Pet Photo Contest to Benefit United Way!

NCLS is hosting a fall pet photo contest to support our campaign for United Way of Northern New York!

(Note – we know that fall in the North Country sometimes means snow!)

The contest is open to library staff, trustees, patrons and community members – it’s a fundraiser so the more the merrier! Entrants should be from within our service area so we can get prizes to them if they win!

We have some awesome prizes donated by Out of this World Pet Grooming, Pet Supplies Plus, North Country Canine and NCLS staff.

To enter or vote, go to www.gogophotocontest.com/ncls

Let’s get some friendly (and adorable!) competition going to raise money for an organization that does so much for our patrons!

YOUTH SERVICES ROUND UP

Happy Friday! If you’ve wrapped up summer reading in your library, give yourself a pat on the back – and if your programs are still going, the finish line is in sight! North Country families have had access to some incredible opportunities for learning and fun because of your hard work! 

Summer Reading Reporting

Once your program has wrapped up, please enter your statistics and notes into the Summer Reading Survey. I will compile the data for the entire system and submit it to the state. Please respond by September 16th. If you have questions please let me know! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXZcg27UG8gojeh9i7yQv3a4jWhfJHyi2MNkVR5DdsnGgpLg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Free Author Festival

If you’re free tomorrow and looking for some bookish fun, the Adirondack Family Book Festival is free and would make a great day trip!

Free Posters Available for Your Library!

Free “Get Caught Reading” posters are available from Every Child a Reader. Each school or library can request up to five. https://getcaughtreading.org/order-posters/

Future Summer Reading Themes and Slogans – Share Your Opinion!

The State Library is soliciting feedback on possible 2025 Summer Reading slogans and 2026 Summer Reading themes. Your input will help inform New York’s votes at the CSLP Annual Meeting. The survey is open through August 25th:  https://nyslibrary.libwizard.com/id/234125fa0ae6e7e43d81d23d4aa36fc5  

Teens Fighting Censorship

If you need a smile, check out this story of teens pushing back against censorship, advocating for their right to read and starting banned book clubs. After working with teens for 8 years, my mantra is: Trust kids. Listen to kids. Empower kids, then get out of their way! https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/how-teens-are-pushing-back-on-book-bans?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Lit%20Hub%20Daily:%20August%2011%2C%202022&utm_term=lithub_master_list

The Impact of Baby Storytime

Whether your library already offers a baby storytime, or you’re considering starting one, here’s a collection of resources to deepen your knowledge and focus your practice. In conversation with parents, keep it simple! Just emphasize that talking, reading and singing with their babies helps get them ready to read!

Kids and YA RA Hooray!

Publishers Weekly has new kids and YA titles to round out your August: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/90120-new-kids-and-ya-books-week-of-august-22-2022.html

Putting together a display of books for back to school? ALSC has a list of inclusive picture book titles to help everyone get ready for September! https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2022/08/inclusive-back-to-school-books/

Teen Librarian Toolbox has some forthcoming middle grade and YA novels to put on your radar (and maybe your TBR list!) https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2022/08/19/book-mail-23/

PD Corner

As promised, here is the recording of the METRO Library Council’s session with Kelly Jensen: Empower Your Library Against Book Bans. I found it extremely informative and helpful in understanding the forces that are currently driving challenges in libraries. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcPxrHCBvLA

From Diversity to Inclusion: How to Audit Your Collection and Why 

Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 

Time: 2:00pm 

Kym will share what a diversity audit is, why we should audit our collections, why the structure of the publishing industry may make it difficult to cultivate inclusivity, and most importantly, why it’s important to build collections that are diverse AND inclusive. 

Register: https://www.nicheacademy.com/from-diversity-to-inclusion-how-to-audit-your-collection-and-why  

Getting Started with Libby 

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2022 

Time: 11:00am 

Join OverDrive’s training team for this live session to learn how easy it is to get your patrons started with Libby, the library reading app.  

Register: https://overdrive.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0PzdTAHvQSqXtFIICwkWag  

Summer Reading Wrap-Up and Celebration

Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Time: 2pm

Whether you had a successful 2022 program or you’ve been tasked with running Summer Reading for the first time next year, join this virtual session to debrief with your colleagues! With an eye toward 2023, we’ll talk about what we learned, what worked and what to avoid. We’ll share our favorite partnerships, activities, programs and tips for success. Come prepared to talk about your biggest wins and your burning questions. We’ll celebrate another year of summer reading in the bag and set ourselves up for a great 2023!

