Check It Out by Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.

FALL 2016

IS AMAZON THE TICKET TO ONLINE LIBRARY FUNDRAISING? Election Ideas for All Ages! Pop Culture Picks

Starting a Book to Movie Club Based on Today’s Classics!

THE TOP 10 WORST HOLIDAY GIFTS IN MOVIES Book Bingo!

An Easy Passive Programming Idea for Kids

Easy Winter Movie Snacks New Takes on Classic Holiday Treats

$4.99 US

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the WINTER MOVIE guide 9

r u o Y Share h t i w y r o t S Readers e h t s s o r c A ! y r t n u o C half Reach more than libraries of all U.S. public n to with a submissio azine! Check It Out mag

Ever dreamed of seeing your library’s story in print? Good news – we’re seeking programming ideas, staff development strategies and industry news to feature in future issues.

This is the perfect opportunity to: • Share success stories from your library • Promote your library in a national magazine • Inspire other libraries with affordable programming ideas that are easy to plan, promote and staff • Contribute tips on fundraising, successful processes, proactive plans and more!

Share your story today! Email maillib@movlic.com for more information.

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

ear readers, At Movie Licensing USA, we understand how great a resource the public library is to your community. After all, the books that serve as a cornerstone for many of your services have a tremendous impact on the movie industry and vice versa. That’s why we’ve decided to place the focus of this issue on movie programming to entertain your patrons throughout the upcoming winter months.

Designed as a helpful resource for the libraries we serve, this issue features many movie-centric articles such as “Pop Culture Picks” on page 6, which is all about starting a book to movie program based on what’s popular in the world of books and movies today. “Embracing the Offbeat” on page 8 describes some of the lesser known genres of movies and suggests titles covered under your license for unique and easy programming. Last but certainly not least, we have a couple of fun holiday articles based on movies. You can find the worst holiday gifts in movies on page 10 and snack ideas for your favorite holiday films on page 3. In order to help you amplify your library’s programming without adding to your budget, both this magazine and our website Library.Movlic.com offer great advice on how to use your license to further enhance your contribution to the community. We would love to hear from you if there is anything your library needs or something you would like to see in the next issue. Please contact your Licensing Manager to share your thoughts at 1-888-267-2658. Best wishes to you and happy holidays!

Sincerely,

C H AI R M AN

Incipit “There are 158 footsteps between the bus stop and home, but it can stretch to 180 if you aren’t in a hurry, like maybe if you’re wearing platform shoes." Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

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FALL 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

the Winter 3 Easy Winter Movie Snacks New takes on classic holiday treats 6 Pop Culture Picks How to start a book to movie club based on today’s classics 8 Embracing the Offbeat Defining and celebrating non- commercial films in your library 10

The Top 10 Worst Holiday Gifts in Movies A quick look at some of the weirdest gifts in film

Behold the Power of the Library Card Five reasons to celebrate library cards during September's National Library Card Month

14 Our Customers Are Stars! A look at this year’s winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service

FALL 2016

Movie guide

16 Election Ideas for All Ages! Ideas to get everyone involved in the election this November 18 Ten Easy Ideas to Liven Up Teen Programming! Attract more teens to your library this winter with these ideas 20 Is Amazon the Ticket to Online Library Fundraising? How one of the biggest retail giants can help you earn cash 22 Read It. See It. Love It. 24 Library Spotlight

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

25 Fun and Games

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EASY WINTER MOVIE SNACKS

Easy Winter Movie Snacks:

New Takes on Classic Holiday Treats Try these modern variations of your favorite holiday treats for a delicious new spin. Pair these with the suggested holiday movies for a simple movie and munchies event.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Pairs Well With:

Simple to make and easy to customize for different tastes, these instant hot cocoa cubes are soon to be holiday favorites. To serve them, just heat up 4-6 ounces of milk, add a cube and stir until it’s totally dissolved.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 pinch salt 16 ounces high-quality chocolate chopped (semi-sweet, milk, white or any combination can be used)

Optional Flavorings and toppings: 1 or 2 tsp vanilla, almond or hazelnut extract 1 tsp (or to taste) cinnamon, chili powder or instant espresso Marshmallows Candy canes, coarsely chopped Flaky or coarse sea salt

Directions: 1. Gather your materials first. You’ll need a double boiler, silicone ice cube trays or molds, a bowl, a rubber spatula, some plastic bags and some sticks or stirrers. For your sticks or stirrers, feel free to use coffee stirrers, wooden popsicle sticks or even rock candy.

