|
Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 17:29:35 -0400 (EDT)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #784
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 12:38:15 -0500
From: Carol Wheat <cwheat@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: Special Reading Series For Adults
Perma-Bound's catalog is arranged in categories which probably includes
Hi-Low books. You might already have some of them and you might be able
to order some.
http://www.perma-bound.com/
Hope you are able to help her.
Carol
- --
Carol Wheat
Library Media Specialist
Vestavia Hills Elementary - Liberty Park
Vestavia Hills, AL
cwheat@bellsouth.net
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 9:06:56 -0400
From: Paula Lefkowitz <LEFKOWITZ@main.morris.org>
Subject: RE: Special Reading Series For Adults
Nola-Check out Literacy Volunteer of America catalog. They have some good stuff
on low reading level we use for adult new readers and LVA tutors.
Paula Lefkowitz
Parsippany (NJ) PL
lefkowitz@main.morris.org
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 19:52:33 -0500
From: Nicole Conradt <nconradt@mf.lib.wi.us>
Subject: Re: birthday party
If you are a really good soul, you could do the program and just ask for a
donation to the children's library :)
Nicole Conradt
Menomonee Falls, Wi
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 15:12:41 -0400
From: "C. Sexton" <csexton@hyperaction.net>
Subject: packets with new library cards
to all the wonderfully creative and wise librarians:=20
does anyone have a packet that they give with a new library card to =
children? if so what does it include ?( sticker,suggested reading list =
age appropriate of course, bookmark ect.....) thanks in advance for your =
ideas and suggestions. contact me directly through my e-mail.
carol sexton
csexton@hyperaction.net
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 19:15:29 -0500
From: Nicole Conradt <nconradt@mf.lib.wi.us>
Subject: Re: end of summer reading program
Kristin,
Our programs end at the end of July, but we keep the 'table' up through the
start of school. Parents really appreciate it and for the few people we get
each day, it is no problem at all.
Good Luck!!
Nicole Conradt
Menomonee Falls, Wi
Kristin Hawksworth wrote:
> hi -
>
> i am experiencing a lot of frustration with the ending of our summer
> reading.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 16:38:45 -0600 (MDT)
From: PUBYAC <pyowner@pallasinc.com>
Subject: Some of y'all are getting sloppy....
Dear PUBYACkers,
Please please please remember to put your e-mail addresses INSIDE the body
of your message, especially when you request Stumpers. This has always
been a request on the "how-to's" for Stumpers, and it is just plain
Netiquette.
Shannon VanHemert
PUBYAC Moderator
pyowner@pallasinc.com
PUBYAC Web page: http://www.pallasinc.com/pubyac
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 15:50:12 -0500
From: Ann.Minner@ci.austin.tx.us
Subject: ice cream ideas
Hello,
I'm planning a storytime for 2-6 year olds this month and was wondering if
any of you have any tried and true fingerplays or songs about ice cream.
what about crafts? I think we'll cut out cones and glue on circles (scoops)
of different colored (flavored) ice cream.
I've found a few usable books including curious george and I've pulled more
from A to Zoo under food.
Any help would be great. Thanks so much.
ann
Ann Minner
Youth Librarian
Pleasant Hill Branch
Austin Public Library
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 12:53:16 -0400
From: Charles Schacht <schachtc@libcoop.net>
Subject: Re: birthday party
IMHO your spare time is your own to do with as you see fit; if your babies need
shoes (or your car needs tires) and you are inclined to pay for such by doing a
little off hours freelancing, I say go for it. Just because you do a few doesn't
mean you need to do more than you have time for.
