As the holiday season approaches, I often times find people asking for “unconventional gift ideas” or looking to donate to a charity. As librarians, it seems only natural to recommend literacy based ideas. A few years ago, I had a family approach me stating that they wanted to donate books to the library in lieu of presents. I created a list for the family of books the library could use in our collection (that also fit the families interest) and they gave that to people looking for gift ideas. My current library hosts a book drive in the community every year where they ask the community to donate new books for children from birth to age 18. They also invite staff to donate money for a staff donation. There are also options to collect books as a group and donate. All books and proceeds go to a local Adopt-a-Family program….
Author: Emily Mroczek-Bayci
Frequently Asked Questions: Youth Readers Advisory
Some readers advisory questions you find yourself getting asked multiple times a week and it can be helpful to have answers ready.
Revisiting Readalouds: School Year Style
With a new school year beginning, lets look at modern day titles to read and
replace the “time treasured classics.”
Spotlight on: Summer Reading Prizes
Today’s post focuses on interactive or experienced based prizes, where summer reading participants do something at the library when they complete a reading level.
Summer Reading: What’s Your Strategy?
As school winds down, libraries gear up for summer reading. What is your libraries plan for this summer?
Youth Media Award Predictions 2022!
The Youth Media Awards are announced in exactly one week. Here are predictions for what will win which award. Remember to add your predictions in the comments!
Best Books of the Year: Gotta Recommend Them All
The end of the year is when all the various “best of,” lists come out and as a librarian it is overwhelming to keep up with everything. I find that my holds list gets obnoxiously long as I frantically try to read ALL THE BOOKS I missed. I like looking at various library’s “best of” lists like Chicago Public Library’s “Kids Best of the Best Books,”https://www.chipublib.org/kids-best-of-the-best/ or Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids I prefer to refer my family, friends and patrons to library or review journal recommended lists (like School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2021) I find these can be helpful to introduce new titles for people who might revert to their childhood favorites or another series title. I also love to see what wins Mock competitions at various libraries. Another fun favorite to look at is Betsy Bird’s 31 Days of Lists where she features…
Easy Reader Deep Dive: Leveling a Reader Collection
Levelling your easy reader section makes it easier for patrons to browse and find the titles they are looking for.