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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: Wednesday, September 04, 2002 9:26 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 850
PUBYAC Digest 850
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Re: length of time for summer reading
by Kwitkowm@libcoop.net
2) planet books
by "John and Carol Anderson" <jwanderson@bluemarble.net>
3) Patriotic books
by Susan Fisher <sfisher@lib.williamson-tn.org>
4) RE: length of time for summer reading
by "Amber McCrea" <mccrea.amber@als.lib.wi.us>
5) Tangerine Discussion Questions
by Jennifer Cunningham <cunninje@oplin.lib.oh.us>
6) Beginning Readers
by Darlene Kornya <dkornya@welland.library.on.ca>
7) RE: EZ Library Program database online
by Carrie Silberman <csilberman@nysoclib.org>
8) Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
by Kwitkowm@libcoop.net
9) Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
by Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
10) Re: Opening Songs
by "Wanda Jones" <wjones98@hotmail.com>
11) YA magazines program
by Katie Bunn <kbunn@farmington.lib.ct.us>
12) Re: Books and Booktalks for grade 4
by "Cecy Rayphole" <Crayphole@ci.escondido.ca.us>
13) Re: Mock Caldecott Election presenter?
by "Karol Caparaso" <Kcaparaso@acpl.lib.in.us>
14) Service to Book Clubs
by Maranda Kuykendall <m.kuykendall@lanepl.org>
15) Summer Read "Titles or Not?"
by "Leah Rudolph" <leahrudolph@adelphia.net>
16) Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
by "Grace Slaughter" <gslaughter@bham.lib.al.us>
17) RE: Christmas Trees in Libraries
by <mgreinke@earthlink.net>
18) RE: storytime scheduling
by "Diana Cook" <dcook@rpl.regina.sk.ca>
19) Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
by "RoseMary Honnold" <honnolro@oplin.lib.oh.us>
20) RE: hoping for your input: book discussion club for school
by "Amber McCrea" <mccrea.amber@als.lib.wi.us>
21) Stumper: A book about a boy who sees the world differently
by CKehoe@bettendorf.lib.ia.us
22) Re: Books and Booktalks for grade 4
by Marnie Colton <mcolton@mail.pratt.lib.md.us>
23) STUMPER-2nd Shorter Post-Immigrant Russian Family
by Mary Colleli <dutchgirl58@yahoo.com>
24) Re: Math books???
by Beth Tarr <bethtarr@yahoo.com>
25) Stumper answered: The King, the Mice and the Cheese
by "Amy Shelley" <AShelley@larm.lib.wy.us>
26) Re: Math books???
by Becky Smith <bsmith@loganutah.org>
27) For Librarians: A Quick and Easy Guide to Banned Books Week
by "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kwitkowm@libcoop.net
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: length of time for summer reading
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:13:43 CDT
Our kids completed their log when they read a minimum of 8.25 hrs.
Marta Kwitkowsky
Chesterfield Township Library
------------------------------
From: "John and Carol Anderson" <jwanderson@bluemarble.net>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: planet books
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:13:51 CDT
Hi,
I'm in the market for planet books. Anyone care to
recommend their =
favorite series or outstanding stand alone titles? Reply off list and =
I'd be more than happy to post a hit.
Thanks,
Carol Thornton-Anderson
Melton Public Library
French Lick, IN
jwanderson@bluemarble.net
------------------------------
From: Susan Fisher <sfisher@lib.williamson-tn.org>
To: PUBYAC <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Patriotic books
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:13:59 CDT
I am getting ready to do a patriotic program for my preschoolers, and I
need suggestions for books for my toddler group (18 mos-2 years) and
preschool group (3 and 4 years). Thanks!
Susan
--
Susan Fisher
Bethesda Public Library
4905 Bethesda Road
Thompson Station, TN 37179
615.790.1887
fax: 615.760.8426
sfisher@lib.williamson-tn.org
------------------------------
From: "Amber McCrea" <mccrea.amber@als.lib.wi.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: length of time for summer reading
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:06 CDT
Hi!
