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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: Monday, January 06, 2003 6:06 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 971
PUBYAC Digest 971
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Kids turned-off reading
by Carol.Baughman@kdla.net
2) E-mail address in body of message
by <laanders@bellsouth.net>
3) Authors at your Library
by "Monica Anderson" <m.anderson@vlc.lib.mi.us>
4) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by Inga Banitt <ibanitt@chartermi.net>
5) RE: Bear Song answer
by "Susan Dailey" <obldailey@wellscolibrary.org>
6) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by "Richard Quiring" <richard_quiring@hotmail.com>
7) Button-making kits
by Nadine <read2kdz@yahoo.com>
8) homeschooling magazines
by Stacey Schultz <sschultz@lakeshores.lib.wi.us>
9) THANK YOU!
by Jennifer Cogan <jcogan@mail.pratt.lib.md.us>
10) Re: kids turned off reading
by JPotter@Hornsby.nsw.gov.au
11) Children as Storytellers
by "Janet Brandy" <jbrandy@rla.lib.il.us>
12) Kids turned-off reading
by "Cindi Carey" <ccarey@timberland.lib.wa.us>
13) Teen spaces
by "Wendy Morano" <WMORANO@cml.lib.oh.us>
14) Wickatoria
by Darlene Kornya <dkornya@welland.library.on.ca>
15) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by Dorothy Youngblood <dyoungbl@mail.owls.lib.wi.us>
16) Re: why kids stop reading
by Paula Schaffner <paula@saline.lib.mi.us>
17) Re: J or YA?
by "Christine Leary" <cleary@loudoun.gov>
18) Librarians in the media
by Erin Helmrich <helmrich@tln.lib.mi.us>
19) RE: Furniture? Equipment? I've got a big donation...
by "Amber McCrea" <mccrea.amber@als.lib.wi.us>
20) Re: Harry Potter etc.
by Susan Wizinsky <swizinsk@gfn.org>
21) Elementary magazines
by "Dawn VanLerberghe" <dlvl_88@hotmail.com>
22) RE: kids turned off reading
by "Tatar, Becky" <bltata@aurora.lib.il.us>
23) Disney storytime/party
by Nadine <read2kdz@yahoo.com>
24) Re: Kids turned-off reading
by Kelly <on_kelly@4cty.org>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Carol.Baughman@kdla.net
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Kids turned-off reading
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:55:34 CST
I have no hard data, but many public librarians in Kentucky have come to
believe that, for some children, participation in computerized reading
programs such as Accelerated Reader is beginning to constitute a reading
turn-off. My sense is that these programs are not exactly harmful, but
they
seem to snowball and ultimately exhaust some children. A public librarian
here reported that last summer one of her most faithful summer reading
participants failed to sign up for the program. She also noticed he had
even stopped coming to the library. She ran into him in town and told him
she missed him. He told her he was "sick of reading." In a
nutshell, the
problem was that, as a strong reader, his school required him to accumulate
a very high number of Accelerated Reader points. He said he needed a rest
from reading and had given up pleasure reading. I could go on and on about
the complaints I hear about computerized reading programs, but I won't.
Suffice it to say that I think Accelerated Reader might be the monster that
ate reading.
Carol Baughman
Children's and Youth Services Consultant
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
300 Coffee Tree Road
P.O. Box 537
Frankfort, KY 40602-0537
502-564-8300 x 264 voice
502-564-5773 fax
carol.baughman@kdla.net
------------------------------
From: <laanders@bellsouth.net>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: E-mail address in body of message
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:55:42 CST
I would like to ask a favor of the members of this list. When you post a
question, would you put your e-mail address in the body of the message, so
the person answering can click on it? I recently tried to respond to a
question, and left part of the address off. Unfortunately, my system doesn't
save sent messages. When I retyped it, the e-mail made me log on again
because I'd been away too long. So I lost it again, and gave up.
I know all systems may not have the same capabilities. I'll put my e-mail
address here to see if I can do it: laanders@bellsouth.net.
Thanks!
