Topic of the Month: The Impact of SRPs
It’s that time of year again to dive into those summer reading programs! To help spur enthusiasm for a time consuming and sometimes tiring summer (not that you need help with enthusiasm!), here are some reminders about why SRPs are so important and what a difference you’re making in your community.
Are SRPs really that important?
YES! Academic studies prove that:
YES! Academic studies prove that:
- if children read 1 million words per year, 1000 words will be added to their vocabulary
- the longer free voluntary reading is practiced, the more consistent and positive the results
- kids read more when they’re having fun
- reading as a leisure activity is the best predictor of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and reading speed
- children read more when they see others reading
- students who participate in summer reading programs score higher on reading tests than those who do not participate
- by the end of fifth grade, students who do not read during the summer are behind their peers by two years, on average
- summer reading programs have a major role in fostering children's literacy skills for all children, but the impact is greatest for children who live in poverty
- preschool children who attend library story programs have greater emergent literacy and pre-reading skills that those who don’t participate
- not only did children in SRPs spend more time looking at and reading books, 11% of the parents of these children reported they increased the time they spent reading with or to their children up to 15 hours or more a week
And there’s plenty more! See these great resources for even more evidence that SRPs are crucial:
-
Research on the Importance of Summer Library Programs
http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/slp-research.html -
Be Creative! Preventing Summer Reading Loss
http://www.library.state.ak.us/pdf/anc/summer_reading_loss.pdf -
Highlights of Research on Summer Reading and Effects on Student Achievement
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.pdf
And check out this brand new report on the importance of reading by 3rd grade:
-
Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters: A KIDS COUNT Special Report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
http://datacenter.kidscount.org/Reports/ReadingMatters.aspx
Why are SRPs so important here in New Mexico?
NM students’ reading scores on national standardized tests in 2009, according to the Nation’s Report Card, were poor:
- NM 4th graders scored lower than students in 43 other states. Only 52% performed at or above the test’s Basic level.
- NM 8th graders scored lower than students in 41 other states. 66% performed at or above the test’s Basic level.
According to the just-released 2009 Kids Count report:
- NM students ranked 43rd in the nation based on 10 measures affecting the well-being of children, such as health, adequacy of income, and educational attainment
- 48% of NM 4th graders have below basic reading achievement levels; 52% are at or above basic level; 80% scored below proficient levels
- 9.2% of teens age 16-19 are not in school and are not high school graduates
- The statewide high school graduation rate is 60.3%
NM literacy facts from the NM Coalition for Literacy:
- 20% of NM adults read at Literacy Level 1 (the lowest literacy level on scale of 1 to 5)
- 46% of NM adults read at Literacy Level 2 or below (functionally illiterate)
How do these figures add up?
Taken together, these statistics mean that
you will make a difference this summer to
the children, teens, and adults in your community.
Have a wonderful SRP, and thank you for all that you do!
State Library Updates and Announcements
Still Seeking Nominations for Centennial Authors, Storyteller, and Poet
Reminder: The New Mexico State Library and Centennial planners are accepting nominations for four honorary positions associated with the commemoration of New Mexico’s hundred years of statehood – Poet, Storyteller, Author and Children’s Author.
The deadline for submissions is June 23, 2010, so please submit your nominations (self-nominations are welcome too)!
Reminder: The New Mexico State Library and Centennial planners are accepting nominations for four honorary positions associated with the commemoration of New Mexico’s hundred years of statehood – Poet, Storyteller, Author and Children’s Author.
The deadline for submissions is June 23, 2010, so please submit your nominations (self-nominations are welcome too)!
To nominate an artist, click here to view the nomination guidelines.
To complete an online nomination packet, go to our Survey Monkey form.
And please pass this announcement along to all who may be interested in nominating others—or themselves! Thanks!
Upcoming Newsletter Topics:
- June: A Closer Look at the Importance of Displays
- July: Movie Licensing
Please contribute any materials, tips, questions, and comments you have on these topics to be included in the newsletters! And please let me know if there are any topics you’d like to see featured in the newsletter.
Summer Reading Program 2010
Carlsbad Public Library: Fun with Legos—and SRP!