2. Whisk together your cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar and salt (plus any dried flavoring

you want) in a large bowl. Place the chopped chocolate plus any extract you’re using in the top half of your double boiler set over barely simmering water. Stir occasionally until fully melted. Then remove the bowl from heat and wipe the bottom dry. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the melted chocolate into your dry ingredients. Fold in until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Transfer the mixture to a heavy-duty plastic bag. Snip one corner and pipe into your mold. Tap the mold on your countertop to evenly level the mixture. Working with one cube at a time, add your stick/stirrer (plus any topping you’re using). Let it sit until it has hardened or place in the fridge to speed the process up. Remove the cubes from your molds, wrap and store at room temperature. LIBRARY.MOVLIC.COM/MAGAZINE

FALL 2016

EASY WINTER MOVIE SNACKS

Pairs Well With:

Snowman Shooters

With creamy hot fudge and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, what’s not to love? Offer these tiny treats to audiences while watching snowman-related holiday movies.

Ingredients:

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 2 squares of unsweetened chocolate 1 pint of vanilla ice cream Mini chocolate chips (or peppercorns) Small pieces of carrots, cut into tiny spears

Materials: Medium, microwave-safe bowl Spatula Spoon Ice cream scoops - 1 small & 1 medium Knife Shooters, mini dessert cups or shot glasses – glass or plastic © Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

Directions: 1. Place the chocolate squares in a medium, microwave-safe bowl and microwave them for 35-40 seconds, just enough to soften them. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the chocolate, then return to the microwave for 50-60 seconds. Remove and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and a thick hot fudge sauce forms.

a medium-sized ice cream scoop, carve out some of the vanilla ice cream into a rounded ball and plop it carefully on top of the hot fudge sauce. Use the small sized scoop to do the same thing, placing the second scoop on top of the first one to create the snowman’s head. Gently press a carrot nose and chocolate chip eyes into the snowman’s head.

3. Return to the freezer and allow to freeze until ready to serve. To make sure your glasses don’t freeze & crack, make these about 1 hour ahead of time.

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EASY WINTER MOVIE SNACKS

EggNog Cookies Cookie Ingredients 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for topping 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar 2 large egg yolks 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp rum extract 1/2 cup eggnog

Pairs Well With:

Frosting Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature 3 to 5 tbsp eggnog 1/2 tsp rum extract 3 cups powdered sugar © Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.

Directions 1. To make these cookies, grab two mixing bowls, some parchment paper, a spoon and your mixer. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon for 30 seconds and set aside. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to whip together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in egg yolks one at a time, blending just until combined after each addition. Next, mix in your vanilla extract, rum extract and eggnog.

2. With your mixer set on its low speed, slowly add in your dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough out and drop onto parchment paper lined baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2-inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. Allow to rest on your baking sheet several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool. Cool completely, then frost with eggnog frosting and sprinkle tops lightly with nutmeg.

For the Eggnog Frosting: Whip your butter until very pale and fluffy with an electric mixer. Add in your rum extract and 3 tablespoons of eggnog, then mix in your powdered sugar. Add in additional eggnog to reach desired consistency.

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FALL 2016

BOOK TO MOVIE CLUB

Pop Culture Picks: Starting a Book to Movie Club Based on Today’s Classics Do you have patrons who still wonder what the big deal with Harry Potter is? How about people who don’t know that the character Forrest Gump has been the star of a book and a movie? A book to movie club for those who missed out on reading or watching a much buzzed about character is a novel idea that will keep patrons reading while the temperatures fall. Held as an event every few months, the idea is similar to a book club but with less meetings and an added movie element. After you announce your chosen book and patrons are busy reading this title, plan an event to watch the matching movie and discuss the book, film and the cultural significance of both. A unique feature of this program is that you can mix up your picks to attract different groups with each book selection, like attracting teens one session by featuring Twilight and attracting horror fans the next session with Silence of the Lambs. If this sounds like something you’d like to try, here’s information on how to get started and some suggestions on a few of our favorite popular book to movie titles.

