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Date: Wed, 14 Jul 1999 12:47:25 -0400 (EDT)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #754

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 15:42:35 -0500
From: Pam Koehler <pkoehler@wcic.org>
Subject: Billy Whiskers

Thanks everyone for all the info on Billy Whiskers. I've kept it all
and will pass it on to Dad. I ordered the book from Amazon - they said
it takes a few weeks to arrive. Dad's birthday is the 24th, so I'm
hoping. You guys are great!

Pam
pkoehler@wcic.org

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 13:22:00 -0500 (CDT)
From: Downers Grove Jr Room DGS 630-960-1200 <dgjrrm@sls.lib.il.us>
Subject: new reference book

I just looked through a new reference book and thought that I would
spread the news! What a great source.

Reading in series: a selection guide to books for children / edited by
Catherine Barr. This is a RR Bowker book publised in 1999. The ISBN is
083.524.0118. It lists series in alpha order and has great indexes
(Author, title and genre/subject) and appendixes (books for boys, girls
and reluctant readers/esl students)!

There are the obvious paperback series but picture books too! Here is an
example: the classic picture book The Lonely Doll by Dare Wright. I had
no idea that there are 7 other books in that series! I didn't even know
it was a series [bad librarian, for shame!]

Anyway, i know that we will use this tool often, and I wanted to spread
the good news!

Sharon Lawrence
Children's Reference Coordinator

Junior Room Staff Phone: 630.960.1200
Downers Grove Public Library fax: 630.960.2374
1050 Curtiss Street e-mail: dgjrrm@sls.lib.il.us
Downers Grove, IL 60515

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 18:11:13 -0700
From: "Kathy Tyson" <kathyt@lvccld.lib.nv.us>
Subject: Re: alex award books

HI!

Yes, we put our Alex Awards for the current year in the YA section. The
1998 ones have slowly been reabsorbed into our YA Non-fiction
collection. We usually keep the Alex winners on the top of one of the YA
fiction shelves (We have an octagonal area made up of 3 foot high
bookshelves.

Kathy T

On Sat, 10 Jul 1999, Susan Lafantasie wrote:

> Do any of you shelve Alex Award books in your YA collection? (See Alex
> Awards at ala.org in YALSA).
>
>
>

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 20:52:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mary Vanstone <mvanstone@tln.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Re: pubyac V1 #751

As one of those people who is currently working on the fall schedule
of events I wonder how you can not have things planned two to three
months ahead? how do you schedule vacations, desk coverage, and special
performers if you don't know what you'll be doing? We run approximately
two programs a day five days a week so maybe I am comparing apples to
oranges here. we also require registration for all of our storytimes.
the monday twoo weeks before storytimes begin registration opens and
there is a line outside of our library waiting to rush in. By the end of
the morning most programs have filled. Because of the popularity of the
programming many working parents have to schedule the day off or find a
relative to come register their children. Which is why they need to know
so far in advance. The themes for each given week can usually wait till
the first week of storytime but I do get asked. It is not unusual for
parents to call and ask for this information ahead of time. Many want to
do enrichment activities at home. Remember there are over one million
families in the united states that school their children at home and
they may need to know what your doing to count it toward their child's
curriculum.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 18:39:20 -0700
From: "Marin Younker" <MARIN@ci.tigard.or.us>
Subject: Re: teen advisory boards

donna, take a look at june's "voya." interestlingly, was flipping through my august '99 issue of "seventeen" and they've formed a TAB of teens to "help us stay on top of what's really going on in your schools and communities."

started a teen idea group a year and a-half ago and some of our meetings are great, others not so good. it can be very chaotic and sometimes we're just not that productive. but, it's a good exercise in letting go of that puritan work ethic and remembering that sometimes teens just need to hang out. they give me advise on selecting music, movies, etc. they're instrumental in programming ideas and approval. a couple of them have helped with programs for youth and have done storytimes. can't imagine offering teen services and materials without them. best of all, we have a lot of fun.

the logistics: there are about 15 members, 3-10 members show up at our monthly meeting (65% female); we meet for an hour; i initially advertised through school visits and now rely on school announcements and our quarterly "stuff to do" calendar (we are in need of new blood so will probably do some school visits in the next school year).

hope this info helps. marin.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Marin Younker
Young Adult Services Librarian
Tigard Public Library
Tigard, OR 97223
(503) 684-6537

>>> <DCB39@aol.com> 07/09/99 10:14AM >>>
I am researching teen advisory boards for a paper and also possibly to form
one at the library where I work. Any experiences you might have with teen
library advisory boards would be appreciated. Also, if you know of specific
articles that address this topic- it would be a big help. Thanks.


