PLA Blog

This workshop, hosted by the California Library Association Literacy Section, brought together a roomful of highly motivated people to discuss literacy programs in libraries. My career before library science was in linguistics and TESL. I have taught basic writing and sociolinguistics, understand basic literacy issues, and have had exposure to the adult literacy program in my area called ATLAS run by the local adult and community education center, not the library. So I felt right at home with this group though I missed the morning session, “Trailblazers and the Pioneers who Followed: Discovering the Role for Literacy in Libraries,” presenting the 20 year history of literacy services in libraries around the country by leaders who were there.

In the afternoon, Joan Frye Williams, Library Futurist, explained why in 2006 the California State Library scrapped its literacy at the library marketing strategies of 20 years to start all over. They surveyed over 200 volunteers tutors and students and concluded that their current publicity efforts were not effective in getting people to “step up to the plate and participate.” The reasoning behind the change and the new approach they’ve initiated is forthcoming.

The second afternoon session featured an expert in volunteer coordination and management, Carla Lehn. Carla is a hugely motivating speaker, who massaged us with true-life stories, words of wisdom gleaned through years of working at nonprofits managing the volunteer resources, and inspirational best practices for finding and keeping your volunteers. Of most interest to me was how to write meaningful volunteer job descriptions organized from the standpoint of the volunteer job seeker, not the employer. For example: subsections include Importance of Position–what are significant outcomes brought about by this position, Qualifications–lists of skills, attitudes, knowledge necessary for the job, Responsibilities—what is expected of the volunteer, Training Provided—volunteers get training, Benefits of Volunteering—positive outcomes from serving, Time Commitments—numbers of hours and months expected, and Grounds for Termination—(yes, you can fire a volunteer). Carla had us writing meaningful descriptions, gave us a pack of job descriptions from libraries all over California, and a copy of her purple book called Volunteer Involvement in California Libraries: Best Practices.

The final day session Valerie Reinke explained the difference between outputs and outcomes and the importance of that difference in “Outcomes: Making the Case for Literacy Services.” Outputs are quantifiable data, the how much and how many statistics that libraries love to collect—circulation, cardholders, holdings, while outcomes are qualitative descriptions of successes in terms lives changed and goals achieved, not through numbers, but through stories that show increased knowledge and changed behaviors. She found that numbers without contexts do nothing to showcase the successes in literacy programs, and when looked at within the context of the library makes literacy programs the first to suffer in hard times because of their comparatively small numbers of people served. This led her to realize that library literacy programs lacked the verbiage to define outcomes according to their own paradigms and left them vulnerable to being defined by others in unfavorable terms. “We have to define ourselves and not let others define us for us.”

At the closing session Taylor Willingham helped us have a conversation about our visions of the future of literacy services in libraries. Starting with Gandhi’s dictum, “Be the change you want to see,” Taylor encouraged us to think about why this literacy symposium was called Mining Gold? She asked us to take a journey into the future and imagine us meeting again in 10 years, 2017. What will we be saying about our literacy programs? We get there from here by right now thinking abut the change you want to see and being that change!! Isn’t this true in all aspect of life?

Kristin Yiotis
SLIS, SJSU
ALASC Chair 2006-07

In my previous life I worked for a vendor in various positions and did not have many opportunities to attend the lectures and programs held in the early evening. I took advantage of my new position at the conference to attend the Arthur Curly Memorial Lecture by Joe Klein, Time Magazine and began to think about how his lecture relates to public libraries.

Joe Klein, columnist for Time Magazine gave an arousing lecture on the Iraq War Saturday evening. He laid out the reasons the Bush administration began the war and why it is unwinnable. His analysis was clear and enlightened. He answered audience questions until 6:00 p.m., answering questions about the upcoming presidential campaign, Iran and Palestine. One audience member made an important point about misinformation. She received an e-mail about the alleged background of Barak Obama. The e-mail accused Obama of being related to Osama Bin Laden and a member of extremist Islamic groups.

Klein underlined the importance of libraries periodically during his talk and after this comment. He called libraries “Curators of Citizenship.” He wants libraries to create displays and programs about Islam and the Arab World. While many libraries are doing this, his talk seemed to bring a sense of urgency and increased effort. Campaigning for the 2008 presidential election is already beginning. The importance of picking a new President to deal with the Iraq war and work in the delicate regions of the world makes the library’s place as educator even more important. Truthful information about the world needs to be available to everyone equally. And, of course, this is where the public library comes in. If it has been a while since your library provided programming on Iraq, Islam, or the Arab World maybe it is time to get creative! Encouraging curiosity about the world is what libraries do best. And, for those of you with great programming ideas please share them here or in another forum.

The Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) are proud to introduce the Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® wiki, which can be found at http://wikis.ala.org/ecrr. The wiki allows new and current users of the Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® program to share innovative ideas and best practices.