Chuck Schacht
Romeo District Library
Romeo, MI.
carmel wrote:
> I think you should have a very large red flag flashing in your brain
> about this time.<snip>
>
> > I have been asked by one of my storytime moms to do a storytime at her
> > son's birthday party.<snip>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 16:10:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: deb bodner <d_bodner@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: birthday party
sue, you asked about storytelling at a birthday party. i've done
'outside' storyteling as a result of being a children's librarian, as
have several of my co-workers and it can be very rewarding. it's a
great way to build rapport with your patrons. if you enjoy telling
stories, i'd say go for it. word of mouth will bring in other requests.
keep in mind that the prep time is also on your own time and factor
that into your fee. our fees ranged from $35-50 depending on the length
of the program and the amount of prep time. (we are in a fairly
affluent community.) good luck
deb
deb@cmpl.org
- --- Sue Albert <skalbert@dreamscape.com> wrote:
> I have been asked by one of my storytime moms to do
> a storytime at her
> son's birthday party.
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 20:03:22 -0500 (EST)
From: Library_Lady@webtv.net (Kim N.)
Subject: Re: Need ideas for super hero program
Dana:
I can't offer any ideas for stories involving the trademarked heroes,
but a couple of other "superhero" stories do come to mind: Rosemary
Well's "Hazel's Amazing Mother" (aren't all mothers superhero's?)
Jerry Spinelli's "The Paperboy" (I think it's that author and
title--storyline is about a boy delivering papers who daydreams about
his super deeds--please correct me if someone knows what I'm talking
about)
The theme could be enlarged to include such things as "Stellaluna" as
a
real bat; "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to show metamorphosis
(stretching to Superman and his phone booth.)
Activities:
Can you find a CD/tape with the theme music to a few of the TV shows or
Movies? The kids will probably only be familiar with the TV reruns or
cartoon versions, but I think the theme music should be similar. Have a
"superhero dance" with each child pretending to be the hero of their
choice. Turn it into a game of statues by turning off the music at
intervals and asking them to freeze into a familiar posture of whatever
hero they are imitating. Be prepared for some possible violence as they
take out the bad guys.
How about a photo opportunity with a kid size drawing or blown up
(photocopiers are excellent) photo of a hero with the head cut out.
Access to a polaroid camera makes it even more fun. Turn it into a
craft by having them color/cut only the head portion of the hero and
cutting out the face for a mask. Glue it on a large paperbag (also with
face cut out) or attach a sting. To avoid any copyright infringement
you may want to freehand the suggestion of the different head gear. The
kids will get it.
Have some super fun and please be open to expanding your theme. Bring
them in with the name, but show them some good literature!
Kimberly Norris
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Library_Lady@webtv.net
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 17 Aug 1999 08:22:45 -0500
From: Marleen Watling <MWATLING@flower-mound.com>
Subject: RE: Summer Reading Program0
Believe it or not, school in this part of Texas began August 11th! (And
some area schools started earlier!) We usually run the summer reading
program until the end of July. School shopping and preparation makes
August one of our slowest months. The children are aware of the last
day to turn items in--although they can turn in their items all summer.
We do allow for the very few stragglers who miss the deadline--although
prizes may be substituted and they miss out on the drawing for big
prizes (t-shirts, etc.) for the kids who finished the reading club. The
drawing is held August 1st--unless that falls on a day we are closed
(Sundays)--so that is a great incentive to finish on time.
Marleen Watling
Youth Services Librarian
Flower Mound Public Library
Flower Mound, Texas
mwatling@flower-mound.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 10:51:36 -0500
From: "Linda Peterson" <lpeterson@bloomfield.lib.in.us>
Subject: Re: end of summer program
I think to get a better idea of what we are all doing we need to mention =
when our schools start. For instance, yes our closing program this year =
was Aug. 7, kids could pick up prizes until Aug. 14 and school started =
the Aug. 16. We stop having story hours at the end of July because we =
have found people are too busy to come to story hours the last 2 weeks =
of summer. We do have in-house activities those last two weeks. For =
instance this year we had a scavenger hunt the kids could do. We had =
them find sections of the library that we know are going to be involved =
in different reports, such as, planets, endangered animals, AR books. =
They recieved a pencil and eraser as their prize. This kept the kids =
coming in without a lot of effort on our part. It worked well for =
visiting children, who were only here for a day or 2 and didn't have =
time to do the regular program.
