Below are listed some highlights from the Youth Services Professional Collection housed at 4CLS. Links go to the catalog records for each book, and holds can be placed through Workflows or through the online catalog. This is just a fraction of the materials we have to support libraries' work, so if you can't find what you need here, please search the catalog or reach out to Sarah (sreid@4cls.org or 607-723-8236, ext. 350).
Project-Based Learning for Elementary Grades by
Madigan's book delivers flexible, interdisciplinary, learner-driven projects that support the National School Library Standards. Readers will find background on project-based learning (PBL), a breakdown of the essential parts of a project, and ready-made PBL projects that can be used with minimal preparation. Designed for both beginning and experienced school librarians and educators interested in facilitating PBL projects with elementary learners, this book offers lessons, educator preparation steps, learner directions, worksheets, assessments, suggested materials, and resources; mini and extended versions of each project enabling use with diverse schedules, grade levels, and learner abilities; and chapters on collaborating with other educators, facilitating and adapting virtual PBL projects, and creating PBL projects.
Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers by
Social and Emotional Learning for Picture Book Readers spotlights 24 compelling picture books with ready-to-go lesson plans that support social and emotional learning (SEL) through the National School Library Standards. Each chapter focuses on one SEL theme to help learners practice targeted social-emotional skills. Learners will develop skills in solving problems, building relationships, working in teams, recognizing and managing feelings, and engaging ethically. Most lessons can be taught in a single class period and provide picture books as mentor texts supporting SEL lessons and curriculum; AASL Standards-alignments with detailed instructions, making planning a breeze; and anchor charts, discussion questions, and worksheets to help facilitate SEL activities.
The Ramped-Up Read Aloud by
What if each page of a picture book was guaranteed to enhance a child's reading and writing tenfold? Would you ramp up your read alouds? In this remarkable resource, Maria Walther shares two-page read aloud experiences for 101 picture books that tune you into what to notice, say, and wonder in order to bolster students' literacy exponentially. The read alouds in this book will help teachers: Foster a strong sense of community Celebrate the written (and illustrated) word Build a foundation for future reading and learning Expand vocabulary (with a focus on Tier 2 words) Support budding writers Spark collaborative conversations Encourage perspective-taking, empathy, and a growth mindset A first grade teacher for decades, Maria is a master of "strategic savoring." Her lesson design efficiently sparks instructional conversations around the cover illustration, enriching vocabulary words, literary language, and the ideas and themes vital to young learners. Maria arranges the rich fiction and nonfiction titles into chapters that mirror the way primary teachers plan curriculum. Need books tailor made for building community? Teaching literary elements? Comprehension strategies? Foundational and language skills? Inspiring writers? It's all here and at the ready. Coaching tips on expressive oral reading, strategic seating, uncovering language nuances for EL students, effective questioning and more make the art of sharing books and learning with children do-able for everyone. Teachers, schools, and districts looking to energize your core reading and writing program, search no further: The Ramped-Up Read Aloud delivers a formula for literacy development and joy in equal parts.
Rebellious Read Alouds by
Spark meaningful conversations about race, identity, and social justice in your classroom using read alouds as an entry point. Students need to see themselves and their peers in the books they read, and to engage with varying viewpoints. How can educators create a safe and nurturing space that inspires young children to explore diversity and ask curious questions? In Rebellious Read Alouds, author Vera Ahiyya--beloved by educators worldwide as The Tutu Teacher (@thetututeacher and @diversereads on Instagram)--empowers teachers to encourage classroom conversations about important and culturally relevant topics using daily read alouds as an entry point. Presenting a broad range of read aloud lessons around current, diverse picture books that can ignite deep conversations and learning about self, others, and the world, this wise and joyful guide prepares educators to tackle "hushed topics" with young children. It includes: Booklists, tools, and recommendations for building an inclusive classroom library of titles written or illustrated by people in traditionally marginalized populations Tips and resources for facilitating diversity conversations in a way that's developmentally appropriate -- and meets ELA and social justice standards 45 complete lessons plans around children's books, with prompts and recommended stopping points for conversation, and suggestions for inspiring discussion and scaffolding deep thinking Interviews with educators and parents who offer advice from their experience doing rebellious read alouds Suggestions for partnering with administration, parents, and colleagues on this important work Spark the rebellious reader inside you and lead your students toward creating a more just and equitable world.