PLA and ALSC jointly developed the Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library® program to provide public libraries with vital tools to help prepare parents for their critical role as their child’s first teacher. Based on research from the PLA/ALSC Early Literacy Initiative, the three Every Child Ready to Read® programs target parents and caregivers of children ages: 0-2 years-old (Early talkers), 2-3 years-old (Talkers), and 4-5 years-old (Pre-readers). Since the program’s training and materials were introduced in 2004, hundreds of libraries have held programs for parents and caregivers to prepare them to help children get ready to read. To learn more about the program, please visit www.ala.org/everychild

To order Every Child Ready to Read® materials, visit www.alastore.ala.org. For more information on Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library®, contact the PLA office at 800-545-2433. ext. 5PLA, ALSC office at ext. 2164, or visit www.ala.org/everychild. PLA and ALSC are divisions of the American Library Association.

This came to my attention very recently through the ALA Public Programs listserv. The deadline for application submission is very tight (December 18, 2006), but it seems like it would be worth the hustle and trouble for interested libraries. All bold emphasis mine.

Dear Library Colleague:

In the spring of 2006, Arthur marked a milestone that few children’s-or adult-series ever attain: ten seasons on the air! To celebrate the occasion, the WGBH Educational Foundation is pleased to launch Arthur’s 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative, a new outreach effort targeting public libraries.

This new outreach effort is designed to use the series’ continuing popularity to support two intersecting target audiences-libraries and parents. Many parents become library users when their children are toddlers and preschoolers. Many also know the importance of reading aloud to support their children’s literacy development. However, as their children age and become readers themselves, parents often relegate responsibility for their children’s reading success to teachers and become less aware of how libraries can support them and their children as they grow older.

WGBH will award grants in the amount of $1,000 each to 15 public libraries, asking them to design projects using the Arthur resources and targeting parents and children, including soon-to-be as well as independent readers. We seek libraries that represent diversity in size, location, and population served (with an emphasis on reaching at-risk audiences), and will also consider the creativity of their approach and the strength of their community partners (including local PBS stations), which will be essential to access families not currently served by the library.

We invite you to apply for an Arthur’s 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative grant. Applications are due by Monday, December 18, 2006 and can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/chapters/literacyoutreach.htm.

If you have questions on the grant application, please feel free to contact Natalie Hebshie, Arthur Outreach Coordinator, at 617/300-3639 or by e-mail at .

Sincerely,
WGBH Educational Outreach

What You Can Expect from WGBH:

• A $1,000 grant to defray the cost of staff time and materials required to develop targeted outreach activities for kids and families.
• Arthur Library Event Guide. This online resource includes ideas to engage kids across the age spectrum in reading activities.
• Let’s Read! (in English and Spanish). This family activity booklet offers ideas for how parents can support their children’s literacy at different ages.
• Arthur anniversary stickers and pencils for distribution to young patrons
• Read Aloud Book Club Kit for young readers, including six book club session cards with activity suggestions, and books for distribution.
• Arthur-themed bulletin board decorations.

What WGBH Expects From Your Library:

• Design outreach activities that support kids and families.
• Partner with your local PBS Station on your outreach activities.
• Utilize ideas and activity suggestions from the Arthur Library Event Guide.
• Distribute Arthur outreach materials, including Let’s Read!, stickers, and pencils.
• Publicize your activities.
• Complete and submit a final report on your outreach activities (final report form provided by WGBH).

Dates to Keep in Mind:

• Grant applications due to WGBH Educational Outreach: December 18, 2006
• 15 grantees selected and notified: January 2, 2007
• Grantees complete final report and submit to WGBH: April 30, 2007

Questions? Please contact Natalie Hebshie, Arthur Outreach Coordinator at 617/300-3639 or by e-mail at .

These two tidbits came to me care of the ALA Public Programs Office email list. There are more grants and awards (with upcoming deadlines), events, and news listings listed on the ALA Public Programs Office part of the ALA site, as well as information on how to subscribe to the email listserv.

Carnegie Whitney Grant Deadline Approaching
http://www.ala.org/work/pubs/Carnegie.html
The American Library Association Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes, or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. Applications must be received by November 6, 2006. Recipients will be notified by the end of February 2007.

ALA Seeks Grant Applicants for New We the People Bookshelf
http://www.ala.org/wethepeople
This year, we are offering 2,000 sets of classic books for children on the theme the “Pursuit of Happiness.” To apply, simply complete the easy online application by describing how your library will create a theme-related program that highlights the Bookshelf titles. Applications are due by January 31, 2007.

I’ve noticed a plethora of surveys and other feedback requests for librarians out there recently. You may want to consider offering your solicited opinion to these efforts, your voice counts!

