|
From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults
& Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:15:33 CDT
Subject: PUBYAC digest 122
PUBYAC Digest 122
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) RE: Poetry Cafe Name Suggestions
by "Jennifer Bromann" <bromannj@hotmail.com>
2) Re: Mother Daughter book discussion
by karen maletz <kmlib@yahoo.com>
3) Re: library pet show
by "Ginny McKee" <ginny1222@hotmail.com>
4) Re: Reviews of WEETZIE BAT and SILVER KISS
by Joanne Parra <parra@MtLaurel.Lib.NJ.US>
5) RE: Storytimes in public areas
by bwilliams@brdgprtpl.lib.ct.us (Bina Williams)
6) Re: Games for Teen Area
by Kristine Mahood <kmahood@timberland.lib.wa.us>
7) Re: children's policies
by Lilredwgon@aol.com
8) Re: Storytimes in public areas
by Ed Spicer <espicer@accn.org>
9) Re: children's policies
by sandra richmond <srich@pipeline.com>
10) RE: library pet show
by Judy Stewart <stewartj@clpgh.org>
11) Rudeness (fwd)
by Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Jennifer Bromann" <bromannj@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: Poetry Cafe Name Suggestions
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:15:33 CDT
Yours is probably over. I have not had time to compile the list. Hopefully
when I get back from vacation. We went with 8449 Cafe (our address), but I
think they would be happy with teen cafe or poetry cafe. We had 80 this
time. I'll be posting the list within a few weeks.
Jennifer
>From: "Johnson, Angela" <ajohnson@apl.org>
>Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org
>To: 'Jennifer Bromann ' <bromannj@hotmail.com>
>Subject: RE: Poetry Cafe Name Suggestions
>Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2000 09:54:32 -0600
>
>Hi Jennifer,
>I would love to hear some of the responses you get to this--we are thinking
>of holding something like what you describe, and don't have a name either.
>Thanks!
>Angela Johnson
>Teen Services
>Appleton Public Library, WI
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Jennifer Bromann
>To: pubyac@prairienet.org
>Sent: 1/19/00 6:03 PM
>Subject: Poetry Cafe Name Suggestions
>
>We are having a poetry slam/coffee house in April and my director
>insists we
>name it. I have rejected the Lava Lamp Cafe, the warehouse cafe, and
>the
>Pink Flamingo. I just want something simple. I mean, real coffee
>houses
>just have coffee related names, and I wouldn't mind it being poetry
>related.
> And most are just run down with old furniture. They want a theme.
>What
>have some of you named your cafes? Or are there any new ideas? Thanks.
>
>Jennifer Bromann
>Head of Youth Services
>Prairie Trails Public Library
>Burbank, IL
>bromannj@hotmail.com
>
>
>______________________________________________________
>Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: karen maletz <kmlib@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Mother Daughter book discussion
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:25:20 CDT
Here in Hicksville (Long Island),New York, we
interloan additional copies from the other 53
libraries in the Nassau County library system.
--- Linda Peterson <lpeterson@bloomfield.lib.in.us>
wrote:
> Another question about Mother /Daughter book
> discussion. When buying =
> multiple copies of a book do you purchase them from
> a specific company? =
------------------------------
From: "Ginny McKee" <ginny1222@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: library pet show
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:26:50 CDT
I would recommend parents but also think of the pets - plenty of shade if it
is a sunny day and some provision for water. Years of experience on a zoo's
bookmobile - care for the pets - heat is difficult on many of them.
Ginny McKee
Children's Services
South Brunswick [NJ] Public Library
gmckee@lmxac.org
ginny1222@hotmail.com
________________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: Joanne Parra <parra@MtLaurel.Lib.NJ.US>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Reviews of WEETZIE BAT and SILVER KISS
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:29:07 CDT
Hi Jan,
I don't have Wilson's Senior High Catalog, but I was able to get a list of
citations for Weetzie Bat reviews:
Booklist 4/15/97
Pub. Wkly. 4/5/91
Booklist 3/15/90
SLJ 4/1/89
Hope this helps!