In Beloit (WI) we use a level system. We offer the children a choice
between reading 5 books or for 6 hours so that they can choose which methood
they perfer. Most choose to read the five books but older children who
want
the challenge usually read for hours. We also put a rider on the five
books
that they must be age appropirate because we have several older children who
will sit and read 5 board books to get the level gift. For Young Adults we
give each teen a card to fill out when they sign up. The participant must
fill out the title, author and a brief synopsis of the book. For each book
the teens read we give them a business card to fill out and put in our
bi-weekly drawing. If they have one book in each time period they qualify
for the grand prize drawing at the end of the summer.
Amber McCrea
Youth Services Librarian
Beloit Public Library
Beloit, WI
------------------------------
From: Jennifer Cunningham <cunninje@oplin.lib.oh.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Tangerine Discussion Questions
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:14 CDT
Someone out there recently mentioned having a book discussion group
using the book "Tangerine". Sorry, but I've lost that information.
Would
you mind responding to me listing some of the questions you used and
any other hints you may have to add? Thanks for any help!
Jennifer Cunningham
------------------------------
From: Darlene Kornya <dkornya@welland.library.on.ca>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Beginning Readers
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:21 CDT
We currently shelve all our beginning readers from easist level to
beginning chapter books together. We would like to break down this
collection further to make it easier on patrons. Does anyone divide
their readers by level and what criteria do you use? Thank You.
Darlene Kornya
Welland Public Library
------------------------------
From: Carrie Silberman <csilberman@nysoclib.org>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: EZ Library Program database online
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:28 CDT
This is an amazing resource!! How long did it take to create?
One question: Do you have any plans to put craft patterns on the site, or is
that a copyright violation? (For those who don't have access to all of
books/manuals you mentioned.)
I will try to submit sometime soon.
Carrie Silberman, Children's Librarian
New York Society Library
carrie@nysoclib.org
------------------------------
From: Kwitkowm@libcoop.net
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:35 CDT
Karen,
We also have two trees in our library and have the children make the
ornaments for the one in the Children's Room. I don't feel we are
excluding anyone the same way I don't feel we are excluding anyone by
closing the library (a public institution)on Christmas Day. Perhaps we
should all reconsider closing our doors on that day. I believe it
depends on your community and just adds a sense of celebration and
good-will to all especially during a time when many people celebrate a
variety of holidays.
Marta
------------------------------
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:41 CDT
Sorry, this earlier message didn't copy in my response but I have to
differ with "the U.S. is a Christian country." The U.S. was
founded on
religious freedom and govt. non-interference in religion. That also means
non support of one religion over another. That was insisted on in the
Bill Of Rights. - jeri
On Tue, 3 Sep 2002, Sheilah O'Connor wrote:
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@gcfn.org
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
------------------------------
From: "Wanda Jones" <wjones98@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Opening Songs
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:49 CDT
I recommend Sesame' Street's Hot, Hot , Hot (Our closing song or rather our
" Let's-Conga-into-the-next-room-so-the-next-class-waiting-for
storytime-can-enter song" or SS Fiesta Songs.
The later has songs in English and spanish.
>From: Carolina Martinez <cmartinez@pub-lib.ci.arlington.tx.us>
>Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org
>To: pubyac@prairienet.org
>Subject: Opening Songs
>Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 15:26:00 CDT
>
>Please help if you can--
>I am looking for New and Exciting Opening (and Closing) Storytime Songs in
>English and Spanish as well.
>(I'm new to this list, so this may be a question recently answered.)
>
>Thanks!
>Carolina G. Martínez
>George W. Hawkes Central Library Children's Center
>101 E. Abram
>Arlington, TX 76010
>817/459-6907
>cmartinez@pub-lib.ci.arlington.tx.us
>
_________________________________________________________________
Join the world's largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail.
http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: Katie Bunn <kbunn@farmington.lib.ct.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: YA magazines program
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:14:56 CDT
Hi all - I'm considering a sort of "magazines and
munchies" program
for teens at my library and I'm looking for suggestions. What I've got
so far is:
1) Serve lots of junk food.
2) Bring a selection of the magazines we currently subscribe to for
teens to browse.
3) Purchase some new and different ones for teens to consider adding.
4) Make up a ballot with a list of the "new and different" as well as
a
space for letting me know the favorite "oldies". Use the ballot
to take
a "vote".