Seamless Youth Services for Every Age and Stage by
The tweens aren't the only "in-between" years in a child's life--the storytime-to-school age and teen-to-adult transitions are just as momentous, and as tricky to address when it comes to programming. That's certainly one factor behind the phenomenon of declining attendance and library use as the age of the youth patrons increases. Transitional programming is the answer. This book shows that by offering transitional programming, which helps children move to the next stage in their library experience, libraries can bolster program attendance, circulation rates, and general library use as children grow. Guiding libraries to assist children as they move from one youth service stage to the next, this book outlines both major and minor transitional periods in a child's life, ranging from birth to adulthood, helping libraries identify areas in which the services they offer need improvement; focuses on how libraries can nurture the three main skills required for children as they grow: how to self-select books, how to participate in programs, and how to use the library's resources; demonstrates ways transitional programming can be incorporated into a library's initiatives despite budgetary or scheduling limitations; shares easily adaptable ideas for programming, attendance and participation, library spaces, teaching children how to navigate library resources, and displays and signage; and encourages readers to reflect on their personal library experiences from childhood, identifying memorable programs and impactful experiences for inspiration. Youth services is a continuum, not a series of distinct stages; this book will help libraries meet the needs of every child, no matter their age.
Move, Play, Learn by
Get ready to break out of your storytime routine by encouraging children's natural instincts to move, sing, and play! Unlike traditional storytimes, where children are expected to sit quietly and just watch, music and movement storytimes encourage children to learn by getting inside stories while interacting with others. Research shows that this kind of play stimulates the senses, provides connections to all four lobes of the brain, touches on a variety of intelligences, and heightens social and emotional awareness--all while extending the early literacy practices of Every Child Ready to Read® and preparing children for school. And because there are no crafts to cut out, no snacks to pack, no scripts to memorize, and no story kits to make, it's one of the simplest, most cost-effective storytime models to implement. Jewell's complete guide shows the way, offering 20 ready-to-use storytime plans tailored to specific age groups, including babies, toddlers, preschool and all-ages programs, a real time-saver for storytime organizers and presenters; advice and best practices gleaned from interviews with professionals who specialize in storytimes, music making with children and families, yoga storytime, and drama education; and lists of recommended resources, from interactive print books to children's music and videos available digitally, with tips on choosing the best materials. Children's librarians and educators will be delighted to learn that anyone can lead a movement and music storytime, regardless of their level of experience with music or movement, with this book in hand.
25 Projects for Eco Explorers by
Though the daily news is filled with reports of climate change, severe weather, environmental distress, and endangered species, children's librarians and educators might be uncertain how to incorporate these topics into their current curriculum. This handy resource offers an ideal solution, presenting more than two dozen ready-to-use projects on environmental topics that can be integrated into K-5 educational lesson plans and library programming for children aged 4-10. Starting with a representative picture book as a foundation, children are guided through each topic using a hands-on project that reinforces learning. Whether they're in the classroom or library, kids will feel excited and engaged as they explore such topics as honeybees, loggerhead turtles, mountain gorillas, polar bears, and other animals; environments like coral reefs, estuaries, and the Galápagos Islands; wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes; composting, gardens, seeds, and the farm to table movement; and garbage, recycling, renewable energy, water conservation, and Earth Day. Complete with detailed information about each topic, including sections that explore interesting related facts, this book will activate children's curiosity and appreciation for the world we live in.