Joanne
Joanne Parra
Mount Laurel Library
------------------------------
From: bwilliams@brdgprtpl.lib.ct.us (Bina Williams)
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Storytimes in public areas
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:30:46 CDT
What is annoying? That they are having the storytime or that it is in the
middle of the department. You don't say how big the store is or whether
there is a special corner for storytime. I'll bet my storyhour notebook
that there are libraries small enough that they have the storyhour plunk in
the middle of the children's department.
I think there is room for both bookstore and library programming for
children. Perhaps a library can work with the local bookstore on
collaborative programming.
Bina Williams, Children's librarian and former independent bookseller
Bridgeport Public Library
bwilliams@brdgprtpl.lib.ct.us
----------
From: Anne McLaughlin
Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2000 1:24 PM
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Storytimes in public areas
Has anyone else found it annoying to drop in at a bookstore which is
having a storytime right in the middle of the children's books section?
Parents who've attended bookstore storytimes tell me that one of the
reasons they prefer the library storytimes is because we do have a
separate room. Anne McLaughlin,
Children's Librarian, West Warwick RI
------------------------------
From: Kristine Mahood <kmahood@timberland.lib.wa.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Games for Teen Area
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:32:09 CDT
Chess, Checkers, and Battleship have been the most popular in the YA Area
of the library. We also sponsor a program called GameZone that meets
about every three weeks, in which players bring their own game sets
(Magic, etc.) and food, and schedule their own meetings.
--Kristine
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kristine Mahood
Young Adult Librarian
Tumwater Timberland Library Voice: 360-943-7790
7023 New Market Street FAX: 360-943-6753
Tumwater, WA 98501 e-mail: kmahood@timberland.lib.wa.us
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
From: Lilredwgon@aol.com
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: children's policies
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:33:30 CDT
Joanne,
I thought I'd take a minute to respond. I am in a very small library in
Central, NJ - our policies are not always applicable to other areas (The
disclaimer).
We do not charge for children's memberships. All library card holders have
to prove residency - so they "pay" for the card through local taxes.
We do
not limit the number of items children can check out or the type - videos,
audios, books, puppets, magazines, etc.
Are fines, for everyone, are 10 cents a day for anything, except videos and
that is evolving at this time. We never charge more than $5.00 in fines on
one item. (However, if yoiu checked out ten items, it's $50.00). If fines
become excessive and are not paid then we put a stop on the card - adults or
children - and no books can be checked out until the fine is paid or the
item
is paid. Patrons always have the option to pay for lost items rather than
accumulate fines, but once they pay they can't say, "Here. I found the book
give me my money back."
Since we are small, we are fortunate to be able to make
"recommendations"
rather than adhere to hard and fast rules. This may not apply to you. We
might suggest something that is more appropriate or suggest they taken three
or four items this week and the same next week. Frankly, this "friendly
policy" really helps. We loose very few books and even in instances with
new
staff where they (and I know this has never happened with you!)
"forgot" to
check out the book, books are usually returned.
I think guidelines are a good idea. We seem to get farther with rewarding
the "good guys" than punishing the "bad guys". In short, our
fines are 10
cents a day. We only put a stop on a card if fines are excessive (usually
between $5 and $10). We do not limit the number or type of items that a
child can borrow. Children in out town can get a library card at age three.
Good luck.
Christine Lopez
------------------------------
From: Ed Spicer <espicer@accn.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Storytimes in public areas
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:34:54 CDT
I haven't. I love watching kids excited about books whether in the library
or elsewhere. I'd rather deal with a few minutes of inconvenience and I
usually enjoy the story as much as the children. I'd rather have a bookstore
do a story hour in the children's section than not do one at all because
they might annoy a customer. At my bookstore, the children are usually great
about handing me books or moving out of the way quietly. Does the bookstore
have a better location? Suggest it to the owner. Think of what the
experience may do for the children.
Anne McLaughlin wrote:
> Has anyone else found it annoying to drop in at a bookstore which is
> having a storytime right in the middle of the children's books section?
> Parents who've attended bookstore storytimes tell me that one of the
> reasons they prefer the library storytimes is because we do have a
> separate room. Anne McLaughlin,
> Children's Librarian, West Warwick RI
------------------------------
From: sandra richmond <srich@pipeline.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: children's policies
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:36:14 CDT
Jo-Anne,
1. There is no charge for a child's card and children may get a card at any
age.
2. When a child under 16 registers for a card, the parent must sign the
registration
form. On the form is a check off area which asks if the parent wants to
give the
child permission to check out videos. Otherwise, there are no limits to
what a
child may check out.
3. Fines are 10 cents a day for overdue print and audio items and $1.00 a
day for videos.
4. The following limits for items apply to both adults and children:
books 20 items
audiobooks 5
cassettes 5
CD-ROMs 5
periodicals 5
5. We do not charge for holds or non-pickups.
6. We keep the current year plus 2 years of back issues of periodicals. We
subscribe
to several children's magazines and children may check out back issues.
Best Wishes in your new position.
_____________________________________________________
Sandra Richmond MLS
Youth Services Librarian
Louisville Public Library
950 Spruce Street
Louisville, CO 80027 - pop. 20,000
303-666-6037 x680
fax 303-666-9664
richmond@ci.louisville.co.us
------------------------------
From: Judy Stewart <stewartj@clpgh.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: library pet show
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:37:30 CDT
So far you are right on track. We had one a few years ago when we actually
had
a yard (now it's parking lot). If you have enough space, I would try to
designate areas for say, dogs, then cats, then other small animals. If the
cats are in carriers it shouldn't be a problem.
don't forget to have the parade of pets for the judges! WE got judges from
a
local pet store. Take lots of pictures. Think about if you want to have
pets
do tricks of any of them can. Also, be prepared for "accidents". I was
a
little nervous about it but luckily it all went fine. Just laugh a lot and
relax.
As far as the small kids managing big pets. Perhaps you don't need to state
it
in advance, just be aware when kids are coming in and if you see the
situation
developing, you could suggest (strongly) that a parent or older sibling
stay.
Good luck
Judy Stewart
Community Library of Allegheny Valley
Natrona Heights, PA
------------------------------
From: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Rudeness (fwd)
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Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2000 10:39:01 CDT
Hello, PUBYAKERS:
Sometime ago, I asked for some feedback from you all on the
subject of rudeness in storytimes, etc. I received quite a lot of
responses, and would like to share them with you. To those who responded,
thank you! The best thing that came out of this was that we discovered
that we are not alone!!
Susan L. Maranto
Savage Children's Librarian
9525 Durness Lane
Laurel, MD 20723
"The opinions expressed here may not be original, but they do belong to
me."
You've got to get up in the morning with a smile on your face, and
show the world all the love in your heart. ~ Carole King ~
(1941-, American Composer-lyricist)
--------
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 09:27:21 PST
From: Ginny McKee <ginny1222@hotmail.com>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: Re: Rudeness
Our problems here in New Jersey are similar - the parents who routinely
arrive late for programs [also a problem in Rhode Island when I worked
there]. We are seeing more feeding of the kids under three in the library
and like you would love a solution. Let us know what you hear.
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 11:10:50 -0600
From: Kelly Jennings <kjennin@tulsalibrary.org>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: rudeness
I have a handout that our system uses that I'll send to you that includes
cell phones, food and listening during the program. We put this together
after we had problems and suggestions all came from staff. We wanted to
give a "customer friendly" approach to this so it is called "What
you can
do to help your child enjoy library story times."
I tell my staff to deal quietly but firmly with situations that arrive.
"You are the adult. you are in charge - including adults who are acting
like children!"
You don't do the kids or others attending the program a favor by allowing
disruptions. You do have to make a deccision about dealing with the
problem
right then or waiting and hopefully getting the person after the
event. In
fact we have even had other parents thank us for stopping a program to say
that everyone - including adults in the room - needed to listen. If
parents
want to visit, they can step outside.
Some of our staff give a reminder at the beginning to please turn off cell
phones, etc. Possibly a sign on the door as they come in.
Even our Performing Arts Center had an article on behavior in their last
program guide so Librarians are not the only ones dealing with rude
behavior, and I think audiences appreciate it when the person in charge of
the program does something to remind people about behavior. I usually
remind large groups that this isn't like sitting at home in front of the
tv
because others are around so hands and your voice should be kept to
yourself.
Hope this helps. They didn't teach "crowd control 101" in library
school
did they!
