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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, May 05, 2003 7:45 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 1101
PUBYAC Digest 1101
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) party ideas
by "Roberta Meyer" <roberta@effinghamlibrary.org>
2) Jacob's Ladder Stories
by "Carol Chatfield" <cchatfield@myriad.middlebury.edu>
3) Re: AR Comment
by Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
4) RE: Shelf lists
by "Ellen Little" <elittle@pts.edu>
5) FW: Nancy Renfro Puppets
by Ellen.Scott@ci.austin.tx.us
6) Re: School visits for summer
by "Beth Lee" <balchow@msn.com>
7) New Furniture/Decor
by Christina Johnson <marionthelibrarian@yahoo.com>
8) Re: Teen Volunteer programs
by "Rosalyn Reyna'Rodriguez" <rreynaro@ci.hurst.tx.us>
9) Challenged Graphic Novels
by "Francisca Goldsmith" <frg1@ci.berkeley.ca.us>
10) training manual for a children's librarian
by Robin Fosdick <rfosdick@library.berkeley.edu>
11) library camp-ins
by Dori Blodgett <librarylady4kids@yahoo.com>
12) Re: AR-- Not so Bad
by "Bart Pisapia" <PisapiaB@mail.co.leon.fl.us>
13) Re: SRC school visits
by "Karen Brown" <BrownK@ci.monterey.ca.us>
14) Dept of Ed's Summer Reading Program
by "Karen Brown" <BrownK@ci.monterey.ca.us>
15) The Value of Libraries --Long but we are worth it--
by "Tara Mendez" <TaraM@mail2tara.com>
16) Harry Potter craft
by Lin_Look/staff/cccl%LIBRARY@contra-costa.lib.ca.us
17) CD-ROM compilation (long)
by medwards@wepl.lib.oh.us
18) Bk discussion group/ was: Holes discussion
by Mary Geist <mgeist@meherrinlib.org>
19) parent complaint - who killed mr chippendale
by "Piowaty, Deanna" <DPiowaty@ci.west-linn.or.us>
20) Stumper - Mechanical Elephant
by Leslie Johnson <ljohnson@jefferson.lib.co.us>
21) more fantasy for a young reader (and a few corrections)
by Eric Norton <enorton@scls.lib.wi.us>
22) stumper: wacky humorous book
by "Carol Levin" <clevin@hublib.lib.nj.us>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Roberta Meyer" <roberta@effinghamlibrary.org>
To: "PUBYAC" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: party ideas
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:30:43 CDT
As one of our programs for our summer reading club, we are hosting a "My
Favorite Character Party" for preschool through 6-year-olds. The
children
are to come dressed as their favorite storybook or movie character.
If you have done this type of party, I would be interested in hearing what
activities you did. Please respond to me directly at
roberta@effinghamlibrary.org.
As always, thanks so much!!
Roberta
**********************************************
Roberta L. Meyer
Youth Services Librarian
Helen Matthes Library
100 East Market Ave.
Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 342-2464 x6
Fax (217) 342-2413
roberta@effinghamlibrary.org
"The Library is the Answer. What's the Question?"
------------------------------
From: "Carol Chatfield" <cchatfield@myriad.middlebury.edu>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Jacob's Ladder Stories
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:30:50 CDT
Dear PUBYAC storytellers,
Does anyone know where there are stories that can be told using the Jacob's
Ladder wooden toy?
I saw a young girl at a talent show last week who told one that she had
learned from someone at Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, but I have had
no luck in tracking her down.
The one she did made several animals including an alligator, a flying bird,
and a barking dog andd also had a schoolhouse and a church in it.
I thought it would make a nice gimmick in my summer reading visits to
schools, but I cannot find that or any other stories associated with the
toy.
I have tried a Google search, but so far have only found numerous sites
describing how to make the toy itself.
Also, does anyone have favorite stories associated with nesting dolls?
Thanks for sharing!
Carol Chatfield
Ilsley Public Library
Middlebury, Vermont
cchatfield@myriad.middlebury.edu
------------------------------
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: AR Comment
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:30:59 CDT
Marsha,
That's what an AR rep told me once. Publishers pay to have their
titles evaluated and listed. - jeri
On Thu, 1 May 2003, Marsha Parham wrote:
> Not all of the AR books are "quality books" Some of the
sets are for
books
> that did not get "good reviews" and some are for sets of
children's
> classics that are abridged, and are horrible. Personally, I think
> publishers pay to have their books put on AR lists instead of someone with
> qualifications going through each title to check the content and grade
> level.