Resurgence by
Resurgence is an inspiring collection of contemporary Indigenous poetry, art, and narratives that guides teachers in bridging existing K-12 curricula with Indigenous voices and pedagogies. In this first book in The Footbridge Series, we invite you to walk with us as we seek to: connect peoples and places link truth and reconciliation as ongoing processes symbolize the risk and urgency of this work for both Indigenous and settler educators engage tensions highlight the importance of balance, both of ideas and within ourselves Through critical engagement with the texts, experienced educators Christine M'Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson support readers in connecting with Indigenous narratives and perspectives, bringing Indigenous works in their classrooms, and creating more equitable and sustainable teaching practices. In this resource, you will find diverse Indigenous voices, perspectives, and art forms from a variety of Nations and locations valuable concepts and methods that can be applied to the classroom and beyond practical action steps and resources for educators, parents, librarians, and administrators Use this book as a springboard for your own learning journey or as a lively prompt for dialogue within your professional learning community.
Developing Digital Detectives by
From the authors of the bestselling Fact vs. Fiction, this book offers easy-to-implement lessons to engage students in becoming media literacy "digital detectives," looking for clues, questioning motives, uncovering patterns, developing theories and, ultimately, delivering a verdict. The current news landscape is driven by clicks, with every social media influencer, trained and citizen journalists chasing the same goal: a viral story. In this environment, where the race to be first on the scene with the most sensational story often overshadows the need for accuracy, traditional strategies for determining information credibility are no longer enough. Rather than simply helping students become savvy information consumers, today's educators must provide learners with the skills to be digital detectives - information interrogators who are armed with a variety of tools for dissecting news stories and determining what's real and what isn't in our "post-truth world." This book: Shares meaningful lessons that move beyond traditional "fake news" protocols to help learners navigate a world in which information can be both a force for good and a tool used to influence and manipulate. Includes resources and examples to support educators in the work of facilitating engaging, relevant (and fun!) instructional opportunities for K-12 learners, in both face-to-face and digital learning environments. Unpacks the connection between social-emotional learning and information literacy. Includes access to the Digital Detective's Evidence Locker, an online collection of over 100 downloadable and remixable resources to support the lessons in the book. As the authors state: "Remember, the detective's job is NOT to prove themselves correct. Their job is to detect the truth!" This statement reflects the way they approach the lessons in this book, providing clear and practical guidance to help educators address and overcome this ever-expanding issue. Audience: K-12 educators and library media specialists
Liven up Your Library by
Learn how librarians can positively effect change in areas like digital equity and inclusiveness, while creating powerful programming for middle and high school students. Developing programs for learners can be an ongoing challenge for librarians - especially first-year librarians. Current books on the topic primarily focus on makerspaces or read alouds, and are aimed at elementary school grades, with a surface-level approach. This book addresses deeper issues that librarians face, while illustrating how to serve teens and tweens specifically by offering programming relevant to their lives. The authors offer practical ideas for developing effective programming through collaborating with the community to develop and implement programs, connecting programs to ISTE Standards and curriculum, and addressing curricular and socio-emotional needs. They also share practical advice on budgeting and funding to support programs, scheduling, maximizing the use of technology to aid in programming and much more. The book also explores ways library programs can have a positive impact on school culture, such as addressing the digital divide, inclusion and cultural relevance. This book: Discusses why programming is critical and covers how to develop library programs that are inclusive, culturally relevant and beneficial for students transitioning from high school to college. Shows how library programming aligns with American Association of School Librarians (AASL), Future Ready Librarians framework and the ISTE Standards. Provides checklists and templates to help readers develop their own programming ideas and lesson plans. Offers guidance on building consensus from various stakeholders and involving students, faculty and community in the development of programs. Shares stories from librarians in K-12 and higher education, addressing how they design their programs and offer career and educational paths for students. Programming for teens and young adults is a catalyst for learning and exploration. The activities and learning experiences shared in this book will empower librarians and deepen student learning. Audience: Middle and high school librarians, tween and teen public librarians, first-year experience librarians.
