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Multitype Collaboration

LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration, School Libraries
LSTA Grant Update: Literacy in the 21st Century
June 20th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

I’m really looking forward to the start of the 2009 school year because the students at Woodruff seemed to have fallen in love with the library as the 2008 school year ended. Well, that may be a little over the top, but their attitude toward the library and myself really did change as the year progressed.

The Woodruff High School Library was awarded an LSTA grant that funded a project designed to support intensified efforts at Woodruff to increase student literacy; and the grant funds enabled us to provide books with which the students connected strongly. Word of mouth recommendations brought students to the library who had “never checked out a book here before.” The Literacy in the Twenty-first Century project truly did position the school library as an educational anchor of the Woodruff community (LSTA goal #1), and by the close of the school year students everywhere seemed to know who I am because the school library had established a stronger presence.

Materials purchased with grant funds have enabled the library to develop a collection that adequately meets the needs of our current populations. We have developed a collection of popular YA titles that has really engaged our students. Once the new purchases began to arrive we had a continual flow of students checking books in and out of the library. In the past we had had a reputation for not having many good books, but “customer satisfaction” increased as we obtained additional titles as well as multiple copies of the most popular ones. In addition, we introduced materials in formats that were new to collection, including graphic novels (some in Spanish), 23 Playaways, and a collection of fiction and non-fiction titles in Spanish.

Posters that we displayed in various places in the school, including the school cafeteria, helped us in our goal of establishing a culture of reading at Woodruff. We purchased some from the American Library Association and had several made at the Alliance Library System office that feature author and speaker Mawi Asgedom.

We involved the majority of Woodruff students in activities centered on the autobiographical book Of Beetles and Angels: A Boy’s Remarkable Journey from a Refugee Camp to Harvard, by Mawi Asgedom. Copies of the book were provided to all English teachers, and many students read the book in class while others read the book on their own. Excitement was generated because students were moved by the book, and so they were eagerly looking forward to the author’s scheduled visit in March.

Their enthusiasm was well founded because Mawi held everyone’s complete attention in the auditorium at assemblies for both the juniors-seniors and the freshmen-sophomores. Following the assemblies, Mawi visited over lunch with faculty members and selected students in the library. Many students expressed the desire to have Mawi come back sometime so all were pleased to learn that Mawi would be with us again. He returned in May to present a workshop for a small group of Woodruff students that was designed to motivate students to set and achieve goals and which was followed by an all-school assembly.

Peoria Public Library partnered with the Woodruff Library to form reading circles facilitated by Dianne Happ from Lakeview Library that met at lunchtime. We also held a special book club meeting for the book Twilight that was facilitated by ISU interns. We have learned a lot through this experience and are planning for even greater success in the future.

Grant activities also included staff development at Woodruff and the provision of resources that will enhance our literacy efforts. Professor Bill Ducett and colleagues from Illinois State University provided input in the development of a professional collection related to literacy. With donations from ISU and purchases with grant money we have over 15 titles in the collection. Dr. Carl Heine from the Illinois Math and Science Academy presented a workshop in February to introduce Woodruff staff to the 21st Century Information Fluency resources. We purchased a digital whiteboard and three LCD projectors that will enable us to present digital fluency training both in the library and in classrooms using IMSA’s online resources.

This LSTA grant award has enabled the Woodruff High School Library to make a marked improvement in both its collection and in library programming much more quickly than would have been possible otherwise. We are grateful to have been able to obtain so many resources.

Submitted by Pat Martin, Woodruff High School librarian
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration, School Libraries
LSTA Grant Update: Here’s the Evidence, School Librarians Help Students Achieve
June 19th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?
Here’s the Evidence, School Librarians Help Students Achieve was a pilot project sponsored by The DuPage Library System and the North Suburban Library System and funded by an IMLS-LSTA grant.

Based on work done by Dr. Violet Harada in Hawaii, the mission of the project was to show how school libraries impact student achievement on the local level by developing training methods and activities that can be used today and in the future and positioning school libraries as an educational anchor in their learning community.

The project goals were to teach school librarians to PLAN strategically; DELIVER effective messages to different audiences and DEMONSTRATE how to influence student achievement and the school community.