5) Feedback posted in the teen room afterwards to let teens know which
magazines we'll be adding and perhaps some we'll be deleting.
6) Icebreaker game (at the beginning, of course).
I did receive one suggestion - invite teens to bring their own favorite
magazines.
Has anyone ever tried this? How did it go? Any suggestions of things
that worked well for you? Not so well?
Thanks for your help as always!
--
Katie Bunn
Teen Services Librarian
Farmington Library
Farmington, CT
860-677-6866
"People say that life's the thing, but I prefer reading."
Logan Pearsall Smith
------------------------------
From: "Cecy Rayphole" <Crayphole@ci.escondido.ca.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Books and Booktalks for grade 4
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:03 CDT
Hi Cindy, my name is Cecy Rayphole and I work at the Escondido Public
Library, in Escondido, CA. I have book discussions for grades 4-6.
Here are some of the books that are on my list and that have been very
successful and enjoyable for the children in grades 4-6 and for me too!.
I hope you enjoy them as well.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman
A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
Island on Bird Street by Uri Orlev
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Kathy Snyder
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen
Holes by Louis Sachar
I hope this helps you at least a little bit.
Sincerely,
Cecy Rayphole
Children's Dept.
Escondido Public Library
Escondido, CA.
------------------------------
From: "Karol Caparaso" <Kcaparaso@acpl.lib.in.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Mock Caldecott Election presenter?
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:10 CDT
Also if anyone would be willing to share or swap outlines for a presentation
such as the overhead or slide program? Karol
>>> Mvoors@acpl.lib.in.us
08/31/02 05:33PM >>>
Hello!
Each year our Children's Services department offers several Mock Elections =
=3D
to tie in with the Newbery, Caldecott, and Sibert awards. We prepare =3D
reading lists of selected books published in 2002 for participants, and =
=3D
then we meet to discuss the books, and choose our own winner.
This year, we were hoping to offer a 45 - 60 minute program before our =3D
Mock Caldecott Discussion & Election at which a former member of the =3D
Caldecott Award Committee spoke to us about what it was REALLY like to be =
=3D
on the committee. This is where we need help... Does anyone know of a =3D
former Caldecott Committee member who currently lives in or near Indiana =
=3D
who might be interested in helping out at this workshop?
Thanks so much for any leads!
Mary R. Voors
mvoors@acpl.lib.in.us
Children's Services manager
Allen County Public Library
PO Box 2270
Fort Wayne, IN 46801
260.421.1221
------------------------------
From: Maranda Kuykendall <m.kuykendall@lanepl.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Service to Book Clubs
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:17 CDT
My library system is examining ways in which to serve community book club=
s. =
We would like to be able to provide them witht he books they have chosen =
for
discussion. We have had several requests in recent months for 15 copies =
of a
popular title for book clubs. We would like to knwo what other libraries=
are
doing to serve these groups. Do you order multiple copies of one book an=
d
circulate them as one item in a bag (or other container)? Do you reserve=
these copies for use by book clubs only? How do you select the titles?
=
Do
you solicit lists from clubs within your community? How far in advance m=
ust
they give you the list? Do you issue a crad to the book club, does an
individual within the group have to check them out on his or her own pers=
onal
card, or does each member have to come in and check their copy out
individually? These are just a few of the topics we will be covering in =
our
meeting next week. Please feel free to add any insight you must have.
W=
e are
not looking for information on hosting book clubs in the library (we alre=
ady
do that), just on how to best serve the clubs within our community. Pkea=
se
respond to me directly, as I do not subscribeto both lists. Please excus=
e the
cross-posting. I will appreciate all responses.
Maranda Kuykendall
Children's Services
Fairfield Branch
Lane Public Library
Fairfield, OH
m.kuykendall@lanepl.org
------------------------------
From: "Leah Rudolph" <leahrudolph@adelphia.net>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Summer Read "Titles or Not?"
