Outdoor Party for Families at Delaware Branch is Library-Fan Favorite
It's almost time for the Albany Public Library's annual outdoor party at the Delaware Branch! Join us at 331 Delaware Avenue from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, July 11, for SummerFest! We've got lots of great activities for the whole family.
We'll celebrate summer reading with:
+ Fun games and prizes
+ Bounce house obstacle course
+ Magic by Mr. MagicMan
+ Cool giveaways
+ Yummy refreshments
Kimono Dragons, the awesome surf-rock band that provided the music for the super-cute Summertime Reading video (watch it on YouTube), is playing that day, too.
All kids and teens who sign up for summer reading at SummerFest get a raffle ticket and chance to win a bike from the Albany County District Attorney's WORDS campaign.
Many thanks to our summer reading sponsors:
+ Price Chopper
+ Stewart's Shops
+ Friends of Albany Public Library
Join us at SummerFest on July 11 -- we promise it'll be a blast!
Showing posts with label summer reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer reading. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
Monday, June 30, 2014
Summer Reading Fun at the Albany Public Library
Kids
Earn Rewards for Reading and Participating in Free Activities
School is out and summer reading
is in at Albany Public Library! Kids and teens are rewarded for reading, and
participating in fun and educational library programs, from June 28 to August
16. (Grownups can get in on the
summer reading fun through Goodreads.com.)
The Summer Reading Program
provides dozens of free activities every week at Albany's libraries. Kids
can stop by their neighborhood library to:
- Explore the world of science with
hands-on experiments involving robotics, catapults, electricity, mirrors,
sound, and more
- Meet animals including chickens,
salamanders, owls, honey bees, falcons, and snakes
- Learn about such topics as
dinosaurs, lightning, medieval machines, kitchen science, music
production, pond ecology, and skyscrapers
- Create and sample yummy snacks
made from cookies, berries, marshmallows, yogurt, ice cream, and other
foods
- Participate in games and building
challenges using balloons, LEGOs, sticks, string, and tape
- Make art using t-shirts, paint,
candy, crayons, homemade paper, sand and other materials
The full Summer Reading Program
guide details all of the free activities. The guide is available online
and at all library locations. The 2014 APL Summer Reading Program is sponsored
by the Friends of Albany Public Library, Price Chopper, and Stewart's Shops.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
School is out and summer reading is in at Albany Public Library
The Albany Public Library's Summer Reading Program encourages literacy by rewarding kids for reading from June 28 to August 23.
Prizes and special activities are designed to further engage youngsters in the world of books and reading. Participants register and record their reading in person at any of Albany Public Library's seven locations.
The APL Summer Reading Program has something for all ages:
For Kids Entering 1st through 12th Grade -- Kids and teens get a chance to earn prizes for reading and participating in reading-related activities. They can also visit their branch libraries for special activities, events, and parties.
For Babies and Toddlers -- In the Baby Bookworms program, parents read to their little ones for 15 minutes each day and fill out a reading record. Each child gets a new book in July and August.
For Adults -- Grownups can get in on the summer reading act too through Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Go to the Summer Reading Program Guide.
Prizes and special activities are designed to further engage youngsters in the world of books and reading. Participants register and record their reading in person at any of Albany Public Library's seven locations.
The APL Summer Reading Program has something for all ages:
For Kids Entering 1st through 12th Grade -- Kids and teens get a chance to earn prizes for reading and participating in reading-related activities. They can also visit their branch libraries for special activities, events, and parties.
For Babies and Toddlers -- In the Baby Bookworms program, parents read to their little ones for 15 minutes each day and fill out a reading record. Each child gets a new book in July and August.
For Adults -- Grownups can get in on the summer reading act too through Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Go to the Summer Reading Program Guide.
Monday, July 09, 2012
Start a book discussion group for children at your library
“Summer Reading at New York Libraries” has been expanding their partnership with the New York Council for the Humanities to include exciting new training opportunities for librarians. The first opportunity, which was held in June and announced on the blog Summer Reading News, trained 70 librarians throughout the state on how to start and maintain a quality Summer Reading book discussion group.
Presented and created by Erika Halstead from the New York Council for the Humanities, the webinar focused on training librarians to develop a “Big Idea” for discussion and start activities that trigger further discussions in the book group. Librarians walked away from the webinar with definite insight and enthusiasm for starting a book discussion group or adding to an existing program.
Here are visuals and text from the presentation. You can click through with the arrows or use the "More" tab to view it in full screen.
The link is also available on the New York State Library Development website, along with other helpful training information.
Presented and created by Erika Halstead from the New York Council for the Humanities, the webinar focused on training librarians to develop a “Big Idea” for discussion and start activities that trigger further discussions in the book group. Librarians walked away from the webinar with definite insight and enthusiasm for starting a book discussion group or adding to an existing program.
Here are visuals and text from the presentation. You can click through with the arrows or use the "More" tab to view it in full screen.
The link is also available on the New York State Library Development website, along with other helpful training information.
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
SummerFest Party is Saturday, July 7 at APL Delaware Branch
Enjoy fun in the sun with APL at the third annual SummerFest outdoor family party on Saturday, July 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Delaware Branch Library (331 Delaware Avenue). This free outdoor party features bounce houses, activities, games and prizes, magic, music and dancing, and snacks.
SummerFest is the major event in the library’s Summer Reading Program, which encourages literacy by rewarding kids for reading. The party gives children a chance to sign up for the Summer Reading Program and sample the activities and books available at the library.
The SummerFest party is so big that the library is closing all branches—except for Delaware and the Main Library—on July 7. The Delaware Avenue neighborhood is also participating in the festivities with a street fair, special sales at many businesses, food and activity booths, and a garage sale.
More HERE.
SummerFest is the major event in the library’s Summer Reading Program, which encourages literacy by rewarding kids for reading. The party gives children a chance to sign up for the Summer Reading Program and sample the activities and books available at the library.