Linda Peterson
lpeterson@bloomfield.lib.in.us
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 23:37:08 EDT
From: Naughyde@aol.com
Subject: Re: women in science bios
In a message dated 8/15/1999 12:51:28 PM Central Daylight Time,
owner-pubyac@nysernet.org writes:
<< From: michael crosby <mdcrosby@earthlink.net>
Subject: Women in Science
Dear pubyac-sters;
I am getting more and more school assignments for biographies on women
in science. I have compiled a list of encyclopedia-like non-fictions
"Women in Aviation and Space" etc., but I was wondering if anyone had
any ideas on single-subject biographies, simular to a Marie Curry
biography. I'm sure that there are some new biographies out there. If
there aren't any, maybe we should write one. Please respond directly to
me. >>
Although it is a year old, so I can't vouch the links still being there, we
did a BigSix page on women scientists you (and your students) might find of
interest-
http://www.st-agnes.org/library/projects/femsci.html
Patrick Jones
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 14:49:11 -0500
From: Ian McKinney <ianmck@tcpl.lib.in.us>
Subject: Internet training for kids
Hi y'all,
I'm considering purchasing a pre-packaged Internet training course so that
my department can start offering Internet training for kids. Specifically,
I am looking at "Information Superhighway Bicycle Training Course."
If you have experience with this product or another training package for
kids, I'd be interested to find out what you think of it. Also, if you
have done Internet training with kids without using a pre-packaged course,
I'd be interested to know the steps you took in developing your own course,
and the bare bones of the course itself.
Please respond directly to me; I'll summarize for the list if there is
interest and if I get enough information.
Thanks for your time--
- --Ian
Ian McKinney Tippecanoe County Public Library
Youth Services Librarian 627 South Street
(765) 429-0121 Lafayette, Indiana 47901-1470
ianmck@tcpl.lib.in.us
http://www.tcpl.lib.in.us/youth/
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 08:19:32 -0500
From: "Esther Murphy" <emurphy@ala.org>
Subject: Don't Forget to Register for Teen Read Week
If your library is participating in Teen Read Week 1999, we would like
to hear about it.
An online registration form is available on the Teen Read Week Web
site at www.ala.org/teenread/register.html
There is room to include a brief description of your plans. If you
cannot fit all your information on the form, please send your ideas to
Belia Ortega of the ALA Public Information Office at bortega@ala.org.
We are compiling a list of registered libraries and will be posting
their names and plans on the Teen Read Week Web site so that
librarians will have the opportunity to see what their colleagues are
doing. We are excited to report that more than 100 libraries have
registered to date!
We look forward to hearing of any exciting events, partnerships,
media outreach or other ideas you have.
Deborah Davis
Public Relations Specialist
ALA Public Information Office
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-2148
dedavis@ala.org
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 15:24:26 -0400
From: "Karen Sonderman" <sonderka@oplin.lib.oh.us>
Subject: Ending SRPs "early"
I was interested in Seilah O'Connor's remarks about ending Summer =
Reading Programs/Clubs before summer is officially over! We often =
discuss this when we plan our program, but every year come to the same =
conclusion...the vast majority of our patrons are as tired of the =
program as we are by the end of 8 weeks! Our experience is that most =
people (parents and children) have lost their momentum by the middle of =
August! Many do keep reading, but they have collected all the goodies =
they want and need some down time. Our busiest month is July, and our =
biggest week is of course the first week. By August the level of =
activity has tapered off quite a bit! Another thing to consider in this =
issue is that in many smaller libraries, staff cannot go on vacations =
until SRP is over! And then school and fall programming starts and you =
can't go then either! We also feel that by ending before the very end =
of the summer vacation, we make our reading program more of an "event"
=
instead of just something that we do all summer. All good things must =
come to an end!
