Thursday, May 30, 2019

Great Stories Club Grants

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office is currently accepting applications for the Great Stories Club series on Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. The theme is "Growing Up Brave on the Margins."
Applications will be accepted from May 15 to July 15, 2019.
The ALA Great Stories Club is a thematic reading and discussion program that engages teens who are facing difficult challenges through literature-based library outreach programs. An expansion of ALA's long-standing Great Stories Club program model, the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) series will feature books that explore questions of race, equity, identity, and history, and support racial healing sessions with participating libraries, their community partners, and their teen readers. This TRHT series — "Growing Up Brave: Courage and Coming of Age" — is supported by grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
Participating libraries will work with small groups of approximately 10 teens; provide up to four theme-related books for each participant to keep as their own; convene opportunities for exploration and discussion of relevant humanities content among peers; and offer sessions for program conveners and participants led by a racial healing practitioner(s). Book discussions will be led by an experienced programming librarian, often in cooperation with staff from a partner organization or department, such as teachers and counselors.
To be notified about upcoming Great Stories Club offerings, sign up for ALA's Programming Librarian e-newsletter.
All libraries are encouraged to use reading lists, discussion questions, and other resources from previous Great Stories Club themes. All materials are free. To view them, visit our Resources page.
Questions? Contact ALA's Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Writing Boxes

Writing Boxes: The Reading/Writing Connection Supporting Literacy in the Library


“It is essential that—just as children’s librarians are encouraging reading aloud and the sharing of books—we share the joy of writing and communicate how writing is tied to literacy….”

Learn the why and how of creating writing box programs, which promote writing as an enjoyable activity and provide authentic writing experiences that can result in confidence and competency.

Read more on the ALSC blog HERE

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Guest Post: BULLIED


This week's blog post and super rad program idea comes to you from Elizabeth M. Timmins, Muehl Public Library Director & Programmer, Seymour, WI J

Guest Post: BULLIED
Author: Elizabeth M. Timmins, Muehl Public Library Director & Programmer, Seymour, WI
Thanks to Scott Langteau, homegrown Seymour, WI talent, who has written another amazing picture book. This one, BULLIED, is aimed toward middle schoolers. In the book, two bullies named Billy and Bella Bully grow up regretting their negative actions. In fact, in the hopeful ending of the book, they actually turn themselves around as adults. 6th grade students acted in a Reader's Theater production of the book on April 25, 2019 at our public library. I paired Scott’s book with a PowerPoint of the marvelous picture book BULLY by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

We had a packed room of patrons to experience both stories and then do Q & A with Scott. Many of his high school classmates were in attendance. The support was palpable. We collaborated with the Seymour School District and the Community Family Resource Center in our community to get word out about this special event. Sadly, our program was the same evening as the funeral for two slain children in our community. However, we persevered. Scott lives in Los Angeles and was home for a small window of time that we had to optimize.

After Q & A, we had book selling and autographing time. Scott autographed a copy of his book for the library...his words are touching and wonderful! "Note to ourselves...always be ourselves...and always be KIND doing it."

Scott Langteau loved the reader's theater that I scripted for his picture book BULLIED and he gave me permission to freely share it with educators.  (Scott has a BFA in Theater and a Masters in Acting!) This is an amazing creative outlet for me!

So here are the two links where educators will be able to find it. Hurray!



                                                                 BOOK COVER

6 students who acted out the script, Scott Langteau on right, me on left:

Monday, May 27, 2019

Tips for Keeping Bootleg DVDs Out of Your Library

Amy Gannaway, chair of WLA's Technical Services Section and Tech Services Consultant at SCLS wrote a helpful aticle for the TSS Spring 2019 newsletter. Shared with permission:

How can you prevent bootlegs from making their way into your library? The first step is to be aware of red flags when purchasing DVDs from Amazon or eBay. For Amazon, only purchase DVDs that are sold by Amazon itself. Look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.” If you see "Sold by <seller name other than Amazon>” then do not purchase. This is especially important for brand new seasons of TV series or brand new movies.

Second, check other sources to be sure that the season or movie has been officially released on DVD. Here are some resources:

Finally, check library vendors, such as Baker and Taylor, Ingram, and Midwest Tapes. If none of these other vendors are selling the DVDs in question, then don’t purchase the items via Amazon or eBay. And watch out for gifts - in one case, an SCLS library was gifted a bootlegged TV series on DVD.

Catalogers can also be on the lookout for bootlegs. Catalogers who suspect a bootleg can check the sources listed above, and also view the DVD(s). At SCLS we found that the bootlegged DVDs were of low quality when viewed, even if the packaging looked OK.