Register: https://ncls.libcal.com/event/9537375

YOUTH SERVICES ROUND UP

Happy Monday! I got to visit several new-to-me libraries last week! It’s always such fun to see how every library is different and to explore the amazing ideas they’re implementing. If you don’t often get out to other libraries, I highly recommend it – I’ve never been to a North Country Library where I didn’t get inspired! I’m hoping to make it to every one of the Jefferson County libraries by the end of August! #roadtrip

Did you know that Tuesday is National Book Lovers Day? It’s a great opportunity to get patrons talking about their favorite books, sharing on social media, and being loud and proud about their love for books! https://nationaltoday.com/national-book-lovers-day/

In more serious news, censorship campaigns continue around the country. This library in Michigan has lost a portion of its funding after sticking to its collection development policy and refusing to remove challenged books. If it is unable to replace that funding, it will be forced to close. This is a worst case scenario, but there are some key takeaways: 

• Review your collection development policy and ensure that it is airtight. PULISDO and ESLN worked with Stephanie Adams to provide a template that libraries can use to develop their local policy, available on our website and linked here: https://ncls.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=67588324

• Educate yourself about the groups organizing these challenges and be prepared to respond. Last week METRO hosted Kelly Jensen from Book Riot to talk about the state of censorship, tips for responding, and lots of resources. The slides and resources are available here, and I will share the recording when it is sent out. If you experience a book, display or program challenge, please let NCLS know.

• This is a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of certain funding streams. If you do not go on your school or municipal ballot, consider doing so. A ballot initiative allows voters to directly approve funding for the library rather than relying on government officials to allocate it as they see fit. Once school and municipal ballot funding is approved, it is stable; you will receive the same amount each year unless you specifically request a decrease or go on the ballot for additional funding. Having at least a portion of your library’s budget funded by school or municipal ballot insulates the library from the politics and personalities that can threaten to cut the library’s budget.

If you’re a bargain hunter and need gear for your library, here’s a unique opportunity: Benchmark Family Services is having a massive sale today and tomorrow! They’re selling off furniture, games, books, toys and a lot of miscellaneous equipment. See their Facebook post for all the details: https://www.facebook.com/BenchmarkNY/posts/pfbid036JxuABUVWh254XQoxye3bQZx3pvG7PFSSsZ4x7rx248vZExkPTT7fBPCUuFHxvhYl

Shout out to Cape Vincent Library for this idea! Demco publishes a monthly Kids Activity Calendar and Early Literacy Calendar on their website. They are great resources to link on your website, print for parents or use as inspiration for library activities! https://ideas.demco.com/tag/activity-calendar/

Talking is Teaching has a new content pack available, this time on the theme of Laundry Time! Download resources here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Kimjcy2nqI7PZXAagg-vh3Su8KWsDjPq?usp=sharing

Kids and YA RA Hooray!

Graphic novels and comics are a great way to bring history to life for your readers. Here’s a roundup of some of the best historical comics to consider for your collection: https://bookriot.com/ya-historical-comics/

Here’s a resource to help you pair families with books that can help them through tough times. This list focuses on issues of identity and displacement; what are your favorite books to help families cope with grief, fear, new situations and loss? Parents often turn to picture books when they don’t know what to say to their small children – handing them a beautiful, empathetic book that helps them through that moment is one of the greatest services we can provide. https://bookriot.com/picture-books-about-tough-topics/

School Library Journal has rundowns of recent and upcoming picture books and YA books to have on your radar for the second half of 2022:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QPBrFiMtN5NXdyB6UlK28FpI0yMCWh1-/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQQ7FYkG2hG849jAWv9jm4JHjd0tM5p5/view?usp=sharing

PD Corner

CLSP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session 1 

Date: Monday, August 15, 2022 

Time: 3:00pm 

The voting lists have been finalized and we want to hear from you! 

All CSLP Members – Talk up your favorite 2026 Themes and 2025 Slogans from the vetted and translated voting slate. These sessions are YOUR opportunity to build support for your favorites.   

State Reps will be casting their vote at the CSLP Annual Meeting so make sure to reach out to your state rep by August 30 and let them know your favorites too! 

The CSLP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session provides all CSLP member libraries a chance to voice and listen to various perspectives. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82366477698?pwd=S2lnRkdqemxncjc3bkg4K0FFOWpuQT09

Hint: See something that has a Zoom link in it but no registration? Copy/paste it into your Outlook Calendar description field so you get a reminder. 

CLSP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session 2 

Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 

Time: 11:00am 

The voting lists have been finalized and we want to hear from you! 

All CSLP Members – Talk up your favorite 2026 Themes and 2025 Slogans from the vetted and translated voting slate. These sessions are YOUR opportunity to build support for your favorites.   

State Reps will be casting their vote at the CSLP Annual Meeting so make sure to reach out to your state rep by August 30 and let them know your favorites too! 

The CSLP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session provides all CSLP member libraries a chance to voice and listen to various perspectives. 

Zoom Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88255083482?pwd=UFBOR3NiVHpUTndFQWhVKzVXend3QT09

Hint: See something that has a Zoom link in it but no registration? Copy/paste it into your Outlook Calendar description field so you get a reminder. 

From Diversity to Inclusion: How to Audit Your Collection and Why 

Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 

Time: 2:00pm 

Kym will share what a diversity audit is, why we should audit our collections, why the structure of the publishing industry may make it difficult to cultivate inclusivity, and most importantly, why it’s important to build collections that are diverse AND inclusive. 