ALA Web Site Usability Survey
http://tinyurl.com/y6yhta
Love it? Hate it? Let them know by taking the survey. While there is no published deadline for taking the survey (all accounts I’ve seen note the deadline as “late October 2006″), it is still up as of today, so take a moment to help ALA improve the web site.

ALA Online Resource Center for Library Cultural Programming Survey
http://tinyurl.com/tebaw

The ALA Public Programs Office is developing a resource called “The Online Resource Center for Library Cultural Programming” (ORC). The ORC will be a “one stop” web site where librarians interested in cultural programming can find all the information they need to learn about and present quality public programs, program ideas, presenters, partners, funding, training and materials. … Responses are requested by NOVEMBER 20, 2006.

Library Journal Sixth Annual Movers & Shakers
HTML form:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6358087.html (LJ notes that you may want to print your HTML form before submitting)
PDF form:
http://www.libraryjournal.com/contents/pdf/LJMoveShakeForm.pdf

“The sixth annual Movers & Shakers supplement will profile 50-plus up-and-coming individuals from across the United States and Canada who are innovative, creative, and making a difference. From librarians to vendors to others who work in the library field, Movers & Shakers 2007 will celebrate the new professionals who are moving our libraries ahead. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2006.”

2007 ALA Recognition Awards and Grants
http://tinyurl.com/wzw86
“Nominations are being sought for the 2007 American Library Association (ALA) Recognition Awards and Grants. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline for awards is December 1.” There are 15+ awards to choose from, so if you know of a deserving library or librarian, take a look a the list and show them some love.

Google Librarian Center and Newsletter Survey (added 2:30pm)
http://tinyurl.com/yg8yw6

The purpose of this survey is to help us identify how we can improve the Librarian Center and Newsletter to better fit your needs. … We hope that you’ll take the 10-15 minutes to complete this survey and let us know more about you and what you’d like to see from our program. … Please note that the survey will close on October 31st, 2006.

 I attended the ALSC-sponsored program “Lyrics to Literacy” on Monday, June 26. This program caught my eye by the description: “Through song, story, rhythm and chant, learn techniques to develop early literacy skills. Participants will learn how to enhance self-esteem, strengthen reading readiness, language development and promote brain growth.” Doesn’t that sound fun?

I wasn’t able to stay for the entire program, but I was able to grab the handouts and learn a few songs. This program was presented by Debbie Clement and Carole Peterson, two singer/songwriter/performers. Some highlights:

Carole’s 7 Terrific Techniques For Using Active Music:

1. Eye Contact
2. Encouraging Nods and Smiles
3. EXPLAIN: Give clear instructions and expectations BEFORE activity begins, AND how as it ends!
4. Tempo - slow the song down to teach it, turn off the boombox
5. Be prepared - Have all materials ready and tapes cued
6. Use props, visuals, and manipulatives
7. Pace - vary the activity level, and bring excitement down to end session

Debbie’s Directions:

1. Have fun! Enjoy! Smile! Laugh!
2. Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. (4x)
3. Follow your rituals and recipes.
4. Be willing to take a risk.
5. Begin slowly. Play with the speed.
6. Choose a comfortable key/pitch.
7. Animate and exaggerate your face.
8. Watch the children for clues/ideas.
9. Remember rule #1 at all times: have fun!

I don’t want to post the song lyrics (possible copyright issues, since the songs are all originals), but more information can be found on their individual websites:

Carole Peterson - http://www.macaronisoup.com/ (Music CDs - good for storytimes!)

Debbie Clement - http://www.rainbowswithinreach.com/ (Music CDs and more - check out those cute shaker eggs!) and http://kweezletown.com/ (the site isn’t fully up yet)

The PLA All-Committee Meeting was held on Sunday, June 25, at the New Orleans Marriott. Forty-three committees met at separate tables to plan and discuss upcoming events.

I am a member of the Services to Preschool Children and their Caregivers Cluster. One problem that the committee noticed is that so many great sessions are planned during conferences, but not everyone is able to attend every program. Also, since programs are held at conferences, we never reach those who cannot attend the conferences. A solution was to post information on PUBYAC or other similar listservs. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

We also discussed our upcoming program at ALA Annual 2007 in Washington, D.C. Titled “Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails: Every Boy Ready to Read @ Your Library”, the session will discuss using brain research to plan early literacy storytimes for both genders. As one who performs weekly preschool storytimes, I’m looking forward to learning more about planning storytimes for the male gender (those boys love to run and be active!). Look for it at next Annual!

Hey y’all!

I’m Anne Robert, a children’s librarian who works with the Jacksonville (FL) Library. I am a native Louisianaian; I lived in Baton Rouge (about 90 miles north of N’awlins) for 22 years. It’s great to be back in New Orleans - except for the humidity (one thing I don’t miss!).

