"Get Lost in the Library"

This is a simple, short, but powerful video done by kids and adults promoting the Austin Public Library. The little girl sitting the tree is adorable, and I especially love the guy in the business suit who says he schedules time to "Get Lost in the Library." (What a great slogan!)

Something like this could easily be done with a video camera or with a flip camera, and then linked to your website using youtube or blip.tv.

Karla's Reviews

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa
by Erica Silverman

A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book from 2005, this beginning reader is the story of Cowgirl Kate and her horse Cocoa. Kate is a cowgirl "from the boots up" who loves her horse even when he is a lot of work - behaving like a child at times with Kate as the responsible parent... The first in a series of funny stories kids will enjoy reading for themselves.



If You Find a Rock
by Peggy Christian

Remember the joy of finding the perfect rock? Carrying it around in your pocket? Skipping it across the water? Marveling at its smoothness, its colors, its size or shape? Then you will love this book with its softly colored photographs of the natural world.

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL, East Branch

Interested in submitting a review for Little Nic Bits?? Submit it to Jamie!

Bits from Barb

 Fall Preconference for 2010 SLP
The current plan is to have an SLP pre-conference workshop in October
2009 to introduce the 2010 SLP themes "Make a Splash-Read!" and "Make
Waves @ Your Library." The 2009 WLA Confernce will be held in Appleton.

DLTCL will not be offering a state incentive in 2009.


 Teen Services
Systems will be sponsoring Adolescent Literacy workshops beginning in
March 2009. These training opportunities involve co-sponsorships by all
the regional systems.
The workshop held at NFLS will be on March 18, 2009! 
If you cannot attend on this date,a workshop with the
same speakers will be held at the Waupaca Public Library on March 19. 


 Libri Foundation Awards
The Libri Foundation is currently accepting applications for its
2009 Book for Children grants.  The next deadline for applications is
April 15. The foundation has three application deadlines each year,  so
if you miss this one, applications are also accepted August 15th  and
January 15, 2009.


The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which
donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public
libraries throughout the United States.  Since October 1990, the
Foundation has donated over $3,500,000 worth of new children's books to
more than 2,600 libraries in 48 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.


Libraries are qualified on an individual basis. In general,
county libraries should serve a population under 16,000 and town
libraries should serve a population under 10,000 (usually under 5,000)
Libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and 
an active children's department. Rural is usually considered to be at
least 30 miles from a city with a population over 40,000. Libraries with
total operating budgets over $150,000 and county libraries with total
operating budgets over $350,000 are rarely given grants.


A school library may apply only if it also serves as the public
library (i.e., it is open to everyone in the community, has some summer
hours, and there is no public library in town). A branch library may
apply if the community it is in meets the definition of rural. If the
branch library receives its funding from its parent institution, then the 
parent institution's total operating budget, not just the branch
library's total operating budget, must meet the budget guidelines.


Previous Books for Children grant recipients are eligible to
apply for another grant three years after the receipt of their last
grant. Libraries that do not fulfill all grant requirements, including
the final report, may not apply for another grant. Grants will be
awarded April 30th and August 31st. Application guidelines and
forms may be  downloaded from the Foundation's website.


For more information about The Libri Foundation or its Books for
Children program, please contact Ms. Barbara J. McKillip, President, The
Libri Foundation, P.O. Box 10246, Eugene, OR  97440; 541-747-9655
(phone); 541-747-4348 (fax); libri@librifoundation.org (email).  Normal
office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pacific Time.

Upcoming UW-Madison Continuing Education Courses
Connecting Teens with the Best in New Teen Literature; February 23-April 5

Children, Technology, and the Library; March 9-April 3

Graphic Novels in the Library; March 11-April 8

Tutorial: Spanish for the Library; Begins the 1st of each month



Two Ways to Get an Estimated Reading Level

Reading Level Search on WISCAT
Reading Level Search is a new resource available in WISCAT to
assist K-12 educators, librarians, and parents, to find student
reading-level appropriate material in the WISCAT Union Catalog.  Look for 
the Reading Level Search tab at the top of the page.
      
Reading Level Search is based on the Accelerated Reader (AR),
Lexile, and Reading Counts reading study programs. The "Search For" text
box may be left blank when results showing all items is desired.  A
specific reading level may be selected or a range entered into the text
boxes.

For more details, please see the information sheet at
www.dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/pdf/readinglevelsearch.pdf.
 If you have any questions about this or any WISCAT topic, please contact 
Vickie Long, WISCAT Training & Technical Support, Reference & Loan
Library  (608) 224-5394.


Testing Your "Readability"
Both Microsoft Word and WordPerfect have built in "readability"
tools. These tools analyze documents and return information such as the
grade level, difficulty, and the percentage of passive voice sentences.
Readability tools are touted as a way to improve writing for clarity and
comprehension.

To access the readability function in MS Word, go to Tools and
select Spelling and Grammar. Click on Options and check the box "Show
Readability Statistics." After running spell check, readability
statistics will be displayed.

WordPerfect's  readability tool appears to provides more analysis 
and a better display of results. In WordPerfect, it's possible to compare 
one document to the readability of another document. Writing samples of
Hemingway and the Gettysburg address are pre-loaded for comparison. See
Determining Reading Levels in WordPerfect 10 for step-by-step procedures.