Register:https://www.nicheacademy.com/from-diversity-to-inclusion-how-to-audit-your-collection-and-why

Getting Started with Libby 

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2022 

Time: 11:00am 

Join OverDrive’s training team for this live session to learn how easy it is to get your patrons started with Libby, the library reading app.  

Register:https://overdrive.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0PzdTAHvQSqXtFIICwkWag

Youth Services Round Up

Wow, we are racing toward the end of July already! I hope that in the flurry of summer programming you’ve found some time to enjoy the sunshine and some simple warm weather pleasures (for me it’s working my way through the Stewart’s ice cream menu – Mint Cookie Crumble is my current favorite).

More and More Manga!

If you have a manga collection, you’ve likely seen the volumes fly off your shelves. If you’re not a manga reader, these books can be intimidating! (You read them backwards? Such strange storylines! There’s 116 volumes?!) Love them or hate them, graphic novels and manga are key to connecting with young readers today. School Library Journal has a primer to help you get up to speed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17jEOjxcD3I8poYY2bR7ax2xxuR2CgUQ6/view?usp=sharing

Alma Fullerton on Sharing Stories with Kids Who Hate Reading

Kids who have learning differences can come to associate reading books with struggle and shame. However, humans crave stories. Providing alternative formats like audiobooks, and using dyslexic fonts when possible can help these kids develop their love of reading, even when picking up a book isn’t easy for them. (Tip: the Libby app includes a dyslexic font option!)

Getting Children with Learning Differences to Love Books, a guest post by Alma Fullerton

“I Never Enjoyed Reading Until I Picked Up This Book”

We all treasure the moment a kid connects with the book that sparks their love of reading. Here’s a long list of readers describing the books that created that moment for them. Is your first book love on this list? 

https://www.buzzfeed.com/hannahloewentheil/best-books-from-childhood-young-adulthood

Kids and YA RA – HOORAY!

The Bookish Life of Dolly Parton

This delightful piece on Dolly Parton runs through a list of books by, about and adjacent to The Smoky Mountain Songbird, and talks about the inspiration for her commitment to literacy. Couldn’t we all use a little more Dolly in our lives?

Fun, Feel-Good, & Empowering Middle Grade and YA Science Fiction and Fantasy

If (like me) you need a little help selecting sci-fi and fantasy, here’s a list of feel-good recommendations for tweens and teens!

Penguin Random House Showcase 2022

A little showcase of what’s new from Penguin Random House – I’m psyched to see that it includes a young readers edition of Professional Troublemaker, a book that I loved so much that I had to buy it so I could write in it!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUAzrE4ZGFsBo1HLoDVS6l_xPk0skjRV/view?usp=sharing

Best new board books – enough said!

PD Corner

P-3 Virtual Summer Institute 2022 

Date: Thursday, July 28, 2022

Time: All Day 

The NYS Council on Children and Families (CCF) is partnering with the NYS Education Department’s Office of Early Learning to convene the annual P-3 Summer Institute. Presentations will be published on this page in July 2022. 

More Information: http://www.nysed.gov/early-learning/p-3-virtual-summer-institute-2022

SLJ Teen LIVE 2022 

Date: Thursday, August 4, 2022 

Time: All Day 

Come hear about the latest and most exciting forthcoming titles for teens and tweens. From rom-coms and mysteries to graphic novels and classic coming-of-age stories, our daylong program of author panels, in-depth conversations, and keynote talks will keep you inspired and entertained.  You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the virtual exhibit hall to meet with leading publishers, enjoy additional chats, and download digital galleys and other free resources. 

More Information: https://www.slj.com/event/slj-teen-live-2022

CLSP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session 1 

Date: Monday, August 15, 2022

Time: 3:00pm 

The voting lists have been finalized and we want to hear from you! 

All CSLP Members – Talk up your favorite 2026 Themes and 2025 Slogans from the vetted and translated voting slate. These sessions are YOUR opportunity to build support for your favorites.   

State Reps will be casting their vote at the CSLP Annual Meeting so make sure to reach out to your state rep by August 30 and let them know your favorites too! 

The CSLP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session provides all CSLP member libraries a chance to voice and listen to various perspectives. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82366477698?pwd=S2lnRkdqemxncjc3bkg4K0FFOWpuQT09

Hint: See something that has a Zoom link in it but no registration? Copy/paste it into your Outlook Calendar description field so you get a reminder. 

CLSP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session 2 

Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 

Time: 11:00am 

The voting lists have been finalized and we want to hear from you! 

All CSLP Members – Talk up your favorite 2026 Themes and 2025 Slogans from the vetted and translated voting slate. These sessions are YOUR opportunity to build support for your favorites.   

State Reps will be casting their vote at the CSLP Annual Meeting so make sure to reach out to your state rep by August 30 and let them know your favorites too! 

The CSLP 2026 Theme and 2025 Slogan Listening Session provides all CSLP member libraries a chance to voice and listen to various perspectives. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88255083482?pwd=UFBOR3NiVHpUTndFQWhVKzVXend3QT09

Hint: See something that has a Zoom link in it but no registration? Copy/paste it into your Outlook Calendar description field so you get a reminder. 