The SummerFest party is so big that the library is closing all branches—except for Delaware and the Main Library—on July 7. The Delaware Avenue neighborhood is also participating in the festivities with a street fair, special sales at many businesses, food and activity booths, and a garage sale.
More HERE.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Summer Booklist for Young Readers
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), with help from the American Library Association, presents its 25th annual Summer Booklist for grade K-3, 4-6, and 7-8. All of the books meet the standard of having "lasting value."
Getting ready for college? The NEH has you covered, too.
Bonus hint for grown-ups: The books in the 7-8 list make pretty good beach reads, and they're easy to find at your local public library.
Getting ready for college? The NEH has you covered, too.
Bonus hint for grown-ups: The books in the 7-8 list make pretty good beach reads, and they're easy to find at your local public library.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
2012 New York State Teen Video Challenge Winner
The New York State Library is pleased to announce the winner of the 2012 Teen Video Challenge for New York State. Katherine Brownfiel, Nicholas Davis, Michelle Joseph, Philip Rossillo and Jenna Zier, from the Longwood Public Library, Middle Island, NY made up the winning team of teen video creators with their engaging video, “Night Creatures.” Chosen from entries from across the state, the teens will receive a cash prize of $275 from the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), sponsor of the competition. The Longwood Public Library, Middle Island will also receive $100 from CSLP plus a $50 gift certificate from Highsmith.
This video competition is in its second year of encouraging teens to get involved with promoting summer reading and public libraries with a focus on the CSLP 2012 slogan, “Own the Night.” Each participating state selected one winning video to be named the official CSLP Teen Video Challenge state winner for 2012. Twenty-three states and over one hundred teens participated in the creation of these winning videos.
“Night Creatures” is featured on the “Teen NY” Facebook page, “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” website www.summerreadingnys.org, along with the top three finalists from New York State and selections from across the county. To see all the state winning videos visit the CSLP “Winner’s Page,” www.cslpreads.org. All winning videos can be used by teens and public libraries to promote summer reading nationwide.
The judging for the New York State 2012 Teen Video Challenge “Own the Night," was a two part process. Two panels of judges were assembled to review the entries, decide on the finalists, and choose a winner. The first panel of thirteen New York State public librarians narrowed the field of twenty-four down to four finalists who submitted their entries through the Pittsford Community Library, the Queens Public Library for Teens, the Briarcliff Manor Public Library, and the Longwood Public Library, Middle Island. The second panel of seven ‘celebrity’ judges consisted of Jeffrey W. Cannell – NYS Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education and Acting State Librarian; Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Kid’s hip-hop artist and 2010 & 2011“Summer Reading at New York Libraries” official spokesperson; Jackson Murphy - film critic for YNN television; Frank and Caroline Mouris - Academy Award Winning animators; Jackie Negri, Executive Director of the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus and NYS liaison to the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Dan Judson - Filmmaker/Producer for Digital Foundry. After a close vote, the second round judges chose “Night Creature” to be the winning video for its overall production value, and message that libraries are great places to find a wealth of interesting materials and have fun too.
The New York State Library is very pleased with the second year of the “Teen Video Challenge” and plans to participate in the CSLP sponsored competition in future years. Please check the Summer Reading at New York Libraries website (www.summerreadingnys.org) later this summer or in early fall for information on the 2013 Teen Video Challenge.
This video competition is in its second year of encouraging teens to get involved with promoting summer reading and public libraries with a focus on the CSLP 2012 slogan, “Own the Night.” Each participating state selected one winning video to be named the official CSLP Teen Video Challenge state winner for 2012. Twenty-three states and over one hundred teens participated in the creation of these winning videos.
“Night Creatures” is featured on the “Teen NY” Facebook page, “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” website www.summerreadingnys.org, along with the top three finalists from New York State and selections from across the county. To see all the state winning videos visit the CSLP “Winner’s Page,” www.cslpreads.org. All winning videos can be used by teens and public libraries to promote summer reading nationwide.
The judging for the New York State 2012 Teen Video Challenge “Own the Night," was a two part process. Two panels of judges were assembled to review the entries, decide on the finalists, and choose a winner. The first panel of thirteen New York State public librarians narrowed the field of twenty-four down to four finalists who submitted their entries through the Pittsford Community Library, the Queens Public Library for Teens, the Briarcliff Manor Public Library, and the Longwood Public Library, Middle Island. The second panel of seven ‘celebrity’ judges consisted of Jeffrey W. Cannell – NYS Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education and Acting State Librarian; Secret Agent 23 Skidoo - Kid’s hip-hop artist and 2010 & 2011“Summer Reading at New York Libraries” official spokesperson; Jackson Murphy - film critic for YNN television; Frank and Caroline Mouris - Academy Award Winning animators; Jackie Negri, Executive Director of the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus and NYS liaison to the Boys and Girls Clubs, and Dan Judson - Filmmaker/Producer for Digital Foundry. After a close vote, the second round judges chose “Night Creature” to be the winning video for its overall production value, and message that libraries are great places to find a wealth of interesting materials and have fun too.
The New York State Library is very pleased with the second year of the “Teen Video Challenge” and plans to participate in the CSLP sponsored competition in future years. Please check the Summer Reading at New York Libraries website (www.summerreadingnys.org) later this summer or in early fall for information on the 2013 Teen Video Challenge.
Friday, April 27, 2012
2012 Summer Reading at New York Libraries to launch beginning in May
2012 Summer Reading at New York Libraries is "ready to launch" in early May after months of hard work and preparation on the part of the State Library and its many partners. Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education and Acting State Librarian Jeffrey W. Cannell will be kicking off press events at library locations across the state in May and June. The first launch on May 10 will be in the Capital Region at the Bethlehem Public Library in Delmar. This event will be followed by 4 other launch events to take place around the state: Plattsburgh Public library (May 16), Onondaga County public Library and the Robert P. Kinchen Central library in Syracuse (June 12), Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (6/13), and The Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library in Watertown (June 27).