Check out the so-much-fun video that Carlsbad Public Library’s teen group created to promote the library’s SRP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSVqpNKxzBE. Thanks for sharing it!
Check out the so-much-fun video that Carlsbad Public Library’s teen group created to promote the library’s SRP: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSVqpNKxzBE. Thanks for sharing it!
Book Recycling Idea
An idea from Louise Capizzo, Youth Services Librarian at Falmouth Memorial Library in Maine:
“At my library we do give out a free book to every child who finished up the summer reading program. We do not buy any of the books. What we do every year is ask children to clean out their bookcases of any books they no longer want and ask them to donate them to the library. We do say the books need it be in good shape. We get a terrific response every year. We hand out around 300 titles and have never, in the 8 years I've been doing this, had to purchase a single book. Children love the idea of recycling their gently read books and at the party where kids are selecting their free book I often witness children booktalking books to one another.”
An idea from Louise Capizzo, Youth Services Librarian at Falmouth Memorial Library in Maine:
“At my library we do give out a free book to every child who finished up the summer reading program. We do not buy any of the books. What we do every year is ask children to clean out their bookcases of any books they no longer want and ask them to donate them to the library. We do say the books need it be in good shape. We get a terrific response every year. We hand out around 300 titles and have never, in the 8 years I've been doing this, had to purchase a single book. Children love the idea of recycling their gently read books and at the party where kids are selecting their free book I often witness children booktalking books to one another.”
Water-Themed Films for Adults
Looking to show films this summer for adults about water? Check out the list at http://njsummerreading.org/filmlists.php?group=adult. Other titles:
Documentaries:
- Up the Yangtze
- The Cove
- Tapped
Movies:
- Das Boot
- Cast Away
- Big Blue (Besson)
- Sand Pebbles
- Smilla's Sense of Snow
- Aguirre, the Wrath of God
- Open Water
- The African Queen
- The Ice Storm
- The Endless Summer
- Steam
What watery movies are you showing this summer? Let us know!
News & Opportunities
What Should I Buy Next? Workshop Wrap Up
Many thanks to Angie Manfredi and Melissa Mackey from the Los Alamos Public Library and Adam Becker from the Pueblo of Pojoaque Public Library for an excellent workshop on May 21! It was a rousing roundup of new books, hot presses, up and coming authors, and trends in children’s and teen literature. For those that couldn’t attend, Angie created an online list of websites she highlighted in the workshop; go to http://delicious.com/collection_development_resources to view them.
Many thanks to Angie Manfredi and Melissa Mackey from the Los Alamos Public Library and Adam Becker from the Pueblo of Pojoaque Public Library for an excellent workshop on May 21! It was a rousing roundup of new books, hot presses, up and coming authors, and trends in children’s and teen literature. For those that couldn’t attend, Angie created an online list of websites she highlighted in the workshop; go to http://delicious.com/collection_development_resources to view them.
Angie and Adam reading tag-team to the crowd of 32.
More professional development resources
Thanks to Rebecca Donnelly from Rio Rancho Public Library for following up on April’s featured topic of professional development. She added that School Library Journal and publishers including Scholastic and Random House offer webinars about new books coming out as well as author interviews.
Thanks to Rebecca Donnelly from Rio Rancho Public Library for following up on April’s featured topic of professional development. She added that School Library Journal and publishers including Scholastic and Random House offer webinars about new books coming out as well as author interviews.
Creating Inviting Low Cost Teen Spaces—Free Webinar
Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 1 pm – 2:00 pm Mountain Time
Graffiti, anime, slam poetry, WII? Is your service to teens outdated or non-existent? Want to create a space that captures the attention of teens? No space and no money? Creating special spaces in libraries to encourage teens to meet in a safe and stimulating environment is an exciting and challenging project.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 1 pm – 2:00 pm Mountain Time
Graffiti, anime, slam poetry, WII? Is your service to teens outdated or non-existent? Want to create a space that captures the attention of teens? No space and no money? Creating special spaces in libraries to encourage teens to meet in a safe and stimulating environment is an exciting and challenging project.
