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!
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!
