|
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 00:51:05 1997
From: roger hall <rdhall@iclub.org>
ubject: Littles Stumper
Dear All: Thank you for sending me the author's name of The Littles series.
The author is John Peterson and published 1967+ by Scholastic books. There
was also a tv series. Thank you, all, very much.
Anne Hall
P.S. Does anyone know how to make igloos out of sugar cubes? :-)
Anne and Roger Hall
Kentucky
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 00:59:44 1997
From: North Side Library <northlib@netins.net>
Subject: Murder Mystery in the library
Our library system did a Murder in the Library summer reading for YA
level this year and it was a HUGH success. I would like to know any
sources anyone has for other programs that we can use for next summer.
We are trying to get started on planning for 1998 summer now. I would
appreciate any info anyone has one ones they have done or have heard of
being done. TIA deborah c northlib@netins.net
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 01:28:20 1997
From: "Mindy Schafer" <mschafer@tln.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Toddler Storytime
We are in the process of planning special once-a-month "storytimes"
for children ages 18-30 months and their caregivers. Since we
already hold regular storytimes for two year olds, we have a pretty
good grasp of what to include, etc. What we need help with is a name
for the class. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:02:26 1997
From: "James B. Casey" <jimcasey@lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
Subject: School reform & Libraries
Lisa Kochik wrote:
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 1997 09:59:51
>
> I believe the intense discussion of this issue is in part because it is a
> much larger one than simply "Latchkey Policies at the Public
Library." It
> may be the beginning of the groundswell of public expression that school
> system reform is overdue in the United States. The school day and school
> year needs to be reexamined and restructured to respond to changes in
> American society; it has become more challenging for other community-based
> systems (i.e. the public library, youth clubs and organization) to continue
> to meet the increasing demand for care of young people outside the school
day.
>
> I should add, these views are my own and not those of my employer.
>
> Lisa Kochik
> Mid-Hudson Library System
> Email: children@sebridge.org
Lisa Kochik's comments focus directly at the source of a major problem.
Libraries
should be considered to be at least one major part of the solution to that
problem.
Ideally, school librarians should be leading the way for an expansion of school
library hours of service and promotion of library service after school --
especially
during the dangerous 3-6 PM latchkey period. Public libraries cannot do the job
alone and most children don't live within walking distance of a public library
facility. The schools will simply have to do more. Right now, school libraries
are closed on late afternoons, evenings, weekends, over long holidays like
Christmas
and New Years, short/busy holidays like Thanksgiving weekend, over teacher
workshops,
teacher institutes, etc. etc. and all Summer long. The public library is the
only
viable library option to support homework and study. That school libraries
should be
open at least during the 3-6 PM latchkey period is not what I consider to be a
gross or unreasonable proposition given the huge preponderance of local tax
money
absorbed by the public school establishment. If school librarians, unions and/or
school administrators are unwilling to move in the direction of providing better
service to meet the needs of their own clientele and their parents, school
reform
should separate some of those many billions of dollars consumed by public school
bureaucracies and send them in the direction of public libraries.
--- Librarians have to be intentional and persistent in pushing for this kind
of reform. It isn't just a matter of latchkey, but literacy, learning and
intellectual freedom. In fact, it may be a golden opportunity for libraries
to climb to a higher level of influence and importance within our society.
James B. Casey -- My own views as a public librarian and ALA Councilor at Large.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:02:26 1997
From: Linda Madlung <lmadlung@csd.uwm.edu>
Subject: Re: Unattended children
Safety for children is number one.
At our library on one occasion it became even more complicated.
We had a child about 5 unattended for 30 to 40 minutes and could find no
adult responsible for him in the library. While making one more round
(with the child crying of course), we passed the entrance as a man came in
and it was obvious that the child knew him. But when I asked, "Is this
your dad?" The child replied, "No!" The father tried everything,
cajoling, threats, etc., but the child maintained that he did not know
this person.
What's a librarian to do?