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:25 CDT
Forgive me for jumping right in as a new participant, but this was the first
year we ran a county-wide summer reading program for Young Adults (grades
7-12) and we required they submit a coupon with their name, address, phone,
title of the book, and rate it either "The Best Ever," "Not bad
at all," or
"This book didn't do anything for me" for each book read. We
conducted a
drawing at the end of the program so those who read the most had a better
chance to win a prize. I did the statistics on the coupons submitted at
our
library (over 700!) and compiled a list of "Best ever" books to post
in our
YA section in a folder. That way, the readers can look at the list of what
their peers recommend.
What we hadn't thought about, that will be included on the coupon next year,
is a space for author; I had to look them all up for the list. I was
surprised how many books have the same title and can therefore be found in
children's as well as adult literature. This left no simple way of knowing
which title was read by a particular student (unless, of course, you knew
the student personally and knew they weren't "into" Danielle Steel).
Leah Ducato Rudolph
Clarks Summit, PA
------------------------------
From: "Grace Slaughter" <gslaughter@bham.lib.al.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:32 CDT
Libraries are reflections of their communities. Some communities look to
their libraries for leadership in participation. It is admirable that
you are sensitive to the makeup and needs of your community.
Part of this discussion is about separation of church and state. To me
that works this way: Religion does not dictate the who, what, when,
where and how of government and our government does not (supposedly)
stifle the expression of religious belief. That's the spirit of the law
in our constitution, in my opinion. Lawyers tangle and confound the
spirit of the law with the letter of the law to the detriment and
confusion of the majority of the governed. Again, my opinion.
IMHO, in the spirit of the law and with respect to my community, there
is nothing wrong in participating in a season of goodwill, peace and
fellowship by decorating with library- or book- or youth- or
child-related items. I do this all year 'round, anyway. In December, I
happen to use a tree. Use a garland? I immediately imagined a
magnificent length of evergreen fronds - the traditional garland -
highlighted with cards and bows and maybe a bauble or two. It is a good
idea, but who are we kidding? A tree is a tree - part or whole.
We can tie ourselves into knots of political correctedness, argue
semantics, cite linguistics and historical useage until we are bland
homogenized library automatons. What kind of resource will we be for our
community or peers then?
The key, I think, is respect for our differences. We acknowledge the
differences, know that what works for one area is inappropriate for
another, and, simply, try our best. Every day.
...my 2 cents...
g
------------------------------
From: <mgreinke@earthlink.net>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Christmas Trees in Libraries
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:39 CDT
Dear Sheila,
As far as your comment of the U.S. being a Christian country, it is true
that a majority of its citizens are Christian. However, does that mean that
the wishes of the majority should prevail and the rights of the minority
should be ignored?
This is a pluralistic nation that was founded on the idea of the separation
of church and state - religious freedom.
That's why government institutions do not or should not endorse any
particular religion. You mentioned about Jewish and Muslim families who put
up trees; I'm sure there probably are some. However, that doesn't change the
fact that it is a
Christian custom that is in keeping with the celebration of Christmas.
Unlike Islam, Judaism does not regard Jesus as a prophet so I can understand
why some Muslime families may engage in that activity. For example, lighting
the Menorah during Chanukah is a Jewish custom. It is unlikely that a
non-Jewish family would engage in this custom and there clearly is no
argument as to whether or not it is a Jewish, Christian or Muslim practice.
Michele Goldenberg-Reinke
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org
[mailto:owner-pubyac@prairienet.org]On
Behalf Of Sheilah O'Connor
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 10:55 AM
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
This is a subject which gets discussed to death every year.. I would like to
add my one small comment. Libraries close for Christmas and Easter, not for
any other religion's holidays. Like it or not, the U.S. is a Christian
country. I have been in Muslim countries where life revolves around Islam.
Christians, Jews, etc in those countries accept that this is what happens
when you live in the country.
I heartily agree that it is important to be sensitive to everyone's culture
and beliefs, and this dialogue, if it gets people thinking, is good. But
until governments start treating Christmas like any other day of the year in
terms of closure of the library, the U.S. will remain
"Christian".
BTW, so pervasive is the non-religious aspect of Christmas that I do know
families, Jewish and Muslim, who send out cards and put up trees.
