44th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL

Welcome to Library Lions interviews. This month we’re Raising a Roar for the 44^th Annual Children’s Literature Festival at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. I was lucky enough to present this year. Here’s my report on the huge book festival with the largest number of student participants in the U.S.

It was already spring in Missouri when we arrived. The trees were in bloom and I wore my shades for the first time in months and months!

Judy Young, Vivian Vande Velde and moi. 

The day before the Lit Fest launched in full, 34 authors and illustrators were treated to a luncheon on the college campus followed by a book signing. This year the festival was presented with a commendation by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Dean of Library Services, Mollie Dinwiddie, accepted the award on behalf of the festival.

We enjoyed a live performance of The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town, by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt below (winners of this year’s Missouri Show Me award)

A team of authors and illustrators participated in the dramatic reading.  

Bright and early Monday morning the first half of the 4200 students signed up for the festival arrived in busloads from all across the state.

Thousands of grade school students poured through the college campus moving from event to event. The Festival runs smoothly in the talented hands of the Festival Director, Naomi Williamson. Three cheers for Naomi!!

Some kids had been on the bus for three hours, but they were all raring to see the authors and illustrators presenting workshops at University of Central Missouri. Festival Director, Naomi Williamson was ready for them at the conference greeting table.

Students packed into the classrooms for their first workshop!

With 34 Authors/Illustrations to choose from, the librarians at each school had to pick just 4 workshops for their students to attend. Multiple classes from many schools crowded into each room first thing in the morning and we were off!     

 

                    Author Veda Jones in action.

Aside from presenting 4 workshops per day, the authors and illustrators signed scads of books. Here are just a few of us signing.

                                                                                     Elizabeth C. Bunce & Brad Sneed

        

                                    

Terry Trueman

                                   

Janet Lee Carey, Stephanie Tolan, Roderick Townley, Patricia Hermes

The first day of the festival whizzed by. Tuesday began with busloads of excited students arriving for workshops, book signings, and a chance to meet their favorite authors and illustrators in person.

I hope you Library Lions readers enjoyed a peek at this dynamic literary festival for children put on by the librarians at the University of Central Missouri and the hundreds of school librarians bringing eager students from their schools. Bravo to all the librarians, volunteers, authors & illustrators !!!! 

HOORAY FOR KIHEI LIBRARY!

Welcome to Library Lions interviews Raising a Roar for libraries and for the outstanding librarians serving youth in schools and public libraries across the U.S. Please Roar today’s guest Kathleen Ageton.

I met Kathleen on our trip to Maui last October and asked her to do an interview for Library Lions. Welcome Kathleen! Tell us about yourself and your library.


I’ve been the Youth Librarian at Kihei Public Library, Maui, Hawaii, for the past 10 years.

The Hawaii State Public Library System is the only state-wide system in the United States. Hawaii is the most geographically isolated place in the world, so I'm grateful that we have a wonderful cooperative library system, where any non-reference item in any public library in the entire State can be requested and sent to any branch library for patrons to borrow. You can borrow a book on Maui and return it on Kauai. You can ask for a book that belongs to Molokai Public Library to be brought to Kihei Library for checkout.

We’re a busy branch. Here is a photo of my desk area in our behind-the-scenes workroom. It's a huge mess, replete with Halloween costume, storytime props, Pajama Storytime duck slippers, and ever-present pile of stuff to do.

Our branch specializes in programs for young people. Each week we have a Toddler Storytime and a Preschool Storytime with a craft following each storytime. Each month we have a Pajama Storytime, a Young Volunteers Club and our First Fridays Teen Literature Group (book club).

We just started a monthly Family Movie Night, making use of movie licensing that the State subscribes to. In addition, we often have other special programs such as the annual trip to the fire station next door, a Fancy Nancy dress-up event, a craft program or a performer. Photo of crowd below watching magician Timothy Wenk.

Our manager, Jessica Gleason, and all our staff work together to support youth programs and to make people of all ages feel welcome. We are a small staff (2 librarians, 1 library technician, 2 library assistants, 3 student helpers, 1 janitor and 1 security guard), yet we are proud to offer dynamic programming that brings many to our beautiful branch library. In one 12-month period we held 138 programs with an attendance of 6018 people.

The Skinny: Briefly, what do you love most about your work?