Kelly Jennings
Kelly Jennings
Tulsa City-County Library
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 12:51:19 -0500 (EST)
From: carmel <carmel@ulysses.sebridge.org>
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Cc: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Rudeness
Our Children's librarian passes out a letter at the beginning of each
group of story hour sessions that outlines, in a pleasant way, acceptable
behavior for attending programs. Parents are requested to remove
disruptive children from the room until they are ready to come back in
and participate, so as not to disturb other children. Parents are asked
to participate with their children, if necessary, to help them along.
Parents are asked to share the experience and continue it at home with
the songs and stories. We don't have too much cell phone disturbance
yet, but the few times we have I've asked people to either shut them off
or have their conversations outside this small building. The letter
given out at the beginning, though, sets certain expectations and heads
off at least some trouble "at the pass". Marilyn Schlansky, Reed
Memorial Library, Carmel, NY
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 10:20:52 -0800
From: Celeste Fong <CMFong@ci.ontario.ca.us>
To: "'marantos@howa.lib.md.us'" <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: RE: Rudeness
[ The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set. ]
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Hi, Susan,
The only incidents of rudeness that I've experienced during our story
times
is that of chatty parents. I believe that these parents know that they're
being rude, and I'm comfortable enough with most of my story time parents
to
tell them to please take their talk outside of the program room.
After reminding these parents a couple of times, they and other parents
who
remain in the room are usually quiet. Also, I always urge parents to
remain
outside the program room for preschool story time because we like to
emphasize the "push for independence".
Celeste Fong
South Ontario Branch Library
2403-D S. Vineyard Ave.
Ontario, CA 91761
fax: (909)930-0836
cmfong@ci.ontario.ca.us
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 13:31:31 -0600
From: Melanie C. Duncan <duncanm@mail.bibb.public.lib.ga.us>
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: Re: Rudeness
Hi Susan,
Some suggestions for your problem:
1.) Instead of a rubber band, place a sign on the door stating basically
"Keep Out" until storytime or you will be barred from future ones.
That
way
the librarian can point to the sign in case this happens again. If the
child damaged something irreplaceable or unique that you use each year,
the
mother should have to pay something.
One year, I had two boys decide to try and push over a display case
containing ceramic figurines. They rocked it just enough that one fell
over
and broke. These figurines were loaned, so I told the mother she was
responsible for the breakage and that I didn't know how much the figuring
cost since it was part of a collector's set. I took her name and phone
number, called the lady who'd loaned the display, and then stepped out of
it and let them handle damages. She did pay for the figurine and she kept
her two boys under tight wraps whenever she brought them in again.
2.) Post a sign prohibiting beepers, cell phones, etc. from the story
time.
Ask parents to turn them off during that time if they want to have their
kids stay for story time. If they balk, simply state that it provides a
distraction from the story time and is not fair to the other parents.
3.) As for feeding kids, just tell them the rule of the library is no food
or drinks, and if they need to feed the child, please take them outside.
I've done this before. If someone pulls a drink out of a bag or chips, I
tell them they can take them outside or throw them away. I stand there
until they choose.
We also have the option of calling the deputy if we have patrons who get
too rowdy, but I'm so used to handling these patrons myself from my
previous library position that I tend to do so.
Blessings,
Melanie C. Duncan, M.S.L.S.
Reference Librarian
Washington Memorial Library
1180 Washington Ave.
Macon, GA 31201
(912)744-0825
The Bookdragon Review (ISSN 1527-0157)
http://www.geocities.com/bookdragon.geo/
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 10:36:09 -0800
From: Lisa Falk <lfalk@lapl.org>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: Rudeness
Hi Susan!
This has been a problem for a number of our branches. There are two
ways that people seem to approach it. One is to do nothing and live
with it. This works for some, it certainly doesn't work for ME.
Two is to communicate what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
Preferably the first time this communication is private, either before
or after the storytime; if that doesn't work, I have STOPPED the
storytime and waited until whatever the inappropriate behavior was
stops. Usually people are embarrassed enough to quickly end the phone
call, leave the room, or stop chatting. If stopping the storytime
doesn't stop them, I ask politely if they could move elsewhere because I
can't hear myself reading/can't think/can't tell the story, and
therefore can't go on.
You must be sure to have the support of your supervisors in this.
Enforcing good behavior, sad to say, is now not just for children, but
also their attending adults. If adults don't know what appropriate
behavior is, you have to tell them. If they can't follow the rules,
then they won't be welcome.