Both MS Word and WordPerfect utilize the Flesch-Kincaid
Readability Test and grade level rating. See the Flesch-Kincaid test
entry in Wikipedia for more information about that formula
--from Tech Tip in Brief - Heidi Yelk in the December 2008 edition of
WSLL@ Your Service, an E-publication of the Wisconsin State Law Library


SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING
Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
December 2008

Summary of Literacy Needs in Wisconsin

The Fall 2008 edition of "Literacy Matters," the newsletter for Wisconsin
Literacy, Inc., includes some interesting data on literacy needs in
Wisconsin. The article summarized data submitted by 49 literacy
agencies. Some of the highlights included:

* 24 of the 49 literacy providers have a waiting list of learners
waiting for a tutor.
* There are currently 662 learners on the waiting lists.
* There are 3,299 active volunteer tutors.
* In 2007-08 the number of volunteer tutoring hours was 230,121.
* The literacy providers served 9,910 Adult Basic Literacy learners 
in 2007-08.
* The literacy providers served 5,363 English as a Second Language 
learners in 2007-08.


* The total number of learners served was 15,273.
* 1,059 learners advanced at least one level on the National
Reporting System standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening,
or math.
* 803 literacy students completed their GED or high school
equivalency exams.
* 898 learners were able to keep their current jobs.
* 316 students got better jobs because of their improved literacy
skills.
* 43 students went on to post-secondary training or education.

~Barb Huntington

Books About Environment

Megan Schliesman said a new bibliography from the Cooperative
Children's Book Center (CCBC) highlights books for children and
teens about the environment:

Eco-Reading: Selected Books for Children and Teens about Our Earth
and the Environment is available on the CCBC web site.

Teen Read-alikes

Terra Fewless at Brown County's Southwest Branch posted some teen read-alike bookmarks on their blog.

Bookmarks are for Twilight, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and A Child Called It.

See the blog to download the bookmarks!

Karla's Reviews

Lock and Key, by Sarah Dessen
Ruby Cooper had been alone for weeks after her addict mom disappeared one day and didn't come home. When she is discovered by nosy landlords, she is sent to live with her older sister, Cora, whom she hasn't seen in ten years. Ruby struggles to adjust to her new life. Can she learn to trust again? And what about Nate, the boy next door who has secrets of his own? A good read for teen girls.




Airborn, by Kenneth Oppel
Great adventure story with pirates, strange winged cats, airships and a shipwreck. The full cast audio performance with original musical score is very well done. Matt Cruse is a cabin boy who was born in the air and wants nothing more than to be a sailmaker on the Aurora, the ship he calls home. Kate De Vries is a rich aristocrat who wants to be taken seriously as a scientist. When they are shipwrecked after an attack by pirates, things get seriously interesting! A good listen and a good read!

~ by Karla Giraldéz, BCL, East Branch

Three Dates to Save in 2009

Here are three key children's/teens dates you will not want to miss for early 2009!


Thursday, February 12th: Annual SRP Planning Workshop, held at the Weidner Center! Some great sessions are planned, some great prizes will be given away, and you'll have a chance to get a backstage tour!

Wednesday, March 18: Adolescent Literacy Workshop held at NFLS! We will hear from speakers on adolescent brain development, how teens can be successful academically and the connection between video games and literacy. This workshop is part of a state-wide initiative by the DPI.

Thursday, May 21: CCBC Choices Presentation at NFLS! Scheduled for 1 -3 pm.

Game Training

Yesterday we had our first game training session on how to set up the Wii and Xbox gaming equipment. Participants practiced putting the parts and cords together, setting up the games and taking everything apart.

We will keep you posted as to when everything is ready online to start reserving the systems for your library!

View the photos of the session on the NFLS flickr page!

Along with an online reservation system, we are also going to have podcasts on set up, take down and using the systems. This way, you will have some guidance once the system is delivered to you. Here's one example!

Bits from Barb

2008 Teen's Top Teen Books Announced
More than 8,000 teen readers across the country chose "Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer as their favorite book in the annual Teens' Top Ten (TTT) vote, sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The online vote took place during Teen Read Week, Oct. 12-18, with the third entry in Meyer's popular vampire romance series winning easily.

The 2008 Teens' Top Ten is:
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers/Hachette Book Group USA)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Abrams Books for Young Readers)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Razorbill)
Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers/Hachette Book Group USA)
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (Margaret K. McElderry)
The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (Delacorte)
Extras by Scott Westerfeld (Simon Pulse)
Before I Die by Jenny Downham (Random House/David Fickling)
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking Juvenile)
TTT is a "teen choice" booklist, put together as part of YALSA's Young Adult (YA) Galley Project.  Final nominations for the 2009 Teens' Top Ten vote will be posted during National Library Week 2009.

Teen Tech Week, March 8-14
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), has launched its Teen Tech Week 2009 web site, opening registration and offering resources for the annual celebration of non-print resources. More information can be found at www.ala.org/teentechweek. Teen Tech Week is March 8-14, with a theme of "Press Play @ Your Library," encouraging teens to take advantage of the many technologies available to them, free of charge, at their libraries.
--American Libraries Direct, November 5, 2008.

YALSA Wants to Feature Teen Programs that Cost Under $100
      YALSA is looking for successful teen programs that cost under $100 for inclusion in a new publication, "Cool Teen Programs for Under $100." If your program is selected you will receive a free copy of the publication. The deadline is November 20th.

 Issues Regarding Libraries Posting of Photos on Facebook, Flickr, MySpace, and Library Web Pages
      Bryan Carson, a librarian and attorney at Western Kentucky University, wrote an article for the September/October 2008 edition of the on-line newsletter, "Marketing Library Services"(MLS). Carson
addressed the issues involved with the public library use of photographs taken at  programs on web pages or on social networking sites.
      Carson explains that public libraries need written permission to use photos for marketing or promotional purposes when persons are identifiable. These would be the primary reasons libraries would post photos of their events. Carson also explains that crowd shots taken from the back of the room, revealing no faces do not require permission.
      Carson discusses the "Right of Publicity" law, which assures the individual's right to control use of their own images for marketing or commercial purposes. This law gives them the right to stop others from using their image without permission. Carson feels the right of publicity law applies to blogs, web sites and social networking sites.
      Carson urges libraries to get written permission to use photos taken at library events if people can be identified. Parents must give written permission for minors. He recommends that libraries keep the permission forms as long as the statute of limitations allows the library to be sued. He said the longest statutes are 6 years in New Jersey.
      Many libraries routinely distribute permission release forms to parents at registration for story programs or other special events that may cover the entire story program series or summer library program. A sample photo and video tape release form are included on page 35 of the 2009 CSLP manual.
      As a point of clarification, Carson said there is an allowance for library newsletters if the photos are used in a "newsworthy context," rather than for promotion. Summaries of recent library events and photos of them posted on blogs and library web pages can fall under the umbrella of "news." However, recent events have to be timely and Carson suggests libraries keep photos up no longer than about two weeks. He discourages libraries from archiving their event photos on sites like Flickr. Carson encourages librarians to get clarification of the Right of Publicity law as it applies to local libraries from their municipal attorneys.

SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING
Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
November, 2008

Be Creative/Express Yourself Sites

The Art of Teaching the Arts: A Workshop for High School Teachers

Teaching the arts is, as one might expect, an art in itself, and teachers young and old alike will find much to engage their attention on this delightful website. Created as part of the Annenberg Media's educational resource website, this site offers an eight-part professional development workshop for use by music, theater, dance, and visual art teachers. The site includes all eight of the one hour programs, and visitors just need to complete a free registration form to view them in their entirety. The programs all include demonstrations, sample activities, and other pedagogical elements. Visitors should note that the programs include titles like "Developing Students as Artists", "Creating Rich Learning Environments", and "Fostering Genuine Communication". The site also includes support materials and "Channel talk", which is the email discussion list for this set of workshops. (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2008. http://scout.wisc.edu/, 10/17/08)

Bedecked, Bedazzled & Bejeweled: Costume Ornamentation at New York City Ballet

Online exhibit and accompanying article about New York City Ballet costumes. "In photographs, the costumes bloom with a fierce poetry, products of wild imagination and painstaking industry. The tutus and tiaras, the grand gowns and flirty skirts, the formal men's jackets and dapper vests worn by generations of New York City Ballet dancers can now be viewed here." View images highlighting details of ballet costumes. From the New York City Ballet. (Copyright 2008 by Librarians' Internet Index, 10/30/08)

Universal Leonardo

Universal Leonardo covers a massive amount of information about the man and his extraordinary skills. First time visitors may want to begin with the Explore section where they will find interactive exhibits that look at Leonardo da Vinci’s work on the forces of nature, the human body, light and vision, and the natural world and learn how these things are all interconnected according to da Vinci. Alternatively, the interactive timeline at the top of the page provides a visual representation of the interconnectedness by linking related images. The Play section is delightful for all ages and includes online games and activities such as making a monster and making Mona Lisa smile as well as a few activities that can be downloaded and used in the classroom. The Discover section gives users the opportunity to learn about the scientific techniques used to analyze the “Madonna of the Yarnwinder”. Additionally, users can also browse through collections of paintings, manuscripts, inventions, and drawings and learn about the life and times of this celebrated artist. ( Education World Site Reviews, 10/14/08)

~ CEO, Youth Services Update

Lakeshores Library System and Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System

Issue 324, November 12, 2008

Teen Swap Recap and Videos

Several librarians shared what they did with teens this summer at the Teen Brown Bag on November 12th! Among the sharing was a "candy-throwing" icebreaker (click here to see more ice breakers for teens), as well as a 30-minute-webinar given by Keith Schroeder (click here for his site) on some tools your teens might have fun using in the library!

And, listen to what Karla (henna tattoos), Kathy ("keep things basic") and Stephanie (Movie Magic) said what programs worked for them this summer!

Do you have "Nerd Girls" at your Library?

Q. What is Nerd Girls?
A. Nerd Girls is a growing movement by young women in the sci-tech fields to create a worldwide network and to offer support and encouragement so that more girls will study these subjects in school and enter into what have historically been male-dominated professions. An equally important part of the Nerd Girl mission is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about these fields and the women who choose to enter them.

Q. Why are Nerd Girls so important right now?
A. Our planet desperately needs engineers and scientists to tackle the myriad problems we currently face. We particularly need more females to enter these fields to fill the growing demand and to offer the full range of perspectives so important to the inventive process. The Nerd Girls are committed to improving the quality of life for individuals, communities and the environment.

Check it out!



- From Arrowhead Library System's "Monday Memo," November 3, 2008

Teen Swap Set for Next Week

Remember that the Teen Swap has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 12th, from 1 - 3 pm at Neighborworks. Please plan on bringing some ideas that you did this summer that you can share with the group. Some fantastic door prizes will be given away, so don't miss out!

Sign up today!

The Pins are In!

I just received the "Read" pins from Michelle Gebhart from the Colorado State Library. They are similar to the ladybug pins that were handed out at last year's planning meeting. Everyone who attends this year's meeting will receive one, too!

Game Training Set for November 20th!

We will be conducting a "Game Training" on both the Wii and Xbox System on November 20th, from 1 - 3 pm, at NFLS.

Learn how to set up both systems, check out the games and play Guitar Hero!
Check out the youtube video for a quick behind-the-scenes look at the game inventory with Wheelee, the new technology coordinator.


Contact myself or Denise if you are interested in signing up! (There will be future sessions if you cannot make this one).
Once the systems and cases are ready, we will have more information on the web on how to check out the equipment for a library event!

Bits from Barb

2008 CSLP Art Work should be Removed from Library Web Sites
Under CSLP's copyright guidelines all libraries should
take down the 2008 SLP art work from their web pages by the
end of September. Now that the 2009 manuals are here,
libraries can put the new art work up instead. Please
remind your librarians that CSLP's copyright must appear
if they use any CSLP art work electronically. Up
until this year,partnering agencies were not allowed
to use the CSLP art work on their web pages at all,
but that will change in 2009 (see next item for details).
Under an agreement from several years ago, public libraries
maycontinue to use the art work from all past CSLP programs
onprint items whenever they wish. They can not, however, allow
partnering agencies to continue to any of the artwork. All
use by non-library agencies,including schools, should cease
at the end of the given summer.