The grant grew out of the need to take the Illinois Study (Powerful Libraries) which showed the value of school libraries to student achievement in the aggregate and customize it to the individual school level. In addition, with the Illinois State Board of Education starting a review process of its learning standards, it is important to show the connections between the school library and other school learning issues.

The staff for this grant consisted of Pamela Kramer (DLS), Sharon Ball (NSLS) project directors; Dr. Elizabeth Marcoux, University of Washington, Lead Trainer; Stephen Mongelluzzo, First Communications, trainer; Dr. Gail Bush, National Louis University, Dr. Barbara Fiehn, NIU; Donald Adcock and Christine Balsano, Dominican University, academic consulting partners.

The cohort consisted of 28 school librarians, 14 from DLS and 14 from NSLS. There were 9 elementary, 8 middle school, and 11 high school librarians. These individuals were asked to participate based on their prior experiences with collaboration and their potential to influence the future of libraries in their communities.

After three full days of training in December 2007 and January 2008, cohort members developed collaborative projects with teachers. They were told to start “small.” Their interactions with students didn’t need to extend over a long unit; rather they could work on a piece of the project with teachers. With the help of the academic partners, who were ready at any time to provide coaching, suggestions, and guidance, the cohort members developed ways to measure their impact on student learning. A fourth training session was held in April, after most of the projects were completed. This session taught cohort members how to take the information they had collected and turn it into “messages” for different stakeholders. More than two-thirds of the cohort members indicated that their level of communication with stakeholders had improved. While the largest number of interactions was with other teachers, half of the cohort increased their levels of communication with the administrators and school boards.

When asked what changes had occurred, cohort members cited
- collaboration as the catalyst for learning
- assessment resources were more on the radar
- integration of library with classroom improved
- more awareness by teachers that librarians are being looked at differently
- importance of starting with the end in mind, for self and teachers.
Cohort members impacted all grade levels from 2 through 12. They all replied “yes” when asked if they plan to use the “process” again. One said, “I won’t go back to the old way. The grant holds me accountable.”

When asked how participation in the grant made a difference in their school and library, cohort members reported that:
- they became a catalyst for action
- they gained influence
- the library places assessment in the forefront
- library staff gained more credibility. “I am not just and extra.”
- “I am thinking differently about what I purchase, not just that I like it, but how kids will use it.”
As in other studies when teachers and librarians need to collaborate, a big challenge is always TIME. Other school responsibilities, coordination with other teachers, communicating with them are all time consuming. But the most challenging for this cohort was finding a way to measure their impact and customize their work to student and teacher needs.

Cohort members said that the best part of being in this project was the sense of community it built with other school librarians networking/collegiality. “It opened doors,” “I never knew if I was effective before but with assessment I do!” “Thanks to this grant I am growing. It’s exciting.”

All of the data from the cohort evidence folders still needs to be examined and collated into more useful data. That will be followed by a complete report and then by articles in state and national publications. The grant managers are seeking ways to develop real sustainability.

The Community of Practice (CoP) which was created by NSLS for the cohort will remain open for continued communication and conversation. Cohort members will be invited to networking meetings and be offered message and communication critiques from our communication’s trainer (pro bono). The grant managers are exploring how to develop a one day workshop to “take on the road” to spread the word about both the strategic planning process and the communication issues. There will be follow-up contacts and surveys to see how well cohort members are applying the information.

The whole grant project was exciting and stimulating, but what might be the most rewarding are some of the unexpected consequences some cohort members experienced. One was asked to serve on her school’s Student Improvement Plan (SIP) committee. Another, with the other elementary librarians in her district was able to use skills learned to communicate to her school board the importance of libraries. They got their aides back! Still another has found ways to impact a whole social studies department after working with just one teacher.

Publicly, we want to thank the Illinois State Library, a Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, for funding Here’s the Evidence using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Submitted by Pamela Kramer (DLS) and Sharon Ball (NSLS)
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: ACES: Access Creates Excellent Students grant
June 13th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

Homer Township Public Library continues to search for new opportunities to expand its services, collections, and programs to enhance our community as a whole.