From Diversity to Inclusion: How to Audit Your Collection and Why 

Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 

Time: 2:00pm 

Kym will share what a diversity audit is, why we should audit our collections, why the structure of the publishing industry may make it difficult to cultivate inclusivity, and most importantly, why it’s important to build collections that are diverse AND inclusive. 

Register: https://www.nicheacademy.com/from-diversity-to-inclusion-how-to-audit-your-collection-and-why

Getting Started with Libby 

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2022 

Time: 11:00am 

Join OverDrive’s training team for this live session to learn how easy it is to get your patrons started with Libby, the library reading app.  

Register: https://overdrive.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0PzdTAHvQSqXtFIICwkWag

YOUTH SERVICES ROUND UP

Start your engines…(or…boat motors?)

For many of you summer reading has launched or is just about to – I salute you as you dive into the headlong rush of keeping kids, teens and adults learning, reading and having fun this summer! Please keep sending me your events calendars and storytime schedules so I can add them to our combined regional calendar – and if you have something you’re really excited about and proud of, please invite me to come see it!

Storywalks are popping up all around our region! Thank you to everyone who has shared their details with me for the online map – I’m doing my best to keep it as up to date as possible!

Free Eclipse Glasses!

The Space Science Institute/STAR Net Library Network is once again making eclipse glasses and resources available to libraries for the two solar eclipses coming to North America in 2023 and 2024. 

See this link on the SEAL page (Solar Activities for Libraries) for more information and to register NOW for FREE eclipse glasses for your public library: https://www.starnetlibraries.org/about/our-projects/solar-eclipse-activities-libraries-seal/  

There’s also a link on the SEAL page for library staff to register to join the eclipse community to share ideas, get updates, and ask questions.

BIPOC Mental Health Month

Mental Health America is back with a new toolkit for the month of July, this time focused on the specific mental health concerns of communities of color. Download the toolkit to equip yourself and your community with resources! https://mhanational.org/BIPOC-mental-health-month

Talking is Teaching – Oceans of Possibilities Tie-Ins!

It’s been a few months since Talking is Teaching released a new content bundle, so let’s reach back into the vault and dig out a few that you can use to help parents engage their littles in this year’s summer reading theme!

Let’s Talk About Water

Let’s Talk About Nature

The Return of Battle of the Books!

The Battle of the Books committee has met once, and we are deep into pulling together a list of suggested middle grade books for our 22/23 battle! If you’re interested in joining the committee, it’s not too late! We still need people willing to suggest titles that they’ve read and can endorse, to write questions and to vet questions. The commitment is super flexible, so if you’re at all interested please let me know and I’ll make sure you’re looped in!

Speaking of BoB, I’ve been trying to add some middle grade titles into my TBR mix and I’ve hit on a few winners! Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tola Okogwu is my current in-progress, and it’s such fun! Onyeka lives in London and spends her days battling her uncontrollable hair, until it comes to life and helps her save her best friend… Suddenly she’s grappling with newfound superpowers, and she and her mother set off to Nigeria to find her missing father and to learn to train her powers at the Academy of the Sun! If you can’t get enough of X-Men, this is a new spin on mutants with powers!

I also just wrapped up Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. Aven is unstoppable – she plays soccer and guitar, she loves her friends, and she’s an irrepressible storyteller. She would be impressive even if she were an average kid, but Aven was born without arms. One day she learns that her family is moving from Kansas to Arizona to run an Old West-themed amusement park. Aven faces this challenge with her trademark wit and confidence, but there are clues that the park may have lurking secrets. A quick read with a great narrator on audio, and an absolute joy!

Just For Fun

A few of the great summer reading ideas I’ve seen in my travels!

YOUTH SERVICES ROUNDUP

Summer’s coming…can you feel it? The school year is wrapping up, kids are getting excited, families are planning their activities and the weather is teasing us with intermittent sunshine. If you haven’t reached out to your local school to share information about your summer reading program, now’s your last chance! See if there’s a school picnic, field day or fun day that you could attend to meet kids, offer to Zoom with classes, or send flyers for teachers to send home with students. If you’re out and about promoting summer reading, be sure to borrow one of our brand new outreach kits, stocked with directories, pens and Strong Libraries Strong Communities tablecloths!

On Monday I participated in the first Watertown Rapids STEAM Education Day – in spite of the rain, hundreds of 5th and 6th graders took in a baseball game and visited with representatives from local businesses and organizations sharing information about unique careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and math! My focus was on ensuring that kids know that their cards work system-wide, not just at their home libraries, and that our librarians are highly educated, creative problem solvers with unique services at every location! The kids were really engaged in talking about all the ways libraries connect to STEAM (until a groundhog popped up behind me and totally stole the show)!

Grant Opportunity Coming Soon!

This year’s state budget authorized the release of $150k from the Love Your Library Fund to library systems to support this year’s Summer Reading programs! NCLS will be offering minigrants to support libraries booking performers, authors, musicians and cultural presentations. Keep an eye out for the application in the coming days, and begin brainstorming and pricing out possible performers!