The State Library has forged many partnerships that add to the summer reading program carried out in public libraries across the state. The State Library and the State Legislature collaborate to encourage all children to read and visit libraries during the summer months, school districts statewide work with their local public libraries to promote the summer reading program, in addition, the State Library partners with other statewide organizations to provide added resources to libraries for their summer programming. They include: the Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H, the New York Council for the Humanities, and Hunger Solutions New York. Hunger Solutions will be offering libraries in low income areas opportunities to provide healthy snacks and meals during summer reading activities. Working with the Office of Public Broadcasting, the State Library has also reached out to childcare providers statewide with new Early Literacy summer reading materials, offering a robust summer reading program for kids from birth to school age for the first time. The long range goal is to increase annual participation in Summer Reading at New York Libraries to 1.8 million young people by 2017. To learn more about summer reading partnerships and resources please visit summerreadingnys.org and select “Librarians and Educators” from the drop down menu.
The State Library has forged many partnerships that add to the summer reading program carried out in public libraries across the state. The State Library and the State Legislature collaborate to encourage all children to read and visit libraries during the summer months, school districts statewide work with their local public libraries to promote the summer reading program, in addition, the State Library partners with other statewide organizations to provide added resources to libraries for their summer programming. They include: the Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H, the New York Council for the Humanities, and Hunger Solutions New York. Hunger Solutions will be offering libraries in low income areas opportunities to provide healthy snacks and meals during summer reading activities. Working with the Office of Public Broadcasting, the State Library has also reached out to childcare providers statewide with new Early Literacy summer reading materials, offering a robust summer reading program for kids from birth to school age for the first time. The long range goal is to increase annual participation in Summer Reading at New York Libraries to 1.8 million young people by 2017. To learn more about summer reading partnerships and resources please visit summerreadingnys.org and select “Librarians and Educators” from the drop down menu.
Friday, March 09, 2012
New York State Library Announces “Early Literacy Partner Manual”
Acting State Librarian, Jeffrey W. Cannell, announced this week a new literacy resource for child care providers, "2012 Summer Reading at New York Libraries Early Literacy Partner Manual." The manual may be downloaded from the Summer Reading at New York Libraries; click on Downloadable Materials.
This new manual will assist child care providers and teachers of young children in partnering with a public library, or public library system, to help families gain the full advantage of public library resources and programs during the summer months. Developed by the New York State Education Department in partnership with the Collaborative Summer Library Program and public library system youth services consultants, the manual contains information on public library summer programming for the young child along with extensive book lists related to the Summer Reading at New York Libraries 2012 slogan, “Dream Big READ.”
Libraries are encouraged to share the manual, in either electronic or paper form, with local child care providers and teachers of young children. It is hoped that this new resource will lead to strengthened relations between libraries and all those who serve and educate the young child.
For further information contact Karen Balsen “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” coordinator, kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov, 518-486-2194.
Summer Reading at New York Libraries is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The New York State Library is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department.
This new manual will assist child care providers and teachers of young children in partnering with a public library, or public library system, to help families gain the full advantage of public library resources and programs during the summer months. Developed by the New York State Education Department in partnership with the Collaborative Summer Library Program and public library system youth services consultants, the manual contains information on public library summer programming for the young child along with extensive book lists related to the Summer Reading at New York Libraries 2012 slogan, “Dream Big READ.”
Libraries are encouraged to share the manual, in either electronic or paper form, with local child care providers and teachers of young children. It is hoped that this new resource will lead to strengthened relations between libraries and all those who serve and educate the young child.
For further information contact Karen Balsen “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” coordinator, kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov, 518-486-2194.
Summer Reading at New York Libraries is funded through the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The New York State Library is a program of the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
2012 Dream Big READ! Summer Reading at New York Libraries
The 2012 Audio (radio spot) promoting Summer Reading at New York Libraries, "Dream big READ!", is now available for download from summerreadingnys.org. Click on “audio and video spots (in the blue box).
Use these fun, foot-tapping music downloads to enhance summer reading experiences at libraries, at home, or anywhere. Play them for your children as they get ready to visit the library or sit down to read a book. Add them to your blogs, podcasts and websites. Enjoy them as a download to your computer.
You can also send these summer reading promotional spots to your local radio stations for broadcast –a short “script” of text about your library can be added to the end.
The 30-second spot is available in both English and Spanish.
Use these fun, foot-tapping music downloads to enhance summer reading experiences at libraries, at home, or anywhere. Play them for your children as they get ready to visit the library or sit down to read a book. Add them to your blogs, podcasts and websites. Enjoy them as a download to your computer.
You can also send these summer reading promotional spots to your local radio stations for broadcast –a short “script” of text about your library can be added to the end.
The 30-second spot is available in both English and Spanish.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Promoting Summer Reading at New York Libraries: A Local Approach
On June 1st, 2011, Karen Balsen, “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” coordinator, presented the webinar, “Promoting Summer Reading at New York Libraries: A Local Approach,”* to train public librarians in marketing strategies for promoting their local summer reading program. The webinar was offered in response to requests received after Ms. Balsen’s marketing workshop was presented at NYLA Youth Services Section 2011 Spring Conference.
The presentation is available in Power Point format on the New York State Library’s Summer Reading site. The presentation focuses on the basics of marketing a library “product” – namely a summer reading program, from goal setting and planning to communication and evaluation. Also included are a host of easily available online tools and resources for promoting summer reading library programs.
The presentation is available in Power Point format on the New York State Library’s Summer Reading site. The presentation focuses on the basics of marketing a library “product” – namely a summer reading program, from goal setting and planning to communication and evaluation. Also included are a host of easily available online tools and resources for promoting summer reading library programs.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Promoting summer reading
To support public library promotion of summer reading programs, new resources and tools have been added to the New York State Library website.
* The "Summer Reading at New York Libraries" Information Page Provides links to two marketing workshop presentations: Marketing Youth Service Programs 101, presented at the YSS 2011 Spring Conference and the 2010 Summer Reading promotional workshop for local public libraries.