Linda Anderson, Nashville
------------------------------
From: "Monica Anderson" <m.anderson@vlc.lib.mi.us>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Authors at your Library
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:55:49 CST
Hi everyone --
Every year my library brings in an author to speak to 4th and 5th
graders. We'd like to have a large pool of authors who write for
this age group and who are great presenters. If you've heard an
author speak that you've really enjoyed could you let me know? I'll
compile and post a list in a couple of weeks.
BTW, last year we had Kate DiCamillo and she was *wonderful* -- we
got tons of compliments.
Thanks for your help!
Monica Anderson
Youth Services Librarian
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
Midland Michigan
m.anderson@vlc.lib.mi.us
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
------------------------------
From: Inga Banitt <ibanitt@chartermi.net>
To: "Gail Roberts" <groberts@sailsinc.org>,"PUBYAC"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:55:58 CST
I just finished reading Marie Winn's updated version of THE PLUG-IN
DRUG. The book was first published in the mid 70s when only TV was around
to lure kids away from reading, imaginative play, outdoor activity, sports,
etc. But now we have the computer, the VCR and video games added to the
mix. Kids are used to this instant gratification form of entertainment and
they also process the visual images quite differently than they do words on
the page so they become "experts" on receiving their information in
snippets.
Winn also addresses the idea that is all too easy for overwhelmed parents
to turn to the TV as a babysitter. Parents reason "at least
such-and-such
a program is educational" and don't realize that it is the very process of
watching television (rather than the content of the program) that is
detrimental to their children's educational and emotional well being.
I no longer have my copy so I can't do justice to Marie Winn's arguments in
detail. But it is certainly an important book for parents and all who work
with children.
At 01:15 PM 1/5/2003 -0500, Gail Roberts wrote:
>charset="iso-8859-1"
>Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>X-edited-by: pyowner@pallasinc.com
>Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 12:10:55 CST
>Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org
>Sender: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org
>X-Listprocessor-Version: 8.2.07 -- ListProc(tm) by CREN
>
>This is a question that has been puzzling me of late, and I'd like to see
>what the group thinks. What is it that turns a kid off of reading?
When
we
>get them in the first grade (or even earlier), they are eager and excited
to
>get books and start reading. But 3-4 years later, some kids would
rather
be
>hung by the neck for a few minutes than be caught with a book. What
happens
>in the meantime? Why is it mostly boys? I've read what Jim
Trelease
thinks
>(worksheets, lack of role models, etc.), but some kids seem to be able to
>rise above all that and love reading. And some have a house full of
role
>models, yet refuse to read. I'm still formulating my ideas, but would
like
>to see what a discussion brings. I've been a children's librarian since
>1978, 14 years in my current position, and it seems to be getting worse.
>What do you think? You can respond to me, but it might be better if
you
>respond to PUBYAC.
>
>
>Gail E. Roberts
>groberts@sailsinc.org
>Coordinator of Youth Services
>New Bedford Free Public Library
>New Bedford, MA 02740
------------------------------
From: "Susan Dailey" <obldailey@wellscolibrary.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Bear Song answer
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:56:05 CST
To Yackers who like to use music in their programs:
I was going to ask Stacey to post the words to this song, but thought I
should look it up on the Internet myself first. (Oh what did we do
pre-Internet?! Of course, it isn't much help until you have a title, as
Stacey probably found.) Anyway, Google brought up a wonderful site that
had
both the words and music. "I Met a Bear" can be found at:
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Glade/7438/IMetBear.html
In the search, I also found a site with Scout songs (words only, but...)
http://www.scoutsongs.com/categories/index.html
I was excited because I
have vague memories of several songs, but not all the words.
Anyway, happy singing,
Susan Dailey, librarian, speaker and author of "A Storytime Year"
Ossian Branch Library
Ossian, IN
obldailey@wellscolibrary.org
------------------------------
From: "Richard Quiring" <richard_quiring@hotmail.com>
To: groberts@sailsinc.org, PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 18:56:13 CST
Dear Gail and other PUBYACers,
How apropos that you are bringing up the subject of the very research I am
presently doing through the University of Victoria, British Columbia. Yes,
the phenomena boys reading less is a reality. Check the national reading
scores of gender differences and you will find rather disturbing results.
