Published bi-weekly by Read to Me, a service of the Idaho Commission for Libraries
In this Issue:
Welcome
What a busy time of year this is! In addition to preparations for seasonal celebrations, Idaho public libraries and schools just finished celebrating Family Reading Week (November 11-17). Be sure to see Library to Library for some great stories and photos of these events. The Scoop will be publishing just one issue in December on December 14th and then taking a break until January. We plan to do our feature about your favorite book you read in 2007, so start making your list now.
Meet Pat St. Tourangeau
Pat St. Tourangeau is the library media teacher at Boise High School. The school library was built in 1998 alongside the renovated administration building on the Boise High campus. “Our library space is beautiful, with tall, curved windows that look toward downtown Boise. The collection is diverse, with some original books from the earliest Boise High Library (circa 1910) as well as computers, books on MP3, eAudio books, a fabulous reference collection, and certainly the latest fiction!,” Pat said.
For the past 11 years, Pat has been a library teacher. “And my first 11 years of teaching, working in the classroom, were certainly a wonderful preparation for the job! I taught English, French, and Drama 9-12 before taking on library duties.” Pat spent nine years as high school library media teacher as well as district librarian at the Kamiah School District, before taking the position at Boise High two years ago.
“I often tell people I have the best job in the world, and I'm not kidding. I get to buy books and share them; I work with students every day but don't bring home stacks of essays; and I work in a vibrant school that balances academic excellence with acceptance of diversity. I love library work, but Boise High has made me feel that I've found my home.”
Pat says moving from a classroom teacher to working with all students has let her see things from a school-wide perspective that has broadened her understanding of the educational process. “As a classroom teacher I enjoyed a dynamic relationship with students. However, I couldn't get a broad picture of the entire literacy paradigm from the perspective of my classroom. The transition to library services has allowed me to support the total curriculum, since the library is truly the foundation of any good educational program.”
In addition to Pat’s position, Boise High has two adult assistants. “While we each specialize in certain areas it is inevitable that we all do a bit of everything. I booktalk both fiction and non-fiction books for classes. I introduce and guide research projects at every level, focusing on information literacy skills -- OPAC use, assessing information, online reading, judging editorial authority and reliability, and citing the huge variety of materials referenced by our students, from books to online databases and websites.” She is also primarily responsible for collection development to meet the needs staff and 1,460 students.
When asked about current projects the library staff is working on, she listed some big ones. “We are working hard to make our library germane to the needs of 21st-century patrons, namely our students! We have increased our web presence, linking to book discussion sites and a Book Club Wiki space. Our mission statement has evolved to include the social needs of our students as well as just the information needs, so we are constantly trying to make our library space a warm and welcoming environment where students can gather, listen to music, relax with a book, or conduct information searches in books or online.”
Pat says her biggest success is luring students into the library with displays and new material. Her biggest challenge? “Staying relevant to my students, who are so savvy technologically. I need to be book talker/web guru/database queen/merchandising strategist/information specialist in a school context. It's sometimes precarious to juggle all the hats I wear, but I love the variety of each and every day.”
Another favorite part of her job is working with the students and staff. “Students can be incredibly grateful when I take just an extra moment to try to hook them up with the right book (or help narrow a database search, or solve a printer crisis). The staff at Boise High works so diligently to meet our students' needs, and they are always thankful for any small service we can provide,” she said.
Pat read a lot of fiction as a child. “I remember an incredible streak of "Happy Hollisters" books — are they still around? My brothers and I used to read Dr. Seuss books aloud, over and over.” Today she has a hard time picking her current favorites. “I always love anything by Sharon Creech, but there are so many wonderful voices out there. John Green's Looking for Alaska just blew my socks off, and I can't think of Catherine Murdock's "Dairy Queen" books without smiling — her teen voice is incredibly authentic.”
Pat is usually juggling at least one adult book and one YA book (along with a Book Club selection or two). “I just finished Zora Neale Hurston's autobiography Dust Tracks on a Road for our Book Club — amazing perspective. I loved Michael Perry’s quirky biography, Truck: A Love Story (who knew I’d find romance in a book about rebuilding an old International pickup?). One of my favorite fall YA reads is Robin Brande's first novel, Evolution, Me, & Other Freaks of Nature.
Pat’s favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate almond. When she’s not working or reading, she enjoys hiking in the foothills and riding her bike on the Greenbelt. “ I'm a theatre and film geek, so I try to catch local productions (Boise High's Washington Street Players are awesome) as well as shows passing through town; we also head to the cinema on a regular basis. I have a 12-year-old son who keeps me pretty busy, too. My husband, my son, and I travel and camp throughout the West – we love national parks and anything historical. This past summer we traced the Oregon Trail from Idaho through Nebraska, with stops at historic sites like South Pass City, Fort Laramie, and Independence Rock to name a few.