Let's Talk about Race in Storytimes by
Foreword by Kirby McCurtis With the help of this book's adaptable storytime activities, tools for self-reflection, and discussion starters, children's librarians will learn how to put anti-racism work into their professional practice while fostering an environment that celebrates all identities. As the weekly lists of best-sellers demonstrate, many people want to engage with racial issues. But when it comes to talking about race, they often don't know how or are hesitant to take the first steps. This includes children's librarians, who are taking seriously our profession's calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They already know that popular storytimes can be an effective way to increase community representation and belonging at the library. Incorporating race into storytimes is an ideal way to foster inclusion by normalizing conversations about these issues. This book will help public and school librarians face their own biases, showing them how to have honest discussions with children, their caregivers, and storytime attendees, as well as their colleagues. In this book, you will discover several ready-to-use library storytimes that incorporate racial themes, complete with sample activities and booklists; an anti-oppression framework, based on the author's own real-world practice, that is customizable for different settings and situations; concrete suggestions for overcoming fears and awkwardness when it comes to talking about race, with advice on practicing new language, making space to connect around appropriate cultural books for read alouds, and evaluating books for storytime; interactive self-reflecting worksheets which explore planning picture book introductions and songs for inclusive storytimes, providing age-appropriate glimpses into history, and suggested affirmations in describing skin tone, hair, and language; advocacy talking points centered on social justice that will encourage discussion with co-workers and other library staff; and guidance on community engagement, relationship building, and intentionally trying to diversify your world in order to truly become an anti-bias practitioner.
STEAM Activities in 30 Minutes for Elementary Learners by
Using STEAM activities, this book places school librarians at the intersection with inquiry in an elementary school. Learners will think like a scientist and design like an engineer using an iterative process to make authentic learning connections and develop a growth mindset. Designed to be completed in 30-minute class periods, 14 scaffolded STEAM activities allow school librarians to easily shift the same lesson between classes and grade levels. National School Library Standards alignments with STEAM content area standards promote instructional partnerships focused on teaching inquiry, collaboration, and learner-driven exploration, making STEAM a perfect approach for the elementary school library. An invaluable timesaver, this resource provides activities scaffolded for grade bands K-2, 3-4, and 5-6, engaging learners at greater levels of complexity or cognition; alignments to the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the National Core Arts Standards; science background for school librarians and other educators who may be unfamiliar with the STEAM concepts being explored; sample assessments, technology integration, collaboration and growth mindset tips, suggested picture books, and more. This tool will inspire school librarians and other educators to create opportunities to engage in STEAM practices, collaboratively writing and assessing their own scaffolded lesson plans.
Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens by
Foreword by Barbara Klipper Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more people of all ages now self-identify as autistic. Those who understand the unique characteristics of autistic young people know that ordinary library programming guides are not up to the task of effectively serving these library users. Well qualified to speak to this need, Anderson is an educator, library researcher, and former public librarian who has helped to develop two IMLS funded initiatives that train library workers to better understand and serve autistic patrons. Here, she offers librarians who work with children and teens in both public library and K-12 educational settings an updated, comprehensive resource that includes an updated introduction to the basics of autism, including language, symbolism, and best practices in the library rooted in the principles of Universal Design; step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings, that are cost-effective and easy to replicate; contributions from autistic self-advocates throughout the text, demonstrating that the program ideas included are truly designed with their preferences in mind; suggestions for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations; and many helpful appendices, with handy resources for training and education, building a collection, storytimes, sensory integration activities, and a "Tips for a Successful Library Visit" template.
Pairing STEAM with Stories by
Laying the groundwork for building children's curiosity, openness to learning, ability to persist in the face of failure, and interest in connecting learning from one subject to the other are important objectives for today's libraries. Partnering with cultural institutions, such as the Chicago Public Library (CPL) does with Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), libraries can forge powerful connections between literacy and science. This resource shares the fruits of that partnership, offering ready-to-go, library-tested activities that meld cutting-edge STEAM education principles with some of the best books available for youth today. It's a model that can be used in a variety of library or museum settings and can also be adapted for outreach. Inside, readers will find 46 book-based, customizable STEAM activities, each complete with program length, materials list, and step-by-step instructions; real-life tips, advice, and thoughts from practicing CPL librarians sprinkled throughout the book; pointers on incorporating STEAM into existing programs; pedagogical strategies behind effective STEAM experiences, ensuring successful implementation of these skills; and helpful supporting materials such as a program planning rubric and a vendor list. The activities in this book will make STEAM learning fun while planting the seeds for lifelong learning.
