studied by Norman D. Stevens. She used WorldCat to create a bibliography of children's books that feature librarians or library related topics. Stevens says this is only a partial list and that it will be expanded in the future. The bibliography can be found at www.worldcat.org/profiles/normanstevens/lists/1038144. Nix's blog is at http://libraryhistorybuff.blogspot.com/2009/09/libraries-and-librarians-in-childrens.html.
—Larry Nix's Blog in American Libraries Direct, September 30. 2009

- System Youth Services Liaison Posting, Barbara Huntington, DLTCL

New Name

The Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped has changed its name. It is now the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (the Library). It is located in the Milwaukee Public Library's Central Library in downtown Milwaukee, all other contact information remains the same:

Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library
813 W. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414.286.3045 (Milwaukee)
800.242.8822 (Wisconsin toll free number)
414.286.3548 (TDD)
414.286.3102 (FAX)
lbph@milwaukee.gov
regionallibrary.wi.gov

New Guidelines Help Afterschool Math Programs Include Youth With Disabilities

Fostering Inclusion Through AfterSchool Math Webinar
November 24, 2009
2-3 pm EST

Lessons learned from the successful implementation of Afterschool Inclusive Math (AIM), which provides all young people the opportunity to work together on real-world, inquiry-based math.

Participate in a Question and Answer session. Registration is required. Please contact amy Weng at aweng@aed.org to receive your invitation and to RSVP.

Karla's Reviews

Funny How Things Change
by Melissa Wyatt

Remy loves a girl - and a mountain. And when his girl plans to go off to college and wants Remy to come with her, he has to choose. Then a new girl comes to the mountain, causing Remy to look at things in a new way and forcing him to re-evaluate his decisions, figure out his dreams, and decide what is really important in his life. A quiet book with interesting characters and a fresh take on the leaving home/growing up theme.

Something, Maybe
By Eliz
abeth Scott
Hannah is a master at laying low. If it weren't for her parents, she'd get along just fine. Hannah's not-in-the-picture dad is an aging lothario who makes his living off his sensational lifestyle filled with young girlfriends and tv exposure. Hannah's mom, an ex-girlfriend, makes her living from posing in her underwear for online interviews on her website. Hannah wants to get Josh to notice her, but not because of her parents. She is so busy trying to get Josh to like her, she almost misses the boy who really does - like her - for who she is, not who her parents are.

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL-Southwest

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Grassroots Meeting, October 15; Teen Swap; October 28

The Annual Grassroots Meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 15, from 1 - 4 pm at NFLS. The agenda is the same as before.



Our next Teen Swap will be held on Wednesday, October 28, from Noon - 2 pm at the Ashwaubenon Branch Library, 1060 Orlando Drive, Green Bay.

Linda Jerome of the LaCrosse Public Library will be giving a short webinar on "Best Books for Boys and Other Reluctant Readers." We will also be swapping ideas from this summer, as well as potential ideas for 2010.


Please call or email Denise to register for either of these!

Swine Flu Reminder

As school starts, health professionals are closely monitoring incidents of swine flu. John DeBacher has put swine flu information on the DLTCL web page.


In general, DLTCL recommends that public libraries consult their local health departments and school districts to make decisions about things like suspending story times or activities for school groups, and for precautions to take for sanitizing materials. Now might be a good time for public libraries to contact their local school nurses and ask to be included on any swine flu updates that go out to the school district. This might help public librarians make decisions if an outbreak affects their local community. DLTCL staff will monitor information about the situation and alert librarians if we have information that would help them.


If the library does have in-house toys for use by toddlers or checks out toys, now would be a good time to review the sanitation procedures used or to put in place a routine sanitation process if the library doesn't already have one. This might also include the table tops and chairs in the children's department, wheeled carts, safety gates, etc. I've noticed that many schools have handi-wipes and hand sanitizer liquid available at the children's service desk. These might be simple but handy additions to the children's area. A box of tissues for the public might also be helpful.

