The Books for Walls Project

Summer Reading Suggestion for Adults: Neil Gaiman, Stardust

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

“You have to
believe.
Otherwise,
it
will
never
happen.”
Neil Gaiman

Believe it, summer is here in Northern Michigan! Need a great summer read?

We suggest:

Stardust:

"In the tranquil fields and meadows of long-ago England, there is a small hamlet that has stood on a jut of granite for 600 years. Just to the east stands a high stone wall, for which the village is named. Here, in the hamlet of Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Forester. And here, one crisp October eve, Tristran makes his love a promise -- an impetuous vow that will send him through the only breach in the wall, across the pasture... and into the most exhilarating adventure of his life."

Read the book... join Tristran
on his journey;
The Mom and
The Dad
LOVED it!

Click Stardust to find
a copy at
your library!

What are you reading?
Take a Challenge,
we'd LOVE to hear
from you!

Why Read? Quotes to Make It Clearer: Audrey Hepburn

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:25:00 +0000

“If I'm honest I have to tell you I still read fairy-tales
and I like them best of all.”
Audrey Hepburn

Goodbye, Dear Jean Craighead George --we'll miss you, thank you for leaving us so many books!

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:50:00 +0000

This morning, I (The Mom) cried. Not simply that Jean Craighead George died (she passed away May 15, 2012), but because upon learning of her death I learned that realized this amazing woman had been alive. For if I had known I would have written her a letter. I cried over the lost chance to thank her. So I decided to write her now. (And it made me cry more, but I feel better now!)

Jean feeding a wolf pup.

Dear Jean (do you mind if we address you as Jean? To us, you are a good friend),

This letter will be brief since we imagine you busy with your animals. Did you know that in our house --that is tucked in the middle of the woods-- we couldn't survive without you? Over the years we've read and then researched so many things, ALL BECAUSE OF YOU. Many people ask us our very favorite books; we agree with Neil Gaiman who said, "picking five favorite books is like picking the five body parts you'd most like not to lose." Jean we pick your books; they are like body parts. Thank you.

With adventurous, animal loving hearts,
The Four of Us

Jean, we will miss you.

Tell us your favorite Jean Craighead George book or story

-or perhaps write her a letter too!

Share in the comments below.

Thankfully, we'll always have all of these amazing BOOKS:

Acorn Pancakes & Dandelion Salad and 38 Other Wild Recipes (1995)

All Upon A Sidewalk (1974)

All Upon A Stone (1971)

The American Walk Book (1978)

Animals Who Have Won Our Hearts (1994)

Arctic Son (1997)

Autumn Moon (2001)

Beastly Inventions, A Surprising Investigation into Just How Smart Animals Really Are (1970)

The Big Book For Our Planet (1993)

Bubo the Great Horned Owl (1954)

The Buffalo Are Back (2010)

The Case of the Missing Cutthroats: An Ecological Mystery (1996)

The Cats of Roxville Station (2009)

Charlie's Raven (2004)

Cliff Hanger (2002)

Coyote in Manhattan (1968)

The Cry of the Crow: A Novel (1980)

Dear Katie, The Volcano Is A Girl (1998)

Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here (1993)

Dipper of Copper Creek (1956)

Elephant Walk (1998)

Everglades (1995)

Everglades Wildguide (1972)

The Fire Bug Connection (1993)

Fire Storm (2003)

The First Thanksgiving (1993)

Frightful's Daughter (2002)

Frightful's Daughter Meets the Baron Weasel (2007)

Frightful's Mountain (1999)

Giraffe Trouble (1998)

Going to the Sun (1976)

The Gorilla Gang (1998)

The Grizzly Bear With the Golden Ears (1982)

Gull Number 737 (1964)

Hold Zero! (1966)

The Hole in the Tree (1957)

Hook a Fish Catch a Mountain (1975)

How to Talk to Your Animals (1985)

How to Talk to Your Cat (1986, 2000)

How to Talk to Your Dog (1986)

Incredible Animal Adventures (1999)

Journey Inward (autobiography) (1982)

Julie (sequel to Julie of the Wolves) (1994)

Julie of the Wolves (1972)

Julie's Wolf Pack (third in the Julie trilogy) (1997)

Look to the North, A Wolf Pup Diary (1997)

Marvels and Mysteries of Our Animal World (1964)

Masked Prowler, the Story of a Raccoon (1950)

Meph the Pet Skunk (1952)

The Missing 'Gator of Gumbo Limbo (1992)

Morning, Noon and Night (1999)

My Side of the Mountain (1959)

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy (2000)

New York In Maps (1969)

Nutik and Amaroq Play Ball (2001)

Nutik, the Wolf Pup (2001)

On the Far Side of the Mountain (sequel to 'My Side of the Mountain') (1990)

One Day in the Alpine Tundra (1984)

One Day in the Desert (1983)

One Day in the Prarie (1986)

One Day in the Tropical Rain Forest (1990)

One Day in the Woods (1988)

Pocket Guide to the Outdoors (2010)

The Last Polar Bea (2009)

Red Robin, Fly Up! (1963)

Rhino Romp (1998)

River Rats (1979)

Shark Beneath the Reef (1989)

Snowboard Twist (2004)

Snow Bear (1999)

Snow Tracks (1958)

Spring Comes to the Ocean (1965)

Spring Moon (2002)

The Summer of the Falcon (1962)

Summer Moon (2002)

The Talking Earth (1983)

The Tarantula in My Purse: And 172 Other Wild Pets (1996)

The Thirteen Moons- 13 volumes

The Moon of the Owls (1967, 1993)

The Moon of the Bears (1967, 1993)

The Moon of the Salamanders (1967, 1992)

The Moon of the Monarch Butterflies (1968, 1993)

The Moon of the Fox Pups (1968, 1992)

The Moon of the Wild Pigs (1968, 1992)

The Moon of the Mountain Lions (1968, 1991)

The Moon of the Chickarees (1969, 1992)

The Moon of the Deer (1969, 1992)

The Moon of the Alligators (1969, 1991)

The Moon of the Gray Wolves (1969, 1991)

The Moon of the Winter Bird (1969, 1992)

The Moon of the Moles (1969, 1992)

There's an Owl in the Shower (1995)

To Climb a Waterfall (1995)

Tree Castle Island (2002)

Vison the Mink (1949)

Vulpes the Red Fox (1948)

Water Sky (1987)

Wentletrap Trap (1978)

Who Really Killed Cock Robin?: An Ecological Mystery (1971)

The Wild, Wild Cook Book (1982)

Winter Moon (2001)

The Wolves Are Back (2008)

The Wounded Wolf (1978)

More Libraries... Everywhere: Building Community by Building Small Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:03:00 +0000

The Sisters testing how the community library
looks with shelves full of BOOKS!