Allow me to informally summarize some of my findings and personal
conclusions. I have been working with elementary reading for more than two
decades-classroom, learning assistance, special education, and library.
The
boys do start losing interest at approximately the 4th grade.
Taking a bold step at being politically incorrect, permit me to continue.
First of all, women mainly staff the primary and elementary classrooms and
their school libraries. They choose different literature than most male
teachers would choose. Little boys want action, outdoors, survival, sports,
fast cars, danger. They aren't particularly interested in reading stories
with high moralistic themes or long descriptions. They want books with
active illustrations in bold colors (no pastel water colors for them!).
But
what happens? The books selected for classroom and school libraries are
mainly "girls" books. ("Give us a break," you say
disgustedly. "We have
lots and lots of books for boys." You think so? Take a shelf in your
library, any shelf, and do a self-analysis of girl books vs. boy books.
Which pile is higher? Now don't cop out and say that there should be a
pile
for both girls and boys. Those books are rare. Harry Potter doesn't
happen
every year.) So little boys have been fed a constant line of girl books
selected by women. They don't object; they just aren't interested.
Let me give you an example. A Grade 3 teacher is planning a unit on
pioneers. Little boys are getting excited. "Yes, finally something
good!"
they think. The teacher announces that the first book they'll read is
'Sarah, Plain and Tall.' The boys' hearts slows down. "Next we'll
read
'Little House on the Prairie,' won't that be fun?" Their hearts have
gone
into hibernation. They struggle through making patchwork quilts and
pioneer
cooking and butter churning and.well, you get the picture. Finally, for
the
writing assignment the teacher requests a story of their own experiences and
how that possibly could have related to the pioneers. The boys' enthusiasm
returns and one young fellow writes about his fishing trip with his dad and
how he was allowed to club the fish. His first KILL! The teacher
calls in
a counselor and the lad is sent to therapy. (You think I just made that
up,
don't you. Trust me, I didn't.)
Now ask the kids in your library, "Who read to you last night?"
See how
many name a male-Dad, Uncle, Grandpa. You'll discover there are very few
male role models.
Next, let's look at the publishers. (Since I'm already in a hole, I might as
well dig myself deeper.) Because of the constant book selections made for
girls, many publishers over the past two decades or so have promoted and
produced less and less material for boys. The spiral continues-boys have
less from which to choose and so they read less. Because they read less,
the marketing is increased in favor of girls' literature and so on and so
on. Fortunately, in the last 5 years I seen some publishers change their
philosophy, and produce more boys' books. Yet in all fairness, they still
want to make a profit and they do need to sell to the people who are buying
the most.
The boys' literacy interests, I believe, will change with awareness; but the
process will be slow.
Thank you, Gail, for raising a pertinent gender-sensitive literacy dilemma.
Richard Quiring
Teacher-Librarian
Greendale Elementary School
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
================================
>From: "Gail Roberts" To: "PUBYAC" Subject: Kids
turned-off reading Date: 5
>Jan 2003 10:14:37 -0800
>
>This is a question that has been puzzling me of late, and I'd like to see
>what the group thinks. What is it that turns a kid off of reading? When we
>get them in the first grade (or even earlier), they are eager and excited
>to get books and start reading. But 3-4 years later, some kids would rather
>be hung by the neck for a few minutes than be caught with a book. What
>happens in the meantime? Why is it mostly boys? I've read what Jim Trelease
>thinks (worksheets, lack of role models, etc.), but some kids seem to be
>able to rise above all that and love reading. And some have a house full of
>role models, yet refuse to read. I'm still formulating my ideas, but would
>like to see what a discussion brings. I've been a children's librarian
>since 1978, 14 years in my current position, and it seems to be getting
>worse. What do you think? You can respond to me, but it might be better if
>you respond to PUBYAC.
>
>
>Gail E. Roberts groberts@sailsinc.org
Coordinator of Youth Services New
>Bedford Free Public Library New Bedford, MA 02740
_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE*.