I have also had other adults REQUEST that I deal with the offending
adult, because it is ruining the experience for them and their children.
It isn't fair for one or two people to interrupt everyone's storytime,
and this can be the basis of your communications with offenders.
Hope that helps!
Lisa Falk
Children's Services, Los Angeles Public Library
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 13:25:30 -0700
From: Becky Smith <bsmith@utstcelbgw.state.lib.ut.us>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: Re: Rudeness
Hi, Susan -
I think most of us have experienced these types of problems. It seems
that politeness and standard courtesy are, if not gone from our society,
at least making a rapid retreat!
Possible solutions to some of the problems you mentioned:
1. Our storytime room is always *locked* unless a librarian is in the
room. We've found that this eliminates a lot of problems.
2. No food or drink is allowed in the library. Period. If someone is
seen with food or a beverage, they are asked to either put it away or
leave, because this rule is clearly posted on the entrance doors as well
as in several other prominent locations within the library.
3. We make sure that we have *two* librarians (or at the very least, a
librarian and an aide) at each program the library does, more if the
program is for a group of over 40 people. That way, one librarian can
be presenting the program and the other(s) can be available to deal with
problems as they arise.
4. Cell phones haven't been a problem for us because the only
storytimes parents regularly attend here are the ones for infants and
toddlers, and they have no time in these programs to take a call! The
one time it happened, we simply asked the parent if she could take her
call outside the room, so she wouldn't disturb the program. (She told
the caller she couldn't talk right now and hung up instead.) We give
parents the option of attending storytimes for older children ("if your
child is uncomfortable attending without you, please come in") but very
few parents do.
In larger, family-oriented programs, we announce at the beginning that
cell phones, pagers, watch alarms and other beeping or ringing things
are a great distraction, and to "please turn them off for the duration
of the program." Almost everyone does, and if they don't, a librarian or
aide not currently 'on stage' quietly asks them to hang up or leave the
room to take their call, so that they won't disturb the other people
there for the program.
Hope this helps -
--
Becky Ann Smith, Children's Librarian
Logan Library, Logan, UT
bsmith@mail.state.lib.ut.us
http://www.logan.lib.ut.us
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2000 19:20:43 -0500 (EST)
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: Re: Rudeness
Susan,
As Carolyn Field, former Head of the Office of Work with Children
at the Free Library of Philadelphia, said to me during my orientation
sessions back in 1976---you can't expect people to know what you expect in
the way of behavior unless you tell them. She was speaking particularly
about proper audience behavior but I revisit that advice again and again
and again lo these many years later. If you don't want someone to go into
a room, in this day and age I'm sorry to say, you can't expect people to
respect a closed door. Lock the door or put up a sign telling everyone
that you are not ready for them to enter and you will be back shortly to
open the door and let them in.
If someone interrupts storytime with a phone call, calmly put the
book down and excuse yourself to the children and politely ask the caller
to take the telephone call outside of the storytime as their conversation
is making it hard for the children to focus on the program.
It may take some practice to get the words just right so you sound
polite but firm. It may take some successes to make you feel brave enough
to "correct" adult behavior. But it does get easier. And you will feel
so much better about taking control of a situation that will eat away at
you if you don't.
One day, years ago in another library system, I had spoken to a
table-ful of basketball players just cooling down after practice. They
did tone down though their natural exuberance kept rising to the top. A
couple of older businessmen came in about then and started an increasingly
more heated political debate over the copy machine. I knew the teens were
looking at me slyly to see if I would allow this kind of "noise" to go
on.
I screwed up my courage and my most professional voice, went over
to the two businessmen and asked them if they could lower their voices or
take their debate outside as they were disturbing the tableful of teens
who were (busily reading magazines) studying. The men, a little abashed,
quieted down, finished their photocopying and left, debating in a much
quieter voice. The teens gave me the thumbs up. It felt so good to be
able to demonstrate to them that everybody needs reminding from time to
is making it hard for the children to focus on the program.
It may take some practice to get the words just right so you sound
polite but firm. It may take some successes to make you feel brave enough
to "correct" adult behavior. But it does get easier. And you will feel
so much better about taking control of a situation that will eat away at
you if you don't.
