Over the past few weeks, I've just finished reading LUCKY BREAKS by Susan Patron (HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY--2007 Newbery Winner). Simple storyline that will engage the reader right up to the final page! Lucky and the other inhabatants of Hard Pan will capture the reader's heart right from the start! Lucky has a unique way of dealing with new feelings, new and old friends and a unique way of viewing life. Charming story and one that kids will want to read.
I've just discovered Mariah Fredericks. Her series, IN THE CARDS, is a trilogy in which each novel in the series focuses on the life of one of 3 girls whose friendship supercedes their differences in lifestyle and interests. I see some similarities to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants especially in that each book focuses on a different girl. I've read, IN THE CARDS: FAME (and, am reading IN THE CARDS:LIFE, right now.I've not read the first in the series, IN THE CARDS: LOVE yet.) The books can stand alone But readers will want to read all of them. They always keep the reader interested in each girl's life and struggles to grow a bit each day. The characters are fun to know. Even now, I want friends like Eve, Syd and Anna!
What are you reading?
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( 3.2 / 310 )'Tweens--not kids and not quite teens either. What programs and books appeal to this age range--ages 9-12?
This topic is discussed at library workshops all across the US. And, I've heard it bandied about at our local library get-togethers.
Queries on national listservs compile many ideas from book discussion featuring such titles as DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE by Peter Abrams, LOSER by Jerry Spinelli and CRISPIN AND THE CROSS OF LEAD by Avi.
Other ideas that have been posted are lock-ins, game nights with an emphasis on tournaments, storytimes--well, sort-of-- books read aloud accompanied by a craft, and ideas such as tie-dyeing, and photography. It would be great to do some kind of digital photography and use www.bighugelabs.com as a way to 'play' with the photos. We discusssed this site at the Youth Services Workshops in April.
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( 3.6 / 260 )Successful program attendance--program name OR promoting the program in the right place to the right audience?
It is the name (title) of a program that makes it successful? Or, is it where the program is promoted? Where is the best place to advertise or promote your library and its programs? Many area libraries find that an easel/sign board on the sidewalk in front of their building is the best way to 'catch' the public's eye. Other libraries have community sign boards that promote many agencies programs and the library is often featured.
The Savona Free Library has had their programs mentioned on the community sign right near the flashing red light in town. A few summers ago, signing up for the 20th Century Club Library's(Almond) summer reading program was urged on a community sign board. The David A. Howe Library (Wellsville) has had many of their summer programs mentioned on the electronic scrolling sign on the bank building.
On libray listservs, it has been metnioned that many libraries are using flat screen TVs connected to PC's that run a continuous loop of information on library prorams and events.
What is the best way to promote library programs in your community? Flyers in stores, newspaper ads, reader ads in community advertising circulars, on Facebook, or direct mailings or e-mail notices sent to interested parties?
Share the best place to promote your library and its programs in your community?
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( 3.5 / 305 )Can a program name or title MAKE or BREAK a program? Does a catch-y name STICK in patrons' minds better?
At a recent Youth Services Workshop, Mechele R from Andover and Linda P from Cuba were discussing names for book discussion groups-- Lunchin' and Munchin' and Yakkin' and Snackin' were suggested.
Library listservs often have queries for program name suggestions. Some memorable ones:
ASK* @ your library *After School Kids
After School Zone
Anything Can Happen Day (Not locked into themes or specific activities)
Wednesday Afternoon Club
Ravenous Readers
Birthday Club (highlighting author's or illustrator's birthday)
Marvelous Mondays
Monday Madness
Tremendous Tuesdays Wacky Wednesdays
Saturday Sack Lunch Bunch
To be Continued. . .
Spotlight on [fill in the blank]This might be particularly apropo this summer with the SR theme on the arts.
Have any other suggestions?
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( 2.9 / 159 )One of the reoccuring remarks made about youth services workshops, is the enjoyment and benefits of sharing ideas with each other. Everyone likes hearing and seeing what is successful at neighboring libraries. What if we could continue this sharing beyond the scheduled quarterly youth services workshops? What if we discussed issues, programs ideas, good books to read and scads of other things throughout the year? That's what this blog is...a way to share/discuss throughout the year.
I propose that we have some predetermined or set topics that we discuss for a few weeks or a month. If you are interested in the topic, you can follow it and contribute to it. If it's not what you are interested in, then the discussion won't be cluttering up your inbox. Topics will be scheduled, in advance, so you will know to when to 'check in' on the topics that interest you. What topics would you like to discuss? Make some suggestions! I'm preparing a list!
The blog will also be an area to retreive copies of handouts etc from workshops, links to pertinent sites and anything else you'd like to see here!
And, a big THANKS to Steve Jarbeck from the STLS IT Dept for setting up this blog for us.
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