>
> Marsha
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@gcfn.org
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
------------------------------
From: "Ellen Little" <elittle@pts.edu>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>,
Subject: RE: Shelf lists
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:31:07 CDT
I work in a library with approximately 350,000 items and we got rid of =
most of our shelf list 2 years ago as we needed the space taken up by =
the cabinets. (We kept some of the drawers with info on the rare books =
and other special collections as not all of those are in the system =
yet.) We checked each card against the on-line catalog first to be sure =
everything was in the system & entered correctly - a long process, but =
worth it for the mistakes we caught. Yes, the computer does go down =
occasionally & it can be a bit tricky, but definitely not worth keeping =
for those few times.
Ellen Little
Circulation Supervisor
Barbour Library
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
412-441-3304 x2274
elittle@pts.edu
------------------------------
From: Ellen.Scott@ci.austin.tx.us
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: FW: Nancy Renfro Puppets
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:35:47 CDT
Shannon~
I own Nancy Renfro Studios; however I am in between seamstresses and have
downscaled the company quite a bit for now. I have plans to revive it when
I am in a better position to do so. The puppet show kits will definitely
remain in the company's offerings, so let me know which one(s) you are
interested in and I will keep you in mind when I start to produce again.
Thank you for your interest, ellen scott
>
> Does anyone have an address or link to the puppets that Nancy Renfro
> Productions makes? A Google search brings up nothing on the Net, and
I
> would like to purchase a set.
> Shannon VanHemert
> Head of Children's Department
> Columbine Public Library
> Jefferson County, Colorado
> shannonv@jefferson.lib.co.us
------------------------------
From: "Beth Lee" <balchow@msn.com>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: School visits for summer
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:35:55 CDT
Hello, Sarah:
Here in Fairfax, VA, we visit the schools to whip up support for our Summer
Reading Program by going to elementary schools. Our Children's Department
heads try to coordinate with the school librarian, and we try to see as many
classes (usually in the library, or a meeting room) as possible. One day
per school is about normal. You can see several 4th grades, etc., in the
library at a time. We do a booktalking technique where we leave the kids
"hanging" about what happens next. "If you want to find out
what happens,
come to the library and check out the book." We give a quick run-down
on
the rules of our Summer Reading Program, when to sign up, how many books
have to be read, some of the "prizes" they can win. We usually
do a
30-minute talk with each group we see. I would suggest not going to
schools
on the last couple of days of the school year -- the kids are too wired, and
just can't concentrate on what you have to say. Feel free to e-mail me
directly if you have other questions. I hope this was helpful.
Beth Lee
Fairfax County Public Library
Fairfax, VA
balchow@msn.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sarah Pardi" <spardi@nplhub.org>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2003 11:18 PM
Subject: School visits for summer
>
> hello All
> I'm not sure if this has been discussed lately, but I need some ideas for
> school visits to promote our summer reading club. I would like to know wh=
> at
> others have done. There are about 10 schools I would visit and I want to
> know:=0D
> - How many classes or students do you aim to reach per school? do you jus=
> t
> visit a few classrooms?=0D
> - What do you present to the children and for how long? Do you just give
> them a run down of what's aviliable to them?=0D
> - When is the best time to visit? I was thinking closer to the last day
> would be best, but this may be a crazy time for them.=0D
> Thanks!=0D
> =0D
> Sarah Pardi=0D
> Children's Librarian =0D
> Belleville Public Library =0D
> Belleville, NJ, 07109
>
>
------------------------------
From: Christina Johnson <marionthelibrarian@yahoo.com>
To: PUBYAC <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: New Furniture/Decor
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:36:03 CDT
For those who have gone through new building projects, who are your favorite
suppliers for creative children's furniture and decor?TIAChristina
JohnsonLebanon Public LibraryLebanon IN
------------------------------
From: "Rosalyn Reyna'Rodriguez" <rreynaro@ci.hurst.tx.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: Teen Volunteer programs
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:36:12 CDT
Hi!
Our volunteers have to be between 14 yrs and 17 yrs. Our summer reading =
club lasts 9 weeks, so we have volunteers usually a week before and a week =
after. Volunteers man the summer reading club desk and help with
general =
record keeping.
