|
From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and
Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2001 11:01 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 535
PUBYAC Digest 535
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Re: Fwd: Re: Shelving underrated
by "Carol Feldberg" <cfeldberg@fountaindale.lib.il.us>
2) RE: Looking for Kid-friendly Free E-mail accounts
by Wood@jcl.lib.ks.us
3) RE: Teen art exhibition
by Jonya Pacey <jonya@selco.lib.mn.us>
4) Booktalks
by "Linda Peterson" <lpeterson@bloomfield.lib.in.us>
5) Re: Looking for Kid-friendly Free E-mail accounts
by "Sarah Prielipp" <seprielipp@hotmail.com>
6) RE: computer speakers
by "Susan Dailey" <obldailey@wellscolibrary.org>
7) Accelerated Reader
by "Grace Slaughter" <gslaughter@bham.lib.al.us>
8) reply to program age limits
by Kim Patton <kpatton@lawrence.lib.ks.us>
9) Teen Writing Groups
by "Stephanie Borgman" <sborgman@hcpl.net>
10) LIBRARY POSITIONS AVAILABLE
by "Lynne Perrigo" <lperrigo@westport.lib.ct.us>
11) children's catalog
by Belinda Sakowski <sakowski@grayson.edu>
12) RE: computer speakers
by Tina Cavanough <tcavanough@astc.nt.gov.au>
13) Easy Readers defined
by Ian McKinney <ianmck@tcpl.lib.in.us>
14) RE: insistent parents
by carrie@nysoclib.org
15) responses to my problem with insistent parents! (long)
by "Kristin Hawksworth" <khawksworth@roselle.lib.il.us>
16) stumper
by "Kristin Hawksworth" <khawksworth@roselle.lib.il.us>
17) stumper: leander
by deb bodner <d_bodner@yahoo.com>
18) Stumper - Fantasy Novel
by Becky Smith <bsmith@loganutah.org>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Carol Feldberg" <cfeldberg@fountaindale.lib.il.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org,
"Carol Feldberg" <cfeldberg@htls.lib.il.us>,
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Shelving underrated
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:20:48 CDT
I guess one should proofread their own messages before sending - what I
meant to say was "I usually wouldn't respond to this subject but just
had
to put in my two cents worth.....
**************************************************************************
Carol Feldberg
School Services
Fountaindale Public Library District
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
1-630-759-2102 Ext. 47
cfeldberg@fountaindale.lib.il.us
-----Original Message-----
From: "Carol Feldberg" <cfeldberg@htls.lib.il.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org, "kkrenz"
<kkrenz@lib.az.us>
Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:13:06 CDT
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Shelving underrated
> I usually would put two cents worth in on this subject but had to agree
> with this response. I have always felt shelving books was one of the
> most
> important job duties in the library. Without books and other library
> materials in their correct place and on the shelves, patrons will not
> be
> checking out. It is also a great way to keep familiar with your
> collection.
>
> Carol Feldberg
> School Services
> Fountaindale Public Library
> Bolingbrook, IL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: kkrenz <kkrenz@lib.az.us>
> To: pubyac@prairienet.org
> Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 11:52:32 CDT
> Subject: Fwd: Re: Shelving underrated
>
> >
> > >From: Laurie Magee <magee@AXP.WINNEFOX.ORG>
> > >To: pubyac@prairienet.org
> > >Subject: Re: Shelving underrated
> > >X-edited-by: pyowner@pallasinc.com
> > >Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 10:06:40 CDT
> > >Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org
> > >Sender: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org
> > There have been so many comments on this and I just bit my tongue.
> > (maybe I
> > should say fingers on the keyboard).I haven't responded in writing
to
> > PUBYAC for ages, but felt I had to this time. I have always felt
that
> > as a
> > supervisor of any sort you should never expect staff
> > to do something you are not willing to do yourself. I served
many
> > years as
> > a school librarian where I was often the only staff member,
> > "professional"
> > or otherwise, and I had to shelve most of my library's books.