New Edition of "Teen Spaces, The Step-by-Step Library Makeover"
Kimberly Bolan has written a new edition of
her book "TeenSpaces."  It is available through the American
Library Association. Good examples of teen spaces in libraries
around the country are now readily available, and interest
in them continues to grow. With a strategic use of web-based
technologies-from the author's website to a Flickr account-
this second edition showcases success stories as it reaches out
to attract a global community of YA librarians committed to
meeting the needs of young adults.


National Gaming Day November 15th
Hundreds of libraries across the country are preparing to
celebrate the American Library Association's (ALA) first
annual National Gaming Day @ Your Library on November 15th.
ALA invites libraries of all types to join in the
celebration by registering for two national gaming
activities: a national video game tournament, and a board
game challenge. Libraries also can develop their own
activities by using free resources from the ALA.
For more information go to
http://gaming.ala.org/resources/index.php?title=Main_Page.


Arab American Book Award Winner
The winner of this year's  Arab American Book Award in the
Children or Young Adult category  is "Tasting the Sky:
A Palestinian Childhood"  by Ibtisam Barakat (Farrar,
Straus and Giroux). The award is given annually for a book
written or illustrated by an Arab American or that addressed
the Arab American experience. The portrayal or
representation of Arab Americans must be accurate
and engaging, avoid stereotypes, and reflect rich
characterization.


Books to Read to Children During a Financial Crisis
A review of several American children's books that deal
with tough economic times for families is included in
a recent posting by Erica S. Perl's at www.slate.com/?id=2201710
Among the titles annotated at the site are:
Little House on the Prairie-Wilder
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry-Taylor
Ramona and her Father-Cleary
Tight Times-Hazen
How to Steal a Dog-O'Connor


First Lady Doyle's Recommended Children's Titles for this Month:
First Lady Jessica Doyle has initiated an online
book discussion club for children and adults.
Each month her Web page for the book club,called
"Read On Wisconsin," lists the titles for discussion.
All books were carefully selected by a Literacy
Advisory Board and reflect a commitment to
diversity in their content and message.
Mrs. Doyle hopes you find them as interesting and
appealing as she does.

The titles recommended for this month are:
Preschool: "Jazz Baby" by Lisa Wheeler
Primary: "Los Gatos Black on Halloween" by
Marisa Montes Intermediate: "The City of Ember"
by Jeanne DuBrau Middle School: "Middle School
is Worse than Meatloaf" by Jennifer L. Holm and
"Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen High School:
"Sunrise Over Fallujah" by Walter Dean Myers

For more information, or to join the "Read On Wisconsin"
book club, go to
http://readon.wisconsin.gov


 SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING
 Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
 October 2008

Jen Thiele's NWCB Experience

I would like to extend a thank you to the Nicolet Federated Library System, not only for providing an opportunity to go to the children’s book conference in Cable, Wisconsin, but also for helping me realize the dream I’ve had since I was just a young librarian starting out in the world. The dream that involved meeting Nancy Pearl, the most famous librarian of all time.

It happened like this. I woke up early and decided to take advantage of the free continental breakfast offered in the lobby. I grabbed my blueberry muffin and a cup of coffee and headed back to my room to get my agenda for the day. I opened the door to the hallway of rooms and gasped! Standing there, no more than two feet away from me was the fabulous Nancy Pearl. I was taken aback, juggled my steaming cup of coffee and smiled at her, a little too enthusiastically. Soon enough, she realized that this was simply a fan.- a librarian who had read all of her books, saw her speak every time she came to Wisconsin, and allowed each one of her three babies to chew on her action figure when they were teething. A few words were exchanged, and I walked away happy, knowing that this conference was already one of the best ones I’ve been to this year.

Of course, the Nancy Pearl exchange wasn’t the only thing fantastic about this conference. I was also able to find out the 2009 finalists for the CCBC, and sit in three breakout sessions on storytelling for young adults and children. Several local authors were available to discuss how they incorporated history, dialog and real life research into their novels. My favorite speaker by far was Katie McCay, a former teacher who decided one day to be a full-time writer.

After seeing Katie speak I was able to attend a workshop given by John Coy, who has written several books for the reluctant reader. He gears many of his stories towards boys, mostly because preteen/teen boys are the toughest population to target. He shared his experience writing his books, and how closely he worked with kids in getting active feedback in background and design.

The last breakout session was a session on history, and incorporating it into a book. Loretta Ellsworth had written several historical novels, and discussed how she came up with her ideas and did her research.

Overall, I do believe that the conference in Cable was a great experience—both for the writer and librarian. If I have an opportunity in the future I would love to go back. Only next time, I’m dragging along another librarian. Six hours is an eternity in a car by yourself. :)

Teen Swap Meeting

The Teen Swap Brown Bag has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at Neighborworks. Hope to see you there!

Voting for Kids!

I wanted to share a neat activity that some libraries will do in the Arrowhead Library System during election time. Some libraries actually serve as places to vote, so the Clinton Public Library is going to let kids vote for their favorite book character. Martha Gammons at ALS shared the pdf file of their poster. They also give out "I Voted" stickers to the kids.

Please let me know if you'd like the pdf.

Teen Summer Swap Date Change to November

Due to low attendance, we are rescheduling the Teen Summer Swap for Wednesday, November 12 from 1 -3 pm.
It will still be held at Neighborworks, 437 S Jackson St.


We hope you can attend!

Youth Events Still to Come!