Happy Pride!

June is celebrated as Pride Month – an opportunity to learn about LGBTQ+ history, to promote inclusion and acceptance, and to encourage joy in all identities. ALA’s GLBT Book Month has been rebranded as Rainbow Book Month and specifically highlights literature that reflects the experiences of all in the LGBTQ+ community. Information and resources for Rainbow Book Month are here: https://www.ala.org/news/rainbow-book-month The ALSC blog also has a youth-focused round up of great resources for Pride month, serving up display ideas, a diverse book finder, lists of award winners and suggestions for storytimes: https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2022/05/pride-month-at-your-library/

There have been reports, including in Upstate New York, of an organized campaign to vandalize displays and challenge inclusive titles. See ALA’s statement here: https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/fight-censorship-keeping-pride-books-on-display/

Connecting with Teens

The Youth Services Shout-Out blog has some awesome resources to help you refresh your teen services. They link to a free recording of a workshop presented by Kelsey Bogan called The Trending Library: Engaging Teens in the Library. They also address BookTok. TikTok is where teens are spending lots of their time – and getting a lot of their book recommendations. Even if you’re not on the app yourself, you should stay current on what’s trending, and thankfully there are helpful resources linked in this post that will help! http://yssevents.blogspot.com/2022/06/booktok-resources-teen-services-webinar.html

Promoting Summer Reading Regionally

Remember to submit the details of your upcoming Storywalks here so I can add them to our community map! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4zMhrPRhVeJVzIS1ZFp6X-UlXEUhsPFQRHY2Czk9gscsk3A/viewform?usp=sf_link

Our combined summer events calendar is starting to fill up! Thank you to everyone who shared your summer reading schedules already! I’ve taken a first pass through everyone’s calendars and Facebook pages and pulled as much as I could find – if you add events please shoot me an email and let me know where I can find them! 

As an aside, I have discovered that if your library uses the calendar function in WordPress, I can very easily copy your event details to our Google Calendar. If you’d like to improve your library’s website or have questions about the best and easiest ways to maintain it, come to our Websites 101 class on July 28th! Register here: https://ncls.libcal.com/event/9274925

Have a great weekend!

YOUTH SERVICES ROUNDUP

We are rocking into the Memorial Day weekend! I spent yesterday repping North Country Libraries at Career Jam and talking up all the amazing things you do for your communities! My goal was to get kids thinking about what librarians do other than just checking books in and out, so I prompted them to explore our new But Wait…There’s More! page and tell me ways libraries help their communities that have nothing to do with books. They were especially impressed by Depauville’s seed library, the fact that you can check out tools at Canton, and that you can take online music lessons through Artistworks! I was surprised to learn that many of them had no idea that their library cards work throughout the system. I wasn’t surprised at all to hear that those who already use their libraries, LOVE their libraries!

Supporting Children When the News is Frightening

Given the events of the past few weeks, you may have parents seeking resources to help them explain the news to their kids. Librarians around our state have shared some lists; here are a couple that may be useful to have on hand:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f92CKY6lDRh6JEWRK6q2JCwMyc7lJ6t-TNkVXzeqT4k/edit

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iiYfpwM2jj4bD3zsg64DsQe2V9U-UN_ZXmOUSR8gXMg/edit?usp=sharing

Free Tools for National Ocean Month!

Did you know that June is National Ocean Month? Lots of resources are available to prime kids for our Oceans of Possibilities summer reading theme! 

From DLD: “As part of your Oceans of Possibilities programming, consider making a big splash in the month of June, which is National Ocean Month. Find lots of free resources to use as you wish for public and school libraries at CSLP partner WorldOceanDay.org. Check out the 2022 Event Planning Toolkit for inspiration, take advantage of the social media toolkit with graphics, and find resources specifically for kids, including posters, coloring pages, and creature cards!   

Whatever your plans are, World Ocean Day is here to support your efforts. Fill out this interest form to get more information.

Since launching global coordination of World Ocean Day 20 years ago, The Ocean Project has been working in partnership with aquariums, zoos, museums, youth leaders, and others in a growing global network – including libraries across the country! Together we can engage the public and unite the world to protect and restore our shared ocean and climate. Learn more.”

Catching up with Lisa Fipps

PW has an extensive interview with Lisa Fipps, author of Starfish. (If you haven’t read it, see if you can pick it up this Memorial Day weekend – it’s a middle grade novel in verse and you’ll zip right through it!) She shares her thoughts on writing, censorship, and her role as a part time marketing director for a library!

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/89388-q-a-with-lisa-fipps.html

S’il vous plait…

Remember to submit the details of your upcoming Storywalks here so I can add them to our community map! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4zMhrPRhVeJVzIS1ZFp6X-UlXEUhsPFQRHY2Czk9gscsk3A/viewform?usp=sf_link

Send me your key summer reading events and storytime schedules (or just let me know where you post them) so I can fill in our combined summer reading calendar! I’ve started trolling websites and social media to try to catch event postings, but sending them to me is a surefire way to make sure they’re included!

