Just in time for Halloween, a classic of the kidlit horror genre was adapted into a film. John Bellairs first published The House with a Clock in its Walls in 1973, a time of unrest and upheaval in the United States and around the world. It feels surprisingly fresh when read in 2018. 21st-Century readers will be forgiven for finding the opening chapter of The House with a Clock in its Walls a bit familiar. Recently orphaned, loner Lewis is on his way to live with an uncle he’s never met. And yet, what Lewis finds when he arrives at his Uncle’s wondrous and sinister home is the stuff of both dreams and terrible, terrible nightmares. Uncle Jonathan is a wizard, and somewhere in his house there is a clock placed by the malevolent former owners of the home. It’s ticking down towards something, but no one knows what. In…
Egg Shakers in Storytime
Today’s installment of storytime props are egg shakers in storytime. (Previous post: Scarves in Storytime.) Before we dive in, let’s cover some of the basics: How do you pass egg shakers out?: Um, as un-chaotically as I can. I have a basket at the front of the room and ask the children to come up and take an egg. It takes a bit of time to pass them out, but it works at my library. I’ve heard of librarian having caregivers take an egg as they come in and hide it until it’s egg shaker time. I’ve also heard of librarians who have prop baskets throughout the room. How do you put egg shakers away, keep them clean, and store them?: I ask everyone to clean up together. Sometimes, I call out, “If you have a red shaker, come put it away” or “If you are two years old,…
Children’s Librarians are Experts at Collaborating with Colleagues to Maximize Access to Technology
As a public librarian turned school librarian, I’ve always had a keen awareness of the importance of a strong public library/school library connection to increase the effectiveness of both for our school-aged patrons. I’m very lucky to currently work in a school district that supports their school libraries and provides a wide range of database subscriptions, and access for our students to laptops, tablets, and other technology. Even so, I find myself directing my students regularly to the resources available from our local public library; whether it be to utilize a digital subscription that we don’t carry at school, or urging them to visit the branch in person to take advantage of the technology, programming and expertise available there. This partnership only increases in importance in areas where funding for schools and libraries is even leaner, and absolutely vital in those communities where school librarians are being cut altogether. With…
Toddler Exploration: Art!
When I used to work in a independent library in California, we had crafts or art projects after all our story times… since moving, I have learned that that is not the norm in big city systems! I suppose, I could do them after story time, but we are usually tight on staff and there is a need to cover the desk. It also always depends on how you get funds for art activities. We have a big order we place every fall, but can face delays and or we can only buy from a regimented list. So, I have typically saved crafts and art projects for pop up programs or some once a month family story times. But– I think it is such a miss for our community! Art is not always explored at home because it can make a MESS and then it may only be available as…
A Hogwarts Reading List : Hufflepuff
In honor of the United State ’s twentieth-anniversary publishing of Harry Potter, I have been a sharing a book list once a month to highlight books tweens should read based on their Harry Potter House. In April, I books every Slytherin should read. In July, I highlighted books every Gryffindor should read, and in August I highlighted books every Ravenclaw should read. This month I will be highlighting the final house the Hufflepuffs!
Innovation, Creation, and… Musification?
I don’t know about you all, but I often struggle with the question of how to provide engaging, educational, original programming to the kids at my library. After all, most of our popular programs (whether STEAM or storytime) happen at least once a week for an entire year. While I’ve tackled this topic in previous posts, the issue of innovation becomes an especially universal problem when handling Summer Reading: How do you keep things fresh for the regulars you get year after year, while still providing quality programs and services everyone can enjoy?
Hispanic Heritage Month: Guided by our Leaders
Hispanic Heritage Month Continues! First, though, I always like to explain the “why”. Why, Jonathan must we celebrate this every year? Here’s a quote for you that encapsulates the “why” the best, IMHO: Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 every year. More than a time to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans, this is a time to celebrate the continued inclusion of diverse materials into your everyday programming. Inclusion does not have to be like hiding the pill. As a matter of fact, it should never feel forced. If it does not feel genuine to you, it will come across that way to your audience. So, how to proceed? Where do you seek inspiration or than this amazing blog? Inspiration from Leaders The 2018 Estela & Raúl Mora Award winners were announced just a few days ago. What better way to explore your options than to draw inspiration…
Children’s Librarians are Experts at Teaching Each Other: Takeaways and Photos from the 2018 ALSC Institute in Cincinnati
This is the first time I have attended an ALSC Institute and I found it to be an exciting weekend filled with some of the best professional training sessions I have ever had the opportunity to take part in. I also got the chance to meet a few of the other members of the Public Awareness Committee face to face for the first time.