Library Advocate.

Presidents Day - A Fine Day to Read About Past Presidents

2014-02-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

Presidents' Day holiday is a good time to take a walk or read a book. Which President or White House Family is your favorite?

What are you reading?

Library and Volunteer Valentines

2014-02-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars and be prepared for next Valentines Day. These library-loving characters send a library advocacy message along with their Valentines. Message reads: Strong Students Need Strong Libraries.

The cards are available in two formats. They can be downloaded, printed, trimmed and given to library lovers of all ages. The Valentines are also available on greeting cards (with envelopes), mugs, posters and more at the Library Advocacy Store's "Holidays" section, cafepress.com/CSLA.

Don't forget all those volunteers! They come in all sizes and ages. Valentines for Volunteers can be found beneath the downloadable animal Valentines. We love Volunteers

Season's Readings

2013-12-02T14:43:00.004-08:00

Season's Readings greeting cards, mugs and more are now available from the California School Library Association's Library Advocacy Store at http://cafepress.com/csla

Bears, cats, and dogs send holiday greetings. Other cards promote reading and libraries.

Visit the site, do you holiday and 2014 shopping, and invite your friends to do the same!

Let's Talk Turkey - strong libraries build strong students

2013-11-25T18:29:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving time is a time to be thankful for what we have, remember the way things used to be and to think about the future. It is a time to sit around the table and talk. Conversations will run the gambit, from world events to how to make a difference. When conversation turns to education reform, it is a good time to "talk turkey" or say it simply: strong libraries build strong students, strong communities.

Let's Talk Turkey* is available on downloadable bookmarks. Print out a page of mini bookmarks and decorate your holiday table. Why not use them to get a discussion started? Talk books. Talk library. Talk about reading, research skills, digital literacy and preparing students for 21st century skills.

*Big Eye Readers (animal and career series) are available at the Library Advocacy Store at cafepress.com/csla

Library Advocacy Store Adds Products

2013-10-30T16:26:00.003-07:00

Travel mugs,dog tags and more have been added to each of the 30+ Library Store sections, including the children's book illustrations, CSLA Logo, and my career and animal characters. You can either go directly to the design you like and open it, or "search" topics such as: mugs, jewelry, purse hangers, playing cards, note cards.

Visit the Library Store at http://cafepress.com/CSLA to browse the art and items, develop strategies for library advocacy, make "wish lists" and place holiday orders.

Park Ranger Bear Promotes Reading

2013-10-07T09:34:00.002-07:00

Do you know some future Park Rangers?
New Ranger Bear promotes reading and reminds
us to take care of the environment.

Several versions of this bear are available on free
downloadable bookmarks. Ranger Bear mugs and
more are at CafePress.com/DesignClass site.

Common Core Discussion: Krashen and Van Roekel

2013-10-06T11:00:00.001-07:00

Here is a summary about the Common Core Standards and an argument from Dr. Stephen Krashen about why it would be much better to control for poverty, to invest in addressing key ways to reduce impact of poverty on student achievement: access to better nutrition, health care, and school libraries.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TePVSNXTUvA

International Literacy Day

2013-09-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

A tweet from the U.S. Embassy in Vienna alerted me that today is International Literacy Day, September 8th. A quick search found a new Infographic created by the United Nations (UNESCO) especially for today.

http://www.uis.unesco.org/literacy/Documents/Intl-literacy-day/literacy-infographic-2013-en.pdf

Malala Yousafzai Opens New Birmingham Library (UK)

2013-09-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

Malala Yousafzai, the teenage girl shot by the Taliban in Pakistan for advocating education for girls, gave a 7-minute speech during opening ceremonies of the opening a new public library in Birmingham, England. She said that "Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LGg8G35jwuo

Background: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/426709/Taliban-shooting-victim-Malala-Yousafzai-opens-Birmingham-library

AASL Infographic: Strong School Libraries Build Strong Students

2013-09-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

Chicago Librarians in Beastie Boys Music Video Re-Make

2013-09-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a "must see" remake of a Beastie Boys music video. It is a kick to see music videos based in libraries, let alone roles played by librarians. The eNewsletter "I Love Libraries" alerted me to this really fun music video called "Sabotage" -- Enjoy!
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/chicago-librarian-remake-beastie-boys-sabotage-goes-viral

California READS - a State of Mind

2013-08-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

The California state flag is a popular design for t-shirts and sweatshirts, so it made sense to modify elements of the design by providing the grizzly bear a book to read. Instead of "California Republic" the flag now says "California READS".

