Thursday's Topic: Summer Reading update

   I finally posted the pictures from my Summer Reading bulletin board. I think it came out pretty well. One addition for the bulletin board for later in July, is to post a "luggage" that has the child's name. This will be for any child who stops in with a book log in the end of July and talks about one book.

   I was inspired today to write about Summer Reading after reading some of Abby the Librarian's great posts on her blog about the topic. In fact, I am going to link this message to her board.

   I am using this post to explain how we run summer reading in our library. I find it so interesting that each library does it in their own way. First of all, we had our "official" kickoff on June 9th. This was the first official day of signups. I am saying its the first official day because we had several classes who came in for library visits sign up for summer reading. We had an "unofficial kickoff" on the following Monday. This is when we had our big kickoff event. We were fortunate to have presenter, Emily Ellison come to our library. She did a terrific interactive music program. The kids were singing, dancing and playing instruments. Fun was had by all!

  The events will begin the week of July 5th. The first week we only have our Chess and board game programs and Creative Writing. The second week we start our crafts and Girl Scout Creative Arts program. We also start our storytime. For the storytime, we have 2 sessions. It is either one or the other session. We created two to accomodate the large number of attendees during the summer. In fact for most of our programs, we are starting a waiting list. I am wondering how to work the waiting list. I was wondering if anyone else had some sort of rule or policy for this. I have some ideas but not sure which one to do.

  The crafts and activities will relate to our theme of "One World, Many Stories". I like the idea of an international type theme, because as another poster said, I love traveling. Most of the craft programs will have a story or word game or other related type of activity. The Girl Scout program is a program sponsored by the Girl Scouts but is not limited to Girl Scouts or inspiring Girl Scouts. It is for boys and girls. There are four different creative arts activities. These include: theater, poetry, drawing and writing. We also have our volunteer chess instructor, who is back and is very good and is doing a Chess workshop with the kids.

  Here's hoping summer reading goes well. I will add more updates on programs and attendance and more later.

Wednesday's Topic: I'm so Happy

I'm so happy there are NO layoffs in my library!!! All jobs are saved and we can focus on Summer Reading and programs for the upcoming year. We are so fortunate to have the city council who supported us and many other people across Queens!

Summer Reading Bulletin Board...

Coming soon!!! As soon as I get a hold of the camera again!

Tuesday's Topic: Book Talk, Latest Warriors book by Erin Hunter

Sign of the Moon by Erin Hunter

Book #4 Omen of the Stars

   This is the latest entry in the Warriors Omen of the Stars series. Overall this book was enjoyable and a quick read. This story focuses on impending doom relating to the warriors from the Dark Forest and the journey of Jayfeather, Dovepaw, Lionblaze, Cinderpelt and Sandstorm to the Tribe of Rushing Water and the three chosen ones mission with the tribe. This book was notable for several reasons. First of all, we get to learn more about the ancient cats. Secondly, we get to know more about the Tribe of Rushing Water. Several interesting events happen in this book and possibly could lead to more interesting events in later books. As to not spoil the book for readers, basically these events relate to characters in previous books.  It was enjoyable see more character development regarding Dovepaw and Ivypaw (you’ll learn their warrior names in this book). Several relationships appear to begin in this story and make you wonder if they will lead to love. Overall, I highly recommend this book to fans of this beloved series.

Monday's Topic: Book Buddies

  I decided to coordinate with the book talk Tuesday schedule to swap Monday and Tuesday topics, so Monday topics are now programming topics.

   This week I decided to talk about Book Buddies. This is a successful program I started at my library about 5 years ago. I thought of the idea when my mentor had mentioned she did this program at her library and it went very well. This is a great program for many reasons. First, its a great way for children to practice reading. Secondly, it is really easy to do once you get the volunteers in place; basically you are just monitoring the program. Third, its a program that is for both children and teens and teens can receive volunteer credit for doing it.

 The first year I had gotten volunteers by recruiting teens from the library. Since it was the first year, I only had a few volunteers. The second year, I was very lucky to have a local school contact me and tell me they would like to do community service through the library. Instant volunteers! I was very happy. We have been working with them until the library has been renovated. We lost touch but we may get back in touch for the fall.

 The children love to pick out their own books and have fun with their "buddies". I try to keep them with the same person if possible, but sometimes switch it up so every volunteer has a chance to read.