Teen Brown Bag and Summer Recap!
Wednesday, November 12
1 -3 pm
NeighborWorks, 437 S Jackson St. Green Bay

Swap, chat and share! You bring a sack lunch - we'll bring the beverages! We will also do a Wii demo as part of our LSTA Gaming Grant!
Email Jamie or call 920-448-4410 to register!


NFLS Summer Reading Program Planning Workshop
Thursday, February 12, 2009
All-day event
Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, 2420 Nicolet Dr. Green Bay

Mary Driscoll, Outreach Librarian for the Dane County Library Service, will be sharing her "play literacy" activities for part of it. She is a dynamo, and someone you won't want to miss!

More details to follow - be ready to "Get Creative!"

Recent Reviews!

The Willoughbys, by Lois Lowry
What a gem! With echoes of Lemony Snicket, Lois Lowry takes on orphans, nannies, wealthy benefactors and neglectful parents. She throws in references to classic children's stories and lots of big words (accompanied by a clever glossary in the back and a bibliography of story titles.) Very funny and clever. Grownups who have read the books she refers to will enjoy the references. Children will be encouraged to seek out the titles and read more.


The Higher Power of Lucky, by Susan Patron
I listened to the audio of this book which was lovely. I find that listening to the books, often helps me slow down and savor the poetry of the writing on a quality read. I could have read this in a sitting, but it was worth the longer listen. I fell in love with the desert as described by Lucky - even though, like Brigitte, I don't like heat or bugs or sand. I loved Miles, and Lincoln, and of course, Lucky. I enjoyed the reader's voice. She was able to do a completely convincing French accent for Brigitte.

~ Karla Giraldéz, BCL - East Branch

PS. To read more of Karla's reviews, log in to goodreads.com, and become her friend!
Not a member? Become one! It's free, easy and you can share "good reads!"

Or...send me a review to share on LNB of a recent youth or teen book you read!

Web Tool Aids People with Colorblindness

This is what the NFLS home page looks like to a person with normal color vision.












With the click of a button, and using the Colorblind Web Page Filter, a person who has tritanopia (blue/yellow color blindness) can change the NFLS homepage to this:















Want to experiment with this page or YOUR library's website?

Click on the Colorblind Web Page Filter logo on the right-hand side above the NFLS Flickr Badge.

Type in your webpage url, pick a color filter and click "fetch!"
You can also embed the logo on your webpage or blog if you know of patrons or children who have color vision deficiencies at your library. It might help them view your webpage or other pages more easily!

You can get more information about the filter at http://colorfilter.wickline.org/.

Grassroots Meeting Recap

The Annual Grassroots Meeting held last week was well attended and a lot of fun! Diane Betz from Butterfly Books did a book talk on the latest and greatest children's titles. (Some of them literally arrived in the store the day before!)

If you want to view more photos from the meeting, click on the NFLS Flickr Badge on the right-hand side and then on the "Grass2008" photo stream.

If you were not able to attend but are interested in a copy of the bibliography Diane shared, please let me know.


Those who attended were asked to submit feedback that I needed to submit to the division. If you were not able to attend the meeting and want to share anything on the questions below, please do so.

1) What do you feel are the best services NFLS offers?

2)  What are the most important issues or concerns you have about youth
services in general?

3)  What is on your "wish list" of future services?

ALSC Awards, Grants and Scholarships

This year the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is giving away $82,000 in professional awards, grants and scholarships.  From creative summer reading programs to author/illustrator visits, we want to help organizations and individuals create a better future for children through libraries.

Applications for awards and grants are now available online on the ALSC Web site at www.ala.org/alsc; applications for scholarships will be posted on the ALSC Web site in the near future.  All applications are due December 1, 2008, except for The Frederic G. Melcher Scholarship and the Bound to Stay Bound Books Scholarship, which are due March 1, 2009.

Below is a complete listing of ALSC's professional awards, grants and scholarships.  Please share this information with colleagues, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know.  Respond to this e-mail if you would like award information sent to you as a .pdf.  Thank you!

Sincerely,
Jenny Najduch
ALSC Marketing Specialist
(312) 280-4026


Awards include:
* Bookapalooza!  Each year the ALSC office receives almost 3,000 newly published books, videos, audiobooks and recordings from children's trade publishers for award and notables consideration.  At the end of the year, after the awards have been given out, ALSC selects three libraries to receive a Bookapalooza collection of these materials (estimated to be worth $10,000 each) to be used in a way that creatively enhances their library service to children and families.

* The Frederic G. Melcher Scholarship provides financial assistance in the form of $6,000 scholarships to two students who intend to pursue an MLS degree and who plan to work in children's librarianship in any type of library.

* The Bound to Stay Bound Books Scholarship provides financial assistance in the form of four $6,500 awards to students who intend to pursue an MLS or advanced degree and plan to work in the area of library service to children in any type of library.  The scholarship is made possible through the generous contributions of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Incorporated.

* Louise Seamen Bechtel Fellowship provides a $4,000 stipend to allow a qualified children's librarian to spend a month or more reading at the Baldwin Library of Historical Children's Literature, which contains a special collection of 85,000 volumes of children's literature published mostly before 1950..

* ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Grant provides $3,000 in financial assistance to a public library for developing outstanding summer reading programs for children.

* ALSC Distinguished Service Award honors an individual member who has made significant contributions to and an impact on, library services to children and ALSC.  The recipient receives $1,000 and an engraved pin at the ALSC Membership Meeting during the ALA Annual Conference.

* The Penguin Young Readers Group Award provides a $600 stipend, provided by Penguin Young Reader's Group, for winners to attend their first ALA Annual Conference.  Applicants must have less than 10 years of experience as a children's librarian and work directly with children.

* The Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award was established with funding from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, in honor of Maureen Hayes, to bring together children and nationally recognized authors/illustrators.  This award provides $4,000 to fund an author/illustrator visit to a library.