25 Projects for Art Explorers by
With schools emphasizing STEM activities for children to meet curriculum goals for standardized testing, nurturing children's artistic creativity is often given short shrift. Kirker's fun resource aims to restore the balance, offering more than two dozen projects that will spark children's interest in art and encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Designed for kids aged 5-10, and flexible enough to use in either storytimes or classroom settings, the projects here introduce children to a variety of art techniques, from gouache and watercolor to collage and papermaking, using a curated selection of quality picture books; provide detailed directions for guiding children to experiment with these techniques to create their own projects; and include materials lists adaptable for any budget, capsule biographies of the picture books' illustrators, programming tips, and links to additional resources. Kirker's inventive projects will help library staff and educators reinforce learning, encourage experimentation, and build an appreciation for art and the creative process.
Transforming Your Library into a Learning Playground by
Public libraries must offer relevant, exciting, and stimulating learning centers that appeal to kids. This book is a step-by-step guide for creating affordable and effective educational programs for children and youth by focusing on one simple concept: play. With the standards of education rising every year and current technology making all types of information widely available to anyone with an Internet connection, libraries need to stay relevant by constantly evolving. One important way to strengthen a public library's identity as an irreplaceable resource is to make it an exciting and stimulating learning center that appeals to children and youth. This book demonstrates how to transform the informal setting of a public library into a place where "play" in the guise of game-based learning becomes a natural and exciting process for children and young students. It also shows readers how to incorporate existing programs such as the makerspace, storytime, and book clubs to play to their strengths; more effectively utilize the tools and resources they have; and transform their libraries. The first two chapters explain why learning through play and exploration isn't only for early childhood development, identifies the key differences between free play and structured play, and addresses why libraries are the perfect setting for learning. Next, the author draws on her experience in children's librarianship and as a children's book author to describe methods to listen to (and understand) children, manage organized chaos, and gain the children's trust. Additional chapters explain how to write weekly or daily lesson plans, how to brainstorm supporting activities to reinforce concepts being taught, and how to infuse STEM and literacy objectives into daily lessons. The book closes with suggestions on marketing and promotion, ways to support the classroom, and strategies that will "keep 'em coming back" and build an enthusiastic customer base. Provides a step-by-step guide on how to write programming, from daily lesson plans to an overarching storyline Teaches readers how to uncover the educational content in everyday activities, seamlessly join the maker movement, and infuse STEM and literacy-based concepts into lesson plans Explains how to market, promote, and execute programming that is educational, engaging, and fun and will gain your public library repeat visitors as a result Identifies practical ways to use available resources and implement quality programming on a budget
Baby Steps to STEM by
Innately curious, infants and toddlers love to explore, investigate, and discover--making the earliest years a perfect time to begin teaching the foundations of STEM. This book defines what science, technology, engineering, and math education looks like for this age group, and why it is so vital for children to develop STEM knowledge. Expand your understanding of STEM to lay the foundation for children to develop skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. This book supplies fifty play-based developmentally appropriate activities for introducing STEM. All activities include extensions, inquiry questions, and tips on how to help parents strengthen children's learning at home. Jean Barbre, EdD, holds a master's degree in child and family studies from California State University Long Beach, a master's degree in counseling from California State University Fullerton, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Pepperdine University. She has more than thirty years of experience working with children and families in a variety of roles and currently teaches early childhood courses in community college and California State University system as well as presents at professional conferences across the country.
