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Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998 13:01:41 -0500 (EST)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #506
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Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 22:22:44 -0500 (EST)
From: maureen lerch <lerchma@oplin.lib.oh.us>
Subject: Re: Murder Mystery
I recently cancelled my murder mystery program that was to be held
tomorrow evening because nobody signed up. (Not ONE Person...)I was
really amazed and it made me think of all the things I SHOULD have done to
make it a more successful program.
*I should have been there: I no longer work for the library that
was hosting the program so I could not be there to physically promote and
recruit participants.
*I should have had less people involved in the planning: By
involving so many members of my teen board in the writing and planning, I
had less people who were going to actually solve the mystery.
*I should have had a broader theme: We decided to have a Buffy the
Vampire Slayer theme, which we all are avid fans. Even though I
advertised that participants need not be fans of the show, perhaps it did
turn off some possible participants.
*I should have planned it on an evening when the library was
closed to the public: this would have added more mystery and perhaps
attracted teens.
*I should have called it a mystery program and not a Murder
mystery program: This is just a hunch, but I think people don't like to
glorify violence, and let's face it, this program may sound, to some
people, like it glorifies murder.
Well, I tend to beat myself up when things aren't too successful
(and like lots of us in this field, I don't always recognize success when
it happens!) so I will try to also look at the bright side: My teen board
(and me, too!) had an absolute BLAST planning and writing the mystery, and
perhaps we'll tweak it until it works. It was so fun sharing my affection
for a campy TV show with a dozen teens.
Although you asked for advise and not necesarily the drawbacks, I
hope you can get some ideas of what NOT to do ;-)
Good luck with your mystery program!
Maureen :-)
Maureen T. Lerch, MLS
Young Adult Librarian
lerchma@oplin.lib.oh.us
* Orrville Public Library *
* 230 North Main Street *
* Orrville, Ohio 44667 *
* (330)683-1065 / fax (330)683-1984 *
* http://www.orrville.lib.oh.us *
On Tue, 17 Nov 1998, Linda Smith wrote:
>
> We are planning a murder mystery night for area teens. Our Teen Board is
> working on a script and clues, to help the teen sleuths solve the crime.
> Was wondering if other libraries that have held a mystery night had any
> tips o things that worked and also on those that didn't work. Also what
> age group showed up for the event, middle school or high school students?
> Thanks!
>
> Linda Smith
> Young Adult Outreach Librarian
> Bay County Library System
> Bay City, MI 48708
> lsmith@vlc.lib.mi.us
>
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 20:44:23 -0500
From: Carol Hoke <hoke@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us>
Subject: Re: summer reading...
I thought someone else might reply, but since I haven't seen it yet, here goes.
The cooperative 1999 summer library program for Idaho, Iowa, Kansas,
Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah is Treasure Your
Library. The program materials are printed by Upstart.
Carol Hoke
Children's Services Manager
Cedar Rapids Public Library
500 1st St. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Hoke@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us
319-398-5123
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Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 17:30:59 -0800
From: Eastside Branch <sbeast@rain.org>
Subject: RE: Long Poems
If the poetry doesn't have to be of any quality you might try Ideals
Magazine. They publish holiday and other theme poems that would be long
enough.
Marge Fauver, Librarian/Supervisor
Eastside Branch
Santa Barbara Public Library System
1102 E. Montecito Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805-963-3727
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 17:58:44 PST
From: "annie leon" <annie_leon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Fwd: Re: Toddler Storytimes
Note: My branch offers several storytimes (some of which have parents
in, but not our 3-5's)
Speaking from many years of experience, I must agree with Ms. Bishop.
It's much easier to capture the attention of a roomful of little ones
when you--the storyteller--are the focus of their attention. We consider
this session a pre-school "getting-ready"-type experience (the parents
join us half-way through for crafts). When the parents are present
during the story portion, invariably it causes distractions, for a
variety of reasons. It always makes me smile (it long ceased to really
offend me) when parents are apprehensive about this--can't their child
have fifteen minutes away from them? Is someone going to harm them in a
roomful of kids in the space of fifteen minutes? What are they going to
do next year, when the child has to go to school all day???-peer through
the window?:) There is some value in giving a child a little space to
grow, to accomplish the great task of participating with a peer group in
a fun activity, and feeling proud of "going to school" like a big kid.
I
love to watch the development of the kids in our group as they come back
each week. Their parents share in this development by helping at craft
time, taking books home, and practicing the fingerplays which we often
pass along copies of. I truly appreciate Ms. Newkerk's sentiments of
concern, but there really are many benefits to trying new learning
experiences, and it's a bit unfair to "vote with your feet" without
even
considering the possible gains.After all, it's just a fun storytime!