* The "Summer Reading at New York Libraries" Downloadable Materials Page includes several new and/or updated resources:
-- flyers to reach parents and educators
-- "Suggestions for Promoting Your Libraries Summer Reading Program"
-- downloadable template to create report card labels and iron-on transfers for T-shirts or canvas bags.
* The "Summer Reading at New York Libraries" Importance of Summer Reading Page contains current research information and an annotated bibliography highlighting the educational value of public library summer reading programs.
Please visit all areas of the New York State Library Summer Reading at New York Libraries website for many more program and promotional resources.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Summer Reading Fun
From Stephanie Simon, APL
All of our libraries are participating in the Summer Reading Program from June 25 to August 14. Kids and teens register and record their reading online. For every week they read during the program, participants are eligible for prizes. We've also got lots of fun activities for kids and teens!
http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/SummerReading/index.asp -- Kids get a chance to earn a prize for every week they read. They can post book reviews online, and visit their branch libraries for prizes, special activities, events, and parties.
http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/summerreading/indext.asp -- Teens also record their reading online and earn chances for prizes each week they read. There are also fun teen activities at branch libraries.
Baby Bookworms for Babies and Toddlers -- Parents read to their little ones for 15 minutes each day, and fill out a reading record. Each child gets a new book in July and August.
Adult Summer Reading Program -- Grownups can get in on the summer reading act too. In the Read It & Rate It program, they can read any book, give it a rating, and earn a chance to win a prize in the weekly drawing.
More than 100 special events and activities--like magic shows, movie showings, yoyo classes, jewelry-making sessions, Wii game nights, paper airplane derbies, bubble blowing contests, and parties--are planned at the library's seven locations. The full listing of activities is available online. This year's Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of Albany Public Library, Price Chopper, Stewart's Shops, and The Stakeholders Foundation.
All of our libraries are participating in the Summer Reading Program from June 25 to August 14. Kids and teens register and record their reading online. For every week they read during the program, participants are eligible for prizes. We've also got lots of fun activities for kids and teens!
http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/SummerReading/index.asp -- Kids get a chance to earn a prize for every week they read. They can post book reviews online, and visit their branch libraries for prizes, special activities, events, and parties.
http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/summerreading/indext.asp -- Teens also record their reading online and earn chances for prizes each week they read. There are also fun teen activities at branch libraries.
Baby Bookworms for Babies and Toddlers -- Parents read to their little ones for 15 minutes each day, and fill out a reading record. Each child gets a new book in July and August.
Adult Summer Reading Program -- Grownups can get in on the summer reading act too. In the Read It & Rate It program, they can read any book, give it a rating, and earn a chance to win a prize in the weekly drawing.
More than 100 special events and activities--like magic shows, movie showings, yoyo classes, jewelry-making sessions, Wii game nights, paper airplane derbies, bubble blowing contests, and parties--are planned at the library's seven locations. The full listing of activities is available online. This year's Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Friends of Albany Public Library, Price Chopper, Stewart's Shops, and The Stakeholders Foundation.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Libraries help raise academic performance with summer programs
'Front lines' for learning By SCOTT WALDMAN, Times Union Staff writer, Sunday, July 19, 2009
"The Albany Public Library is one place students are coming to learn. July and August are the busiest months, when library officials try to attract young readers distracted by the buzzing of a school-free world."
"The Albany Public Library is one place students are coming to learn. July and August are the busiest months, when library officials try to attract young readers distracted by the buzzing of a school-free world."
Friday, June 19, 2009
Message from the State Librarian -- Update #4
Please feel free to share this update and to pass it along to anyone! This June 19 update and past updates are posted on the New York State Library’s website at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/about/statelibrarian.htm
Legislative Sausage: The famous quote clearly is correct. The two (2) things that one should never watch being made are sausage and law. The grinding process has at least stopped for the moment in the State Senate. The Senate has abolished all of its committees, except for the Rules Committee. Many closed door meetings are the symbol of this part of government not working. The State Assembly has however not slowed its pace of work. A new Chair, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (Ithaca) has
been appointed for the Library & Educational Technology Committee. We welcome her to this very important legislative/public policy position. Yesterday the Academic Research Information Act (ARIA) passed the Assembly. ARIA has been promulgated by the New York State Higher Education Initiative (NYSHEI). Though this has no funding connected with it at this stage, it serves as a future "vessel" to support database acquisition in science, technology and medicine using state economic development resources. I, of course, want the State Library to play a greater role in the database resources area and this is a good beginning. (More about this later). The ARIA legislation still requires Senate approval and the Governor’s signature.
The funding for the State Library (and the larger Office of Cultural Education which also includes the State Archives, State Museum and Public Broadcasting) is precarious. Legislation (A.6783-A/S.3640-A) to raise the fees that support the Cultural Education Fund is still in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and was in the Senate Codes Committee. The Senate Committee is gone. Its Ranking Member Senator Dale Volker told us earlier this week that he would support the bill. The New York State Trial Lawyers Association has gone on record in opposition, but we
have now negotiated a compromise with them which should permit this legislation to move forward. There is still significant legislative opposition to raising fees of any sort but we are hopeful nonetheless.
The Cultural Education Fund is now bankrupt! The fund balance is -$400,000 and sinking. The State Division of the Budget has not granted any approvals for spending of special revenue funds since April 1st. We are just holding on. This legislation is vital. Stay tuned.
Congratulations: It is no easy feat to be selected by LIBRARY JOURNAL as Library of the Year! Kudos to the Queens Library, under the leadership of Tom Galante, and his great staff, trustees, and library patrons. You make every New Yorker proud of our library traditions with such an important honor.
Also, kudos to the three library systems in New York City for their leadership and successful advocacy in averting the proposed draconian cuts in city support for Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Library.