The Library is proud to have received support and funding for our ACES: Access Creates Excellent Students Grant. This innovative program reaches beyond traditional library walls providing onsite access to library resources for students enrolled in area afterschool facilities. In order to advocate the pleasures and importance of reading, this outreach program offered a variety of fun literature based activities. Primarily programmatic, children have been entertained with tall tales, juggling, a participatory kitchen band and played with poetry. They have planted seeds, made slime, played La Loteria, a Mexican bingo game, checked out materials of their choice on the bookmobile and been supplied with a deposit collection of books which were changed out every other week.

Homer Township Public Library believes that engaging children with stimulating and creative literature based activities brings not only increased quality to time spent after school but will encourage the love of reading and lifelong learning.

ACES is featured at YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/homerlibrary
Other Homer Library grant information is at: www.homerlibrary.org/grants.asp
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: Bring in the Arts
June 11th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?
According to the National Education Association (NEA), in the vast majority of public schools arts programs are being cut. This despite the fact a strong majority of Illinois superintendents and principals report that they believe: Students who study the arts perform better on standard achievement tests and on college entrance exams.

In 2001, Americans for the Arts conducted a Harris Poll public opinion survey to assess the American public’s attitude about arts. They found that 95% of parents believe the arts are important for preparing children for the future. With LSTA funding, the Bring in the Arts (BIA) meets the Metro East area and parents’ needs for arts education. BIA partners the Glen Carbon Centennial Library with the Edwardsville Children’s Museum and the Edwardsville Arts Center to help children learn more about the arts.

The most exciting feature of the grant — Three kiosks targeted for 5-9 year olds were developed to represent the umbrella title of “Bring in the Arts.” Each mobile kiosk represents a different subject. These include: Storytelling and Theatre, Music and Dance, and Arts and Crafts. The kiosks have three components: Interactive Touch-Screen Displays; Cabinetry for hands-on items, and shelving for titles related to the subject.

The physical kiosks are made of plywood and covered in brightly colored laminates for a kid-friendly feel. Heavy-duty casters are also included for moving the exhibit. Each kiosk houses bookshelves on one side and a touch-screen monitor on the other. The 15-inch monitors are each powered by an Apple MacMini which is mounted inside a locked cabinet area. Pre-loaded DVDs can be played by using the touch-screen functionality, which includes basic navigation and volume control for ease of use. Sound is heard through a couple of Dell Mini 2-way speakers installed on either side of the monitor.

Each kiosk’s subject also has a special “interactive” element. Storytelling and Theater has a puppet show window, Music and Dance has a mirror and Arts and Crafts has a magnetic, dry-erase board.

Special, knock-down frames were created for 72″ x 18″ banners which sit on top of each exhibit to identify them. The graphics and wording represent what’s below. For example, Storytelling and Theatre’s banner says “Once upon a time.”

Custom logos, characters and graphics were also applied to the exhibits in vinyl to add to the fun! In addition, bookmarks, coloring sheets, stickers, postcards and a tri-fold brochure were created.

The kiosks are available to area libraries, schools, daycares, and pre-schools for loan. Over 600 postcards will be mailed to these entities at the end of the summer to announce the availability of the kiosks.  It is the library’s hope that the kiosks will be on loan continually to reach as many children as possible.

Storytelling and Theater Kiosk



Arts and Crafts Kiosk


Music and Dance Kiosk

Another important component of the grant funding hired instructors for Art Instructional Programs held at the Library. The 1-2 hour hands-on arts workshops were held at all times of the day and evening to reach as many participants as possible. LSTA funding covered the costs of the instructor fees and required materials for each student. Edwardsville Arts Center and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum provided partial assistance for the instructors, arts materials, and promotional materials. Following is a list of arts classes held at the Library with pictures below:
- Discover the Artist: A Painting Program for All Ages
- Not Just Any Valentine Art Class
- Creating the Sounds of Nature
- Growing Great Pictures: the Art of Lois Ehlert
- Colorful Art: the Art of Eric Carle
- Pineapple Prints: Printing with Fruits and Vegetables
- Easter Egg Painting
- Spring is in the Air
- Creative Coasters
- Magnets for Mom’s Day
- Paint a Flower Pot
- Bead Making
Other Classes held at EAC included: Weave a Rainstick, Marvelous Metals, Watercolor or Oil Painting, Art 101, Introduction to Drawing, Ceramics for Everyone, Weave A Bag, Square Bottom Basket, and Portrait Drawing for Beginners. The library has received numerous compliments on the class offerings.

