No More Books in the School Library

So a library at a small private school in MA is getting rid of their books.  All of them.  Woa.  This is interesting.  It's perhaps the first library in the country to do it.  Kindles and laptops will house all their books now.  I was intrigued by one of the quotes by the executive director of the library:

In order for librarians to do a good job, an exceptional job of focusing on online resources, they really need to move away from some of the other priorities they've had in the past.

Thoughts?  Outraged?  I'd be interested to hear.

Happy Holidays!

I hope that, with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, people are taking time to enjoy being with family, friends and loved ones. I also hope that you are enjoying the first big snow of the season!  Here is a lovely Scottish poem that I found from an anonymous author that describes how I feel about our first snow:

Falling Snow

See the pretty snowflakes
Falling from the sky,
On the wall and housetops
Soft and thick they lie.

On the window ledges,
On the branches bare,
Now how fast they gather,
Filling all the air.

Look into the garden,
Where the grass was green;
Covered by the snowflakes,
Not a blade is seen.

Now the bare black bushes,
All look soft and white,
Every twig is laden -
What a pretty sight!

Snow is beautiful and please take the time to enjoy it this holiday season as you celebrate the festival that your family holds dear. Happy Holidays!

Little Clickers

Have you ever thought of hosting a program to help preschoolers with their computer skills?  It's an interesting idea and Darien Library in CT is having huge success with their new class: Little Clickers class.

National Gaming Day Statistics

American Libraries Inside Scoop (great blog!) posted some interesting stats on National Gaming Day 2009 participation.  I'd really like to kick up usage of the ACLA Gaming Trunks in 2010.  This is good stuff and it's drawing people who'd previously written the library off as irrelevant!

A Plug for Inviting Parents Into Storytime

I know back when I was doing some storytimes at Sewickley Public Library, I kind of wanted the kids all to myself.  So we could really get silly.  Parents sometimes seemed distracted, not into it, and kids behaved differently when parents were around.  However, the more parent-attended storytimes I've observed, I'd do it differently if I was back in the library.  I think the librarian has the role of really setting the tone, and that tone, when it's inclusive and lively can combat some of those parent-behaviors we all grimace at.   Now, you have 10-15 role models all in the room showing kids how to love reading, get up and dance and let the sillies out.

This post was inspired by an article I read waaaaay back in May in American Libraries, Family Storytime by Rob Reid.  Sadly, it's nowhere online.  It was short and sweet and to the point - families make storytime better.  Reid highlights some great crowd-pleasing authors like Mo Willems, Doreen Cronin, Margie Palatini, Adam Rex and everyone's favorite, Jon Scieszka. 

One of his newest books (we're just this month adding it to the ACLA Professional Collection if you'd like to check it out:) Shake and Shout

Maybe we should get him to come to Allegheny County!

Fun Fun Festive Books!!!

While searching around for fun, wintry, festive holiday kids books, I discovered a few that look especially entertaining and that might really reach a wide audience of readers.  Here are some titles that might put readers of all ages in the holiday spirit!

• Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas (the title alone is seriously awesome!) by Jane O'Connor

• The Kids Holiday Baking Book by Rosemary Black~this looks like a great source for a wide array of cooking ideas!

•  Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner (one of my all-time favorites!)

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Need Ideas for Christmas Gifts?

Around this time of the Christmas season, I know many people who have not finished their shopping are in panic mode.  What do I get my kids, the neighbors kids, my kids' friends, my friends' kids, etc. The clock is ticking, and Christmas will soon be here!!

Yet, fear not! Have you thought of getting the child in your life a good book or book-themed gift for Christmas? There are many good books that can be given as gifts that will be enjoyed for years to come by children of all ages. First, I will give you some specific titles that are some of my favorite children's books, then will provide you with some links of booklists for Christmas gifts.

My Picks:

• Harry Potter Series- Where can you go wrong with J.K. Rowling's monster hit?  Get a younger child on the Harry Potter bandwagon by giving them the first book for Christmas.  If you know a child that loves the series, buy them the box set.
• The Berenstain Bears series- Any of these books are good for kids ages 5 to 9.  I loved them as a child, and still do today.  Not only are they entertaining, but they teach excellent lessons.
• Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch- This is my absolute favorite book, and an excellent read-aloud for kids and adults. A great gift for the whole family.
• The Witness by Robert Westall- An excellent book for Christian families, this book tells the story of a cat who witnesses the birth of Christ.  Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life.
  

Awesome Links:

• "Christmas Gifts for Kids: Book Collections, Box Sets, and Toys"

• PBS Booklights Wish Lists

• Great Christmas-themed Books from Apples4theTeacher

• Best Books for Kids 2009