Summer Reading: The 2009 New York State Summer Reading program is in full swing. ‘Be Creative @your library’ is the theme for kids and "Express Yourself@your library" is the theme for teens. With so many families facing tough economic times, we are expecting participation to exceed last year’s fantastic 1.5 million. We can all help to keep kids reading over the summer months. Check it out at www.summerreadingnys.org. New York’s goal for 2012 is 1.8 million participants. And remember that summer reading is not only for kids. Do you have a summer reading program!? Linda Fairstein has some great biblio-mysteries and pays tribute to The New York Public Library and its Andrew Mellon Director David Ferriero in her latest book, Lethal Legacy. Please tell me if you read any great books this summer that I should
put on my list. Maybe a master list of good reads selected by New York librarians is in the future.
Broadband and Federal Stimulus Funds: We are awaiting the formal release of the "Notice of Funds Availability" for the two primary federal broadband funding programs being administered by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture. Notice is expected by the end of June. I hope that we can consider a statewide proposal to secure funds for many libraries. We are working within the State Education Department and are in discussion with the State’s Chief Information Officer Melodie
Mayberry-Stewart as well. If you have shovel or shelf-ready projects, get them ready. We were fortunate to host, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Broadband Summit which brought together 250 people from many parts of the state. Participants included librarians, trustees, economic development people, regulators, suppliers, public policy makers and others. You will be hearing more about this
initiative as we roll-out the results and use the great input to develop a plan to support (fund) broadband access for libraries. You can visit online at www.opportunityonline.org to see some of the Summit programs. The programs were all based on the theme: "The Magic of Broadband". The eligible libraries which participated will be considered for
matching grants to improve their broadband access to at least 1.5 mbps. We have about 85 libraries which will be eligible for funds. If you are interested in helping with this effort to enable libraries in every community across the State provide high-speed broadband connectivity for their customers, please send an email to bband@mail.nysed.gov.
Educational Technology: The State Education Department is welcoming comment on a new Educational Technology Plan. Feedback is welcomed as the Department builds-out a new Office headed by Larry Paska. Feedback is welcomed at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/edtech/. It is my hope that all librarians and library staff from K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries and special libraries will review and
comment on this plan. It is a great chance for everyone to see the interconnections of technology in the traditional pre-K to 12 learning environments with those in the lifelong learning and higher education worlds. Do not miss this chance to comment. All types of libraries and library systems have an important stake in this.
Databases: In my travels around the state over the past five months, I have begun to talk about my vision of a comprehensive information system. I have been calling this NYSCIS for the: New York State Comprehensive Information System. I have pictured some type of wonderful winged animal representing this concept of a wide array of database resources being delivered to everyone, everywhere in New York.
A target of 1,000 commercial databases is not too outrageous for us to contemplate. This, of course, would require state financial resources, as well as contributed resources from the library community. It will require some new ways of equipping those we serve with tools for access and productive use. It will require public education and it will require everyone to see the value of quality information resources being essential for public prosperity, public safety and public health. I
look forward to talking with many more people in the library community about this concept. Your ideas about how we can build on NOVELny and its success in resource delivery as the foundation for NYSCIS is welcomed. My thanks to Sandy Stone, Orchard Park Middle School Librarian; Mary Zdrojewski, School Library Media Specialist, Sinclairville Elementary School and Melissa Morton, Library Assistant,
Chautauqua Lake Central School District who along with 30 other colleagues sent me beautiful postcards expressing thanks for the NOVELny databases, especially the addition of the Grolier database. I will not embarrass everyone who writes or e-mails me by listing your names, but I do welcome and appreciate your feedback and ideas.
New York State Research Library: At 20 million items strong, the New York State Library is an amazing resource. Staff have been engaged in a work group looking at increasing hours of public service. The focus is opening on Saturdays and a staff survey has just been completed so that we can assess some of the best ways to implement this service expansion. I look forward to swinging the doors open on Saturdays very soon. If you have ideas to help us through this transition, please share them with me or Loretta Ebert, Director of the Research Library
(lebert@mail.nysed.gov).
Update: There are many more activities to share. My travels around the state have given me a chance to meet many of you, to hear your thoughts and to share some of my thoughts and observations with you. I have heard that many of you are appreciating these occasional updates and I want to assure you that it is my plan to continue these in the future. If there are issues or topics that you would like me to address please do not be shy about contacting me. And...please read a few good books this summer.
Bernard A. Margolis
State Librarian
New York State Library
Legislative Sausage: The famous quote clearly is correct. The two (2) things that one should never watch being made are sausage and law. The grinding process has at least stopped for the moment in the State Senate. The Senate has abolished all of its committees, except for the Rules Committee. Many closed door meetings are the symbol of this part of government not working. The State Assembly has however not slowed its pace of work. A new Chair, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (Ithaca) has
been appointed for the Library & Educational Technology Committee. We welcome her to this very important legislative/public policy position. Yesterday the Academic Research Information Act (ARIA) passed the Assembly. ARIA has been promulgated by the New York State Higher Education Initiative (NYSHEI). Though this has no funding connected with it at this stage, it serves as a future "vessel" to support database acquisition in science, technology and medicine using state economic development resources. I, of course, want the State Library to play a greater role in the database resources area and this is a good beginning. (More about this later). The ARIA legislation still requires Senate approval and the Governor’s signature.
The funding for the State Library (and the larger Office of Cultural Education which also includes the State Archives, State Museum and Public Broadcasting) is precarious. Legislation (A.6783-A/S.3640-A) to raise the fees that support the Cultural Education Fund is still in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and was in the Senate Codes Committee. The Senate Committee is gone. Its Ranking Member Senator Dale Volker told us earlier this week that he would support the bill. The New York State Trial Lawyers Association has gone on record in opposition, but we
have now negotiated a compromise with them which should permit this legislation to move forward. There is still significant legislative opposition to raising fees of any sort but we are hopeful nonetheless.
The Cultural Education Fund is now bankrupt! The fund balance is -$400,000 and sinking. The State Division of the Budget has not granted any approvals for spending of special revenue funds since April 1st. We are just holding on. This legislation is vital. Stay tuned.