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------------------------------
From: Nadine <read2kdz@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Button-making kits
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:03:28 CST
Hi again,
I am thinking about getting a badge-maker and need some serious advice from
you all. To those of you who have a Badge-A-Minit product; are they
worthwhile? Would I be making a mistake getting the $29.95 model hand press
as opposed to the $62 bench press? Are there other companies that are
comparable or better that I should consider; on the other hand are there
companies out there that I shouldn't even think about. I expect that we will
be making a couple dozen at a time as opposed to hundreds (though maybe if
we had a kit we would make a couple hundred at summer reading time?)
Your thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated. Again, send the
info directly to me at read2kdz@yahoo.com
and I will happily post a
compilation to the list.
Thanks again, Nadine
****************************************************************
Nadine Lipman
Head of Children's Services
Waterford Public Library
49 Rope Ferry Rd.
Waterford, CT 06385
email: read2kdz@yahoo.com
------------------------------
From: Stacey Schultz <sschultz@lakeshores.lib.wi.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: homeschooling magazines
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:03:36 CST
Hi all,
I have had several parents express an interest in magazines about
homeschooling. Do any of your libraries subscribe to such magazines?
What do you recommend? How much is a subscription? Please reply to me
directly.
Thanks for the help!
Stacey Schultz
Stacey L. Schultz
Youth Services Librarian
Matheson Memorial Library
101 N. Wisconsin St.
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-2678
fax (262) 723-2870
sschultz@lakeshores.lib.wi.us
------------------------------
From: Jennifer Cogan <jcogan@mail.pratt.lib.md.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: THANK YOU!
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:03:44 CST
Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my question about the book
Goddess of Yesterday. We are going to try and move it to our YA
department. THANK YOU SO MUCH, your help is appreciated!
Jennifer Cogan
Children's Department
Enoch Pratt Free Library
(410)-396-5402
jcogan@epfl.net
------------------------------
From: JPotter@Hornsby.nsw.gov.au
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: kids turned off reading
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:03:52 CST
I am not sure that there is any one simple reason why kids get turned off.
I am a reader, lucky huh, but my two younger sisters do not - not because
they are incapable they just don't.
I think we need to consider other things like -
that kids have no real down time, that isn't scheduled with extra
curricular activities whether it is sports or arts driven
people have gotten used to instant gratification from something they
engage in - we all know that reading will give them that but it simply
isn't quick enough.
In the long run, kids have to make up their own mind. Obviously they are
missing out on some great stuff, but if they are anything like my son, he
will come to it in his own good time and then never look back.
Joanne Potter
Children's and Young Adults Coordinator
Hornsby Shire Library & Information Service
Phone 9847 6738
Fax 9847 6565
Mailto: jpotter@hornsby.nsw.gov.au
------------------------------
From: "Janet Brandy" <jbrandy@rla.lib.il.us>
To: <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Children as Storytellers
content-class: urn:content-classes:message
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:01 CST
As part of a Children as Storytellers grant, my library is going to =
receive $250 to purchase supporting materials for our collection. Those =
materials will include:
- books to teach kids basic storytelling skills
- books that specifically focus on helping children create their own =
personal stories
- books that are collections of traditional tales that have been adapted =
for easy storytelling for children
- storytelling audiotapes, CD's and videos - both for children's =
enjoyment and to provide them with storytelling models
I am looking for recommendations from you, my most esteemed peers. I =
will be happy to share the suggested titles with the group once it is =
compiled.
Please respond directly to me. Thanks in advance for all of your help!
Sincerely,
Janet Brandy
Assistant Head of Youth Services
Round Lake Area Library
Round Lake, Illinois
jbrandy@rla.lib.il.us
------------------------------
From: "Cindi Carey" <ccarey@timberland.lib.wa.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Kids turned-off reading
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:08 CST
In the case of my son and others I have talked with including a math
teacher, the reason they were turned off reading is that they would
rather spend their time doing other things. These are people who are
active and cannot sit still to read. My son must be moving at all
times, even if its tapping a pencil. Once he moved beyond beginning
readers, the books became too long for one sitting and that was that.
He can read fine, but he prefers something quick and dirty. He has
always preferred the logic and usefulness of math and science to the
written word.
