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

Park Ranger Bear Promotes Reading

Do you know some future Park Rangers? 
New Ranger Bear promotes reading and reminds
us to take care of the environment. 

Several versions of this bear are available on free
downloadable bookmarks. Ranger Bear mugs and
more are at CafePress.com/DesignClass site.

Common Core Discussion: Krashen and Van Roekel

Here is a summary about the Common Core Standards and an argument from Dr. Stephen Krashen about why it would be much better to control for poverty, to invest in addressing key ways to reduce impact of poverty on student achievement: access to better nutrition, health care, and school libraries. 
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TePVSNXTUvA

AASL Infographic: Strong School Libraries Build Strong Students

LIBRARY: Keep Doors Open

It goes without saying: 
Open libraries provide access to books, Internet-based resources, information specialists (librarians). 

Closed libraries keep out those who most need access, such as those who have no books, Internet, or quiet space at home.

Read more at librarycampaign.csla.net or get this image as a poster at cafepress.com/csla (see Kids Today images).

InfoGraphic on Strong School Libraries

       

Ode to Librarians (video)

High School Jane Lofton shared this fun "Ode to Librarians" video from Flocabulary. It could be a fun way to introduce students and parents to the school library.



Here are the lyrics from Flocabulary's "We Heart Librarians" contest:
http://www.flocabulary.com/ode-to-librarians/

Whoa, look at all these books! Where am I? Maybe this is one of those... libraries. But if this is a
library, then... Hey, wait a second — Who are YOU?

This is the library, come in, have a seat,
Let’s take a trip, you won’t have to leave your feet.
So much media, all for you to see,
I’m a librarian, that’s my J-O-B.

You know us, the librarians at your school,
Media specialists, there’s so much we can do.
We recommend books, yeah, we know the best ones,
That’ll have you all hooked. Now listen, wait, umm...
Nonfiction, fiction, periodicals and sites,
Guide you to information, get you so hyped.
Dante had Virgil, and you’ve got us,
To guide you on that path when you look up.
Any information for a paper or research,
I HEART librarians, that’s the T-shirt.
We pick media — no tweezer,
And the library just got cool — no freezer.
Whether book club, author reading or a lesson,
We make it happen, no stressing.
We don’t just run the library, we teach,
Search better than Google, come and find me.

This is the library, come in, have a seat,
Let’s take a trip, you won’t have to leave your feet.
So much media, all for you to see,
I’m a librarian, that’s my J-O-B.

Now before we move along with the lesson, 

There are a few misconceptions about our profession
.
We don’t read all day, our hair’s not in a bun,
We don’t all wear glasses, don’t always say “Shush.”

 We do love books, we’re the bosses at the internet,
We do provide the freedom to escape the room you’re sitting in
.
Do you want to know more about your favorite band?

The history of your family? Or your native land?

We’re on a quest to teach you how to find the data,
Thinking critically to help you now and later.
We have the books by the rack, look how they stack,
Huey, Louie, Dewey Decimal, we know about that.
Don’t crack the spine of a paperback,
And follow the rules, know how to act.
Bring your curiosity, the sky is the limit,
Grab a book and a friend, get with it — the library.

This is the library, come in, have a seat,
Let’s take a trip, you won’t have to leave your feet.
So much media, all for you to see,
I’m a librarian, that’s my J-O-B.

Happy Learners with Technology

Do your students have access to the library before and after school? During the lunch period? Is the library open so students without technology at home have a safe, warm place to develop the digital literacy skills needed for school, work and life in the 21st century?

Here is a design that reflects what happens when students have regular access to technology and staff including teacher librarians.  The design is now available at the CSLA's Library Advocacy Store.

School Librarian Crusader

Here's a school librarian worth following. Middle School Librarian Sara Stevenson of Austin, TX advocates clearly and is the recipient of the Loeb Award for online journalism.

See Lauren Barack's  School Library Journal article, "Sara Stevenson: School Librarian Crusader."
Follow her on twitter

ALA Needs to Introduce Strong School Libraries to FCC

It is that time of year again.  School starts and thus it is time for school and library E-Rate plans and requests for discounts.  Since the start of the Federal E-Rate program, where $2.25 BILLION is given ANNUALLY to schools and libraries to fund telecommunications, Internet access and related equipment.  Most money goes to public schools, yet ALA/OITP's E-Rate committee has historically lacked school librarians.  Teacher Librarians need to be at the ALA/OITP table in order to have a voice, advocate for the important role of strong school libraries, and get ALA to advocate for strong school libraries as key to teaching digital literacy and cyber safety.  For info on e-rate, see http://www.usac.org/sl/

Public libraries are very important players in providing access to the Internet, but school librarians are tops for teaching digital literacy!  Schools (and thus school libraries) have a captive audience of MILLIONS of students and staff that can be introduced to digital literacy through school library curriculum standards.  It helps to have the library open and staffed by teacher librarians.  This message needs to be delivered to the FCC and repeated. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

For that matter, an image of a school library that includes both books and technology should be regularly shared with members of the FCC and the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company).  Here is the image I designed due to lack of images that show both print and e-resources.

See the relevant discussion by the Unquiet Librarian on "Dear FCC and ALA: Do you really not get it?" at http://theunquietlibrarian.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/dear-fcc-and-ala-do-you-really-not-get-it/#comment-7372

Baldo Comic: Good-bye for the Summer

This is such a sweet, sad sentiment.  There certainly will be a good number of children who will miss visiting their school library over the summer.  Each morning at my local Middle School, about 40 students arrive between 7:30am and 8am, before school starts.  Several quietly find books, others catch up with friends, some head straight to the set of textbooks so they can finish homework.  And, a small number of girls ask how they can help -- shelve books, put labels on books, move chairs and tables.  All enjoy being asked "what's new" or being invited to share special news such as upcoming birthdays. The school library is a warm, safe and welcoming place to start the day.  I can see how many young children -- and me too -- will miss the morning library time.

"Early bird" library visitors are students who are dropped off early by busy parents who want their children to be in a safe place while the parents are off working. Wish summer schools offered morning library time!

Thanks, TL Tom Kahn for alerting me to the Baldo Cartoon at http://www.gocomics.com/baldo/

Wear Your Message: READ

Keep it simple.  "READ" is the message.  Reinforce the message with a followup line.  This one resonates with teens, teachers and others who have enjoyed reading Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Game series:  "May the odd be ever in your favor."  Combine and wear the message!  T- shirt advocacy is a practical and fun way to start a conversation or make others take a moment to think about the message.

The California School Library Association Foundation's Library Store offers a variety of items with this message at cafepress.com/csla, including wall peels (like posters but no tape is needed and no harm is done to the wall), mugs, journals, and all sorts of gift ideas.


If you are looking for FREE bookmarks with this message, download a PDF from the Foundation's webpage.  The 22 mini-bookmarks are popular with teens, and make a fun book club give-away.

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 Across America - March 2 - Dr. Seuss' Birthday

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)

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!

Holiday Tree of Readers Advisory Books

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