In this webinar, participants will:
- Evaluate current service for teens;
- Share ideas about programs for teens;
- Take a virtual tour of new teen spaces;
- Learn how to create an ambience that appeals to teens;
- Review seating, signage, acoustics, finish materials;
- Share tips that promote teen involvement;
- Discover the practicalities and pitfalls of creating spaces for teens.
This webinar will be of interest to public librarians, library planners, architects, teen advisory boards or anyone planning or updating teen spaces in their library.
For more information and to participate in the June 16 webinar, go to http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/webcast_data/286/index.html.
If you are unable to attend the live event, you can access the archived version the day following the webinar. Check the archive listing at: http://www.infopeople.org/training/webcasts/list/archived.
“Explore New Worlds – Read” PSAs
The Library of Congress and the Advertising Council have launched a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and adults to become engaged in reading and all other forms of literacy. Check ‘em out—they include both radio and tv spots! http://www.read.gov/ads/index.html.
The Library of Congress and the Advertising Council have launched a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and adults to become engaged in reading and all other forms of literacy. Check ‘em out—they include both radio and tv spots! http://www.read.gov/ads/index.html.
Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.
Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.
Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals incorporate Reach Out and Read's evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups, by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children. The program begins at the 6-month checkup and continues through age 5, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities. Families served by the program read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, better prepared to achieve their potential. For more info, to get involved, or to find NM chapters, check out http://www.reachoutandread.org/index.aspx.
Kids! @ your library® tool kit
Summer is nearly here, and with temperatures rising, and kids out of school, what’s a busy librarian to do? Keep your cool with the Kids! @ your library® tool kit, which has some great ideas to help you with your summer program plans!
Summer is nearly here, and with temperatures rising, and kids out of school, what’s a busy librarian to do? Keep your cool with the Kids! @ your library® tool kit, which has some great ideas to help you with your summer program plans!
Here are some ideas from our online tool kit to get your summer off to a great start! More details for each activity can be found at the Kids! Website.
- Use our scripts for the “Library Dragon” or “The Chicken and the Librarian” to host your own reader’s theatre program.
- Hold a bookmark contest, and distribute the winning bookmarks as part of your summer reading program.
- Have your tweens decorate the library entrance for summer using sidewalk chalk.
- Host a library-themed treasure hunt at your library.
- Let your tweens Build-A-Bot using modeling clay and wind-up walker toys.
- Check out our list of songs about reading and libraries to have your kids singing about the joys of the library all summer long.
- Share our list of the Top 10 Things to do at the Library with your kids
- Host an Underpants @ Your Library party, featuring Captain Underpants! (from Maggie Ahrens at the York County Library System)
Graphic novel webinar now archived
Booklist’s recent webinar, Let’s Get Graphic: Kids’ Comics in Classrooms and Libraries, has been archived so you can watch it at your convenience; go to http://vimeo.com/11435951.
Booklist’s recent webinar, Let’s Get Graphic: Kids’ Comics in Classrooms and Libraries, has been archived so you can watch it at your convenience; go to http://vimeo.com/11435951.
August is National Inventors Month
National Inventors Month was started in 1998 by the United Inventors Association of the USA (UIA-USA), the Academy of Applied Science, and Inventors’ Digest magazine to celebrate invention and creativity. “We want to recognize those talented, brave individuals who dare to be blatantly creative, and therefore different, and whose accomplishments affect every facet of our lives,” says Joanne Hayes-Rines, editor of Inventors’ Digest.
National Inventors Month was started in 1998 by the United Inventors Association of the USA (UIA-USA), the Academy of Applied Science, and Inventors’ Digest magazine to celebrate invention and creativity. “We want to recognize those talented, brave individuals who dare to be blatantly creative, and therefore different, and whose accomplishments affect every facet of our lives,” says Joanne Hayes-Rines, editor of Inventors’ Digest.
So what’s a library to do? Check out all the ideas for highlighting this celebration at your library at Programming Librarian, http://programminglibrarian.org/library/planning/events-and-celebrations/national-inventors-month.html.
