Financial Literacy

There's a new bibliotherapy category, it seems, brought on by the current economic situation.  While perusing Albert Whitman's Spring 2010 catalog recently, toward the back I spotted, among sub-categories such as autism, abuse, and asthma, the "financial literacy" category.  Three books were featured which were intended for children ages 5 to 10 yrs. They dealt with topics such as fundraising, earning money, and maintaining savings accounts.  Publishers are quick to jump on bandwagons.  Remember the buzz-word a few years ago --"conflict management"?  And "homeless persons"?  The latter theme will need, unfortunately, to continue to be explored in children's literature.  It truly takes a village to raise a kid.  But it starts with parents modeling desired behavior for their children.  We could all tighten our belts a bit these days, don't you think? 

Recommended Read

This is a quirky one that resonates like a cicada on a lazy summer night.  It's a quick read with a slow feel, like main character Popeye's endless, simple summer.  It's about seemingly long stretches of time punctuated by unexpected events that can turn ordinary days into extraordinary experiences.  Here's the bibliographic particulars + publisher's summary --

THE SMALL ADVENTURE OF POPEYE AND ELVIS by Barbara O'Connor.
(New York:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux, c2009), 150 pages.  Summary:  In Fayette, South Carollina, the highlight of Popeye's summer is learning vocabulary words with his grandmother until a motorhome gets stuck nearby and Elvis, the oldest boy living inside, joins Popeye in finding the source of strange boats floating down the creek.

Recommended Read

Ms. Plum IS magical! And so is this book. Ms. Plum is the 3rd grade teacher that every kid wants. Why? Because she's interesting (allows animals and candy in her classroom), she cares about her students' hearts as well as their grades, and she guides them in important and unexpected ways that have nothing to do with math or reading. How? With her mysterious supply closet, which contains just what each of them needs. This one is 104 pages of positively, yes, magical prose. Here's the pertinent details + publisher's summary --

THE MAGICAL MS. PLUM by Bonny Becker (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, c2009). Summary: The students in Ms. Plum's third-grade class soon learn that there is something very special about their teacher and her classroom's mysterious supply closet.

Recommended Read

I finished this one just in time for Halloween! It's a sort of modern day Hansel and Gretel tale with just enough spunk and spookiness to "grab" young readers. Here's the pertinent details + publisher's summary --

THE WITCH'S GUIDE TO COOKING WITH CHILDREN by Keith McGowan
(New York: Henry Holt, c2009), 176 pgs. Summary: Eleven-year-old inventor Sol must recover his self-confidence if he and his eight-year-old sister, Connie, are to escape the clutches of Hansel and Gretel's witch, to whom they have been led by their new stepmother and the man they believe is their father.

Remember their names

If there is one tip that I could offer new youth librarians, it would be to learn the names of the children who come to your programs. When they come to the library again and you have remembered their names, their parents are pleased that you have noticed their special child and the child feels an instant bond because you know them. A connected circle of encouragement is formed to help nurture the child and enrich his/her library experience. I sometimes write down the names of new attendees on a sticky note and keep the sticky note for the next week's round of programs (as a cheat sheet), in case some of the newbees reappear. It's a very simple thing, but it means a lot to those involved. I stopped trying to remember the caregivers' names a long time ago. It's hard enough for me to remember the childrens' names. And, for some reason, I have real difficulty remembering first names that are like surnames, such as Madison or Parker. But I try. And if I forget, I keep asking what the child's name is until I eventually remember it. When I finally "get" it, instant smiles appear on the faces of the child and his/her caregiver.

Outreach Matters

At my current site, and with the ever so lean staffing in our libraries, I don't get out and do a whole lot of outreach programming. But I am committed to doing quarterly programs at the local Boys & Girls Club. This serves those children whose parents work and can't often get them to the library during the week. Going to the Boys & Girls Club changes up their aftercare afternoons and brings the fun of library materials to them. When I do weekday outreach gigs, I always remind the children that the library is open in the evenings and on weekends and that, hopefully, their parents can bring them to the library then. Sometimes I'll tell them that I'll be at my library on Sunday (I work every Sunday), and if they come in and say hello to me I'll give them a special bookmark. It has happened, and when it does, it makes my day. Yesterday was an Early Release day in the local school district, which means the kids only went to school for half the school day. I planned a special library program, in conjunction with the opening of the film, "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" (based on Judi Barrett's book), hoping to rope in some families with extra afternoon time on their hands. Before the program, several kids said "hi" to me and asked me if I remembered them from the Boys & Girls Club program when we did the "Miss Mary Mack" clap rhyme. Not only did they remember their last outreach program, but they found a way to get a parent to take them to the library for an in-house weekday afternoon program. Outreach does matter!

Book Brief

COLD HANDS, WARM HEART (YA Fic) by Jill Wolfson

In the beginning, one of the girls has a warm heart. The other has cold hands. And then a tragic accident happens. In the end, a grieving mother hugs a girl and feels her own daughter's heart beating deep inside the girl's chest. In the center of it all is the complex and moving story of an organ donor. And the many lives that are fraught with sadness, humor, fear, hope, anger, gratitude, guilt, and lots of questions when her death touches them. But mostly it's about the heart recipient. And how she finds a way to truly accept the gift she has been given.