Last week we asked you to "Guess What We've Been Up To" and many of you guessed it RIGHT! We're working on a bunch of really, really small libraries to help build communities --perhaps in a neighborhood near you, and of course, we'd like to tell you the story:

There is something really amazing that happens when many, many people all have similar ideas at the same time, Carl Jung coined the amazing word: Synchronicity. Synchronicity is simply a marvelous, meaningful coincidence. Months ago we met the wonderful Kristen Talaga, Marketing and Communications Manager at Traverse Area District Library. We recall our original meeting had to do with dreaming and scheming, but our subsequent meetings have been all about library support. During one of these meetings we realized that both Traverse Area District Library and BFWP were working on the same thing: building small community libraries. And our calendars proved even more more synchronicity: we'd even planned little library festivities in the same week --we believe Carl Jung is smiling somewhere. It seems the whole world is getting excited about little libraries, they are popping up everywhere!

“This is not a new idea, but it’s a great idea so we are ‘paying it forward,’” said TADL Director, Metta T. Lansdale, Jr. “The message behind the Little Free Library is simple and dovetails with TADL’s mission; it’s about building literacy as well as a sense of community.”

Yesterday we witnessed as the first of many Little Free Libraries was dedicated to the wonder-filled community of Traverse City. There were balloons, smiles, hugs, official ribbon cutting, photos taken, and happy patrons browsing new collection. When the hubbub died down there the little library remained; waiting for the next patron to open its doors and "Take a Book, Leave a Book" as the library urges all who visit to do.

Kids Creek Little Free Library

Learn More about the synchronicity of small community libraries and the Little Free Library Movement:

Kids Creek Little Free Library project explained via Traverse Area District Library

The Record Eagle had a lovely article in the Sunday Paper Free Little Library for Borrowing, Lending

Want to build a little library RIGHT NOW?! Check out the TADL Builder's Toolkit

Stop by Little Free Library for the background and how the group began their inspired work

Search "Little Free Library" and prepare to be inspired!

And of course follow along with Books for Walls Project as we complete our own small library, we'll share photos, details and goodies along the way. Are you interested in a small library for your community? Contact us tell us what you are thinking.

This article is dedicated to the amazing Kristen Talaga, we like to imagine a world where

every library community has someone like Kristen on their team

--that would be a lovely world indeed!

The Library: Your Gotta Fight. For Your Right.

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Pure and simple,

this one is for

The Dad.

someecards.com "when you care enough to send a hit", click here to send one!

And in memory of Adam Yauch, because The Dad is going to miss

the original Three Beastie Boys, together.

Remembering Adam Yauch | The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

MCA Dead: Adam Yauch Remembered With Beastie Boys Hits

Take a moment, check out what's happening at BFWP:

Get the Scoop! At Your Library: Choose Privacy Week 2012

Tell us What are You Reading RIGHT NOW?

Guess What We've been up to? Building a little library, more coming soon!

Find us on Facebook, click here

Follow us on Twitter,

click here.

Get the Scoop! At Your Library: Choose Privacy Week 2012 "Freedom from Surveillance" & "What Parents Should Know About Privacy Online"

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:39:00 +0000

The theme for Choose Privacy Week, May 1-7, 2012, is "Freedom from Surveillance." The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) started Choose Privacy Week in 2010 "to deepen public awareness about the serious issue of government surveillance, and offers individuals the resources to think critically and make more informed choices about their privacy." As fast as things change learning about our privacy rights can be a daunting task --what's a person to do? Well, check with the library of course! Or visit privacy revolution.org for resources galore.

“We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted.”

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association

The Campaign for America's Libraries created a list "What Parents Should Know About Privacy Online" to help navigate the wild and wonderful internet with children. Here is the scoop on the the main points (please visit @yourlibrary to get the full scoop and much more about privacy that should be a must read for EVERYONE!)

1. Do a family privacy audit.

2. Discuss with your children what privacy means— for your family, in school, with friends, and online.

3. Reinforce the message that your children have the right to control what they share about themselves, who they share it with and what others share about them.

4. Take a moment to talk about the “golden rule” of privacy: how to respect other people’s privacy.

5. Remember that sharing online is an opportunity to design a positive digital footprint. Our children grow up with online identities. And remember that once shared, digital media, such as cell phone photos or videos, have the potential to be endlessly shared, regardless of original intentions, and can be virtually impossible to remove.

6. Understand what you’re agreeing to when you or your children share information with commercial interests. Websites that ask for personal information in exchange for use of a “free” or paid product or service, whether it’s a social networking site, online game, store or promotion, often use the collected information in targeted advertising and to shape search results.

7. Get up to speed on social media and privacy and talk about it with your preteens and teens.

Take the Choose Privacy Week Quiz

brought to you by @yourlibrary!

The Mom creates "Get the Scoop" to help The Sisters learn about what the library has to offer. Together we gather, review and share the information in hope of shedding a little more light on all the amazing things libraries do for us.

Knowledge is power;

the library makes us feel pretty strong!

What are You Reading RIGHT NOW? May 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:19:00 +0000

What better way to begin the month of May than by sharing what you are reading, let's get inspired and share the good, the bad and the magnificent.

To participate in this challenge the first thing The Four of Us do is head our bookshelves, our Library Bookshelf in particular:

The Library Bookshelf is a MUST in home like ours. If we aren't reading a library book, this is where it lives. When it's Library Day (Thursday) we grab our library bags, library cards, grab the books that need to be returned
and then hit the library.