Library to Library
So Much To See, So Much to Do during Idaho Family Reading Week
Family Reading Week (November 11-17) is sponsored annually by the Idaho Commission for Libraries' Read to Me project to encourage families to ready together for pleasure and to use their public and school libraries. Thanks to all the librarians who sent in information and photos about their programs and events:
Lewiston City Library / Heather Stout, Community/Youth Services Librarian
We had our annual scrapbook workshop on November 14th at 6:30 p.m. during Family Reading Week. Storybook character Yoko (picutred left) was in attendance and we gave away a hardback copy of her books, Yoko, and Yoko and the Paper Cranes. Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to create a 6"x6" scrapbook using our Accucut machine. The library supplied all the paper, stickers, scissors, etc. Many participants made Christmas scrapbooks for the upcoming holidays, as well as just multi-colored fun scrapbooks for anytime. Yoko also visited our area Head Start program and every child received his/her own copy of the Yoko book. Yoko was scheduled to roam around Locomotive Park in Lewiston and watch the annual "Lighting of the Trees," but it rained during the ceremony and Yoko, being an inside kitty and all, stayed at home. Thanks for another great Family Reading Week!
Ada Community Library, Boise / Cathy Schief, Youth Services department
Families were invited to arrive at the library at 7:00 pm for an hour of Geronimo Stilton, a puppet show, a craft and cheese tasting. The evening began with a funny puppet play which spun off of the original nursery rhyme, "Three Blind Mice." After the laughter, Geronimo himself walked into the crowded room of 120+ people. First Geronimo answered questions served up by the young readers. Children stared, smiled, and asked questions of him while adoring parents snapped pictures. Upon the exit of the mouse detective, everyone poured out into the craft area to create cheese hats from cardstock. Many choose to clip important news from the daily newspaper and paste onto paper. Many more stayed in the cheese tasting area and tasted five different cheeses. We even had the famous Stilton cheese sliced and ready to taste. It was great fun. There is always good attendance whenever a costumed character is scheduled.
Valley of the Tetons Library, Victor / Anna Taylor
My main goal was to ADVERTISE! We had it in the local paper, a marquis at the drive in, on the radio, on our printer receipts, a marquis at one of the schools, and in at least one school newsletter. We had a variety of library treasure hunts, and a drawing to win books. We didn't have guest readers or any really big events, but we started to promote e-audio books and the Lili databases. Glad it's over, but I'm pleased.
East Bonner County District Library, Sandpoint / Suzanne Davis, Youth Services Librarian
Our theme was "Batty for Books @ Your Library," and we held a bat presentation and Stellaluna Party on Saturday, November 17th. A representative from Albeni Falls Dam gave a 45 minute presentation on bats, and then we had a party. Party events included bobbing for apples, cupcake decorating, face painting, crafts, bingo, a piñata, and a visit from Stellaluna. We took pictures of the children that they were able to pick up from the library later that week. Between 60 - 70 children, and 40+ adults attended. Everyone had a great time!
Snake River School Community Library, Blackfoot / Sherrilynn Bair, Director
Storybook character Clifford the Big Red Dog (pictured left) hosted a great Family Reading Night at the Snake River Library on November 12th. Activities included:
- Gross Anatomy (3-6 grade)
- Story Time w/ Clifford the Big Red Dog (Pre-school - 2nd grade)
- Tractors and Treats (any age)
- Fairy Houses (any age)
- Bookmark Contest (Pre-8th grade)
- NetLibrary e-audiobook demonstration (any age)
Prairie River Library District / Claudia Jones, Director
Lilly the storybook mouse from Kevin Henkes' books visited four Head Start classes and the day care center here at Lapwai, reaching 68 children and 12 adults. We were short-staffed that day which left me "holding the bag" (it was a nifty purple one) and also reading the books. I ditched the costume's mouse head because I couldn't read while wearing it, and substituted a paper crown and some green paper frames to tape over my reading glasses. Except for several minor set-backs (I caught my cape in the car door and knocked the crown off once or twice) everything went smoothly. The kids had a blast and so did I. Best of all, it created an opportunity to work with Head Start staff, all of whom are tribal. Thanks for sending Lilly to Prairie-River. She was also a hit in Kooskia and Nezperce!