We all want to provide the best possible experience for patrons. Doing extra legwork on the front end can avoid larger problems on the back end.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Summer Is Coming-Make a Plan for Self Care

"As June looms closer and all of our programs and prizes that fit the Summer Reading Program theme have been selected, ordered, and organized it can become easy to ignore the self-care needed to keep our spirits and energy high throughout our busiest season.  This is my tenth summer working as a children’s services librarian and while it took a few years, my friends and family finally realize that May through July is my tax season. These are the months where I see the most patrons, do the most labor intensive programming, and host the most storytimes for a wide range of ages." 

Read more about setting up a SRP self-care plan HERE

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Fun Times with Fandoms!



Fandoms, fandoms everywhere...  How can you possibly provide programs that cover all the different subcultures your teen patrons are gushing about?

YALSA's Programming HQ is here with a solution: combine them into one giant event!

Image result for party gif harry potterCheck out these ideas to awaken your creative juices and get you started:







Have you hosted a fandom party you'd like to share?  Post it to the HQ and share the wealth!

Thanks to YALSA for yet another fab resource!  (and thanks once again to Tessa for sending resouce goodies my way so I can pass them along to you lovely folks!)

Monday, May 20, 2019

South Asia Youth Book Awards Announced




2019 Award Winners

The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art by Barb Rosenstock; illustrated by Claire A. Nivola (Candlewick Press, 2018). In 1947, Nek Chand began building a Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, using natural and discarded manmade materials, including broken glass, porcelain from chipped sinks, old bicycles and rusty pipes.  Readers will learn of Chand’s marvelous creations in this picture book biography with detailed illustrations and a gatefold photograph. (Grades 2-5)

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018). Twelve-year old Amal aspires to be a teacher in Pakistan. After unintentionally insulting a member of her village's ruling family, that dream is sunk. As punishment, Amal is forced to leave her distraught family behind and work as an indentured servant at the Khan estate. Discovering their corruptness, Amal summons her courage and intellect to secure justice and freedom. (Grades 5-8)

2019 Honor Books

Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea by Elizabeth Suneby; illustrated by Rebecca Green (Kids Can Press, 2018). What would it be like to use a broken umbrella to win a school science fair?  Watch Iqbal help his family find a way to cook their food without using an open fire at their home in Bangladesh.  Hear the monsoon rain, the wind, and baby Rupa’s cough from breathing the smoke from the fire.  Use the glossary and the do-it-yourself activity, too!  (Grades 3-7)

The Eleventh Trade by Alyssa Hollingsworth (Roaring Brook Press, 2018). Sami’s grandfather’s rebab, an Afghan instrument, is stolen while it’s in Sami’s care. Since it’s necessary for their livelihood, the boy must figure out how to buy it back from the shop where it was pawned.  He begins by making trades with fellow students, but will that be enough to get the instrument back? (Grades 5-8)

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (Dial Books, 2018). Twelve-year old Nisha is forced to escape her home in 1947 with her Hindu family during the partition of India. Trying to make sense of the world during this treacherous moment in history, she writes letters to her Muslim mother in her journal, who died in childbirth. (Grades 5-8)

2019 Highly Commended Books

Farmer Falgu Goes to Kumbh Mela by Chitra Soundar, illustrations by Kanika Nair (Karadi Tales, 2018). Farmer Falgu is excited to see the sadhus and elephant processions and savor sweet treats like jalebi and lassi. But he has surprises in store for him, and his kindness to others is rewarded in the end. (Grades PreK-1)
I Need to Pee by Neha Singh; illustrated by Meenal Singh and Erik Egerup (Puffin Books, 2018). Where do you go when you just have to go? Sahi, a little girl who loves to drink all types of things, finds out as she travels from Mumbai to visit her aunt’s house in Assam.  (Grades 3-5)
Machher Jhol by Richa Jha, illustrations by Sumanta Dey (Pickle Yolk Books, 2018). Gopu finds courage as he travels through the bustling crowds, the market, and traffic of Calcutta, to gather ingredients for his grandma to cook his father’s favorite dish—fish curry (machher jhol). The illustrations invite the reader to travel along with Gopu, and hope that the special dish is just the medicine Gopu’s father needs to feel well again. (Grades K-5)
Room in Your Heart by Kunzang Choden; illustrated by Pema Tshering (KitaabWorld, 2018). An old woman who lives in a tiny house in the mountains is hailed by many travelers who ask “Is there room for me?”  Her secret for fitting so many visitors into her small home is the heart-warming message of this Bhutanese folktale. (Grades K-3)

