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.

Learning4Life In My School Library Student Video Contest

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.

Student Video Contest

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.

"Think Big About Advocacy" -- YALSA Contest

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

Step Up To The Plate @ Your LIBRARY -- Season #5

The American Library Association and National Baseball Hall of Fame have announced their 5th Annual "Step Up to the Plate @ Your Library" contest.

"Librarians can now start the spring training season by visiting the program’s Web site to register for free promotional tools to help promote the program locally. Step Up to the Plate launches to the public on Monday, April 5, to coincide with the start of the 2010 baseball season."

There are lots of fiction and non-fiction books about baseball. Here is a starter list. Play ball!