Wednesday's topic: School/Library Partnerships

I know many of you are either public children's librarians or a school library media specialists who works with the public libraries. What are your experiences with working with schools or libraries? Do you have a go to person to talk to regarding school or library issues? Have you felt working with the schools or libraries has helped your school library or public library services?

Here is my experience. I am a public children's librarian. It seems really difficult to get into the schools, unless you find that just right person. One school I was very lucky because the principal was very supportive of the libraries and I was able to get in easily. Sadly that person retired. Hopefully this new person will be supportive. I found the school that had the school librarian made it easier to get support from the school because she was obviously supportive of the libraries and was a good go between person. One school I got to get connected to the school because I got to know some parents from the library who convinced the teachers to do a class visit. Then I got to know the teachers myself and will likely now come back on their own now that they know me. One school is very difficult to get into, to get classes to visit or have school visits or get information to the teachers. They do not have a school librarian, so its difficult to find someone to talk to. I haven't been able to get in touch with the principal because she doesn't get back to me. There is one nice teacher who comes and I told some parents and that teacher about this, but for some reason, nothing has come of it. I kind of given up on that school.

Anyhow I'm curious to hear your experiences about this. Thank you.

Monday/Tuesday's Topic: Book Talk-Alvin Ho Duo

Recently I had the opportunity to read the two Alvin Ho books by Lenore Look. This is a charming and humorous series for children in grades 2-3. Lenore's portrayal of a fearful and shy Chinese-American second grader, Alvin is terrific! Alvin is like any other 2nd grade boy. He loves gross things, superheroes, magic and baseball, except he has a lot of phobias. Through the support of his father and later of his newfound friend, he starts to learn to overcome some of the phobias.

The first book focuses on Alvin's experiences on navigating 2nd grade. He's scared of teachers, other kids (especially girls) and talking in class. Lenore Look uses humor and family relationships to explain Alvin's situations. Without any spoilers, look for the funny episodes that Alvin encounters in school. I also appreciate Lenore Look's thoughtful portrayal of children who may be considered different, like Alvin and Flea.

The second book focuses on Alvin's adventures camping. Alvin's father thinks its time to introduce Alvin to the joys of camping. But Alvin sees the camping experience as a host to a myriad of dangers and disasters. He's afraid of the animals, the weather and getting hurt. Through the support of his family,  Alvin learns to overcome some of his fears. There are also some humorous episodes in here in Alvin's camping adventures that readers will enjoy. This book has many of the same qualities of the first book, however I enjoyed the first one better.

Belated Friday Post: Flannel Friday

As I said on Twitter, I have fell behind on my blog posts. Before and perhaps during Summer Reading, I may only post 3-4 days a week (hopefully that may change). Therefore, I am posting Friday and Tuesday's topic today and skipping Monday. Here are the long awaited photos from my flannel board pieces. I included ones from: Very Hungry Caterpillar, It Looked Like Spilt Milk, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear and Go Away Big Green Monster. I love using those in storytime.

Thursday's Topic: About Me and about you

We all know that the great supporters of this blog are librarians or authors and lovers of literature, but what else can you tell us about you? I'll start by telling you about myself.

I'm Michelle and I grew up in Long Island and work at the Queens Library for 6 years as a Children's Librarian. I may get laid off as of August 4th, but we are working hard to try to make sure that doesn't happen. Of course I love to read, but I also love: shopping, traveling, movies, hanging out with my friends, walking in parks and by the water, yoga, board and computer games, Facebook, Twitter and visiting local places like museums and parks. I am married for 6 1/2 years to a great guy who is a speech therapist for kids with disabilities.

Wednesday's Topic: Read Down your Fines and Fees

Do any of you have a program like this at your library? Have any other type of amnesty program? This is a program for kids and teens to read down their fees and fines. Every half an hour they read, they get $1 off their fines and fees. They have been doing it at this library for a few years. It's helpful for many kids because it allows them to reduce fines so they can take out books who couldn't afford to pay them. The only problem I have is some parents abuse the program. They either: make the children read when they obviously could pay, parents take out books for themselves on the children's card so they don't have to pay for late fees and make their children read down the fines, desensitizes the purpose of having fines because parents and children know they could just read them down, so they don't have to pay them or be careful about returning items on time.

Tuesday's Topic: Performers @ your Library

Think about some of the performers you had at your library. Who was the best?  Why?