Teen Swap Set for October 1st!

What: Teen Brown Bag
Where: NeighborWorks, 437 S Jackson St. Green Bay
When: Wednesday, October 1st, 1 - 3 pm
Why: To give teen librarians a chance to swap, chat and share! We will also do a Wii demo as part of our LSTA Gaming Grant!

Door prizes include:
- Advanced Reader's Copy of Laurie Halse Anderson's "Chains"
- "Legally Blonde" dvd
- "13 Going on 30" dvd

Email Jamie or call 920-448-4410 to register!

* You bring a sack lunch - we'll bring the beverages!

Want to Try and Win a Copy of "Breaking Dawn?......

.....Then attend the Annual Grassroots Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10th, from 9:15 am - 12 pm.

Attendants will also have a chance to win a copy of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2."


Sign up to attend today!

Zoomobile a Success

Thanks to everyone who helped make the NEW Zoo "Zoomobile" visits a success! Brad has his last visit on Aug. 13 in Crivitz and Marinette. I'm not sure what the total numbers are for people who attended, but I know they were really high. I heard both the libraries at Pulaski and Door County were stuffed like sardines!

It was a wonderful partnership between NFLS and the NEW Zoo. Brad said almost every day he was at the zoo, someone would come up to him and say, "weren't you the guy at the _______ Library?"

If anyone has any ideas for someone next year with the "Get Creative @ Your Library" theme, please let me know!

Bits from Barb

SLP Update
Reports from around the state indicate the bug theme has been very popular this year. I have numerous park passes if anyone needs more. I also have tee shirts, 2 banners, 1 teen and 1 children's stand up display unit, and other display items that I have used here at DPI and can now donate to anyone who can use them. If you know someone who can use them, please let me know. We should be receiving order forms for SLP 2009 ("Be Creative" for children and "Express Yourself" for teens) in September. DLTCL will not be co-sponsoring a fall conference this year because the day before the WLA Fall Conference is Election Day. We want everyone to vote so we will not be sponsoring a fall workshop. I will be happy to work with any Systems that might be offering fall or spring workshops. YSS is interested in co-sponsoring in a fall conference next year.

UW-Madison Offers One Day Course on the Adolescent Brain
UW-Madison is offering the course "Human Brain: Demystifying the Adolescent Brain" on Friday, December 12, 2008, at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street, UW-Madison Campus, from 9:00-4:00. The cost is $125 and lunch will be on your own. This workshop will provide the latest research-based information on adolescent brain development as well as discuss other factors that influence adolescent behavior. The presenter will be Kim Price, PhD. For more information go to http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/pda/aoda/. To register contact Kristi Obmascher 608-262-8971, kobmascher@dcs.wisc.edu or go to www.dcs.wisc.edu/register/cereg.htm (Program #8713).


Additions to the DLTCL Adolescent Literacy Web Page
A new section has been added to the DLTCL Adolescent Literacy Web page at www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/adolit.html. This section includes various summaries of research on topics related to videogaming. The additions include:
* The Educational Value of Videogames
* Issues involved in the Development of Educational Videogrames
* Public Libraries and Videogaming
* Social Value of Gaming
* Combined Bibliography on Videogaming
More summaries on additional topics will be added in September.
Librarians working on LSTA grants that focus on teens with special needs, and which include gaming equipment, may find the "Educational Value of Videogames" and "Public Libraries and Videogaming" helpful. There is some good background information in these documents and some data.

Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Children with Disabilities Grants
A new federal grant program is being started by Grants.gov, which is a U.S. governmental grant resource. Public libraries are eligible applicants for funding to demonstrate technology innovation for use with children who have disabilities. For more information go to www.ed.gov/programs/oserms/applicant.html#84327a


New Report Available on Wisconsin Children in Immigrant Families
The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families released a report in spring 2008 on Wisconsin Children in Immigrant Families. Among the key findings are:
* 76% of children of immigrant families in Wisconsin were born in the U.S., and are thus U.S. citizens
* 82% live with both of their parents and the parents are married
* 80% of the children have at least one parent who have at least completed high school
* 80% of the children speak English well
* 50% of the children of immigrants in the state live in poverty
To view the full report go to www.wccf.org/pdf/wi_children_immigrant_families.pdf


ALSC and Oprah Team Up on a Kids Reading List
ALSC has teamed up with "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to provide a Kids Reading List on the show's Web site at
www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/kidsreadinglist/pkgkidsreadinglist/20080701_orig_kids_books
The list is divided into five age groups, from infant to two through 12 and up. Each group contains an annotated bibliography of librarian-recommended reading. There is also a separate "Classics" section, grouped by age ranges, giving parents the opportunity to share the books they once loved with their own children. The Web site also
provides a list of ways to make reading fun for kids, and other helpful tips for parents. The Kids Reading List was compiled by the ALSC Quicklists Consulting Committee, which works to promote books and other resources through recommendations, compilations of lists, and related services.
--Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System

Free PBS Ecology Guide
The Greens, a PBS Web site that encourages kids to explore sustainability and take action wherever they can, is offering free Activity Guides to educators working with 9 to 12-year olds. How-to information pairs hands-on activities to deepen kids' understanding of topics like recycling and global warming with campaigns to reduce junk mail and get drivers to stop idling cars. Order the free Activity Guide at http://meetthegreens.pbskids.org/features/
The Greens Activity Guide contains leader notes, handouts, and how-to information for activities that allow kids to first learn about a problem and then engage in a hands-on activity that can help solve it. Activities can be conducted over separate one-hour sessions and address:
* Cutting down on trash: Kids make a garbage dump pizza and then start a BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag campaign.
* Recycling and reducing: Kids make their own recycled paper and then launch a Reduce Junk Mail campaign.
* Global warming and carbon footprints: Kids investigate the greenhouse effect and then they take action to reduce carbon emissions through a no-idling campaign.
--from Rhonda Puntney, Lakeshores/Mid-Wisconsin Library Systems

SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING
Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
August 2008

Free Activity Guides on Recycling and Global Warming

THE GREENS, a PBS Web site that encourages kids to explore sustainability and take action wherever they can, is offering free Activity Guides to educators working with 9 to 12-year olds. How-to information pairs hands-on activities to deepen kids' understanding of topics like recycling and global warming with campaigns to reduce junk mail and get drivers to stop idling cars.