I love that I get to work with children and books. I know I'm doing something important in the world, something significant. I get to have a role, however small, in children's lives. Many people look back on their lives and might consider their large homes or exciting vacations as points of pride and achievement. I think I count my life's accomplishments in knee hugs from little ones, in children who return to tell me about a great book they've read, in grown-ups telling me that our library helped their child get excited about reading.

Library Laughs

One day an English-as-a-second-language patron asked for a book. I didn't quite understand what she was saying, but I did catch the word "pigeon." Assuming she was a tourist and interested in learning more about Hawaii and its customs and culture, I searched and found for her some funny and serious books about the local dialect, "pidgin." The patron looked confused. She looked at me, looked at the books, looked back at me then flapped her arms like a bird. She wanted books on the bird--pigeon.

Another day a youngster came to the library and asked for the book, Sautee the Goat. I imagined one of those slapstick elementary-level series that usually involve the word underpants or boogers in the title, or some kind of joke book, or maybe even an exotic cookbook. I tried to get more information from the child who was having difficulty describing the book. In a sudden epiphany, the title came to me: Zlateh the Goat.

A Lion’s Pride of Programs

Our library system has fantastic databases that patrons can access from home. With a few clicks of a mouse, you can learn how to fix your car, find out about medications, see which vacuum cleaner is the best to buy, learn about the latest celebrity shenanigans, and of course, find a new book to read. Through the Hawaii State Public Library's webpage and with your HSPLS library card you can download electronic books and audiobooks.

 I come from the age of 8-track tapes, typewriters and the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. Being able to do serious research without leaving my comfy chair is wonderful. Being able to type something up and send it along without even reaching for white-out or a stamp is mind-boggling. Being able to download something that never gets an overdue fine, that never has the last patron's coffee stains in it and that never has multiple pieces to get lost under the car seat is brilliant

Readers Roar: Let’s hear from the kids!

"I like books. I like my parents to read to me. I like to come to the library because I like to read at night." Justice. Age 5.

"I like books. They give you information. I'm a scientist." Diesel. Age 8.

"I like to read because I like books. I like the pictures. My favorite thing about the Library is books. I like silly books the best." Aby. Age 5

"I cried when I finished the last Harry Potter book." John. Age 9.

"I like the 'Who Was..' books because I like learning about people." Amanda. Age 7.

Book Brag: What three books are hot this year? Why?

Currently, books that are made into movies or TV series are popular:
Tintin
Hunger Games
Calliou
Dora
Thomas
Lego

Library Lion’s Roar: ONE LAST BIG ROAR

I have been a youth librarian for about 20 years total. The following are 10 Lessons I have learned and wished I knew from the get-go:

1) Never ask a child which song they want to sing at storytime (instead of Happy Birthday, you might get "Dinah, Dinah show us your knees...").

2) Don't wear a mask (even a non-scary one) for Halloween or other storytimes unless you want to terrorize little ones.

3) Accidents happen; be understanding

4) Learn the names of the children at storytimes and programs; make the effort. It's much more effective to say, "Johnny, could you please sit down right here," than to desperately try and make pointed eye-contact with the child who needs a little direction.

5) Look for the best in children and parents and don't get into the trap of ever complaining about behaviors or annoyances -- it's all a matter of learning, and adults and children alike are all at different stages of development. Once we expect perfection rather than growth, we become judges rather than teachers.

6) Treat everyone with respect. You might be a patron's first experience with a library. You don't want it to be the last.

7) I once heard a saying that has stuck with me: Children might not remember what you teach them, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

8) Beware of glitter

9) Smile

10) Enjoy yourself; when you're having a good time working with children, they will have a good time also. Janet - What a great list, Kathleen!

Let’s Link

Library Website: www.librarieshawaii.org

Thank you, Kathleen for your terrific interview! I can't wait to visit you and the Kihei library again the next time I'm on Maui!

Note to readers: Love Libraries? Give a Roar in “Comments” below.

Note to Librarians: If you’re a Youth Librarian working in a school or public library we’d love to hear about you and your library. Contact Janet at jlcarey@hotmail.com for an interview slot.

AUTHOR LOIS V. HARRIS SHARES HER LIBRARY LOVE

Welcome to Library Lions interviews. Raising a Roar for Libraries and for the outstanding Librarians serving Children and Young Adults in Schools and Public Libraries across the U.S. Please Roar today’s guest author Lois V. Harris here with us today to share her Library Love!