And finally – if you have a great idea for a summer reading program, craft or decoration, please share! I’d love to brag about you in a future roundup!

Have a great weekend!

YOUTH SERVICES ROUNDUP

Happy Tuesday! We are well into Mental Health Awareness Month, and today I’m sharing some ideas and resources to support your own mental health and the wellness of the young people you serve. This month is all about encouraging conversations, sharing facts and ending stigma. As a librarian you can model healthy emotions and make sure your patrons have access to accurate mental health information. If you or a patron you encounter needs more assistance, there are lots of wonderful resources available, and we’ve rounded up some of them on our Mental Health Libguide:  https://ncls.libguides.com/mentalhealth/home

May’s Talking is Teaching theme is Worries – perfect for Mental Health Awareness Month! Download the newest content pack here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18lg-2MqlE-b8Mi1iWU__V0d0AqX_zhso?usp=sharing

Mental health and wellness for children starts with teaching them to identify and articulate the feelings that come with the ups and downs of life. Picture books are perhaps our best tools for allowing children to understand and name their feelings. Check out this Publisher’s Weekly article for some examples of how librarians have used picture books in storytimes to promote social emotional learning (SEL):

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/89239-read-alouds-that-rock-sel-storytimes.html

Here’s a simple craft that could easily be incorporated into an SEL storytime!

Paper Plate Emotion Masks

PD Corner

TODAY – Hot Summer Picture Books 

Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Time: 2:00pm 

Looking for the hottest upcoming summer picture books? Look no further. With their wit, whimsy, and ability to spark the imagination, picture books remain a constant source of inspiration for readers of all ages. Join Booklist’s Books for Youth senior editor Julia Smith in this free, hour-long webinar on Tuesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT featuring representatives from Charlesbridge, Abrams Books, Clavis Publishing, Penguin Random House Library Marketing, and Holiday House! 

Register: https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/3616510930984/WN_9GflcJSeTp6k_36DJUCwog 

TODAY – Introduction to Creating a Library Makerspace 

Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Time: 2:00pm 

Creating a makerspace in your library can be a rewarding adventure for your patrons allowing them to learn about and work with new pieces of technology. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Join Jordan Smith, the manager of Buffalo and Erie County Library’s popular Launch Pad Makerspace, who will discuss the many considerations that go into developing a library makerspace. Jordan will cover topics such as selection of the items, funding and promotion of the space. There will also be discussion on things to avoid and surprises that came up along the journey. Participants will be able to ask any burning questions on building makerspaces in their own libraries. 

Register: https://wnylrc.org/workshops/454

Beginning Readers 101: Emergent Literacy Made Easy (Online)

Date: Wednesday May 18

Time: 11:00am

Are you lost in the sea of differing publisher leveling schemes, differing vocabulary standards, and the generally vast range of reading abilities at work in the Beginning Reader area of your collection? You’re not alone! The world of Early Readers is often as frustrating for parents as it is for us professionals.

In this interactive webinar program, Jill Burket Ragase will give you a variety of tools that you will be able to use to:

-Understand the challenges of the Emergent Reader market from the perspectives of publisher, buyer, and reader.

-Understand the leveling and coding systems used by several popular publishers and series.

-Improve your collection variety and depth

-Improve your shelving and reader’s advisory knowledge for emergent readers

Beginning Reader collections can be challenging both in terms of collection development and customer service. We will also discuss tips and tricks to help frustrated parents get their children on the road to independent reading.

You also still have time to check out the recordings from Jill’s previous sessions:

BOARD BOOKS 101 (AVAILABLE UNTIL 6/17)

STORYTIME STARTERS (AVAILABLE UNTIL 5/20)

Mental Health Awareness: Depression Relief

Date: Friday, May 20

Time: 10:00am

In this presentation we will seek to better understand what depression is and how it impacts our lives. Coping skills will also be introduced for better management of mental wellness.

Register: https://ncls.libcal.com/event/8943582

Support Summer Reading with your Gale NOVELny Resources 

Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 

Time: 2:00pm 

Your summer reading programs play an important role in encouraging students to keep their skills up and be better prepared for the new school year by engaging literacy skills. Your NOVELny resources can support these programs with additional reading materials to strengthen understanding of texts, engage readers with critical analyses of texts, and foster close reading of text. We’ll explore these ideas and more in this session 

Register: https://cengage.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7AOwFM-ARM2EyhPBuujnMA

Mental Health Awareness: Take Care After COVID

Date: Friday, May 27

Time: 10:00am

In this presentation we will explore ways to navigate a new normal, at the various stages of the pandemic and what things might look like after. Coping skills will also be introduced for better management of mental wellness.

Register: https://ncls.libcal.com/event/8943605

YOUTH SERVICES ROUNDUP

Happy Wednesday! There’s a lot happening in May so let’s jump right in!

