ALA | Learning4Life in My School Library Student Video Contest

There are a number of student video contests to promote the value of school libraries.  This one supports the American Association of School Libraries marketing program for its national school library standards, Learning4Life.

ALA | Learning4Life in My School Library Student Video Contest

Illustrators Galore @ the Library Store

Notable children’s book illustrators have generously drawn upon their talents to support the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries. Aliki, Caroline Arnold, Joe Cepeda, Marla Frazee, Kazu Kibuishi, Brian Selznick, and Marianne Wallace created illustrations for the cause. The public can view the images and support school libraries when they visit the Campaign’s LIBRARY STORE. California School Library Association members praised the artists and school library “Best Seller” Patrick Nelson for stepping forward.  

Southern California librarians asked for T-shirts, so now there are lots of t-shirts available with the Childrens Book Illustrators images, each with the message: "Strong School Libraries Build Strong Students and Lifelong Learners".

There are lots of choices, so buy a bunch.

Get one in every color and shape.

Get some for your family and grandparents, too!

Get matching note cards to reinforce your message.

1- Art by Aliki (2 illustrations: Library Cat and Reading Friends)

2- Marianne Wallace (Sunflowers & Students)

3- Kazu Kibuishi (Reading Rabbit)

4- Marla Frazee (Magical Reading Tree)

5- Joe Cepeda (Reading Adventures)

6- Brian Selznick (SAVE California School Libraries)

7- Caroline Arnold (Panda Loves Libraries)

Shop for strong school libraries at http://cafepress.com/csla
Build your Spring wardrobe.

CSLA/CCFSSL Press Release:

http://www.csla.net/pdf/CSLAIllustratorsGaloreLibraryStore.pdf

California Campaign for Strong School Libraries

The California School Library Association (CSLA) has launched the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries, a public awareness campaign to raise awareness about the importance of strong school libraries for children.

Through a variety of projects and programs, the Campaign for Strong School libraries is targeting areas throughout California to raise awareness about the importance of strong school libraries for our children.

Campaign Chair Connie Williams plans to reach out to vendors and other large sponsors. Research confirms that school librarians and school libraries support students in academic achievement, lifelong learning, and reading.  Now is the time to get the word out to parents, community members and decision makers. California is in serious danger of losing school librarians and school libraries. The most severe cuts are occurring in our state, where school library services to children are already at the bottom in the nation.

By creating awareness, the Campaign will open the doors to conversation about how strong school libraries impact learning and how keeping the doors open, staffed appropriately will – in the long run – provide the scaffolding for strong schools.

As school libraries close, children of poverty lose access and the achievement gap grows larger. The easy solution, and one backed up by more than 20 state and international studies confirms that the school library provides access to books, plus access to the professional who can lead our children into their digital future safely and thinking critically about their world - both virtual and real.

The Campaign is asking for tax-deductible donations to support funding for projects and programs dedicated to helping school library professionals and support staff to create projects for their students, faculty and/or administrators, develop legislative campaigns that support requirements for school libraries; and design curriculum and instruction which will benefit our students for years to come.

Williams says "Let the Campaign begin!  See you on board."

Press release:

http://www.csla.net/pdf/CSLACCfSSLAnnouncement.pdf

Library Rap - 2007 music video

How did we miss this 2007 rap video?  Library Rap -- Don't mess with the tigers in the learning lair.

Super Science @ Your Library

American Libraries (AL) Direct carried an item on a program that extends and enhances the science curriculum of its local K-5 schools.  This is the way to collaborate -- ideally school teacher librarians are on the planning team.  Here is the news item:

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh recently developed “Super Science @ your library” using the Campaign for America’s Libraries’ @ your library brand. Developed for K–5 students, the program reaches out to children through the library’s branches to expand on the science curricula taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. It features 12 topic areas, which have included topics like inventors, robots, recycling, and wetland habitats....

Library of Alexandria - News from Egypt

See Photo Gallery and Videos
Press release from the library director:

• Director’s Statement to Our friends Around the World: The Events in Egypt
• 30 Jan 2011
• The world has witnessed an unprecedented popular action in the streets of Egypt, led by Egypt’s youth with their justified demands for more freedom, more democracy, lower prices for necessities and more employment opportunities. Youth demanded immediate and far-reaching changes. This was met by violent conflicts with the police, who were routed. The army was called in and was welcomed by the demonstrators, but initially their presence was more symbolic than active. Events deteriorated as lawless bands of thugs, and maybe agents provocateurs, appeared and looting began. The young people organized themselves into groups that directed traffic, protected neighborhoods and guarded public buildings of value such as the Egyptian Museum and the Library of Alexandria. They are collaborating with the army. This makeshift arrangement is in place until full public order returns.
  
  
  The library is safe thanks to Egypt’s youth, whether they be the staff of the Library or the representatives of the demonstrators, who are joining us in guarding the building from potential vandals and looters. I am there daily within the bounds of the curfew hours. However, the Library will be closed to the public for the next few days until the curfew is lifted and events unfold towards an end to the lawlessness and a move towards the resolution of the political issues that triggered the demonstrations.
   
  Ismail Serageldin
  Librarian of Alexandria
  Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina