Library Advocate.

Read Across America - March 2 - Dr. Seuss' Birthday

2012-01-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

Each year, the California Teachers Association sends me the CTA/NEA Read Across America press kit. It arrived today. "Sink Your Teeth into a Good Book" is the 2012 theme. Read Across America is celebrated on March 2, Dr. Seuss' Birthday. Materials from the press kit are also online at cta.org

The California School Library Association (CSLA) has contributed a list of recommended reading.

CTA's sponsors for READ ACROSS AMERICA are:

Major League Soccer teams LA Galaxy and Chivas USA (new)

American Federation of Television & Radio Artists	First Financial Credit Union
Barnes & Noble	Los Angeles County Fire Department
California Library Association	Scholastic
California Professional Firefighters	See’s Candy
California School Library Association	Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes Restaurants

National Libraries Day (United Kingdom)

2012-01-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

National Libraries Day is devoted to all types of libraries, library users, staff, and supporters across the United Kingdom. It is celebrated on February 2, 2012.

There are several wonderful posters available for downloading. Check them out!

Libraries and individuals that celebrate NLD are encourage to tweet about it to the following hashtag: #NLD12

Spread the word! Get ready to celebrate!

Joy of Books video

2012-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Kudos to Sean Ohlenkamp and his wife, who spent many nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto (883 Queen Street West, (416) 366-8973). Magical music was composed by Grayson Matthews (http://www.graysonmatthews.com/). The "Joy to Books" is a joy to watch and hear.

Here is an earlier video, "Organizing the Bookcase". This attempt whetted their appetite for the more elaborate video (above).

Page Turner Video

2012-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

This fun YouTube Video was shared on Facebook by California teacher librarian Tom Kahn. Here is information from YouTube about the production.

Music by The Jews Brothers Band - http://jewsbrothers.com
The track "Tchavolo Swing" is on iTunes: http://bit.ly/xqHW39

Joseph Herscher takes a sip of his coffee, pulling string thereby tipping paintings. Balls roll down paintings, lighting burner to boil water causing books to tip. Vase and computer get knocked off the table, releasing tape to open front page of newspaper.

National Mentoring Month - January

2012-01-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

January is National Mentoring Month. Given the library is a popular destination of mentors and mentees, it makes sense for public libraries to recognize their role in supporting these teams. Celebrate this quiet but important role! Did you know that the President of the United States issued a proclamation making this National Mentoring Month and that libraries are mentioned in the second paragraph? Here is that sentence:

"At school and at home, in the library and on the field, mentors lift our youth toward their goals and ambitions. As a teacher, a relative, or a trusted friend, a mentor's steady and dependable support can inspire a child to strive for success and instill in them the confidence to achieve their full potential."

January 26, 2012 is a special day of recognition of mentors.

Some mentoring programs have found the "Mentor, Mentee: Building Futures, Learning Together" graphic design and have ordered journals to give at recognition events later this month. The design includes an older and younger person comfortably reading together, snacking on m&m candies (mentor & mentee), library card alongside the young person, technology mixed in with print books. Setting? Looks like a library!

The art includes m&m dictionary definitions:

Mentor:
a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

Mentee:
a person who is guided by a mentor.

Big Eye Reader Mini-Bookmarks

2012-01-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

Collect them all! Entertain young readers with fun mini-bookmarks that feature Big Eye Reader characters. The bookmarks are available through the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries, a project of the CSLA Foundation.

There are eleven characters so far, but how many more will join the others this year? Tweet about your favorite character or suggest one @4Libraries

Holiday Tree of Readers Advisory Books

2011-12-26T09:51:00.001-08:00

Petaluma High School Teacher Librarian Connie Williams alerted me to this creative way or display reference books -- old, green leather bound sets of the index to journal articles were used to create a Christmas tree. Book Tree WIN is the article name. See http:wins.failblog.org/2011/12/15/epic-win-photos-book-tree-win/

see more WIN - Epic Win Photos and Videos

Do Libraries Lend Fundraising Tools?

2011-12-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

We've heard of tool-lending libraries. Why not fundraising tool-lending libraries?

Do you know of any libraries or organizations that have fundraising tools like wishing wells/coin tosses to loan to schools & nonProfits for fundraising?

For example, what would be the reaction to a team of students bringing a wishing well to a Homecoming football game or all home games to collect change for the school library, to "Change the Story" about how the school libraries of the 21st century are different -- books, eBooks, computers, wifi, etc. Students could be dressed up as literary characters or in school colors. Or, kick off the coin toss fund raiser with a school library book fair and then take it on the road. Or rotate the schools. Keep loaning out the coin toss to drive up public awareness.

Each county or community should get right on this idea. Make it a New Years Resolution. We all have extra change in pockets, change purses, jam jars and drawer bottoms. Other ideas?

Library Quotes

2011-12-11T17:35:00.001-08:00

The American Library Association's advocacy site, "I Love Libraries" includes access to a database of library quotes and tips on how to effectively use the quotes. One of the suggestions is to use them for making bookmarks. Recommendation: add a link to bookmark templates for WORD and for Adobe Illustrator.

The site also links to its partners, including its "Authors as Advocates" program. Thanks go to 2010-2011 ALA President Roberta Stevens! This is a great legacy. The author videos in support of public libraries are well done, with an emphasis on employment resources for the public. Wish a few videos specifically addressed the plight of school libraries at every level: elementary, middle, high, and higher education. Hope each new ALA president will keep growing and enhancing the "Authors as Advocates" program.

Jazz Animoto Promo for "Big-Eye Readers"

2011-10-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Animoto music videos -- especially those less than 30 seconds -- are ideal for capturing the attention of the public today! Here is a new fun one that promotes both the "Big-Eye Readers" characters and the Library Advocacy Store.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Little Free Library

2011-10-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a wonderful little library movement, started in Minnesota. Build your own little library or adopt one.
It is called LittleFreeLibrary and it's mission is:

To promote literacy and the love of reading
by building free book exchanges worldwide.
To build a sense of community as we share
skills, creativity and wisdom across generations.
To build more than 2,510 libraries around the world--more than Andrew Carnegie!

Congressional Hearings on the SKILLS ACT

2011-10-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

On October 17, 2011, the American School Library Association (AASL) held a congressional briefing in Washington, DC on "Education Reform and the SKILLS ACT: An Analysis of 21st Century School Librarians and Their Impact on Career and College Readiness". Presentations were in conjunction with Representative Rush Holt (NJ) and Senator Jack Reed (RI).

A number of speakers brief members of Congress at Congressional Hearings on the SKILLS ACT:

Carl Harvey, school librarian, North Elementary School (Ind.), AASL president
Donna L. Haye, assistant superintendent, Atlantic City Public Schools (N.J.), an AASL Distinguished School Administrator
William A. Mayer, university librarian, American University (D.C.), international speaker and leader on the changing face of services in libraries
Kathy Mortimer, parent from Henrico County Public Schools (Va.) an AASL National School Library Program of the Year
Connie Williams, National Board Certified Teacher Librarian, Petaluma High School (Calif.), AASL legislative committee chair

The AASL has created a number of supporting documents and videos on the briefings at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/advocacy/briefing.cfm

The bottom line is that there is an important role for strong school libraries from elementary through college, if we want our students to be effective and creative users of information in class, college and careers. Dollars for job creation should be directed to schools for strengthening school library teams, providing more student access to school libraries and teacher librarians. It makes sense when you know the story of what 21st century school libraries look like. See the AASL Standards for 21st Century Learners and individual state standards such as California's Model School Library Standards.

Big-Eye Readers - New Characters

2011-10-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

The California Campaign for Strong School Libraries has added two new characters to its collection and thanks to high votes from an earlier poll, it has created a coloring page contest for libraries and any establishment that serves children and loves reading. Print the PDF or png by visiting csla.net and search "Big-Eye Readers". Suggest new characters by taking the poll.

Another high vote from the poll is the interest in using the individual characters in library newsletters or librarian columns in school or local publications. All that we ask is that if you use the readers, you properly acknowledge the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries at librarycampaign.csla.net To request individual images in png format for your publications, contact Library Advocate at info@csla.net

The new Big-Eye Reader characters have been added to the Campaign's LIBRARY [ADVOCACY] STORE.

Paper Sculptures Advocate for Libraries, Words, Ideas

2011-10-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Retired California teacher librarian Jamie Boston alerted school librarians to a mysterious set of paper sculptures left in Scotland libraries, in support of libraries. Every so often, another intricate piece of library art appeared in Edinburgh libraries, the Scottish Storytelling Center, Edinburgh International Book Festival and other public places.

One of my favorite designs is a cup of tea and tea bag (right) that has these words:

To @edbookfest 'A gift' This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas...... & festivals xx

Teabag filled with cut out letters, on the tag of which are the words "by leaves we live".
The cup on the top has a swirl of words which read " Nothing beats a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and a really good BOOK"
On the 'tray' next to the cupcake it says "except maybe a cake as well".