Karen Sonderman
Taylor Memorial Public Library
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
sonderka@oplin.lib.oh.us
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 08:11:00 -0700 (MST)
From: Marijo Kist <mkist@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us>
Subject: Re: statistics
Someone asked how stats are kept. At my branch we had 1500+ sign up. At
signup they are asked a few questions:
What school did you go to last year?
What grade di you just finish?
How did you hear about this SRG?
I have a sheet of paper, just old fashioned, lined notebook paper at the
SRG desk, and it takes a few second to gather very valuable info. My total
enrollment is gathered from the fact that we prenumbered the gameboards,
and if all goes well, they go out in order. But those three questions give
me a great snapshot of the participants. I then know where my marketing
strategies worked or failed. And I then can send a letter to each
principal saying,
"This ppast summer 54 students from your school participated in
the SRG at Acacia Branch Library. this is an increase over last year. We
would love to keep this momentum growing throughout the year. I would
like to schedule a time when I could come talk to you and the teachers at
your school about how we can work together and make this a great year of
reading for your students!"
Marijo Kist mkist@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us
Acacia Branch Library
(602) 262-6224
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 08:03:28 -0700 (MST)
From: Marijo Kist <mkist@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us>
Subject: Re: end of summer reading program
Someone asked why end SRG sp early? we ended ours on July 31, about 10
days before many schools went back in session. . In addition, we have many
schools that are on a "year round" schedule, meaning that those kids
went
back to school in mid July. We moved our start date to mid May, which was
the first week most schools were out.
To answer the original question, however, it is an annual problem. We
tried extended the program to the dawn of the new school year, but fewer
and fewer people participated that close to the school year, and we still
had the same people coming in and saying "whine whine whine" and
calling
directors, council memebers, mayors office etc <just kidding about the
mayors office>. So we just sort of gear it toward ten days-two weeks till
beginning of school. Also we have started a major campaign called GOAL
<Grade One At the Library> in which we try to get a library card in the
hand of every first grader in Phoenix. Not only does this keep us hopping
the final two weeks of summer, but it brings library attention in the
schools, not just first grade, we discovered, but througout the ranks.
So the primary goal or SRG, which is keep 'em reading, just shifts gears a
little.
Marijo Kist mkist@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us
Acacia Branch Library
(602) 262-6224
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 22:25:37 -0400
From: Susanna Holstein <pkb00700@alpha.wvup.wvnet.edu>
Subject: Summer Reading: some questions
I need information on reading minutes as opposed to number of books read
for summer reading.I know this was discussed in the past, so please, if
anyone saved the posts, would you send them to me? I'd like this to be
considered in our library system but need some actual experiences from
you all to be sure I understand how it works.
And my second question: I've been thinking about a summer camp type of
program.
What I have in mind (probably a warped mind, but...) is a program that
would function like many other summer camp programs. The kids would sign
up for a week, and would come to the library for a certain length of
time each day that week. We would do fun activities as well as
"library"
activities, and have a silent reading time and read aloud time too,
storytelling workshops, etc. Special programs offered that week would be
for the campers only. Registration would be limited to what we can
handle (probably 20-30 a week).
Has anyone tried something like this?I wonder if this concentrated
approach might be better than planning a whole summer of different
activities to keep the kids coming in. The benefit for staff is that
many of the activities could be re-used each week, since the groups
would be different. The kids could keep reading and logging their books
after the camp until the official end of the program, of course.
This is for the elementary-age kids--we would still do preschool
storytimes as we do now. Camp attendance would not be a requirement for
registration, as some kids wouldn't be able to do it due to parents work
schedules, etc(although some evening camps could be offered...).
Comments welcome!
Susanna Holstein
Elk Valley Branch Library
Charleston, WV
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 23:47:01 EDT
From: "Janet Park" <janetp29@hotmail.com>
Subject: Stumper Solved: Apple Pigs
>From: nancy snyder <snydernj@yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: pubyac@nysernet.org
>To: PUBYAC@nysernet.org
>Subject: Stumper: apple pigs
>Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 06:35:06 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Does anyone know how to make "apple pigs". This is
>probably in the book, Apple Pigs by Ruth Orbach but
>we don't have this in our system. Thanks for your help.