The 2019 South Asia Book Award winners and honorees will be available for book signings at the NCTE Annual Convention in Baltimore, November 21-23, 2019.
_____
The South Asia National Outreach Consortium (SANOC) is the sponsor of the South Asia Book Award
SANOCs mission is to enhance K-16 Outreach Programming by building a stronger network and collaboration among the South Asia National Resource Centers, and institutions with South Asia programming, across the United States. The SANOC initiative started in 2003 and was formally established in 2009 to address the NRC Invitational Priority 1 for the 2010-2013 grant cycles, which encourages collaborative programs among the Title VI centers. We also look to partner with other institutions of higher learning. The national network will work to share information and resources on South Asia, incorporating South Asia content into school curricula, and promoting the resources, workshops, conferences, and educational programs at the South Asia centers.

SANOC Member Centers


Thursday, May 16, 2019

Makerspace Made Easy

Over at Knowledge Quest (AASL journal), Colleen Lee has shared some great tips and tricks for getting a dedicated makerspace going in your library.  Highlights include suggested materials and where to find them, as well as how to link books and stories with makerspace activities.  While the post is intended for school librarians, the advice and suggested materials are definitely universally applicable.  OR use this as inspiration to develop a new collaboration with a school librarian!  Find the full makerspace article HERE.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

2019 Picture Books: Reading and Writing

Looking for a different and fun picture book on reading and writing?

Maybe you want a new real aloud during your school SRP promotional visits.

Jbrary has you covered. Check out their 2019 Picture Book List on Reading and Writing HERE.

I will be putting many of these on my reserve list at the public library for lesson planning in our school library for next year!

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

WLA 2019 Awards: Now Accepting Applications

Honor the innovative and exceptional library services, staff, trustees, and supporters in Wisconsin. Nominate an individual, group, or library for one of the 2019 WLA Awards. 
  
Visit this site (https://tinyurl.com/maauyj3for a list of awards or see the list below. The criteria, application form, and instructions to apply are listed under each individual award on WLA’s website. Winners will be honored at the WLA Conference during the Awards and Honors Reception. 

Applications are due August 1
  
Questions? Contact Anna Palmer, Awards and Honors Committee Chair, ahpalmer@wisc.edu 

WLA 2019 Awards 
Conferred upon Wisconsin citizens who are neither librarians nor library trustees, who have made outstanding contributions to quality library services. This award may be given to a group of people or an individual. 
Presented to any type of Wisconsin library, library system or library network for distinguished achievement in service. The staff, library board or administering body, and the community or people served shall all be involved in the work for which recognition is sought. 
Conferred upon a library professional or paraprofessional in recognition of outstanding accomplishments which have significantly improved and benefited library services. 
Presented in recognition of programming leadership in providing innovative and excellent library programming in Wisconsin libraries. Nominated programs may be stand-alone programs, series, passive or cooperative. Programs for all age groups are eligible. 
Presented to a group of people or an individual for noteworthy achievement as evidenced by substantial activities and exceptional service to the library profession. The Wisconsin recipient or recipients shall have influence and reputation beyond the local community. 
Conferred upon an outstanding Wisconsin library trustee. The trustee must be in actual service during all or part of the year in which he or she is honored. 
In recognition of a librarian's outstanding leadership and accomplishment in library service. The librarian must be currently employed, at the time of selection, in any field of librarianship in Wisconsin and must be a current member of the WLA. 

Monday, May 13, 2019

Diversity Audits of Your Collections


Leah Langby, consultant at the IFLS system, writes and curates content for Keeping Up with Kids, IFLS' blog for library staff serving kids. She has a great post today with helpful links on how we all can steps towards making sure our collections, programs and displays can truly be diverse.

Read about it here.

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Inaugural Conference on Community Engagement Call for Proposals

Do you have ideas to share about engaging your community? Lead the Way: Libraries at the Heart of Community Engagement is an ideal venue to share your exciting projects and practices!  Librarians and staff from all types of libraries are invited to attend and present. The program committee will accept proposals until September 6, 2019.
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
  • community engagement for beginners
  • how to be an engaged leader
  • service outside the library
  • making connections & partnerships within the community
  • community engagement and strategic planning
  • library as a lead community engagement institution
  • community engagement as library advocacy
  • services focused on diversity and inclusion
  • community engagement related to all forms of accessibility
  • teaching as a form of engagement
  • leveraging technology to enhance engagement
  • community engagement and programing re-boots
  • using community data to inform decision making
  • how to fund community engagement projects
  • administrative strategies to foster community engagement
Find out more HERE.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

WEMTA Conference Presenter Presentations

Want to expand your professional development? Check out the presenter resources from the WEMTA conference! Really, really good stuff in there! Budget a good amount of time to sift through these presentations!