Cindi Carey
Lacey, Washington
------------------------------
From: "Wendy Morano" <WMORANO@cml.lib.oh.us>
To: <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Teen spaces
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:16 CST
I am doing research for my MLS thesis and, ultimately, for the Columbus
Metropolitan Library System on creating a Teen Resource Center in our
main library. I'm interested in libraries with spaces for teens and
also with strong teen involvement.
If this sounds like your library, would you be willing to answer a few
questions if I e-mailed them to you? It shouldn't take up too much
of
your time. I like to keep things short.
Thanks for your time,
Wendy Morano
Library Assistant
Hilltop Library Branch
------------------------------
From: Darlene Kornya <dkornya@welland.library.on.ca>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Wickatoria
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:24 CST
Has anyone ever heard of a book called Wickatoria? It is a children's
picture book (I believe), about a young girl in Nairobi. The title may
not be Wickatoria but that may be the girl's name in the book.
The patron said it was a well known book but I have not heard of it nor
could I find any information about it in any of the resources I looked
in.
Thanks for your help.
Darlene
------------------------------
From: Dorothy Youngblood <dyoungbl@mail.owls.lib.wi.us>
To: Gail Roberts <groberts@sailsinc.org>
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:32 CST
Gail,
I agree this is a good discussion point. There are, no doubt, many
factors.
The one that scares me most is the well-known fact that giving extrinsic
rewards
for a behavior will extinguish intrinsic motivation for that behavior. In
other
words, when we encourage kids to read for "incentives", we are the
ones
guilty
of demolishing their internal motivation to do so and replacing it with
acquisition motivations. Not what we are intending to do, but are we
perhaps
guilty of defeating the joy of reading in the interest of boosting our
participation numbers.??? It worries me....
Reading time used to be a reward. At our local schools now TV is the
reward;
reading is the chore which must be done before the reward (TV) is given.
What
does this teach?
Dorothy Youngblood, Director
Ellison Public Library
Scandinavia, WI
dyoungbl@owlsnet.lib.wi.us
------------------------------
From: Paula Schaffner <paula@saline.lib.mi.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: why kids stop reading
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:39 CST
I've been a librarian since 1981 and have long wrestled with the same
question. What I have finally decided (regretfully) is that, as kids get
older and more possible activities and responsibilities come along, anyone
who has seen reading as a task or as merely diversion will stop reading
recreationally. That leaves those of us who place reading in the list of
Necessary to Life activities (breathing, eating, sleeping, reading). It's
not unlike cooking: some of us cook to meet basic needs; some of us
occasionally cook more exciting things just for fun; some of us cook
passionately, seeking out new recipes and testing them in all our available
time.
I also have seen many, many children forced to read things that didn't
interest them. Some people aren't fiction readers, yet teachers and
mothers (from my observations) often discount nonfiction and magazines and
newspapers. "He doesn't read," one particular parent said to me
in
despair--but the kid knows the Guinness Book of World Records backwards and
forwards and reads computer manuals from cover to cover.
SO we do what we do best: whenever the opportunity arises (usually it's a
book report assignment), we hand the nonreader something that will make the
reading experience pleasurable--and hope that maybe, just maybe, the person
will come back to us for the next assignment or maybe, just maybe, the
person will come back for another book to read just for fun.
Oh--I just had to laugh. Even as I was typing, a frequent patron and
former library employee came in. Her four-year-old daughter headed
straight for the computers. Cathy shook her head. "You know,"
she said,
"This child is not a books for fun person. We took home great
books--Toot
and Puddle, Henry and Mudge, all sorts of things. THIS is what she wanted
to read every night." And she pulled a copy of Organic Gardening out of her
book bag.
Paula Schaffner
Saline (MI) District Library
paula@saline.lib.mi.us
------------------------------
From: "Christine Leary" <cleary@loudoun.gov>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: J or YA?
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:47 CST
Hello All!
Reading Jennifer's message below reminded me that I wanted to post a =
message regarding J vs. YA. Last year about this time, there was a great =
discussion on the list regarding what age is a YA. =20
There were many libraries on the list wishing for a separate space for =
middle school fiction and high school level fiction. Also, a few people =
mentioned they were thinking of adding a sticker to the older fiction in =
their YA area. =20
So, now I would like to ask for an update from libraries. Has anyone =
changed their collection, or added stickers, or separated the different =
age groups?