> Cynthia Bishop wrote:
>
> >My observation has been that 3 to 5 year olds can focus on being
>with a peer group better when their parents are not present. I
>notice that when a child's parent is in the room the child seems to
>have to divide his or her attention between the peer group and the
>parent. Often I find the children better behaved and more attentive
>when the parent is not present.<
>(SNIP)
> then>
>RESPONSE:(SNIP)
> I may be reading something more into this than was intended, but
>these statements make me uncomfortable. In my child's eleven years,
>if we encountered any situation (doctor's offices, music lessons,
>school, etc.)where parents were discouraged from being present, we
>"voted" with our feet. It has never happened at any of the
libraries
>or library functions he has attended, so I'm a bit surprised to even
>read about it. Separating children from parents on the arbitrary
>basis of ages three to five sounds harsh.
>
> I believe it is a decision that is strictly up to the parents (SNIP)
Sincerely,
>
> Elizabeth Newkerk
>
>
>
>
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 09:38:03 -0800
From: Jill Patterson <jpatterson@ci.glendora.ca.us>
Subject: Re: poetry ideas?
We did a poetry program last year. We had a local poet come in and read
some of her poems and really run the workshop. She had each person write a
poem, but then she had them get together and write a poem as a group. We
posted those poems in the library.
At 03:43 PM 11/13/98 EST, you wrote:
>Hi... I'm running a creative writing workshop for young teens in my library.
>I was hoping to do something with poetry in the next session and since
poetry
>is not exactly my forte I can't come up with any fun activities for them.
>It's a great, enthusiastic group. They've written poetry in some of the
other
>sessions, which were either or type of activities. If anyone has any ideas I
>would really really appreciate the input. Please respond to me at
>famous99@aol.com
>Thanks.
>Esther L.
>Brooklyn Public Library.
>
>
>
Jill Patterson jpatterson@ci.glendora.ca.us
Glendora Public Library 140 S. Glendora Ave. Glendora, CA 91741
Tel: 626/852-4896 FAX: 626/852-4899
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Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 11:52:52 -0700
From: "Bridgett Johnson" <bridgett@lewis-carnegie-library.org>
Subject: Re: summer reading...
Montana's SRP theme is Dig for MT Treasure-Read for Pleasure! The
Montana Library Association Children's/YA Interest Group meets at our
conference and decides the next year's state theme. We all
contribute ideas for a manual, this year each library will have to
buy it, but in the past the State Lib has helped out and last year a
service group sponsored and paid for it.
Bridgett Johnson,Youth Services Librarian
Lewistown Public Library, 701 W. Main, Lewistown, Montana 59457
(406) 538 - 8559 bridgett@lewis-carnegie-library.org
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 13:28:05 -0600 (CST)
From: Liz Janda <ljanda@nslsilus.org>
Subject: Re: pubyac V1 #498
Dear Lynne,
We get out Boy Scouting materials through Boy Scouts Of America
at 1-800-323-0732. If you have Eagle Scout participants, they are
starred in the catalog. The merit badges and leader guides are
separate. The merit badges do well for us, 2-3 copies depending on the
demand. The sports merit badges have also done well. Oh, and you must
have at least 3 of the Pine Derby how to badge. Hope it helps
Liz Janda
Children's Librarian
ljanda@nslsilus.org
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 14:17:54 -0700
From: Betsy.Fraser@public-library.calgary.ab.ca (Betsy Fraser)
Subject: Stumper: Christmas craft ingredients
A few years ago I came across a great Christmas craft idea. Water was
mixed with something (?!) and then painted across old Christmas cards.
As it dried, it looked like a veil of powdered snow and was really quite
beautiful. It was easy enough for small children (with mom or dad) and
was quite something when older, more careful painters tried it. Does
anyone have any idea about what the ingredients could be? Please email
me off-digest at Betsy.Fraser@public-library.calgary.ab.ca
Thanks,
Betsy
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 19:24:29 EST
From: Susan259@aol.com
Subject: Re: Re: summer reading...
Texas' theme is Open a Book and On with the Show!
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 20:38:16 -0500
From: Simpson <jsimpson03@snet.net>
Subject: Re: Long Poems and Tall Tales
To All Ye Who Understand:
I want to make a correction on my original posting. The teacher wants
books of TALL TALES (not just any kind of folklore) that are 100 pages
long. So for those of you who suggested anthologies of Robin Hood and
books by Virginia Hamilton, etc. - they won't work for this assignment.
Unfortunately, the forms stating that we don't have materials available
for the poetry assignment won't work, either. She's been doing this for
so long and KNOWS we have those old ratty poetry books from way back
when. Apparently she doesn't get tired of hearing kids repeat the same
old verses year after year. And as for letting her check out the books
herself to use as a class resource during the month: she has never, to
my knowledge, ever set foot in the public library! I finally met her
last year when I went to the schools to promote our summer reading
program. She has been getting away with this for so long that nobody
can convince her to change - I've tried! Also, most of the parents are
too afraid of her to complain (I think she had many of them as
students).
Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. It's good to get your moral
support and sympathy, even if you can't offer any suggestions on what
the heck to use for her assignments. But if you do happen to know where
to find poems about St. Patrick's Day that are 30 lines long, or Tall
Tale books with at least 100 pages, please let me know!
But, hey, maybe we can all benefit from sharing horror stories. What
are some impossible assignments from unreasonable teachers that YOU have
to deal with year after year? Misery loves company!
Martha Simpson
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 17:51:50 EST
From: ILefkowitz@aol.com
Subject: Re: SRC themes for 1999
Here in Northern New Jersey the theme for the summer reading club is Circus.
It is developed by a committee, libraries in the region can then choose to
follow the theme or do something else. The region provides a graphics
package, a bibliography, a list of crafts and prize suggestions.
Ilene Lefkowitz
Youth Services Librarian
Mount Olive Public Library
Mount Olive, NJ
ILefkowitz@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 21:20:34 -0500
From: "K. McCaffrey, D. Carno" <598161@ican.net>
Subject: Re: Complaint about YA novel
This is in reponse to the trainee YA librarian who responded to Elaine - no
name on the posting.
I think your practice of commenting on what a teen is looking at and
expressing an opinion
about their parents' possible reaction to the book is completely
inappropriate. Teens [and children] have a right to
privacy just as adults do. You wouldn't think of expressing an opinion
about what an adult was selecting.
I agree that you should encourage parents to be aware of what their
children are dealing with in their lives - but
isn't part of the purpose we read to experience things outside of our own
lives? Books - especially fiction, allow children and teens to
safely learn and broaden their understanding and awareness of the world.
So choose books which represent a wide variety of
cultures and life experiences. Choose for quality, have a selection policy
to back up your selections, and leave it to parents "police", if they
must, what teens read. It's not our job.
Also, even if it were appropriate to do so, aren't you making a dangerous
assumption in thinking that you know what the parent would approve of or
disapprove of??
Kate McCaffrey
Onondaga County Public Library
At 08:53 PM 11/17/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Elaine,
>I'm pretty new to the field (six months or so... I'm still a trainee) but
I am
>officially the Young Adult Services Librarian at my branch. (We're even
newer
>to age specialization at BPL) and I've never had a problem with complaints
>about any novel.
>I do work with a unique public. They're Orthodox Jews who are avid readers.
>They're usually bright and itelligence and spend less time with television
and
>other such passtimes than other teenagers. On the other hand, they are
>extremely selective in what they read. A book that you've described would be
>inappropriate. So, if I see someone holding a book that might not be
>appropriate I will mention it, because I know if they're parents find out
>what's in that book they will be quite upset (though I don't know that they
>would challenge the book.) The YA collection is FULL of material that is
>highly questionable. How many parents would approve of their twelve year old
>reading Judy Blume's FOREVER? They would be horrified if they knew how
>graphic that book really is. (I know. I read it when I was twelve years
>old!)
>My point is this. The parent is not challenging the book as part of your
>collection. She is mentioning the that this book might be inappropriate for
>HER daughter. I would say to her I understand how you feel. (And if you
>don't, say it anyway.) Explain this particular book might be intended for an
>older child. That you are glad you are aware of what her daughter is
reading,
>so many parents are oblivious to it. If she would like, perhaps in the
>future, you could TRY (I only say try) to dissuade her daughter from reading
>anything that you know she would disapprove of. And encourage her to
continue
>choosing books WITH her daughter.
>That's really the most you can do.
>
end
4514 Makyes Road
Syracuse, NY 13215
(315) 492-2987
598161@ican.net
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 21:56:43 -0500 (EST)
From: bf455@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bonita Kale)
Subject: teacher cards
Homeschooling parents get teacher cards in our system.
Bonita
- --
Bonita Kale
bf455@cleveland.freenet.edu
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 08:53:49 -0600
From: "Leslie" <llangley@osu-extention.lctc.poteau.ok.us>
Subject: Re: summer reading...
The 1999 Oklahoma SRP theme is "Yippie Yi Yo..........Join The Read
Stampede"
It'is going to be great fun!
Leslie Langley
Children's Librarian
Buckley Public Library
Poteau, OK (yes, there is such a place)
"I cannot live without books......." T. Jefferson
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 12:29:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Mary Shenk <shenkmar@metronet.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Re: summer reading...