WEMTA (Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association) recently held their annual conference in Wisconsin Dells and uploaded all the presentations to their site. WEMTA is primarily focused on advocating and proving professional development for school libraries, although important collaboration work is happening between the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) and WEMTA.

I was able to attend the Sunday session of WEMTA, and was blown away by the innovative presentations. Learn about using Google forms to create scavenger hunts in your library, Google tips, coding, and what is behind youth book award committee work by our own Marge Loch Wouters!

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Put your best space face forward with the NASA Selfie app!

Y'ALL.  Thanks to a fantastic post on the Teen Services Underground Facebook group, I just learned about an app that's pretty darn perfect for this year's summer theme: NASA Selfies!
                                                   
The app, created by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the launch of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, is free and available for both iOS and Android.

The process is simple:

1. Download the app.
2. Take a selfie (or a picture of your pet, another person, what-have-you)
3. Take your face--now placed inside a virtual spacesuit--and decide which Spitzer image you want for a background.

There's currently over 30 different background options--and a random button, if you just can't choose and/or want to be surprised!  The app also includes a bit of information about your selected interstellar background.

How fun would this be for the summer?!  I think patrons of all ages will get a kick out of the chance to send themselves on a galactic adventure, right from their handheld device.

Click HERE to read the official press release.

And, for education purposes (of course) I tried the app a few times myself. *ahem*


Monday, May 6, 2019

Teen Services 101

Karen Jensen over at Teen Librarian Toolbox put together a great basic "things to know" and consider when breaking into teen services. From staffing, teens themselves, administrative considerations, collections, spaces, services to programming and marketing this brief outline with helpful links is a treasure.  Even vets can glean some great tips.

You can read the whole blog post here

Friday, May 3, 2019

WLA's Leadership Development Institute: Apply Now!

Merriam-Webster defines leadership as…. No, just kidding, I won’t start this post like that.  You may have noticed emails about WLA’s 3rd annual LDI or the Leadership Development Institute popping up in your inbox, and perhaps your director has been forwarding them to you, subtly (or not so subtly) pushing you to apply.  Last year, I was one of those individuals lucky enough to have a supportive director gently pushing me to apply, and now I’m here to gently push you, dear reader, to apply.  This isn’t an opportunity you want to miss.

I attended LDI last August, and over the course of three intensive days, worked extensively on emotional intelligence, strength finding, relationship building/collaboration, strategic planning, change management, and critical thinking skills in small group work and with the guidance of several speakers, most of whom were not part of the library world.  Through WLA and YSS, we get so many professional development opportunities from our peers, either through conferences, webinars, or this very blog, and that’s invaluable.  But at LDI, I got to hear about leadership and management from leadership experts outside of my field.  With their support and the other participants, I left with a better understanding of how these nationally known principles and research applied to my work life.

2018 LDI Class

We all know that libraries are busy places to work, and especially as library staff who serve youth, there is always a fire to put out or a new problem to creatively solve.  Upon returning to work, I immediately used what I learned at LDI.

Like I said, I would encourage all of you to apply.   You are leaders in your library and in your community, and although I’m incredibly biased, I think library staff serving youth are ideal leaders in this great field of ours.   

If you have any questions about LDI, I’d love to answer them.  Please email me at kiekhaefer@gmail.com.

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Help YALSA Name a New Teen-Focused Month

Librarians, help out YALSA by having your teens submit creative suggestions for a new teen-focused month that merges Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week initiatives.  According to the YALSA Blog "This celebration will include related displays, passive activities, and programming that will fit public libraries, school libraries, and beyond!"
Find out more HERE.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

How to get your Library of Congress Readers Card

Planning on being in D.C. this summer? Abby from Book Riot gives you the rundown on how to apply for this super cool-and super nerdy-card to carry around next to your public library card. Read more here.
"After living in the DC area for almost five years, I finally got my act together and went to the Library of Congress to get a reader’s card. Many people don’t know it’s even possible to get a (free!) library card from the Library of Congress—but it is! The process is actually pretty easy and, once you have it, you can access reading rooms and materials at the Library of Congress beyond what’s available to the public online. The Library of Congress website gives a decent rundown of how to go about it, but sometimes instructions from the eyes of the customer can be helpful. So, how do you get a Library of Congress Reader’s Card?"