Magnets for Moms Day was one of my favorites; it was a delight to see fathers’ helping their children to create a handmade Mom’s day gift as a special surprise for Mom. The Director of the Edwardsville Arts Center told me a local grandmother was very happy to sign her grandchildren up for the free classes sponsored by the library, to give them an opportunity to “experience art.”

Approximately five hundred (500) participants received access to the arts through workshops and classes funded by this LSTA grant held at the Library, Edwardsville Arts Center, and Stephenson House. The EAC and the Library hosted an Artists’ Reception at the Library on June 14th to display all participants’ art work.

The Star City Library, another exciting element of the grant, was developed and assembled at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. The mini-library located in a loft area of the Museum includes a mini-Circulation Desk, shelving, computer, and barcode scanner; a lighted reading corner; and arts and crafts table to enable young children to play “librarian.” The library is part of the “Star City” along with a town hall, police and fire station, and doctor’s office.

For those interested in borrowing the kiosks, they can be viewed on the glencarbonlibrary.org website. The kiosks will be available for loan starting on September 1st. An online calendar and request form to borrow the kiosks, coming soon. Until then, to schedule the kiosk(s), contact Anne Hughes, Library Director, at anneh@lcls.org or 618.288.1212.
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: The Customer Focused Library: Initial Lessons Learned from Retail
June 5th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

Libraries of all types are facing an increasingly competitive environment for information services. The Internet, book and video chains, and other retail outlets are offering resources that libraries previously monopolized. These sometimes-competitors offer planned, uniform service environments that focus on the needs of the customer. The experiences of library users are being shaped by their retail interactions and experiences online and in stores. While user expectations are changing, libraries have not evaluated their spaces and service models based on retail experiences and standards.

Metropolitan Library System, in partnership with four member libraries, wrote an LSTA grant to bring in a nationally recognized retail space consulting firm to help understand the changing needs of library patrons. Four libraries in the Chicago area, three public and one academic, were studied for two days each, utilizing a combination of observation, interviews and video. Researchers used mapping programs to track and time patrons’ movements and interactions within the library, library patrons were given an exit survey to discover their experience in the library and what services they use, and small video cameras were installed in key areas of the libraries in order to capture behavioral patterns, traffic flow, and wait and transaction times. The results of the study were presented by Envirosell Inc. on April 29th, 2008. Below are some of the key findings they spoke about.

Library Visitors

Patrons visit the library fairly often. At least half of the patrons reported coming to the library once a week, with 95% reporting they come at least once a month. The largest group of patrons at the library was ages 34-44, with one third of public library patrons being under the age of 24. The most surprising finding on library visitors was that about half primarily visit alone, and are only in the library for less than ten minutes.
This finding, combined with the fact that one-third did not know what they wanted before they arrived, provides a great opportunity to libraries to target materials and services to a receptive audience. In a traditional retail model, a single shopper is more open to product messages than someone shopping with a partner or family. This openness gives a library the opportunity to connect a patron with what they want.

Visitor Behavior

One-third of patrons visited a desk as their first destination. Whether this was to allay confusion or seek knowledgeable help was unclear, but they clearly sought staff to direct or assist them. This was particularly true of desks closest to the door, which impacts how these service desks may be staffed in the future.
Age impacted where in the library users visited. Younger patrons used the computers and seldom visited sections with circulating materials. Older patrons were less likely to use the computers and self-check. Patrons of all ages who stayed in the library longer were using the library as a gathering place, a study space or a social space, not just a place for information and materials. Also, while 70% of patrons checked out books, 51% also checked out audiovisual materials like CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks, with a large number of younger patrons preferring AV over books. Libraries will need to respond with a wider variety of audiovisual items as this trend continues.

Assistance

Over half of patrons, excluding circulation transactions, were observed receiving assistance of some kind. Finding items on the shelf caused the greatest need for assistance, followed by finding the right section. Less than 15% of patrons needed help with guiding research, explaining services, and recommending items.