See http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/_Mysterious-paper-sculptures/blog/4991767/126249.html

Monkey King Mug Gene Luen Yang - Monkey King LIBRARY STORE

2011-10-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

American Born Chinese graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang features a wild and crazy Monkey King. What a way to wake up with a jolt of java and Monkey King demanding you to Read! Know! Grow! He is such a cool king, and Gene generously donated this image in support of literacy and libraries. Thank you!

Gene Luen Yang is the award winning Author-illustrator/teacher of several comic books under the name of Humble Comics. Check out his website at http://geneyang.com/

Big-Eyed Readers Coloring Page

2011-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

What is the most popular use for the Big-Eyed Readers? According to those who took the poll, the answer is a kid's coloring page. What a fun way to get kids and parents thinking about books and reading. Copies are free and available by writing to the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries at info@csla.net

Other popular uses for the images (according to the poll) is use as headers in library blogs and school newsletters. A PNG image of the four (top) readers is also available from the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries. The graphic designs are also available on various products at the Campaign's LIBRARY STORE.

Library of Congress Documentary

2011-09-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a good C-SPAN documentary for your library: The Library of Congress.
It covers:

The Great Hall, Reading Room , and exterior of the Jefferson Building
Some of the treasures among its books, maps, photos, and presidential papers
The History of the Library of Congress and its Jefferson Building
The Jefferson Library and other treasures of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division
The painstaking care of the Library’s collections
The use of technology to reveal new information about historical documents

Read for the Record

2011-09-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

District Library Media Supervisor for Visalia Unified School District, George Pilling, alerted California school library teams to Read for the Record. The book this year is Llama, Llama Red Pajama, and the goal is to read it aloud to 2 million kids on October 6th.

This is a good opportunity to tell the story about the importance of access to books and strong school libraries.

BURN BOOKS

2011-09-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Most Americans have read science fiction author Ray Bradbury's book and movie "Fahrenheit 451" in school. Bradbury is known for lots of great quotes. The one about burning books is especially timely today, given the steadily shrinking budgets for our academic, public and school libraries.

This is a great conversation starter and appropriate for classrooms, libraries and board rooms. Remind your friends and families about the importance of reading -- pick up a message mug!

Big-Eyed Readers Ask "What Are You Reading?"

2011-09-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

What are you reading? We want to know! What a great conversation starter.
See the new "What Are You Reading?" design series at cafepress.com/designclass and select individual reading characters or several together. These big-eyed readers peek over their books, taking time to listen to what books you are reading. Enjoy!

Please tell us which character is your favorite by taking our 4-question POLL. Thank you!

Linda Darling-Hammond Addresses Lack of Funding for School Libraries

2011-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

From AASL Hotlinks (September 2011):

Former Presidential Advisor Linda Darling-Hammond Addresses Lack of Funding for School Libraries
In a recent speech at the Save Our Schools March in Washington, D.C. Stanford University Education Professor and former advisor to President Obama on education, Linda Darling-Hammond explained the extent of the trouble public education is in, and mentioned the lack of funding for school libraries. “We are here to say it is not acceptable for the wealthiest country in the world to be cutting millions of dollars from schools serving our neediest students; to be cutting teachers by the tens of thousands, to be eliminating art, music, PE, counselors, nurses, librarians, and libraries (where they weren’t already gone, as in California)…” she said.http://ed.stanford.edu/news/darling-hammond-mess-we-are

Teenagers Are Reading: Keeping Book Industry Afloat?

2011-09-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

The other day, Dr. Stephen Krashen shared this post with California School Library staff and supporters: Sara Stevenson presents evidence that teens are indeed reading and might even be "keeping the book industry afloat."

California teacher librarians have responded with an immediate and enthusiastic "yes", students are reading and love books and their libraries (school and public). Now, get the word to parents and policymakers to stop cutting budgets and support strong school libraries! Learn what a strong school library is by going to the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries site. Learn the minimum standards for school libraries and demand that your school meets or exceeds the standards. Promote and advocate for implementation of model school library standards.

Building Futures: Public Library as Destination

2011-08-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

YMCA mentoring program "Building Futures" includes public libraries as key destinations for mentors and their young mentees. Library visits make sense, given the weekly year-long relationship building and mentoring that adults and young people experience. Mentoring images often show fun activities like the zoo, sports games, or amusement park rides but visiting the local library for the first time, getting a library card, finding a special favorite corner of the library is a comfortable routine that builds future library lovers. Enjoy the video:

Note from Imperial County Free Library Director Connie Barrington on how her library system works with a mentoring program: "I am very proud of our partnership with the Foster Grandparent program in Imperial County, run by Catholic Charities. The Library staff have provided training for working on literacy, we are utilizing a few volunteer grandparents this summer as volunteers and our partnership with the Probation Dept., the Juvenile hall staff and the FGPs assigned to Juvie hall is exemplary. I worked with a small budget provided by Probation and created a special library collection just for Juvenile Hall. The FGPs handle circulation. We have also jointly raised funds for other support for them, such as $ from a local prisoner’s group that bought a “boom box” so the FGPs can utilize ICFL audio books for literacy support. ICFL materials are loaned to the FGPs for use with their “grandchildren” and FGPs refer the children to local libraries."

Cal Ripken - Library Card Sign-Up Month Honorary Chair

2011-07-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

This September, baseball Hall of Famer and author Cal Ripken will hit a home run by encouraging children to get the most important school supply of all: a library card.

As the Honorary Chair of Library Card Sign-up Month (September), Cal Ripken has donated his image to print and audio public service announcements (PSAs). Sample media tools are available to remind the public of all the resources available for free with a library card. Tools include a sample press release, newsletter article, proclamation, and PSA scripts.... These are available in English and Spanish language.
- American Library Association Public Information Office, July 12

Many students, from elementary to high school grade levels, do not yet have a library card. Thanks to budget crunches in most schools and community colleges, subscription databases are only available through their local public library system.

Is this a good time of year to ask community leaders to show off their library card? If so, be sure to give them enough time to renew or get one so they can be proactive and advocate for library card sign-up month.

Identifying Brand Advocates for Libraries

2011-06-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here are highlights from the June Panel presentation by Silicon Valley American Marketing Association chapters. The event was titled: “The Next Step in Social: Beyond Listening and Engagement”. I'll try to relate this marketing discussion to library advocacy.

Moderator: Chris Arens [Catalyst s+f], influencer, author and marketing/ad agency veteran

Chris is revising his textbook on advertising 101, Contemporary Advertising.
His company, Mindtime, is focused on understanding the drivers of consumer behavior.
He says now is the Age of Enlightenment II, with major institutional changes in several big industries: Music, Photography, Publishing, Personal computing, Advertising & Marketing. Librarians are well-aware of these shifts, especially in publishing and personal computing.
There is a fundamental shift in our world, thanks to 3 revolutions: technology revolution, data revolution, and transparency revolution.
Companies now need to think of individual people, not market segments or groups. People have brand relationships, so businesses need to learn about individuals, especially brand advocates.
Brand advocates self-identify themselves, go out of their way to recommend products (like book recommendations) or businesses, and they move business! Learn how know who the advocates are because 90% people buy based on recommendations from people they know; 70% buy based on consumer opinions posted online. It is about building lasting relationships.
Give your advocate a platform from which to address people. [CSLA Bestsellers, CCfSSL supporters, FRIENDS of the LIBRARY members need to be given a platform so they can passionately advocate for libraries.]
Tenets of good relationships: RESPECT, trust, honesty, accountability, and support.

Panelists:

Maria Poveromo, Director of Social Media, Adobe: Her goal is to identify the most passionate Adobe advocates. In PR, she used to identify gatekeepers and journalists, but now she brings in the voice of the customer. Adobe has a CS Ambassadors group on LINKEDIN. CS=creative suite, the name for its suite of design products including Illustrator, In Design and Photoshop.

Laura Messerschmitt, Senior Marketing Manager, Intuit: Brand advocates are in the company’s “Intuit Inner Circle”. They identify brand advocates via their Net Promoter Surver, where the key question is “On a scale of 0-10, how do you feel about the product (QuickBooks)?” Anyone who scores 9 or 10 gets followed up and asked to post a recommendation to Amazon Reviews. This is a popular and easy way to identify top advocates and give them a specific way to advocate for the product. Survey membership each year, invite members to use your advocacy tools.

Recently, Intuit pre-briefed their brand advocates before an ad campaign so they could help defend the company if needed. In the old days, the company used to only pre-brief journalists. Library associations could pre-brief members about upcoming news releases; Public libraries could pre-brief FRIENDs or Donors, give sneak previews of upcoming events or news.