Congratulations: It is no easy feat to be selected by LIBRARY JOURNAL as Library of the Year! Kudos to the Queens Library, under the leadership of Tom Galante, and his great staff, trustees, and library patrons. You make every New Yorker proud of our library traditions with such an important honor.
Also, kudos to the three library systems in New York City for their leadership and successful advocacy in averting the proposed draconian cuts in city support for Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Library.
Summer Reading: The 2009 New York State Summer Reading program is in full swing. ‘Be Creative @your library’ is the theme for kids and "Express Yourself@your library" is the theme for teens. With so many families facing tough economic times, we are expecting participation to exceed last year’s fantastic 1.5 million. We can all help to keep kids reading over the summer months. Check it out at www.summerreadingnys.org. New York’s goal for 2012 is 1.8 million participants. And remember that summer reading is not only for kids. Do you have a summer reading program!? Linda Fairstein has some great biblio-mysteries and pays tribute to The New York Public Library and its Andrew Mellon Director David Ferriero in her latest book, Lethal Legacy. Please tell me if you read any great books this summer that I should
put on my list. Maybe a master list of good reads selected by New York librarians is in the future.
Broadband and Federal Stimulus Funds: We are awaiting the formal release of the "Notice of Funds Availability" for the two primary federal broadband funding programs being administered by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture. Notice is expected by the end of June. I hope that we can consider a statewide proposal to secure funds for many libraries. We are working within the State Education Department and are in discussion with the State’s Chief Information Officer Melodie
Mayberry-Stewart as well. If you have shovel or shelf-ready projects, get them ready. We were fortunate to host, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Broadband Summit which brought together 250 people from many parts of the state. Participants included librarians, trustees, economic development people, regulators, suppliers, public policy makers and others. You will be hearing more about this
initiative as we roll-out the results and use the great input to develop a plan to support (fund) broadband access for libraries. You can visit online at www.opportunityonline.org to see some of the Summit programs. The programs were all based on the theme: "The Magic of Broadband". The eligible libraries which participated will be considered for
matching grants to improve their broadband access to at least 1.5 mbps. We have about 85 libraries which will be eligible for funds. If you are interested in helping with this effort to enable libraries in every community across the State provide high-speed broadband connectivity for their customers, please send an email to bband@mail.nysed.gov.
Educational Technology: The State Education Department is welcoming comment on a new Educational Technology Plan. Feedback is welcomed as the Department builds-out a new Office headed by Larry Paska. Feedback is welcomed at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/edtech/. It is my hope that all librarians and library staff from K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries and special libraries will review and
comment on this plan. It is a great chance for everyone to see the interconnections of technology in the traditional pre-K to 12 learning environments with those in the lifelong learning and higher education worlds. Do not miss this chance to comment. All types of libraries and library systems have an important stake in this.
Databases: In my travels around the state over the past five months, I have begun to talk about my vision of a comprehensive information system. I have been calling this NYSCIS for the: New York State Comprehensive Information System. I have pictured some type of wonderful winged animal representing this concept of a wide array of database resources being delivered to everyone, everywhere in New York.
A target of 1,000 commercial databases is not too outrageous for us to contemplate. This, of course, would require state financial resources, as well as contributed resources from the library community. It will require some new ways of equipping those we serve with tools for access and productive use. It will require public education and it will require everyone to see the value of quality information resources being essential for public prosperity, public safety and public health. I
look forward to talking with many more people in the library community about this concept. Your ideas about how we can build on NOVELny and its success in resource delivery as the foundation for NYSCIS is welcomed. My thanks to Sandy Stone, Orchard Park Middle School Librarian; Mary Zdrojewski, School Library Media Specialist, Sinclairville Elementary School and Melissa Morton, Library Assistant,
Chautauqua Lake Central School District who along with 30 other colleagues sent me beautiful postcards expressing thanks for the NOVELny databases, especially the addition of the Grolier database. I will not embarrass everyone who writes or e-mails me by listing your names, but I do welcome and appreciate your feedback and ideas.
New York State Research Library: At 20 million items strong, the New York State Library is an amazing resource. Staff have been engaged in a work group looking at increasing hours of public service. The focus is opening on Saturdays and a staff survey has just been completed so that we can assess some of the best ways to implement this service expansion. I look forward to swinging the doors open on Saturdays very soon. If you have ideas to help us through this transition, please share them with me or Loretta Ebert, Director of the Research Library
(lebert@mail.nysed.gov).
Update: There are many more activities to share. My travels around the state have given me a chance to meet many of you, to hear your thoughts and to share some of my thoughts and observations with you. I have heard that many of you are appreciating these occasional updates and I want to assure you that it is my plan to continue these in the future. If there are issues or topics that you would like me to address please do not be shy about contacting me. And...please read a few good books this summer.
Bernard A. Margolis
State Librarian
New York State Library
Saturday, June 13, 2009
National Volunteer Effort Update from ALA
By early next week, an announcement will come from the White House asking partners, including libraries, to post their local volunteer opportunities online. Since the initiative will then officially launch on June 22, you'll want to have any information on volunteer opportunities at your library ready to go in anticipation of this quick turnaround. We recognize that this doesn't give you much time, but we
hope you will consider being a part of this important initiative.
Please visit www.ala.org/summerofservice to find a one page fact sheet on the initiative from the Corporation for National & Community Service.
Volunteer opportunities can be posted right now by visiting www.serve.gov, and I encourage you to do that as soon as you are able.
The ALA will keep you informed as this initiative progresses, and the next time you hear from us will be after President Obama has announced it publicly. The ALA will also be providing tips and resources for volunteer ideas, best practices, and ways to contribute your own information, ideas and stories, all of which you can access at
www.ala.org/summerofservice.
Prior to the public launch of the service initiative, the Corporation for National & Community Service is looking for volunteer opportunities that will take place on June 22nd to use as potential examples. If you do have such a volunteer opportunity going on in your library, we encourage you to fill out the form posted at www.ala.org/summerofservice and send it back to library@ala.org no later than June 17.