When I
> > began
> > work in a public library, I took it upon myself to start shelving
> some
> > books because they needed to be shelved, and because I felt this
was
> a
> > good
> > way to get more acquainted with the collection. Another
staffmember
> > chided
> > me on this because it was "beneath me as a professional
librarian".
> I
> > assured this individual that I was very happy to be a professional
> > librarian but did not feel that helping with shelving demeaned
that
> > position in any way. I actually never had a lot of time to spend
on
> > shelving and it certainly has never been my favorite activity but
I
> > think
> > your staff and patrons will think more of you if you are willing
to
> > pitch
> > in when needed. By the way, I also prefer to think of the word'
> > professional 'more as a descriptive word than a noun!
> > Just giving my say,
> > Kami Krenz
> > Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library
> > Phoenix, AZ
> >
>
>
------------------------------
From: Wood@jcl.lib.ks.us
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: Looking for Kid-friendly Free E-mail accounts
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:21:23 CDT
I haven't personaly used this site; but, it looks like something worth your
looking into.
CoolKid Free Email
http://www.coolkid.ws/pages/default.cfm?page_id=1939
Christi Haines
Youth Services Librarian
Johnson County Library
-----Original Message-----
From: Ginnie Hoover [mailto:ginnie@lfpl.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 2:17 PM
To: 'pubyac@prairienet.org'
Subject: Looking for Kid-friendly Free E-mail accounts
Hi everyone! Are any of you aware of a free kid-friendly e-mail account,
similar to Hotmail or Yahoo mail? We teach a Girl Scout computer class
here
at LFPL, and one of the components is showing the girls how e-mail works.
We do NOT want to have them sign up for their own e-mail account, but our
plan is to set up a generic account that they can all log into during the
program and send a message from just to see how it works (we would change
the password after each program). However, I am not comfortable with
the
Yahoo or Hotmail accounts because of all the junkmail that they have, and
links from the account to things we would rather not expose these girls to
during the program. Any suggestions?
Ginnie Hoover
Louisville Free Public Library
Louisville, KY
ginnie@lfpl.org
------------------------------
From: Jonya Pacey <jonya@selco.lib.mn.us>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Teen art exhibition
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:21:49 CDT
I've not ever ran an art show, either in a library or else where, but I do
know some of the best fantasy art shows are held by science fiction/ fantasy
conventions. Most are fan-run and may serve as a source for volunteers to
advise or assist you. Idaho does have a convention this weekend; check
out
their website at http://www.geocities.com/moscow_scifi_con/.
Their artshow
chair might have names of local fans who could be of service.
For the rest of the country (US), convention listings can be located via
http://sflovers.rutgers.edu/index.htm.
This site is a wealth of fantasy/
science fiction information.
Jonya Pacey
Cataloging and ILL Assistant
SELCO (Southeast Libraries Cooperating)
2600 19th St. N.W.
Rochester, MN 55901
-----Original Message-----
From: Carol Hopkins [mailto:chopkins@idaho-lynx.org]
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 2:12 PM
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Teen art exhibition
Hello PUBYACers!
My library is thinking about putting on a teen fantasy art exhibit furing
Teen
Read Week. No one on the staff here knows anything about creating or
running
such an event. Has anyone out there done this kind of event before?
What
are
some helpful hints to run a successful program? Any list of dos and
don'ts?
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Feel free to email me off list to the email address listed below.
TIA,
Carol Hopkins
chopkins@idaho-lynx.org
Nampa Public Library
Nampa, Idaho
------------------------------
From: "Linda Peterson" <lpeterson@bloomfield.lib.in.us>
To: "PUBYAC" <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Booktalks
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:22:20 CDT
A 5th grade teacher would like for us to do some book talks for her classes.
In the past most of my work has been with younger grades. Does anyone have
any suggestions of books, websites, etc. for tips on book talks and examples
would be great also. Thanks for any help.