Jerome Public Library / Laura Burnett, Director
Jerome Public Library celebrated Idaho Family Reading Week with three nights of family entertainment. Special programming was held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, November 12, 14, and 16. Free books were given to the first 50 children who attended each night's program. All programs included presentations by local teachers on the topic "Why Read Aloud to Children?," but each evening offered something different to do and see at the library. On Monday from 4 to 6 p.m., State Senator Dean Cameron hosted local children's author, Patti Winn, as she read from her book Snake Stew and discussed "Believing in yourself." Senator Cameron also entertained families by reading aloud from his favorite children's books. Wednesday festivities ran from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Jerome County Commission Diana Obenauer serving as Master of Ceremonies and special reading guest. Families enjoyed a presentation by historical fiction writer Christine Bender on the voyages of Columbus and Magellan. Bender also discussed her plans to work this summer on an archaeological dig at a 16th-century whaling site in Labrador. Representative Maxine Bell took the helm on Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. She read stories and treated families to a poetry reading and discussion by Ken Rodgers, Award-winning poet and author of Trench Dining. Local singer/songwriters Gary Bench and Ned Carter from Burley were also on the agenda.
Garden City Public Library / Melodie Eisler, Youth Services Librarian
We had a wonderful family reading night with Geronimo Stilton (pictured left), the world traveling mouse with a nose for adventure, visiting us. Over 150 people came to the event. Children where given a passport to adventure when they entered the library and went to different environmental stations where they learned about the environment and did fun activities. They also learned what they could do as kids to help the environment. Geronimo visited with the kids and I read excerts from his books. They all dined on cheese and crackers and drank the Garden City Library's special Geronimo Grape Juice. Thank you all so much for sending us the books. They made wonderful raffle prizes.
Idaho Falls Public Library / Sarah Jackson, Youth Services Librarian
We did something fun in Idaho Falls that took little effort and worked out really well. We found an old TV which we cleaned up and put out during the month of November. We put out sticky-notes and pens and asked families to write down the names of the books they read together instead of watching TV in the month of November. Our TV is now covered with notes and families stop by to get ideas for what to read next from other families. It's been a fun month. A photo of our TV will be up at our flikr page soon.
Shoshone Public and Gooding Public Libraries / Pat Hamilton, Director 
In Gooding (pictured right) we had 99 children and have no idea of the number of adults, but lots. Huge success, costume was wonderful. Shoshone had 57 children and standing room only.
American Falls District Library / Francine Rudeen, Program Director
Thank you for the resources (books and Lilly costume) that enabled us to provide a fun and educational Idaho Family Reading Week here at the American Falls District Library. Lilly was very busy visiting 8 kindergarten classes, 2 Head Start classes, and 3 private preschool classes. Lilly also appeared at the library at our 2 preschool literacy programs, a lapsit program, and our afterschool Kids' Club. Our evening Pajama Storytime (a first for the library) had a huge turnout with many new families showing up.
McCall Public Library / Meg Lojek, Children's Librarian
Storybook dog Hank (a library trustee-pictured left) and I got a lot of mileage out of the costume. We visited daycares, 7 classrooms, and had an overwhelmingly successful Hank Party at the library the next evening. We sang a cool echo song about Hank, kids got free photos of themselves with Hank (we emailed digital versions to the parents), they decorated "dog-bone" cookies and did a "design your own cowboy boot" craft. Both teachers and parents thanked us for all we do to promote reading in the community. Kids were lined up 40 minutes early to get a chance at winning the free Hank books (wish I had had more!). Kids wanted to check out books while they were here, but we did not have the Circ. desk open or have the staff on hand to work circulation. I knew it would be fun, but I did not expect the overwhelming response! Thanks again--the little things like this add up to a community of kids who are excited about books.
Bear Lake County District Library, Montpelier / Mary Nate, Director
The Bear Lake County Library District had photographer Debbie Rich photograph everyone with their favorite book during their Family Reading Night November 12. Their pictures are posted on the library's web site at http://bearlake.lili.org/ and they are great!!
Clearwater County District Library, Weippe / Eva Griffith, Youth Services Librarian
Weippe and Pierce area schools were all combined at Timberline Schools beginning August, 2007. The school library staff is working on combining two elementary and one high school library, as well as carrying class loads. Family Reading Week is a difficult one for us. There are just so many evening school events in our small town. We chose one of only two available dates. The plan was to have Family Reading Night @WPL from 6 to 7 pm. Weippe Public Library provided the place and RIF books. The 21st Century After School Program kids prepared snacks, performed a skit and purchased $1 Store door prizes. An assisitant Timberline librarian provided punch and RIF books. Weippe's mayor, also a popular cast member of Hilltop Players, read to the kids. Everyone went home with at least one free book and a door prize. The teen prizes were also awarded. Clifford visited the elementary school classrooms the day before, and during the evening event.