Cooking up Library Programs Teens and 'Tweens Will Love by
Engage teens and 'tweens with library programs that nurture developmental and social needs--and keep young patrons entertained. Want to get students tuned in, learning, and having fun? Covering programs ranging from DIY Modern Crafts to CSI Science, these simple plans will give you all the knowledge you need to create complete programs for 'tweens and teens--activities that students will find engaging and entertaining. For each activity, the author identifies aspects that link to STEAM learning objectives. The educational ties help students learn about new topics while fostering the development of important life skills. While the plans are geared towards public librarians, they can easily be adapted to the school or home environment so parents, teachers, and anyone else who works with teens and 'tweens can create and implement these fun and unique programs. Includes complete plans for more than a dozen educational and entertaining programs Makes connections to STEAM and maker programming Provides library programming guidance from the perspective of a library play specialist with nearly a decade's experience
The Coretta Scott King Awards by
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Awards, this invaluable guide celebrates the legacy of these prestigious honors, which have enlarged the prominence of literature for children and youth about the Black experience. Spotlighting the work of the author and illustrator winners and honorees since the awards' inception, this unique resource is an excellent tool for collection development, readers' advisory, and classroom use. More than just a bibliography, this book includes a history of the origin, development, and evolution of the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Awards; coverage of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Practitioner Lifetime Achievement Award and the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award for New Talent; excerpts and color plates from many of the titles; and a complete listing of the 1970-2019 Award and Honor Books as well as a subject index, ideal for curriculum planning. Educators, librarians, and others who work with children will find this one of-a-kind guide essential.
Create, Innovate, and Serve by
Library services are transforming to emphasize interactive, innovative, participatory, and often production-centered programming. It's a truly radical approach, and tomorrow's LIS graduates in children's and youth services need a resource that helps them understand this programming as it pertains to these age ranges. This text meets that need, bringing together a wide range of perspectives from both practice and research to survey this new landscape of programming for children and youth. Providing in-depth information crucial to those who will soon encounter these programs in library settings, this contributed volume delves into a wide variety of different programs, discussing their crucial elements and how to develop, plan, and deliver them; uses case studies of innovative practices to address such key issues as diversity, equity, media mentorship, community partnerships, dedicated library spaces, discussion-based programming, and assessment; presents annotated bibliographies of research, organized by young children (birth to 5), middle childhood (ages 6 to 12), and teens (ages 13 and up); and examines children and youth programming trends, teaching how to recognize and incorporate these trends into all types of programs. Emphasizing an inclusive approach to programming that incorporates research-based theories and frameworks, this text will be a valuable orientation tool for LIS students as well as a holistic guide for current children and youth services professionals.
Profiles in Resilience by
"This book helps to expand the definition of diversity in children's books by shedding light on an element of diversity that is sometimes overlooked--economic situation or income . . . Teachers and librarians will find it informative and engaging as it deepens their experience with both authors and books as well as their understanding of children who are experiencing generational poverty." --from the Foreword by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University Drawing from her own lived experience, in this guide Dorr shines a light on some of the cultural values that exist across both rural and urban poverty, inviting teachers, librarians, and others who work with children from low-income families to see them in their cultural context and appreciate the values they bring to the classroom or library. She spotlights a range of books for children and teens that offer literary mirrors to low-income children, as well as windows to more economically privileged readers, enabling all young readers to celebrate our common humanity. And she also shares the work of ten authors and illustrators familiar with poverty, offering insights into the sources of their stories and the ways storytellers' lived experience can influence their creative works and make their characters more authentic. You will discover an introduction which explores what it's like to grow up in generational poverty, including its long-term effects on children, the roles played by intersectional and institutional racism, the power of family, and how reading can act as powerful catalyst; biographical sketches of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, Cynthia Rylant, Kelly Yang, and other authors and illustrators; inspiring profiles and books spanning age ranges, genres, and formats that chronicle the lives of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sonia Sotomayor, John Lewis, Wilma Mankiller, and other people who were raised in generational poverty; and four appendixes which spotlight even more stories of resilient individuals and fictional characters.