Linda Peterson
Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library
125 South Franklin
Bloomfield, Indiana 47424
Phone: (812)384-4125
Fax: (812)384-0820
email: lpeterson@bloomfield.lib.in.us
------------------------------
From: "Sarah Prielipp" <seprielipp@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Looking for Kid-friendly Free E-mail accounts
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:22:45 CDT
http://www.headbone.com/hbzmail/
offers free email for children
http://www.fepg.net/bytype.html
has a list of free e-mail sites by "group"
http://www.bargainstuff.com/kidsemail.htm
offers free children's email
:-), Sarah
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it is
hard
to read." -- Groucho Marx
>From: Ginnie Hoover <ginnie@lfpl.org>
>Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org
>To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>,
>Subject: Looking for Kid-friendly Free E-mail accounts
>Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:16:32 CDT
>
>Hi everyone! Are any of you aware of a free kid-friendly e-mail account,
>similar to Hotmail or Yahoo mail? We teach a Girl Scout computer
class
>here
>at LFPL, and one of the components is showing the girls how e-mail
works.
>We do NOT want to have them sign up for their own e-mail account, but
our
>plan is to set up a generic account that they can all log into during
the
>program and send a message from just to see how it works (we would
change
>the password after each program). However, I am not comfortable
with the
>Yahoo or Hotmail accounts because of all the junkmail that they have,
and
>links from the account to things we would rather not expose these girls
to
>during the program. Any suggestions?
>
>Ginnie Hoover
>Louisville Free Public Library
>Louisville, KY
>
>ginnie@lfpl.org
>
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
------------------------------
From: "Susan Dailey" <obldailey@wellscolibrary.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: computer speakers
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:23:19 CDT
Mary,
I asked my (teenage) son who works for an internet provider and who built
his own computer. He recommended having your maintance man design a
small
block panel or lock box for the
volume control. He also said that you can buy speakers with the volume
in
back.
Hope this helps,
Susan Dailey
librarian and author of A Storytime Year (www.susanmdailey.com)
Ossian Branch Library, Ossian, Indiana
219-622-4691
<mailto:obldailey@wellscolibrary.org>
------------------------------
From: "Grace Slaughter" <gslaughter@bham.lib.al.us>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Accelerated Reader
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:26:26 CDT
O Wise Ones...This is a topic for general discussion...
Is there any special techniques that any of ya'll have for coping with
Accelerated Reader lists? We could go on and on about the negatives of
the program. What I am needing (for a meeting later in the year) are
ideas and suggestions about dealing with the reality and restrictions of
the lists.
For instance, I ask the media specialist for multiple lists: Author
order, Title order, Reading Level order, and Point Value order. I
highlight the lists that I receive to show titles that my library owns,
note the ones that have audio tapes available here, keep multiple copies
of the author list for class visits, highlight/note a copy for the
school librarian.
On the other hand, my children's librarian counterpart has a elementary
media specialists who sends her copy of the AR list in Test Number
order! "Test Number" happens to be the default setting on her AR
program, and she does not know how to change the setting (and does not
care to learn how!).
In the past we had an AR sticker for the book and noted the reading
level and points inside the back cover. One of the problems with that is
the fact that AR revamped the tests last year and changed some of the
levels and points. The schools that have PCs have the new levels and
points. The ones that have MACs did not change. At least that's how I
understand it.
Anyway, what works for you?
I will appreciate all of your input!
g
------------------------------
From: Kim Patton <kpatton@lawrence.lib.ks.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: reply to program age limits
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:27:09 CDT
Kristen,
Your problem is quite common here at our library. A little flexiblity
is
nice but sometimes you have to draw the line and stick to it. A good
compromise may be to have a set number of spaces available for your
program. Explain to your patron what your limit is, and that if by the day
before the program (or whatever your cut off date is) that if you still
have an open space, you will allow others in. But make sure she understands
that those falling into the targeted age group have PRIORITY over younger
or older hopeful attendees. Also make it very clear to the parent that
if
any problems arise with her childs behavior of comfort level, she will have
to agree to come pick up her child immediately. That way, you won't let in
a younger child and make someone who is old enough miss out, but you also
won't waste an unused space if you don't let the younger child in.
Hope this helps, good luck
will I am struggling with a recurring problem and perhaps some of you out
there
can relate and/or offer your advice.