Kuna District Library / Anne Hankins, Director
The Kuna Library "Cheesehead Chorus", (Kuna Library staff - pictured left) performed the song "At your Library" during Idaho Family Reading Week. Three performances at the library, as well as visiting 6 schools in Kuna, brought Geronimo together with over 1,000 young readers in Kuna! The Idaho Dairy Council donated 500 string cheese sticks, and the ICFL donated Geronimo Stilton books, which were a HUGE hit! A million "thank you's" to the Idaho Commission for Libraries for the Geronimo Stilton costume and the books. Library staff members can still be heard around the library singing the theme song. Geronimo Stilton books are flying off the shelves. One father came in and asked for that "Mouse Book" and we knew it was Geronimo!
Grace District Library / Linda Rassmussen, Director
We shared the Clifford costume with the Soda Springs Public Library, so I was able to take books and visit both elementary schools in the area as well as doing the special Story Hour at the library. A photo was published in the Nov. 22 Caribou County Sun with the information on Family Reading Week.
Latah County District Library, Juliaetta Branch / Jan Welles, Branch Supervisor
Here at Juliaetta we had intended to partner with the local elementary school for Family Reading Week; however, the school had their Scholastic Book Fair the week before and had a big celebration then with the parents invited to attend the book fair and also leave their students at the library while they attended parent-teacher conferences. Since I had the "Clifford" costume for the following week, I went up to school (pictured left) and visited then, taking along the President of our Friends group, Randy Haylett, as my guide. (It is really hot and dark inside that dog suit!) The kids were thrilled to see Clifford and Randy read some Clifford stories to them while Clifford provided the "woofs". I took along my digital camera and never thought about instructing the teachers or Randy in it's use beforehand. So when it came time to take some pictures, the teacher didn't know how to turn on the camera and asked Randy who didn't know either so she brought it over to "Clifford" and I pantomimed where the "on" button was. One of the second graders said "Look! It's Clifford's camera!" Then after much discussion about whether or not "Clifford" was "real", I heard a kindergartner saying to her mother that she knew he was real because as he was leaving the room she saw him wag his tail! We had so much fun and the kids were so excited about seeing Clifford and listening to stories that I think we had a fantastic "Family Reading Celebration" even though we couldn't have it at the same time as the book fair.
Post Falls Public Library / Lucy Barnard, Children's Librarian
During Idaho Family Reading Week, the Post Falls Public Library had a wild week with "Wild Thing" (a life-size costume of one of the characters from the book "Where the Wild Things Are"). Wild Thing (aka Charlotte Limesand) and Lucy Barnard shared stories and distributed over 200 free books at Head Start (pictured left), the Kindercenter Gap program and Kinderplus. The library also hosted a "Where the Wild Things Are" Family Fun Pajama Night which included a puppet show, songs, stories, and, of course, a dance to the rock n' roll song "Wild Thing." We were packed as over 300 people turned out for this event. Other celebrations during Idaho Family Reading Week included a reader's theater performance by a group of 5th graders from a local elementary school, and letters sent out by library staff to prominent community members (with return postage included) asking them to write us about what they are reading. Most of them replied and the library has put their responses into an attractive display which is getting quite a bit of attention. The Post Falls Public Library would like to thank the Idaho Commission for Libraries for helping to make our Idaho Family Reading Week a success by providing 150 free children's books and the Wild Thing costume.
Nampa Public Library / Laura Abbott, Public Services Associate
On Tuesday November 13th, two special literacy walking tours of downtown Nampa were the highlight of the Family Read Week. The Wild Thing storybook character and Nampa Public Library's own mascot Booker Bee (pictured left) did a walkabout of downtown businesses while other library staff including the Library Director, Karen Ganske, handed out copies of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, as well as fun reading stickers and bookmarks. Three downtown businesses partnered with the library in allowing the mascots to enter their businesses and greet their customers. The event was promoted with a press release and an accompanying photo in the Idaho Press Tribune, television community calendar spots, and posters displayed and flyers distributed in the library. Twenty copies of the book were given out to local children during the walking tour. Approximately 300+ people viewed the mascots during both walking tours.
During the entire week, children and their caregivers had an opportunity to pick up a family literacy packet. Included in the packet was a "contract" designed to promote reading or being read to for 20 minutes a day for 30 days. Children and their caregivers could sign the contract in order to be eligible to be entered in a drawing for a copy of Where the Wild Things Are. Also in the packet were 13 activity pages (in both English and Spanish) designed to spark an interest in reading and family togetherness. A total of 66 packets were made and all were taken by patrons and a total 53 entries/contracts were received for the chance to win the book. A local teacher after having taken one packet liked it so much that she asked if 24 more packets could be later made just for her to distribute to her 4th grade students in her effort to promote the use of the Nampa library. A total of 30 children each won a copy of the book in the drawing held the following week. The response from the children and caregivers for those receiving the book has been very positive. The children are truly happy to have their own copy of a book. Overall, the Idaho Family Read Week was a success at encouraging reading through fun events, at connecting children with books, and at promoting family reading and literacy-related activities.