Return Visit

Looking up over my computer screen, I saw a woman approach the reference desk with two young boys. She introduced herself as the mother of Edmund, who had visited the library earlier in the week with his daycare. She smiled and said that Edmund had been "bugging her" to bring him back to the library. Edmund's class had come to the library for a storytime which I had conducted 4 days earlier. His class had been very attentive, enthusiastic, and well-behaved. I had urged the children to return to the library with their parents so they could get a library card and borrow books. I explained that the library was open at night and on Saturdays and Sundays, when their parents might not be working and could bring them. I told them that I worked almost every Sunday and would be delighted to see them if they came back to visit the library. And Edmund did. And I was TOTALLY delighted. It made my day. And it was a great way to start another intense work week, knowing that I had truly connected with a little boy and had made him feel welcomed at the library. I let Edumund know just how excited I was to see him again. And everyone in his family got a special bookmark to keep.

Kneeling

I kneel a lot these days at work. The picture books (Easy Fiction) are my assigned area to shelve. On any given day I shelve two to four full book trucks of picture books -- hundreds -- in and around my other duties. And it involves a lot of kneeling, as the shelves that hold the books are low for the young children the books are intended. Often you can spot my head bobbing in the children's area as I walk on my 51-yr.-old knees, from one range to the next, while pushing along a stack of books, which are laying flat on the top of the shelves, with my raised arm. It is the very task with which I began my career in libraries, as a shelver while in high school. As I handle the books I remember my first experience in a public library as a very young child. My Aunt Judy, an elementary school principal in south Florida, took me to the Coconut Grove library and let me pick out two picture books. I was awed by the huge selection of colorful stories from which I was allowed to choose. I was entranced by books from the start. And I still am. They have opened up a world of ideas --- real and imagined -- to me and so many others. So I am honored to daily stock the low shelves of picture books for the children who come to the library. I am humbled by the richness that books and libraries have brought to my life. I am grateful to be part of the continuum of providing others with library materials -- to be a librarian. My vocation has provided me with a rich inner life, a comfortable lifestyle, and the opportunity to continue to grow and learn as I age. As I kneel to re-stock the shelves with returned picture books, I also kneel in appreciation and respect for all that books and libraries have meant to me and others.

They're Reading!!!

Yep, they're reading. And how. Summer library programs have begun this week at my library, and we are swarming with children of all ages, and dads, and moms, and aunties, and grandmas, and grandads, and group leaders, etc. And it's super to see all of this happening in the public library. Even though it means way more time for me spent shelving books that are being returned. I wouldn't want it any other way. I am encouraged by how many picture books, juvenile fiction titles, young adult novels, and graphic novels are being read at my library. The juvenile non-fiction load has remained high, even though school is out and reports are not being assigned. It's a beautiful and sometimes chaotic thing to see all of this reading behavior in a world full of digital temptations!

3 P's of Programming

This month I've pared down my programming to just a few special programs -- "Paws For Reading", a program where therapy dogs come in and patiently listen to children read to them, and an outreach program at the local Boys & Girls' Club. In preparation for the library's busiest programming months -- June & July, when kids of all ages are out of school, May programs are minimal. But that doesn't mean I lay fallow. There are what I will call, "3 P's of Programming," the first two being my focus this month. The 3 P's are Planning, Promoting, and Presenting. The first two, if done well, will result in a successful 3rd. Most public librarians create, promote, and present their programs. In planning, I do things like reserving rooms, contacting guests, requesting checks for performers & materials from our FOL (Friends of the Library), pulling books, preparing hand-outs, and making props. Promoting involves creating & printing signs and flyers, posting signs, cutting & distributing flyers, talking to customers, booking groups in my service area for the programs, and informing library staff of programs coming up. Then, when all of this preparation is completed, it's time to actually hold a program. Presenting a program, aside from enjoying the kids and sharing books, involves setting up the room, putting out materials (CD player, books, props, hand-outs), thanking sponsors, engaging the audience, keeping statistics, and promoting upcoming programs. If it looks easy, it is after a few years of experience and getting organizational skills primed. If it looks fun, it is. Always. Sharing my enthusiasm for books and reading is absolutely the best part of my job.

Big Groups/Small Groups

I like doing programs in a room full of children and caregivers. I also like doing programs in a room with just a few participants. Both scenarios provide enlightening experiences. In doing library programs for a crowd, I learn what "grabs" the audience and pulls them together. And we can all enjoy the exhileration that comes with a focused, resounding, unifying experience -- when everyone is together, singing or clapping or laughing at the same moment. In doing library programs for just a few children, I can better discover each child's unique personality -- his/her gifts and challenges, so that I can better direct activities toward individual needs. A small group allows me to literally and figuratively get closer to the children and celebrate each inimitable little spirit. So I'm thrilled when the room is packed for a program. It inspires me. And when the weather is stormy and there are just a few participants for a program, I am delighted. Both allow me to learn and grow and tweak and get better at providing library programs for children. At the library I am currently working in, I get both, which is nice. Sometimes it's a zoo, sometimes it's a tea party. It's all good!