Note: Of course there are no grizzly bears left in California, only black bears. Early settlers made sport of hunting and publicly fighting, killing grizzly bears.

This image is available on shirts, mugs and more at cafepress.com/DesignClass.

LIBRARY: Keep Doors Open

2013-08-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying:
Open libraries provide access to books, Internet-based resources, information specialists (librarians).

Closed libraries keep out those who most need access, such as those who have no books, Internet, or quiet space at home.

Read more at librarycampaign.csla.net or get this image as a poster at cafepress.com/csla (see Kids Today images).

InfoGraphic on Strong School Libraries

2013-08-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hugo the Dog Reads HUGO

2013-08-25T10:18:00.001-07:00

Hugo the dog wants to read Brian Selznick's magical book, "The Invention of Hugo Cabret". What are you reading?

Many wonderful young adult (middle school) books are made into movies. This is one of them. The story takes place in Paris, and is about the early days of motion pictures. The book is mostly intricate drawings by Brian Selznick, as is his newest book "Wonderstruck".

As with other Big Eye Readers, Hugo appears on miniature bookmarks. These are handy as due date reminders, collectables, prizes, a part of a gift package for a fundraiser or appreciation event, a thank you card enclosure, or a hundred other uses. Keep a handful handy as conversation starters.

Visit the bookmark page at http://tinyurl.com/minibookmarks

Ode to Librarians (video)

2013-08-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

High School Jane Lofton shared this fun "Ode to Librarians" video from Flocabulary. It could be a fun way to introduce students and parents to the school library.

Here are the lyrics from Flocabulary's "We Heart Librarians" contest:
http://www.flocabulary.com/ode-to-librarians/

Whoa, look at all these books! Where am I? Maybe this is one of those... libraries. But if this is a
library, then... Hey, wait a second — Who are YOU?

This is the library, come in, have a seat,
Let’s take a trip, you won’t have to leave your feet.
So much media, all for you to see,
I’m a librarian, that’s my J-O-B.

You know us, the librarians at your school,
Media specialists, there’s so much we can do.
We recommend books, yeah, we know the best ones,
That’ll have you all hooked. Now listen, wait, umm...
Nonfiction, fiction, periodicals and sites,
Guide you to information, get you so hyped.
Dante had Virgil, and you’ve got us,
To guide you on that path when you look up.
Any information for a paper or research,
I HEART librarians, that’s the T-shirt.
We pick media — no tweezer,
And the library just got cool — no freezer.
Whether book club, author reading or a lesson,
We make it happen, no stressing.
We don’t just run the library, we teach,
Search better than Google, come and find me.

This is the library, come in, have a seat,
Let’s take a trip, you won’t have to leave your feet.
So much media, all for you to see,
I’m a librarian, that’s my J-O-B.

Now before we move along with the lesson,  
There are a few misconceptions about our profession .
We don’t read all day, our hair’s not in a bun,
We don’t all wear glasses, don’t always say “Shush.”
  We do love books, we’re the bosses at the internet,
We do provide the freedom to escape the room you’re sitting in .
Do you want to know more about your favorite band? 
The history of your family? Or your native land? 
We’re on a quest to teach you how to find the data,
Thinking critically to help you now and later.
We have the books by the rack, look how they stack,
Huey, Louie, Dewey Decimal, we know about that.
Don’t crack the spine of a paperback,
And follow the rules, know how to act.
Bring your curiosity, the sky is the limit,
Grab a book and a friend, get with it — the library.

This is the library, come in, have a seat,
Let’s take a trip, you won’t have to leave your feet.
So much media, all for you to see,
I’m a librarian, that’s my J-O-B.

Pinterest Board for Big Eye Readers

2013-08-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Pinterest is like an online bulletin board. You create a "board" and start pinning images. Here is a snapshot of the board created that features "Big Eye Readers"but also pins other fun book and reading images to the board.
http://pinterest.com/4libraries/big-eye-readers/

Pinterest is most popular with women. Many educators use it to support lesson plans.

