Library Volunteers

February is Library Lovers Month, a good time to thank and recognize library and other volunteers.  Marin librarian Tom Kaun asked for library volunteer thank you note cards and recognition items. The Library Advocate takes requests! See designs at http://www.cafepress.com/csla/7817620

Library Love at the Library Advocacy Store

The Library Advocacy Store is offering a number of items in celebration of Library Lover's Month (February).  Hearts galore are available on journals, note cards, and wall images at cafepress.com/csla. Promote reading, books, and library FRIENDS in February and all year long.
  

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

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.

Book Marks and More - Library Media & PR

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).

Reading, PA -- Librarian Destination :)

How fun.
Destination: Reading, PA....
Read or listen to Prairie Home Companion special about a reference librarian's retreat.

This Book is Overdue! - by Marilyn Johnson

My friend gave me a new book:"This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can SAVE US ALL" by Marilyn Johnson, published by Harper Collins. Check it out! It is a collection of stories about librarians (mostly public librarians) doing all sorts of wild and crazy ... and important things. Image on cover is of an old-time style Wonder Woman leaping into action to save the day... holding a digital device (size of an Apple iPad).

Wonder how many other librarians were given this book? Or how many will re-gift to members of their library boards and commissions? February is "Library Lovers Month", a good reason to give this book to your favorite librarian or library advocate!

See als0 3/11/10 review by National Public Radio: "How Librarians Can Save The World".

February is Love Your Library Month

California School Library Association Northern Section President and Teacher Librarian Tom Kahn alerted members of the CSLA to California School Libraries SNAP. February is Library Lovers Month. He urges members to share photos of what is happening in your library.

Rules are simple:

1. Photos will be accepted from current CSLA individual members only (both paraprofessional and professional)

2. Photos should be tagged as follows:
A. Students Access Information -- Students access information by applying their knowledge of the organization of libraries, print materials, digital media, and other sources.
B. Students Evaluate Information -- Students evaluate and analyze information to determine appropriateness in addressing the scope of inquiry.
C. Students Use Information -- Students organize, synthesize, create and communicate information.
D. Students Integrate Information Literacy Skills into All Areas of Learning -- Students independently pursue information to become life-long learners.

3. All photos containing easily recognizable students will need to be accompanied or followed up by a parental release form (See in my Google Docs)

4. All those submitting photos agree to permit the California School Library Association to use the photos in press releases and other promotional materials, as well as on their website. It is understood that no payment will be received for this use. [Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1311584@N24/ ]

Valentine Candy Fundraiser

Liana, Library Media Technician at Fallon School in Dublin, CA suggests a Sees Candy fundraiser for Valentine's Day. Theme is "We (insert heart graphic) Books". Students know that this money is only for new releases and books that students have requested. Minimal time and effort. Bottom line: $900 to $1,500.

A quick web search on "Valentines Day Fundraiser" yielded additional ideas beyond candy: selling roses, red balloons, raffle, auction. ADVANCE PUBLICITY is key to successful fundraising. Get the word out in all sorts of ways including your website, print and eNewsletters, posters, gatherings (school sports events), e-mail and listservs, web 2.0 tools like Twitter and text messages. Be creative and have fun. Invite young people to promote the fun.

Be sure to visit Library Lovers Month by Stephanie Stokes Design. It seems like only yesterday that Stephanie came up with her fantastic brainstorm and followed up with a long-lasting gift to libraryland.