Coincidentally, this morning The Poet sent us this piece from NPR: A Book About Bookshelves To Put On Your Very Own Bookshelf. His timing was perfect, The Mom just purchased Bookshelf by Alex Johnson for The Dad! The shelves in the book are wild and wonderful, you can explore some of them on the Bookshelf blog and the NPR story. The bookshelves around here are not exactly the artful masterpieces we imagine are featured in the book (it should arrive tomorrow); we wondered what Alex Johnson's own bookshelves were like. Thankfully Madhulika Sikka asked him this exact question:

So how does Johnson himself store books?
"Ha, ha! Just as the cobbler's children have the shoddiest shoes, my bookshelves and bookcases are spectacularly dull and straightforward," he says. "Most of them are standard, horizontal wooden shelves painted white in the basement of the house where I work."

We're thinking Alex Johnson would get a kick out of our

bookshelves. The Dad makes new shelves every

time we need them: OFTEN; bookshelves literally fill our house.

Want to tell us what is on YOUR bookshelf?

Take The Bookshelf Challenge --one of our first challenges!

Now, back to What are You Reading RIGHT NOW!

The Big Sister came up with "What Are You Reading RIGHT NOW?" way back in May of 2010 and it was so popular that we decided to make it a regular feature. So come by often and share what you are reading! This challenge is a great place to learn about new and old good books to read, so enjoy the comments too!

NOW! Grab your book journals and what you are currently reading and then share what you are reading RIGHT NOW in the comments. This challenge is a great place to make note of good books to add to your reading list.

Can you guess what The Four of Us are up to?

Click here and we'll give you a hint!

While you are here take a moment and check out all of our challenges. Bookmark the list and take a challenge whenever you have an urge to find, or to share, a good book or story: The Books for Walls Project Complete List of Challenges.

So, What are you Reading Right Now?

Tell us in the comments below:

Guess what we've been up to!

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:51:00 +0000

Here are a

couple

of hints:

The Dad and The Sisters just finished step one:
the basic installation.
A wonderful creation made completely
of recycled materials.

Now mix in a little sprinkle of the
Goddess of Wisdom, Athena,
well, an Athenæum
to be specific...

Shelves,
yup,
add shelves...

Any

guesses?

Answer

coming

SOON!!

Share Thy Shakespeare Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (The Big Sister) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Happy BIRTHDAY Shakespeare!

Celebrate by thinking of the Bard

and taking the challenge.

The Share Thy Shakespeare Challenge is not so much a challenge to think of a line from Shakespeare or a book or a sonnet, but a challenge to stop and think about Shakespeare. Try and remember the first time you heard a piece of Shakespeare or the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Shakespeare. So think about William Shakespeare and we want to know what comes to your mind.

We found some good resources to help you if Shakespeare is new to you or you find him hard to read or to understand:

Need Help reading Shakespeare? How about some help that is fun to read click here for Joseph Smigelski's "How to Enjoy Reading Shakespeare."

Complete Online Shakespeare Collection: shakespeare.mit.edu

Shakespeare Shorts, read aloud stories: shakespeare.palomar.edu

Stratford Shakespeare Festival 2012: http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/

Know of a particularly good Shakespeare Festival, please tell us!

Join the celebration and Talk Like Shakespeare.

Please use the following format for your comment:
Write down your thoughts on Shakespeare and post.

Get the Scoop at Your Library: Go Ahead, Celebrate National Library Week, All Year Long!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:29:00 +0000

”Be a little careful about your library.
Do you foresee what you will do with it?
Very little to be sure.
But the real question is,
'What will it do with you?'
You will come here
and get books that will
open your eyes,
and your ears,
and your curiosity,
and turn you inside out
or outside in.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson, find works by him at your library!

Show your support on your Facbook page! Thanks to @ your library you can easily edit your cover image to show your support with this fun graphic, click here to make it happen!

April 8-14, 2012 is National Library Week which, according to the American Library Association, "is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support."

But we hope that National Library Week

will be every day, all year; that everyone

will get out there and use their library!

Our little local act in support Interlochen Public Library: we donated 50 snazzy pocket "How to Keep a Book Journal" books and recycled bamboo pencils. IPL liked the idea so much they insisted on buying more --thanks for the support IPL, especially Amanda, nice work on all the festivities!! Thanks for the support from Blackbird Arts in Traverse City --who just happen to be the featured art in the McGuire Community Room this month at the Woodmere Branch of Traverse Area District Library. And to Crystal Crate and Cargo in Beulah for donating the wonderful pencils. And thanks to our secret donors, you know who you are; The Dad for helping The Mom assemble the final 10 journals; to The Sister's Gramma who wrote with her lovely handwriting on so many of the pencils; and to The Sisters and the BFWP Family of Readers, we are grateful for your endless support.

Want one of these lovely journals for yourself or how about a bunch for your reading group? With every journal you purchase we donate one to a local library's Summer Reading Program!

We're pretty giddy about our new pocket sized journals --thanks to ecojot for giving us a great deal. With a bit of layout fun, editing, cutting, a table of activity, and don't forget glue sticks --we have 200 lovely journals to share. Stay tuned for our own "Buy 1, Give 1 Campaign" --details coming soon!

Watch this short film about ecojot's trip to Haiti, we've set our sights on helping them with their outreach --who knows, when The Sisters are 18 maybe we can volunteer with them?! Learn more about the ecojot "Give" program, click here, and get inspired to help spread literacy around the globe!

Now Back to LIBRARIES! There are so many ways that a library can help, all you have to do is ask! Here are some tips and fun ways to learn about and support our wonderful libraries:

New to the library? The Sisters created Library 101 just for you, click here and get started!
Did you know that many libraries are hubs for GREAT ART? Check out your library and ask about their programming and/or installations --you may be surprised! And check out Library as Incubator Project, wow, so much inspiration, watch out, you WILL be inspired!
At the Books for Walls Project we never have ads trying to sell books; rather than buying a book we suggest you first try to find it at the library. Need a little help? Try starting with www.worldcat.org which helps you find a book at a library nearest you, wherever you are!
Do you love the library? Check out I Love Libraries (www.ilovelibraries.org) brought to you by the American Library Association (www.ala.org.)
Interested in the State of America's Libraries? Read the 2012 report, hot off the presses --read on, click here.