Sheilah O'Connor
>>> kcruze@nsls.info 08/31/02
06:34PM >>>
I'm probably more sensitive to this issue because I live and work and am
from areas with large non-Christian populations (predominantly Jewish, but
also Muslim and various Asian religions). Decorated trees may have had
pagan origins and nonreligious people may put them up, but in the end there
really is no such thing as a Hannukah bush (or a Divali bush), and putting
up trees near Christmas is a Christian ritual. (My own experience is that
nonreligious people of a Christian/European background will decorate trees,
but not Jews, Hindus, Muslims, etc.)
It's clear many of you are giving the issue thought and that in and of
itself makes me glad. Thanks for your feedback, Karen
At 09:58 PM 8/29/02 CDT, you wrote:
>Just my opinion...
>I know lots of people who are not religious who still
>celebrate Christmas by decorating trees and giving
>away gifts. Christmas in general has become very
>comercial. I think the Christmas tree, although it has
>religious history, has become acceptable as a secular
>symbol too. It would be different if you had a
>nativity scene which is still recognizably connected
>with a specific religious group. After all almost all
>the holidays we decorate for have religious
>beginnings: Saint Patricks Day, Valentine's Day,
>Halloween.... That doesn't necessarily make them
>religious holidays for the general public.
>~jennifer
>Fresno Co. Library
>
>=====
>~jenniferbaker
>"If an item does not appear in our records, it does not exist."
>~ Jocasta Nu (librarian from "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the
Clones")
>
>__________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes
>http://finance.yahoo.com
>
>
------------------------------
From: "Diana Cook" <dcook@rpl.regina.sk.ca>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: storytime scheduling
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:46 CDT
Hi, we run our storytimes in a 8-10 week time frame, with 4-6 weeks off in
the middle, basically fall (nothing in Dec.) winter (with a break around
easter--usually end of March or early April) spring, (with June off to plan
for summer) then July and half of August with a few weeks to plan for fall
again. I think it works well; the children soon get into the rhythm
of the
cycle.
we have storytimes on wed,thu and friday, with toddler time also on Thursday
mornings. There are two of us, so we have been trying simultaneous
storytimes, which is working really well. The mums drop off their 3-5's for
a slightly longer session, then come to our other room for toddler time with
their toddler. When it's done they go to pick up the older children and
the
whole family has had a good time! The only problem I encountered was this
summer, when I gave out those tiny bottles of bubble blowing solution after
a bubbles storytime. I guess some of the older siblings weren't happy about
not having any of their own!
I hope this is some help for you!
Diana Cook
dcook@reginalibrary.ca
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org
[mailto:owner-pubyac@prairienet.org]On
Behalf Of B. Wells
Sent: Saturday, August 24, 2002 9:05 AM
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: storytime scheduling
Hello all!
A while back I
wrote in despair about my storytime situation. I
am pleased to say that I have relocated and found myself in a much better
storytime situation. Not that it is without problems, but they are
different problems!
Anyway, the
problem I am currently struggling with is scheduling
storytime series' for the upcoming year. Currently they are done in a two
months on one month off format that feels very disruptive to me, and I think
it might contribute to some of the other problems I have been experiencing.
For the upcoming year we are looking to add a toddler time to the storytime
line up as well.
In looking at the
calendar I cannot seem to figure out how to
make any sort of schedule work smoothly. I would love to hear from the
voices of experience on this one! Please respond to the above email.
Thanks in advance!
Brendle Wells
Youth Services Librarian
Fair Oaks Branch
Sacramento Public Library
------------------------------
From: "RoseMary Honnold" <honnolro@oplin.lib.oh.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:15:53 CDT
Celebrating holidays is part of our history and part of the joy of life.
Sharing our celebrations, heritage, history and culture seems more inclusive
than pretending we have no heritage to celebrate or should be ashamed of it
because it is in the majority or boastfully proud when it is not. In my
view, it is not disrespectful to other faiths to observe your own, but it
seems disrespectful to expect no one to observe their heritage because it is
different from yours OR because it is the faith of the majority or minority.
It is the same prejudice saying no. Do we think it is a threat to
other
cultures or our own if we observe or view these elements? It would be more
of a danger that they will disappear if they are not permitted to be
observed and shared.