Rob Fuggetta, Founder and CEO, Zuberance: - Apparently his company is very well respected as a company that studies and tracts social media. Uses R.O.A – return on advocacy (media value) rather than ROI.

Susan Etlinger, Consultant, Altimeter Group: – Her paper on how to measure softer metrics, like relationships (social analytics) is about to be published. It will be on the Altimeter website and available via Creative Commons. She says a lot is measurable:

Brand health
Marketing optimization – cmo person
Top line revenue – are we getting benefit from Facebook, Twitter
Bottom line operating efficiency – people “sell” to one another via social networking
Customer experience – was customer happy?
IDH – innovation, crowd sourcing ideas

__________

Other/Observations:

Do not “brand” your advocacy program and urge people to “JOIN”. Better to say something like “If you like libraries and librarians, let us know” or “If you like libraries and librarians, here are tools for you to help share our message." or "Say "YES" to libraries! Read how you can add your voice...."

Give brand advocates tools so they can better advocate for you. A tool could be an online forum, a way to submit comments. It could be key messages and research findings. How are you helping your library brand advocates?

· Brand Advocates go out of their way to recommend.

· Don’t just focus on ROI (return on investment).

Questions:

· How to identify brand advocates for strong school libraries, the Campaign LIBRARY STORE, or any library? Survey? Put you thinking caps on.

· CSLA and CCfSSL site and FACEBOOK pages – what do visitors get in terms of an experience when they visit the page? Is it rewarding, interesting, engaging? How to turn Facebook “likes” into something more. "Like" is not necessarily a recommendation, let alone an indication of a brand advocate.

Lash Mob Freeze frame: Celebration of National Library Week

2011-06-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun way to celebrate National Library Week, April 10-16, 2011.
All communities could do this! Public and school libraries.

From American Libraries Direct: "Becky Plimpton, director of the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, brought together about 75 people at the Holyoke Mall April 10 for a freeze mob session promoting National Library Week. Just after 4:20 p.m., the group took a spot and froze in place with book in hand (or on the floor) for five minutes."

Follett Challenge - student video contest

2011-05-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Follett is having a student video contest. Here is a video worth voting for! See the Follett Challenge: an invitation to the education community to promote the role that school libraries play in encouraging and developing information literacy and student engagement.

There are six prizes, ranging from $10,000 to $35,000. Winners are determined by votes. Check them all out. Voting is this summer.

Contest details

Animoto video about art available on the LIBRARY STORE

2011-05-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Reading Friends/Listening Cat Mugs and More at LIBRARY STORE

2011-04-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Shop for Mothers Day mugs and more at the California Campaign LIBRARY STORE. There are more than 20 images to choose from, each with the message "READ. KNOW. GROW."

Images are on mugs, water bottles, keepsake boxes, and a full line of T-shirts for moms and children. Look for your favorite childrens book illustrator or image. Start your collection today.

Artists (as of April 2011):

American graphic novelist/illustrator Kazu Kibuishi donated a pink reading rabbit to promote reading and libraries.

2. Library cat says Read.Know.Grow. Aliki writes and illustrates many well-loved books and has donated two wonderful library cat illustrations.

3. Marianne Wallace is a writer and illustrator of children's middle grade non-fiction nature books. Marianne has donated images of books with sunflowers. One is a book-as-flower in a pot. Another is a stack of books with sunflowers.

4. Caroline Arnold's big, beautiful Panda offers words to ponder: Read.Know.Grow.

5. Joe Cepeda has done illustrations for magazines as well as for children's books. Joe donated a night-time image of young children outside, searching for something… using books to light the way.

6. Marla Frazee says "There isn't any guessing when it comes to how much, or if, children like a given book. If a book bores them, they will get up and find something else to do." See her wonderful magical reading tree.

7. David Shannon is an award-winning author and illustrator of many highly praised books for children. "No, David" is a Caldecott Honor book.

8. Brian Selznick has illustrated many books for children, including Frindle by Andrew Clements, The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Muñoz Ryan. See his image of a child carrying a banner “Strong School Libraries = Strong Students”.

Moonlight cow and Farm cow illustrations have been donated by Steve Gray in support of libraries. Steve Gray’s cartoon characters have been seen in digital media, broadcast, and print publication.

Sophie Blackall, illustrator of the Ivy & Bean books, supports libraries. See her library storytime art.

Ben Boos has created a powerful key and book illustration with the message, “Read.Know.Grow.”

Reading in a tree? How fun! See book Art by Sarajo Frieden in support of libraries.

Spaceheadz illustration by Steven Weinberg in collaboration with Jon Scieszka.

Sea Captain by Bob Logan carries the message, "Read.Know.Grow." in support of libraries. His newest book is called “ Sea of Bath”.

Blue Guys by Michael Slack carries the message: "Read. Know. Grow." See the boy’s imagination as he is surrounded by books and a computer. His recent book, Monkey Truck, is adorably hilarious. You can see his book trailer at vimeo.com/18605836.

Tom Lichtenheld has donated his fun "Duck Rabbit" illustration in support of California School Libraries.

Make a commitment to check the site weekly to see what has been added. Each time you promote the Campaign and its LIBRARY STORE, you make another person or persons aware of the importance of strong school libraries. Proceeds support the public awareness campaign. Learn more about the issues, the research, and the crisis at http://librarycampaign.csla.net

Kid Book Reviews - An Open House Treat (FUN & FREE)

2011-04-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Free, fun, fabulous idea of the week:

(Thanks to Alfie Cohen, Steven Krashen, and HS Teacher Librarian Connie Williams)

"Early this week Dr. Krashen sent out a great idea from Alfie Cohen about putting book reviews on lockers, etc. I loved it and since this evening was Open House I thought I'd give it a try. I asked many English teachers if they'd have their students write a 'quick write' that started:
[name] is reading.....   and then whatever they wanted to write about."

"With only 3 days to put this out to them... they were amazing! They (classroom teachers) loved the idea and sent lots and lots of them.  I think that they'll continue it.  What a great way to reinforce to teachers just how much kids like to read when they get to read what they choose. I plastered the hall to the library and put a sign Board at the end of the hall saying:"

"My T.A.s (teaching assistants) put them on lockers, on doors, and all over. I included some QR coded book talk signs too... lots of parents looked at them, and many kids dragged their parents over to their own reviews. It was lots of fun. I think that what I'll do now after taking these down is to practice "random acts of book reviews" and just post some every now and then in various places around the school."

"Kids wrote all over the map from Kafka to Dr Seuss to Superman....  it was fun."

Connie Williams, TL at Petaluma HS

Two Teachers and a Microphone -- Protests against LAUSD Pink Slips

2011-04-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Angry Teacher Rap about Getting Fired - two rap videos by Two Teachers and a Microphone productions. What is happening in Los Angeles is happening across California. It is a total meltdown. Tons of teachers, including hundreds of Teacher Librarians and Library Assistants, are getting eliminated.

What is wrong with this picture??? California needs to CREATE JOBS, INCREASE LITERACY, BUILD STRONG STUDENTS.

Illustrators Galore -- and many more!

2011-03-23T21:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Patrick Nelson, CEO of Mrs. Nelsons Library Supplies, there are now a dozen illustrators who have donated their art in order to promote libraries and support the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries. Artwork is now available on mugs, notecards, T-shirts, and more at the Campaign LIBRARY STORE. New items and artwork is added regularly. Urge your friends, family and book lovers to visit and shop regularly. These are wonderful items for gifts and gift baskets, recognition, and simply fun for your collection.

Here are highlights of the four newest artists. Please be sure to thank them all. The most recent additions include Steve Gray's two hilarious cow illustrations: Moonlight Cows and Farm Cows. If you are crazy about cows, these images are especially for you. Both images say "Read. Know. Grow."

Ben Boos, noted for his Fantasy and Sword illustrations, contributed a fantastic Key and Book image linked with the words "Read. Know. Grow." Underneath the image is a statement to "save California school libraries." Yes! Thank you. Save us!

Sophie Blackall has given us a beautiful library scene, with a teacher librarian reading to a class of young students. Across the top, over the tops of the children, are the words "Strong Libraries Build Lifelong Learners" Yes! So true. Tell the story.

Sarajo Frieden has given us a fun tree filled with children, reading. Words are "Read. Know. Grow." These words are so perfect for all students, all schools, all readers, all lifelong learners.