Does censorship or the Freedom To Read Act come into play if adding =
stickers? Or is it considered a reader's advisory tool?
What ages is your current YA collection for? Or are the ages still a bit =
undefined between J and YA?
I would love to hear what, if anything, has changed at libraries since the =
discussion last year. =20
You can email me directly, or this might be a good topic to discuss on the =
list.=20
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Christine Leary, Youth Services Librarian
Youth Services Department
Eastern Loudoun Regional Library
21030 Whitfield Place
Sterling, VA 20165
(703) 444-3228
(703) 444-1336 (fax)
cklein@loudoun.gov
>>> jcogan@mail.pratt.lib.md.us
01/05/03 01:10PM >>>
Does anyone have the new book by Caroline Cooney, Goddess of Yesterday, in
their collection and if so, is it considered a J or YA fiction title?
Please respond directly to me. Thank you!
Jennifer Cogan
Children's Department
Enoch Pratt Free Library
(410)-396-5402
jcogan@epfl.net=20
------------------------------
From: Erin Helmrich <helmrich@tln.lib.mi.us>
To: pubyac <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Librarians in the media
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Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:04:54 CST
Dear friends,
Just wanted to mention that there have been two interesting librarian
"appearences" in the media lately. I'm sure some of you saw the
"Dear
Abby" column on Wed. Jan. 2 - it was a very good column about
overdue fines and the love many have for reading and libraries - here's
the link for others (I also included full text at the end of this message)
http://www.magatopia.com/columns/Abigail_Van_Buren.html?page=misc.html
I'm not sure how many of you out there watch OZ on HBO (it's a pretty grim
drama about prison life - but it is also very well done and interesting) -
anyway last night they introduced the new librarian in the prison (played
by Patti LuPone - a great actress on TV and Broadway) - it was a
significant plot point and they showed the warden telling the other staff
about it that she a fantastic librarian and had worked in the "Public
Libraries in Boston (I think) for a long time" -- they showed her talking
about why she wanted to work in a prison and her commitment to literacy
and reading and later a prisoner wanted to work in the library and there
was a good scene where he commented that he knew the "Dewey Decimal
System" by heart - she was great with the prisoner and conveyed a very
strong presence. At any rate because they hired such a good actress for
the part (who was not dressed or acting like the stereotyped image) -
she may be an integral part of the drama.
Just my thought for the day :) (Dear Abby article below)
Erin
**
REWARDS OF READING OUTWEIGH LATE FEES FOR OVERDUE BOOKS
DEAR ABBY: Thank you on behalf of librarians everywhere for your
commonsense reply to the question of who should pay for the overdue
library book the 7-year-old granddaughter lost.
I know what a thrill it is for children to check out books from their
local libraries, but when those children forget where they placed them,
forget the due dates or lose those books forever, it can be a problem for
everyone.
Parents and grandparents should keep track of all books checked out on the
family library cards, because the fines accumulate in a hurry. Arguing
over who is responsible can send the claim to collections, with added
fines.
Those who grumble about fines on their cards should remember how much it
would cost if they had to buy every book they wanted to read instead of
borrowing them from the public library. -- DENISE VILANDRE, HURON, S.D.
DEAR DENISE: Indeed. Even with library discounts, the cost of restocking
our libraries is considerable. Read on:
DEAR ABBY: On Dec. 7, 1968, a man named Richard Dodd returned an overdue
library book to the University of Cincinnati. His great-grandfather had
checked out the volume in 1823.
Although he did not have to pay the fine, the library computed the fine --
and it would have totaled $22,646. -- FRANK IN LONG BEACH, CALIF.
DEAR FRANK: In another 145 years it could have added up to some REAL
money! Read on:
DEAR ABBY: That grandmother should have used this experience as a
"fun"
and instructive opportunity to show her grandchild the due date, mark it
on the calendar and return the book together -- BEFORE it was overdue. It
would have provided a valuable lesson to the child, based on positive role
modeling. -- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER, FORT WALTON BEACH, FLA.