"Even as budget-cutters take aim at libraries and their services, more than two-thirds of the 1,000-plus adults contacted in a survey in January said that the library’s assistance in starting a business or finding a job was important to them, according to the poll, conducted for the American Library Association (ALA) by Harris Interactive.

Sixty-five percent of those polled said they had visited the library in the past year; women are significantly more likely than men (72 percent vs. 58 percent) to fall into this category, especially working women, working mothers and women aged 18-54. Overall, 58 percent of those surveyed said they had a library card, and the largest group was, again, women, especially working women and working mothers. College graduates and those with a household income of more than $100,000 were also well represented among card holders, according to the survey."

Follow the Books for Walls Project, we promise to keep up to date on library news (Get the Scoop at Your Library) and have a bunch of bookish fun. Click here for ways to keep in touch.
Do you love YOUR Library? Add it to our Favorite Libraries List -click here to check out the list, click here to add your favorite library.
Tell us a Library Love Story, we LOVE stories or tell us why you love your library (we shared out top ten) click here and read more!
Visit our Facebook page for some of the latest on local library National Library Week activities, little goodies and bookish info.

Now go out and enjoy your library,
Celebrate Libraries Everyday!

Library 101

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:10:00 +0000

As Library National Library Week continues we're thinking what is the first thing you have to do begin a relationship with the library?

We realized there are steps and here is what we came up with:

Step One:

The Big Sister says, "First you have to want to go. And it's good to go because there are books and you never know what you'll learn there -sometimes it's really fun to read and sometimes you figure out what you want to do when you get older!"

Step Two:

Find a Library: Worldwide or USA start looking at www.worldcat.org or www.libdex.com. In the USA only www.atyourlibrary.org or www.ilovelibraries.org

Step Three:

Go to the library and Get your Library Card: Arrive at the library you found (or call first) and ask how you can get your card (for more, click here)

The Little Sister says, "to get your card you have to sign your name, so learn to write your name --when I was little, it took me a little while to remember how to write a J instead of a C, but I did and so I got my card!"

Step Four:

Take out books, movies, music or use their computers --enjoy the world that is open to you!

Step Five:

Read, Renew or Return, and Repeat.

All four of us agree that if your library offers an online option, use it! Our library system (Traverse Area District Library) offers such perks as an email notice 3 days before books are due, up to 6 renewals, online browsing and reserving --so you can look at books at midnight and pick them up from the front desk in the morning.

Step Six:

Then visit the Books for Walls Project and tell us about what you're reading! Share the inspiration.

Have a Library Love Story (click here)? A love story can be any memory about life connected with your library. When you got your first card, a librarian that was particularly wonderful, a book you found (or that found you.) We'll keep Library Love Stories available, so whenever you think of one, come back and tell us!

Thank you for all of the comments at Childhood in a Book, Yourstory, First Line/Last Line, Bookshelf Challenge and wow, some amazing Haiku Your Book take a moment to read them and post your own comments!

Celebrating: Detroit Public Library

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:28:00 +0000

Main Library opened: March 1921, the north and south wings were opened June 1963

Mission: "The Detroit Public Library enhances quality of life for the diverse and dynamic community in the city of Detroit. The Library enlightens and empowers its citizens to meet their lifelong learning needs through open and equitable access to information, technology and cultural/educational programs."

Collection Size: 8.3 million "4 million government documents, 4 million books, 150,000 audio recordings, and 100,000 video recordings. The remaining 50,000 are spread across electronic databases, print and electronic subscriptions to magazines and newspapers, and the archival collections plus "museum collectibles" in the Library's Special Collections units."

Collection Available Digitally: Approximately 5% of the 4 million books and approximately 1/3 of 4 million documents.

Current Director: Jo Anne Mondowney

Visited: May 20, 2011

On a beautiful Friday afternoon in May, The Four of Us entered The Detroit Public Library's Main Branch. The Mom returned to an old favorite place; The Dad and The Sisters discovered a new favorite place. In a nutshell, this is what we learned: knowledge is power, education is freedom, which are free gifts to those who choose to use the Detroit Public Library.

The Mom, The Little Sister, The Big Sister -out from behind our books-

with our new friend Uzoma Onyemaechi

We were welcomed by Uzoma Onyemaechi, Assistant Director for Main Library, or "Mr. Uzo", as he invited The Sisters to call him. We explained our goals for the visit: to learn all about Detroit Public Library, about its past, present and future and to ask three questions.

Question #1: What is the most interesting item held in the library's collection? After a short, thoughtful pause Uzo answered, "there is not one thing," and then lead the way to show us exactly what he meant. All along the way Uzo, an excellent guide, shared his vast knowledge of Detroit Public Library.

This painting sits opposite the Burton Historical Collection and was donated

by Timothy Oriki, the artist. We learned that many people choose to donate art to the library. While art museums charge a fee to view art, libraries are free and DPL is full of art, for free!

Touring the Music and Performing Arts Department --oh, the sheet music, The Sisters were in heaven. And how about a treasure trove of record albums, 50,000?

A display of the E. Azalia Hackley Collection "presented to the DPL by the Detroit Musicians Association to serve as the nucleus for a special black music collection." Over the years the collection has grown in size and scope, unmatched indeed.

Upon entering the Burton Historical Collection, we were immediately drawn in as Uzo told the story of its remarkable history. The Sister's ears perked up as they heard names like Barack Obama, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Abraham Lincoln mingled with their own. Mr. Uzo described the amazing genealogical resources to The Sisters "since your Mom and her family are from Detroit, you will find information about her, your grandparents, great grandparents. People come from all over, finding out about their families." The Burton Historical Collection is a genealogy lover's dream!

"At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic
threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better." Barack Obama

Our nation's current events are also represented within the walls of the Burton Historical Collection, "President Obama was in this room," Mr. Uzo told the wide eyed Sisters. During his campaign in 2008 Obama spoke to a huge crowd if front of DPL; he chose to get ready in the Burton Historical Collection near the statue of Abraham Lincoln and Joe Biden, "the Vice President is a base ball fan," chose the Ernie Harwell Collection.