Grangeville Centennial Library / Laurie Palmer, Community Editor, Idaho Free Press
Grangeville Centennial Library sponsored its annual pajama party reading night Wednesday, Nov. 14, for Family Reading Week. The event was sponsored by the library and the Grangeville Eagles. Sixth-nine children and 29 adults attended the celebration where children were given snacks, divided into groups and read to. Children also sang together with the help of Mrs. Chris Hansen-FitzMaurice and each child was given a book donated by the GEMS PTA First Books and purchased by the library through local sponsorship. Readers were FitzMaurice, Susan Bird and Joy Shoup. Helpers were Debbie Hays, Kay Stumpf, Joan Hall, Lisa Davis, Maria Baker, and librarians Linda Ruthruff and Margy Pelham.
Star Branch Library, Ada Community Library / Joy Lear, Branch Manger
We had a nighttime pajama story time for Family Read Week, and used the Danny and the Dinosaur costume, with dinosaur stories and songs, and gave away prize bags with a book and goodies. This was on Wednesday, Nov. 14th at 7 pm.
Young Adult Corner
Ellen Duncan, librarian at the Idaho Falls High School, shared this great idea for a fundraiser that they just successfully completed.
"Our school just completed the 'Exercise the Right to Read' program. It was a great success for three basic classes that reluctantly began the program and today, when we handed out prizes, asked if we could do this next trimester. The money raising lost its importance after we had made about 20 nonreaders into readers. It was awesome!!!
This fundraiser was so fun. You can read more about it on the "Exercise the Right to Read" website. Our school started later because we wanted to have a booth at Parent Teacher Conferences. The attachment and website describes the program better than I can. We printed out bookmarks (on the website) for the students to keep track of their reading and exercise. We took in $707 in pledges. We spent $75 dollars in prizes, donuts and bookmarks to make sure the prizes and event was awesome. We had a ton of donated prizes (Five-O skateboard, carwashes, food, bowling, caps, beanies, jump drives, books, etc). We will send $70.70 to First Book.
We had three essential classes reluctantly participate in the program. Today when I was handing out prizes, they asked if we could do it again next trimester! I would walk several times a week outside with three other teachers. It was so fun when the students went by and honked their horns. I also had a t-shirt that the organization gave me along with a "hoodie" that I ironed the logos on to. One teacher had the students do book talks every other day. The students could hardly wait to present their book.
We had students that said they had never read a book all the way through that actually read several books during the program! The students learned that there were books that they could read and enjoy. One boy on a very low reading level was so proud of himself reading a book as big as The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (the book is half pictures, half text)! Each student that participated handed in their log. We then did a raffle. We had the students fill out a survey of what prizes they would like the most (see attachment). I feel that they would not be too excited if they ended up with a prize they didn't like. They also got a donut, two Oriental Trading toys and a certificate to rent a free movie, bowling or French fries.
I would do the program again even if I didn't make a dime. It is awesome to see some of the 'troublemaker/slow students' of the school reading and saying 'Hey Mrs. Duncan' when they actually walk through the library doors. We had about 50 students and teachers participate."
Book Look
National Book Award wnners announced
The winners of the 58th National Book Award were announced on November 14th. The winner of the Young People’s Literature award is Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Little, Brown & Company).
Finalists were:
- Kathleen Duey, Skin Hunger: A Resurrection of Magic, Book One (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
- M. Sindy Felin, Touching Snow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
- Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Scholastic Press)
- Sara Zarr, Story of a Girl (Little, Brown & Company)
Free shelf-talkers and posters promoting the 2007 National Book Award Finalists are available from http://www.nationalbook.org/. The newly designed gold metallic shelf-talker and the attractive bold-color poster will catch the eye of readers in libraries. To receive a batch of 10 Winner and 10 Finalist shelf-talkers or a poster e-mail Sherrie Young, syoung@nationalbook.org. You can also listen to interviews with the award-winners and finalists at the web site.
Upcoming Events
Teens and Tech Couse has eight open slots. If you are interested in signing up for the upcoming Teens and Tech 2008 online and face-to-face workshops, space is filling up quickly. For more information and the online registration form, see http://libraries.idaho.gov/files/default/regfrm20071026Swal.pdf. A cohort of 25 people will participate in an online class January 14-Febraury 22, 2008 to learn how teens' use of technology to play, learn, and create improves their text-based literacy skills. This group of people will meet face-to-face in Boise before and after the online course. ICFL will pay the $212 registration fee, plus travel and related expenses for the two meetings in Boise. Contact Sue or Stephanie at the Idaho Commission for Libraries if you have any questions. 