Impactful Community-Based Literacy Projects by
Inspired by the Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program and its applicants, which have showcased and disseminated innovative literacy initiatives across the country and around the world since 2013, this book provides evidence-based practice guidelines for librarians and educators. To optimize results, the projects in this book blend early literacy benefits, fundamental reading skills, and other foundational concepts with culture- or community-specific sensitivity and leveraging. They're adaptable based on age, audience, size, resources, and budget; and most importantly, they address social inequities and foster cross-culture interactions. Inside, readers will find detailed profiles of dozens of successful literacy projects, which include such activities as oral storytelling, the Parent-Child Home Program, a repository of multilingual children's stories, accessible web readers, personal tutors, and many more; an overview of universal steps to literacy, explaining how people learn, generic reading skill development, human developmental issues, and habits of literacy; research-based factors for impactful literacy projects; discussion of the importance and role of literacy partners such as families, schools and universities, libraries, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities; advice on project planning, including needs assessment, goals and objectives, literacy review, target audience, project personnel, resources, setting and timing, communication, support, implementation, communication, and continuous assessment and improvement; and guidance on building capacity, empowering the community, and sustaining a culture of literacy. Complete with links to additional resources and support materials, this resource details the steps needed to create effective and sustainable projects in your own community.
Outreach Services for Teens by
The clichéd and vague notions about outreach services for teens that so many librarians encounter in job descriptions and performance evaluations do not reflect the importance or day-to-day realities of this undertaking. In this primer for those new to the profession, Snow demonstrates how youth librarians can approach outreach systematically and mindfully to ensure success. Readers will learn how to apply a full complement of professional skills, creativity, analysis, and resourcefulness to the conception, delivery, and evaluation of teen outreach. With a special focus on effectively serving marginalized youth, in this book Snow defines in practical terms what constitutes outreach services for teens and advises on how to plan and advocate for providing those services; discusses steps for creating and maintaining partnerships, both within the library and externally; guides readers through identifying outreach goals and measuring outcomes; details numerous examples of well-executed outreach efforts that can serve as models; shares ways to incorporate technology; provides suggested core titles for teen outreach, book talks to hook teens, selection tools, and a sample book checkout sheet; and includes nuts-and-bolts tools such as an outreach plan for teen librarians, staff training resources, and information about national organizations serving teens. New youth librarians, middle managers and directors, and other library staff will all benefit from Snow's candid and straightforward exploration of what it takes to develop and deliver powerful outreach efforts.
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Library Services by
We are only now coming to terms with how common trauma really is; a landmark Kaiser study that surveyed patients receiving physicals found that almost two-thirds had experienced at least one form of abuse, neglect, or other trauma as a child. Though originating in the fields of health and social services, trauma-informed care is a framework that holds great promise for application to library work. Empathetic service, positive patron encounters, and a more trusting workplace are only a few of the benefits that this approach offers. In this important book Tolley, experienced in both academic and public libraries, brings these ideas into the library context. Library administrators, directors, and reference and user services staff will all benefit from learning the six key principles of trauma-informed care; characteristics of a trusting and transparent library organization, plus discussion questions to promote a sense of psychological safety among library workers; how certain language and labels can undermine mutuality, with suggested phrases that will help library staff demonstrate neutrality to patron ideas and views during information requests; delivery models that empower patrons; advice on balancing free speech on campus with students' need for safety; how appropriate furniture arrangement can help people suffering from PTSD feel safe; guidance on creating safe zones for LGBTQIA+ children, teens, and adults; and self-assessment tools to support change toward trauma-responsive library services.
Library Teen Advisory Groups by
Teen advisory groups (TAGs) may flourish in many libraries today, but many others are newly initiating them or hoping to revitalize ones that are floundering. But even successful groups need tips and best practices to make their TAGs even better. This updated and revised second edition remains the go-to guide for planning, running, and evaluating TAGs in both school and public libraries. Its wealth of positive advice and information leads TAG teens and their peers to meaningful experiences that encourage reading, library use, and library support--into adulthood. In this indispensable guide, Diane P. Tuccillo carefully explains and explores the current, wide landscape of TAGs, covering funding to bylaws; getting a new group on its feet to rejuvenating an old one; planning traditional TAG projects to creating unique roles; and community involvement to voting on adult library boards. Vivid profiles of successful teen groups, organized into public and school library sections, tell each group's story along with pertinent teen feedback. Sample documents covering mission statements, applications, parent permission forms, publicity flyers, and teen book review ideas, as well as evaluation advice, can be borrowed or adapted. A helpful bibliography and webliography is included. Library directors, school administrators, library educators, and librarians who work directly with teens in school and public libraries will be unable to resist such compelling testaments to the value of TAGs.