No beard, beard. Which Abraham Lincoln would you vote for?

And the stories continued! Periodically, "the Library of Congress sends guards here to borrow a letter to display which is a part of our collection." This letter, said to be worth over $1,000,000, is written by a young girl named Grace Bedell who suggested to Abraham Lincoln that he "let his whiskers grow... you would look a great deal better..." Many believe that without this letter from Grace Bedell, a beardless Abraham Lincoln may have lost the election. We learned all about Clarence Burton the man who had the vision to begin the collection so many years ago. All of the wonderful stories stopped us, for a moment transfixed, in the immense importance of what is held within the walls of the Burton Historical Collection.

Grace Bedell's Letter with amazing penmanship! To read her letter and have a closer look, click here.

Read and view President Lincoln's response in his letter held by the Library of Congress.

__________

BONUS INTERVIEW with Mark Bowden, Coordinator for Special Collections at DPL:

What is your favorite part of working with the collection? "As Coordinator for Special Collections, I'm responsible for the five collections housed at the Library: Burton, Rare Books, E. Azalia Hackley Collection of African Americans in the Performing Arts, Ernie Harwell Sports Collection, and the National Automotive History Collection. One of my favorite parts of my job is making a presentation to groups called "Bibles to Baseballs: Treasures of the Detroit Public Library's Special Collections" where I display about 50 items that document our local and national heritage. Many are singular items of cultural, historical, and literary significance: Sumerian clay cone (2100 BCE), illuminated Book of Hours (15th century), George Washington's diary, Abraham Lincoln documents, Mark Twain and Laura Ingalls Wilder manuscripts, Fisk Golden Jubilee Singers scrapbook, Motown promotional materials, carbon copy of the Tigers' purchase of Ty Cobb's contract etc. I'm extremely fortunate and honored to be the caretaker of collections of such variety and cultural richness."

Do children ever come to do research? "Rarely. We did, however, have a group of Detroit fifth graders do some research from our biographical files. Each child was assigned a prominent Detroit or Michigan African American from among several categories such as business, education, politics, and religion They had to take notes or make photocopies of the material and then write a paper about that person."

Do people every cry over things they find there? "One woman found her estranged father listed in the Social Security Death Benefit Index as having died two years earlier and she did quietly shed a few tears."

__________

A state of the art, freshly renovated

area, incredibly inviting.

Question #2: Why do you think libraries are an important part of a community? To us, the answer was clear by the abundant resources around each corner and on each shelf. Uzo pointed out a few highlights: the seasonal tax center where the Accounting Aid Society offers free tax preparation by volunteers. On days the tax help is offered "there are lines before the library opens and the volunteers help as many people as they are able." And then there is The Technology, Literacy, and Career Center (TLC Center) offering help with everything from finding a job to learning to read, one on one. Through the glass window we witnessed an encouraging staff member helping a middle aged man, hands hovering above keyboard, tentatively, learning. Uzo clarified how important these types of resources are, used concepts like "Digital Divide" and explained that the library gives access to information and technology that otherwise would be unavailable to many citizens. Smiling, Uzo shared a tidbit of his own story: his father encouraged him with the idea that "education is freedom". Thanks to Detroit Public Library so many people find education and freedom, including the often overlooked and under served citizens.

Happy Teens @ DPL

Enter H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Excel) Teen Center, you must be 13-18 years old to get in on this action --we were allowed, our Tour Guide, the privilege of a quick visit to witness the magic. This is what we saw: one group of kids playing the latest music video game; others huddled over books; a stage, waiting an impromptu performance; big, flat screens a-buzz with entertainment, children clicking away on computers, learning; a room filled with the loud hush of happy kids; comfy chairs for quite reading; and adults with a watchful eyes, ready to help and provide whatever these fortunate young patrons needed. Perhaps H.Y.P.E. should stand for Happy Young People Excel.

__________

BONUS INTERVIEW with Oneka D. (Wilson) Samet, Teen Services Specialist at the H.Y. P.E Teen Center:

H.Y.P.E. Teen Center

What do you do every day at H.Y.P.E.? "As the Librarian, my task is to make sure the center runs smoothly and the teens have books to read. But most importantly, I am a resource for the teens. One of my nickname's is Oneechan. That is a Japanese translation of Big Sister. I order the materials, plan programming and keep the room organized. The teens are very talented and they love sharing those things with others. So I try to plan programming that encourages those talents or helps manifest those that they don't know."

Have you had an experience with a teen that stands out that you wouldn't mind sharing? "I'm very proud that many of our teens use their experience here as an amplifier for real life. There is a group of teens that meet here to practice writing music. We've let them practice and perform for the other teens here. Just yesterday, I went to their school to see them perform their pieces at the Spring Concert. I was really proud of the practice and effort that I saw them put into preparing for that moment. We have many moments like that here. Teens enjoy writing poetry and participate in our Citywide Poets program. It is very refreshing to see them get up on our stage and perform an original piece of poetry that they have written, edited, researched and now perform. These are the young people that will lead our society in the future."

The HYPE stage, ready for action.

What did you want to be when you were young? Did you think you'd love working in a library? "I went to Oak Park High School when I was a teenager. The library was literally across the street and I was one of those teens who did not want to be at home. I wanted to get away from my siblings and hang out with my friends so I spent a lot of time at the library. It was the people there who made the difference. It was John Martin, the Director of the library, who encouraged my love of the library, reading, and writing. I met great authors at my library like Gwendolyn Brooks and Julius Lester who encouraged me to write everyday. I fell in love with fantasy novels like the Wizard of Oz series and The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. When I started college, I knew I loved books so I majored in English but I remembered my days as a young person at the library and wanted to pursue it even more so that I could have a positive influence like Mr. Martin did for me."

__________

Question #3: How can children support the library? Mr Uzo listed some suggestions:

Come to the library, click here to visit DPL

Ask your parents to join the Friends of the Library and to volunteer

Donate books

Check out the library's programs

Simply, "use it!"