DEAR TEACHER: You're right. Children learn by example.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
DEAR ABBY: Thank you for putting in a good word for libraries, and for
exposing children to them.
During World War II, my first library was a very small room on the upper
floor of the old Grange Hall in the little village of Savona, N.Y. Since
it was close to my home, I was allowed to go there alone and choose my own
books, even before I went to school. My family would read the stories to
me.
Those trips to the library were magical. I bless the people who
established that small library. Parents, please love your children enough
to take them to your local library, and read to them! -- HELEN I. FRANCIS,
SILVER CITY, N.M.
DEAR HELEN: You have made a good point. It reminds me of a stanza from a
wonderful poem, "The Reading Mother," by Strickland Gillilan, that has
appeared in this column a number of times:
"You may have tangible wealth untold,
"Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
"Richer than I you can never be --
"I had a mother who read to me."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips,
and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at
www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los
Angeles, CA 90069.
****************************
Erin V. Helmrich, M.L.S.
Youth/Teen Services Librarian
Royal Oak Public Library
222 East 11 Mile Rd.
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
PHONE: 248.246.3734
FAX: 248.246.3705
EMAIL: helmrich@tln.org
*****************************
------------------------------
From: "Amber McCrea" <mccrea.amber@als.lib.wi.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Furniture? Equipment? I've got a big donation...
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:02 CST
Hi!
Having used both the ellison and the acu-cut, I found that the acu-cut
(roller plate) works much much better. The ellison machine is fine if you
are doing "template cuts" where the machine makes the basic cut and
then you
use a pair of scissors to compelte the action. The acu-cut will cut out
all
the dies completely and it is alot easier for people with arthitis or
limited strength to use. (cranking the handle does not require nearly as
much strength as pushing down on the ellison to ensure a clean cut.)
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 Kim Dolce
Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2003 10:14 AM
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Furniture? Equipment? I've got a big donation...
I would agree with that...the Ellison machine is great, and if you already
have one, perhaps you could purchase more dies. It's a big help in
bulletin
board displays as well.
Kim E. Dolce
Children's Librarian
Port Orange Regional Library
Port Orange, FL 32129
kdolce@co.volusia.fl.us
------------------------------
From: Susan Wizinsky <swizinsk@gfn.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Harry Potter etc.
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:10 CST
I was hoping she was being sarcastic. I do however, agree with you
wholeheartedly!
On Sat, 4 Jan 2003, Melody Allen wrote:
>
> I am shocked by this message. As the defenders of intellectual
freedom,
> we should show respect to people of diverse viewpoints. I would be
happy
> to talk to parents who care enough about their children to make a
> complaint. These are concerned, committed parents, possibly afraid of
the
> many influences on their children. I may not hold the same values,
and I
> will explain that libraries provide access to materials for families with
> a wide range of values and therefore don't restrict what is available to
> suit any one family, but I give them credit for speaking up for what they
> feel is right for their own children. It is my professional
responsibility
> to serve all members of the community without standing in judgment of
> their questions, comments or viewpoints.
> Melody Allen
> melody_allen@gw.doa.state.ri.us=20
>
>
> >>> Bonita.Kale@euclidlibrary.org
01/02/03 04:23PM >>>
>
> I agree with the person who said we have to be accommodating to parents=20
> who don't want their kids to read fantasy--but I think it's okay to=20
> make fun of them behind their backs! =20
>
> There have been a lot of nuts out there who are worried about Harry=20
> Potter, and, yes, Madeline L'Engle and C.S. Lewis, too. Probably
Diane=20
> Duane if they knew she was there. Meanwhile, the really bad stuff,=20
> from my point of view, goes unnoticed.
>
> Oh, well, we're all different...=20
>
> Bonita
>
> Bonita
>
--
Susan E. Wizinsky, M.S.L.S.
Children's Librarian
Genesee District Library
Grand Blanc-McFarlen Branch
515 Perry Road
Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439
810-694-5310
------------------------------
From: "Dawn VanLerberghe" <dlvl_88@hotmail.com>
To: accmich-list@mknet.org, listserv@email.rutgers.edu,
Subject: Elementary magazines
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:18 CST
I am starting to look at my subscription list and would like to know what
others are ording for the 3-6 grade range. I have a teacher who would like
to see a current events magazine, social studies, science, and health
magazine. Do any of you have suggestions for these grade levels?