»	Kazu Kibuishi says Read.Know.Grow.
»	Kazu Kibuishi for Libraries
»	Kazu Kibuishi Rabbit for School Libraries
»	Aliki says Read. Know. Grow.
»	Aliki for Libraries (ALL)
»	Aliki for School Libraries
»	Marianne Wallace READ.KNOW.GROW.
»	Marianne Wallace for Libraries (ALL)
»	Marianne Wallace for School Libraries
»	Panda by Caroline Arnold. Read.Know.Grow.
»	Panda Loves Libraries (ALL) by Caroline Arnold
»	Panda for Strong School Libraries. Art by Arnold
»	Read.Know.Grow. Art by Joe Cepeda.
»	Joe Cepeda for Libraries (ALL)
»	Joe Cepeda for School Libraries
»	Read.Know.Grow. Art by Marla Frazee.
»	Marla Frazee for Libraries(ALL)
»	Marla Frazee for School Libraries
»	David Shannon for Libraries
»	David Shannon for School Libraries
»	California Campaign for Strong School Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for School Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for School Libraries = Strong Stude
»	Moonlight Cows by Steve Gray
»	Farm Cows by Steve Gray
»	Sophie Blackall for Libraries
»	Ben Boos for Libraries
»	Art by Sarajo Frieden

School Library Language for Legislators - article by Christie Kaaland

2011-03-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

School Library Monthly has a timely article by Dr. Christie Kaaland on advocacy messages for legislators, depending on legislator background and issues. The article title is "School Library Language for Legislators."

What Does a Teacher Librarian Do? Ask a TL!

2011-03-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

This is a great video that shows what school teacher librarians do. Not sure how I overlooked this one!

Connie Williams Invites Advocates to Join the Campaign, Act Locally

2011-03-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

Connie Williams, Chair of the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries, has sent the following message to members of the California School Library Association:

The California Campaign for Strong School Libraries has begun! The Campaign is a grassroots action to raise public awareness that our students need strong school libraries. Our message:
• Students need the library team: teacher librarian and library aide.

• The model school library standards are tools that schools can use to design instruction to teach students how to be digitally safe, better readers, and lifelong learners.

The California School Library Association (CSLA) has launched this campaign, but it is up to each local library advocate to design projects to share in our communities, get the word out and ‘go viral’ with our message.

Statewide, the Campaign is kicking off with a bus campaign in two major cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles. We are raising money to fund bus ads to appear on city buses on targeted routes. We chose the bus venue because of their ability to reach large audiences. We will gauge the success of this pilot program by measuring expanded media coverage, hits on the website, calls with questions and local discussions. Above is one of two designs – the other one has pictures of younger students with an adult reading books to them, with a computer in the background.
What you can do:

STEP 1: Use the campaign logo to make bookmarks and other hand outs. If you live in either S.F. or L.A. you can host “ did you see them” contests … if you live elsewhere, make sure that the bookmarks show up at local libraries, bookstores, schools, sports venues [gymnastics, fencing, martial arts gyms all have desks….]
STEP 2: Purchase buttons and/or other inexpensive items at the library store [cafepress/csla.com] to hand out to parents, teachers, and others at Board meetings, PTA, Rotary, and other community venues. Be visible, be vocal…stay on message.

STEP 3: Donate to the campaign so that we can expand our ads into other markets, including Sacramento!

STEP 4: Join the campaign and create your own local advocacy action.

Beginning May 1, The CSLA Campaign Advisory Board (the Presidents elect of the Northern and Southern Section and the Past President of the State Board) will be accepting applications for local grassroots projects that need start-up funding. Criteria will be posted soon, but the intent will be for local library advocates to identify local venues for advertising and marketing the Strong School Library message. If your town doesn’t have a city-wide bus system, maybe a cab company will carry the message on their cab roofs, maybe you can take materials to your local radio station, visit a Rotary Club luncheon, Ladies Auxiliary, or the Toastmaster’s club and tell them about the need for strong school libraries in your community. Money could be used to invite speakers to support your efforts locally…. A million needs, a million ideas… a million solutions. YOU are the best judge of your local community and how to best reach it with this vitally important information. Collaborate now with your local school library folks to design a local campaign so that you’ll be ready to go when the application forms are ready.

This campaign is designed to change the story.
The current story = school libraries are important, but money is so tight that we have to close them or cut their hours or their staff.
The new story = Our students need strong school libraries in order to become informed citizens, who are ethical users of information and ideas, digitally literate, good readers, and lifelong learners.

Community leaders and policymakers need to see teacher librarians as teachers – teachers of essential skills including research, cyber safety, digital literacy! Teaching is a key differentiator between school librarians and all other librarians. School libraries need to be seen as solutions. List the solutions!
WE can change the story – now is the time to take charge, move out into our communities and spread the word.

Join the campaign today. Start with step one, ‘follow us’, invite your friends, sign the guestbook at: librarycampaign.csla.net then, gather your local colleagues and create YOUR plan to spread the word.
Connie Williams

Chair

ALA | School Library Month

2011-03-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

School Library Month is the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL) celebration of school librarians and their programs. Every April school librarians are encouraged to create activities to help their school and local community celebrate the essential role that strong school library programs play in a student's educational career.

The 2011 theme is "Create Your Own Story." This year, AASL will help school librarians tell their stories and advocate for the value their school library program brings to their school and local community.

AASL observes its 60th Anniversary. Read about the history of School Library Month and download SLM proclamation templates.

- AASL Hotlinks, March 2011

ALA | Learning4Life in My School Library Student Video Contest

2011-02-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-18T22:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

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

Super Science @ Your Library

2011-02-11T06:54:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

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

What If Einstein Could Afford a Library Card?

2011-01-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

The clever video, What if Einstein Could Afford a Library Card? was created by Heather Teysko, who adds this commentary: "[California] Governor Brown's budget proposes to end all statewide funding for libraries. That means no more reciprocal borrowing. Libraries will have to charge out-of-area patrons. Information will no longer be freely available to everyone. What would the world have looked like if people like Einstein didn't have free access to a library?"

In difficult times, some really counterproductive and misinformed decisions are made. It is important to speak up and make visible the implications of ideas and potential decisions that are being made. Access to books and online resources are key to American democracy and innovation. Why isn't this obvious? Speak up! Thank you, Teysko!

Like Father, Like Son : Habits are Learned. Visit the Library.

2011-01-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Finnish Library Association celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010. In honor of the anniversary, it promoted the important role of the libraries in transmitting cultural upbringing to the next generations.
Script: Markku Rönkkö; Production: Otto Tuotanto Oy; Director: Jappe Päivinen. September 2010

Read. Know. Grow. -- Note Cards that Say it All!

2011-01-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

Sending a note card makes more of an impact with legislators and their staff than an e-mail or stack of letters. In order to focus on youth, reading, and technology, I created a graphic with Adobe Illustrator and uploaded it to CafePress for others who might want to use the "Read. Know. Grow." message on a note card.

This is good timing for Library Day in the District visits with legislators, Library Lovers' Month (February), PTA thank-yous and requests for donations, student recognition and much more.

Reading in the USA - Music Video

2010-12-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Lyrics:
Two (Illinois) North Elementary School teachers rewrote the lyrics to the popular Miley Cyrus song "Party in the USA" for a school-wide video project aimed at encouraging reading. About 700 students took part in the entire process.

"Reading in the USA" by Mike Moylan and Jim Pomis

Lyrics:

Verse 1:
I made time to stop in the LMC 'cause I wanted to read a book.
Fiction and non-fiction all on hand, gee, which to give a look.
Every kind of genre is located right here; every author that I know is so near!
All these choices seem crazy! Look around -- there's so many!

I find a book that's "just right" for me. Head outside for some reading
I look around and then I noticed it; everybody's got a book to read
everybody's got a book to read
everybody's got a book to read

Chorus:
Got my book out; An author I like; the world just melts away
Reading alone, oh yeah
Laughing out loud, oh yeah

Got my book out; I'm reading for fun, laughing out loud again
(long) Yeeaah-ah-a-a-a-ah, we're Reading in the USA
(long) Yeeaah-ah-a-a-a-ah, we're Reading in the USA

Verse 2:
Mystery rocks with Sammy Keyes; she finds the clues and solves the crime.
In fantasy like the Lightning Thief, Percy finds the bolt in time
So fun with picture books around me; The Web Files certainly is funny
Then there's Children of the Dust Bowl, where families play a big role.
Poetry and comedy, fairy and folk tales, so many genres to choose from.

I look around and then I noticed it; everybody's got a book to read
everybody's got a book to read
everybody's got a book to read

Chorus:
Got my book out; An author I like; the world just melts away
Reading alone, oh yeah
Laughing out loud, oh yeah

Got my book out; I'm reading for fun, laughing out loud again
(long) Yeeaah-ah-a-a-a-ah, we're Reading in the USA
(long) Yeeaah-ah-a-a-a-ah, we're Reading in the USA

Feeling like this book is right, book is right
I could read it all tonight, all tonight.
I seem to lose all track of time, track of time
The author pulls me in and I feel alright!

Sung to the tune of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA."

Library Girl - Music Video

2010-12-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a great music video, Library Girl. Love the out-takes at the end. Check it out:

Music is by Singer/songwriter Reina Del Cid, who sings about a bookish girl who works as a library shelver at night and wonders about a guy she likes who is more into AC/DC than Puccini.