Order the free Activity Guide at http://meetthegreens.pbskids.org/features/

More about the Guide
THE GREENS Activity Guide contains leader notes, handouts, and how-to information for activities that allow kids to first learn about a problem and then engage in a hands-on activity that can help solve it. Activities can be conducted over separate one-hour sessions and address:

Cutting down on trash: Kids make a garbage dump pizza and then start a BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag campaign.

Recycling and reducing: Kids make their own recycled paper and then launch a Reduce Junk Mail campaign.

Global warming and carbon footprints: Kids investigate the greenhouse effect and then they take action to reduce carbon emissions through a no-idling campaign.

Grassroots Meeting Set for 9/10

The Annual Grassroots meeting will be held this year from 9:15 am - 12 pm on Wednesday, September 10. Invitations will be going out next week, so mark your calendars if you plan to attend!

Fear Factor @ GPL

It was a creepy crawly program today as the theme was Spin-A-Tale. Spiders eat bugs...and we challenged our summer readers to see what they would eat! The barf bucket was handy as the kids sampled Cheerios with ketchup, potato chips with mayo and banana, and sardines! It was a FEAR FACTOR CHALLENGE @ THE GPL...

- Submitted by Kay Rankel, GPL

Butterfly Garden @ Farnsworth

The Farnsworth Public Library in Oconto has seen lots of activity in its Butterfly Garden this summer. Kids are able to add a butterfly to the garden for every four hours they read. It looks like the garden is getting pretty full!

Shawano Visitors

The Shawano City-County Library has had lots of visitors lately!
The NEW Zoo brought Buttercup the Porcupine and the Hands 2 Grow Puppet Show visited in June.

Bits from Barb

Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium

The second annual ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning and Libraries Symposium will be held November 2-4, 2008, in Oak Brook, Illinois. The Symposium is sponsored by ALA TechSource, in collaboration with the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), and the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA).

Copyright Issues Regarding Video Game Tournaments

An article in the June 1, 2008 edition of School Library Journal addresses the question of copyright in regard to video gaming tournaments. Popular games such as "Guitar Hero" are usually intended for home use. Carrie Russell who wrote the article gives some suggestions on what libraries that offer tournaments might do, but further clarification is probably needed. To read the complete article, go to www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6565670.html&
Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, stopped at the Ninendo exhibit booth while she was at the ALA conference to see if she could get a clarification from them. The sales person promised to send a letter of clarification and Shawn said she would share that with the folks in Wisconsin. Thanks, Shawn! This won't be definative for every company but may be helpful as a general guide.
ALA does have some information on copyright and use of games in the library.
I went to numerous sessions on videogaming for teens while I was at conference to see if I could track down information regarding copyright use. Videogaming in libraries is very popular and done frequently all over the country. In many cases the companies donate the software and sometimes even the gaming systems. So although I didn't find out anything specific, I do know that the libraries with the most experience are not running into copyright use challenges from the game producers. I will continue to monitor this issue and share anything more I hear about it.

Podcast on How to Start a Student Advisory Committee

If you've ever thought about starting a student advisory committee at your library, or you're interested in ways to improve a committee you already have in place, you may want to listen to a free new podcast available from the Virginia chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries (VLACRL). The podcast is a recording of a session on student advisory committees from VLACRL's May 19, 2008 spring program (Studying Students: Inviting a Fresh Perspective on Your Library) at Sweet Briar College. To view the podcast go to http://vla.org/blog/?p=302. The hour-long recording features Mary Ellen Spencer (Virginia Commonwealth University) and Matt Ball (University of Virginia) speaking about the student advisory committees at their respective schools. -from the Indianhead Library System electronic newsletter, "Newsflashes," June 12, 2008.

5th Edition of Excellence in Library Services to Youth Adults is Released

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), announced the publication of "Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults, 5th Edition," edited by Amy Alessio for YALSA with a foreword by Mary K. Chelton, editor of the book's first three editions. The book is published by YALSA with support from the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.
"Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults" compiles the winners of YALSA's recognition project of the same name, announced last summer. The five winners were selected by YALSA as the best programs in libraries for young adults, along with 20 "best of the rest. Each program summary provides ideas for replicating and adapting the winning programs in school and public libraries. Organized for easy browsing, each chapter encourages readers to think about the range of possible programs and illustrates the growing trend of including teens in every aspect of the program.
Amy J. Alessio is the teen coordinator at the Schaumburg Township District Library in Illinois and an active YALSA member. She finishes her term as YALSA's fiscal officer this month and also previously edited YAttitudes, YALSA's e-mail newsletter. She also teaches online courses and licensed institutes for YALSA on teen services.
The book can be purchased through the ALA Store.

SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING
July 2008

Zoomobile Zooms Into Area Libraries

Brad Hooyman of the NEW Zoo explains to kids at Brown County's East Branch about the happenings at the zoo this summer. About 80 people were present for the live-animal presentation on June 11.

Happy Father's Day

In 1924, President Coolidge recommended that Father's Day become a national holiday. President Johnson designated the third Sunday of June to be Father's Day in 1966. It was not until 1972 that President Nixon instituted Father's Day as a national observance.

Read more tidbits and historical facts about Father's Day on history.com. Plus, find Father's Day gifts, watch video clips, and read about TV's Famous Dads.