Donna Cifarelli
Goshen Public Library
Goshen, NY

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 20:31:03 PDT
From: "Dana Lubow" <danalubow@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: craft ideas for YA's that go beyond tie dye?

The Cerritos Public Library had a henna program at their library. Their URL
for submitting a question is:
http://library.ci.cerritos.ca.us/new_library.html.
They are near a large Indian population in L.A.
Hope this helps.

Dana Lubow
Bruggemeyer Memorial Librry
Monterey Parkm A


>From: Kelli Shimabukuro <shimabuk@nitnoi.howa.lib.md.us>
>Reply-To: pubyac@nysernet.org
>To: pubyac@nysernet.org
>Subject: Re: craft ideas for YA's that go beyond tie dye?
>Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 11:43:51 -0400 (EDT)
>
>We had a mehndi program at our library. Someone came in to do it. However,
>she told use how to do it and where to by the henna. It can be purchased
>at an Indian food store, or ordered online. Look up Mehndi on internet for
>sites. we also have some books in our collection with detail on how to do
>mehndi. I've bought the tube of henna to use. I haven't tried it yet, but
>if you can draw or if you know anyone who does cake decorating, the same
>principle applies. Just practice on wax paper tracing over design you want
>to use.
>
>Kelli Shimabukuro, Assistant Branch Manager
>East Columbia Branch
>Howard County Library
>6600 Cradelrock Way
>Columbia, MD 21045
>(410) 313-7708
>shimabuk@nitnoi.howa.lib.md.us
>
>
>On Tue, 6 Jul 1999, victoria vannucci wrote:
>
> > Does anyone know of any simple,interesting craft ideas for YA after-
>school
> > programs?
>


_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 00:40:28 -0400
From: casseri@juno.com
Subject: Teen Volunteers

Dear all, with apologies for any cross-posting,
How many of you have Teen Volunteers? Are they associated
with/from your TAB? Are they in the charge of the YA librarian or the
person in charge of the adult volunteers?
I am trying to start a TAB, with teen volunteers as one related,
but slightly separate aspect of it. Is this possible? Is there a better
way to do it?
I do have one extremely ENTHUSIASTIC volunteer on board already,
and was thinking of getting some National Honor Society kids that need
communitiy work, too.
Also, what kinds of work do you have them do?
I will summarize to the list if there is an interest, or send a
summary on to those of you who may be interested in the results.
Thanks in advance.
Rosemarie
Rosemarie Casseri, YA/Reference Librarian
Olean Public Library, 134 N. 2nd St., Olean, NY 14760
Ph: (716) 372-0200; Fx: (716)372-8651
casseri@juno.com

___________________________________________________________________
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Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month!
Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 09:05:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: Laurie Breitner <laurieb@monroe.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Re: Summer Reading List with no purpose

Dear Alison,
I hear you!
One year I was so fed up that I contacted the local elementary principals
and also the high school English Dept. Coordinator and asked to attend
their first staff meeting of the year. They were so curious about my
calling.....I attenede their meeting, explained our dilemma and
frustrations and called upon their professional courtesy.
I would like to tell you that it solved all the problems. It didn't. But,
I was able to establish rapport with some teachers who did alter their
lists by adding more titles or librarian substitutions (I had to inital my
substitutions.) Some teachers did the same list they've been
handing out since their first year of teaching...

The ones who cooperated with me - I was adament to visit their classrooms
for booktalks and dynamite storytelling! ;)

Laurie J. Breitner
Children's and Youth Services
Monroe County Library System
Monroe, MI 48161

laurieb@monroe.lib.mi.us

On Sat, 10 Jul 1999 ahendon@dorsai.org wrote:

