I have lots of great ideas about flip shelving and zoning the children’s area by age. Can’t wait to take the ideas back to my library! Great session on Children’s spaces by presenter Kimberly Bolan Cullin. Megan Fry
Category: Institute 2012
#ALSC12 Phones, iPads, eReaders, & Tablets: Keeping Kids Connected to the Library
Laura Anderson Brack shared some valuable information on using mobile and eReading devices, eBooks, and apps. There are so many options, and that’s part of the challenge! You can loan devices in-house, circulate devices, or just offer services for customers’ own devices. There are kid-specific devices like V-Tech and LeapFrog tablets, some of which use downloaded apps and some of which use cartidges. Some libraries circulate cartridges for popular kids’ devices, some just keep them on hand for in-library use. We talked about program ideas using apps and devices- from using iPad apps and kids’ ebooks in storytime, to “self-publish your own eBook” workshops, and podcasting clubs, and simple “eReader Help Labs” Lots of people chimed in with ideas and favorite apps! There are also some interesting services that libraries can offer to customers for their devices. Besides OverDrive for eBooks, there are Zinio (for eMagazines), and Freegal and other…
#ALSC12: Keeping Kids Connected in the Library
There is a lot of interesting info about devices, platforms, and apps here in the “Phones, iPads, eReaders, and Tablets” session this morning. While e-magazine subscription service Zinio seemed to generate the most discussion, I cannot stop thinking about using devices and apps in story times. Colleagues are being incredibly helpful in sharing their favorite children’s book apps: The Monster at the End of This Book, Sandra Boynton’s collection, and the Felt Board app seem to be best picks. I’m going to play around with some of these apps, especially free apps, to see how they might work their way into my story time rotation along with books, songs, rhymes, and finger plays. A variety of activities keeps kids engaged, after all. Do you have favorite apps to use in story time? I want to know!
#ALSC12 Learning Curve
I stepped out for a few minutes yesterday to stroll down to the Indianapolis Public Library to check out their Children’s space, the Learning Curve. I am in love and have easily taken 100 pictures, chock full of ideas and inspiration for future space planning. Just another benefit of getting out to conferences and other libraries! -Andrea Vernola Kalamazoo Public Library Children’s Librarian
#ALSC12 Weather bad but spirits good
The evening reception ended a bit early due to inclement weather. Nevertheless, we are undaunted in sharing ideas, conversation, and catching up with colleagues. I was pleased to be able to chat with Sam Bloom, former Newbery Committee member, among other old and new friends. Sam has been a strong member/supporter of ALSC, and observing him become more and more enthusiastic as he discusses books is invigorating. I am excited to add Sam’s recommendations to my towering and gravity-defying stack of “must reads.” Our spirits are good, even if the weather isn’t, and we look forward to an early breakfast and another opportunity to interact with our friends and colleagues in this warm and friendly environment.
#ALSC12 Winning Stories!
What could be more rewarding than hearing the heartfelt and hilarious stories of Gary Paulsen at lunch? Nothing! But winning the picture book You Can Do It, Sam by Amy Hest, along with an adorable Sam bear, in the after-lunch raffle, was pretty exciting! Sharon McClintock Children’s Librarian City of Mountain View Public Library Mountain View, CA
#ALSC12 It’s All About the Money
I’m so glad I attended the session It’s All About the Money: Corporate Partnerships in Children’s Programming with Cheryl Lee of Palo Alto Public Library. I got some great tips on how to ask businesses for “anything under the sun, the more unusual the better (sometimes).” Cheryl gave intriguing examples of fresh thinking that brought all sorts of corporate sponsorships and donations — to host a Lunar New Year celebration with food trucks, a juggler, a magician, dancers and a dragon, a San Francisco Giants Replay Day, and a Creative Writing Workshop for kids featuring children’s authors. And more! One idea I especially like is a Back-to-School Swap, where families can bring outgrown clothes and toys and exchange them for things that fit their growing child. Cheryl got corporate sponsorship for $500 worth of clothes hangers and a gift card to give away. Her enthusiasm and creativity were inspiring! Sharon…
Gary Paulsen Wows the Crowd at #ALSC2012
Gary Paulsen gave a great after-lunch talk today. He wasn’t afraid to tell it as it is, which gave his speech a rare honesty. It felt somewhat like sitting around a camp fire, listening to an old friend tell his life story. I love Paulsen’s books. They have a spirit of adventure and connectedness to natural surroundings that very few books– especially children’s books– have today. That same spirit came through in Paulsen’s presentation. Thank you, Mr. Paulsen, for sharing your humor and your wisdom with us today.