Gather a list of books that have three things: a huge following, lots of copies in the library system and a big box-office movie adaptation. You might want to consider keeping your selected books to around 400 pages since longer titles might discourage busy participants. If you’re choosing a book that’s part of a series, remember to select the first book so everyone can start at the beginning of the story.

6 FALL 2016

NEXT, MAKE SURE YOUR MOVIE IS COVERED. After you’ve picked your book, make sure the corresponding film is covered under your Movie Licensing USA annual license. Don’t be afraid if the movie version varies quite a bit from the original story – it makes for a lively discussion at your movie night!

FINALLY, START YOUR SERIES! Spread the word about your book to movie series through your library’s website, social media, in person and throughout your library. Let everyone know when the end-ofthe-session movie night will be, and if you want to add in a food element, what the potluck snack theme will be.

FIRST, COME UP WITH YOUR TITLES.

BOOK TO MOVIE CLUB

Pop Culture Classics KIDS

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Based on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling The Tale of Despereaux Based on The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo The Princess Diaries Based on The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

IT STIMULATES YOUR BRAIN. Studies show daily reading can slow the progress of and even possibly prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The Indian in the Cupboard Based on The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

TEENS

The Hunger Games Based on The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins The Notebook Based on The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

If I Stay Based on If I Stay by Gayle Forman

IT IMPROVES YOUR FOCUS. When you read, all of your attention is focused on the story in front of you, improving your concentration.

ADULTS

The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey Based on The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien American Psycho Based on American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

IT’S FREE ENTERTAINMENT! Your library carries thousands of books on every subject patrons can think of, so they’ll never run out of something new to check out.

ount Pict ures

The Great Gatsby Based on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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IT’S AN EASY WAY TO BUILD YOUR VOCABULARY UNCONSCIOUSLY. The more you see a word, the more likely you are to use it in your regular vocabulary. IT IMPROVES YOUR MEMORY. Every new memory you create forms new brain pathways and strengthens those that already exist.

Twilight Based on Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Forrest Gump Based on Forrest Gump by Winston Groom

Why Read? 5 Quick Reasons

FALL 2016

EMBRACING THE OFFBEAT

Embracing the Offbeat:

Defining and Celebrating Non-Commercial Films in Your Library This winter, utilize your license to the fullest! You already know your Movie Licensing USA license allows you to show many of the biggest box-office hits of this year and years past, but what about the other kinds of movies it covers? Take a look at what it means to be labeled a cult film, B movie or indie flick; what makes patrons drawn to them; and some of our favorite films in each category that you can show with your license.

Cult Films What exactly is a cult film?

A cult film is characterized by its lively and active following according to film experts. Typically, cult films are movies that appealed to fringe audiences or never really found their footing in the big box office landscape. Sometimes they were met with poor reviews, low profit margins or were poorly attended – yet still stand the test of time in many ways.

Why are these movies still popular?

Many cult films found an underground appreciation as their shelf life increased. Now, they are incredibly popular among their respective fan bases despite initially being viewed as a “bomb at the box office.” Many cult films are so popular, a showing easily turns into an exciting event with singing, costumes, role play and more. In fact, libraries across the country are holding their own showings of cult classics, complete with all the extras!

Can a popular film also be a cult film?

Some argue that it is possible if the film is based of cult material such as a cult novel or comic book, historical event or death of a star according to the cult movie resource www.cultmovieresearch.com.

Some examples of cult films covered by your license:

A Talking-Encouraged, Action Packed Take on Typical Movie Nights! Imagine a movie night where heckling is actually encouraged! Audience participation movie nights have been popping up across the country, some with a Mystery Science Theater 3000 format where popcorn throwing, joke making and entertaining commentary is actually welcomed. Other events take on an interactive theme with audience singing, staged action and more. Offbeat movies and cult classic films are typically the best genres for this type event, but feel free to try it out at your library with any kind of film.