> Debbie Becker wrote:
> >
> > I beg to differ with the statement made of books recommended and then not
> > being followed up upon in the fall having no purpose.
>
> Summer reading lists as they appear in my library, clutched in
> children's (or parents') hands are set in stone. One school is
> requiring that each grade read ONE book - the same book - plus a
> list of additional books. We don't have 30 copies of Amelia
> Bedelia, or The One in the middle is the Green Kangaroo....We
> don't have a lot of the books on the lists. Several of the books are
> out of print, and/or not widely owned in this large library system.
>
> Summer reading lists are one of my least favorite reference
> questions. I don't get to recommend good books. I don't get to
> promote the books that the library has purchased for the Summer
> Reading Program (to go along with a graded list that the library has
> produced). I just have to search for specific books that are either
> checked out or not owned.
>
> Sorry for the grumble,
>
> Alison
> Brooklyn Public Library
> Definitely speaking only for myself
> Alison Hendon
> ahendon@amanda.dorsai.org
>
> "Though my soul may set in darkness,
> It will rise in perfect light,
> I have loved the stars too fondly
> To be fearful of the night...."
> - Sarah Williams, "The Old Astronomer to His Pupil"
>
>
>

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 16:03:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kara Cervelli <kcervelli@yahoo.com>
Subject: re: Promoting Reading Without Libraries

Hear Hear! I have often wondered this myself!
Especially family oriented magazines that have
articles like - "what to do with your kids this
summer" or "how to make you child a better reader" -
which have little or no mention of libraries at all!
No wonder the illiteracy rate in our nation is so
high.

We should all send more letters like you have....I
will not sit on my hands next time I come across one
of these articles. Thanks for the inspiration!

Kara Cervelli
Children's Librarian
Perry Public Library
Perry, Ohio
kcervelli@yahoo.com
_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 20:26:16 -0500
From: Kim Heikkinen <kim.heikkinen@mcfls.org>
Subject: Mehndi (Was: YA crafts beyond tie-dye)

I just did a mehndi program for the older kids last week. It was VERY
successful, and I had record attendance for SRP so far! It wasn't difficult
at all, and it was a lot cheaper than having a performer. I bought the
henna at an Indian grocery--I was able to get the actual stuff for mehndi,
not the kind for hair. Apparently it's much more finely powdered. I also
bought one of the pre-mixed cones so I could see what the consistency is
supposed to be like. I mixed the henna, my helper spooned it into
snack-size ziplock bags, and we cut a very small snip off one corner.
Before the kids got started, I gave a short talk about the history of
mehndi--got my info from the net and a book, and best of all, from two
Indian women I met at the store! I had sheets of some traditional designs
on the tables to inspire the kids and blank sheets for designing their own
tattoos. The kids lightly drew their designs with pencil on the skin before
starting. They got really creative! They were so involved, they ignored the
snacks I provided--can there be a better measure of capturing pre-teens'
interest? <G>

It was such a hit, I'm thinking of having the program again next month.

Kim

*************************************************
Kim Heikkinen kim.heikkinen@mcfls.org
Youth Services Librarian
Franklin Public Library
Franklin, WI 53132 (414) 425-8214
*************************************************

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 08:26:28 -0500
From: Theresa Faris <tfaris@ci.temple.tx.us>
Subject: Stumper - Two animals live in apartment building...

A patron has asked for the title of a book which he believes was published
in the early 1990's. He says the story is about two animals who live in an
apartment building where they do not get along. He thought one of the
animals was an elephant, and then he changed his mind and thought it was an
aardvark (not Arthur), but he didn't remember the other animal. One of
these animals had a musical instrument which drove the other animal crazy
and so the other animal retaliated with a "pneumatic drill" (he was sure
these words were in the text). Finally, both animals end up being friends
and played two instruments together. Anyone know what this book is? I've
already checked _A to Zoo_. TIA!!!

- ------------------------------
Theresa Faris
Children's Librarian
Temple Public Library
tfaris@ci.temple.tx.us

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 15:38:48 -0500
From: Gilbert Crawford <gcrawfor@hpl.lib.tx.us>
Subject: Job Announcement - Librarian II

City of Houston
HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

LIBRARIAN II
PN# 73702

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Serves as Assistant Manager and assists in daily operation of a Branch.
Serves as manager in the absence of the Branch Manager. Provides
reference and information to patrons in person, by telephone and by
mail. Furnishes information on library activities, facilities,
policies, and services. Assists in collection development.
Cooperatively plans and promotes library programs. Assists in analyzing
community needs. Performs other tasks essential to the achievement of
efficient library operation. Requires some evening and weekend shift
(Saturday and Sunday) work.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be
able to use a computer to access/input information. Must be able to
move freely throughout the library to file/retrieve library materials.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum one (1) year of professional library experience.