Libraries will need to reconsider how they are staffed and how they are marketing services to respond to these kinds of trends. While patrons are receiving assistance, some of their needs could be better met by staff where the patrons are located as opposed to coming to a desk. Site-maps and coherent signage may alleviate some of these directional questions, freeing staff to take on other patron-focused tasks.

Signage

A major strength of any good retail environment is the clarity of their signage. Compared to other spaces, library signage was viewed very infrequently, by only 12% of patrons. Of this low number, signs on the stacks were consulted the most. Envirosell staff also commented on the confusing language of some signs, which had a large amount of jargon or abbreviations that meant more to staff then to the patrons.

Signage is the greatest tool to connect patrons with materials, either by indicating sections or introducing patrons to new authors. Easily changed, attractive signage in highly visible areas produces the most impact.

Best Practices and Looking Forward

MLS staff and the four partner libraries are currently working on a set of best practices based on Envirosell’s findings. The final report will be distributed at a session on July 22nd, 2008 at the MLS offices in Burr Ridge. Attendees at that session will have the opportunity to hear each partner speak about their experiences, as well as what they plan to do with the findings particular to their library. Academic libraries will have an opportunity to discuss the findings particular to North Park University, the academic partner on the grant, at a meeting on June 13th, 2008 in the MLS offices in Chicago

Further findings and the implementation of changes based on the project will be discussed at the Illinois Library Association Conference in September.

For those interested in viewing Envirosell’s presentation and report, they can be found on the MLS website. The best practices report will be posted here as well after the July 22nd presentation.
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: Moving to Learn
June 3rd, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

In September 2007, Beach Park Middle School partnered with thirteen local school and public libraries to bring more movement into learning.

The goal of the “Moving to Learn” Grant was to offer teachers, librarians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and physical education teachers an opportunity to learn three separate programs that help students enhance their learning. The grant provided workshops and support materials for the following three programs: Brain Gym®, Project Adventure and Bal-A-Vis-X.

Brain Gym® has been around for over thirty years and is based out of California. It was developed by Paul Dennison, Ph.D., an expert in child motor-development. It involves a series of simple, physical movements that help join the brain and body in order to prepare students to learn. In addition, Brain Gym® enhances concentration, memory, decision-making, task completion, mental energy and academic skills.

Project Adventure is a non-profit teaching organization based out of Massachusetts. It offers adventure-based training programs which use hands-on learning techniques to promote individual growth, effective organizations and healthy communities. The purpose of this program is to use adventure to not only engage learners and accelerate learning, but in an atmosphere of safety and fun.

Lastly, Bal-A-Vis-X is a program that was developed over twenty years ago by Bill Heubert, a former English teacher. It includes a series of Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises rooted in rhythm. The program involves rhythmic tossing, catching, and bouncing exercises using sand-filled bags, racquet balls, and balance boards. This workshop was offered primarily to physical education teachers, occupational and physical therapists due to the amount of space required for this program. Students with behavioral and learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, gifted, regular education, inadequate auditory skills, and lack of visual acuity can all benefit from the program. In addition, it’s just plain fun!

The participants in this grant have used the WJIL discussion forum throughout the project to discuss their experiences. Read more about the specifics of the grant by visiting the “Moving to Learn” forum.
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: Mining More in Moweaqua
May 30th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?
The Moweaqua Public Library District received an LSTA grant: “Mining More in Moweaqua.” The Moweaqua Public Library, Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum and the Moweaqua Historical Society partnered with the Central A & M School District to preserve local history. (Image: Moweaqua Coal Mine 1920)

In the early 1900s Moweaqua was a budding community. On December 24, 1932 a coal mine disaster took the lives of 54 miners and it changed Moweaqua forever. This project has engaged the citizens of Moweaqua in mining their collective cultural history. The generational memory of this event and the supporting physical evidence were at risk of disappearing forever.

Using locally owned historic documents, photographs and artifacts, the activities of this grant are producing a multimedia presentation, website, high school generational memory projects, student curriculum guide, and providing public access through a library exhibit to explain how this single explosion represents a microcosm of Illinois coal mining history.