Hope this helps,
Rosalyn Reyna-Rodriguez
Hurst Public Library
------------------------------
From: "Francisca Goldsmith" <frg1@ci.berkeley.ca.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Challenged Graphic Novels
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:36:20 CDT
I've been asked to write a piece for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's =
publication Busted, for the issue coming out closest to Banned Books Week, =
on incidents of public libraries dealing with challenges to specific =
gn's. If this has happened to you, would you please reply offlist to me =
with this info:
Title(s) challenged
When
Where (IF you feel comfortable telling me this; I won't publish the =
institution's name but will try tracking frequency, regions, etc.)
Who brought the challenge (staff or a patron; some other identifying =
aspect such as department in which challenging staff worked or relationship=
of patron to collection in which material held)
How challenge was met by administration
Ultimate outcome
I need the info by May 15.
Thanks to all!
Francisca Goldsmith
frg1@ci.berkeley.ca.us
------------------------------
From: Robin Fosdick <rfosdick@library.berkeley.edu>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: training manual for a children's librarian
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:36:29 CDT
Hi there,
If anyone does have a training manual for a children's
librarian (or paraprofessional staff working in the children's
section) I'd love to see it as well.
You can reach me at: rfosdick@library.berkeley.edu
thanks!
Robin Fosdick
MLIS student
------------------------------
From: Dori Blodgett <librarylady4kids@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: library camp-ins
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:43:19 CDT
Hello, I am hoping to have a camp-in in the library and I would like to hear
from others who have held these in their libraries. What went right,
wrong
and what to do differently.My director would appreciate knowing other
libraries have done this kind of thing.I am planning a boys night and a
seperate girls night. I plan to limit the numbers and have plenty of teen
help.Thank you and you may contact me (Dori) off list at:
librarylady4kids@yahoo.com
Dori Blodgett
Children's Services
Chetco Community Public Library
405 Alder St.
Brookings, Or. 97415
(541) 469-7738
------------------------------
From: "Bart Pisapia" <PisapiaB@mail.co.leon.fl.us>
To: <parhamm@mail.spalding.public.lib.ga.us>,
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: AR-- Not so Bad
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:43:26 CDT
Great points!
I was a classroom teacher for 13 years before I became a librarian.
AR =
can be a nice enhancement to the reading program if you don't go overboard =
with it (like your daughter's school did). The trouble is administrators =
and teachers find programs that "work" and beat the kinds to death
with =
them.
We have had good luck with getting the schools to send us
their AR =
lists. One thing we always do, if a parent complains that a list isn't =
there, is to tell them AR is not a library program and the responsibility =
for getting those lists rests entirely with the school. I tell them
"Yes, =
we would love to have Madison Elementary Schools AR list too, but they =
haven't sent it to us! Please, Please, get with your Media Specialist and
=
ask them to send us one!" I can't tell
you how many parents have =
done just that and then actually brought in the list themselves.
Bart
Bart Pisapia
Youth Librarian
LeRoy Collins Leon County Library
Tallahassee, Florida
------------------------------
From: "Karen Brown" <BrownK@ci.monterey.ca.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Re: SRC school visits
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:43:34 CDT
I would like to respond to the question about school visits to promote
the summer reading program. Every school situation is different, so we
allow the school to choose our format. We are willing to speak to an
entire student body, to groupings by grade, or class by class. We are
willing to speak to any of those groups for 5 minutes, 15, or 30.
Sometimes we spend an entire day. Sometimes we go from room to room and
sometimes children file into the school library. Sometimes we've done
it outside and sometimes in the multipurpose room. Occasionally a school
says they can't fit us in. We don't fuss about that. It works
out!
We come prepared with several poems, several books to read and several
stories to tell. Puppets, prizes, and highly desirable books are
also
part of the show and tell. The program always relates to our theme or
to summer or reading. The presentation is quite dramatic and may include
a library cheer. A good start is the poetry book, Good Books, Good
Times.
Karen Brown
brownk@ci.monterey.ca.us
Youth Services Manager
Monterey Public Library
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-646-3744
------------------------------
From: "Karen Brown" <BrownK@ci.monterey.ca.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Dept of Ed's Summer Reading Program
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:43:42 CDT
Have you read about the new srp started by the Secretary of Education in
Atlanta? They say this is a pilot program and it will go nationwide
soon. According to publicity by No Child Left Behind, it is all
through the schools. Kids will be requiret to read 10 "
age-appropriate" books and "describe briefly the books they have read
by
completing a simple form. Targe, Scholastic and others are partners.