What I'm getting at, in a very long winded way is--I constantly
look at how I am handling behavior problems and try to assess if I really
am being fair. Do I come down harder on kids and teens than I do on
adults that 1)make too much noise; 2)make a mess; 3)misuse or mistreat
library materials? Take back your space. Make it clear what you expect
and when someone steps out of bounds, politely but firmly explain what it
is that you expect--again. And don't assume people know what you allow.
People in general are far less cognizent these days of other people's
space or
the simple courtesies society once dictated.
Hope this helps. Good luck. - jeri
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 00:17:12 -0500 (EST)
From: iberialib@altavista.net
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: Re: Rudeness (Long)
Hi Susan...
We were having similar problems in our pre-school storytime. This is an
open
storytime which requires no registration and is held weekly throughout the
year. Many friendships are formed in this storytime between children and
parents alike. The storytime is at 10 a.m. and parents start arriving at
9:00
to visit and stay 'til lunchtime when many go to the fast food restaurant
of
the day to enjoy lunch together. I am pleased that this interaction takes
place, but it had gotten to the point that the visiting was continuing
right
through storytime. The children were 'trying' to listen, but the moms
were
trying to out talk me!
This came to a head on Valentine's Day. When I arrived in storytime, they
had
already passed out Valentines amongst themselves and CANDY. The children
were,
needless to say, very excited. I read two very short stories and just
gave up.
The kids were running all over the room and the moms were trying to out
shout
the children and me. I'm afraid that I just lost my cool. I turned on
the
movie (yes, we still use 16mm) and left. I found my assistant and
insisted
that she finish the storytime (turn off the projector and pass out color
sheets).
Many options were discussed in that next week. We thought about removing
the
parents from storytime. We thought about offering coffee for the parents
in
the back of the room (it is a fairly large room which could be made into
two
rooms if necessary). Even thought about posting storytime rules (like
that
would help!).
The solution which has worked so far is this...
I had a fairy light at home. I don't know if you are familiar with
these. It
is a candle in a class holder with a cover or dome. This one is clear and
looks like cut glass. I shined it up and made a really big deal about
the
FAIRY LIGHT. When we light the fairy light, it is time for EVERYONE to be
quiet for the stories. (I did stress the EVERYONE part.) Then I ask them
if
they are SURE that they're ready for the light to be lit. Then, YOU LIGHT
THE
CANDLE. (Kids are always fascinated by the lighting of the candle.) As
soon
as the stories are done, the candle is extinguished. I try to gauge their
attention span each week. If they are 'antsy', we keep it
short. Sometimes
they will sit still for longer stories. The moms (the worst offenders all
along) seem to have taken the cue. Whether it is the magic of the fairy
light
or my little disappearing act on Valentine's Day, I'm not really sure. I
also
changed the set up of the room slightly and the lighting in the ro!
om. (I was desperate!)
I do plan to make an announcement before the next 'candy' holiday (Easter
I
guess). I will let the parents know that they are welcomed to bring
treats for
the children, but to please wait until AFTER storytime to pass them out.
We'll see.
Please let me know of any great ideas you might receive. You never know,
the
magic of the fairy light might wear off next week and I might need new
ideas
then!
Later!
Cheryl B.
Children's Services
Iberia Parish Library
New Iberia, LA 70560
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 08:50:32 -0500
From: Mary Monaghan <monaghanm@clpgh.org>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Cc: monaghanm@clpgh.org
Subject: re:rudeness
Susan,
I have noticed an increase in rude behavior during my storytimes, too,
particularly moms and teachers talking to each other in normal
voices. I've
only had one cell phone experience. The father's phone rang and (I was
amazed
at even this!) he answered it. I assumed he would rush the person off the
phone explaining that this wasn't an opportune time to talk. Instead, he
proceeded to have a conversation. Of course, the kids were oblivious, but
the
other adults were getting irritated, so after giving him a few minutes to
do
the right thing, I stopped reading and looked at him--I didn't even give
him my
"mean librarian" look, just watched him and waited. He got the hint
soon
enough and got off the phone. It helped that the other mothers and
teachers
were glaring at him as well.
As for parents feeding children during programs, I've had mothers nurse
during
storytimes, but they've done it disceetly and it never seemed to bother
anyone
so I always just let it go.
I guess my suggestion is not to accept from adults what you wouldn't
accept
from children---easier said than done!