Summer Reading and Storywalks

Thank you to everyone who attended youth services workshops in April! All of the resources are available on the Summer Reading Libguide at https://ncls.libguides.com/summerreading

If you have StoryWalks planned for this summer, please fill out this Google form for each one so I can add them to our big map on the public-facing Summer Reading page! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4zMhrPRhVeJVzIS1ZFp6X-UlXEUhsPFQRHY2Czk9gscsk3A/viewform?usp=sf_link

Our public Summer Reading page also has a regional events calendar – to have your events highlighted on it please send me announcements (or a link to where you share events with your community!) https://ncls.libguides.com/more/summer

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 

Epic Reads has created this great list of YA books to highlight that will make putting up a display a breeze!

https://www.epicreads.com/blog/books-for-asian-pacific-american-heritage-month/

Available Now – Free Audiobooks all Summer Long!

AudioFile’s annual Sync program has started! All summer, teens can download two free audiobooks a week through Sora. Books must be downloaded during the week they are featured, but they do not expire. They will stay available on the Sora bookshelf until they are deleted by the patron. 

Free Virtual Conference Opportunity

The Libraries.Today National Forum is coming up beginning on May 16th, and will run for two weeks of virtual programming. While it is geared to school librarians, there are many wonderful speakers and sessions that you may find valuable! Check out the schedule and register at: https://forum.libraries.today/schedule/

PD Corner

Thursday, May 5, 2022, 11:30am Overview of the Performers and Programs Database 

Learn more about this statewide resource that can help your library locate in-person and virtual events and programs to support and enhance Summer Reading and Learning in 2022. Presented by Peter Kowalski, database manager for Performers and Programs. 

Register: https://nyslibrary.libcal.com/event/9025805

Thursday, May 12, 2022, 12pm Fall 2022 Librarian Preview with HarperCollins Childrens Books 

Join us at a FREE WEBINAR for a sneak peek at new picture, middle grade, and YA books coming in 2022 from HarperCollins Children’s Books. You will hear directly from special guests, including award-winning illustrator, ERIC VELASQUEZ (Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book), bestselling author and The Decemberists’ frontman, COLIN MELOY (The Stars Did Wander Darkling), New York Times bestselling author JODI LYNN ANDERSON (Each Night Was Illuminated)! Plus catch a special message from Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on his remarkable new project honoring the works of Zora Neale Hurston. Don’t miss out on your chance to learn about great new books coming in Fall 2022 from HarperCollins Children’s Books 

Register:https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/9716503375019/WN_pXS2u0FKShOIhA3kk1JtxA?timezone_id=America%2FNew_York

Friday May 13, 10am Mental Health Awareness: The Many Faces of Anxiety (Online)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NCLS is bringing back Jennifer Frary for another series of talks promoting mental health and wellness! In this presentation we will explore the various ways anxiety shows up in our lives. Coping skills will also be introduced for better management of mental wellness.

Each webinar in the series will include an interactive presentation as well as time for group discussion with your colleagues about the topic.

Register: https://ncls.libcal.com/event/8943575

Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 2pm Hot Summer Picture Books

Looking for the hottest upcoming summer picture books? Look no further. With their wit, whimsy, and ability to spark the imagination, picture books remain a constant source of inspiration for readers of all ages. Join Booklist’s Books for Youth senior editor Julia Smith in this free, hour-long webinar on Tuesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT featuring representatives from Charlesbridge, Abrams Books, Clavis Publishing, Penguin Random House Library Marketing, and Holiday House! 

Register:https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/3616510930984/WN_9GflcJSeTp6k_36DJUCwog 

Wednesday May 18, 11am Beginning Readers 101: Emergent Literacy Made Easy (Online)

Are you lost in the sea of differing publisher leveling schemes, differing vocabulary standards, and the generally vast range of reading abilities at work in the Beginning Reader area of your collection? You’re not alone! The world of Early Readers is often as frustrating for parents as it is for us professionals.

In this interactive webinar program, Jill Burket Ragase will give you a variety of tools that you will be able to use to:

-Understand the challenges of the Emergent Reader market from the perspectives of publisher, buyer, and reader.

-Understand the leveling and coding systems used by several popular publishers and series.

-Improve your collection variety and depth

-Improve your shelving and reader’s advisory knowledge for emergent readers

Beginning Reader collections can be challenging both in terms of collection development and customer service. We will also discuss tips and tricks to help frustrated parents get their children on the road to independent reading.

You also still have time to check out the recordings from Jill’s previous sessions:

BOARD BOOKS 101 (AVAILABLE UNTIL 6/17)

STORYTIME STARTERS (AVAILABLE UNTIL 5/20)

Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 6pm QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gateway Training 

An excellent training for anyone who interacts with teens. Provides guidance on how to recognize warning signs and how to provide appropriate support and intervention for mental health struggles. Provided by Onondaga Free Library.

Register:https://onlibonondagafree.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=10877&backTo=Calendar&startDate=2022/05/01

YOUTH SERVICES ROUNDUP

This past week, I was lucky enough to attend the YSS conference in Schenectady. While it’s a short conference, the day was jam packed with great sessions, a powerful keynote and lots of conversations with all kinds of librarians!