Does this worry anyone else? Please, someone from Atlanta, set my mind
at ease. Can it be that people in the DOE don't know about this most
famous of public library activities? Will our long-standing role in
motivating and supporting summer reading be left in the dust?
Here's the press release
http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/03-2003/03202003.html
------------------------------
From: "Tara Mendez" <TaraM@mail2tara.com>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: The Value of Libraries --Long but we are worth it--
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:43:51 CDT
A few months ago I asked our collective, insightful and generous
librarians to help me with the eternal question What is the value of the
Public Library? I would like to thank Laura Wall, Jeri Kladder, Gaewynne
Hood , Loraine Getty, Terry Lambert, Yout, Melissa MacLeod, Casabonita,
Robert Meyer, Nikol Price, Katrina Neville, Maureen McKay, Sheilah
Oconnor, Dawn Sardes. For taking time to help with such an important
issue.
1. You can't get storytimes or other programs on the internet.
2. You can't establish a relationship with a librarian who will be able
to recommend books just for you.
3. You can't sit and read or study while waiting for the rest of your
family to do their own errands on the internet.
4. You can't browse for recreational reading on the internet.
5. At the library you can meet friends or make new friends over books.
Hope this helps
To answer why the library can't just be run by volunteers, the answer is
that they CAN be - they
often are, especially given the lack of qualified librarians - but they
just aren't done very well and
usually not for a long time, certainly not for an indefinite future.
It's too much work for people who
don't get paid, and the typical volunteers who operate such libraries
don't have the skills to make decisions that keep collections fresh &
vital, can't attract new patrons, and usually end up alientating some
portion of the community because of personality conficts. They bring a
lack of professional prestige to the library that practically ensures
its demise. When the old patrons die off, the library dies, too. Also,
how is a library run by volunteers going to pay for new materials? If a
community isn't willing to fund a staff to run the place, they aren't
likely to provide the funds to buy books....and then your "library"
becomes a collection of hand-me-down, moldy condensed Readers Digests
novels and a bunch of dusty National Geographics and Ladies Home
Journals (well, maybe a Martha Stewart in an "upscale" community!).
Same
for schools; most with completely "volunteer" staffs end up losing
lots
of materials, have little or no budget to buy things with, don't know
how to choose materials, lose interest when more important things come
up.
Hope I didn't step on anybody's toes....I know there's some great
volunteers out there, but it's practically a Neanderthal question to
think that they could "run" libraries.
The Internet - it is useful and fun, but most of the assignments
students of all ages bring to us require at least two book sources, not
magazines, not internet etc. Internet sources aren't always accurate or
reliable. You don't know for sure if a site that is here today will be
here tomorrow. Or, if the site might be down or the server etc. Or, the
computer you are using might be having a bad day, for no apparent
reason. (It never fails, at the last minute, need information
desperately, computer problems or internet problems, and who is at
fault...the librarian of course!)
Books - a large, large number of our patrons are here to find books for
enjoyment. And if you enjoy reading, you know that there is nothing that
compares to holding and reading a real live book!! The way the cover
looks, the feel of the pages as you turn them, the sound of a page being
turned, the smell of the book, new or old. We tried e-books, they were a
novelty at first, people checked them out but most said, I'd rather have
a real book. I don't think the internet comes close to filling the need
that a public library does, for many reasons.
We have been trying to pass a referendum to boost our operating funds
(unsuccessfully, to this point). One of the things our director did was
to
post a Question & Answer sheet for the staff to be able to answer
questions
from the public. From that sheet, I am copying two questions and answers
that may be helpful to you.
Q. Will there even be libraries in the future?
A. Definitley!!! Libraries provide more than books and printed materials
to
patrons, and even those formats are not going away! The library provides
audiovisual resources like videos, CDs, and books-on-tape. The library
also
provides access to the Internet. Public libraries provide entertainment
and
cultural enrichment. There are also many programs and learning
opportunities for families and young people. Plus, libraries provide a
wealth of government information that helps people become better
citizens.
Most importantly, though, libraries provide services to young people to
aid
in their growth and education. Our library has very active youth
services
programs for children of all ages that encourage them to be life-long
learners and library patrons.