Some of the activities of this project:
- An archivist has surveyed, assessed and reported on the items at the Moweaqua Public Library, Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum and Moweaqua Historical Society. He has organized historic documents, photographs and artifacts for the individual partners and prepared the items for use in the other parts of the project.
- A multimedia presentation is being produced using the historic documents, photographs and artifacts from the three partners that will be used in the schools, civic organizations, and community gathering. In addition the presentation will be available globally.
- A link from the current Moweaqua Public Library website is being created for local history research. The website will contain some of the items, reports and interviews that have been gathered from other parts of the project with links to the Central A & M School library website.
- A fifth grade student curriculum for Gregory Elementary School has been developed to address how the village of Moweaqua came alive with the coming of the coal mine and how the future of Moweaqua was forever changed with the disaster, culminating with a field trip to the Coal Mine Museum, Historical Society, mine site and walking tour.
- The “Mining Memoirs” project was done by some high school sophomores at Central A & M High School. With the help of the teacher and librarian, the students interviewed several older people in the community about life in Moweaqua during 1890-1940 and how the mine and disaster affected their lives. The students produced class products from this experience. This project was an excellent opportunity for intergenerational interaction and a rare chance for students to see history come alive in their own community. A reception was held for the students to share their projects with community citizens.
This grant has been an opportunity for the Coal Mine Museum, the Historical Society and the Public Library to work together to share resources and promote interest in each of the organizations and unite with citizens of tomorrow through the school partnership. It has been so refreshing to see citizens of the Moweaqua area come together to share their personal pictures and artifacts to preserve the history and “Mine More in Moweaqua.”
“Moweaqua Memoir Reception”
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Update: Chicago Ridge T Time
April 29th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?
The Chicago Ridge Public Library was awarded an LSTA Grant entitled, Chicago Ridge “T” Time. The grant gave the library the opportunity to bring together the pre-kindergarten through 8th grade public and private school community in Chicago Ridge. A partnership was formed to develop and support the curriculum needs of five local schools.

“T” Time is made up of a four pronged approach:
- Library technology training for public and private school teachers
- Circulating library thematic bins for curriculum enhancement
- Book talk, book walks a program to highlight the thematic bins
- The development of a professional teachers’ collection.
The “T” Time staff sent a letter to each teacher in the school community in October 2007 inviting teachers to an hour-long open house. As the teachers arrived for the open house they were greeted by the “T” Time staff and welcomed into the library’s meeting room. The “T” Time logo was projected on a screen as teachers entered. Food and tea (to go with the “T” time theme) were provided by local contribution. On every seat was a packet; multiple folder colors were chosen to create an “inviting atmosphere.”

The Project Director began with introducing the “T” Time staff and providing an overview of grant activities. The Library Database Trainers then spent 45 minutes training the teachers on how to access and use the library subscription databases that best meet their needs as elementary and middle school educators. All the library’s subscription databases have been purchased with library funds. After the conclusion of the program the teachers picked up their teacher loan cards at the Circulation Desk. One hundred and one teachers attended the library open houses.

Categories were developed for the circulating thematic bins. The categories were created by evaluating the needs stated by teachers in a teaching tools survey conducted in April 2007 and by suggestions given at the grant open houses in October. Bins have been made for the following topics: Ancient Civilizations; Animals; Art/Artists; Black History Month; Body Systems; Character Counts; Civil War; Colonial America/Revolution; Communities/Community Helpers; Dinosaurs; Electricity/Magnetism; Explorers; Grammar/Language Arts; Holocaust/World War II; Math-Basic and Various; Money; Mythology-Greek, Roman; Native Americans; Phonics; Planets; Plants; Presidents and Presidents Day; U.S. Geography; U.S. States and Capitals; and World Geography and History. Each thematic bin is made up of four parts: books, teacher’s resources, fun stuff, and Internet/Database pathfinders.

In March “T” Time staff brought thematic bins and new books from the professional teachers’ collection to each school for a “show and tell” during the schools in-service day. “T” Time staff entered the schools wearing lifejackets to begin dialogue among the teachers about the thematic bins and proposed to the teachers that just as a lifejacket can be their “lifesaver” if they are in the water, thematic bins could be their “lifesaver” when planning and implementing lessons.

Administrators and teachers were encouraged to look through and try-out the materials in the bins. The response from the administrators and teachers was wonderful. They were walking around looking through the materials, discussing with each other how the materials fit in with their curriculum and commenting on the uniqueness of the materials. In April teachers were invited to the library for a thematic bin open house. Teachers were able to look through each of the 25 bins and could reserve a bin to check out at the end of the event.