Representing the Rainbow in Young Adult Literature by
Discussions of gender and sexuality have become part of mainstream conversations and are being reflected in the work of more and more writers of fiction, particularly in literature aimed at young adult audiences. But young readers, regardless of their sexual orientation, don't always know what books offer well-rounded portrayals of queer characters and situations. Fortunately, finding positive role models in fiction that features LGBTQ+ themes has become less problematic, though not without its challenges. In Representing the Rainbow in Young Adult Literature: LGBTQ+ Content since 1969, Christine Jenkins and Michael Cart provide an overview of the literary landscape. An expanded version of The Heart Has Its Reasons, this volume charts the evolution of YA literature that features characters and themes which resonate not only with LGBTQ+ readers but with their allies as well. In this resource, Jenkins and Cart identify titles that are notable either for their excellence--accurate, thoughtful, and tactful depictions--or deficiencies--books that are wrongheaded, stereotypical, or outdated. Each chapter has been significantly updated, and this edition also includes new chapters on bisexual, transgender, and intersex issues and characters, as well as chapters on comics, graphic novels, and works of nonfiction. This book also features an annotated bibliography and a number of author-title lists of books discussed in the text that will aid teachers, librarians, parents, and teen readers. Encompassing a wider array of sexual identities, Representing the Rainbow in Young Adult Literature is an invaluable resource for young people eager to read about books relevant to them and their lives.
Passionate Readers by
How do we inspire students to love reading and discovery? In Passionate Readers: The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child, classroom teacher, author, and speaker Pernille Ripp reveals the five keys to creating a passionate reading environment. You'll learn how to... Use your own reading identity to create powerful reading experiences for all students Empower your students and their reading experience by focusing on your physical classroom environment Create and maintain an enticing, well-organized, easy-to-use classroom library; Build a learning community filled with choice and student ownership; and Guide students to further develop their own reading identity to cement them as life-long, invested readers. Throughout the book, Pernille opens up about her own trials and errors as a teacher and what she's learned along the way. She also shares a wide variety of practical tools that you can use in your own classroom, including a reader profile sheet, conferring sheet, classroom library letter to parents, and much more. These tools are available in the book and as eResources to help you build your own classroom of passionate readers.
Summer Matters by
Summer reading for children is a long standing and cherished tradition in public libraries across America, but today's kids need to master new skills and competencies. Today's summer programming needs to move beyond reading to engage children with hands-on activities, thus keeping their brains active even when school's out. Here, a team of librarians and educators from the Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry present a guide based on their award-winning, STEAM-inspired approach. They outline practical steps for libraries and cultural institutions to partner in creating a sustainable summer learning program that's both fun and educational. This book explains what STEAM is and why it's important for libraries; provides evidence-based research on summer slide, the achievement gap, and 21st century learning skills; walks readers through building a cultural partnership, collaborating efficiently, and sustaining the relationship into the future; offers tips for managing institutional change; provides guidance for developing a new vision for summer at the library, with pointers on adding learning tracks to existing programs and addressing design challenges; details how CPL evaluates and assesses their program; and includes templates for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), mission statement, logic model, and sample Summer Learning Challenge evaluations. Loaded with innovative program ideas, this resource will ensure that learning continues even while school is out.
Library Service to Tweens by
This comprehensive guide to tween library services begins with a developmental description of this ever-changing group and offers practical advice about materials and programming. Criteria are provided for categorizing books, music, movies and magazines as appropriate for tweens, with special attention given to the reluctant reader. The authors discuss how to determine where tween services fit within the broader spectrum of youth services, and how to provide support for them. Information on marketing and outreach to tweens and their adults completes this essential guide.