PREFERENCES
Customer/Public service experience preferred. Ability to plan and
organize work; good knowledge of library procedures; ability to
supervise subordinates. Current computer skills including Microsoft
Windows 95 and Office 97 (Word, Excel, Access). Bilingual
(English/Spanish) desirable.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's
qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this
classification. The minimum to midpoint of this salary range is:

$1340 - $1612 Biweekly; $34,840 - $41,912 Annually

OPENING DATE July 21, 1999

CLOSING DATE Open Until Filled

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applications are accepted and must be received by the Human Resources
Department during posted opening and closing dates shown, between 9:00
am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 611 Walker, Garden Level. First
preference will be given to those applications with a resume attached.
Successful candidates will be notified of their application status. All
new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to
a physical examination and verification of information provided.

OUT-OF-TOWN applicants may submit a cover letter and resume to:
Ralph A. Patterson
Human Resources Manager
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002
ph. 713/247-3558
fax 713/247-1266
e-mail: rpatters@hpl.lib.tx.us

Please reference PN# 73702 in your cover letter.

For more information please visit the Houston Public Library employment
website at:

http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us/hr/jobpost.html

An Equal Opportunity Employer

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 14:26:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Barb Scott <scottba@oplin.lib.oh.us>
Subject: Multicultural/Geographical Websites...

Pubyaccers:

The theme for the 2001 State of Ohio Summer Reading Program will be "Where
in the World Are We Reading" with a
multicultural/geographical/cartalogical bent. I have spent the past few
days surfing the net and have gleaned some great websites, but would like
imput from librarians out there.
Send me the URLs of your favorite sites; if they are interactive, that is
great, as we like to include interactive ones on the website that the
state puts up each summer for the program.

Send your URLs to: barbarascott@hotmail.com

Thanks in advance!

Barbara Scott
Children's Librarian, Bucyrus Public Library
Editor, Ohio Summer Reading Program Manual

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 99 16:37:26 MDT
From: "Candice Morris" <cmorris@mtlib.org>
Subject: Stumper: Captain Kangaroo / Internet

Once upon a time, five or six years ago, I read a quote from Captain
Kangaroo, Bob Keeshan about child safety on the internet. It was something
like - highways are useful but we teach our children not to play in traffic
and how to cross the street, etc. then so must we teach our children the
uses and the dangers of the information superhighway.

I liked his analogy but I can't find the quote anywhere. I've used most all
the search engines, EBSCOHost, and have even looked through my files. Does
anyone have this?

Thank you in advance,

Candice Morris Lewis & Clark Library http://www.mth.mtlib.org/
Youth Services Librarian 120 S. Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59601
cmorris@mtlib.org 406 447-1690 ex.15 Fax 406 447-1687


------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 02:50:04 -0400
From: "Gail Roberts" <groberts@sailsinc.org>
Subject: Re: Promoting Reading Without Libraries

I also noticed this trend a few years ago, but, unlike you, just fumed
inwardly. Good for you that you wrote letters! It also bugs me when you
talk to folks and mention what the library does, and they come back all
surprised. "Really, I had no idea!" Grrrr! Your tax dollars at work, I
always tell them.

On another note, Last night I had my first run-in with an Accelerated Reader
reader, visiting from Georgia. Our school system doesn't seem to be using
this program, and I can honestly say - Good! This poor kid wanted to read
books, but was all caught up in how many points she'd get, was it on the
right list, "reading level", would she be able to take the quiz when she got
back to school, etc. She'd left her list back in Georgia, so I found the
site on the Web, and we went back and forth with her selections, checking
reading levels and points. After a bit, I counciled her to just take any
book for the heck of it. She looked scandalized! She took two from her
list, then her aunt and I made her take the Black Stallion; even tho she
wanted to read it, she was afraid that her teacher wouldn't like her reading
it because it wasn't on the proper list for her reading level. I told her
to tell her teacher that the librarian in Massachusetts forced her to read
it. I can see how it would get kids to read, but how about letting them
pick books just because they feel like reading it, for the fun of it.
Thanks for letting me rant, too.