Q. I've never been in the library. Why should I support it?
A. The public library is an American institution. Many Americans believe
it
is a basic human right to have access to a public library. The public
library adds value to the community in so many ways, through educational
activcities, by providing meeting space for the free expression of
ideas, as
a public forum to citizens, and by providing entertainment options. If
you
have not been to the public library lately, it's not just an old dusty
building full of books. There are a lot of new and exciting programs and
services provided.
Roberta
My big thing about the value of libraries is stories. We are not merely
a source of information, we are a source for STORIES. Fiction plays a
tremendously important role in our lives. Children emulate characters
that they read about (or see on TV/video) so it is important that they
have access to a variety of really great characters. I would have to be
a millionaire to be able to feed my reading habit if I had to purchase
each story that I read. As far as the internet goes, I don't think my
eyes would be able to handle reading a nice, juicy 1000 page book
online, even if it was available for free.
Libraries will always be valuable because we provide access to the
stories of the ages for free. Even if the internet could provide for ALL
of people's information needs (which it can't), libraries would still be
necessary.
Nikol
Finally,
It's not really practical to take the Internet to the beach either, is
it?
So much for summer reading in the sun!
"Sharon
Thank you all we came out glowing I will see if I can post the article.
Tara
------------------------------
From: Lin_Look/staff/cccl%LIBRARY@contra-costa.lib.ca.us
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Harry Potter craft
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:43:59 CDT
I know some people are sick of Harry Potter, but I am still searching for a
craft for our June party, and my sheaf of posting printouts seem to have
apparated to another dimension. I'm planning to have the kids make
snitches out of styrofoam balls, but that will probably take only a few
minutes. If anyone else has a craft that's not a wand, I would be most
anxious to learn of it. Reply to the address below, and I'll post the
results if anyone's interested.
Thanks!
Lin Look
llook@ccclib.org
Orinda Branch
Contra Costa County, CA
------------------------------
From: medwards@wepl.lib.oh.us
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: CD-ROM compilation (long)
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Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:44:07 CDT
Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about best children=27s C=
D-ROMS for in-house use=2E Several people asked to see the responses- so =
here=27s a compilation=2E
-Melissa Edwards
Willoughby (OH) Public Library
Dear Melissa=2C
Our computer CD=27s have been very successful=2E Even though we are small=
=2C we provide something for every age even for the very young (and here =
I mean two and up=2C though we have had younger!) =
I Spy
The Muppets
Reader Rabbit
Harry Potter
Richard Scarry
Nancy Drew
Carmen Sandiego
Oregon Trail
Sim City
Pharaoh =
Blue=27s Clues
Zeus
Gizmos and Gadgets
Magic School Bus
Arthur
=
There are so many good ones=2E I am careful to read the description=2C be=
cause I don=27t want to include violence or nudity=2E Look for the rating=
=2E And be careful to choose those that can actually play on your compute=
r=2E Many games are made for Windows 95=2E Some for XP (and if you have a=
n XP=2C you know how careful you need to be!!) And our new computers are =
all NT which means nothing plays on them except what came with the Gates =
package=2E =
We have a free standing computer mostly for games=2C music and books on C=
D=2E
We also sign out our CD=27s for a week at a time=2E We are the ONLY ones =
to do so=2E Overdues are =241=2E00/day up to =245=2E00 per item=2E We hav=
e been pleasantly surprised at the care patrons have taken=2E Yes=2C some=
CD=27s come back dirty=2C but for the most part=2C they are fine=2E Pare=
nts love that they can take them out=2E =
So=2C good luck=2E
Bonnie Dundas
VT
****
Hello!
We have had in-house kids=27 computers with CD-Rom games for quite
a few years=2E However=2C we have not added any new games in quite a lon=
g
time because it has been difficult to find games that actually work on
them=2E You go out to buy them=2C you meet the criteria listed on the
package=2C but you cannot get them to actually work on your system=2E Ke=
ep
in mind that security and whatever else is put on these computers
probably hinders the actual working of the programs=2E =
Some games that have worked very well for us are Tarzan
Adventures (the most popular game we have ever had=2C until it was
stolen)=2C Toy Story=2C and any of the Jumpstart or Reader Rabbit K thru =
5=2E
We also have a circulating CD-Rom collection that has gone over
quite well=2E However=2C it seems that the selection of things available=
on
CD-Rom is becoming very limited=2C as I have found out trying to shop for=
my 2nd grader who loves to play on our computer at home=2E Good Luck!