"I'm sorry sir, but for the child's own safety, I cannot allow you to
leave with him."
The irate father ended up calling his wife, who had to leave work to come
and get the child.
No one was happy about this one and I sure would not have liked being that
child on the way home that day.
Yet, if the father hadn't dumped the child while he went off on some
errand, this situation would not have happened.
The library took the heat that day with angry parents, traumatized kid and
upset staff.
I don't seek any suggestions about dealing with this situation, since I
never expect it to happen again--but thought I'd share a kind of unique
"unattended children" story.
Linda Madlung, Head of Children's Services
North Shore Library
Glendale, WI 53217
lmadlung@csd.uwm.edu
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:02:26 1997
From: Jennifer H Redmond <b061333c@bc.seflin.org>
ubject: Re: Kids in the Library
I do not understand why it is acceptable to allow a child to wander
around a public place such as a library without an adult. This is really
not even a library issue. NO child should be left unattended in any
place, until they are old enough to take care of themselves. To me that
is child abuse. I am a mother of a 5 and 6 year old and I work a youth
services department of a large regional branch. I see children my own
children's age being left here for hours at a time. This is NOT a safe
place and anybody is welcome in the library including all the lunatics in
the world. As a parent I would not walk to a different aisle then my
children where in when we attend the library. This is a very frightening
world we live in and I could not imagine leaving the most precious beings
in my life alone where they could be in so much danger. One more note...
not only the danger from others, but how many children when told to stay
somewhere, get curious and wander off?
Jennifer H Redmond
b061333c@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us
On Tue, 2 Sep 1997, Judith Rosenberg wrote:
> I must agree with Dorothy Broderick on this one. Why is is OK to single
> out and discriminate against one age group? Would any library EVER
> condsider not allowing physical access to their buidling by an adult
> UNLESS the adult was a problem? Yet too many libraries think it is just
> fine to set up policies forbidding access to "unaccompanied
minors"...
> who have never ncessarily created a "problem."
> I do understand that many libraries are (mis)used as day care
> facilities. Would you rather have the kids home alone or out on the
> street? I wouldn't. As Dorothy says, you never know how wonderfully
> the library may affect a child.
> My advice is-- develop a patron behaior policy indicating what behavior
> is unacceptable in the library REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE PERSON
> DOING THE "BeHaVING." Then enforce it on an individual basis as
needed,
> REGARDLESS OF AGE. If a child is on premisis after hours, or for
> lengthy periods without food where neglect may be suspected, then move
> on that issue.
> If children are with you for day care, accept the reality. Supply word
> games or board games to keep them occupied. Offer programs! Let them
> help you design/decorate bulletin boards. Show them what a great place
> the library is, without discriminating against them because they are too
> young to complain. Just because the parents/caregivers are taking
> advantage does not mean you should wind up punishing the children.
> Judith Rosenberg, Youth Services Coordinator
> Akron-Summit County Public Library
> Akron OH
>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:02:27 1997
From: E Spicer <espicer@accn.org>
Subject: Re: Kids in the Library
> Although it may seem like age discrimination, the fact of the matter is
> that until a certain age, unattended children are a safety problem.
It seems to me that an assumption is made that if these unattended
children, regardless of age, are not allowed in the library suddenly and
magically they will be spending quality time with Ozzie and Harriet
parents perfectly safe, studying how to make this world a better place.
My question is: Where will these children be if they are not allowed in
the library and is that a better solution?
In reference to the above who do we want to transfer our "safety"
problem to? Isn't there some sort of compromise available to librarians?
What will these children think of the library in 20 years? Any solution
that does not deal with the best interest of each child (regardless of
comfort) isn't worth it because one way or another we are going to have
to deal with the consequences of our choices, policies, and exceptions.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:02:24 1997
From: Sarah Hudson <shudson@plcmc.lib.nc.us>
Subject: Unattended Children Policies, again
I have already responded once to this discussion, but since I could not
stop thinking about Dorothy's post, I wanted to add a few words.