Lois V. Harris

About Lois
I am the author of three inspiring picture book biographies:
Mary Cassatt: Impressionist Painter Charlie Russell: Tale-Telling Cowboy Artist, a 2011 Western Writers of America Storyteller Award Finalist, and a Parents' Choice Recommended Award Winner. And Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe, released in September 2011.

My fiction and nonfiction have appeared in magazines and the L.A. Times. I write to encourage children to follow their dreams and live with my family and two cats in Washington State. When not researching or writing, you might find me on our boat in the beautiful San Juan Islands watching for whales.

Library Love When You Were a Cub

When I was four, my grandmother, a reader and word lover, took me to the Brooklyn Public Library. I selected The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack and took it home. I loved the story and asked over and over again to have it read to me. The next time my grandmother and I visited the library, I immediately chose The Story About Ping.

No, I did not want another book---only The Story About Ping. My grandmother checked the book out a few more times before she could convince me to choose another one. About ten years ago I read an article about taking another look at your favorite childhood books. Through Powell’s Books in Portland, OR, I bought a used copy of The Story About Ping. Surprise! When I read the story, I remembered some of the illustrations and the repeated words. As an author, I analyzed Marjorie Flack’s work. She did a masterful job with her simple story. No wonder the book enjoyed many editions over the years. I read the book to my two grandsons, and they now ask me to read it again and again whenever they come.

More Library Love
I write nonfiction biographies. For each of my books, I spent about six months researching the subject before I started writing. I want to be sure my subject's life will inspire a child. I begin the process in my Anacortes Library and the University of Washington (as an alum, I can check out books). I track down more sources through WorldCat and search internet library sites like the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library, and various university and historical societies.

Anacortes, WA Public Library

University of Washington Library – photo of reading room by Shannon Bowley

Roar For Reference Librarians!

Reference or Research Librarians save nonfiction authors effort and time. For my Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe book, I researched in the Rauner Special Collections Library of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Before my trip, the Reading Room Supervisor, Sarah Hartwell, sent me a thick copy of the Finding Aid to their Parrish collection. I marked the boxes of material I wanted to look at and brought the guide with me. In the hushed atmosphere of the Reading Room, I met Sarah who explained how to order the material and helped me get rolling on my project. For three days at a gleaming wood table in that high-ceilinged sunlit room, carts filled with boxes were delivered to my table. (Maxfield lived to the age of ninety-five and saved almost everything!) I pawed through the papers and was impressed with the efficiency and knowledge of all the librarians.

The staff suggested I also visit reference librarians in the Baker-Berry Library next door for additional information. These Reading Room librarians understood researchers may come from far away and at considerable expense for information. Staff copied material and arranged for me to pick up my order on the last morning of my visit to Hanover. I flew home and went right to work on my manuscript!

Baker-Berry & Rauner Special Collections Libraries

Bravo!

Bravo! (applause, applause!) for the interlibrary loan program. Nonfiction authors depend on the ability to order books, microfilm tapes, and other material for delivery to their local library for a nominal fee. Without the service, my research would be restricted to local libraries.

A Lion’s Pride of Programs
School or library visits give me the opportunity to talk directly to children and answer questions. Nothing pleases me more than to read one of my books and notice a child watching and listening intently, never taking her or his eyes off me. After my presentation, that child might whisper to me, "I like to draw and paint, too, and want to be an artist like Mary (Charlie or Maxfield) was." Bingo! I write to inspire children to follow their dreams.

Samantha Smith Elementary School, Sammamish, WA

Author’s Roar

Funding for libraries, especially school libraries, is currently under threat. As an author, what are your thoughts about that?
During these tough economic times, libraries play an important role in providing a rich experience for children and their parents. Some of these people have experienced job loss or paycuts. But they can take their children to the library and spend quality time together reading and enjoying books and checking them out---at no charge. Legislators and city managers need to try and save essential library services and look elsewhere for their cuts.

Let’s Link

Website: http://www.loisharris.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1553995953&ref=tn_tnmn

Thank you Lois for the terrific interview!

THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL

Welcome to Library Lions! This week we’re showcasing THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY TEEN BOOK FESTIVAL.


Student MC 2012 Teen Book Festival

In 2004 a group of librarians, parents, and students joined together with the avowed purpose of promoting teen reading in our community. We held the first Montgomery County Teen Book Festival in January of 2005. Following the first event we received the Highsmith Award, given annually for the most innovative project involving a school library in the state of Texas.

Our Dream is to celebrate the joy of teen reading. In support of this dream we promote books and bring together teens and authors.

