Let's Talk Turkey - strong libraries build strong students

Thanksgiving time is a time to be thankful for what we have, remember the way things used to be and to think about the future. It is a time to sit around the table and talk. Conversations will run the gambit, from world events to how to make a difference. When conversation turns to education reform, it is a good time to "talk turkey" or say it simply: strong libraries build strong students, strong communities.    

Let's Talk Turkey* is available on downloadable bookmarks. Print out a page of mini bookmarks and decorate your holiday table. Why not use them to get a discussion started? Talk books. Talk library. Talk about reading, research skills, digital literacy and preparing students for 21st century skills. 

*Big Eye Readers (animal and career series) are available at the Library Advocacy Store at cafepress.com/csla

InfoGraphic on Strong School Libraries

       

Teacher Librarians: A Value Proposition

Here is a value proposition for teacher librarians as key players in building literacy for a strong democracy. Teacher Librarians:

• Provide K-12 student access to books and online resources
• Teach students (and classroom teachers) online research, cyber safety skills, Digital Citizenship
• Are schoolwide literacy and digital literacy specialists
• Reach thousands of students annually
• Have the largest classroom, reaching all students, over multiple years
• Use and offer the most technology in a school (often a computer lab or classroom set of computers, central depository for classroom technology, online library catalog, largest viewing center for presentations)

While Public Libraries play an important role in providing access to information -- especially for preschool, after school, and lifelong -- school libraries play an important role in providing access to information and instruction in how to access information to a "captive" audience of THOUSANDS of students from grades K-12.  This is an extremely important distinction (between public and school libraries or between classroom teachers and teacher librarians.)  Here is why:

• Students visit public libraries on a voluntary, often irregular basis.  However, school libraries have a "captive" audience; classroom teachers take their classes to the library for special research and other assignments, book talks, and to get taught digital literacy skills by the teacher librarian.  
• School students have library classes and free library access time.*  These numbers are potentially a powerful force in increasing literacy and digital literacy.  In California, there is now a set of minimum library curriculum standards for information skills, but no "teeth", funding or incentives for school districts to embrace the standards or rebuild their school libraries. [*except when the library hours are cut or library team reduced or eliminated -- this is an incomprehensible and tragic trend in California and across the country.  In my wealthy community, the middle and high school libraries are now staffed by teacher librarians who are employed 1/2 time and thus the libraries are less accessible to students.]  

Technology companies and other large employers could play an important role in making the argument that school districts should invest in their school library programs and staff.

Learn more about the role and issues related to strong school libraries.  See http://librarycampaign.csla.net  

Big Eye Reader Mini-Bookmarks

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

Big-Eye Readers - New Characters

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.

Monkey King Mug Gene Luen Yang - Monkey King LIBRARY STORE

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

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.

Teenagers Are Reading: Keeping Book Industry Afloat?

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.

Animoto video about art available on the LIBRARY STORE

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Reading Friends/Listening Cat Mugs and More at LIBRARY STORE

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

Illustrators Galore @ the Library Store

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

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

There are lots of choices, so buy a bunch.

Get one in every color and shape.

Get some for your family and grandparents, too!

Get matching note cards to reinforce your message.

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

2- Marianne Wallace (Sunflowers & Students)

3- Kazu Kibuishi (Reading Rabbit)

4- Marla Frazee (Magical Reading Tree)

5- Joe Cepeda (Reading Adventures)

6- Brian Selznick (SAVE California School Libraries)

7- Caroline Arnold (Panda Loves Libraries)

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

CSLA/CCFSSL Press Release:

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

California Campaign for Strong School Libraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

Musicians Promote Books for Richmond Students

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.