Vicki Muzzy
Stark County District Library
Canton=2C OH 44702
****
I really like the Living Books CD-ROMs=2E The kids can listen to the
st=
ory or
play a game with the book=2E Also=2C the Marc Brown =22Arthur=22 disks a=
re used
heavily=2E
Good luck!
Roberta L=2E Meyer
Youth Services Librarian
Helen Matthes Library
Effingham=2C IL 62401
*************
Melissa=3A
We have about 60-70 games that we have in-house for our three game =
computers=2E They are mostly pseudo-educational (I=27ve read that comput=
er =
work for kids isn=27t really much more stimulating than watching TV) in s=
ome =
way=2C shape or form with the least obviously educational being the most =
popular=2E For the younger kids the various Arthur titles=2C Rescue Hero=
es=2C =
Clifford=2C Dora the Explorer and the Bob the Builder are the most =
popular=2E Board game CD-ROMs are popular across ages (Chutes and Ladder=
s=2C =
Life=2C Clue=2C Monopoly and Monopoly Jr=2E)=2E VeggieTales=2C Barbie an=
d Nancy Drew =
all have their fans=2E Scooby Doo=2C Roller Coaster Tycoon=2C Oregon Tra=
il=2C =
Zombinis and the Backyard Sports titles round out the list of =
favorites=2E If you are interested=2C I can send you our complete list o=
f titles=2E
Eric Norton
Head of Children=27s Services
McMillan Memorial Library
Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494
enorton=40scls=2Elib=2Ewi=2Eus
***** =
Hi=2C
I don=27t have specific titles for you=2C but a piece of advice if
you are planning to use Gates computers that operate on NT=2E There
aren=27t as many software programs that are compatable with this
operating system=2E when you look for software=2C you might need to
call the company to see if they will work on NT or the Gates
machines=2E One of our librarians had a hard time finding programs
that would work due to NT configuration and also because the
computers were networked=2E Good luck=2E
Nancy Thelen
920 W=2E Michigan Ave
Three Rivers Public Library
Three Rivers=2C MI
*****
Hi Melissa=2C
At our library we have two computers that are set up with CD-ROM games
for kids=2E They are so popular and one of the reasons I think that is=2C=
is
because we have a few different levels of =22games=22 on them=2E For the
youngest we have a read-along story (right now it=27s =22The Berenstain B=
ears
get in a fight=22)=2E We also have =22Maisy=27s playhouse=22=2C a =22Putt=
-Putt=22 game
and =22Blue=27s Clues=22=2C all of which are fun and relatively easy to p=
lay=2E For
the older kids we have =22Scooby-Doo=22=2C =22Magic School Bus=22 and a f=
ew others=2E
I think the most important part is to try and pick something that isn=27t=
very complicated to quit=2E I have seen many parents and guardians get
really frustrated because they can=27t figure out how to quit the game=2E=
I
would also recommend having 2 sets of headphones per computer=2C that way=
a
parent or older sibling can help out the younger kids when they are
playing or having problems=2E
Cheers!
Brenda Fay
Children=27s Librarian
North Shore Library
Glendale=2C WI 53217
******
The favorites here are the Blaster and Reader Rabbit games from the Lear=
ning
Company for primary=2C Carmen Sandiego games for upper elementary=2C and =
Elmo
games for pre-k=2E We have over 2 doz=2E games for the children under the=
age of
12 to choose from=2E
Gladys Seaman
Youth Services Librarian
South Georgia Regional Library
Valdosta=2C Ga=2E
gseaman=40sgrl=2Eorg
**********
Melissa=2C
I saw your posting on pubyac and thought I would give you a little
information about my frustration with some of the games that come on the
Gates Computers=2E
Printing is a major issue with them=2E The Arthur=2C Magic School Bus an=
d
Barney games all have these very graphic intense items that children can
print=2E It takes so long for these items to print that the kids get
impatient and send it 10 times=2C which of course jams up the computer=2E=
Kerri Meeks
Youth Services Librarian
Southeast Regional Library
kerri=2Emeeks=40co=2Ewake=2Enc=2Eus
******
Hi!Our most popular games are=3A
The Backyard games (soccer=2C baseball=2C football=2C basketball)
The Harry Potter games (we have chamber and sorcerer=27s)
Frogger 2
Pajama Sam (we have 1=2C 2=2C 3)
Sponge Bob Squarepants
Hope this helps in your selection=2E We find the =22educational=22 games=
(such as the Jumpstart series) aren=27t used much around our library!