Still stuck on what to get dad? Then check out About.com and its printable Father's Day coupons. It has everything from "control of the remote" to "lawn mowing."

Bits from Barb

SLP Update
Reminder about State Park Pass Use
I want to remind all public libraries about the rules regarding use of the State Park Passes offered this year through a collaboration between DLTCL and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The most important rule is that libraries may only give each reader one pass. This means that the passes may not be put out for the public to pick up themselves, or left where youth might be able to take them. The passes indicate that the parks will only accept one pass per child during this summer. The last time we offered state park passes several families showed up with children who had weeks worth of passes and they expected to be able to use them. This is very disheartening for the park staff and discourages the DNR from offering the passes to public libraries.
The passes are intended to be given to readers after they have completed a given amount of reading. Individual libraries decide what that amount is. But libraries should not give out the park passes when children register for the programs.
To avoid abuse of the passes public libraries should stamp their library name on their passes so the state park staff know the pass is legitimate. The state parks will be sending me any multiple passes they confiscate and I will be contacting the offending libraries. Libraries risk participation in future state incentive programs. Everyone's cooperation is needed with a state promotion like this to ensure continuation of the partnerships.

Collaboration with American Family Children's Hospital
DLTCL has entered into a unique collaboration with the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison to offer the "Catch the Reading Bug" summer reading program to children who are hospitalized over the summer. Anne Riceman is the children's librarian at the hospital and is coordinating the summer reading program there. She is using a paper bug jar as her reading log.
DLTCL would like to request that public libraries accept these reading logs if children bring them to their local public library. The logs will indicate they are from the Children's Hospital. It would be very helpful if public libraries around the state accept the titles as part of the required reading for the local program. That way children who miss out on so much because of their hospital stays, will not miss out on summer reading fun. Anne also has set up a teen reading program so teens may be bringing in their logs if they used them while they were at the hospital. Anne will indicate on the reading log if she has already given them a state park pass.
It would be very helpful if librarians let me know if they receive the hospital reading logs. That way DLTCL can help the hospital track the number of children who actually do make the connection between the program at the hospital and at their local library.

Safety Checks on CSLP Products
Karen Drevo, Nebraska, is the CSLP Vendor Committee Chair. One of the things she does is work with Highsmith to review safety reports on items supplied for the summer library program and pass along that information to the member states. There has been recent concern nationally about the safety of plastics in general, but most recently concern has focused on the plastics used in water bottles and items used by young children. Karen wrote to the CSLP state representatives to let us know none of the CSLP incentive items have been rated by the government as "not safe.". There will NOT be a recall on any of the items. However if librarians ordered this year's CSLP sippy cups and water bottles, Highsmith will accept any returns if people would prefer not to distribute them.
--Karen Drevo, CSLP Vendor Committee Chair, kdrevo@ci.norfolk.ne.us

Reproducible Reading Certificate
If anyone needs a black and white copy of the Catch the Reading Bug reading certificate, please let me know. The certificate was accidently left off the clip art cd this year. CSLP has sent us copies and they are also available from the CSLP web page at www.cslpreads.org

Most Frequently Offered Services or Activities Involving Teens
According to the data on the 2007 public library Annual Reports, last year most public libraries (90%) reported they have added materials to a collection specifically intended for teens. Over half of all public libraries met at the library or visited middle school students at least once, and 40% of all public libraries met with classes of high school students.
Forty-six percent (179) of public libraries host teens who do volunteer work as part of a high school graduation requirement, and 38% (148) host teens who are doing court ordered community service. Seventy-four libraries have teen advisory groups, and about 12% have teen volunteer groups. Fifty-three libraries have a teen web site, blog, or have a presence on a social networking website such as My Space or Face Book. In 2006, 25 libraries reported they had a designated teen services librarian. In 2007, seventy libraries reported that a staff person spent at least 10 hours per week on teen services. Less than half of libraries (43%) have a designated area for teen materials and seating. Sixteen libraries use an electronic contact list for teens, teen telephone calling tree, or cell phone message group to let teens know about activities at the library.

YALSA Young Adult Literature Symposium, November 7-9, 2008
Registration is now open for the inaugural Young Adult Literature Symposium, Nov. 7-9, at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, as announced by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Early bird pricing for the symposium is available until Sept. 1, with advance registration from Sept. 2 to Oct. 3. Registration is available at www.ala.org/yalitsymposium.

The symposium, funded in part by the William C. Morris Endowment, will take place biennially beginning this year. The 2008 theme is "How We Read Now." The symposium begins with Picturing the Story: Teens Get Graphic @ your library, a preconference focusing on illustrated materials for teens, followed by two days of programs, poster sessions and receptions. Registrants can also sign up for the optional Genre Luncheon on Saturday, in which they can meet and mingle with young adult authors over lunch. Details, including a preliminary program, are available at www.ala.org/yalitsymposium by clicking on "Programs & Presentations."

Early bird registration costs $195 for YALSA members, as well as members of the Tennessee Library Association and the Tennessee Association of School Librarians; $245 for ALA personal members; $300 for nonmembers; and $50 for students, who must be enrolled full-time in a library and information science program. Registrants can attend the preconference for an additional $75. Rooms at the Millennium Maxwell House are offered at a special rate for registrants of $119 per night. To find out how to reserve a hotel room and see the full list of registration rates, visit www.ala.org/yalitsymposium.

New ALA Publication on Teen Girls and Technology
ALA has released a new publication about teen girls and their interaction with technologies. According to author and professor Lesley Farmer, teenage girls are not embracing technology and all of its potential impact on their futures. In her Teen Girls & Technology: What's the Problem, What's the Solution? Farmer explores the developmental issues of teen girls, including the reality of girls and tech as it now stands.

SYSTEM YOUTH LIAISON POSTING
Barbara Huntington, DLTCL
June 2008