Sincerely,
Keith Michael Fiels
Executive Director
American Library Association
hope you will consider being a part of this important initiative.
Please visit www.ala.org/summerofservice to find a one page fact sheet on the initiative from the Corporation for National & Community Service.
Volunteer opportunities can be posted right now by visiting www.serve.gov, and I encourage you to do that as soon as you are able.
The ALA will keep you informed as this initiative progresses, and the next time you hear from us will be after President Obama has announced it publicly. The ALA will also be providing tips and resources for volunteer ideas, best practices, and ways to contribute your own information, ideas and stories, all of which you can access at
www.ala.org/summerofservice.
Prior to the public launch of the service initiative, the Corporation for National & Community Service is looking for volunteer opportunities that will take place on June 22nd to use as potential examples. If you do have such a volunteer opportunity going on in your library, we encourage you to fill out the form posted at www.ala.org/summerofservice and send it back to library@ala.org no later than June 17.
Sincerely,
Keith Michael Fiels
Executive Director
American Library Association
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Summer Reading to be featured on U.S. Department of Education TV program
On June 16, the U.S. Dept of Ed TV program, Education News Parents Can Use, will be airing a show titled: "Summer Learning Programs: Preventing the Slide, Promoting the Achievement."
At the end of the one-hour program, the past president of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, Sally Snyder, has been asked to give some tips to parents on keeping their children reading during the summer months. The New York state Library has provided Sally with the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program's flyer "SIX EASY WAYS TO GET CHILDREN TO READ THIS SUMMER" along with the translated versions.
Information about the program is available here.
At the end of the one-hour program, the past president of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, Sally Snyder, has been asked to give some tips to parents on keeping their children reading during the summer months. The New York state Library has provided Sally with the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program's flyer "SIX EASY WAYS TO GET CHILDREN TO READ THIS SUMMER" along with the translated versions.
Information about the program is available here.
Monday, June 08, 2009
New York State Library Launches 2009 Statewide Summer Reading Program
*Students Urged to “Be Creative” at Their Local Library*
The New York State Library launched the 2009 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program at an event in the New York State Museum, Albany. The annual free program is offered in more than 1,100 public libraries and branch libraries throughout the state. In eight years, participation has increased by 300 percent, with more than 1.5 million participants last year.
Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education for the New York State Education Department, introduced New York State Education Commissioner Richard P. Mills, who kicked off the event with remarks about the role and importance of summer reading programs at public libraries in preparing our youth for success in an ever-
changing world.
“These days, families can’t afford to buy all the books they might want to read,” said Commissioner Mills. “Kids today need arm loads of books—not just for learning, but for inspiring their creative minds, and just to pass the time on a summer day.” Mills noted that the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching more than 1.5 million children at more than 1,100 sites. “Our Summer Reading Program is helping to keep books—and the local public library—at the center of a child’s summer life”.
“In these economically challenging times, more and more families are seeking ways to involve and challenge their children with summer activities that are fun, inspiring and engaging, while not straining the family budget,” said Cannell, featured speaker at this event. “Public libraries offer great resources for kids throughout the
summer, and the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program offers ways for kids of all ages to be creative at their local libraries.”
Community libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy, especially for those most in need of assistance in developing literacy skills, according to a 2001 study by the Pennsylvania Library Association. The study also concluded that public library reading programs play an important role in the overall reading
achievement of children who otherwise lack access to books and other reading materials in their daily lives.
Cannell then announced two new summer reading themes for this year— Express Yourself @ Your Library for teens and Be Creative @ Your Library for children—and unveiled one of two Summer Reading public service announcements. Created by Frank and Caroline Mouris, celebrated and award-winning animators, “Be Creative at Your Library” uses playful illustrations of children’s book illustrator David Catrow. Frank and Caroline Mouris then presented a talk about how they created their spot using their signature collage style of animation, and how they collaborated with musician Kevin Bartlett in creating the spot’s sound track.
The program is implemented in libraries across New York State, and results are often measured in number of books read or time spent reading. In addition, individual libraries offer their own programs to add to the fun of summer reading and encourage visits to the public library. “The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program helps improve reading capabilities over the summer, which in turn leads to achievement advances in the next school year,” said Commissioner Mills.
A recent study by children’s publisher Scholastic found that 22 percent of children rarely or never read for fun, and that percentage increases as the child ages. In addition, approximately 25 percent of children polled indicate that they have trouble finding books that they would actually want to read. Public library summer reading programs combat this trend.
There are many resources available for librarians, parents, educators, children and teens at the program’s web site, www.summerreadingnys.org. Visitors can access promotional flyers, fact sheets, tip sheets, recommended web site links, book lists and reading-related puzzles, games and activities.
New York State partners with 46 other states as part of the national Collaborative Summer Library Program to share best practices and ideas for program goals, activities and themes. The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is a program of the New York State Library in the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department and is funded through the Federal Library Services and
Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
To view an image of all the presenters at the Kick-off event visit the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program site.
For additional information about 2009 Statewide summer Reading Program please contact:
Karen Balsen
Coordinator of the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program
New York State Library
New York State Education Department
Albany, NY 12230
518-486-2194
kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov
The New York State Library launched the 2009 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program at an event in the New York State Museum, Albany. The annual free program is offered in more than 1,100 public libraries and branch libraries throughout the state. In eight years, participation has increased by 300 percent, with more than 1.5 million participants last year.
Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education for the New York State Education Department, introduced New York State Education Commissioner Richard P. Mills, who kicked off the event with remarks about the role and importance of summer reading programs at public libraries in preparing our youth for success in an ever-
changing world.
“These days, families can’t afford to buy all the books they might want to read,” said Commissioner Mills. “Kids today need arm loads of books—not just for learning, but for inspiring their creative minds, and just to pass the time on a summer day.” Mills noted that the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching more than 1.5 million children at more than 1,100 sites. “Our Summer Reading Program is helping to keep books—and the local public library—at the center of a child’s summer life”.