Cheryl
Canton (CT) PL
*******
Melissa--
One game that we have loaded on our computers is Orly=27s Draw-a-Story by=
=
Broderbund=2E=2E=2Eit is hands-down the most popular game we have=2E The=
kids can =
draw pictures to insert into a story=2C or write their own story if they =
are =
old enough=2E It has a great narrator who =22talks to=22 the kids as the=
y play=2C =
great music (which you luckily won=27t be able to hear if you have headph=
ones =
on the computers)=2E It is a few years old=2C 1996 I think=2C but there =
hasn=27t =
been a new edition=2C and we=27ve had to buy replacement copies of our =
circulating copies recently=2C so I know it=27s still available=2E Anywa=
y=2C hope =
this is helpful!
Liz
*********
Hi -
Please post the list when you have it=2E
On our games computer=2C Putt-Putt Joins the Parade and I Spy are the mos=
t popular with all ages=2E
Myrna
West Nyack Free Library
***
We have three computers and over 30 CD-Roms games for children=2E At our =
library=2C some of the more popular CD-Rom games include=3A Spy Fox=3B I =
Spy=3B Putt Putt=3B Freddy Fish=3B Pajama Sam and the Clue Finders=2E Clu=
e Finders go up to 6th grade=2E
Hope this helps=2E
Theresa Chandler
Director
Elgin Public Library
PO Box 67
Elgin=2C OR 97827
******
The most used programs loaded on our computers are Freddi Fish=2C Putt Pu=
tt=2C Pajama Sam=2C Elmo=92s Preschool and Blue=92s Birthday=2E
Ann Secter
Bryant Library
*****
We are currently reevaluating our software on our four computers=2E Last=
week during spring vacation all the computers were filled almost all day=
(this happens during the summer=2C too)=2E We allow 30 minutes of
use=2C=
up to one hour per day=2E
Among the 4 computer we have Blue=27s ABC Time=2C Blue=27s Reading Time=2C=
Clifford Reading=2C Clifford Thinking Adventures=2C Franklin the Turtle =
Club=2C Ready for Math with Pooh=2C Reader Rabbit Second Grade=2C Carmen =
Sandiego Think Quick=2C Roller Coaster Tycoon=2C Star Wars Early Learner=2C=
Droidworks=2C Math Blaster ages 7-8=2C and Message in a Haunted Mansion =
(Nancy Drew)=2E
The most popular with the younger users are the Blue=27s and Clifford pro=
grams=2E The most popular with the older users are Droidworks and Roller=
Coaster Tycoon=2E
That said=2C we are thinking of replacing Droidworks and Roller Coaster T=
ycoon with more educational titles=2E Many kids only come in here to pla=
y those games=2C and those games are impossible to master in 30 minutes o=
r even an hour=2E =
Our computers are a source of stress for our staff=3B we spend a large pa=
rt of each day managing computer use=2E I wish they were not located rig=
ht in the middle of our department where they are the focal point of the =
room=2E
Hope this helps=2E Let me know if you have any questions=2E
Sue Trask
Head of Children=27s Services
Tabb-York County Public Library
Yorktown=2C VA 23693
*********
------------------------------
From: Mary Geist <mgeist@meherrinlib.org>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Bk discussion group/ was: Holes discussion
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:44:15 CDT
I too would like to start a book discussion group, ideally, this summer, for
the kids "too old" for summer reading club. I read with
enthusiasm the
great site at Multnomah Co. PL about starting a group. My question is, how
do small libraries do discussion groups when multiple copies of books are
not available. We're a rural two branch system, and for most books, only
have one copy per branch. The nearest bookstore is 40 miles away.
One
suggestion I saw was to try to get small grants to purchase multiple copies
of the books up for discussion. Or to have everyone read different books,
perhaps with the same theme. Any other suggestions? I'd really like
to get
this going this summer. Happy to share responses if there's interest.
Mary Geist
Richardson Memorial Library
100 Spring Street
Emporia, VA 23847 434.634.2539
From: "Wanda Jones" <wjones98@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Holes book discussion
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 22:19:26 CDT
Greetings Great Brain,
I am planning a program at the end of the month based on Holes.