Federal Funding for IMLS

2010-12-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

Good news for the holidays!

American Libraries reporter Beverly Goldberg writes: “There was a bit of a holiday-season miracle over the past week: the bipartisan passage of the Museum and Library Services Act in both the House and Senate. This demonstrates that the library is the one institution that exists to serve everyone. Simple as that. But keep your eyes open for savvy allies to join the fray as the importance of libraries becomes personal for them. For example, the November launch of the School Library Exchange, a free online clearinghouse where individuals can post their school libraries’ collection-development wish lists for potential donors to see—and act upon, hopefully.”... AL: Inside Scoop, Dec. 15; ALA Washington Office, Dec. 14

Poem for Librarians - by Poet Hans Ostrom

2010-12-18T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hans Ostrom, poet and professor of English at the University of Puget Sound, posted this three minute poetic video tribute to libraries and librarians. The poem was featured on a BBC Four program in 2008. “Librarians know where wisdom’s stored. / They catalogue the countless forms / Of silence and tell people what they / Didn’t know they wanted to know.”... YouTube, Nov. 16

Lyrics are below and at http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/for-librarians/

For Librarians

Imagine you can consider all ideas
And images represented by all words
And numbers in all libraries worldwide.
Open the book of this consideration.
Touch the paper. See the illustration
Of you, reading, when you were ten
In your local library. Turn
Several pages. Now read how you
And that other person ignited romance
In, of all places, the stacks, third floor,
In quite a different library. Snowflakes
Brushed against dark glass as you two
Stood between PQ and PR.

Now go to the index. Find “possibility.”
Look up from the book. The librarian
Who looks away was watching you.
She knows how to phrase the question
You want answered.

Librarians know where wisdom’s stored.
They catalogue the countless forms
Of silence and tell people what they
Didn’t know they wanted to know.
They treat the mentally fractured
As if they’re whole, the dull as if they’re
Sharp, Winter as if it’s Summer.

A band of sunlight angles through high
Windows, brightens shoes of a librarian,
Who knows the patron in the gray enormous
Coat will steal a book about sex or wiccans.
She knows some Christians will steal books
Deemed Satanic, ignoring a commandment
And the homeless person sleeping in a chair.
She knows some atheists treat Library as
Church, so when she moves into shadows,
She does so quietly. She worries for books.

For the librarian knows books are easily burned,
Recycled, or digitized, reduced to oxygen, carbon,
Silicon, and such basic elements as hate and
Budgetary cuts. She wishes presidents of
The United States would consult librarians
Before going to war. It would save so much time,
So many lives. She knows exactly which references
Know how badly any war will go and how soon
Citizens come to loathe their leaders. She knows
How to find stories about all the libraries
Wiped out by war. She knows patrons who’ve
Been harmed by war. Sometimes they set off alarms.
Someone asks her, “Can you help me find out
If I’m related to Napoleon? ” Yes, ” she answers,
“Come with me, please.”

All libraries may now gather inside invisible
Electrons. After closing time, books in Sweden
Send emails to maps in Chile. A librarian in Topeka
Posts a reply to one in Tokyo, adding to a blue thread
Wrapped around the globe.

As sincerely as librarians worry for books, for shelves,
For catalogues, buildings, and best practices,
So should we worry for librarians, for images and ideas.

At a table in a library, a circle of light
Lies on a book. The hand not writing turns
The page, and something important happens.

Hans Ostrom

University Library Hip Hop Video - Robarts Mansion

2010-12-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

University of Toronto's Library is the focus of "Robarts Mansion" (play off Thugz Mansion by Tupac)

Mezmerizing and fun. Youtube lists the Lyrics and more:
Robarts Mansion as performed by GEAK;
a little music video about everyone's favorite spot at UofT.
Written by: Gadda Damballa, Eliot Kim and Karim Ennadouri.
Directed by: James Cambria and Jordan Kennington.

This song respectfully samples the wonderful song Thugz Mansion by Tupac. All rights are reserved, so by all means go and also checkout the original by the greatest that ever was and see where we got our inspiration!

Lyrics:

Shit, I'm tired of trying to study at home, and ending up on Facebook, watching TV or, falling asleep.
Us U of T students need a spot where we can study, a spot where we belong, thats just for us.
We ain't gotta get dressed up, just show up in jammies and not worry what people think.
Na mean?
Where do we go after hours? Ain't no spot for an over-caffeinated undergrad, thats why we go to Robarts Mansion.
Thats the only place where we can read in peace and you gotta be from U of T.
At Robarts Mansion.

A place for late night study times,
to buckle down so many exams in this life of mine
I cry at times, I once contemplated a doctor's note,
and woulda tried but when i held my side, he didn't believe that my hip had broke
No one knows my struggle, marks getting lower and lower,
not knowing its hard with Attention Deficit Disorder
Picture me inside the misery of ADD,
no one has ever witnessed shittier marks at U of T
Praying hard for better grades, try not to study late,
but me and my dawgs ain't have a choice but to procrastinate
We finally found a spot to kick it,
where we can drink red bull and no one bickers over trick shit
A spot where Asians smoke in peace,
and even though we g's we visualize a place where we can read in peace,
And in my mind, I
hope I don't get caffeine withdrawal
They got a spot for us all,
Red Bull and all,
At Robarts Mansion.

(Chorus)
Ain't no place I'd rather read,
Hiding from students and family
Sky-high thirteenth floor studying
In the sky (At Robarts Mansion)
Ain't no place I'd rather read,
Only place that's right for me
Peacock- shaped Mansion on Harbord street
At U of T(At Robarts Mansion)

Will I survive all the nights in the darkness, I don't think so
just read the same line five times, man I'm slow
I shed pen mark tears,
I can't sleep it's uncomfortable in here,
I see my peers fail midterms year after year
seen their GPAs just vanish,
Our so called majors change and change
please explain why they wont guide us
Is university a dirty game?
Will I be a victim of OSAP, making minimum wage?
My stomach's jealous cause these books only feed my head,
Subway sounds good but man I'm in debt
Is there a spot for me to go that costs less?
Man I think I found it, right outside SS
How could I resist thee,
free gravy and a large fries at the price of only 3.50$
I gotta get back inside, its getting chilly, plus its almost 10:50
Don't lock me out, of Robarts Mansion

(Chorus)*1

Dear mama I'm stressin' your baby boy is shook
I got an essay to print out and these people are on Facebook
Seen a movie at Media Commons last night,
it was alright, but the screen was too small,
and the headphones, were too tight
Then head down to second floor cause I'm hungry
take out money and get charged a fee,
cause I'm not with TD
Head over to Whokking On Wheels, tell the chef that he's my idol but I wish his speech, was subtitled
Maybe now you can tell, Robarts has flaws you may ignore;
Lights that turn on by themselves and no cells on some floors
But think of all the students that you knew that have passed
with flying colours cause in Robarts they found peace at last
Picture a place where they can study, unbothered
They call it Robarts, we just say 'heaven on Harbord'
So right before I cease to speak, all I'm askin'
remember these GEAK's save us some seats
at Robarts Mansion

(Chorus)*2

Learning4Life In My School Library Student Video Contest

2010-12-18T09:12:00.000-08:00

The American Association of School Libraries (AASL), CISCO, SchoolTube, and Mackin have announced a "Learning4Life In My School Library" student video contest.

Submission Process (see more details on the website)

All entries to be submitted on SchoolTube.com between January 4, 2011 and March 18, 2011.

Follow these steps to enter:

1. Register under your school for a free SchoolTube.com account. You will receive an e-mail confirmation with information on logging into SchoolTube.

2. Review all contest rules for the Learning4Life In My School Library Student Video Contest on this page.

3. Complete this Contest Entry & Video Release Form and e-mail to learning4life@ala.org or fax to AASL at 312-280-5267.

4. Click the Enter Now Button on the website to submit video into the contest. Submission entry will begin on January 4, 2011 and the deadline for the submissions is March 18, 2011.

Starbooks -- Book Club Fund Raiser

2010-12-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Livingston (CA) High School Teacher Librarian Tony Doyle and his school library book club kids held a "Starbooks" fund raiser. Here is Tony's report on the successful first-time event:

"Our Book Club held it's first Library Cafe ("Starbooks") fund raiser this week. We have been on finals schedule the last two days so we sold coffee, hot chocolate, instant cappuccino, and muffins before school. We had a 1/2 price sale after school today. We set up near the back door and sold inside and outside to the skater crowd that hangs out behind the library. We took in over $200 in less than 3 hours total. Profits worked out to around $125. A lot of kids were asking when we were going to do it again. We didn't have a single spilled drink in the library and only one cup left on a table (the faculty made a much bigger mess during our Toys for Tots luncheon yesterday). It was a lot of work but also lots of fun. The Book Clubbers really enjoyed it."