The library meant a great deal to me as a child, and that is one reason why I
wanted to
become a Librarian. The library is a haven for many people of all ages. But
I am practical, too. I have to emphasize that our policies towards unattended
children, which we don't always strictly adhere to, are not to restrict access,
but to protect
the children and hopefully make parents aware of safety issues. It is a societal
problem that parents are not always looking out after their kids. And I agree
with a previous poster who said times weren't always safe. Things just
were not talked about. I was flashed as a young teenager, and that was way
back in the seventies.
I am concerned about the "inflammatory" post, though. I take it
personally,
and perhaps I shouldn't. Why shouldn't librarians be concerned about their
own safety and comfort? We are doing more with less staff, because we
are expensive. It is hard enough to keep up with the reference questions after
school ( and put paper in the copy machine, and unfreeze a PC, and find head
phones to replace the broken ones, and answer the telephone, and show
someone how to print from Microsoft word). It is harder when you are
expected to keep up with children left unattended as well. I care about
children,
and it is scary to think about what could happen to kids left alone. It may be
comfort issues, such as not having something to drink or eat, or it may be
more criminal issues like child molestation or kidnapping . I think those
on the front lines know exactly what I am talking about.
I also am disturbed by
the parents who leave their child unattended who get mad at you for suggesting
that they keep their child with them instead of letting them run up and down
the library screaming. Some parents do not take responsibility for their
children, but become infuriated if you try to step in to maintain order and
safety in the building.
We wouldn't be doing what we are doing if we did not like it, and if we
did not have some sense that we are helping someone, even if we don't
always know we are helping someone just by being open and providing books.
(and computers, and magazines, etc.)
So let's try and support each other. We can all learn from each other's
experiences. We are not working in perfect settings. Let's share some
good ideas.
I'll get down from my soapbox, too, before I fall down.
Sarah
Sarah Hudson
Information Specialist
Independence Regional Library
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
shudson@plcmc.lib.nc.us
These opinions are my own, and do not reflect those of PLCMC
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:02:41 1997
From: Vicky Schoenrock <vschoenr@nslsilus.org>
ubject: Unattended children in library
Why not have rules for the convienence of the librarian? Otherwise, we
would be doormats, letting people do whatever they want, whenever they want.
I had a couple who ran into the children's room, left their sleeping baby
on the floor and disappeared. When I found them in the adult section I
pointed out they could not do this (children under 7 needing an adult to
stay with them.) I had to do this TWICE. What person would dump their
kid like that? I have also had a toddler in diapers only walk in the
front door, at 8:30 at night; children left all day with no lunch;
preschool children left in RUNNING cars parked outside the library;
a young boy who removed his pants and streaked us (while his mother
watched) and young girls approached by men who drop their pants or
sexually assault them. etc. etc. We just had a grown man urinate in the
children's room.
As we say in our rules - Our eyes cannot be everywhere! Age limits are
for the protection of the children and librarian.
Vicky Schoenrock, Youth Services Manager
Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St. Waukegan IL 60085
Phone: 847-623-2041 Fax:847-623-2092
vschoenr@nslsilus.org
***My opinions are my own, of course***
"Remain calm and share your bananas." - Anne Lamott
"If you can't say something good about a person,
come sit next to me." - Alice Roosevelt Longworth
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:03:01 1997
From: Carolyn Caywood <carolyn@infi.net>
Subject: Re: Unattended children and Dorothy Broderick's posting
I like the approach that we want your child to be in the library for
as long as your child wants to be in the library.
It applies as much to the "attended" but fretful 3 year old as to the
10 year old who has exhausted his attention span and is beginning to
feel like it is a very long time since he's seen his folks.
Libraries are far too important to make them a place where a child HAS
to stay and wait. It is too critical that kids grow up feeling good
about books and reading and, yes, librarians who can help them, to set
up a situation where the library is identified in the child's memory
with boredom or anxiety or a contest of wills over behavior.
