The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services is seeking applications from public, school and academic libraries interested in developing and implementing innovative literacy gaming services for youth ages 10-18. 

This program is part of ALA’s Libraries, Literacy and Gaming initiative funded by  Verizon. 

Ten $5,000.00 grants will be awarded to libraries clearly demonstrating creativity, capacity, sustainability and a strong commitment to literacy-related gaming services. In addition, the winning libraries will receive ongoing support and technical assistance from a team of nationally recognized library gaming experts. Winners will be announced during National Library Week, April 12-18.  The grant application is available online at http://librarygamingtoolkit.org/rfp. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm, Friday, March 20.

If you’ve found yourself suddenly in charge of teen services, then Teen Services Boot Camp is for you.

This class is envisioned for new teen librarians, those who have been forced into the position or who are uncomfortable with their role. Many of us in libraries were put in charge of teens simply because someone had to do it. Also, many children’s librarians are given the teen responsibilities simply because “teens are the same as kids.” As you can imagine, that leaves a lot of teen librarians as ill prepared for taking on these responsibilities.  

It’s spring – well, in some parts of the country! – and that means thinking towards summer and Summer Reading Program. The Kids @ Your Library Campaign has resources to make your planning easier. Check out “A Dozen Ways to Use Kids! @ your library® Materials to Spruce Up Your Summer Reading Program“ at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/initiatives/kidscampaign/kidspublicityprogtk.cfm

While on the website, take a look around at the many other resources available to you through the Kids Campaign. From graphics to readers theater scripts to tattoos (temporary, of course!), there are terrific resources to help you promote your library.

Colleagues:

Recently, the server that supports the State Library and Archives’ e-mail distribution lists crashed.  We need to recreate and rebuild the various library lists that are used for announcements and messages to the library community.

We need your assistance to rebuild the subscriber list for the fl-lib listserv.  We were unable to recreate the subscriber list to fl-lib, and as a result, we need all of you to re-subscribe to fl-lib.

The fl-lib listserv is a service provided by the State Library and Archives of Florida.  It is devoted to messages and discussions relating to the library community in Florida.  Participation in the list is open to anyone, anywhere.  Membership is not required.

This list is used to post announcements from the State Library and Archives, funding opportunities for libraries, e-rate information, questions from library staff on services and programs, etc.  It is not designed for vendors to promote their products.

Fl-lib is not a moderated list; however, you must subscribe to the list to post messages.

PBS has a Web site with a wealth of information about African-American history, biographies, and culture. Check out the reference room, kids, and classroom tabs.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/aaworld/index.html