Best Buy @15 Community Grants Program
Deadline: July 01, 2010
Through the @15 Community Grants Program, Best Buy teams across the United States select nonprofit organizations that provide positive experiences designed to help teens excel in school, engage in their communities, and develop leadership skills. This year, Best Buy Children's Foundation will give a total of $2 million through the program. Best Buy seeks applications from organizations that have are serving a diverse population of young teens in the areas of learning, life skills, leadership, or relationship development. Special consideration will be given to programs that serve a diverse population in local or regional communities; build social, academic, leadership, and/or life skills in early adolescents (ages 13–18); show positive results against a demonstrated community need; and reach at-risk children in working families. Grants will average $3000-$5000 and will not exceed $10,000. Non-profits located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store or Regional Distribution Center may apply. Go to http://www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/community_grants_rfp.htm for more.
Deadline: July 01, 2010
Through the @15 Community Grants Program, Best Buy teams across the United States select nonprofit organizations that provide positive experiences designed to help teens excel in school, engage in their communities, and develop leadership skills. This year, Best Buy Children's Foundation will give a total of $2 million through the program. Best Buy seeks applications from organizations that have are serving a diverse population of young teens in the areas of learning, life skills, leadership, or relationship development. Special consideration will be given to programs that serve a diverse population in local or regional communities; build social, academic, leadership, and/or life skills in early adolescents (ages 13–18); show positive results against a demonstrated community need; and reach at-risk children in working families. Grants will average $3000-$5000 and will not exceed $10,000. Non-profits located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store or Regional Distribution Center may apply. Go to http://www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/community_grants_rfp.htm for more.
Revised standards available
The Youth Services Section of the Massachusetts Library Association has released the 2010 revision of the Standards for Public Library Service to Young Adults in Massachusetts. The standards are intended to guide the local library in its ongoing evaluation and development of young adult services as a strong unit within the overall services and planning structure. The document was originally created by a statewide committee of teen librarians, children's librarians, library directors and regional youth consultants in 1994. To download a copy of the 43 page PDF document, please visit http://tinyurl.com/mla-yastandards.
The Youth Services Section of the Massachusetts Library Association has released the 2010 revision of the Standards for Public Library Service to Young Adults in Massachusetts. The standards are intended to guide the local library in its ongoing evaluation and development of young adult services as a strong unit within the overall services and planning structure. The document was originally created by a statewide committee of teen librarians, children's librarians, library directors and regional youth consultants in 1994. To download a copy of the 43 page PDF document, please visit http://tinyurl.com/mla-yastandards.
Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) National Institute
ALSC Institute: there’s nothing else like it. Taking place in Atlanta on September 23 – 25, 2010 at the Emory Conference Center, the ALSC Institute touches on some of the most important topics in library service for children. Registration & program details and prices are now available on the ALSC Web site. Early bird registration (ends 6/30) for an ALSC member is $360; regular advance registration (7/1 – 8/25) is $395 for an ALSC member, $410 for an ALA member, $435 for a nonmember, and $320 for students. More pricing options, such as discounted group rates and single day passes, are also available. For more information please visit the ALSC Web site. Questions should be directed to ALSC Deputy Director Kirby Simmering at ksimmering@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2164.
More from the Lunar & Planetary Institute (LPI)
Our friends at LPI are busy as usual! New on their Explore! website:
Our friends at LPI are busy as usual! New on their Explore! website:
- Jupiter’s Family Secrets
- New Images Unlock Secrets of Jupiter's Great Red Spot
- Hubble Celebrates 20 Years
- Health in Space
and more! Great resources for all!
Borders: Read 10 Books, Get One Free
This summer, kids can read 10 books selected from a list, fill out a form and submit it to Borders, and receive a free book from Borders. Go to http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_doubledogdare?cmpid=SA_20100513_V2 for the list, form, and more info on this Double-Dog Dare.
This summer, kids can read 10 books selected from a list, fill out a form and submit it to Borders, and receive a free book from Borders. Go to http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_doubledogdare?cmpid=SA_20100513_V2 for the list, form, and more info on this Double-Dog Dare.