Most of our programming, aside from "family events", has some sort
of age or
grade restriction attached to it. Obviously, we do this because the
program
is designed for the attention spans, interests, etc. of that particular age
group. But there are always one or a few families who balk at these
restrictions. I.e. "my 18-month old is extremely gifted - I just
know she'd
be great in preschool storytime" OR "Why can't I bring my 2nd
grade cub
scouts for an intricate kite-making program for grade 5 and up?"
The latest
example is a Harry Potter sleepover event that we've scheduled for October.
We've set the age at grades 3-6, mainly because of the limits of our staff,
ideas for programming for that night, wanting to keep it to one or two peer
groups, etc. etc. I have one persistent and angry mom who already is
campaigning for her 2nd grader to attend...
Kim Patton
YA Specialist
Lawrence public Library
707 Vermont St
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-843-3833 785-843-3368 fax
kpatton@lawrence.lib.ks.us
------------------------------
From: "Stephanie Borgman" <sborgman@hcpl.net>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Teen Writing Groups
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:27:45 CDT
Gentle colleagues,
I have the feeling we have recently seen this topic addressed, but, since it
was not one where I had an immediate application, if that was in fact the
case it is gone from my memory and my computer. One of our branch
managers
has asked me to query you as to past or present experience with teen writing
groups. Have or had one? Who organized or facilitated?
Continuous activity
or limited time period? Weekly or monthly? Sign up required or
participants drop in and out? Food or no? Formal program with
scheduled
presenters or loose structure with participants sharing and critiquing their
own work? Genre specific or all inclusive? Occasional public
readings/slams or limited to meetings? Linked to local schools or
library
stand alone?
I think you can see where I'm going with this. We would appreciate any
and
every bit of information you send our way.
Regards,
Stephanie
Stephanie Robinson Borgman
Juvenile Specialist
Harris County Public Library
Houston, Texas
(713) 749-9000
sborgman@hcpl.net
------------------------------
From: "Lynne Perrigo" <lperrigo@westport.lib.ct.us>
To: <conntech@allen.ctstateu.edu>,
Subject: LIBRARY POSITIONS AVAILABLE
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:28:19 CDT
Please excuse cross postings!
LIBRARY SUBSTITUTES NEEDED for busy, service-oriented children's library.
B.A. required. Library experience, knowledge of children's literature
and
Internet preferred. $16.22/hr. Hours vary. Send resume and
three
references by October 22, 2001 to: Kitty Lyons; Manager, Children's
Library; Westport Public Library; Arnold Bernhard Plaza; Westport, CT
06880
(email: klyons@westport.lib.ct.us)
PERMANENT PART-TIME POSITION--10 hours including alternate Saturdays and one
evening. Includes same salary and duties listed above. In
addition, may
assist children's web librarian in maintenance of Westport Children's
Library website. Knowledge of Frontpage 2000 and/or Dreamweaver
preferred.
Send resume and three references by October 22, 2001 to: Kitty Lyons;
Manager, Children's Library; Westport Public Library; Arnold Bernhard Plaza;
Westport, CT 06880
(email: klyons@westport.lib.ct.us)
------------------------------
From: Belinda Sakowski <sakowski@grayson.edu>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: children's catalog
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:28:48 CDT
Hello helpful ones,
My director has asked that I poll the great minds of pubyac. How far
back
do you keep CHILDREN'S CATALOG? Do you only keep the current
addition? Our problem is space. One of our past directors wanted
to keep
them in case a book was challenged. We have the usual review
sources(
Hornbook, the Bulletin etc) that we can use for this purpose. While we
are
on the subject I would be interested in hearing what procedures other
libraries follow when a book is challenged. Do you find reviews on the
books, have others read them? Any info would be greatly
appreciated. Responses can be sent to sakowski@grayson.edu
TIA Belinda
Belinda Sakowski
E-Mail: sakowski@grayson.edu
Sherman Public Library Phone: (903)892-7240
421 N. Travis
Fax: (903) 892-7101
Sherman, Texas 75090
------------------------------
From: Tina Cavanough <tcavanough@astc.nt.gov.au>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: computer speakers
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:29:46 CDT
I will preface this by saying I am not a computer kind of
person.......someone else might be able to give you more technical info.