Summer Reading News
Time to Order Materials for 2008 Summer Reading
The deadline to order "Catch the Reading Bug" theme-related materials from Upstart is Saturday, December 1st. By ordering early, you ensure that you will have the best selection and will receive your order by March 1, 2008. The Idaho Commission for Libraries will send every public library a FREE large bilingual poster (page 2) and a rubber stamp (page 7). Keep in mind, if you are participating in any of the Bright Futures Outreach Opportunities (deadline to apply is March 14, 2008), you will be getting the following items from the Commission:
- School Visits - slap bracelets - number to be determined by the enrollment of the schools you will visit (these will be a special order, not shown on Upstart order form) and 2 canvas tote bags for the library and 2 bags for each school you visit (page 9 on the order form)
- Underserved Children - in addition to free paperback books, you will receive one stand up display (page 2) and painting sheets (pg. 12)
- Read for Your Library - in addition to books, your will receive a special summer reading flag for your library and each school partner (special order)
- Steering Committee - in addition to books, each participating library receives 15 buttons (page 7)
- Website - each participating library receives a vinyl banner (page 5) and 50 bug jars (page 12)
You can order online at www.upstartpromotions.com/cslp or by telephone 1-800-448-4887 or by fax 1-800-448-5828.
Highsmith/Upstart Tests Summer Reading Materials
Highsmith/Upstart is the official vendor for the Collaborative Summer Library Program's (CSLP) 2008 summer reading theme. CSLP's contract with Highsmith stipulates that all products they purchase for sale to CSLP must be tested and that they will only sub-contract with overseas companies that are certified/identified as businesses that do not use child or slave labor, provide humane working conditions and pay a fair market rate to their workers. Test results are available for the products that were custom-made for the CSLP or manufactured on behalf of Highsmith. The tests were performed on samples taken directly from the production lots sent to our warehouse. The other items are purchased "off the shelf" and are also tested, just not specifically tested for our program. Documentation on these items is also available.
Testing is done by Intertek, a British company that is a global leader in testing and certification. The product must be tested in China prior to shipment, which accounts for the Chinese address. The testing was done at their Hong Kong office. Here's their website if you would like to take a look: http://www.intertek.com/. Please contact Peggy if you have any questions.
Error in "Catch a Reading Bug" Order Form
Please be aware that there is an error regarding the color of the women's t-shirt. The correct color is light periwinkle as pictured on page 10 of the order form. The error is on the order form--the order form says the women's t-shirt is bright green (NOT!). The correct color for the womens t-shirt is light periwinkle. Highsmith is aware of the discrepancy and this is what they are doing about it: All phone customers will be alerted to the correct color. The web will reflect the correct color. All mail and fax orders that have quantities above 20 shirts will be contacted to confirm the correct color.
School Zone
Idaho School Librarians Attend National Conference
Several Idaho librarians attended the recent American Association for School Librarians (AASL) conference in Reno, Nevada. Thank you to those who are sharing their experiences.
Christie Nichols, Meridian School District
I was lucky to attend the AASL conference in Reno with 10 other librarians from the Meridian School District. Many thanks for the LTSA grant that made my trip possible. Two highlights from the conference were an excellent presentation on using graphic novels with reluctant readers and the chance to hear Lois Duncan, Chris Crutcher and Carolyn Mackler speak about challenged and banned books. I had no idea Ms. Duncan would be presenting, and when I realized she was sitting right in front of me, I nearly burst in to tears!
Nancy VanDinter, Bishop Kelly High School, Boise
The AASL conference in Reno was a great way to renew the spirit, update skills and get brand new ideas. Every moment of the three days was packed with valuable activities. I was especially glad to have the opportunity to meet other librarians from private schools from other parts of the country.
Daniel Pink, best-selling business author, gave a rousing opening session address. As an authority on the changing nature of the U.S. economy, he emphasized the necessity for developing right brain skills (artistic, creative) in the new market environment. He addressed the three main factors affecting the United States-abundance, Asia and automation-and the need for innovation and creativity.
There was time to browse the fifty-five tabletop exhibits during the two-hour Exploratorium. Attendees could talk with librarians and get information on teen book clubs, how to raise the profile of the media center, the power of graphic novels and get a lesson on banned books.