"If A equals success, then the formula is: X+Y+Z.
X is work, Y is play, Z is keep your mouth shut."
Albert Einstein

Gail E. Roberts
groberts@sailsinc.org
Coordinator of Youth Services
New Bedford Free Public Library
New Bedford, MA 02740

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 15:29:53 -0500
From: Gilbert Crawford <gcrawfor@hpl.lib.tx.us>
Subject: Job Announcement - Archivist II

City of Houston
HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

ARCHIVIST II
PN# 72497

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Assists in researching, acquiring, cataloging, and preserving archival
materials for the City of Houston library. Provides reference and
retrieval services for the general public of archival collection, with a
focus on architectural collections. Processes, organizes and arranges
architectural collections in accordance with professional standards.
Assists Archivist III and IV in accessioning architectural collections
as well as related archival materials. Processes and catalogs archival
materials through proper preservation, storage, and data entry. Provides
editing services for architectural guidebooks as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must be
able to use a computer to access/input information. Position requires
stooping, bending and lifting library materials up to 20 pounds. Must be
able to push a loaded book truck. Must be able to move freely throughout
the unit to file and retrieve library materials.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library Science, History or a
closely related field.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One (1) year experience in archival processing, collecting or research,
historical research, library systems, or a closely related field is
required.

PREFERENCES
Current computer skills including Microsoft Windows 95 and Microsoft
Office 97. Special training in archivist fields and/or a Certified
Archivist (C.A.). Architectural experience is highly desirable.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's
qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this
classification. The minimum to midpoint of this salary range is:

$1,176 - $1,612 Biweekly; $30,576 - $ 41,912 Annually

OPENING DATE May 12, 1999

CLOSING DATE Open Until Filled

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applications are accepted and must be received by the Human Resources
Department during posted opening and closing dates shown, between 9:00
am to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 611 Walker, Garden Level.
First preference will be given to those applications with a resume
attached. Successful candidates will be notified of their application
status. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are
subject to a physical examination and verification of information
provided.

OUT-OF-TOWN applicants may submit a cover letter and resume to:
Ralph A. Patterson
Human Resources Manager
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002
ph. 713/247-3558
fax 713/247-1266
e-mail: rpatters@hpl.lib.tx.us

Please reference PN# 72497 in your cover letter.

For more information please visit the Houston Public Library employment
website at:

http://www.hpl.lib.tx.us/hr/jobpost.html

An Equal Opportunity Employer

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 12:00:37 -0700
From: "Brenda Hager" <bhager@somd.lib.md.us>
Subject: Re: Teen Volunteers

I do have a few teen volunteers and I am the YA
librarian. I have them work on things from story hour
projects...to organizing differen't areas. We do not
allow our volunteers to put away any non-fiction or
most fiction. She does occasionally put away fiction
videos. I have many other things she does as well. I
have a question?? I am unaware of the TAB program.
Please explain.
Thanks
Brenda Hager
YA/Children's
Charlotte Hall, Maryland


casseri@juno.com wrote:

> Dear all, with apologies for any cross-posting,
> How many of you have Teen Volunteers? <snip>

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 10:02:25 -0400
From: Williamson2@pls-net.org (Williamson2)
Subject: Re: Promoting Reading Without Libraries

It is frustrating at times when libraries seem to be invisible, despite
our efforts. But, the key is to "Smile and promote, smile and promote"
- -- use every opportunity to get your services out there with every hook
and carrot you can dangle. Energy and enthusiasm pack a punch that
nothing can beat. Our library is small (6500 pop.) and rural, but we
get over 400 kids to sign up for our summer reading program, so I guess
the message is getting out there. We try to make it fun and happy, and
that's a good thing (no, I am not Martha Stewart.)
Cheryl Gravelle
Williamson Public Library, Williamson NY

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 11:30:05 -0700
From: hedy_harrison@ci.cerritos.ca.us
Subject: Program Publicity

I do not think that planning ahead and publicizing programs is anal. To me it
shows concerns for the multifaceted communities we live in and sensitivity to
their needs.
We have families that do not celebrate holidays and it is a courtesy to
publicize themes or events ahead of time. The choice of attendance is now their
own.
We have eager beaver moms and dads who like to have theme stories read ahead of
time and then come to listen to me...sometimes they like Miss Hedy's versions a
lot better than sleepy mom or dad!
We have kids that are in a multitude of activities. The decision to attend
library events sometimes hinges on what is planned. This also goes for doctor,
dentist appointments.
Do whatever works for you and the community you work in. No one walks in anyone
else's shoes! Good luck in your efforts.
* These are my opinions and not that of the Library.
Hedy Luna Harrison,
Children's Services Librarian
Cerritos Public Library
hedy_harrison@ci.cerritos.ca.us

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 12:27:14 -0400 (EDT)
From: carmel <carmel@ulysses.sebridge.org>
Subject: Re: Puzzles and stepstools

I can address both your issues...we have a number of wooden puzzles, some
with knobs, for play in the library. We've never had a problem with
knobs coming off but I don't think we have any of this particular
manufacture. No one has mentioned knobs coming off as a possibility, so
the parents are not unhappy with these.