A Roar For The Committee
The festival couldn’t be a success without the work of each and every member!
The Teen Book Festival is a group effort. From the beginning, it has been supported by the Conroe Independent School District and has grown to include volunteers from entire Montgomery County area. The committee includes public and school librarians in the area, as well as parent volunteers and other community members.


Cinda Williams Chima & Pam Cooper (Pam is one of the founding committee members)


Three of the many librarians who help us each year.


More Volunteers

(See the full list of all of the librarians and volunteers on our website )

Author! Author!
We’ve had so many great authors over the years! This year’s festival included:


From L-R Melody Carlson, Patrick Jones, Cinda Williams Chima, Joseph Hayes, Belle Whittington, Melissa Studdard, Gayle Forman (somehow Kristin Cast didn’t make this photo op)

Other authors we’ve had include Chris Crutcher, Lois Lowry, Lauren Myracle, Melissa Marr, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Sara Zarr, Justina Chen, Gordon Korman,, Cassandra Clare, Tamora Pierce, and Neal Shusterman.

The Festival Day
The festival day is largely run by student volunteers. We have a student master of ceremonies every year and students introduce the authors at each session.


Authors and their student assistants

We have student volunteers who escort the authors,


Lauren Myracle student escorts

They help with food, handle the festival surveys, and provide entertainment.



Another unique aspect is that the artwork for the festival this year was created by a student. We had a contest among the schools where students created artwork and the winner’s art was used for the banners, T-shirts and bookmarks promoting the festival.

Before the festival, the student volunteers get to have brunch with the authors. As you can imagine, that is a huge hit with the teens!


Lois Lowry Brunch


Neal Shusterman Brunch

While teens are arriving during the first hour or two, we have music, food and book sales in the main area of the school where the festival is held. In the past we’ve hired a band to play. This year we had a DJ playing music. Additionally, we typically have student performances. We’ve had school jazz bands, dance troupes and drumlines. This year we had students from the host school’s theatre department perform scenes from “Little Women.”


Dance troupe


Drumline

The first event is a general assembly. This includes a panel of all the authors.


Author Panel from L-R Sara Zarr, Nick Abadzis, Cassandra Clare, Shirlene Obuobi

Our student master of ceremonies directs questions to each of the authors. The keynote author speaks. Then we have two breakout sessions where each of the authors will speak in their own locations throughout the school.


Chris Crutcher

Finally, the day concludes with autograph sessions and more mingling in the common area.

Roars For The Fest!

"What a day full of AWESOMENESS! So many wonderful readers in one place at one time! It was like MAGIC! ♥" Belle Whittington- Author,

"Thank you for hosting such a wonderful festival this weekend!" Sherry Stafford Rowland – Adult attendee

Roars from Our Student Surveys!

“This book fair is the coolest thing ever, the majority of people never get to meet authors and I think it is a huge privilege,”

“I have come to this for 6 years in a row. Epic every year.”

In addition to comments about the event, we get a lot of requests for authors for future festivals.

What’s Ahead?
We are looking forward to a bright future! We have formed a formal non-profit organization and hope to see the festival grow into a special celebration of reading for the people of Montgomery County and surrounding areas.

Thank you for the interview! We enjoyed haring all about the terrific Montgomery County Teen Book Festival!


Let’s Link Up
Festival Website

Facebook:


Love Libraries? Give a Roar in “Comments” below.

Note to Librarians: If you’re a Youth Librarian working in a school or public library we’d love to hear about you and your library. Contact Janet at jlcarey@hotmail.com for an interview slot.

VALENTINES FULL OF LIBRARY LOVE

Happy Valentine's Month. This week we’re celebrating Library Love with celebratory quotes from previous posts with authors, librarians, and kids across the U.S.!



"I love connecting readers to books, but my favorite thing is connecting readers and authors. I have a very supportive Friends group which has provided the means to author visits in the schools. One middle school girl was so excited to meet an author. She told me she didn't think she would ever meet a 'real live author.'"

Darcy Brixey Teen Librarian at Bellevue Library, Bellevue WA

"I Love Libraries! In case you can't tell by looking at me, I think libraries are awesome. When I was a kid, I used to play library. Um, I still do . . ."

Author Lisa Yee

"I have the best job in the entire world. I love talking about children’s literature and helping a child find the perfect book. I could discuss children’s books twenty-four hours a day. The best part of my job is when a reader visits the library to tell me about what they read the night before or to share a cool website. I am very lucky."