Our theme for Michigan is 'G day Mate' concerning Australia.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 12:05:25, -0500
From: FAJM08A@prodigy.com (MS NADINE R LIPMAN)
Subject: re: puppets
Hi..someone asked about puppets recently. I just found this web site
that may be helpful; it looks really good. Enjoy!!
http://www.homeworkcentral.com/toplinks/238.html
Nadine Lipman, School Librarian
fajm08a@prodigy.com
Cohanzie Elementary School
Waterfrod, CT
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 08:45:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Gail Roberts <groberts@sailsinc.org>
Subject: Brainquest
Through a grant, I bought the entire set of Brainquest games, but our
Technical Services dept. seems to be stymied on how to catalog and
circulate them. Does anyone out there have Brainquest and circulates it?
How? We have Dynix. Several patrons have been interested in taking the
Brainquests out. Thanks, O Helpful Ones!
"We can't all and some of us don't. That's all there is to it."
Eeyore
Gail E. Roberts
Coordinator of Youth Services
New Bedford Free Public Library
New Bedford, MA
groberts@sailsinc.org
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 09:46:49 -0800
From: Regan Defranza <defranza@northnet.org>
Subject: Re: summer reading...
New York State will be using the theme... "Celebrate! Read!" featuring
celebrations of all types with promotional materials designed by Nadine
Bernard Westcott. A different library system in the state (or working
as partners with another system) develops the program each year.
Regan DeFranza, Youth Servics Consultant
North Country Library System
Watertown, New York
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 10:11:50 -0500 (EST)
From: bf455@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bonita Kale)
Subject: storytimes with parents
Our (public) library has parents go in with toddlers, who are defined as up
to about 3 1/2 years old. "If the child is 3 1/2, but is not ready for a
group experience without their parent, then the toddler program would be
more appropriate than the preschool story hour" reads our guideline sheet
for addressing parents' questions. So we are more or less -defining-
toddlers as those who need their parents, and preschoolers as those who
don't (although the mothers often come in for the first week. Again I
quote: "If your child refuses to attend story time -alone- after the second
week, we suggest the child be withdrawn until a later date. If this
happens, please continue to visit the library on a regular basis."
Bonita
- --
Bonita Kale
bf455@cleveland.freenet.edu
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 10:21:00 -0500 (EST)
From: bf455@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bonita Kale)
Subject: toys in library
About toys in the library: (from the library newsletter)
"In 1992, Bridgette Atlas, a junior high school student in Euclid, had an
idea for her Girl Scout Gold Award project. She and Linda Spear, Head of
Children's Services, worked together on a plan so that people who had
children coming to visit, going on a trip, or home educators,
could check out toys and games.
Our catalog of EEKs [Educational Enrichment Kits] now number over 160
different items to borrow. In these kits you will find beads, Brain
Quests, binoculars, puppets, puzzles, periscopes, magnets, math machines,
and much more. Come in with your library card, pick out what you'd like to
borrow from our catalog and within a few days your EEK will be waiting for
you!"
Sorry about the lousy grammar.
Bonita
- --
Bonita Kale
bf455@cleveland.freenet.edu
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1998 09:08:08 -0800
From: Jill Patterson <jpatterson@ci.glendora.ca.us>
Subject: Re: How would you respond to this patron?
My response would be to find out why the elevators have not been
repaired!!! Until they are, the patron would be encouraged to e-mail the
library with requests for books to be set aside (even if e-mail is not on
the library's web page, surely staff members have e-mail addresses!) or to
telephone his requests OR to request a staff member to retrieve books.
Whichever met his needs best. This is a service we would provide anyone,
regardless. And at no charge.
Jill Patterson jpatterson@ci.glendora.ca.us
Glendora Public Library 140 S. Glendora Ave. Glendora, CA 91741
Tel: 626/852-4896 FAX: 626/852-4899
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 21:01:40 -0800 (PST)
From: Emily Dagg <edagg@spl.org>
Subject: Re: YA party with movies
I'm in the process of planning a month-long YA book discussion program.
The group will meet once a week for three weeks, and those YA's who
complete the program will be treated to the movie version of the book,
with treats. I'm using the video as an incentive, a reward. My YA's have
been asking me constantly: can we have an activity where all we do is
watch a video and eat junk food? So I said, yes, if you all read and
discuss the book first! ;-) I went through the library catalog and found
about 20 award-winning YA books that we have videos for. My YA's are
largely reluctant readers and non-readers. I decided to have them
read Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen for the first program. The book is
short, easy to read, yet has enough significance and interest for
discussion. The book is also on
tape, for those who cannot read well enough to finish the book without help.
We will be reading some sections of the book aloud also. I'll let the
list know how it goes! I plan to do this program during Black History
Month.
Emily Dagg
High Point Branch
Seattle Public Library
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End of pubyac V1 #506
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