Good luck,
Mary Monaghan
Manager, Woods Run Branch
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 09:03:42 -0600
From: Theresa Holden <tholden@stic.lib.tx.us>
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: Rudeness
Hello-
As to taking off the rubber band and entering the storytime room, in our
library, we cannot prevent the public from gaining access to a public
meeting place. I would check your policy to see if this is true for
your libraries.
You could tell the parents (politely and pleasantly) what is necessary
for an effective storytime program (modeling appropriate listening
behavior to their children, arriving promptly, sitting down and not
being disruptive, no cell phones, etc... ) Either mention it to the
group before a program, write it out (we have a handout), or host a
Storytime Tea just for parents (we've done this too) where you tell them
how to maximize the storytime experience for their children and
how to maximize the storytime experience for their children and
themselves. Furthermore, tearing decorations that the library owns can
be considered destruction of library property which, in our library,
patrons are not allowed to do. If they do destroy property, they can be
asked to leave.
Good Luck!
Theresa Tongio Holden
Freeman Library
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 12:33:28 -0500 (EST)
From: Amy Blake <ablake@kcpls1.vinu.edu>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: re:Rudeness
Susan,
I've had people walk through programs but you got me beat on rudeness.
You may have to post or include in your flyers for the programs that
certain
behavior would be preferred. "Please be courteous to your fellow patrons,
by
turning off your cell phone, etc." Just a thought.
Good Luck,
Amy Blake
Knox County Public Library
Vincennes, IN
ablake@kcpls1.vinu.edu
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2000 16:08:51 -0800 (PST)
From: Sarah Stone <stonesar@kcls.org>
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: Re: Rudeness
Susan,
First let me say, how frustrating. What I had always been told to
do by the experienced Children's Librarian I worked with that when program
attendees (young or old) were making too much noise to just stop
reading/singing/whatever and just wait until they stopped. I have also
tried laying out my expectations at the beginning of the storytime
(i.e. I'd like everyone, adults too, to participate) so that I hopefully
nip these things in the bud.
One of the children's librarians in our system passed along this
clever rhyme that she uses when the noise level is too much and I thought
it was kind of a nice and fun way to remind people to basically shut up!
I see with my eyes,
I hear with my ears.
I close my mouth,
So that EVERYONE hears!
(point to eyes, ears, etc. One "everyone hears" the arms go out in
front
and then sweep out like you are giving everyone a hug.)
Hope this helps and good luck!
Sarah
*******************************
Sarah W. Stone
Children's Librarian
Shoreline Library
King County Library System (WA)
stonesar@kcls.org
*******************************
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 11:01:15 -0700 (MST)
From: Marijo Kist <mkist@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us>
To: Susan Lee Maranto <marantos@howa.lib.md.us>
Subject: Re: Rudeness
> reports of mothers and fathers answering their cell phones and having
> lively discussions while the programs were going on, as well as parents
> feeding their children during a program.
I have not had it to this degree;I have had feeding, talking to
smaller siblings, and parents who use this time to catch up on
Newspaper/coupon clipping & sharing time. I get my "substitute
teacher" face on and tell these parents that I am thrilled that they want
to share time with their children and that as long as they participate in
the activities with their child they are welcome to come and
play/stay. And that I can always use an extra pair of hands during craft
time (or whatever) but if they would like some private time, without their
children, to visit =, read newspaper etc they are welcome to wait in the
main part of the library till the program is over. I try to make it sound
like a bonus, you know quiet time for themselves, or how wonderful they
are to "share" experiences with their kids, but only if they
particiapte.
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 13:32:06 -0500 (EST)
From: Corey Bennett <bennetc@scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: Rude patrons at programs
Hi Susan,
I completely sympathize with your staff! We have also experienced some
of those problems you spoke of.
By the decree of our administration, we aren't permitted to "deny"
anyone access to the room during a program, so we don't lock or bar the
doors in any way. However, if one of our children becomes disruptive, we
can and do ask their parent to take them out of the room.
As for the cell phones and the talking, this is also a thorn in our
side! I really believe these parents think that their children are going
to pay full attention to the program, and that they can talk to one
another, or on their phones and it isn't distracting anyone. What I've
done in those cases is stop reading the story or singing the song, and
look at the parent--after a second or so, this usually works.