>
>nancy snyder <snydernj@yahoo.com>
>_________________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
>
>I know I'm really dating myself, but I own a copy of Orbach's Apple Pigs
>and have used it for programs in the past. "You will need: 2 red apples
>(one small, one large - preferably with leaves and stem); 6 toothpicks or
>cocktail sticks; 6 silver balls (cake decorations); 1 slice lemon; i pipe
>cleaner for tail (if large apple has no stem); scissors; apple corer or
>knife; 1 extra toothpick or sharp pencil.
1. Hold large apple on its side. Insert 4 toothpick legs.
2. Cut small apple in half. Attach on ehalf to body with 5th toothpick.
Make sure cut side is facing outwards, to make the face. Rub with lemon
slice to keep cut surface from turning brown.
3. For the snout, cut a cylinder shape from the other half of second apple
(use corer or knife). Fasten snout to face with 6th toothpick. Make holes
for nostrils, using another toothpick or a sharp pencil.
4. Using toothpick or pencil, make two very small holes for eyes and insert
silver balls. Make slits on top of head and insert leaves to make ears. If
the apple had no leaves, the ears can be cut from what's left of the apple
skin.
Good Luck!
Janet Park, Onondaga County Public Library, Syracuse, New York
janetp29@hotmail.com
_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 10:20:57 -0500 (CDT)
From: "Catherine E. Ingram" <ceingram@starbase1.htls.lib.il.us>
Subject: RE: craft ideas for YA's that go beyond tie dye?
I did two crafts this summer that turned out well.
http://www.joliet.lib.il.us/ya_prog.html (remind me to update)
The first was an alien bead guy... I got kits that had directions and all
the beads and string.... Had a good turn out (18). Some of the teens
(11-18) got frustrated... they did not really seem to want to think about
how to do it. It was a little bit hard on me and the library pages. But
I think the pages actually had fun helping. Bit crazy running around.
Make sure you have cookies and beverage so they have something to do when
they are waiting for help. Also good to know that some of those bead
projects are MUCH easier than others. All in all, I was very happy with
the program. p.s. those bead keychains are VERY popular here!
My other craft was to make a grass hair planter guy. I had 12 turn out
for that... it was a very different group... more men. It was easier...
but MESSY!!! Sawdust everywhere... messy glue.... grass seeds.. That
actually made it more fun. It was easier to do and they could be much
more creative which was good. Food and beverage was actually a problem
here... people got sawdust in their juice.
Catherine
-----------------------------------------------------------------
| *opinions are my own* |
| Catherine E. Ingram, M.L.S. Joliet Public Library |
| Young Adult Librarian 150 N. Ottawa St. |
| ceingram@htls.lib.il.us Joliet, IL 60432 |
| phone: 815-740-2660 http://www.joliet.lib.il.us |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 10:01:43 -0400
From: Elaine Loehmann <eloehmann@millbury.k12.ma.us>
Subject: Re: Summer Reading Program
Hi,
We run our Summer Program series from the end of June through the
beginning of August. I never run a series of programs longer than 7-8 weeks,
just seems to be the optimum length. After that the staff is just plain
wiped out and kids don't show up. Too many family vacations in August? We
have a party with games, prizes (for everyone) and a performer.
HOWEVER we continue to tract their reading in their logbooks, time
not # of pages or books. We don't do contracts. Every time a kid brings in a
log we give them a paper cutout (based on reading club theme) for each half
hour of reading (someone reads to them, they read to someone, they read on
their own). They write their names on the shapes and we post them on the
walls of the Children's Room. In addition they choose a discount coupon to
one of the various sites (museums, amusement parks, skating rink, zoos etc.)
that help sponsor the SRP in Massachusetts. It's thanks to the hard work of
the consultants in our state regional library systems that we can offer
these incentives. They go out and beat the bushes for sponsors so that the
staff of individual libraries don't have to. Anyway we still track summer
reading right through Labor Day. After all, it is still the summer and they
are still reading. The kids like it and it keeps them coming back to the
library which is why we're here.