It makes sense to me to observe and consider the community where you are
located. In our community, a Festival of Trees is an annual event that
many
people enjoy. It would be odd for the library not to participate as it is
part of the community. If your community is predominantly a different
culture, then participating or observing the appropriate holidays with
decorations or programs makes sense, makes the library part of the
community. Our country is a mixture, a blend, a concoction of many
cultures. It is what makes us special, makes us the United States of
America. It doesn't make sense to ignore those cultures.... any of them,
even the northern Europeans.
This is my own view, if I need to say that!
RoseMary Honnold
Coshocton Public Library
655 Main ST
Coshocton, OH 43812
740-622-0956
101+ Teen Programs That Work
Neal-Schuman Publishers
http://www.neal-schuman.com/
See YA Around: a Web site for librarians who work with teens
http://www.cplrmh.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Karen Cruze" <kcruze@nsls.info>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Saturday, August 31, 2002 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Trees in Libraries
> Dear Jennifer: I'm forwarding a reply I gave to one other writer
(expanded
> a bit) on this issue for the group as a whole - Hope you don't mind.
> Thanks for replying - Karen
>
> I'm probably more sensitive to this issue because I live and work and am
> from areas with large non-Christian populations (predominantly Jewish, but
> also Muslim and various Asian religions). Decorated trees may have
had
> pagan origins and nonreligious people may put them up, but in the end
there
> really is no such thing as a Hannukah bush (or a Divali bush), and putting
> up trees near Christmas is a Christian ritual. (My own experience is that
> nonreligious people of a Christian/European background will decorate
trees,
> but not Jews, Hindus, Muslims, etc.) I think people in the dominant
> culture in our society largely don't see how this is offensive - and it's
> not if the people decorating are not public entities. Inclusion of
the
> dominant culture's traditions by a public institution, often,
> unfortunately, can imply a tacit exclusion of others. I'm not really
> interested in debating the issue, but I do think people need to think
about
> the whole idea of decorating for a holiday. I think inclusion is the
key
> to a happier planet, and happily, there are many ways to include people at
> libraries! I think, by the way, that the library card trading idea is
> great - I only object to the idea of using them as decorations aligned to
a
> specific holiday.
>
> It's clear many of you are giving the issue thought and that in and of
> itself makes me glad. Thanks for your feedback, Karen
>
> At 09:58 PM 8/29/02 CDT, you wrote:
> >Just my opinion...
> >I know lots of people who are not religious who still
> >celebrate Christmas by decorating trees and giving
> >away gifts. Christmas in general has become very
> >comercial. I think the Christmas tree, although it has
> >religious history, has become acceptable as a secular
> >symbol too. It would be different if you had a
> >nativity scene which is still recognizably connected
> >with a specific religious group. After all almost all
> >the holidays we decorate for have religious
> >beginnings: Saint Patricks Day, Valentine's Day,
> >Halloween.... That doesn't necessarily make them
> >religious holidays for the general public.
> >~jennifer
> >Fresno Co. Library
> >
> >=====
> >~jenniferbaker
> >"If an item does not appear in our records, it does not
exist."
> >~ Jocasta Nu (librarian from "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the
Clones")
> >
> >__________________________________________________
> >Do You Yahoo!?
> >Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes
> >http://finance.yahoo.com
> >
> >
>
>
------------------------------
From: "Amber McCrea" <mccrea.amber@als.lib.wi.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: hoping for your input: book discussion club for school
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:16:02 CDT
Dear Ms. Kowalchuk,
One of the easist ways to start a book group is to base it on a popular
series title (I used goosebumps and fear street for my first book group) To
encourage the kids to read books other than that particular series complie a
booklist of alternate titles and use the list on alternate weeks (one week
they read the series one week they must choose a title from the book list).
this method cuts down on expense as well because you do not need to purchase
multiple copies of book titles. If the book has graduated to its own
television series, you can compare the books to the tv episodes. (This
really drives home the ideas that they cannot use movies to do book
reports!)