Vote for Libraries

2013-08-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year, when candidates bombard us with reasons to vote for them. This is a good time to remind them to vote for libraries and why to do so. This image will get their attention. Items are available for sale at the Library Advocacy Store and mini bookmarks are free to download at tinyurl.com/minibookmarks.

Wild and Crazy Dogs Love Adventure Books

2013-07-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

When asked which dog book was her two tiny dogs' favorite, teacher librarian Connie immediately replied, "Call of the Wild" by Jack London.

The dog duo image is now on a tote bag with a "Support Strong School Libraries" message on the backside of the bag. See cafepress.com/csla.897215937

Big Dog and Little Friend Mini-BookMarks

2013-07-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Back-to-school time is around the corner. Several new characters have been added to the growing collection of mini bookmarks that promote strong libraries, strong students. Visit the mini-bookmark page, download as many sets of bookmarks as you wish. Click on http://tinyurl.com/minibookmarks FREE to download, print, and distribute.

Big Dog (Loki, a brindle-colored terrier) and Little Dog (Ivy, a miniature pincher-chihuahua mix) have joined their bookmark friends. Both love good books and enjoy nothing more than hearing a good story!

Here are some ways these bookmarks and promotions for strong libraries are used. How will you use them? Let us know.

Attach or insert seasonal bookmarks with holiday greetings, meeting reminders, thank you notes to donors and volunteers, or new library books.
Offer a wide selection of mini bookmarks at each Back-to-school, Site Council, PTA, School Board Meeting, workshop and conference. Use the bookmarks to start a conversation and advocate for your library.
Include a set or several sets of bookmarks in a book gift basket as a raffle or silent auction item.
Carry a small supply of mini bookmarks with you at all times -- you never know when you can use them as conversation starters!

Big Dogs are Big Readers

2013-06-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

New police academy rookie Nika and her dog Loki love police detective stories, especially those based in San Francisco. Here is Loki, looking at you!

Big Dogs are big listeners and faithful friends. Loki is looking fine and is now available online at cafepress.com/DesignClass.

Graphic Design: Little Red Riding Hood

2013-06-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

Check out this creative graphic design that features Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

The lines for pages of the book have been turned into a forest for the characters!

Summer Reading Destination

2013-06-08T08:33:00.001-07:00

School's out, but summer vacation can get old fast without classmates and planned activities. Make plans for the lazy, crazy days of summer. Walk or ride to the library.

Make it a destination to:

explore
meet friends
volunteer
start a book club
attend a program

Challenge students to find a favorite reading spot, browse through the magazines and find ones that cover your hobbies or interests.

Invite students and parents to get to know the reference librarians and ask for book and website recommendations.

Is there a summer reading program? Participate!

"Dig into Reading" by Collabortive Summer Library Program
"Reading is SO Delicious" by iREAD

Is there a FRIENDS of the Library group, and if so, are they planning a book sale or fundraiser? Join! Become a library advocate.

Sammy Squirrel Reads

2013-06-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

For the past three years, I've been taking graphic design classes. In order to practice, I invite middle school students at Borel Middle School to recommend character ideas and which book the character will be reading. The characters were added to a collection of 1" x 4.25" bookmarks. Kids could use the back of the bookmarks for jotting down due dates when borrowing a book. Or, they simply collected the characters. The bottom line is that my Adobe Illustrator skills improved thanks to those students!

There are now three types of characters: people with heads and books, animals with heads and books, and (most recently) whole body characters. One of the most challenging animal characters was Sammy Squirrel, requested by my friend who specified a question mark-shaped tail and glasses.

In addition to using the characters to practice my craft, they come in handy in two ways:

Free bookmarks that include the message "Strong Libraries, Strong Students". A carry a half dozen or so with me as conversation starters.
Images available on the Library Advocacy Store and DesignClass sites, thus providing a small revenue stream to the California School Library Foundation.

KangaRoo Reader

2013-06-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Six years ago, the State Library of Western Australia contacted the California School Library Association web 2.0 team for permission to use the online tutorial, School Library Learning 2.0. I came across this information when searching my correspondence for the word "Australia" because a friend's daughter moved there for a year and so the country and its animals have been on my mind.

Knowing my friend likes to use a combination of online and postal service letters and care packages to stay in touch, I designed KangaRoo Reader for her. Kanga bookmarks are available as free downloads at http://tinyurl.com/minibookmarks. Kanga is also on a number of items at cafepress.com/DesignClass