That's my two cents.
Elaine
- -
*********************
Elaine Loehmann
Assistant Director
Millbury Public Library "and so it goes..."
128 Elm St. Slaughterhouse-Five
Millbury, MA 01527 Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
(508) 865-1181
(508) 865-0795 (FAX)
email eloehmann@millbury.k12.ma.us
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 09:15:22 -0700 (PDT)
From: Heaney <eheaney@nwpl.new-westminster.bc.ca>
Subject: Patron complaint forms
I would like to put in a word of warning here, something that was
discussed in connection with reconsideration of materials issues here: a
written form should be the _last_ option offered in the face of a complaint.
We all know that
a)some people like to let off steam about everything
b)the issue being complained about isn't always the only problem for the
complainant, and sometime the 'problem' with the library is only the last
straw at the end of a bad day
c)some people don't intend things as complaints, merely comments
Inviting people to put in writing comments made about how "there are
never any good mysteries in" or "it always seems so stuffy in the
reference department" moves them to a level of importance they may not
deserve. Not to say that we don't take patron comments seriously: if
there are a number of adults who comment on the state of the washrooms,
we know we have to speak to maintenance people.
Staff need to be trained to defuse small situations so that they don't
become big ones, and resorting early in the discussion to a written form
is not the best way to do this (in my opinion!).
Ellen Heaney
Head, Children's Services
New Westminster Public Library
New Westminster, British Columbia
On Sat, 14 Aug 1999, Capehart wrote:
> Hello,
>
> My Director asked me to query the collective brain. Do any of you have
> formal complaint forms (not materials reconsideration forms) that you think
> work well? We would like to have something formal to hand people
complaining
> about the temperature or a staff member or another patron rather than
> forcing our staff to deal with the entire problem at that moment. Any help
> will be appreciated! TIA!
>
>
> Tim Capehart
> Head Children's Services
> Leominster Public Library
> Leominster, MA
> tcapehar@cwmars.org
> http://www.ziplink.net/~capehart
> "If you really want to help the American theater, don't be an actress,
> dahling. Be an audience." - Tallulah Bankhead
>
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 08:13:59 -0800 (ADT)
From: Cindy Sampson-Fleet <mscf1@nsh.library.ns.ca>
Subject: Re: Pros/cons of small two-story libraries
A few years ago, our space was expanded and a second floor added.
Basically, we have children's services downstairs, adult upstairs, with a
reference desk on both floors. The YA's have space on both floors -
nonfiction and hardcover fiction are upstairs , there is a YA corner with
a browsing popular collection downstairs. We also have no extra staff - the
existing staff cover both floors.
I'm sorry to say that from my experience I see few advantages to
having two floors. The only advantage I can think of in our situation is
that the upstairs is quiet for study and the downstairs has a higher
tolerance for noise which avoids some problems.
The extra space is great, but would be even greater if it
was all on one floor. The main issue for us is staffing. Speaking as the
scheduler, covering both floors is a nightmare., especially during
vacations or when someone is ill. It also doesn't use our staff
to the best advantage - the person upstairs could have no questions for
an hour while the person at the reference desk downstairs is run off
his/her feet, or vice versa.
There are also issues of security. You need a good fire alarm plan. You
can expect to lose more materials.
And customer service. Who helps the person who is looking for a particular
adult fiction or large print book upstairs in your scenario? In our
case, it is very frustrating not to be able to follow a question through
when we have to direct people to the other floor.
So I guess I haven't really helped, but I'll be intersted in seeing the
posts from others in a similar situation.
- -------------------------------
Cindy Sampson Fleet, Supervisor
Captain William Spry Public Library
Halifax Regional Library
phone: (902) 490-5778
fax: (902) 490-5741
mscf1@nsh.library.ns.ca
(opinions expressed are my own etc.etc.)