(As a side note, the CDC website recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds as often as possible, if this option is available. If it's not, using alcohol-based hand rubs is the next best option. - JM)

Systems Youth Services Liaison Posting, Barbara Huntington, DLTCL, September 2009


Bits from Barb

Newest Alexander Study Highlights the Importance of Summer Library Use

Karl Alexander, Johns Hopkins University, has written several reports highlighting the importance of reading over the summer, especially for disadvantaged children. In a recent interview he indicated that unlike children in more affluent families, children living in poverty are less likely to have a computer at home, have books and magazines in the home, and less likely to visit the public library, museums and theater, and less likely to take music lessons and participate in organized sports. He said that these types of activities make a difference in terms of the level of learning children do over the summer, "with visiting the library being the most discriminating factor of all."
--"ODE," April 2009 http://www.odemagazine.com/


"WE ALL" Multicultural Poster Set

The Retired Peace Corp Volunteers (RPCV) of Madison have used their personal photos to create a set of multicultural posters. These posters would be excellent resources for the 2011 SLP theme, "One World, Many Stories" or the then theme, "You Are Here." The order form for the poster set is available at http://www.rpcvmadison.org/weall_order.php. The images for the posters can be viewed at http://www.rpcvmadison.org/weall_resources.php. RPCV also offers a multicultural calendar. Information is available for that at http://www.rpcvcalendar.org/. It appears RPCV creates the posters and calendar annually.


Teen Read Week, October 18-24, 2009

Teen Read Week 2009 will be celebrated October 18-24. Whether you work with kids, teens, or kids, tweens, AND teens, the ALSC Public Awareness committee has some ideas for you! For tried and true library activities, look no further than the Kids @ Your Library® online toolkit: www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/initiatives/kidscampaign/libraryactivities.cfm


National Library Week Grant

All types of U.S. libraries are invited to apply for the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant. The $3,000 grant will be awarded to a single library for the best public awareness campaign incorporating the 2010 National Library Week theme, "Communities thrive @ your library®." The grant is sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic. It is administered by the Public Awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA). This year's application deadline is October 16, 2009. National Library Week is April 11-17, 2010.

All proposals must use the "Communities thrive @ your library" theme, which incorporates The Campaign for America's Libraries' "@ your library" brand, on any and all promotional and publicity material supporting National Library Week activities. Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign Web site at under the "download logos" section at http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary/logos.

An electronic grant application form and guidelines are available on the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant Web site at http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/pio/natlibraryweek/nlwgrant.cfm. Information also is available from the ALA Public Information Office. Telephone: 800-545-2433, ext. 2148. E-mail: mmcfarlane@ala.org.


Systems Youth Services Liaison Posting, Barbara Huntington, DLTCL, September 2009


Karla's Reviews

Gooney Bird is So Absurd
Lois Lowry

A good chapter book for younger readers. I found the character of Gooney Bird funny, but a little unbelievably "adult" at times. The class is interesting and well-rounded and behaves how I imagine a second grade class would behave. Their wonderful teacher, Mrs. Pigeon, stays calm in the face of the noise and chaos of the class, while respecting their individuality. A nice read with a lovely ending. (children)


Big Chickens
Leslie Hel
akoski
The chicken
s in this book are "big chickens" who run away to hide when the wolf comes calling...along the way, they find lots of things to be scared of until they realize they are BIG chickens and don't have to be scared! Great book for calming fears. (picture book)

Karla Giraldéz, BCL, Southwest














Save the Date!

We'll be "Making a Splash" at the SLP Planning Workshop on Thursday, February 18, 2010, at the "Bay" Beach Wildlife Sanctuary!

They are very excited to be hosting us, so it should be a great day. We'll have beach towels, sand pails, pool rafts and more! It will be cccccooollldddd outside, but you'll have as much fun as you would at the beach. But I think we'll leave the swimsuits at home!

More details to come!

CCBC Shorts - New Webinars

CCBC Shorts: A (Brief) Monthly Look at Books for Children and Teens
Join us for brief, timely tours through some of the newest and best in children’s and young adult literature. Librarians from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) will be your guides for these monthly 30-minute sessions designed to give librarians a heads-up about selected brand new titles of note. We’ll also revisit some of the gems already in your library collections. Each month will feature a different topic or theme.


Future CCBC Shorts dates for the year:
October 28 - http://tinyurl.com/otva7z Great New Gift Books; Holiday Books
November 18 - http://tinyurl.com/qmpb9q
December 16 - http://tinyurl.com/olkkke

All sessions will run from 9:00 - 9:30 am. Programs will be recorded and archived on the SCLS Continuing Ed. web site.

Water-Themed Food Ideas from Family Fun Site


Snail Snack

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50266&cmp=NLC-NL_Recipe_080310_header


Lunch Ahoy!

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50387&cmp=NLC-NL_Recipe_081409_ahoy


Sailboat Sandwiches

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=15319&cmp=NLC-NL_Recipe_081409_boat


Sailboat Lunch

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=52217


Fish Cake

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50135


Mermaid Cake

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50165


Pool Party Cake

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50183


Pail of Sand Cake

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50172



CEO, Youth Services Update Issue 333; September 22, 2009


Hand Outs for SLP Pre-Conference at WLA

Here are the links to the handouts for next month’s summer library program preconference at WLA in Appleton. Most of the handouts will only be available online so if you want hard copies, you’ll need to print these out.