This is a small OLD library with one circ desk. When children come to the
desk and cannot see over it, the staff member at the desk comes out to
take the books and card. Also, we do the same to hand the books and card
to the child. Often the parent will lift up the child so he/she can
check out what's going on up there. We did try a step stool (we have them
all over the library), but it is indeed a tripping hazard, especially for
older people that may not see it there. If a child does bring up one of
the stools we ask him to put it back when done. Hope this helps.
Marilyn Schlansky
Reed Memorial Library, Carmel, NY

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 08:49:55 -0500
From: Paula Lopatic <paulal@alpha1.rpls.lib.il.us>
Subject: Re: Promoting Reading Without Libraries

Hi, Tami,
I read the same "Family Circle" article that you did and felt the very same
way. I'm glad you wrote a letter, even though you have yet to get an
answer. I thought, "Gosh, I should write them a letter." but never did. I
haven't really run into the other problem you described. We don't do much
partnering with other organizations. Excuse me while I whine, but quite
often it would mean my putting in more extra hours of work since no one
else here would consider helping. That's probably an overstatement, but
I'm really cranky this morning! Hope you have a good day. Take care.

>
>As I read some of the national general interest magazines, I notice that
>they often have articles that talk about reading without mention - or very
>little mention - of the public library. <snip>

Paula Lopatic
Vespasian Warner Public Library
310 N. Quincy St.
Clinton, IL 61727
217/935-5174
fax 217/935-4425
paulal@rpls.lib.il.us

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 09:36:38 -0600
From: "Suzette Dussault" <suzette@missoula.lib.mt.us>
Subject: Re: Summer Reading Lists

Hi, would like to "weigh in" on the summer reading list discussion.
In our fair city we have one great librarian who asks her students to
submit their favorite book (or books) for a summer reading list -
then she publishes it and gives a copy to all students at the end of
the school year. A GREAT idea in my book (as a former teacher)
and one I welcome at the library because it does cover a wide
range of titles - therefore, more likely to be in. Also, it gives me an
idea as to which titles I may need duplicate copies of.

I also print a bookmark with our current crop of YRCA (Young
Readers Choice Award) nominees and it provides me with a great
ready list of recommended reads (as do past years'
bookmarks/lists)

Sorry if these ideas have already been suggested - just got back
from vacation, so haven't caught up on my mail. Have a good
summer!


Suzette Dussaultt
Young Adult/Community Services Librarian
Missoula Public Library
Missoula MT 59801
(406) 543-4006

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Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 10:35:36 -0400
From: "Minkel, Walter (Cahners -NYC)" <WMinkel@cahners.com>
Subject: RE: Promoting Reading Without Libraries

Tami & folks-- (This is in response to Tami's post about how the business
community & others don't include the library in book & reading campaigns.)
It's up to you to convince them that the library should become a partner, or
even be mentioned. I know of a large urban school district that sent a
publication out to all parents in the district with ways to encourage
elementary kids to read, & _they_ never mentioned the public library! With
businesses, remember that they get on the literacy bandwagon but typically
leave the creation of programs to the PR firms they hire, & often the PR
folks who come up with the campaigns are twenty-somethings who aren't
library users (or often even book readers).