I have tried the Time for Kids, but do not like the six page weekly reader
type magazine for the library. I am currently getting Discover for Kids
and
do like that although the students don't seem to look at it much.
As suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dawn VanLerberghe
Librarian
Baraga Area Schools
210 E. Lyons St.
Baraga, MI 49908
dlvl_88@hotmail.com
_________________________________________________________________
STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE*
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------------------------------
From: "Tatar, Becky" <bltata@aurora.lib.il.us>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: kids turned off reading
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:25 CST
What happened to my brother in 2nd grade was the new teacher from hell.
She
made the kids do book reports that were graded totally on grammar, spelling,
etc., before anything about the book. Kids had to take them home and write
them over and over before she was satisfied. All the parents complained,
but the principle wouldn't do anything. So guess what - my brother is not
a
reader.
His 2 girls - both used to love to read - until their school started in with
the wonderful Accelerated Reader Program. Between the fact that the same
kid in one niece's class won the prize for most points every year, and the
whole problem of how points are assigned, neither she or her sister like
reading. Plus, they have to have a certain number of points each semester
which affects their reading grade.
So in one family - people who aren't wild about reading any more.
Becky Tatar
Unit Head, Periodicals, Audiovisual
Aurora Public Library
1 E. Benton Street
Aurora, IL 60505
PHONE: 630-264-4100
FAX: 630-896-3209
www.aurora.lib.il.us
E-mail: bltata@aurora.lib.il.us
------------------------------
From: Nadine <read2kdz@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Disney storytime/party
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:30 CST
Hi Yaccers--
We have the winter doldrums (already) and have decided to go on
vacation...to Disney World! I am looking for activities, suggestions,
costumes...anything that will somehow go along with any of the theme parks
(Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, MGM Studios, Pleasure Island, etc) We
have some ideas but would love to hear what has worked for you for
Disney/Mickey Mouse events as well as things that popped into your head when
you first read this email! (I have already asked about fireworks at closing,
but was told my budget won't support it!!! Oh well....)
I have contacted the local Disney store but there is not much they can do
for me. Please email your thoughts and ideas directly to me at
read2kdz@yahoo.com and I will be
happy to share them with the entire list
as well as what we ultimately end up doing.
TIA, Nadine
****************************************************************
Nadine Lipman
Head of Children's Services
Waterford Public Library
49 Rope Ferry Rd.
Waterford, CT 06385
email: read2kdz@yahoo.com
------------------------------
From: Kelly <on_kelly@4cty.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org,
"PUBYAC" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Kids turned-off reading
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 19:05:38 CST
There is so much for kids to do now that they don't have a chance to sit
with a book, relax or get bored. I hold a parent child book club for 8 to
12 year-olds and already some kids have conflicts with basketball practice,
swim team or the local play. Their time is pressed, stretched and shaped
for them by other things. You need some semblance of patience to read a
book and things now (fast cash, fast food, Internet) seem to promote
impatience and hurriedness. But we all know, not everyone/everything is
like this- that's why we work at the library. There is a very busy family
who still attend two of our programs a week, because we are regarded as
important as the other activities (Scouts, soccer, etc.). If we can
maintain that level of importance (through programming) with families,
reading stays second nature through those funky growing up years.
I also think the way we deal with learning disabilities can affect the way
a child reads. If a parent/teacher/librarian get frustrated with a slow
reader, that will turn a child off instantly from reading. It can be
uncomfortable and embarrassing to be a not-so-great reader.
I don't know what the stats are for learning disabilities in girls and
boys, but that might be something to consider in figuring out why more boys
than girls go through this.
Those are my thoughts. It's an interesting situation, no doubt.
Kelly
Kelly Burdick
Children's Coordinator
Huntington Memorial Library
62 Chestnut St.
Oneonta, New York 13820
(607) 432-1980
on_kelly@4cty.org
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 971
************************ |