“In these economically challenging times, more and more families are seeking ways to involve and challenge their children with summer activities that are fun, inspiring and engaging, while not straining the family budget,” said Cannell, featured speaker at this event. “Public libraries offer great resources for kids throughout the
summer, and the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program offers ways for kids of all ages to be creative at their local libraries.”
Community libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy, especially for those most in need of assistance in developing literacy skills, according to a 2001 study by the Pennsylvania Library Association. The study also concluded that public library reading programs play an important role in the overall reading
achievement of children who otherwise lack access to books and other reading materials in their daily lives.
Cannell then announced two new summer reading themes for this year— Express Yourself @ Your Library for teens and Be Creative @ Your Library for children—and unveiled one of two Summer Reading public service announcements. Created by Frank and Caroline Mouris, celebrated and award-winning animators, “Be Creative at Your Library” uses playful illustrations of children’s book illustrator David Catrow. Frank and Caroline Mouris then presented a talk about how they created their spot using their signature collage style of animation, and how they collaborated with musician Kevin Bartlett in creating the spot’s sound track.
The program is implemented in libraries across New York State, and results are often measured in number of books read or time spent reading. In addition, individual libraries offer their own programs to add to the fun of summer reading and encourage visits to the public library. “The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program helps improve reading capabilities over the summer, which in turn leads to achievement advances in the next school year,” said Commissioner Mills.
A recent study by children’s publisher Scholastic found that 22 percent of children rarely or never read for fun, and that percentage increases as the child ages. In addition, approximately 25 percent of children polled indicate that they have trouble finding books that they would actually want to read. Public library summer reading programs combat this trend.
There are many resources available for librarians, parents, educators, children and teens at the program’s web site, www.summerreadingnys.org. Visitors can access promotional flyers, fact sheets, tip sheets, recommended web site links, book lists and reading-related puzzles, games and activities.
New York State partners with 46 other states as part of the national Collaborative Summer Library Program to share best practices and ideas for program goals, activities and themes. The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is a program of the New York State Library in the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department and is funded through the Federal Library Services and
Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
To view an image of all the presenters at the Kick-off event visit the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program site.
For additional information about 2009 Statewide summer Reading Program please contact:
Karen Balsen
Coordinator of the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program
New York State Library
New York State Education Department
Albany, NY 12230
518-486-2194
kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
NY's 2008 Statewide Summer Reading Program Tops 1.5 M Children & Teens!
Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education and Interim State Librarian Jeffrey W. Cannell congratulates public libraries statewide for the record-breaking participation in the 2008 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program. Over 1.5 million children and teens enjoyed a summer of reading fun by participating in the Statewide Summer Reading Program through local libraries.
The 1.5 million participation level exceeds Education Commissioner Richard Mills' goal of 1.5 million by 2010.
The Statewide Summer Reading Program is a Commissioner's priority initiative and the marked increase in participation shows the importance of the program in public libraries, small and large, across the state. The increase in participation from 2007 to 2008 is 15%, and the increase over the past eight years has been 338%.
"During the summer of 2008, children and families made reading for fun a top New York State summertime activity", said Cannell. "Taking full advantage of what public libraries in New York State offer resulted in record participation in the Statewide Summer Reading Program. This involvement with reading during the summer months leads to better academic performance when children return to school in the fall."
Additional thanks go out to all the public library systems and the public libraries that made the Statewide Summer Reading Program such a success in 2008. New York's public library system youth and teen services consultants offered training and technical support, and library staff and volunteers in New York's public and association libraries provided the programming and resources that made kids want to join the fun.
In the coming weeks, the New York State Library will be reporting additional valuable information from local libraries and library system final reports on their 2008 Summer Reading Program.
*** MORE SUMMER READING PROGRAM NEWS ***
For 2009, "Be Creative @ your Library" and "Express Yourself @ your Library" are the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program themes.
There will be an exhibit of 2009 Summer Reading Program materials at the Youth Services Section exhibit during the NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs. Stop by the Pavilion to see the 2009 manual, posters, and graphics.
For further information please see here or contact Karen Balsen, Statewide Summer Reading Program Coordinator, New York State Library, kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov .
The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is supported by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The 1.5 million participation level exceeds Education Commissioner Richard Mills' goal of 1.5 million by 2010.
The Statewide Summer Reading Program is a Commissioner's priority initiative and the marked increase in participation shows the importance of the program in public libraries, small and large, across the state. The increase in participation from 2007 to 2008 is 15%, and the increase over the past eight years has been 338%.
"During the summer of 2008, children and families made reading for fun a top New York State summertime activity", said Cannell. "Taking full advantage of what public libraries in New York State offer resulted in record participation in the Statewide Summer Reading Program. This involvement with reading during the summer months leads to better academic performance when children return to school in the fall."
Additional thanks go out to all the public library systems and the public libraries that made the Statewide Summer Reading Program such a success in 2008. New York's public library system youth and teen services consultants offered training and technical support, and library staff and volunteers in New York's public and association libraries provided the programming and resources that made kids want to join the fun.
In the coming weeks, the New York State Library will be reporting additional valuable information from local libraries and library system final reports on their 2008 Summer Reading Program.
*** MORE SUMMER READING PROGRAM NEWS ***
For 2009, "Be Creative @ your Library" and "Express Yourself @ your Library" are the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program themes.
There will be an exhibit of 2009 Summer Reading Program materials at the Youth Services Section exhibit during the NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs. Stop by the Pavilion to see the 2009 manual, posters, and graphics.
For further information please see here or contact Karen Balsen, Statewide Summer Reading Program Coordinator, New York State Library, kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov .
The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is supported by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Summer Reading Program
A mid-summer reminder that the NYS Summer Reading Program website has lots of fun games and activities to supplement your own summer reading programs.-Word games - insect puzzles in English, French and Spanish
-Online jigsaw puzzles - lots of creepy crawlies
-Reading Bug Quiz
-Silly Riddles
... and much more!
And don't forget to make a link to the site from your own web pages.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)