The program will include a discussion of the book just to make sure everyone
has a clear understanding of the story. I've never done a book discussion
and I don't know where to start. Can some one offer topics to start the
discussion about the book? Should we discuss the chronological events of the
book or analyze the characters? Do I ask the kids "What if" and
"Why do you
think" questions? I'm not sure what my role is in a book discussion.
All responses will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Wanda
------------------------------
From: "Piowaty, Deanna" <DPiowaty@ci.west-linn.or.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: parent complaint - who killed mr chippendale
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:44:23 CDT
Has anyone ever received a complaint regarding Mel Glenn's Who Killed Mister
Chippendale: A Mystery in Poems? Please respond to me directly at:
dpiowaty@ci.west-linn.or.us
Thank you!
--Deanna Piowaty
Young Adult Librarian
West Linn Public Library
West Linn, OR
------------------------------
From: Leslie Johnson <ljohnson@jefferson.lib.co.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper - Mechanical Elephant
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:44:32 CDT
I have a patron who is looking for a book that he read in Jr High School
about 30-35 years ago. It has a mechanical elephant that can walk.
Inside
are all the comforts of home - beds, kitchen, etc., rather like a mobile
home. He thinks the elephant's name is Packy (sp?). The young
teen-age boy
has to take the elephant to help his parents - maybe to find and save them
in Africa, although that part is vague. It is an adventure kind of book.
He does not think that it is The Electric Elephant by Carolyn Graham. Your
help is greatly appreciated!
Leslie Johnson
Children's Librarian
Golden Public Library
Jefferson County Public Library
1019 Tenth St, Golden, CO 80401
303-279-4585 X 6
ljohnson@jefferson.lib.co.us
See us on the web at:
http://info.jefferson.lib.co.us/
------------------------------
From: Eric Norton <enorton@scls.lib.wi.us>
To: yalsa-bk@ala.org, PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: more fantasy for a young reader (and a few corrections)
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:44:41 CDT
Folks:
here are the latest recommendations for my daughter (and any other young
reader of fantasy). If you'd like the earlier list, drop me a personal
email and I will send it to you but there are enough posts suggesting that
we all try to keep our emails as brief as possible that I didn't want to
repeat the entire thing. So here's the new list of fantasy for eager
readers in the early elementary grades. One caveat--I've had several
people reply and suggest that this title or that might not be appropriate
for someone as young as the second grade (and I agree with many of you for
my own daughter) but since each child is different in terms of skills and
maturity I've just left the recommendations as is.
Corrections:
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles are by Patricia Wrede, not Vivian Vande
Velde (hey, I knew that). Apologies for any confusion. My daughter's
reaction when I put Dealing with Dragons in her bed last night was that it
looked to good to read in bed--we'd tell her it was time to go to sleep and
she wouldn't be able to put it down--so she wanted to save it for some day
when she could start it earlier.
Maria Gripe wrote The Glassblower's Children
Astrid Lindgren wrote Ronia the Robber's Daughter
Recommendations:
other books by Vande Velde
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke
Indian in the Cupboard series by Lynne Reid Banks
"The Voyage of the Basset" series
Ruth Chew books
Jackie French Koller's Dragonling
Linnets & Valerian by Elizabeth Goudge
M. M. Kaye's The Ordinary Princess (which should have been on my other list
but wasn't for some reason. She's already read this one and loved it.)
Eric Norton
Head of Children's Services
McMillan Memorial Library
Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494
715-422-5130
enorton@scls.lib.wi.us
"Very senior librarians...once they have proved themselves worthy by
performing some valiant act of librarianship, are accepted into a secret
order and are taught the raw arts of survival beyond the Shelves We Know."
Terry Pratchett, Guards! Guards!
------------------------------
From: "Carol Levin" <clevin@hublib.lib.nj.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: stumper: wacky humorous book
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Date: Mon, 5 May 2003 20:44:51 CDT
I have a patron looking for a picture book she read about a year ago (but it
probably wasn't brand-new at the time). It was a story in which things were
wrong in each picture. One picture she remembers had a baby in a park and a
tree falling down...does this ring any bells with anyone?
TIA
Carol Simon Levin
cglevin@access4less.net
--
Carol Simon Levin
Juvenile A/V Librarian
Somerset County Library / Bridgewater Branch
1 Vogt Dr.
Bridgewater, NJ 08807-7800
908 526-4016 x166 or x126
Enjoy Life -- This is not a dress rehearsal!
--
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 1101
************************* |