Sometimes at the beginning of the program, when we have everyone's
attention, we also make a quick statement reminding parents to watch their
children's behavior, take them out of the room if they are being
disruptive...and to *set an example* for their kids. You would think we
shouldn't have to say these things to adults, but we do!
One thing that was suggested, and we haven't tried this yet, is to have
a big poster on an easel, standing off to the side of your staging area,
with the "Story Time Rules" printed on it. I admit, I've been hesitant
to
implement this one because it seems so rigid, but we may have to do
something like that soon.
Good luck!
Corey Bennett
New Tampa Regional Library
bennetc@hcplc.org
#################################################
The votes are in...life is now officially unfair.
#################################################
Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 09:01:41 -0500
From: Mary Ann Sumner <MaSUmner@co.volusia.fl.us>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: Re: Rudeness
I have only had a couple cell phones go off during storytimes. I usually
just
stop what I'm doing and wait for them to finish (which, by then, only
takes a
second or two). I don't say anything and then just pick up where I left
off.
Don't get many calls now!
Another thing I did was to promise the parents that I'd turn on a video
for the
children to watch after storytime so they could visit (sometimes the only
adult
contact they have during the week). I told the children that if their
grown-ups talked too much that we wouldn't be able to do the video - so
the
kids policed the parents. I don't do anything about kid noise. Usually
if
someone is totally out of control the parent takes them out. During those
episodes I just keep on reading and the ugly stares from the other parents
usually prompt the reluctant adult to remove the child.
Good luck with your problem!
Mary Ann Sumner
Port Orange Regional Library
Port Orange, FL
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2000 19:54:05 -0900
From: Lyn Ballam <lballam@mac.com>
To: marantos@howa.lib.md.us
Subject: Rudeness
Hi,
I work as a Library Media Associate for an elementary school. So I
don't deal with parents that much. But I do work with rude children.
I have found, looking them in the face, closing as much personal
space as possible and explaining nose to nose that, they need to
treat me with respect as same as I am treating them. It makes it
hard for me to do my job when they are so disrespectful, (sometimes I
use being mean to me). Encroaching on personal space is extremely
uncomfortable to the person you are speaking to, it shows with body
language that you are serious.
One must remember, that the people you are dealing with are probably
younger than yourself. And do not know correct group behavior.
To quote Ann Landers, no one has permission to take advantage of you
ithout your permission. Speak up for yourself. It will take
several months, but the nonsense will stop.
When story time is ready to go, put up a sign, CLOSED.Story time in
process, when they barge in, make a big deal of it, gee, I'm so glad
you are here, do come in. Please make room for so and so....on and
on, they'll get the hint, maybe....
When vandalism happens, explain to the parent, that this is not
allowed to happen here, That is NOT allowed here at this library,
please fix..... and give the parent the tools to fix whatever, make
the parent realize that behavior will not be tolerated in your
library.
When phones ring, remember they are interfering with the learning of
others and that is never allowed. You may need to post a sign. Cell
phones off, please.....and when it rings, stop the story hour and
point to the sign. Smiling sweetly all the while. And ask them to
take the emergency into the other room. (Most cell phone calls are
for show....)
As for loud conversations. A friendly LOUD voice asking parents to
please take their conversation else where, as it is interfering with
the learning of others and certainly not allowed. Smile sweetly.
Get in their face. You can be nice and make your point. They know
they shouldn't be doing what they are doing, they just need to be
reminded.
Retraining will take months but worth the effort. Stop the story
hour, if you can't catch their eye, walk over to the offender and
instructed them on correct behavior. My favorite, is, "You are
interfering with the learning of others, and that is not allowed".
It's very embarrassing to them...And they will do much better. Or
they won't come back, which is their choice and those that want to
learn, can. Without interference. Be brave, use your brave voice,
use brave body language...It's what we tell our kindergarten students
Whew, Good luck.
Lyn Ballam
lfballam@northstar.k12.ak.us
Susan L. Maranto
Savage Children's Librarian
9525 Durness Lane
Laurel, MD 20723
"The opinions expressed here may not be original, but they do belong to
me."You've got to get up in the morning with a smile on your face, and
show the world all the love in your heart. ~ Carole King ~
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End of PUBYAC Digest 122
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