Book Review

WE CAN'T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES (J Fic) by Patrick Jennings

Meet "Crusher," a snake who is caught and kept by an unsavory human boy named Gunnar. Crusher is the rare cold-blooded reptile with a surprisingly warmish heart. Misidentified as a "he," Crusher is actually a perceptive and s-s-s-s-assy female gopher snake with no intention of remaining in captivity. With the ability to communicate telepathically with Gunnar's other pet reptiles -- "Rex," a sarcastic alligator lizard, and "Speedy," a submissive desert tortoise -- Crusher learns to survive Gunnar's antics and begins to plan her escape. When a botched attempt lowers her status to that of Gunnar's other neglected prisoners, Crusher has time to ponder predators and prey, and to develp a bit of compassion for both -- for her slimy and also-neglected captor, Gunnar, and for her intended meal, "Breakfast," a nervous and ditzy mouse. How Crusher's compassion and perseverance enable her to cleverly return to the great and warm outdoors is a rattling tale of reptile heroics and human amusement. Even for those who despise snakes of any kind.

February Blur

Here it is, with only one more day left in February, and this is my first and only post for the month. Though February is a bit shorter than other months, it was also jam-packed with many and varied programs at my library, including an after-hours YA gaming program, a fun Valentine's craft program, several class library tours and, of course, the usual early childhood fare (Baby, Toddler, Preschool, and Bedtime Story Times). I also took an arduous, county-required, online training course and filled in at a "sister" library for Baby Time there one morning, which was worthwhile -- just to step into another space, make-do with minimal materials, and experience new and different children and caregivers. A temporary rut-reducing gig is very valuable, I think. It gave me the opportunity to use my skills in a different environment than I am used to, and to expand my notion of what works and what doesn't. It's all good. And it was the beginning of the new, regional program coverage concept that is being implemented in our library system due to, of course, budget cuts which have, ultimately, translated into front-line staff reductions. Oh, and I also turned 51 this month. I'm glad to be able to stay fresh in my profession. Working with children truly keeps me open to change and new ideas.

Lights out!

WHOOPS! The lights went out just before a Toddler program recently, due to a blown transformer. I opened the blinds in the program room and waited a couple of minutes to see if power would be restored. While I was standing and waiting, one of my toddlers walked over to my chair, patted it determinedly, and tried to say, "Sit! Sit!", but it came out like, "Shi, shi." Then she walked over to the door of the program room and tried to close the door, saying, "Clo, clo." Her mother explained to me that her little girl, Alina, wanted me to close the door (to a darkened room), sit in my chair, and begin the program. Little Alina was adamant about having her library time. I was touched by her enthusiasm, and urged on by the caregivers. So we all walked out to the main floor where there were partial lights still on, and we had our books, rhymes, and songs where everyone could hear. The little ones were really focused and happy, even with the disruption. And even without the musical instruments which are a usual part of their activities. It was a delightful, serendipitous experience!

Silent Hug

Yesterday, at my Baby Time program for children ages 12-24 months, I got down on the floor with the children, at the end of the program, and began handing out board books from a crate. One little guy, who is just barely able to walk and cannot yet talk, found his way next to me, put his little arms around me, and leaned his head softly into my shoulder. He stayed there for a couple of heart-melting moments. No words were needed. It was one of the biggest affirmations I have experienced since I began doing library programs for very young children.

Book Review

THE LEANIN' DOG (J Fic) by K.A. Nuzum

This is a moving story about 11 yr. old Dessa Dean's struggle to recover from the shock of her mother's recent death, and the friendship she slowly forges with a stray dog. Both Dessa Dean and the dog are injured, needy, and afraid. Dessa Dean hides her fears from her well-meaning father and tries to remain self-reliant each day when he leaves their isolated cabin to find food. When a skittish dog limps through the snow toward the cabin one day, Dessa Dean's heart softens and she yearns to nurture the creature. But it takes perseverance and her father's support to earn the frightened dog's trust. As that trust gradually develops, so does Dessa Dean's confidence and hope for the future. Like Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods, this tender tale unfolds in a simple, rustic setting where humble lives toil, love, and, ultimately, heal. Nuzum's LEANIN' DOG has all of the earmarks of a contemporary classic that is destined to touch the hearts of those who read it.

BETTER

I just finished the book, Better, and was inspired by this work by a surgeon (Atul Gawande) who is striving to find solutions to challenges in the medical field. But the book reaches beyond medicine and speaks to any of us who want to effect positive change in the work we do. In the last chapter of the book, Gawande offers "five suggestions for how one might make a worthy difference." The five suggestions are: 1) Ask an unscripted question, 2) Don't complain, 3) Count something, 4) Write something, and 5) Change. The last paragraph of the book pulls these suggestions all together in way that anyone can understand, appreciate, and possibly move forward with. It reads, "So find something new to try, something to change. Count how often you succeed and how often you fail. Write about it. Ask people what they think. See if you can keep the conversation going." It is with that spirit that I began and continue to write this blog.