I arrived here yesterday and acted like a tourist, taking pictures and absorbing culture. It’s nice to have time during a conference to look around before actually beginning the conference aspect.

Today I went to two sessions: That’s Tight! Teen Volunteer Success Stories and Tapping Resources: Serving Children Through Partnerships.

A brief summary of each:

That’s Tight!

• Teenagers should be treated with respect, just like the adult volunteers
• Three key words: Ideas, Investment, Reward
• Ideas: Create tasks for the teenagers before they volunteer at the library (so you won’t be flabbergasted when they show up)
• More Ideas: Have teenagers do more than just shelving, such as reading to the children, helping with projects, assist with collection development of popular items (CDs, DVDs, graphic novels), help with computers/databases, summer reading club helper, monitor programs
• Investment: Train them properly with verbal (words) and physical (paper) training; give customer service tips (as you would your staff)
• Reward: Always thank them for their help and hard work! Consider writing them a nice letter at the end of their volunteer term (could be used as a referral for college)

I have about 17 teen volunteers in my children’s department this summer, so this session helped me with new ideas on how to fully use them as great resources this summer.

Tapping Resources

• Develop community partnerships with groups outside your library, such as businesses, non-profits, and/or government agencies
• Partnership is a two-way street and each group should get something back
• Partnerships were compared to human relationships: they can be short-term (like a glance or date) or more long-term (like an engagement or marriage)
• Access your library’s strengths before beginning the process and use partnership as a strategic tool

Welcome to New Orleans! And as we say here, Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Recently, the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County celebrated the Day of the Children / Day of Books, in concordance with many international literacy groups. DOC/DOB celebrates literacy at an international level. I had the opportunity to ask Alicia Williams, the coordinator of the program and bilingual outreach services specialist at the library, a few questions about their successful day.

Steven M. Cohen - Who took part in Day of the Children / Day of Books? Did you work with any community partners? Parents? Schools?

Alicia Williams - I recruited several groups/persons who are active in the community to participate. I invited Jose Hernandez, who is a parent advocate for a popular CMS (our public schools) TV show about diversity, Del Fallar is a lady who is prominent in the Asian community who came, [and] Mecklenburg County Commissioner, Jennifer Roberts came. All three of the these people came and spoke about the significance of bilingual cultures and the importance of implementing bilingual literacy into our children’s lives. I also invited a Latino dance group named, Ballet Las Amerícas to perform. They performed at the beginning of the celebration with dances from different Latin American countries as well as Spain. I coordinate a parent/volunteer program called Conexiones que Cuentan. This program serves Hispanic children ages birth-5 in preparing them for school. The parent/volunteers are trained in how to be their child’s first teacher. I have 16 volunteers in this program who lead these community programs. I had 7 help me out. I also asked librarians who work at ImaginOn (where we had the celebration) to help out. My two co-workers who also work with the Hispanic community helped out in leading some activities. I invited a local Hispanic artist to come and do a painting session with the children. This worked out very well.

SMC - Was there a national/international organization that helped you plan the event?

AW - Here in the US, the National Latino Children’s Institute has adopted this as a national celebration. They have a kit where you can get the proclamation for Dia which we used and translated it into German and French. It was already in Spanish and English. This is the component I borrowed from this agency. I did apply and receive a grant from EL PUEBLO (Raleigh, NC) who gave me a grant for $400 to buy books for every child attending. They are a great resource. They also gave out at the celebration goodie bags for the children as well as bookmarks. I also bought books. Each child who attended received a book. PET DAIRY donated milk and OJ for this event. So, when we had our storytime session, they all had cookies and milk.

SMC - Where did you get the idea to do your unique interpretation of the program?

AW - I figured we needed several representatives from the community who could serve as leaders to the parents attended and emphasis the importance of bilingualism. Also, the activities I figured we needed to have activities for all children. So, we had a painting session for younger children, a piñata for the older children, and then a parenting session where they recounted rhymes, stories, and songs of when they were children. I just thought about what would be fun and how to get a community into a facility that would normally be shy to come to a library. This celebration attracted mostly persons from the Hispanic community, but when we marketed the program, I made sure to emphasize the celebration was international. Children’s author, Pat Mora visited PLCMC for a book festival a couple of years ago. Her and I spoke in depth about Dia and how to implement something here in Charlotte, NC. So, I ran with it and it turned out great.

SMC - How many children/parents attended? How was the turnout?

AW - There were about 500 people we served that day. I would say that we had about 350 children and then 150 parents.

SMC - How can librarians connect with the community like you did? What goes into the planning?

AW - I think I have a different connection with the community than the typical librarian. This is because I am not a librarian, I am a bilingual outreach specialist and with my program, Conexiones que Cuentan, I am in the community daily. I think it starts with knowing the community you serve or trying to serve and it takes going out into the community and gaining their trust and confidence.