However, on our kids games PCs we use Winselect. It locks the kids out
of
all the systems kind of stuff - screensavers, wallpaper, etc - and volume.
To get access to this you need a password. So the only things the kids
can
access are the games. One problem we have found is that some of the
games
have the facility to change sound inbuilt, so you might like to check that
on your games first.
We also use headphones, with volume controls on them, but I can understand
your reasons for not wanting to - it costs us a fortune to maintain working
ones!
Hope this helps...
Tina Cavanough
Children's and Youth Services Librarian
Alice Springs Public Library
PO Box 1071
ALICE SPRINGS 0871
Northern Territory
Australia
Ph: 08-8950 0556
Fax: 08-8952 2402
Email: tcavanough@astc.nt.gov.au
"But there were things he needed to know. And the library was the
only
place he was likely to find them out." The Forests of Silence
(Deltora
Quest #1) - Emily Rodda
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bkworm@mindspring.com
[SMTP:bkworm@mindspring.com]
> Sent: Friday, 24 August 2001 4:46 AM
> To: pubyac@prairienet.org
> Subject: computer speakers
>
> Dear Collective Mind,
> I have a problem with the speakers on my children's game computer.
The
> ones
> plugged into the computer have a volume control. Often when I set
it at
> an
> appropriate level, a child (or mom, unfortunately), just turns up the
> volume. I don't feel that you should be able to hear a game all
over the
> children's department (which is a small area), especially when some
moms
> and
> dads are actually making an effort to read with their children.
Of
> course,
> I turn the volume down, but I am getting tired of this game. I
don't want
> to go with headphones because of germs, the frequency of breakage, and
> theft. Is there such a thing as speakers with no easily
accessible volume
> control? Perhaps speakers with volume control in a locked box, or
"smart"
> speakers with volume control in a password-protected software program?
I
> am
> not that old (32) but I swear children today are even deafer than my
> generation of boob-tubers! Thanks for your help.
> Mary Jones
> Huntsville Public Library
> Huntsville, AL
------------------------------
From: Ian McKinney <ianmck@tcpl.lib.in.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Easy Readers defined
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:30:18 CDT
Catherine Mau wrote (in Christine Tyner's compilation on defining "easy
readers"):
>This next part is just to amuse you, not to make a statement or
>anything. We changed the name of our collection to "Beginning
Readers"
>from "Easy Readers"
That IS amusing, but I will go one step further and MAKE A STATEMENT:
Consider the reading ability of the kids your collection targets. They
are
generally just beginning to learn to read. Do you want them to have a
successful experience, free from bias and doubt about their ability?
Then
don't call them Easy Readers.
If you are marketing your collection to adults who read well, then that's
what they are: Easy Readers. They are also pretty boring to that
audience,
which means, I suspect, that you aren't marketing to them. If you are
marketing them to kids in grades K-3 who vary widely in their reading
levels, you need to recognize that these kids are not completely dense:
they know what "easy" means. If you call them Easy Readers,
you are
telling them:
1. You should be able to read THIS--it's EASY.
2. If you can't read this, you can't do something that's easy.
3. If it's supposed to be easy and you can't do it, maybe you better just
stop trying, huh?
Obviously, the above is sort of a worst-case scenario. But if it's
possible that you are contributing negatively to the self-worth of a child
because of how you label your books, shouldn't you take another look?
Beginning Readers is a fine choice. So is Early Readers. I'm
sure there
are other good choices. My opinion--one that my library probably
agrees
with, though it may not agree with everything here--is that "Easy
Readers"
is a bad name for an important collection.
--Ian
Ian McKinney
Tippecanoe County Public Library
Young Adult Librarian
627 South Street
(765) 429-0121
Lafayette, Indiana 47901-1470
ianmck@tcpl.lib.in.us
fax: (765) 429-0150
http://www.tcpl.lib.in.us/ya/
------------------------------
From: carrie@nysoclib.org
To: <khawksworth@roselle.lib.il.us>,
"PUBYAC \(E-mail\)" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: insistent parents
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:30:49 CDT
Kristin-
Do you limit the size of your programs? I do because of limited space
and
staffing. When a parent wants a younger "gifted" child in a
program, I
simply tell them that because we are limited to the amount of children we
can accomodate, I can't accept younger children into the program. That
child would be taking the spot of someone who the program was intended for.