I remember spending every Saturday morning at the library while my
mother did the shopping, and loving every minute and being surprised
that it was time to go already. I also remember the time she plunked
me down at the book department of Hudson's when the first enclosed
shopping mall opened, and two entire Nancy Drews later I looked up,
guessed that far too much time had passed, and hysterically roamed the
mall looking for her. I still don't like shopping much.
Carolyn Caywood % Save the time of the Reader %
carolyn@infi.net % --Ranganathan's 4th Law %
http://www6.pilot.infi.net/~carolyn/ FAX:757-464-6741
936 Independence Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-460-7519
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:03:13 1997
From: Sherry Rothberg <srothber@rcls.org>
Subject: Ezra Jack Keats mini grants
On Wednesday evenings I do a family storytime. Most of the children and
adults who attend are from our school districts ESL program. One of
the teachers asked me to make flyers, she distributes them, and people
show up. The children and parents seem to enjoy it and I do, too.
I decided rather late in the game to apply for a mini grant to provide
books and possibly a program for the participants but I'm not sure I
have the current address... or phone number for the Ezra Jack Keats
Foundation. Help!!!!! The deadline is September 15.
Sherry Rothberg
Finkelstein Memorial Library
Spring Valley, New York
srothber@rcls.org
FAX 914-352-2319
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:06:35 1997
From: bloomingdale public library <bdyref1@vax.linc.lib.il.us>
Subject: Stumper: blind boy and strawberry
We have a patron looking for a book about a blind boy who grows a
perfect strawberry for the day when he meets a princess. This book was
probably published in the 50's or early 60's.
Thanks in advance!
Jennifer Shoemaker
Bloomingdale Public Library
Bloomingdale, IL
bdyref1@linc.lib.il.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:06:02 1997
From: "Karen C. Laird" <klaird@worthington.lib.oh.us>
Subject: Kwanzaa bib
Greetings, all!
Special thanks to Julie Rines, Lola Teubert, Lauren Levy, Beverly
Vetter, Kathy Tyson, Jane Roeber, Jean Slocombe and Pam Weinrieb for
their very helpful suggestions regarding my request for Kwanzaa program
ideas.
As promised, here is the compiled list of responses:
Books
Back issues of Plays magazine
It's Kwanzaa Time (Linda and Clay Goss)
Wood-Hoopoe Willie (Virginia Kroll)
Kwanzaa: A Family Affair (Mildred Pitts Walter)
Children's Book of Kwanzaa: A Guide to Celebrating the Holiday (Dolores
Johnson)
Complete Kwanzaa: Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest (Dorothy Winbush
Riley)
Kwanzaa: An Everyday Resource and Instructional Guide (David A.
Anderson)
My First Kwanzaa Book (Deborah Chocolate)
Web Sites
Kwanzaa Information Center
http://www.melanet.com/kwanzaa/
Celebrate the African American Holiday.
or
African American Web Connection
http://www.aawc.com/aawc.html
Links for the entire family covering: art, churches, history, business,
entertainment.
Again, many thanks!!
Karen
klaird@worthington.lib.oh.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:03:43 1997
From: "Steven" <Steven@westlinn.lib.or.us>
Subject: CD-ROM workstation options
We're about to purchase a couple multimedia computers for the
children's room. For CD-ROM access, we're thinking of putting
several (4+) disks onto each hard drive (using either an Enhanced
IDE drive or a SCSI drive with 4-6 GB). Though more expensive than a
tower or a CD-ROM changer, we're hoping it will save us from some of
the technical problems that seem to arise from changers. Is anyone
else using this method for CD-ROM's? Do the programs still run as
fast, or are there other problems with using this way?
-Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library
1595 Burns Street West Linn, OR USA 97068
ph: 503-656-7857 fax: 503-656-2746
e-mail: steven@westlinn.lib.or.us
Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library
1595 Burns Street West Linn, OR 97068
ph: 503-656-7857 fax: 503-656-2746
email: steven@westlinn.lib.or.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:05:22 1997
From: CBauer4650@aol.com
Subject: stumper
Hello
I am looking for the title of a Christmas folktale. The patron says the tale
is about a man who dreams that the Christ child has told him that he will be
coming to visit the man the next day. In preparation for this great event,
the man fixes a huge feast for the Christ child. But the Christ child does
not arrive; rather many poor, hungry & tired travellers arrive at the man's
door. He offers them the food he had intended for the Christ child.
If this tale sounds familiar to anyone, please let me know. I appreciate
your help.
Christa Bauer
<cbauer4650@aol.com>
Children's Librarian
McAllen Memorial Library
McAllen, TX
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:05:34 1997
From: carrie guarria <cguarria@suffolk.lib.ny.us>
Subject: Re: Murder Mystery in the library
I also would like some ideas for next summer's summer reading club event.
The only idea I have so far (Thanks, Lisa Smith) is facepainting which
sounds like great fun. Any other ideas?
Carrie
cguarria@suffolk.lib.ny.us
On Wed, 3 Sep 1997, North Side Library wrote:
> Our library system did a Murder in the Library summer reading for YA
> level this year and it was a HUGH success. I would like to know any
> sources anyone has for other programs that we can use for next summer.
> We are trying to get started on planning for 1998 summer now. I would
> appreciate any info anyone has one ones they have done or have heard of
> being done. TIA deborah c northlib@netins.net
>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:06:04 1997
From: mmiller <millerm@southwind.net>
Subject: church worship children's story
I have been asked to do numerous children's stories for about 40+
children during the Sunday morning worship services. What resources do
you recommend?
millerm@southwind.net
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:05:58 1997
From: Meyer <meyerc@sls.lib.il.us>
Subject: Youth Services Librarian position opening (IL)
Youth Services Librarian, Forest Park Public Library.
Head of the Youth Services Department. Responsibilities include
department administration, materials selection, cataloging, programming,
reference work, reader's advisory and supervision of Youth Services
personnel. MLS/ ALA required and experience working with children is
helpful. Hiring range from $24,000 to $27,000. Full time position,
including two evenings and alternate Saturdays. Benefits include
vacation, sick leave, health/ dental insurance and IMRF. Please send
resume to John E. Sayers, Director, Forest Park Public Library, 7555
Jackson Blvd., Forest Park, IL 60130.
Position open 9/97.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:06:35 1997
From: "Deborah G" <msbee8@hotmail.com>
Subject: employee release time to attend grad school?
Greetings all.
A Timberland employee will be going to library grad school while
working full-time here. We are hoping to arrange some sort of release
time for her. To date our system doesn't have an official policy in
support of employees returning to school for their MLS's. Can anyone
offer guidance and experience in this area? Do your library systems
offer support for returning students, and if so, what kind? Is the
student expected to fulfill certain requirements in return for system
support (for example, agreeing to a certain length of contract)?
Please reply directly to Kathy Dunham at
<kdunham@timberland.lib.wa.us> . Thanks in advance.
Deborah Gitlitz <MsBee8@hotmail.com>
Youth Services Librarian
Lacey Timberland Library
500 College St. SE Lacey WA 98503-1240
(360)491-3860 Fax: (360)459-6714
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Thu Sep 4 23:25:33 1997
From: Monica Anderson <mand@vlc.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Library Videos
Hi to the collective wisdom of PUBYAC --
We have had a request from an elementary school media specialist for a
video (preferred, although she could use a filmstrip or CD-ROM) that
explains how the Newbery and Caldecott medals are awarded, and possibly
some background information on the two awards. She would also like a
video that teaches children about the Dewey Decimal System (or any other
library skills).
Does anyone have any ideas? Videos you've seen that you'd recommend?
Thanks --
Monica Anderson
Bay County Library System
Bay City, MI 48708
mand@vlc.lib.mi.us
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
---------------------
|