Amber McCrea
Youth Services Librarian
Beloit Public Library
Beloit, WI
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org
[mailto:owner-pubyac@prairienet.org]On
Behalf Of Kelly Kowalchuk
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 9:55 AM
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: hoping for your input: book discussion club for school students
Dear Pubyac-ers,
I am a teacher-librarian at a small rural school in Ontario. I would like
to begin a book discussion club for kids in grade 4 to 8. Organization
will
depend on student interest, and perhaps two groups might be needed--one for
younger students and one for older. Our school schedule is being altered
this year so that rather than having two recesses and a lunch hour, we will
have a modified day--two nutrition and activity breaks of about 50 minutes
each. (It's a pilot project for some schools within our school district.
It
is possible that some clubs might meet during this time.)
I am wondering if any school librarians or children's/young adult librarians
have experience facilitating such a program. I would be grateful for any
advice as to how such meetings were structured and run. I am also
interested in hearing about your successes and well...failures, too. I'm a
relatively new school librarian and this is the first time I'm attempting
such a thing. Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks!
Kelly Kowalchuk
kkowalchuk@hotmail.com
_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx
------------------------------
From: CKehoe@bettendorf.lib.ia.us
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper: A book about a boy who sees the world differently
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:25:43 CDT
I have a stumper from another librarian who is in search of a book about a
boy who looks at the world differently. As you read the book you have to
turn the book upside down and around, as the text flows all over the page.
The person looking for it wants to use it for her talented/gifted group. I
realize that this info is sparse... any ideas?
Thank you in advance
Crystal Kehoe
Bettendorf Public Library
Ckehoe@bettendorf.lib.ia.us
<mailto:Ckehoe@bettendorf.lib.ia.us>
------------------------------
From: Marnie Colton <mcolton@mail.pratt.lib.md.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Books and Booktalks for grade 4
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:25:50 CDT
Cindy,
I think that a good book for fourth graders is From the Mixed-Up Files of
Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. It's an engaging story with
realistic characters and an eccentricity that you don't often see anymore in
children's books. The idea of running away yet being able to come back home
safely appeals to many children that age who are starting to want to express
their independence. Although I don't think the book is dated in any way, it
does have a zest to it that seems quintessentially 1960s.
I would love to see a list of suggestions that others post. I'm a new
children's librarian and am always eager to know what others recommend.
Take care,
Marnie Colton
Enoch Pratt Free Library, Hampden Branch
3641 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21211
Cindy Sampson-Fleet wrote:
> ----
>
> Hello, all.
> I am working on a committee doing a package for grade 4
> orientations. My part is to come up with a list of great books
suitable
> for this grade as well as some super book talks. So - could you send me a
> book title you would recommend for grade 4's? It can be old or new,
> fiction or nonfiction.
> Thanks, Cindy
> -------------------------------
> Cindy Sampson Fleet
> Youth Librarian
> Captain William Spry Public Library
>
> Phone: (902) 490-5796
> Fax: (902) 490-5741
>
> mscf1@nsh.library.ns.ca
------------------------------
From: Mary Colleli <dutchgirl58@yahoo.com>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: STUMPER-2nd Shorter Post-Immigrant Russian Family
Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:25:57 CDT
STUMPER - Immigrant Russian Family - Scholastic Book?
Hi, fellow Stumpers! This is my second posting, since I received no
response. A librarian told me my first may have been waaayy too long, so
here's an abbreviated version.
The resources I've checked include my sister, who used to own this book, and
the Columbus (OH) Metropolitan Library, with the following info:
Juvenile fiction chapter book, possibly 1970's Scholastic Book Club, about a
husband (Avram) and wife (Dorothy?) who immigrated to US from Russia, their
two daughters, a grandmother, and an Uncle Max who comes to join them. The
story tells about their struggles to feel at home in their new country.
The older daughter takes piano lessons from a Miss Michaels, and hates them.
She also has a rag doll, which figures prominently in the story. When Uncle
Max comes to stay with them, he embarrasses the older daughter with his
funny accent, strange clothes and 'foreign' behavior. Uncle Max becomes a
hero later on when he does a traditional Russian dance for her classmates.
The daughters celebrate their mother's May birthday by making fragile May
Baskets and filling them with flowers, for her. Any guesses? All are
appreciated!
Please send any and all info to: dutchgirl58@yahoo.com
Much thanks!