If they then ask if the child can come if there's "extra room," I
explain
that if I allowed that child to attend, I would have to allow every younger
child to attend as well. I also emphasize safety concerns depending on
the
program.
To be positive, I emphasize the programs they can attend, and that we will
repeat successful programs the following year at which point the child can
participate.
Hope this helps!
Carrie Silberman, Children's Librarian
New York Society Library
carrie@nysoclib.org
------------------------------
From: "Kristin Hawksworth" <khawksworth@roselle.lib.il.us>
To: "PUBYAC (E-mail)" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: responses to my problem with insistent parents! (long)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:31:11 CDT
Many thanks to everyone who offered advice regarding parents not respecting
age restrictions for our programming. Many of you asked for a summary
of
responses so here you go ...
Kristin Hawksworth
Roselle Public Library
Roselle, IL
*****
I have this problem constantly at the library where
I work. Here is how I handle it.
My storytime group is designed for 3-5 year olds.
I have an opening welcome song, finger plays or
a small warm-up excercise, 1-2 stories relating
to the days topic, a short discussion about the
stories, and then a craft related to the story.
I have had very insistent moms that have stated,
"My child is 2 but he/she is very talented." I
invite them to the first storytime and 98% of the time they see that they
should wait until their
child is a little older and then he/she may sign
up for storytime. Most 2 year olds cannot sit
still long enough to "absorb" anything from the
stories that are read to them let alone sit (with
parental help) and make a craft.
Try this and see if it works. Most parents think
that as librarians we are mean because we
have a certain age cutoff. We have to draw the
line somewhere! Good luck. Let me know what
happens.
Nola Baker
Children's Services
Branch District Library
Coldwater, MI
bakernj@cbpu.com
*****
We get this all the time. We very firmly explain that although the
subject
matter may be of interest to the child, the activities planned for the
program are specifically targeted for the designated ages, and no exceptions
may be made. We in fact *never* accommodate the squeaky wheels in this
manner, so as not to encourage the "But you let me last time" or
"But my
neighbor said that she..." sort of complaints.
If the parent continues to protest, we usually then explain that the age
restriction is also important to the happiness of the participants (e.g. the
5-6 graders won't come to a program if there will be 2nd graders there --
such is their fragile sense of "grown-up-ness").
In the past, we have responded to this kind of demand by saying that we will
try to accommodate the younger age group with a later program on the same
topic, created just for them.
Good luck!
Andrea Johnson
Children's Programming Coordinator
Cook Memorial Public Library
Libertyville, IL
ajohnson@cooklib.org
*****
boy this is hard, of course we run into it also. of course rarely exceptions
are made, but we try to just keep repeating, sorry-no, your child can come
next year (or whenever they are old enough). Your child can come to the
""
activity for her age group. Get your director behind you on this!
good luck-
Debra Bogart, M.L.S.
dbogart@ci.springfield.or.us
Youth Services
Springfield Public Library
Springfield, OR
*****
Do you limit the size of your programs? I do because of limited space
and
staffing. When a parent wants a younger "gifted" child in a
program, I
simply tell them that because we are limited to the amount of children we
can accomodate, I can't accept younger children into the program. That
child would be taking the spot of someone who the program was intended for.
If they then ask if the child can come if there's "extra room," I
explain
that if I allowed that child to attend, I would have to allow every younger
child to attend as well. I also emphasize safety concerns depending on
the
program.
To be positive, I emphasize the programs they can attend, and that we will
repeat successful programs the following year at which point the child can
participate.
Hope this helps!
Carrie Silberman, Children's Librarian
New York Society Library
carrie@nysoclib.org
*****
I do sympathize with your plight-I've been there more than
once. Do you have a programming policy to back
you up? This usually appeases those who feel you're
picking on their
child. Is your director generally supportive?