I attended a session on high-tech tools and came away with practical suggestions for the use of blogs, wikis, video sites and podcasts. Blogs can be used in reader's advisory, book reviews, books clubs and collaboration between classes and between schools. Podcasts can be linked to the catalog and feature students talking about books. The new technology can help educators develop deeper learning opportunities and help students make global connections.
I also enjoyed two sessions on reading promotion. One high school created a café and invited outside speakers to give booktalks. A local bookstore provided copies of the books for sale. Another school held summer reading book discussions with seniors as the discussion leaders. Since we have a similar program with adult leaders, I was interesting in incorporating this idea.
At the end of the closing general session, everyone received a copy of the new Standards for the 21st Century Learner to take home. The conference was very successful, and I left with lots of ideas to implement in my school.
Know the Numbers
Thanks to Rhonda Putney, Lakeshores Library System and Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System, for theses excerpts from her Youth Services Update, November 7, 2007.
Parents Playing a More Active Role in Their Kids' Lives
For librarians and others who wish parents would support-or more strongly support-their children's education, here's good news: newly released U.S. Census data reveal that parents are taking a more active role in the lives of their kids than they did 10 years ago. http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/2004_detailedtables.html
The Census report, "A Child's Day: 2004," released on October 31, surveyed the families of 73,000 children and found that 68 percent of three- to five-year-olds had limits placed on their television time, up from 54 percent in 1994. And it wasn't just the youngest kids who had stepped-up restrictions on TV. Seventy-one percent of children ages 6 to 11 were restricted, versus 60 percent 10 years earlier. The report concentrates on children 18 and younger and offers 30 tables addressing issues such as children's living arrangements, family characteristics, time spent in child care, academic experience, and extracurricular activities.
Included is a finding close to a librarian's heart: Children one to two had been read to an average of 7.8 times in the week preceding the survey, while children three to five had been read to an average of 6.8 times. About half of all children ages one to five, meanwhile, had had someone read to them seven or more times a week just before the survey.
Parents exerted a positive influence on their children in other ways: 74 percent of children younger than six were praised by their mother or father three or more times a day. The same was true for 54 percent of children six to 11, and 40 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds. Further, the percentage of children participating in music, dance, computers, religion, or other lessons rose, for six- to 11-year-olds, to 33 percent in 2004, up from 24 percent in 1994.
Among the "positive" declines in the survey was the percentage of children who changed schools. This figure dropped to 26 percent from 30 percent for six- to 11-year-olds, and to 42 percent from 52 percent for 12- to 17-year-olds. (SLJ's Extra Helping, 11/7/07)
Public Libraries in the United States: Fiscal Year 2005
This report, released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), includes national and state summary data on public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with an introduction, selected findings, and several tables. The report, based on data from the Public Libraries Survey for fiscal year 2005, includes information on population of legal service area, service outlets, library collections and services, full-time equivalent staff, and operating revenue and expenditures. The report includes several key findings: Nationwide, visits to public libraries totaled 1.4 billion, or 4.7 library visits per capita. The average number of Internet terminals available for public use per stationary outlet was 11.2.
You can view, download, and print the full report as a PDF file at http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2008301.
For information on Idaho libraries, see the most recent statistical report at .
A Closer Look at Early Literacy Materials
Libraries serve an important role in promoting early literacy skills in babies, toddlers, and preschool children. Already, libraries promote these skills through access to books, storytimes, parenting information, knowledgeable staff, and much more. The Oregon State Library has formulated “A Framework for Action” of several concrete ways public libraries can encourage children, parents, and caregivers to develop reading and language proficiency in four different areas:
• Early Literacy materials/collections
• Atmosphere/children’s environments
• Programming
• Training and staff development.
Last issue we highlighted information about atmosphere/children’s environment. This issue we’re including their ideas on materials and collections. Below are several concrete ways you can encourage children, parents, and caregivers to develop reading and language proficiency by looking at your library’s atmosphere and children’s environments. Some libraries may have more defined early literacy programs than others. You may be starting a program (First Steps) or be improving an already great program (Giant Steps). Take a look at the following list and check off the activities that you’re already doing. Even if you don’t have an early literacy program, you may be surprised by how much you’re already doing to prepare children to read in all three areas. And even if you’ve been working with early literacy for a long time, you may find ideas in First, Next, or Giant Steps that may help you enhance your activities. Regardless as to where you’re at in your program, we hope this inspires you to further help the children in your communities.
