Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be the applicant who was awarded the Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship? To be able to spend time in the archives of the Baldwin Library in Gainesville, Florida? To dive elbows-deep into original and archival materials and really dig into the history of children’s literature?
Once Upon a Unicorn
What luck when a friend asked me for picture books tips for family readings with two different aged children. With no child in sight and very few guidelines, I had a realization.
5 Things Library School Didn’t Teach Me
Do not misconstrue this – I loved my time in the University at Buffalo’s M.S. Information & Library Science program. My professors and academic advisor were a wealth of knowledge, my classmates were equally as passionate about the field as I am, and the remote format of the program allowed me to have the flexibility to continue working in the public library.
Paper or Pixels: Methods to Track Summer Reading
Now that Summer Reading is over, we can take the time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t work, and how to improve our services for future years. Given larger-scale concerns about screen time and technology usage, it’s timely to evaluate the format of summer reading logs at the library: should we use physical logs or digital apps? There are pros and cons to both methods. This blog post will delve into each as well as discuss where this falls in the scope of current events.
Call for Program and Poster Proposals – 2027 ALA
Do you have a great idea for serving children, teens, or families? Here’s your chance to share it with the greater library community in New Orleans next June! The Call for Program and Poster Proposals for the ALA 2027 Annual Conference is now open.
Balancing Act: Third Space VS Burnout in Libraries
Before I accepted the position of full-time Children’s Librarian at Lake Region Public Library (LRPL), the position at our library was only part-time. I couldn’t wait to dive in and expand on the legacy that our previous Children’s Librarian built here. I wanted our collection to better represent the youth of the Lake Region, to expand programming, and create a space that was accessible, equitable, and available to all families. I knew it could be done and I was excited to get started.
Jim Gill: The Children’s Music Icon on Play, Early Literacy, and Avoiding Burnout
With over 40 years of singing and entertaining kids and families, Jim Gill is just as energetic as ever. His humorous songwriting blended with interactive play was not only revolutionary for the genre, but has had staying power with librarians, educators, and caregivers for generations. I was able to catch up with Jim at Oak Creek Library last month, where he was leading a teaching workshop during the day for librarians, and a family concert in the neighboring park that evening.
Fall Harvest Stories – These Books Look Good Enough to Eat!
September is a perfect time to start celebrating the bounty of Fall. Here are some delicious reads that you can feature in a fun food themed storytime perfect for young readers ages two to five years old. If possible, invite a local farmer or grower to bring some of their crops in for a demonstration so little ones can explore and experience Fall’s bounty for themselves. If that is not available, see about picking up some of the featured fruits and veggies at your local stores or farm stand. For an easy to share snack serve small cups of store bought unsweetened applesauce. Keep the container handy in case of any questions about food allergies and make sure to advertise that food will be served.