Blog Posts by peggy.mcclendon

Make Your Summer Reading Program Count!

peggy.mcclendon — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:31:46 -0600

I hope you are having a great summer! The 2009 summer reading survey is now available online at: http://libraries.idaho.gov/landing/summer-reading (just click on the link in the first sentence). When your summer reading program is completed, please take a few minutes to provide feedback on how your summer program went. This enables us to continue funding the program. The Idaho Commission for Libraries relies on your input to document the impact that summer reading programs have on Idaho children and teens in supporting early literacy and lifelong reading skills. This year we are also asking for information about your teen program, if you have one.

Thank you for all you do for Idaho’s kids, especially during the hectic summer months. I look forward to reading your reports!

Books for Summer Readers

peggy.mcclendon — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:16:01 -0600

Thank you Fred Meyer Fund! A $15,000 grant provided Idaho libraries with over 6,200 free paperback books to distribute to children participating in their summer reading programs. See which libraries received books:
click here.

Idaho Kids Get Free Books

peggy.mcclendon — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:32:10 -0600

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is pleased to announce the receipt yesterday of a $15,000 grant from the Fred Meyer Fund for the “Books for Summer Readers” project. One hundred eighteen Idaho public libraries applied by the May deadline to receive free paperback books to distribute to their summer readers. Approximately 6,200 children will receive books. The books should arrive at the Commission in early July and we anticipate mailing them to libraries between July 7-17.

State Librarian Ann Joslin expressed her gratitude saying, “Quality books and a variety of titles will brighten the future of Idaho children as they develop into independent readers and become lifelong learners. Thanks to the Fred Meyer Fund, Idaho kids in 118 communities will discover summer reading fun at their library.” Last summer, Kuna District Library staff remarked on the impact of the books, saying, “The Fred Meyer titles were great, and we feel they helped cement bonds between young readers and the library and library programs. Those bonds are likely to hold all year long, as those kids will continue to seek out literacy-related activities at the library.”

Vote for Idaho’s Recommendations for the 2011 and 2012 Summer Reading Themes

peggy.mcclendon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:42:48 -0700

Idaho librarians have the opportunity to make their voices heard by voting for Idaho’s suggestions for upcoming summer reading themes. The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) has asked each member state to send their top five suggestions for the 2011 kids theme and 2011 teen theme using the topic World Culture/Travel. Also requested are suggestions for general topics for the 2012 theme. Again, our top five suggestions will be forwarded to CSLP. The short online survey (only 3 questions!) is open until February 20. CSLP meets in April and will be making the final decisions based on member input.

Showcasing Success at the Read to Me meeting

peggy.mcclendon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:44:26 -0700

Libraries participating in First Book, Every Child Ready to Read, and mini-grants sites have been invited to participate in the 2-day Read to Me meeting, Showcasing Success. The meeting will be held in Boise at the Oxford Suites on March 5-6, 2009. Libraries need to register by February 5th. Invited libraries may register online today.

A limited number of seats are available for Idaho libraries who are interested in participating in outreach programs. Contact Stephanie, Staci or Peggy for more information (1-800-458-3271 or 334-2150 in the Boise calling area).

On Thursday, March 5th meeting attendees will share success stories and tips on outreach projects, learn more about partnerships and will have a chance to talk with representatives from organizations who work with families. In addition, there will be time to share program ideas and activities.

On Friday, March 6th we will hear from Read to Me evaluator Dr. Roger Stewart, talk about what's next for the Every Child Ready to Read family workshops, and hear from two dynamic librarians about integrating Web 2.0 into your youth services. Librarians can also choose from two break out sessions on lapsit programs and bilingual storytimes

See the Read to Me meeting website for the most up-to-date agenda and travel information. The Read to Me meeting offers a high energy opportunity to network and learn. Hope to see you there.