Wonder if local Starbucks stores would want to promote the idea at other times throughout the year? Tony is also a book reviewer for School Library Journal, so maybe that publication will put a spotlight on the idea of book club fund raisers for libraries.

Musicians Promote Books for Richmond Students

2010-12-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco Chronicle featured a heart-warming front page story on how local musicians are helping Richmond students get books! Indie pop-rock duo called Pomplamoose is offering a free MP3 download of their holiday album to anyone who buys a book. Kudos to musicians Jack Conte and Nataly Dawn and their friend English teacher Tyler Hester.

Lots of individually packaged books keep arriving for the kids at Leadership Public School and for other Richmond schools. Kids need their own books and books to borrow. Access to books is key to higher literacy and thinking. Note: Amazon is hard on the environment, but bulk buying via and for school libraries would avoid all the individually packaged books.

Read on a bit more and you will see the tragic reality of too many California schools: "At Leadership Public, for example, the library now consists of about 500 dog-eared paperbacks housed in a former bathroom. Many were donated by folks cleaning house, which means the selection is fairly random." And you wonder why kids from poverty don't have high literacy levels -- little or no access to books or a strong school library program!

The California School Library Association has launched a public awareness campaign to promote California's blueprint for building strong school libraries. Review the website at librarycampaign.csla.net/. It would be most excellent if Pomplamoose and friends broaden their focus to rebuild all California school libraries. Contact the Campaign to offer social networking skills, your voice, or donations.

Student Video Contest

2010-12-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here's a good opportunity to loan your Flip video to students in the new year:
The American Association of School Librarians, SchoolTube, and Cisco are teaming together to present the Learning4Life in My School Library Student Video Contest. Students are encouraged to create videos detailing how their school library and technology empower them to be Learners4Life and upload their creations to the video contest page hosted on SchoolTube.com. Submission entry begins January 4 and ends March 18, 2011. One student winner will be chosen from each grade level – elementary, middle, and high school. Winners will receive a Flip™ video camera and a prize for their school library program. Winning entries will be featured on the AASL, SchoolTube, and Cisco websites and social networking platforms. For more information on contest rules and guidelines, visit the Learning4Life in My School Library contest page.

These rules should also fit California's new Model School Library Standards.

Authors for Libraries program

2010-11-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

The Association for Library Trustees, Advocates,Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF) has created an "Authors for Libraries" program. The ALTAFF website includes information about each author, including links so visitors can check for details on author tours, reading group tips, and more.

What is particularly useful is that the authors have each provided a quote about libraries that libraries and library advocates may use in their newsletters and on websites.

Run down the list of authors and their books. Find your favorite authors and see what they have to say. Then look at them all. What a resource!
Examples:

Barbara Kingsolver
The Lacuna, 2009 Quote: "'I'm of a fearsome mind to throw my arms around every living librarian who crosses my path, on behalf of the souls they never knew they saved.' I wrote these words more than 10 years ago in an essay called 'How Mr. Dewey Decimal Saved My Life.' Now, in a world where kids are often strapped for both resources and valid information, I believe in libraries as havens of salvation — more than ever."

Margaret H. Baroody The Unexpected Visitor, 2010
Quote: "Our school library took me to worlds I could only visit in my mind, but it exercised my imagination and shaped my dreams. I shall be forever grateful. Growing up in a home with no magazines and few books, Monday mornings became the highlight of the week."

ALTAFF invites libraries to join their "Authors for Libraries" program. Members will receive The Voice for America’s Libraries and details about how you can help advocate for libraries.

Snapshot Day - ANIMOTO PROMO

2010-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

Once a year, libraries of all kinds take a "snapshot" of their library. This includes data points such as the number of visitors, books checked out, courses taught, photos of what was going on at the library on one day. Here is a mini-music video or animoto of Snapshot day at Granite Bay High School, posted by Julianna Hedstrom Teacher Librarian.

The snapshot captures lots of students on computers, in Julianna's classes on research techniques. Says the learning center is open for students before school, after school, and during lunch. Photos of wall signage (Research Lab) and promotions (Banned Books Week). Check it out.

Campaign for Strong School Libraries

2010-11-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

We support strong school libraries and the new Model School Library Standards. Join us!

What is a strong school library?

What are the Model School Library Standards?

The California School Library Association rolled out the first phase of its Campaign for Strong School Libraries. Here is the graphic -- get one for your websites or blogs. Next, CSLA will introduce a PUBLIC campaign site and begin outreach to individuals and institutions. Stay tuned!

Athletes as Readers and Leaders Program at College of San Mateo

2010-11-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

Check out this beautiful student video about the College of San Mateo version of CSLA's best practice, Athletes as Readers and Leaders.

Film student Alex King created the video project for the College of San Mateo Digital Media Department. His campus customers were Library Director Lorrita Ford and Child Development Center Director Louise Piper. Last year, Lorrita took the program concept and "shopped" it with Louise and campus athletic leaders. The rest is history. For other samples of Alex King's films, see A.K. Film Production and Editing.

At CSLA's conference exhibit, "The Doctor is IN" partnership advice booth, the Athletes as Readers and Leaders program was a popular example of a wonderful and rewarding partnership program. See the "how to" tutorial at athletereadersleaders.csla.net/ -- Thanks go to program creator Napa Valley Schools Director of Library Services, Kate McMillan. Be sure to click on the link to Kate's high energy animoto music video.

Patrick Nelson Wins 2010 CSLA Advocate for California School Libraries Award

2010-11-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

The 2010 CSLA Advocate for California School Libraries Award was given to Patrick Nelson, President of Mrs. Nelson's Library Services, in recognition of his advocacy efforts for strong school libraries. It was a treat to meet Patrick f2f. Congratulations!

Patrick knows many, many childrens authors and illustrators. He invited them to help advocate for school libraries through donations of reproducible artwork, precious illustrations. Thank you!

Some of the many illustrators: Brian Selznick, Aliki, Caroline Arnold, Joe Cepeda, Marla Frazee, Kazu Kibuishi, David Shannon,and Marianne D. Wallace.

FRESNO USD Superintendent Michael Hanson - Library Advocacy Video

2010-11-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks from Fresno Unified on Vimeo.

Well said! FRESNO USD Superintendent Michael Hanson won the California School Library Association's 2010 Administrative Leadership Award. The award honors administrators with direct responsibility for a schoo or group of schools who havemade influential, unique and sustained contributions to effective school library program, furthering the integral role fo the library programs in elementary and/or secondary schools.

WEED IT/Book Cart Drill Team Winners 2010

2010-11-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

Librarians love to have fun! Here is S Berkeley Public and Berkeley Unified School District's "Weed It!" a parody of Michael Jackson's "Beat It" with lyrics by Jessica Lee, vocals by Jack Bau. Lyrics are posted on Willard Middle School Library blog:

They told me they don't want to read around here.
Don't wanna see your books, they're so yesteryear.
The boredoms in their eyes, and their words are really clear.

So weed it, just weed it.

Can't find the new books. Patrons have to ask.
'Cuz they're buried in those overstuffed, sagging stacks.
If you want 'em to read, you better clean up your act.
So weed it. 'cuz you wanna be read.

Just weed it. Weed it. If it's gettin' old, delete it.
If it smells funky. If it's all jacked. If it says "negro" where it
should say "black,"
Just weed it.
Just weed it.
Just weed it.
Just weed it.

Pluto's a planet, and pandas are racoons.
And someday a man is gonna walk on the moon.
Your items that don't circ should be cleared out real soon.
So weed it. Just weed it.

You have to show them that libraries aren't lame.
You're playing with their minds. This ain't some kind of game.
Outdated information's a professional shame.
So weed it. 'Cuz you wanna be read.

Just weed it. Weed it.
If it's gettin' old, delete it.
If it smells funky. If it's passé.
If it shows how to do macramé.

Just weed it. Weed it.
If it's gettin' old, delete it.
If it's been taped up and superglued,
If it says Berlin is still split in two..

Just weed it. Weed it.
Just weed it. Weed it.
Just weed it. Weed it.
Just weed it. Weed it.

Thank you, Michael Jackson, for the inspiration.
Thank you, Jack Baur of Berkeley Public Library, for the amazing vocals.

Comments from Berkeley USD District Library Services Coordinator Becca Todd:
"I just wanted to add a few words of encouragement to those considering
pulling together a team for next year. It is SO fun!! And it really
doesn't take that much time and equipment (unless, of course, you are
rewriting lyrics and singing like our dynamic duo of Jessica and Jack.
That did take extra time!) Our "cart" people only rehearsed together
twice, sometimes with "air carts" (similar to air guitars) and rolling
chairs, and we were able to have one rehearsal with our whole wonderful
crew of seven on Thursday, just before coming up on Friday. So don't think
you have to amass a bunch of carts in order to practice; in fact, air
carts and rolling chairs gave us an additional sense of flexibility which
served us well when the carts we wound up using were 12" taller -- and not
flat-topped! -- than the ones we'd anticipated. On to Pasadena 2011!"