Mary Helen Colleli
------------------------------
From: Beth Tarr <bethtarr@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Math books???
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:26:03 CDT
--- "Williams, Sally" <WilliamsS@ci.mount-dora.fl.us>
wrote:
> I had a math teacher (seventh grade) in last week
> looking for fiction about math, math anxiety, math
> applications, etc. Her plan is to read to her class
> 15 minutes a day....
[...]
> These were all I could think of at the time. Can
> the collective brain improve on my paltry list??
Alex Kasman of the College of Charleston has a
Mathematical Fiction homepage up at
http://math.cofc.edu/faculty/kasman/MATHFICT/
-- it's
even indexed several different ways.
A book that I read in 6th or 7th grade that left odd
mathematical fragments (including a strange fixation
on dimensions and moebius strips) in my brain was
_Fantasia Mathematica_, edited by Clifton Fadiman.
Its entry in the Math Fiction list is at
http://math.cofc.edu/faculty/kasman/MATHFICT/mf21.html
. It's a collection of short stories, which might
work well for reading to students.
--Beth Tarr
Los Angeles Public Library, Jefferson Branch
Los Angeles, CA
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes
http://finance.yahoo.com
------------------------------
From: "Amy Shelley" <AShelley@larm.lib.wy.us>
To: <solina-marquis@attbi.com>,<miller@pbmo.net>,
Subject: Stumper answered: The King, the Mice and the Cheese
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:26:10 CDT
The book about the boy, the mice and the castle turned out to be The King, =
the mice and the cheese by Nancy and Eric Gurney from 1965. Thanks to all =
of you for your correct answer to my stumper. I appreciate your help!
Amelia J. Shelley
Manager, Children's/Young Adult Services
Laramie County Library System
2800 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307)634-3561, ext. 151
ashelley@larm.lib.wy.us
------------------------------
From: Becky Smith <bsmith@loganutah.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Math books???
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:26:16 CDT
There's a great book titled "Read any good math lately?" by David J.
Whitin and Sandra Wilde. It lists dozens of children's books which
illustrate mathematical principles. It's meant for grades K-6, but a
seventh-grade math teacher should be able to get some use from it as
well...
--
Becky Ann Smith
Youth Services Librarian
Logan Library, Logan, UT
bsmith@loganutah.org
http://www.logan.lib.ut.us
"Williams, Sally" wrote:
>
> I had a math teacher (seventh grade) in last week looking for fiction
about math, math anxiety, math applications, etc. Her plan is to read to
her class 15 minutes a day....I did give her three picture books, which were
all that I could think of or that were on the shelf.
> I gave her Math Curse by Jon Scieszka, A grain of Rice (Indian story about
doubling) and The Librarian Who Measured the Earth. And yes, I know that
they are picture books....
> These were all I could think of at the time. Can the collective brain
improve on my paltry list??
>
> Sally Williams
------------------------------
From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: For Librarians: A Quick and Easy Guide to Banned Books Week
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Date: Wed, 4 Sep 2002 22:26:23 CDT
For Librarians: A Quick and Easy Guide to Banned Books Week
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/bbwlibrarians.html
This page includes links to two new pages:
Sample Press Release: Let Freedom Read: (Library name) hosts read-out
as part of national Banned Books Week celebration
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/sample2002.html
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/sample2002.pdf
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/sample2002.doc
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/sample2002.rtf
Sample Editorial: Celebrating Steinbeck's 100th anniversary and the
freedom to read
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/ed2002.html
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/ed2002.pdf
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/ed2002.doc
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/ed2002.rtf
See also
Banned Books Week, September 21-28, 2002
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/
and
Learn about this year's read-out!
http://www.ala.org/bbooks/#readout
Our freedom to read is precious--let's celebrate it!
__________________________
Don Wood
Program Officer/Communications
American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
1-800-545-2433, ext. 4225; Fax: 312-280-4227; dwood@ala.org
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/
http://www.ala.org/cipa/cipalegalfund.html
intellectual freedom @ your library
Free People Read FreelyŽ
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/intellectualfreedomandcensorship.html
"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise,
we don't believe in it at all."--Noam Chomsky
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 850
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