“T” Time staff created a locally funded Wiki to showcase the grant. Teachers can easily log on to this site to learn about library databases, how to apply for a teacher loan card, see what each thematic bin contains, locate Internet pathfinders to support the bin topics, and learn about the items in the bins through book talks, book walks. The Wiki address is http://ttimeatcrpl.pbwiki.com/
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: Character Counts at Homer Library!
April 14th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

We at the Homer Township Public Library believe that diversity, understanding, respect and acceptance of cultures and customs different than our own are vital in the education and growth of both the youth and adults in the community. With ignorance comes ethnocentrism, but with knowledge comes acceptance.

The Homer Township Public Library is excited to receive LSTA grant funding for Character Counts: Bringing Ethics, Diversity and Culture Together. This initiative expands knowledge about cultural differences and promotes an awareness and appreciation for other cultures.

With nine schools, two senior villages, the Homer Township and Village of Homer Glen as our partners we continue to promote the building of character, fostering ethics, understanding etiquette, while also reinforcing a positive understanding of the diverse community we live in; and encouraging discovery of other cultures in a variety of unique ways.

Events and programs that support this grant include an Intergenerational Culture Club, Energy Teen Leadership Academy, Character Counts Parenting Resources and Classes, Family Library Days, Sunday Cultural Music Series, and our planned Festival of Cultures on June 7th.

Through the Character Counts Grant, the library is hosting a variety of programs that take people outside their own culture. Customers are exploring the deserts of Africa and the busy streets of Asia, and more. We invite patrons to dine on cuisine from around the globe, and to dance to music from across the oceans. They continue to learn customs and connect to other cultures with a variety of exciting enrichment activities.

In addition to the programs and events, the library and schools are enhancing their collections of materials to celebrate many cultures and foster positive cultural knowledge. These materials include culture kits, books, AV, and more that deal with lifestyles, languages, and traditions to promote the development of positive values and respect.

Through this grant we can reach and teach one another about the importance of and necessity for acceptance and ethnic diversity. The library remains a vital and positive community center and will continue to support its diverse citizenry.

Call or visit the library today to find out how you and your family can experience the world from a comfortable chair at the library, from your home or office, and from the outreach bookmobile.

Character Counts is featured at YouTube. You can also read more about grants at the Homer Public Library.
LSTA Grant Update, Multitype Collaboration
LSTA Grant Update: Culture Connection: A Celebration of World Cultures
April 14th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

The Johnsburg Public Library, in partnership with the Johnsburg High School International Club, is sponsoring a series of ethnic programs for the community with a grant project titled “Culture Connection: A Celebration of World Cultures”.

Made possible by a $14,878 LSTA grant, this project is designed to provide the Johnsburg community with the opportunity to experience the music, dance, and food of various cultures. Programs that have already taken place include a Spanish, Indian, Irish, and French cooking demonstration, as well as presentations of classical East Indian dance, Irish dancing, Spanish flamenco dancers and singers, and a French cabaret singer.
[Right: Flyer for "A Taste of India"]

These programs have been wildly successful, both in terms of attendance and positive feedback via evaluation forms. Registration for many of the programs filled up on the first day. To date, attendance at the “Culture Connection” programs that have already taken place has totaled over 500, a figure which is indicative of the success of the programs.

As a partner, the Johnsburg High School International Club has promoted the grant events at their school via flyers to all club members, as well as hosting in the school auditorium some events that required a stage. Members of the International Club have also assisted with programs taking place at the library. They have helped with set-up and decorating, acted as hosts and hostesses, and been the chefs’ assistants for the cooking demonstrations. It has been a wonderful way to involve teens in library activities.
[Left: Flyer for "April in Paris"]

Upcoming “Culture Connection” programs scheduled for May and June include a Caribbean, German, and Italian cooking demonstration, performances by a Caribbean steel drum band and a German band, and a guided bus trip tour for library patrons to the Chinatown and Little Italy neighborhoods in Chicago. Detailed information on the upcoming “Culture Connection” grant programs can be found on the library’s Calendar of Events page.

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