YALSA Seeks Teen Film Recommendations
YALSA’s Fabulous Films for Young Adults Committee, http://www.ala.org/yalsa/fabfilms, is seeking and watching nominations for what will become YALSA’s 2011 Fabulous Films for Young Adults list of recommended films. The theme is “Other Times/Other Places”. We are looking for films that are science fiction, fantasy and history and appeal to teens. All types of films are welcome from feature films and documentary to animé.
YALSA’s Fabulous Films for Young Adults Committee, http://www.ala.org/yalsa/fabfilms, is seeking and watching nominations for what will become YALSA’s 2011 Fabulous Films for Young Adults list of recommended films. The theme is “Other Times/Other Places”. We are looking for films that are science fiction, fantasy and history and appeal to teens. All types of films are welcome from feature films and documentary to animé.
Nominate films at http://yalsa.ala.org/forms/fabfilm.php for review by the selection committee. Please review the selection criteria, http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/fabfilms/fabfilmspolicies.cfm, if you have questions about whether a title would be a good nomination.
Teen Audiobooks Explored
A social network for audiobook aficionados? Free downloads of YA titles paired with classic listening? A chance to mingle with narrators who voice your favorite titles? Audiobook Community is all this and more! Developed & maintained by the AudioFile Magazine staff, Audiobook Community is an open, uncensored, unbranded forum for all audiobook listeners to discover audiobooks and connect with other fans as well as publishers, authors, and narrators.
A social network for audiobook aficionados? Free downloads of YA titles paired with classic listening? A chance to mingle with narrators who voice your favorite titles? Audiobook Community is all this and more! Developed & maintained by the AudioFile Magazine staff, Audiobook Community is an open, uncensored, unbranded forum for all audiobook listeners to discover audiobooks and connect with other fans as well as publishers, authors, and narrators.
Sync is Audiobook Community’s initiative to promote YA Literature. The top audiobook publishers are providing two FREE downloads a week this summer, July 1 – September 1, 2010! Teens & other YA lit lovers can download, listen, & join the online conversation about the audiobooks. Public & school libraries can jump aboard the initiative by using the professionally-designed promotional materials that you’ll be able to print from the Sync Tool Kit – there’s even space for your library to personalize the printables to include your logo or promote your collection with listen-alike lists. I’ll post more about Sync in the coming days as the Tool Kit and title list go live. But for now head over to http://www.audiobookcommunity.com/, join in the fun, and invite your friends!
The Book Nook
Children’s Choice Awards
The Children’s Choice Book Awards is the only national award chosen by children.
This year’s winners:
The Children’s Choice Book Awards is the only national award chosen by children.
This year’s winners:
- Kindergarten to Second Grade - Lulu the Big Little Chick by Paulette Bogan (Bloomsbury)
- Third to Fourth Grade - Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Knopf)
- Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade - Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renée Russell (Aladdin)
- Teen Choice - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press).
- Author of the Year - James Patterson for Max (A Maximum Ride Novel)
- Illustrator of the Year - Peter Brown for The Curious Garden.
Library to Library
Día de los Niños at Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System
Thanks to Riann Powell for this report from Albuquerque about the library system’s Día de los Niños (officially April 30, but often celebrated for a longer period) activities:
Thanks to Riann Powell for this report from Albuquerque about the library system’s Día de los Niños (officially April 30, but often celebrated for a longer period) activities:
We featured presentations and storytimes in each of our libraries. At the end of each program, each child was able to choose a book of their very own to take home and keep. Our Día de los Niños programs are sponsored by the Friends for the Albuquerque Public Library.
Total # of Programs – 16
Total Attendance – 598
Total Attendance – 598
Presenters included:
- Cristina Ortega – local author of bilingual children’s books
- Ramona King – storyteller featuring many African Tales
- Brett Dillingham – storyteller featuring Alaskan and Inuit Tales
- Danny Solis – poet featuring bilingual interactive poetry
- Maxwell Museum – presented both their Southwest Weaving and Instruments from Around the World trunks.
“The Maxwell Museum presented two trunks of musical instruments from around the world. Our program was presented outside and when the kids started playing with the instruments, the neighborhood came alive.”
“Kids loved the Books!”
Did you celebrate Día at your library? Please let me know!