Wrestlemania Reading Challenge -- Teen Read Week 2010

2010-11-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is sponsoring World Wrestling Entertainment’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge as part of Teen Read Week. AL Direct reports that more than 60,000 students in 1,700 school and public libraries in the United States and Canada are expected to participate in the hopes of winning an all-expenses-paid trip to WrestleMania XXVII in Atlanta on April 3, along with $2,000 and books for their local sponsoring libraries.

Human Chain Moves Hawaian Library

2010-11-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

See the video of the human chain from the old to the new public library. Librarian says "Libraries constantly morph and evolve into new things..."

From the Big Island News:

October 25, 2010 – KAPAAU, Hawaii
Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Karin Stanton
It was moving day for the books at the old Bond Memorial Library, headed down the road to a newer, nicer home at the North Kohala Public Library.
But in order for the books to make it there, a little community kokua was needed. And according to librarian Janet Lam, they did it the old fashioned way.
Nearly 2,000 volunteers lined up on the Akoni Pule Highway on Saturday to form a human chain, so they could pass the thousands of books – or huki puke, in Hawaiian – over a mile and a third down the road to the new library.
In order to accomplish the goal, nearly every able bodied resident in North Kohala was needed. Lam says the entire population of the North Kohala area of Hawaii Island is about 6,000.
The library got the help it needed, from folks between the ages of 9 to 90.
The entire effort was inspired by the story of King Kamehameha the Great, born in the North Kohala region, who organized a similar human chain during his reign.
One challenge facing libraries in modern times is relevancy… organizers hope the huki puke excercise will establish a vested interest in the survival of the new facility.
And as evidenced by this small town’s big effort, the public library remains a beloved part of North Kohala’s way of life.

Gifts for Library and Book Lovers

2010-10-31T14:54:00.000-07:00

The California School Library Association now has a GIFT SHOP for members and friends. Gifts for Library and Book Lovers offers a mix of T-shirts, baby clothes, and drinkware -- Is that a word? Check out the mugs, water bottles, and can coolers.

Themes include:

Navigating the new...charting the future
READING FRIENDS
Read. Know. Grow.

Check it out. Ideal timing for the holidays.

Proceeds go to the "Best Sellers" Campaign for Strong School Libraries.

Gift Guide for Book and Library Lovers - News

2010-10-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Since 2006, the Gift Guide for Book and Library Lovers blog has captured all sorts of fun non-book gift ideas for people who love books and reading. It started out as an example of how to easily create a web-based list on a tool called "Filamentality"and was later moved to Blogger.

Each autumn, in time for the holidays:

Items are checked to see if new gifts are featured.
Items are checked to see if the links are still active.
New items are added.
The Gift Guide is promoted widely

New gift ideas are welcome!
Support the California School Library Association Campaign for Strong School Libraries

The Most Interesting Librarian in the World (Video Spoof)

2010-10-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Library students at Syracuse University created this take-off (2:41) of the Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man in the World” ads for an Introduction to the Library and Information Profession course. Traffic cops stop her to ask directions, she writes reference books on demand, and she can light fires with a Kindle!...
YouTube, Oct. 12

Who Will Help Me - University Library Video

2010-10-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Video recommended by Stephen Abrahms: “Here’s a great video (0:51) promoting the libraries at the University of Alberta. In my opinion, it does four things very well:

It focuses on the core messages;
it really does it in the appropriate amount of time for an online PSA;
it uses the real staff and promotes their talents and roles; and
it doesn’t let humor override the professional message.”... Stephen’s Lighthouse, Oct. 12; YouTube, Oct. 6

Our cerebrum is a library - a Video by Yu Ming (Singsfish)

2010-10-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Chinese student Yu Ming created this animated short film (3:25) that compares the brain to a library, where “the books kept in the library are like our memories. Sometimes we will be immersed in them subconsciously.” Love the art and classical, hypnotic music.

LIBRARY from singsfish on Vimeo.

Book Marks and More - Library Media & PR

2010-10-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Looking for book mark designs that you can print yourself rather than buy from a library vendor? For example, want a fun Friday-the-13th book mark that says "Get Lucky! Check out a good book!"? Or put "Boo" in book mark with Halloween book marks.

There is a series of Library Lovers Month book marks that have catchy statements that would be fun for daily Tweets such as:

My love speaks volumes
We're like book-ends
Your the best chapter of my life
and many more...

Some websites stay relevant for decades. One really useful one is the Library Media & PR site by Stephanie Stokes Design. The tag line is "Strategies, Techniques, Resources, Tips and Tools for Library Communications.

Stephanie is the creative genius behind "Library Lovers Month" (February).

PA Passes Historic Resolution to Study School Libraries

2010-10-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

PA Passes Historic Resolution to Study School Libraries

Important article and news from Pennsylvania.
It would be good if California follows with a study of school libraries.

Baby Come Back (Spoof of GEICO Advertisement)

2010-10-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Nancy Dowd posted this fun library video, saying "This wonderful PSA was created by students from the Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark. It won first place in a PSA contest sponsored by the NJ State Library." Well done! Makes you smile, too!

Tribute to Dr. Ken Haycock

2010-10-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a podcast honoring Dr. Ken Haycock, upon his retirement as Director of the San Jose State University graduate School of Library and Information Science.

During his tenure, San Jose’s SLIS grew from an unranked program to #30 in 2006 and #22 in 2009. It was also ranked as the #1 eLearning service provider in the nation by US News and World Report. The comparison charts in the presentation are striking when you see the number of students from across the country.

California is fortunate to have Ken's leadership and friendship, and will miss him when he returns to Canada. Good thing he will remain active in all sorts of new ventures and adventures. Best wishes, Ken!

Follow a Library Day on Twitter

2010-09-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars!

Six Dutch librarians have declared October 1 "Follow a Library on Twitter Day." Michael Stephens and David Lee King are helping to promote the event. Read the #followalibrary blog, then on October 1, tweet what your favorite twittering libraries are. Use the hashtag #followalibrary....

This is good timing and should work well with America's "Library Snapshot Day (week of October 4)." Libraries can tweet about what they are planning for Snapshot Day.

The Suitcase Strategy and the Power of Search

2010-09-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Follett Software has engaged Petaluma (CA) High School Librarian Connie Williams to write a monthly article for its Library Connections blog. Connie's format is to tell a story or two about using a technology, and then tie it back to the school library. "The Suitcase Strategy and the Power of Search" is a good example of her strategy.

This is the kind of column that should appear in the general news media, such as local newspapers. Educators and librarians spend too much time preaching to the choir and not enough time reaching out to the public, public policymakers, and TV/movie producers.

Where Do Good Ideas Come From? -- Conversations and Reading?

2010-09-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Listen to author Steven Johnson's compelling presentation on "Where good ideas come from", then think about how libraries provide 1) the space for conversations and good ideas to percolate and 2) books and other content for individuals to feed good ideas. How can this presentation or message be used to promote libraries and their programs (book clubs, lecture series, author visits, community gatherings) as incubators for good ideas and innovation?

If you didn't catch Steven Johnson's last statement, here it is: "Chance favors the connected mind"

Libraries -- We Will Survive

2010-09-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Caption: Inspired by the 1978 disco hit "I Will Survive", the lyrics were rewritten to proclaim support for libraries, particularly under the stress of tight budgets. Another version of this video is available, which begins with a send-up of a typically hectic day in the life of a professional librarian.

My Library, My Lifeline -- Advocacy Program and Logo

2010-09-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

Look at this fantastic graphic design. I'm sharing it within LibraryLand and with my Graphic Design classmates. Simple. Sensational for all sections and seasons.

According to AL Online, The Cecil County (MD) Public Library launched “My Library, My Lifeline” to alert the public to possible effects of the economic downturn on library budgets. The library is generously making its high-resolution campaign logo—which it used for campaign postcards and stickers—freely available to libraries and library advocacy groups to help spread the word about the value of libraries. Several libraries are already using it on their websites or for other promotions....

More Literary Book Cakes and Treats

2010-09-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yum. Here are some more wonderful cake creations with a literary theme. See more Cakes and Cupcakes Inspired by Books by Lyndsay Sung of Vancouver-based Coco Cake.

AASL's Learning4Life Initiative on Tour

2010-09-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

American School Library Association president Nancy Everhart is going "on the road" to tour exemplary school libraries as a part of her Learning4Life (L4L) initiative.

More information is available at www.ala.org/aasl/visiontour or on her blog at http://outstandingschoollibraries.org.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.

Library Card Plug by Marlo Thomas

2010-09-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Actress/author Marlo Thomas was interviewed at the American Library Association Conference about her school and library memories as a child. She says her library card was very special and made her feel special to have a card for her wallet, the ability to check out books, and the responsibility to return books by a certain date.