Here are some memorable performers at the library over the years: Franee the Clown, National Circus Project Program, Origami presenters, Emily Ellison (singer), Amore the Magician, Jason's Creature show and the Balloon Animal guy.

These were well attended and enjoyed by the children and the librarian (me :)). They were very exciting and memorable too. Some of them I wish would come every year.

Special Book Review Tuesday Post: Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr

I read this great YA book for my book club. Based on that inaccurate article from WSJ last week, the author would erroneously think this is a bad book for teens. This is a story about a 15 year old who is called a "slut" in school because of a mistake she made when she was 13. Deanna was feeling neglected because both of her parents work long hours and do not seem to have time for her. When Tommy, a friend of her brothers, starts giving her the attention she craves, she gives in having sex with him in his car. One day her father catches them in the car and runs Tommy off. Then Tommy tells everyone that Deanna wanted to have sex with him and was very needy. Deanna has a hard time living down her reputation. Many people just assume she is a slut and a troublemaker. What will she do? Will she be able to show the great person she really is? Sara Zarr's debut is a winner and really understands how to write for teens. Deanna is a likeable character and you really root for her to succeed.  I recommend this great book.

Extra Note: This will be made into a movie in 2012

Monday's Topic: Storytime favorites

There are a few books I always love to read at storytime. These include: Very Hungry Caterpillar, If you Give a Mouse books, Brown Bear, Brown Bear series, There are Cats in this book, Dogs Colorful Day, Go Away Big Green Monster, It Looked Like Spilt Milk and Charlie the Chick.

Flannel Friday Topic

I'm sorry but I haven't posted the pictures of my flannel board items. I been so busy with Summer Reading, I forgot to ask someone to get it out of the safe for me. Today's topic is what are you planning to do for Summer Reading storytime. Feel free to include any flannel boards, songs and books.

I'm not sure of the exact titles but our theme is One World, Many Books. So books that relate to different countries, families, homes, ethnic groups, things like that. I may do one or two easy storytelling fingerplays and maybe some songs from different places around the world. If you have any suggestions of ones you like to use, feel free to add. If I have any flannel board pieces that relate to this theme, I will use it.

Thursday's Topic: Talk amongst yourself, I'm Verklempt..

Anyone remember that from SNL? Thought it was a good title for today. Its pick your own topic day. Talk about whatever you want. I'm going to talk about this heat. Its too hot. Maybe its scaring away customers from the library. The kids are off from school, so maybe they don't want to leave the house. In NYC here its supposed to be 100 degrees.

Another thing I want to discuss is volunteers. Do you have a lot of them? Where do you get them from? What do they do for you? Are they helpful. My answers:

1. We have usually about 3-7 or more depending on the time of the year. We have more in the summer.

2. Usually they come in themselves because they are interested in volunteering. Sometimes from the local school.

3. shelve books, prepare crafts, label books and other tasks as needed.

4. Usually they are, only rarely they are not.

Feel free to talk about these topics or something else.

Wednesday's Topic: Parents' and childrens' behavior in the library

I was having this discussion on PUBYAC a few weeks ago because I was having some problems with two or three parents who had very young children and were not properly attending them. They would let the kids run around, climb up the stairs, use the stairs like a jungle gym, let children pull books off the shelve and onto the floor and yell and scream in the library. Also there were parents with young toddlers who allowed them to walk around the children's room and up the stairs unattended. Many of them just shrugged it off when I told them. However after stressing the point, many of them have improved. But, it is so foreign to me to think a parent would allow a child who is virtually a baby to go around a public place unattended where they could get hurt or maybe kidnapped!

The problem is there is an official policy about noise and disruption in the library but nothing about unattended kids. Since this problem has been able to be in check by myself, it seems okay for now. I am thinking though of talking to my supervisor and asking what we should do. There really should be some sort of policy in place.

What have you guys done? Do you guys at least have a policy for unattended children or very disruptive children?

Tuesday's Topic: Summer Reading Club

Many of you are starting registration or programs for Summer Reading for the children and teens this week. I am starting registration this week. We have a kickoff program on the 13th to celebrate the beginning of sign ups. A singer/performer Emily Ellison is coming. The official first day of signups though is this Thursday the 9th. The way we are doing it at my library is like this. We are having a flea market and at the flea market, I have a page and a volunteer sitting at a table registering children for summer reading, giving them their incentive prize and signing them up for programs. We are also going to have them sign petitions, make postcards etc. for advocacy.