John Schumacher (aka Mr. Schu) teacher-librarian at Brook Forest Elementary School in Oak Brook, Illinois.

"I love connecting with people, and connecting people with books."

Chris Davis Youth Services Librarian at Sacramento Public Library,

"I feel delighted to work with teens who are creative, funny, smart and far more together then I was as a teen. I believe that libraries are the last public space and I think librarians should all be challenging outmoded ideas of what types of programs we should have in libraries. We have an All Ages Arts Night

that showcases teen performers, dance, hip hop, spoken word."


Jennifer Bisson Teen Librarian Seattle Public Library.

"When I was a kid, I was the new girl in school nearly every year. This was in a time when folks didn’t move around a lot so that made me a real oddball. There were some pretty rough first weeks of school – lots of teasing and excluding. I quickly learned that no matter where I went, I would find a friend – between the covers of a book, in the school library. I would not have grown into the person I am without the salvation of those libraries."

Author, Kirby Larson

"I work in the best children’s room in New York City.I really love getting my books into the hands of readers. So much so that I’ll spend hours making sure that we have the maximum amount of books on our shelves, just in case there’s a reader about with a penchant for the additional works of Kenneth Grahame and such."

Elizabeth Bird Children's Librarian NYPL

"I love the creativity involved in being a teen librarian. Realizing that even though I don’t call myself crafty, I do a lot of crafty and creative activities with my teens. I love how my job is different every day. I think my biggest love is the collection development part of my job. Buying all the books and media for teens."

Kristin Fletcher-Spear Teen Librarian Foothills Branch Library in Glendale, Arizona.

"My absolute favorite part of my job is connecting readers with books. A lot of times, here in New Britain, the teens are not really enthusiastic about reading. If you can just connect a teen with one book, one, that really peaks their interest, then they will come back and ask for more. Having a teen say “Miss, you pick out the best books” brightens my day like nothing else! I love to go to the schools and book talk, because a lot of the teens in New Britain don’t have transportation to get to the library, so I have to come to them. It’s another way to reach them and to say, 'Yes, reading can be totally awesome.'”

Jessica Miller Teen Librarian New Britain Public Library, New Britain, CT.

Love from the Cubs!



“Walking in the library is like walking in the mall; you can look at stuff and not walk out with anything.” Alex, 7th

“Reading is a doctor because it helps.” Riley, 6th

“The library is like my room where I feel safe inside.” Daphne, 6th

“I like the library because it has books for everyone. Even when I’m in middle school I can find something to read here.” G, 3rd grade

“I like that you can find something to read at any time in the library. The librarians can always give you a recommendation!” C, grade 12.

“My favorite thing about the library is the Best of Books display. It shows kids and teachers reading their favorite books. Each person tells about the favorite book..I use it to find new books. - Syed, Grade 5

More Roars!

"When I was a child, I spent far too much time searching the woodlands for a secret door to the magical Otherworld. I collected many beautiful stones, which my mother called “clutter” and I called “magic”. During these years of searching, I did discover one small reliable door into a vast enchanted country I could open any time she liked: it was the cover of a book. My school librarian knew me and knew the books I liked, she set me on the path of story exploration, a path I’ve followed as a reader and a writer ever since.

"In the past few years I’ve begun to worry about the ongoing health of our public libraries. And I’ve been stunned to see how fast libraries are vanishing from our public schools. I created Library Lions blog to roar about the importance of libraries, applaud librarians working with youth, and to showcase the amazing library programs across the U.S. Here at Library Lions we celebrate Library Love all year round. Special thanks to all the librarians and authors who have taken the time to interview with us."

Janet Lee Carey Author, Creator Library Lions Blog

"I like to involve kids in decisions about our school library. I have a suggestion box for kids to recommend good books they’ve read that aren’t in the Library. I buy as many of the suggestions as I can and the kids love it. They’re listened to. They’re part of the Library."

Carol Matheson Teacher Librarian at Redmond Elementary in Redmond WA

"Libraries provide open access to information and entertainment to people regardless of age, gender, educational background, economic status, etc. In our consumer-based society, there are few places outside of libraries where anyone can go to learn, grow and connect for free. I love that my personal values of sharing resources (borrowing instead of buying and making information publicly available), promoting life-long learning, and preserving public spaces- mesh with the values of my profession."