Say yes, you know Jacob is a brilliant child, but parents
with
average children wouldn't understand if you made an
exception .
One tactic I've used is to say if your child is close to
the age for
the program (you decide what that is) you will let them
come PROVIDED THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT . This
deters lots of
pushy mothers who want a break
(from their pushy offspring?) as well as kids who don't
relish Mom
hovering. In the Harry Potter case, you might require
that the mother volunteer to sleep overnight and
help supervise the
event. That just might give her pause. Let me know
how it pans out.
Good luck,
Debra Lodge
Dorchester Co. Library,
SC
*****
Hi! You are not alone in this problem - we get it all the time in our
library.
One way we deal with it is to say "we want to be sure that the children
are all at the same ability level - do you really think your child will
perform as well next to a 2nd grader?" I think it's appalling
that she
wants her 2nd grader to be at a proram with 6th graders - let him/her be a
kid. I would go with that angle as well - try the "I know child
development" and 2nd/6th graders are world's apart and we come up with
these guideline to prevent against any problems."
Hope that helps a little :) - good luck
Erin
* # @ * # @ * # @ * # @ * # @ * # @
Erin V. Helmrich, M.L.S.
Youth/Young Adult Services Librarian
Royal Oak Public Library
222 E. 11 Mile Rd.
Royal Oak MI 48067
*****
Sounds like you need a policy stating clearly that programs are for the
intended age group only - and i hope your director will back you up.
Storytime is an ongoing deal for most libraries - it will be there next year
when the child is old enough to appreciate it - and many special programs
are repeated often enough to catch those who are too young now. Some 4
year
olds are ready for Kindergarten, but few public schools respond to
squeaky
wheels - I think we can have some standards as well.
*****
This happens here too. I have been firm in not allowing anyone but
library defined young
adults (grades 6-8) to attend YA programs. Sometimes I have made
exceptions to allow a sibling only a year or so younger to attend, if I
have space or last minute no-shows. For a recent Nancy Drew Luncheon, I
lowered the age restriction to grade 5 and up. I had a few younger
girls who wanted to
attend, and did allow them to, since I had space and I think having them
there complemented
the program. However, once you make a few exceptions, there will be
demand for more exceptions. I had a dollhouse diorama workshop over the
summer, that a few adults wanted to attend, and I
didn't allow them. One problem with YA's is that they won't keep
coming
to programs if they
know the little kids are going to be allowed in.
I would be firm with the sleepover parent in saying "no." I
had one
mother who filled out
a YA survey this past spring for her 3rd grader and wanted her to attend
the YA programs this summer. She
gave me the "she's very gifted story, telling me that her child attends
a charter school and
would really be in the 5th grade in a public school."
I made up a definition of YA which states that a student must be
"entering grades 6-8" to
participate in the YA summer reading program. This way, if the school
defines the child as gifted, we do to by default.
I had a YA overnight camp-out last year as well. At the last minute,
when registration was full, I had parents complaining that their kid
couldn't attend. I tried to explain that we had staff limitations and
budgetary restrictions, but there were still hurt feelings. This year I
didn't host it at all.
With the younger kids, we allow parents with smaller children or older
children to stay to
attend the target kid's program as long as there is no disruption. As a
parent of two kids ages 22 months apart, I remember the library in my
area not letting me attend a program with my infant which made it
impossible for me to take the older one at all. That's a bit different
then the situation you describe.
Laura Gruninger, Young Adult Librarian
Mercer County Library System,Lawrence HQ
Lawrenceville, NJ
*****
I feel your pain!! I know exactly what you mean. Everytime you
have to
make a "cut-off" age, someone on the cusp of that age complains.
I really
do think you have to appeal to fairness, and hope that your director will
back you up when they complain about it.
Their child may love Harry Potter, but that doesn't mean that the program
you have planned is suitable for second graders. Your program is
designed
for the skills of third to SIXTH graders (stress the fifth and sixth grade
component), and that means that even third graders will have to stretch
for the activities you have planned. It simply is not
"developmentally
appropriate" for a 2nd grader to spend the night interacting in a peer
group of older, more mature young people. It is not "fair"
to that second
grader.