Do you guys have a target number? I believe ours is 700 customers (kids, teens and adults). I remember in the past if you met or exceeded the target number, you got a pizza party.

I'm doing 2 programs for school age (craft and games) and one program for storytime but two sessions. I may have some other programs too, partly depending if I am laid off (I could be laid off August 4th, if the money is not reinstated). If you know anyone in NYS esp. NYC encourage them to write to their politicians to save the libraries.

We always have a summer reading party this summer, but because of what I said above, I don't know how that will work this year. Depending on how many kids, I may have two parties.

If you like, please post what you do for Summer Reading.

Books on my list to read for children's Literature

1. When My Name was Keoko by Linda Sue Park
2. Hatch by Roxie Munro
3. Lunchlady series by Jarrett Krosoczka
4. Hooray for Amanda and her Alligator by Mo Willems
5. On Market Street-Anita Lobel
6. Ellie Mc Doodle Series
7. Ivy and Bean Series
8. Allie Finkle Series
9. Judy Moody Series
10. My Weird School
11. Amber Brown Series
12. Dodsworth Series
13. Liz Kessler's new series
14. Main Street series
15. Poison Apple series
16. Percy Jackson Series
17. Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond
18. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
19. Little White Rabbit by Kevin Henkes
20. A Sick Day for Amos McKee by Phillip C. Stead
21. Gerald and Piggie Series by Mo Willems
22. Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
23. Dork Diaries Series
24. Big Nate Series
25. Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
26. Theodore Boone-John Grisham
27. When you Reach Me-Rebecca Stead
28. NERDS series by Michael Buckley
29. 39 Clues series
30. Penderwicks Trilogy

Wow, looks like I'll have a lot to read this summer. Sounds great though. Do you all have any suggestions I should add to my list? What is on your list to read this summer in children's literature? Next week is Young Adult Literature.

Friday's Topic: Flannel Fridays

For today's Flannel Friday (or as I like to call it the topic of anything relating to toddler/preschool storytime), I am actually going to talk about flannelboards. I have to admit, we got some really great premade flannelboard sets, so I haven't made too many of my own. The only two I have that I made are a turkey one and a duck one. I'll have to get pictures of all these soon, when I can get a hold of the library camera (it's locked up). For now, I'll tell you about the ones I have. They include: Very Hungry Caterpillar, Napping House, Snowy Day, Polar Bear Polar Bear, What do you Hear?, Go Away Big Green Monster, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and it looked like Split Milk. I also inherited a few from the last librarian like one about Spiders and several others.

Thursday's Topic: Author Encounters Real or Virtual

Here is your change to mention any author encounters you have had. This includes virtual or real. I included some of my encounters at BEA (from 2 years ago) last week. I also have met in person Elizabeth Scott and Raina Telegmeier at my library. Virtually, I "met" Jane Yolen, Melanie H Greenberg, Elizabeth Dulemba and Roxie Munro. Also I have met virtually, Sabrina Jeffries, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James.

Just to add Thursday's topic next week will be a miscellaneous topic. Feel free to talk about whatever you like!

Emergency post: Save Libraries

Check out this upcoming events to Save Libraries in NYC..if you live there,  see this link...

Mayor Bloomberg may have control of the budget, but the internet is for the people my friends. Let's use our librarian powers of persuasion to get the word out about saving NYC libraries and library workers.


 such as Hug the Library (http://tinyurl.com/4xu8not), and ), the 24-Hour Read-In (http://tinyurl.com/3pqu976),  Thanks.

My name

My name is Michelle M. I feel funny putting my whole name on here for privacy reasons. But someone asked for my name and I am putting it up.

Wednesday General Library Topics: Computers @ the Library

Here's several questions to think about regarding computers in your library. Do you have some sort of electronic reservation system like SAM? Do you limit how much time they can use the computer? Does any children use the computer for research? Do kids crowd around your computers?

Here's my answers to the questions. We do have an electronic reservation system which is SAM. It does break down and have problems from time to time but its good because kids cannot use the computer over 1 hour and only 1/2 at a time and if its busy, they must electronically make a reservation and only take 1/2 at a time. The computer lets them know when its their turn. Some kids do use the computer for research and I try to inform them that google or wikipedia aren't foolproof research tools and I tell them about our research databases for kids and kid friendly search engines. We did have kids crowd around the computer and when it had gotten bad, I shut off the computer. We used to ONLY have ONE computer, now we have 4. It's a lot better.