Adam Strohm Hall ceiling

One of our last stops and a moment that is etched solidly in our memories is when Uzo read the frieze of inscriptions that winds around the ceiling of Adam Strohm Hall. On the ceiling they are blended into one statement, but after doing a bit of research and learning that divided and credited, the quotes are no less moving:

"To promote self development by ample facilities for wide reading, in an atmosphere of freedom and morality." Sir John MacAlister, we think he was the founder of The School of Librarianship --we are still researching him (1856-1925)

"Read not to contradict and confute nor to believe and take for granted, but to weigh and consider." Francis Bacon, philosopher (1561-1626)

"Through seas of knowledge we our course advance, discovering still new worlds of ignorance." John Denham, poet (1615-1669)

"Books are the most enduring monuments of a man's achievements. Through them, civilization becomes cumulative." Cass Gilbert (1859-1934) the architect of the 1921 Main Library (An interesting fact we found when researching: the 1963 addition was designed by his son Cass Gilbert Jr. and Francis J. Keally.)

Our tour lead us all over an amazing library and everywhere we looked we wanted to know more and we didn't even begin using the library, we were just experiencing it as a place. During our visit and follow up research we spoke to several other members of DPL staff including Randolph Call, Assistant Director for Technical Services at DPL. He shared data about the library's collection and noted yet another wonderful truth: "libraries are community centers, a safe place for everyone." We'd like to thank Randolph, Mark, Steve, Janet, Oneka, Uzo and all of the staff and volunteers at Detroit Public Library. With their help we learned that libraries are so much more than just book repositories; libraries are portals through which we can visit our past and find our future; libraries are a free gift to our present, if only we learn how to use them.

During our research found an amazing resource "Detroit Public Library: Information for Readers and Visitors", originally published in 1922, the book is full of unmatched information about the historic building, click this link and enjoy the digitized version. Thank you to Kathy Daniels who is an amazing editor! (re)Discovering Detroit Public Library is dedicated to the memory of Dan Daniels. The Mom's Uncle Dan loved DPL and was very proud of the Burton Historical Collection. We think he would be proud that we are carrying on his library love legacy!

What are you Reading RIGHT NOW Challenge Spring 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:41:00 +0000

‎"Books to the ceiling,
Books to the sky,
My piles of books
are a mile high.
How I love them!
How I need them!
I'll have a long beard by
the time I read them!"
Arnold Lobel, amazing children's author

Help us celebrate the beginning of our 3rd year (our 2nd anniversary) by telling us what you are reading!

We've been reading "books to the sky", learning loads, visiting our favorite library often, and working with our local libraries on a couple of great projects,

we'll share all of the goodies soon.

For now grab the book you are reading

and tell us about it, click down below to post a comment!

Why Do We Love Mice in Books So Much Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:34:00 +0000

A Mouse Reading Outside the House.
By The Little Sister

While reviewing Secrets at Sea we jotted down a list of books: main character... MICE. Quickly we found that most of the books we really, really liked and many we absolutely loved. Truth be told we cannot get enough of little anthropomorphized mice. Give them a sword, we want them on our side; give them a dress, we want to invite them to our tea party; make them talk, we want to listen to their story. What is it about these little creatures that in books we love, but scurrying around in our homes, well, we grab a trap.

We are guessing that there are

mountains of mice books out

there and we want to find

(and hopefully

read)

them

all.

Can you help?

Tell us about your favorites

--tell us about why you love them.

Don't be afraid to share books

that have already been mentioned,

we want to know the story of

why YOU like the book.

So share on Dear Readers,
tell us Why You Love Mice in Books SO Much!

Please use the following format for your comment:

Title of the Book, Author, and your thoughts on the book.

BFWP Book Review: Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Secrets at Sea is simply "one billion thumbs up," according to The Little Sister. She explains, "the mice have human friends, a mouse restaurant, they go on a boat to England and a lot of... MICE and FUN!" The Big Sister shares that "I loved this book, even though I am almost 12. The book takes something that a young child would like and turns it into something for all ages --who wouldn't love a book with a mouse that saves the day by hiding in a woman's bosom?" She said, "please include a smiley face," so ;)!

We couldn't wait to review
Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck!

The Mom read Secrets at Sea aloud to The Sisters and each of us enjoyed this new book by Richard Peck for myriad reasons. Imagine: the mice put on clothes when they get home and take them off when they go out into human territory. The ultimate goal is to keep their truth --their brilliance-- hidden, revealing it only to the most deserving humans. As they venture out into the world, they have to survive and they do, with style. They do more than survive though, they thrive. And they teach us that it never hurts to want something more and to trust that taking care of yourself is always a good idea.

If you liked these books you'll probably like Secrets at Sea too! Click the links to find the book at your nearest library:

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Di Camillo

Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem (A series worth collecting, recently reissued!)

Stuart Little by E. B. White

The Mouse and His Motorcycle and Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary

Poppy by Avi (There is a whole series, check them all out!)

Redwall by Brian Jacques (Another wonderful Series!)

Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton respectively by Geronimo Stilton and Thea Stilton (noms de plume of Edward Herrmann)

Thanks to the Horn Book Magazine for keeping us up to date on all the wonderful children's books out there! Remember, we mentioned their wonderful piece by Richard Peck and shared more, click to read more. The Mom is often asked how she keeps up on all the good books out there. Well the Horn Book Magazine is one secret and the other, no secret at all, we go to the library a LOT!!

So, turn off the computer and head to the nearest library and check this one out!

Best of BFWP: "You can't tell a book...

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:59:00 +0000

...by its movie." Louis A Safian

On Fridays we'll tempt you to sneak away from your books to talk about movies. But not just any movies --just movies that were once books.

Tell us about your favorite movies adapted from books. And go ahead, tell us about those movies that were not as good as the book (I think we all know one of those!) Post in the comments below.

Best of BFWP: The Frozen Frog Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (The Little Sister) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:42:00 +0000

It's me! The Little Sister and the Mom is typing my words for me. One of our friends, who lives in a very wonderful place in Detroit called Brightmoor, shared a video all about what happens to frogs in the winter. I liked it so much that I decided to name the challenge after it! Here is more about the frog:

Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica), are common in the woods where we live, and they FREEZE in the winter, then in the spring the little frozen frogs thaw and come back to life. They are funny little frogs that look like a little robber, they are good, really, really good jumpers. Watch the video to be wow-ed!