Time to Order Summer Reading Materials

peggy.mcclendon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:39:32 -0700

To summer reading coordinators,

No matter where your talents lie, it’s time to get creative! The deadline to order your summer reading materials to compliment the 2009 summer reading themes “Be Creative @ Your Library” and “Express Yourself @ Your Library” (for teens) is approaching. Upstart has rolling deadlines. To receive materials by March 1st you must order by December 1st. The next deadline is January 1st to receive materials by April 1st. Orders received by February 1st will be shipped by May 1st. You may order using Upstart's online order form.

Don’t forget, if you are participating in the Bright Futures outreach opportunities, you will be getting some materials free. See the Bright Futures information on ICFL’s summer reading website. Also, the Commission will send every public library a free poster and rubber stamp next March.

Bright Futures Begin with Summer Reading

peggy.mcclendon — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:41:19 -0600

Fall is in the air which means it’s time think about summer reading. The Commission is once again sponsoring the 2009 Bright Futures summer reading outreach program for all publicly-funded Idaho public libraries. Your library can apply to receive free materials to support outreach in your community to reach more underserved children. The outreach opportunities include: School Visits, Underserved Children, Read for Your Library, and Web 2.0.

Bright Futures uses strategies to reach the kids most in need of summer reading, including working with schools and other community groups, making programs accessible and convenient for parents, and making reading fun. In 2008, attendance at summer reading outreach programs in parks, daycares, schools and other venues toped 37,000 and over 74,000 school-age children got the summer reading message when public librarians visited over 200 schools. We are planning for even more kids in 2009.

Last week every public library should have received a flyer telling how to apply for Bright Futures, along with the 2009 program manual “Be Creative @ Your Library” and an Upstart order form.

Please note these changes for Bright Futures in 2009: Applications may be submitted online until March 17, 2009 on a first-come, first served basis. It is recommended that libraries apply as early as possible. Although we have planned for an increase in 2009, when supplies are gone, no more applications will be accepted. Applicants will be notified by email within 72 hours that their application has been received. Check out Bright Futures online at: http://libraries.idaho.gov/summer-reading.

Working together, we can help make the future bright for all kids in Idaho!

Fred Meyer Books for Summer Readers

peggy.mcclendon — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:02:01 -0600

Thank you to the Fred Meyer Fund for providing $15,000 for "Books for Summer Readers" given away at 112 public libraries. To thank Fred Meyer, please send a letter to:

Glynda Brockhoff
Philanthropy Coordinator
Fred Meyer Stores Mail Stop 04002/34N
PO Box 42121
Portland, OR 97242

Summer Reading Survey Available Now

peggy.mcclendon — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Summer Reading Coordinators,

Has your library been overflowing with bookworms this summer? Did summer reading create a buzz in your community? Be one of the first to fill out the Idaho Summer Reading Survey, which is now available online. Your input helps the Commission plan for future programs and provide feedback to the Institute for Museum and Library Services, who provides funding for statewide summer reading activities. To fill out the survey click here. The deadline is August 29, 2008.

From 2004 to 2007, summer reading participation increased 62% statewide. We are eager to hear how this year’s programs went. We appreciate your feedback!

Fred Meyer "Books for Summer Readers"

peggy.mcclendon — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:26:09 -0600

Attn: Public Library Summer Reading Coordinators

One hundred eleven (111) public libraries signed up to receive free paperback books for their summer reading programs. These books are provided through a grant for $15,000 from the Fred Meyer Fund. We just received the check this week and the books have been ordered. We anticipate that the books will be shipped to the Commission by June 23rd. We plan to begin mailing books to libraries by June 27th. To see if your library signed up to receive books, check the list here.

The number of books you will receive is based on your summer reading participation numbers from your 2007 summer reading report submitted to the Commission last August. If you have questions, please contact me off the list using the contact information below. http://www.google.com

Peggy McClendon
Idaho Commission for Libraries
325 W. State St.
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 334-2150 | 800-438-3271
FAX: (208) 334-4016
libraries.idaho.gov/reading-programs