Pre-Conference Program Descriptions

Pre-Conferece Hand outs


Schedule at a Glance

Adult SLP Poster

The Adult SLP poster art for 2010 was not completed in time to be on the dvd.It will be on the CSLP web page in the near future, but here it is in case you need it now.

Just a reminder that CSLP requests that all 2009 images be taken off System and library web pages once the new artwork becomes available. Libraries can continue to use CSLP artwork on print materials, but non-library agencies should stop using CSLP art once the summer for which it is intended has ended. More about the copyright use of CSLP artwork is on the dvd and in the manuals.

You can download it on Scribd.
Adult Poster Adult Poster SLP

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Teen Read Week

Teen Read Week 2009 will be celebrated Oct. 18-24! This year's theme is “Read Beyond Reality @ your library”, which encourages teens to read something out of this world, just for the fun of it.



Registration is now open at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2009/registration.cfm. The first 100 registrants will receive a free graphic translation of Fahrenheit 451. You can download the Teens’ Top Ten nominations at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm. The Teens' Top Ten allows teens to voice their choice for their favorite books each year. The 2009 nominations, chosen by teens in 15 book groups across the country, are available now. Encourage teens to read nominees, then vote for the Teens' Top Ten between August 24 and Sept




ember 18. Winners will be announced during Teen Read Week in a webcast featuring World Wrestling Entertainment Superstars and Divas.

Teen Read Week is an initiative of YALSA, and started in 1998. Why is it important to celebrate? For a lot of reasons! Teens have so many options for entertainment, so it's important to remind them to spend time reading for pleasure: it's free, fun, and can be done anywhere! Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. Also, it’s a great chance to let your school or your public library communities know how important teen services are! Let teens know the possibilities that exist within your doors, and within the covers of books.

Bits from Barb

ALTAFF and Nordstrom to Award 20 matching Books for Babies Grants in 2009

In partnership with Nordstrom, the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will award 20 grants for $500 each to match $1,000 raised by selected Friends of the Library groups, women's groups, libraries and other non-profit organizations for purchasing Books for Babies kits from ALTAFF.


Books for Babies is a national literacy program that acquaints parents of newborns with the important role they play in the development of their children. Parents are presented with a Books for Babies kit containing a board book for baby, baby's first library card and a variety of brochures with reading tips and early literacy information from nationally recognized educational organizations. Organizations such as Friends of the Library groups, Women's Clubs and Junior Leagues purchase Books for Babies packets. Groups often supplement the packets with information about local resources, including library locations and contact information, as well as details about lapsit and preschool story hours.


In 2008, more than 5,000 Books for Babies kits were distributed to newborns and their parents through a year-long partnership with Nordstrom. Ten matching grants will be awarded in October with an application deadline of Oct. 1.

Additional information and the application form can be found online at www.folusa.org/outreach/bfbgrants.php. Any type of non-profit organization with a current program or interested in starting a Books for Babies program is encouraged to apply.



UW Eau Claire Course in YA Fiction

Writing and Publishing Young Adult Fiction with Marsha Qualey (0.7 CEUs) Interested in writing and publishing fiction for the young adult (YA) audience? Participants will discuss craft issues relevant to YA fiction, study master writers in the genre and take a close look at trends in publishing for this unique group.
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. UW-Eau Claire.
Presenter: Marsha Qualey is the author of nine published young adult novels and is an Assistant Professor for Hamline University's Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
Fee: $95.00


YALSA Offers Three Fall Courses

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will offer three online courses this fall:
AIMing at Tweens Advising, Involving, Motivating, taught by Teri Lesesne
Graphic Novels and Teen Readers: The Basics and Beyond, taught by Francisca Goldsmith
Reaching Teens with Gaming, taught by Beth Gallaway.

AIMing at Tweens and Graphic Novels and Teen Readers both meet for four weeks. Reaching Teens with Gaming meets for six weeks. All courses begin Oct. 5. To read course descriptions, please visit www.ala.org/yalsa and click on "Online Courses."

Registration for YALSA's online courses is available at dpi.wi.gov/pld/ys-postings.html now through Oct. 2. Four-week courses cost $135 for YALSA members and students, $175 for ALA members and $195 for nonmembers. Six-week courses cost $149 for YALSA members, $195 for ALA members and $215 for nonmembers.