To ensure that all libraries have high quality and adequate quantity of materials that support early literacy…
First Steps:
Have collections of materials for children ages 0-5
Board books, toddler books, picture books
Make these collections easy to find
Include CDs, DVDs
Have materials for parents and caregivers including books, parenting magazines, and videos
Next Steps:
Buy more picture books and board books
Have collections of materials for parents and caregivers
Have handouts for parents and caregivers
Brochures, booklists, and booklets of children’s rhymes
Bookmarks, brochures, and booklists
Start with Public Library Association website (http://www.pla.org/) and the Department of Education literacy site (http://www.ed.gov/) for free booklets and downloads
Offer picture books and board books in languages other than English
Circulate tubs of books to early education sites and child care facilities
Circulate toys (like puppets, puzzles, etc.)
Create simple theme kits, bags, totes, etc. (Something simple, like one book, one cassette, and one puppet)
Giant Steps:
Create more detailed Theme Bags
Create and circulate bags for parents and caregivers of babies
Offer more picture books and board books in more languages other than English
Offer resources for parents and caregivers in languages other than English
Provide resources and materials for parents and caregivers about early literacy
Create Baby Bags (not themed) for children from birth to 18 months, including resources for parents in languages other than English
Create Preschool Theme Bags in languages other than English
Create an early literacy website for parents and caregivers with information about early literacy research and brain development, activities to foster literacy development, booklists, and children’s rhymes
Circulate tubs of books to early education sites and child care facilities
Create DVD or VHS of best ways for adults to share books with children
Create “Crayons” of activities that foster early literacy skill development for parents
Find funding for a Parenting Collection in every library
We’ve been borrowing some great information from Oregon’s Statewide Early Literacy Initiative. You can read more about what our neighbors are doing at http://www.oregon.gov/OSL/LD/youthsvcs/earlylit/ .
Tips & Tools
2008 GIANT STEP AWARD
Gale and School Library Journal announce the 2008 Giant Step Award. Has your school or public library made a significant improvement or created new programs that have had a huge impact on student learning? Then enter our Giant Step Award.
Sponsored by Gale, part of Cengage Learning, and School Library Journal, Giant Step recognizes libraries that have made a difference over the last three years with up to $10,000 in cash prizes. So, don't waste any time - run to your computer and apply today! Nominations will be accepted through February 11, 2008.
U.S. and Canadian school library media centers and the youth services departments of public libraries are eligible to apply. Applicants must be certified librarians. Go to http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/info/CA446097.html for more details.
Free books for public and school libraries! The fifth annual We the People Bookshelf grant, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) is now open. See www.wethepeople.gov/bookshelf for the application. The deadline for submitting applications is January 25, 2008.
The We the People Bookshelf is a set of classic books for young readers from Kindergarten through high school. The theme now is “Created Equal” and it includes the following titles:
Kindergarten to Grade 3
- The Ugly Duckling, by Hans Christian Andersen
- The Gettysburg Address, by Abraham Lincoln
- Pink and Say, by Patricia Polacco
- Pink y Say, by Patricia Polacco (translated by Alejandra Lopez Varela)
Grades 4 to 6
- Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence, by Russell Freedman
- Lincoln: A Photobiography, by Russell Freedman
- Many Thousand Gone: African Americans from Slavery to Freedom, by Virginia Hamilton
- Lyddie, by Katherine Paterson
- Lyddie, by Katherine Paterson (translated by Rosa Benavides)
Grades 7 to 8
- Saturnalia, by Paul Fleishman
- Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, by Russell Freedman
- Abraham Lincoln the Writer: A Treasury of his Greatest Speeches and Letters, edited by Harold Holzer
- Breaking Through, by Francisco Jiménez
- Senderos Fronterizos: Breaking Through, Spanish Edition by Francisco Jiménez
Grades 9 to 12
- Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution, by Natalie S. Bober
- That All People May Be One People, Send Rain to Wash the Face of the Earth, by Nez Perce Chief Joseph
- Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes
- Flores Para Algernon, by Daniel Keyes (translated by Paz Barroso)
- Lincoln’s Virtues: An Ethical Biography, by William Lee Miller
- Amistad: A Novel, by David Pesci
Libraries selected to receive the Bookshelf must plan programs that introduce the “Created Equal” theme and books to the library’s students, young patrons, or to intergenerational audiences. Programming ideas are available for use in planning your library’s application narrative and are available on the web site listed above.
News Beyond Idaho
My Wonderful World www.mywonderfulworld.org/
This is " a National Geographic-led campaign -- backed by a coalition of national business and non-profit organizations -- to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in communities." Find campaign materials, games and activities, geography quizzes, and ideas for parents, educators, and children and teens to incorporate geographic knowledge and learning into daily life. From the National Geographic Society. (Copyright 2007 by Librarians' Internet Index, LII This Week, 11/0807)
Talk Back: We welcome your feedback on anything in The Scoop. Just e-mail Peggy or Stephanie and we'll print your comments in The Scoop.