Here is more about The Frozen Frog Challenge: What do frogs have to do with books? Well I learn a lot, really a lot, of cool and interesting things from books. What we want to know this week is all about books that teach you very cool things, like frozen frogs. Tell us the names of the books and the cool things you've learned from them (the books can be fiction or non-fiction.)

Please use the following format for your comment:

Title of the Book, Author, and your thoughts on what the book taught you.

What are You Reading RIGHT NOW? Winter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:07:00 +0000

The Big Sister came up with this challenge way back in May of 2010 and it was so popular that we decided to make it a regular feature. So come by often and share what you are reading! This challenge is a great place to learn about new and old good books to read, so enjoy the comments too!

Nice and simple: tell The Books for Walls Project what you are reading --whether a newspaper, a magazine, a book-on-tape, or just a good old fashioned book.

Take a moment check out all of our challenges. Bookmark it and take a challenge whenever you have an urge to find or to share a good book or story: The Books for Walls Project Complete List of Challenges.

So, What are you Reading Right Now? Tell us in the comments below:

Get the Scoop! At Your Library: National Libraries Day and Take Your Child to the Library Day

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:20:00 +0000

"A library is not a luxury,

it is a necessity"

Henry Ward Beecher

Today we are celebrating National Libraries Day in honor of our friends in Britain. What to do on National Libraries Day? It is simple. Julia Donaldson, Waterstone's Children's Laureate, penned a poem to celebrate the day, and concluded:

Yes, come to the library! Browse and borrow,
And help make sure it’ll still be here tomorrow.

Read the full poem, click here.

Visit the National Libraries Day website to learn more!

And today is a special day, just for KIDS: Take Your Child to the Library Day and we got the scoop from ALA (American Library Association) Connect:

"Nadine Lipman of the Waterford (CT) Public Library, and Caitlin Augusta of the Stratford (CT) Library Association have started a grassroots initiative called “Take Your Child to the Library Day.” The annual event will be on the first Saturday in February (February 4, 2012).

They've set up a blog at: takeyourchildtothelibrary.blogspot.com, and a public Facebook page at facebook.com/Take-Your-Child-to-the-Library-Day/286965. Everyone is invited to participate, including libraries outside of Connecticut." Note: the lovely artwork for Take Your Child to the Library day was created by children's author Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.

We have plans to help spread the word and more people involved, it's on our calendar for 2013! Wouldn't it be lovely if EVERY day was Take Your Child to the Library Day?

Celebrate libraries!

Stop in at the nearest library,

tell them the Books for Walls Project sent you.

Remember:

Use It or

Lose It!

The Cuddle Up and Read Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:23:00 +0000

"We read to know that we are not alone."

C.S. Lewis

The Little Sister reading and cuddling with The Cat
(Photo subject to Copyright)

The Little Sister has been plotting this Challenge for a while. You see, she is a Cuddler. Her favorite pastime is cuddling and a close second is reading --so cuddling and reading, well that is simply heaven for her.

This challenge has options:

share your favorite books to cuddle up and read,

share books to read aloud while cuddled up,

share your favorite place to cuddle up and read.

By all means spend a moment cuddled up and enjoy reading!
And then take the challenge and share your thoughts with
The Little Sister she'd LOVE
to hear from YOU!

Best of BFWP: Face to Face with Mary Doria Russell (and Annie)

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:11:00 +0000

A wonderful night back in 2010. We just found Mary Doria Russell on Twitter and immediately dove back into our history to revisit this wonderful experience! Enjoy!

The Mom (behind Children of God),
Mary Doria Russell (behind Annie Fannie),
and The Bean (behind Thread of Grace.)

Last night as the autumn winds blew and rain threatened The Bean and I enjoyed an amazing evening. The glowing lights of the City Opera House invited us into the hush of library-loving bibliophiles gathered to listen to this year's Traverse City Reads author, Mary Doria Russell.

The first thing that suggested an interesting night ahead: seated on a couch --being photographed-- a woman and a dog. Dogs are not usually invited to such events, but this one seemed as welcome as anyone. A short legged, long haired dachshund, "half a dog high, dog and a half long--" taken right from the pages of Dreamers of the Day. But this dog wasn't Rosie, this dog was "Annie Fannie Sweet Feet". As soon as we had a chance, we asked the very approachable Mary who came first Annie, or Rosie? She shared that Annie was first and absolutely the inspiration for Rosie. She explained that she would have used the name Annie Fannie in Dreamers had an editor not advised against it due to the British-English definition of fanny. And so Annie became Rosie and Rosie became a perfect companion to Agnes Shanklin as she traveled from Ohio to Egypt, back home to Ohio and then onto her final rest in Egypt. Just as Annie Fannie is a perfect companion to Mary and her husband on a "working vacation" in Northern Michigan.

I did not know that T.E. Lawrence in Dreamers of the Day was the "Lawrence of Arabia" and was sad to admit that I knew so little of a history that is so clearly connected to our modern times. Mary enlightened the audience with insights into writing historical fiction. She explained that she is a reader and read countless books which allowed her to use the actual words of Winston Churchill and T. E. Lawrence within the text of Dreamers. Including this famous line, "the dreamers of day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible." Dreamers of the Day left me hungry for history and full of questions.

Audience members learned that Mary Doria Russell became a writer by way of life and the changes it brings (she's never taken a writing course). And became a great writer because she is a great reader and knows the importance of "giving (readers) characters to care about." The Bean asked if she had a regular writing routine or if she just wrote when inspired. Mary laughed and explained that her morning begins, "with two cups of coffee, two newspapers... then it is on to the computer... four hours of serious work."

The evening was full of serious topics balanced perfectly by Mary's personality. Later while she signed my books I told her that my mom (The Bean) and I found her to be a delicious hoot --she laughed and said that friends told her "that if writing didn't work out she could pursue work as a comedienne." Anyone in the audience would be hard pressed to disagree, I admit to laughing so hard that I --The Bean as my witness-- snorted.

Please note Mary's
amazing smile!