Chris Crutcher gave the keynote address. To my shame, I have yet to read one of his books and I didn’t know much about him going into the conference. However, he was a compelling speaker and storyteller and several of his books are now in my TBR pile! 

Ostensibly, his speech and sessions were about censorship, but what he really focused on were the stories of children he’s encountered in his career as an educator and family therapist. He has worked with kids who have endured unimaginably traumatic experiences, and his takeaway for us is that those kids are brave and brilliant in the ways that they have developed strategies to survive. The characters in his books all reflect real stories and personalities.

His books have been banned dozens of times over decades, and he talked about how book banning doesn’t hurt the author – it hurts the abused kids who miss out on reading something that lets them know they’re not the only one, LGBTQ+ kids who hear that their life experiences are in some way unacceptable or wrong, traumatized kids who lose access to language to explain and process what has happened to them. While so many of the current book banning efforts focus on preventing certain populations from feeling uncomfortable, he emphasized that fiction is a safe way for those kids to experience other perspectives and build empathy, while for kids who identify with the characters, fiction may be a life-saving affirmation.

He said something that I found really powerful: “Don’t take kids’ language away from them unless you have language that will work better for them”. If I’m being 100% honest, he was talking about profanity, but it resonated with a deeper meaning. Every child is grappling with something – whether it’s surviving abuse, developing their identity, or understanding the world around them. The language and stories in books allow them to learn and live vicariously, and give them tools to wrestle with problems and solutions in the privacy of their own minds. Censorship undermines an important survival tool for the kids who need it most.

Early Literacy Resource – Decodable Books with Teach My Kid to Read

Another session focused on decodable books for supporting beginning and struggling readers. Even with experience as an elementary school librarian, I hadn’t heard of decodable books. Unlike leveled readers, decodable books take a phonics approach, and focus on using words that kids can sound out to build skill and confidence before introducing other letter patterns. The purpose is to teach readers to decode words rather than guessing at the meaning based on context, pictures or predictable text. Decodable books can be used to help kids build up to leveled readers and authentic texts. The presentation was given by a non-profit called Teach My Kid to Read, which partners with public libraries to provide professional development on the learn-to-read process. If you would be interested in having us bring TMKTR to the North Country to lead a training, please let me know. 

Engaging Teens in the Library

The final session of the day was a joint presentation from two librarians who have successfully engaged teens in planning programming and completing service projects. They are both from huge libraries, but many of their ideas can be scaled down for use in smaller settings. 

Both libraries treat their teen programs as volunteer advisory groups rather than a series of unconnected programs. They recruited teens by working with their local school districts to post flyers, share events on the morning announcements, and identify students who might be interested. In both cases, teens were called on to plan the programs that were offered for their age group. While they had support from the librarians, they had to take responsibility for planning and promoting them. 

Colonie Library maintains a breakneck pace of programming, and has enough participants to form committees around upcoming events – their teens meet every Monday night for either a program, a committee meeting or their monthly planning meeting. While that kind of schedule is not realistic for a single-person library, the structure of having a standing date at which there will always be either a program or a meeting helps teens plan and sets the expectation for attendance. 

My favorite takeaway from this session was Colonie’s amazing list of past programs! These were all teen-run or teen-suggested.

If you would like to review the slides from all the conference sessions, or reach out to presenters for more information, YSS has compiled a Google Folder with resources from each session here!

Starting Soon – Free Audiobooks all Summer Long!

AudioFile’s annual Sync program is starting next week! All summer, teens can download two free audiobooks a week through Sora. Books must be downloaded during the week they are featured, but they do not expire. They will stay available on the Sora bookshelf until they are deleted by the patron. 

PD Corner

I CAN’T REACH IT! SHELVING AND LAYOUT IN THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT WITH JILL BURKET RAGASE RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 26TH! 

Following this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Determine if their collection allocation and placement is maximized for youth patrons interest, demand, and convenience.

• Understand the impact of signage as a user experience and how to incorporate it effectively and efficiently in a space used by non-readers, emergent readers, and early readers.

• Orient their materials, shelving, and service points with young patrons in mind.

• Use space creatively.

We will tackle each topic with options for libraries with little to no budget, some budget, and big budgets for improvements.

If you would like to view recordings of the presentations she did for us last year, we have access to them for a few more months! 

BOARD BOOKS 101 (AVAILABLE UNTIL 6/17)

STORYTIME STARTERS (AVAILABLE UNTIL 5/20)

STORYWALKS JAM SESSION – APRIL 28 

By popular request, we will be holding an in-person, hands on workshop so you can get all your StoryWalks questions answered by your colleagues who’ve done it before, see examples from other libraries, and practice making a sample panel. 

FANTASTIC BOOKS (AND WHERE TO FIND THEM) – APRIL 29

Join us for a discussion about the best resources for book discovery and reviews, how to keep up with release dates, and what goes into maintaining a balanced, robust collection in a small community library. We’ll also talk about avoiding self-censorship and the importance of your collection development policy.