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, and all YALSA e-courses are available for licensing; contact Amy Gelbman at agelbman@ala.org or 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5293, for more information.


Better World Books/ NCFL Libraries and Families Award

The Better World Books/National Council on Family Literacy (NCFL) Libraries and Families Award will reward and enhance family programming in library settings. The three $10,000 grants awarded each year will connect more families to their local libraries and expand their literacy efforts in new and innovative ways. One winner will be chosen from each of the three following categories: local Friends of the Library programs, public/academic libraries and urban libraries. For more information go to www.famlit.org/libraries-and-families-award

System Youth Services Liaison Posting
Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
August 2009

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Grassroots Meeting Set for Sept. 22nd!

Registration is now open for the NFLS Annual Grassroots Meeting for children's librarians!

This year's meeting will be held from 9:30 am - 12 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at NFLS.
Before we do our round-robin swap, Jeanne Heuer and Rachel Strehlow of BCL will give a presentation on anime and manga!

This meeting is a great opportunity to network with other children's librarians, exchange ideas and provide feedback on system services.

This meeting is worth 2.5 CE credits.

Contact Denise at NFLS to register, or call 920-448-4410.

It's Never too Early...

...to start thinking about next year's theme!
The SLP themes for 2010 are as follows:

Children's Theme -- "Make a Splash -- READ"
Teen Theme -- "Make Waves @ Your Library"
Adult theme -- "Water Your Mind"

Pam Ellingson mentioned she found some great deals on beach balls, sand pails and other "water" themed-things at area stores already. Now is when a lot of summer items are on clearance, so if you're out and about, grab them while at a low price!

Books R Us Meets Next Tuesday!

The next Books R Us meeting will be held in the NFLS Meeting Room on Tuesday, August 11, from 11 am - 12:30 pm.

For anyone who has not attended a meeting or is curious about it, please join us! The meetings are held bi-monthly, and a different genre is discussed. This month's genre is "memoirs." It's a great way to meet other librarians and discuss great books!

The MADreads blog can give you an idea of some books to read.

No need to register - just show up, bring your lunch and be ready to listen and discuss!

Bits from Barb

Ordering Reading Certificates in Braille

Roxie Novak at the Endeavor Public Library contacted me regarding having a certificate Brailled for a child in her summer reading program. She wondered if a library can order a single certificate. It is actually a very typical situation that a library might have a single child who is blind or just a few participating in their summer programs. So yes, single certificates can be ordered. It may not seem like it is worth the time it takes to order one, but to that single child and his or her family, it is a big deal to treat the child like every one child in the program. The form to request Brailled certificates, or any other items you need in Braille are on the DLTCL SLP web page.


Yard Signs for Summer Readers

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library in Lousianna gave out yard signs to children who completed their summer library program. The signs said, "A Library Champion Lives Here." Parents could also email a picture of their child with the sign and the library posted the pictures on their web site.
--from American Libraries Direct electronic posting for July 1, 2009

Milwaukee Public Library partnered with an early childhood organization in the past that also gave out yard signs for summer readers. The early childhood organization encouraged families to send in pictures of themselves with their signs and the pictures were posted on the agency's web page.


Gaming in Libraries Online Course through Syracuse University

ALA has partnered with the Syracuse University School of Information Studies in an experiment to teach a course that is open to both students and the public via YouTube. Throughout June, iSchool Professor Scott Nicholson will teach the IST 600 Gaming in Libraries course in three online spaces: the Syracuse University website, ALA Connect and the iSchool's online learning management system. Nicholson decided to offer the course to reach public librarians who are interested in incorporating gaming into their libraries.



YALSA's Downloadable Bookmarks for Teens

YALSA is offering downloadable bookmarks featuring the 2009 Teens' Top Ten nominees for librarians to distribute to teens at their libraries. The bookmarks feature the 25 titles nominated for this year's list of favorite books. The bookmarks can be downloaded from this site www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/forallbookmark.pdf.
Teen readers are encouraged to read the nominees throughout the summer, then vote for their favorite titles starting August 24. The online poll closes on September 18. Winners will be announced in a webcast during Teen Read Week, October 18-24, 2009.


YALSA's Ultimate Teen Bookshelf

YALSA has created the "Ultimate Teen Bookshelf," a new web site that highlights must-have teen materials. Developed in conjunction with the United We Serve initiative, the bookshelf is a list that includes 50 books, five magazines, and five audiobooks. While the featured materials have been selected for ages 12-18, the titles on this list span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. View the site!

System Youth Services Liaison Posting, Barbara Huntington, DLTCL, July 2009