Drexel University Assigns a Librarian to Each Student

2010-09-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia-based Drexel University announced that it assigns a personal librarian to each new Freshman. What a fresh idea. All colleges and universities should use that approach to helping students get off to the right start.

For more information, contact: Niki Gianakaris, director, Drexel News Bureau
215-895-6741, 215-778-7752 (cell) or ngianakaris@drexel.edu

Act4SL - Advocacy Group for School Libraries

2010-09-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

School Libraries Journal carried an article on Act4SL, a group focused on convincing legislators that the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires a certified media specialist in every K-12 school.

The group has a read-only page on wikispaces. It is a clearinghouse on state school library contacts and activities.

Model School Library Standards Approved in CALIFORNIA

2010-09-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

YIPPEE! The excitement began in March 2009, when the State Board of Education asked for Model School Library Standards. Lots of hard work by lots of dedicated educators and advocates resulted in some very significant standards for California school library programs. Kudos to all involved. Here is the press release from the California Department of Education.
______________________________
REL#10-107
CONTACT: Pam Slater
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHONE: 916-319-0818
September 16, 2010
E-MAIL: pslater@cde.ca.govpslater@cde.ca.gov>

State Schools Chief Jack O’Connell Applauds State Board of Education’s Adoption of School Library Standards

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today applauded the State Board of Education for voting to adopt the Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools.

"Students need to know how to access, evaluate, and use information effectively so they can become information-literate," said O’Connell. "The new, rigorous School Library Standards will help our efforts to prepare students for success in the hypercompetitive global economy that is powered by information and knowledge. The School Library Standards complement the newly adopted Common Core Standards in English-language arts. Implementation of these standards will help students to learn and use 21st century skills, apply responsible research practices, act with respect for others when using digital devices, and continue to grow as life-long learners.“

The State Board of Education authorized the California Department of Education (CDE) in March 2009 to develop the School Library Standards based on California Education Code Section 18101 that required the State Board of Education to adopt standards, rules, and regulations for school library services. More than 60 research studies throughout the nation have shown that students attending schools with good libraries learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized tests than their peers in schools without libraries.

The CDE worked with the California School Library Association and other education stakeholder groups to develop the newly adopted standards.
The School Library Standards include:

· Standards for students that delineate what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, kindergarten through grade six; or grade spans, seven to eight, and nine to twelve.
· Program Standards that describe the collections and resources, including technology and staffing, that are expected in an effective school library that will enable students to achieve the School Library Standards for students.

The prepublication draft of the School Library Standards is posted on the California Department of Education Web page at School Libraries Curriculum Resources: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb/. The final publication is expected to be available early in 2011.

# # #

The California Department of Education (CDE) is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. The core purpose of CDE is to lead and support the continuous improvement of student achievement, with a specific focus on closing achievement gaps. For more information, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov or by mobile device at http://m.cde.ca.gov/. You may also follow Superintendent O'Connell (@SSPIJack) on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sspijack.

Pam Slater
Public Information Officer
Communications Division
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 5602
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-319-0818
916-319-0100 (fax)
pslater@cde.ca.gov

Top 10 Academic Library Trends

2010-09-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

College and Research Libraries News, June 2010, identified 10 top trends in academic libraries:

Academic library collection growth is driven by patron demand and will include new resource types.
Budget challenges will continue and libraries will evolve as a result.
Changes in higher education will require that librarians possess diverse skill sets.
Definition of the library will change as physical space is re-purposed and virtual space expands.
Demands for accountability and assessment will increase.
Digitization of unique library collections will increase and require a larger share of resources.
Explosive growth of mobile devices and applications will drive new services.
Increased collaboration will expand the role of the library within the institution and beyond.
Libraries will continue to lead efforts to develop scholarly communication and intellectual property services.
Technology will continue to change services and required skills.

Get Your Geek On - Public Library Advocacy Campaign

2010-08-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Public Libraries in Georgia and Iowa have introduced an advocacy program called "Get Your Geek On". It is open to all states and public libraries. The page first quizzes you a series of short questions about public libraries, leading the reader to become a public library advocate (or not).

The geekthelibrary website features geeks and invites viewer to type in what they "geek". When you type in your topic (like "reading" or "music" or whatever... a new page comes up and says: "No matter what you geek, the library helps you explore your passion."

The "Get Your Geek On" campaign also has a shop (Customize your own Geek Gear) and social networking accounts: Facebook, Flicker, YouTube, and Twitter pages for supporters to follow. Very interesting approach to building advocacy. I like it! Pass it on.

Banned Books Week Machinima Contest -- A Second Life Event

2010-08-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

News item from AL Direct:
"Calling all filmmakers! As part of its celebration of Banned Books Week in Second Life, the Office for Intellectual Freedom is inviting everyone to take part in a Banned Books Week Machinima Contest. Machinima is filmmaking within a real-time, 3-D virtual environment like Second Life. The inspiration for your machinima entry should be “Think For Yourself and Let Others Do the Same,” this year’s BBW theme. Submissions will be accepted through September 25. Get a free robot (right) from the ALA Island Main Stage while you are there....OIF Blog, Aug. 19 "

OIF Blog: Free People Read Freely -- love the subtitle.

Read.Know.Grow - Campaign for Strong School Libraries Bookmark

2010-08-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

This school year, I've added a spot of color -- school bus orange and yellow -- to my Read. Know. Grow. artwork. These might be good for bookmarks, posters, or bulletin board art.

Every time I look at my art, I tend to change a few things, like the mix of books, technology, and words. Enjoy.

The American Dream Starts @ Your Library

2010-08-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

So appropriate! A public library is sooooo much friendlier a place for a ceremony. What a great idea, "The American Dream Starts @ your Library."

Seventy public libraries in 21 states were selected by the American Library Association (ALA) to receive $5,000 grants as part of “The American Dream Starts @ your library®” literacy initiative, which is funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. According to the Dollar General Foundation, "For more than a century, public libraries have been a cornerstone of the American Dream, providing equal access to information of all kinds. Libraries are among the first American institutions immigrants turn to for help in learning how to read, write and speak English. The libraries participating in the American Dream Starts @ your library can be found in all kinds of communities - from large cities and rural towns across the country."

Here's an example. The Bentonville, Arkansas Public Library hosted a United States Naturalization Ceremony to mark the beginning of The American Dream Starts @ your library grant program. Wonder why no California libraries went after or received the grants. Maybe next year.

Phone Booth Library -- smallest community library

2010-08-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing... the grand opening of the smallest public library in the United Kingdom: A restored phone booth library. It has well-stocked bookshelves, loyal customers, and a volunteer librarian.

Masters of Library Science Croquet Tournement

2010-08-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

What a kick! Check out this video. It is a fun introduction to library staff, departments, and books. This could be a good example for an introductory library video contest for most any library.

"...dramatic play-by-play (5:17) of the 87th MLS croquet tournament at the New Hanover County Public Library in Wilmington, North Carolina, serves as a clever introduction to the library’s services and staff. Library Assistant Bratis Roseboro (right) comes out the winner against Director Harry Tuchmeyer, Library Associate James Hudson, Reference Librarian Susan Wood, and others. A Melville Dewey Production.

NY City Library - Advocacy Video

2010-08-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Celebrity dog "Tillman" skateboarded in the NY Public Library to advocate for the library. Tillman is an English bulldog from SoCal who set the world dog-skateboarding record in 2009 by rolling 100 meters in 19.6 seconds. He came to help save New York Public Library from the worst cuts in its history. The skateboarding bulldog is featured in this NYPL public service video (1:50) in the style of an old-time newsreel

"Think Big About Advocacy" -- YALSA Contest

2010-08-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

ALA's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) members who have hosted a successful advocacy program, activity, or event can enter the division’s Thinking Big about Advocacy Contest and win up to $500 for advocating for their young adult or school library program. The contest is part of Kim Patton’s 2010–2011 YALSA presidential theme, “Think Big.” Applications are due February 1, 2011.
YALSA, July 23

Eligible applicants must have the following:

Focus on advocacy for library services to teens
Effectively reach key audiences, such as administrators, elected officials or parents
Are creative
Incorporate youth participation
Incorporate key advocacy messages and talking points, such as those found at Add It Up
Demonstrate a positive and meaningful impact

Authors as Advocates -- New ALA President's Initiative

2010-08-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

ALA's new president Roberta Stevens of the Library of Congress launched her “Our Authors, Our Advocates” presidential initiative when she took office in Washington, DC. For the past ten years, Roberta Stevens worked with the organizing committee of the hugely successful National Book Festival and with Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington. This is an excellent development, given Roberta's experience, connections, and enthusiasm.

National Library Symbol

2010-08-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

The American Library Association now has a number of formats available for the National Library Symbol. This symbol is used primarily for public libraries.

Today, the wireless laptop library symbol seems more appropriate for all libraries.