I asked Mary to sign my copy of Dreamers of the Day to The Sisters. So that when they are older and have questions about war, 9/11, or why there are places in the world that constantly fight, I will steer them to our bookshelf. Where they will find their own copy of Dreamers of the Day. Then I will share they story of last night, when I listened to an amazing woman tell us all about her journey through her life and into her books and into our lives. I will tell The Sisters that Mary Doria Russell is a "readers writer", a lover of dogs, and that she is a "hoot." I will tell my daughters that Dreamers is a book worth reading more than once and then I will set them off on their own journey. The next step of my journey is to watch Lawrence of Arabia and to read everything I can get my hands on written by the wonderful Mary Doria Russell.

In closing The Books for Walls Project would like to thank Mary Doria Russell for being a sport and taking the BFWP style behind-the-books (dog!) photo with The Mom and The Bean. We'll never forget our evening with Mary and Annie Fannie!

Mary will make one more appearance in the Traverse City Area this weekend at Brilliant Books ~~October 23rd at 7pm~~, click for more information. For a comprehensive profile of Mary Doria Russell by Cleveland Women, click here.

Please join in the conversation and add your comments below.

Days of the Blackbird

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

The Question: How to keep warm
and happy
when it is

cold

and
gray
outside

for days

and
days

and
days
and
days
and
days?

For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, near and above the 45 parallel, it is normally cold, dark and snowy. (Although, so far we've had a mild winter here in Michigan.)

The Sisters have a few secrets on how to get through a long winter: read good books, keep a pot of tea handy, get outside and enjoy the weather (sometimes we forget, but all we need is one good sled run to get us re-focused!)

The BIGGEST secret is find something to celebrate. So we invite you to celebrate Giorni della Merla, or translated: Days of the Blackbird, with us. We found the wonderful legend via a favorite author, and spinner of legends, Tomie DePaola:

"In this elegant tale, Tomie dePaola imagines how the Days of the Blackbird in northern Italy came to be. Gemma and her father, the Duke of Gennaro, live in a house with a courtyard that fills with birds of all colors through the spring and summer. When the Duke falls ill at the end of summer, Gemma begs the birds to stay to raise his spirits with their song. However, as snow and fierce winds begin to swirl down on the village, the birds must fly south to stay warm, and eventually only one loyal bird remains."

Each year during the Days of the Blackbird, January 29, 30, and 31, we feed the birds, cut out and decorate blackbirds* and feel much warmer in general. We think of white birds turning black, trust in the promise of winter ending and spring returning and we watch as our chickadees, who stay here year round, feast at our bird feeder. To find a copy of Days of the Blackbird, click here.

How do you get through the coldest, grayest days of winter? Do you have any wonderful stories and/or legends that help you smile on the coldest days?

Happy Days of the Blackbird!

*To make the Blackbirds we simply trace some of the wonderful illustrations in Tomie's book and use them to cut shapes and create our own blackbirds.

The (S)hero challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +0000

If you put a "S" at the beginning of the word hero you get the word shero & that's what this challenge is about! Shero isn't a real word, it should be heroine. Still,I love the word SHERO --even though it isn't in the dictionary!!!!!!!!!!

definition of heroine
from the New Oxford
American Dictionary

Take the Shero Challenge... tell us all about your favorite literary heroines or books with a Shero!

Me, The Big Sister, with my favorite "Shero" books, here is a list: (The links lead you to worldcat.org,
don't worry worldcat.org's safe!)

Alanna

Tamora Pierce

A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L' engle

The Secret Of the Old Clock

Carolyn Keene

The Game of Silence

Louise Erdrich

Wings

E. D. Baker

The Edge on the Sword

Rebecca Tingle

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott

This Challenge is brought to you by The Big Sister, this the first Challenge I've done all by myself --with a little editing help from The Mom. Now I understand why Mom spends so much time working on this, it's so much FUN!

While you're here... do you have a Literary BFF? Take the Literary BFF Challenge and tell me about it! Or take the Herstory Challenge and learn about books that celebrate women in history. I'd also love to hear about books you didn't really like: try the The Calamity Challenge. I'd love to hear from you, feel free to email me, click here and send me your thought on books!

Happy Reading,

The Big Sister

Get the Scoop! At Your Library: S.O.P.A and P.I.P.A

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:51:00 +0000

Introducing a new feature here at Books for Walls Project: Get the Scoop! At Your Library. We decided to share research we do, at the library, on timely topics. Enjoy. And please let us know if you have ideas for future features!

No, PIPA and SOPA are not children's book characters or soap or soup. We looked to the American Library Association and a few trusted library websites for help. Here is what we learned:

The letters stand for:

Protect

Internet

Property

Act

Stop

Online

Piracy

Act

We like the perspective in this letter written by writers, musicians and artists, including author and library advocate Neil Gaiman and the band OK Go (click here for their super fun Rube Goldberg Machine video):

"We urge Congress to exercise extreme caution and ensure that the free and open Internet, upon which so many artists rely to promote and distribute their work, does not become collateral damage in the process." Read full text here

In her letter, posted on The District Dispatch, Corey Williams, Associate Director of the Office of Government Relations for the American Library Association Washington Office, explained the American Library Association's position:

"The ALA is on the record having taken a strong stance in opposition to these bills and we also constructed the PIPA, SOPA and OPEN Act Quick Reference Guide (see below). In addition, the ALA deplores any legislation that would incentivize and likely increase surveillance of online activity promoted by these bills. These bills, if passed, would likely blanket Internet activity with an immediate chilling effect – on first amendment free speech rights, intellectual freedom and privacy rights, among others."

The Reference Guide created by the ALA mentioned above, click here to open a PDF with links, click the photo to make them LARGER:

Want more?

Use your freedom!

Research and learn...

head to the library!

The Where are YOU from? Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Books for Walls Project (The Four of Us)) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:41:00 +0000

Part of our project is to learn about people, books, libraries and reading all over the world. Help us learn, tell us about life in your corner of the world --tell us a story, we sure love stories!

Tell The Sisters (and our readers) a little about where you are from, tell us a highlight, a favorite spot, share a little bit of treasure --even just the name of the town!