On Fri, 13 Aug 1999, Tracy Mavar wrote:
> We are planning to build a new 28,000 sq. ft. 2-story library
> for our town of 13,000. Our site is too small for
> a one-story (original plan) without devoting the
> whole block to building and parking. Staff and public
> feel a 2-story building would be nicer to allow for
> landscaping in our residential neighborhood.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 15 Aug 1999 00:12:31 -0400
From: Elizabeth Gallaway <egallaway@netway.com>
Subject: Re: Creative Writing Workshop
Dear Victoria,
I have been holding a similar program since May, with less of a teaching
slant.
After a successful Poetry Slam and Coffeehouse in April, a sophomore
named Derek (who won a prize at the event) called me the following week
to ask if there were any 'poetry support groups' for teens. I said,
"No.... but we could start one!" He agreed to help run the meetings
and
assist with publicity, and so the Teen Poets Society was created.
The Teen Poets Society is not really limited to poetry. Essayists,
poets, short story writers, and novelists are all welcome, but the focus
has been on poetry to date. This is not a 'class'. I do not teach
(although I did major in humanities with a creative writing
concentration). Rather it is a forum for teens to express themselves
and share their work with their peers. Anyone who wishes to read may do
so. Constructive criticism is exchanged. The meetings also give teens
with similar interests a chance to meet one another. Sometimes the
meetings simply give the teens a chance to vent. We talk about
creativity, writing habits, and inspirations; the story behind a piece
of writing leads to discussions of all kinds. The Teen Poets Society
is intended for students in grades 9-12. We have a few 8th graders who
are interested, but most members are ages 14-17.
We meet on Wednesdays from 7-8 PM, every other week. I provide food and
a meeting place, and take meeting notes, which are posted on our
website. I also make announcements, such as opportunities to get
published, upcoming writing contests, and reminders about library
events. Derek runs the meetings, getting new participants to talk
about themselves and their work. He also brings creativity and writing
exercises. Other teens have also brought questions for discussion and
exercises to try.
Some goals that the teens set at the first meeting are: to write a
group poem, with everyone contributing, to create a literary magazine
(we are currently accepting submissions), to take a field trip
someplace, to have some guest speakers, to host the next coffeehouse
(to be held during Teen Read Week in Oct), and to double membership
(from 7 people to 14 people). We have plans in the works for three
guest speakers in the fall: Sharon Silverman, a local artist and
creator of the 'zine RA-Recycled Art will be speaking about submission
guidelines and tips in getting published; a local poet will be speaking
about her own writing, and Christopher Golden (Buffy the Vampire Slayer
series) will be speaking about his work both as a novelist and comic
book writer.
Occasionally meetings become a social hour. We are working on a
behavior policy for the group at the next meeting! Punctuality is
sometimes a problem. I have to justify my off-the-desk time. Twice I
cancelled meetings because at 7:10 PM only 2 teens were in attendance...
only to have kids stroll through the doors at 7:30. We had our most
successful meetings in the spring, so the teens wanted to meet on a
weekly basis all summer, but due to vacations and other committments, it
hasn't worked out too well, unfortunately. Publicity in the schools
seems to be key; advertising in the local papers, in the library, and
with community agencies simply isn't enough. I have also asked teachers
to offer extra credit to teens who participate in library programs such
as the book group or poetry slam. I intend to request the same for the
Teen Poets Society as well.
Our website is located at:
http://www.haverhill.com/library/TCC/tps.htm
I would love a list of any resources you collect.
Hope that helps!
Beth Gallaway
Haverhill Public Library, Haverhill MA
- ------------original message------------------
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 1999 05:22:03 PDT
From: "victoria vannucci" <vvannucci@hotmail.com>
Subject: [none]
I am going to be doing a Creative Writing Workshop for young adults in
October. It will be held for an hour on each Monday night.
Do any librarians out there have experience doing something like this?
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