When you hear of library-less campaigns like these, you must call the
marketing departments of the businesses and politely give them hell. Be
prepared to be put on hold, relegated to voice mail, and given polite
brush-offs. If you do get to talk to a real person, write down their name,
number (so you can avoid the voice mail next time) & e-mail address. Be sure
to mention how many kids & parents you serve in particular age brackets and
the number of families attending programs over the summer or throughout the
year. Tell them what you can do for _them_. Don't bother too much with how
_good_ this is for the children; the marketing folks listen hardest to
numbers & the potential audience they can reach. Good luck, W

- ------------------------------
Walter Minkel
wminkel@cahners.com * (212) 463-6721
Technology Editor, _School Library Journal_

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Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 10:27:38 +0000
From: "Diane Adams" <DIANE@monmouth.chemek.cc.or.us>
Subject: Re: Promoting Reading Without Libraries

I do not believe the problem you see is a local one. I too have
encountered it.
I was recently approached by the school district to work with them on
a grant for after school activities. But I wasn't approached inmy
capacity as a librarian. It was my volunteer activities at my son's
school that got me noticied. I then said, well how about involving
the library and I got blank stares. "Well we guess, we'd never
thought of the library." A month ago I learned of a rather unique
group in my county that I am also working to be a part of. It is a
service integration team. It is representatives from social service
agencies, (health, police, schools, family services, etc.) that meet
monthly to share information and ask for help from each other. I
found out about them accidently and have asked to be included, once
again they admit they'd never thought of the library but that we
could be included.
I have been in discussion with my director and we have agreed that we
and in particular I, are going to work hard at "infiltrating" the
social services mindset. We believe that we need to have them think
of us when they need help and think of us as they work with children
and families in helping them be the best they can be and be prepared
for tomorrow's world.
I do not know if others are aware of a small trend that has cropped up
around here. Two libraries recently were put under the jursidiction of
the recreation departments. So instead of being a separate department
anymore they report to the recreation director and the library director
is just a manager now.
I know that in some instances libraries are doing good work with other
social services agencies and some is being done where I work. But it
is obviously not enough when we continue to be thought of as
recreation only or when we aren't thought of at all.
Just my two cents worth and frustrations aired.
Thanks.
Diane


Diane Adams Youth Services Librarian
Monmouth Public Library (503) 838-1932
P.O. Box 10 fax: (503) 838-3899
168 Ecols St. S. diane@monmouth.chemek.cc.or.us
Monmouth, OR 97361

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Date: Tue, 13 Jul 1999 09:06:11 -0500
From: Kelly Jennings <kjennin@tulsalibrary.org>
Subject: RE: fall programming

At 11:02 AM 7/9/99 -0700, you wrote:
>
>What is the purpose of setting a schedule of events MONTHS in advance? For
>publicity?
>
We do a system-wide brochure which the public loves - they are going to
various locations now for programs and services. It takes longer to put
this together and to the printer so we use three months lead time. If we
want smaller community publications/newspapers to publicize our events,
they usually want this infor. two months in advance. Also, since we have 22
branches and a central library, it takes our public relations staff time to
work through all this info to issue releases. We are now receiving
increased media coverage.

>So now for my pet peeve: parents (usually moms) who want storytime themes
>for the entire fall in August; complete SR schedule in April.
>I know it's not personal, but I
>feel like: don't they trust me? Do they think I'll do or read something
>offensive or inappropriate?
>
>
No, some don't trust us. Unfortunate sign of the times isn't it! But just
look at the the recent Dr. Laura incidents. We see ourselves as caring
adutls; however, many in the public do not understand our goals and mission
and view us a "government organization" with something to hide or unwilling
to listen to what the public wants or needs. I have no problem with giving
a parent the information they request. View their requests as a reference
question: librarians go out of our way to find just the info that's needed.
Do the same with the program request. If the person is suspicious about our
intent, the more you hedge about answering, the more they will think you
have something to hide.

I had one mother really quiz one of my librarians about the books she would
use in a storytime. Linda gave her examples of themes and activities and
the mom still seemed to be anxious about something. Linda asked if that was
the infor she needed. Finally the mom said "Well, do you read books like
"Heather's Two Mommies?" Of course, Linda was floored. She told the mother
she used standard titles in children's literature - not that we don't have
Heather in the collection but it's not a storytime choice.

One other incident that may shed light on why parents ask questions: We do
an open house for homeschoolers. Part of this is a storytime. We were
almost finished with this when a mom came in with 4-5 kids-babe to
school-age. We invited her to go into the storytime. Afterward she
commented: "This is wonderful. I'm so glad you did this. I had no idea what
these sessions were about."

Hope these perspectives are helpful.
Kelly Jennings
Tulsa City-County Library
400 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
918.596.7970 (office)
918.596.7907 (fax)
kjennin@tulsalibrary.org (e-mail)
<http://www.tulsalibrary.org>

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