Jessica Gomes Teen Librarian Issaquah Library, Issaquah, WA

"Each day is different and varied in the library, and it keeps all of us on our toes!"

Stacy Dillon Lower School Librarian at Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York City

"I love how YA books have become so popular. I like seeing adults and teens come into the department and exit with an armload of books. I love chatting with teens about books and giving them some to read. It’s especially great if they don’t really like reading, but need a book for school and then they come back for more just like that one!"

Jennifer Rummel Teen Librarian Otis Library,Norwich, CT

"I love connecting library patrons, especially teens, with programs. To see them interact with a comics illustrator, artist or author is a real thrill. An even bigger thrill is to see them teach each other, whether it is a gaming program, or an art workshop. You never know what seeds are being planted. It is such a great opportunity to visit a school and talk about some of the cool books that are out there for teens and all the programs and things that teens can do at the library."

Seated on panel, Ken Gollersrud Youth Librarian High Point Branch of The Seattle Public Library

"I LOVE my job and feel very fortunate to find something that is such a perfect fit for my personality, my skills, and my life’s goals."

Susan K. S. Grigsby Librarian Elkins Pointe Middle School; Roswell, Georgia

"I have the best job in the world with the best kids in the world. I love that I am able to see each student in the school every week. We learn together. They teach me as much as I teach them….maybe I learn more than they do. I love that I am able to learn new ways to access information along with the students and we can share our favorite books. I am the librarian at Einstein Elementary School in Redmond, Washington. We are the Einstein Otters and we will change the world!"

Anne Sandbo Librarian Einstein Elementary School, WA

"Every day I look forward to serving in the Middle School library because each day is unique! As I work with young teens, my goal is to increase their knowledge of being effective users of information. I love connecting to the students and staff, promoting literature, teaching how to be ethical with technology and serving the families I work with on a daily basis."

Teresa Young Middle School Librarian

"As a YA author and proud owner of a well-worn library card, I want to give back to all the librarians whose book recommendations have fed my imagination over the years and helped me grow as a writer. I know it’s hard being a librarian in a rough economy. You’re strapped for time and cash, but still want to create fun programs to keep your kids and teens reading week after week. Not because they have to, but because they want to."

Kay Cassidy Author and Creator of The Great Scavenger Hunt Contest,

More Love from the Cubs!



“Our library has the best books. There are always new books for me to look at.” -Jasmine, Grade 3

“I love when we Skype with authors and illustrators.” Gabrielle, Grade 3
“Thank you so much for starting up book club again. Books are so important, and I think in this day and age we are losing them.” – Michelle, Grade 9

“I can’t believe you have this! This is so awesome! OMG it is SO COOL! Listen to the song I just made.”— Samantha, Grade 9, said while using Garageband in the Digital Discovery Zone.

“You give me the BEST books” Alexis

“That was really fun! Can I make another one?” John at the I-pod Brownie program

“A book is like a roller coaster ride, you read it and want to read it again.” Audryanna, 6th

“The library is like Wonderland where we are Alice with a new discovery around each corner.” Kali, 8th

“The library is a thrift store; everything is used.” Tori, 6th

“The library is like a recycling center; you read, return and repeat.” Rose, 7th

“The library is a friend because when I am down, I can always turn to it.” Sarah, 7th


HOW CAN LIBRARY LIONS READERS KEEP LIBRARY LOVE ALL YEAR ROUND?

"Support your local public library! We love our volunteers and appreciate every penny that’s donated, but most of our essential functions can only be funded by the city or county government’s budget. When times get tough (as they are right now), tough decisions have to be made about those budgets. It’s crucial that city and county governments know that public libraries are a vital service to their communities. Libraries are more needed than ever. Our buildings are bursting with job-seekers, recent immigrants, and students of all ages who need help with their homework. They may be the only places where children hear stories read to them, elderly people figure out how to use a computer mouse, or someone who’s having a bad day sees a smile. And our local governments need to know all this so they don’t put us in the same pile as the parks and the art projects that are awesome but tend to lose their funding more rapidly than the police and fire departments."

Lesley James Librarian Douglass-Truth Branch of the Seattle Public Library

Thanks to everyone for your year round Library Love. Library Lions Roar!


Love Libraries? Give a Roar in “Comments” below.



Note to Librarians: If you’re a Youth Librarian working in a school or public library we’d love to hear about you and your library. Contact Janet at jlcarey@hotmail.com for an interview slot.