I've also heard people use the famous, "It gives your child something
to
look forward to" (i.e., being old enough for the 3rd to 6th grade
programs), as well as the fact that (if you are planning to fill all your
slots) that with the limited number of children you are able to
accommodate, you couldn't possibly take the opportunity away from a child
who has been waiting patiently for THEIR chance to attend 3rd to 6th grade
programs.
Good luck!
Julie Linneman
juliel@wichita.lib.ks.us
*****
Hi! I, too, get this. The latest was last summer when a woman wanted her
"gifted and highly intelligent" 4th grader to attend the YA summer
reading
program because he "didn't like" the programming I set up for his
age group.
I've tried alternate programming--something similar, but geared to that age
group; but I admit this can be tough to do due to budget, staff, etc.
Mostly, I just stand firm and explain that we want the child to be with his
peers and friends so s/he will not stand out, feel embarrassed or shy, etc.
This is tough! If you get any fantastic solutions from anyone else, will
you share them with the list?
Kim
*****
Don't give in!
When I did this type of thing, I explained to parents that since it was
advertised at a certain age group and that space was limited that letting
a younger (or older) child in made our advertising false. I also finally
explained that the library has rules that apply, we set them for a reason,
and that if we break it for them, we have to be "equal" and break
it for
everyone. Therefore, you end up with programs with ages birth through
death, and that isn't fun for anyone. Good luck.
Kim Boynton Kietzman
Davenport Public Library
Reference Department
*****
I would tell the irate mother that I will put her child on the waiting list
and if the program does not fill up with appropriately aged children (I'm
sure it will!) you will call her and her child can come. You could also tell
her that you will have the program again next year (and then be sure to
follow through) and then her child would be old enough to attend.
Good luck! It is annoying that we reinforce this squeaky wheel behavior
but... good customer service makes it hard to say no!
Natasha Stocek
Frederick County Public Libraries
Frederick, MD
*****
------------------------------
From: "Kristin Hawksworth" <khawksworth@roselle.lib.il.us>
To: "PUBYAC (E-mail)" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: stumper
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:31:45 CDT
I have a patron who is looking for a book that contains "mystery"
folktales
from various cultures. Two titles that she knows for sure are
"outwitting
the king" an Ethiopian folktale, and "the snowman", a Korean
folktale. I
can provide the complete text to these two stories if that would help.
(She
is looking because her 8 year-old grandson keeps sending her stories from
the book over e-mail to see if she can solve them, and she's stumped and
does not want to tell him so!)
Thanks in advance!
Kristin Hawksworth
Roselle Public Library
Roselle, IL
------------------------------
From: deb bodner <d_bodner@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: stumper: leander
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:32:11 CDT
Hi all,
I have a patron looking for a "children's literature
story" she used with her 1st graders years ago. She
thought the title might be 'Leander'; it's about a
frog. It might have been a separate book or part of a
collection or classroom reader dating from the 40s or
50s. We've checked A to Zoo and WorldCat, but don't
have ready access to Children's Catalog. Does this
sounds familiar to any of you? You can e-mail me off
list at d_bodner@yahoo.com.
Thanks in advance
deb
YS Librarian
Clinton-Macomb Public Library
=====
mailto://d_bodner@yahoo.com
"Why sometimes I've believed as many as 6
impossible things before breakfast." the white queen in Through the
Looking
Glass, Lewis Carroll
------------------------------
From: Becky Smith <bsmith@loganutah.org>
To: PUBYAC-L <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Stumper - Fantasy Novel
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Fri, 24 Aug 2001 10:32:40 CDT
I have a teenage patron looking for a novel read to her about 6 years ago.
It's
about a girl who falls into a little pond inside a house and goes to another
land - there's a big mountain, a castle, and a troll guard. I know
this is
kind
of vague, but does anyone recognize the book from this description?
--
Becky Ann Smith, Children's Librarian
Logan Library, Logan, UT
bsmith@loganutah.org
http://www.logan.lib.ut.us
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 535
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