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EMBRACING THE OFFBEAT

B Movies What’s a B movie?

A B movie is most often described as a low-budget motion picture that’s not an arthouse film, is rarely publicly promoted and often goes straight to streaming or DVD. Originating largely in the 1950s as low-budget westerns, sci-fi movies or horror films, B movies were most often used as a second movie during a double feature.

Why are these movies still popular?

This type of movie provides an opportunity for up and coming, as well as declining in popularity, actors and directors to expand their range. They can both practice their craft and try new styles of films without being attached to the label of having a “commercial flop” on their hands. Fun to watch and usually pretty cheesy, B movies help you laugh while thinking "that could never happen" at the same time.

What big name stars and directors have worked in B movies?

Wes Craven, Quentin Tarantino, Larry Cohen and Steven Spielberg are just a few of the major directors who have all dabbled with B movies at some point in their careers. Actors and actresses John Wayne, Raquel Welch, Jack Nicholson, Alyssa Milano, David Hasselhoff, Tori Spelling, Corey Feldman, Bill Paxton and Danny Trejo all have a few B movie credits to their names.

Some examples of “B movies” covered by your license:

Indie Movies What’s an indie movie?

Indie or independent films are movies that are completely or mostly produced outside of the major film studio system. They’re typically produced and distributed by independent, smaller studios and entertainment agencies with much lower budgets than major studio movies. With a strong presence in film festivals before any sort of distribution, most of these movies are featured in limited release.

Why are these movies still popular?

The allure behind an indie movie lies in its ability to take a plot into innovative, boundary-pushing and creative directions some bigger studios may not want to go. They’re the films you see nominated during the Academy Awards, yet haven’t really heard of and often feature up-and-coming actors and directors. Representing a unique audience and backed by an authentic voice of true artists, indies are often progressive, provoking pictures that are made by thought-leaders who incite discussions on important artistic, social and cultural issues.

What are some initially indie movies that crossed over into mainstream distribution? Teenage Mutuant Ninja Turtles, The Blair Witch Project, Billy Elliot, Rushmore and Lost in Translation are a quick sample of titles that hit the indie movie world by storm and ended up crossing over into commercial success.

Some examples of indie movies covered by your license:

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FALL 2016

WORST HOLIDAY GIFTS IN MOVIES

Top 10

WORST HOLIDAY GIFTS IN MOVIES

Have you ever opened a holiday gift that left you smiling on the outside but wondering ‘what in the world is this’ on the inside? It seems that no one is immune to this awkward experience, not even our favorite movie characters. Here are some of the weirdest, slightly discouraging and most interesting gifts featured in some of your favorite holiday films.

Gift Rating: 1 CANDY CANE – This gift is kind of kitschy. 2 CANDY CANES – A pretty odd choice for a gift. 3 CANDY CANES – This present is kind of a bummer. 4 CANDY CANES – Not an ideal gift to wake up to.

The Harry Potter Series, PG Young wizard Harry Potter was lucky enough to escape from his horrible aunt and uncle’s house, but the terrible gifts didn’t stop. For his second Christmas at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, they sent him a single toothpick, followed by the gift of a single tissue the next year.

5 CANDY CANES – Makes you wonder what the giver was thinking!

Clark Griswold is having the holiday he never expected. His idea of a “good, old-fashioned Christmas” is quickly dashed when his kooky cousin Catherine, her sloppy husband Eddie and their two kids show up uninvited from Kansas. Clark manages to navigate through disaster after disaster until he receives what he thinks is his Christmas bonus check. However, instead of money for a pool he has decided to put in, he receives a subscription to the “Jelly of the Month” club.

10 FALL 2016

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, PG-13

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WORST HOLIDAY GIFTS IN MOVIES

After opening a portal to Christmas Town, Jack Skellington decides to play Santa this year. Even though he’s received warnings of impending Christmas doom, Jack sends a trio of mischievous children to kidnap Santa as he delivers shrunken heads, Christmas tree-eating snakes and more to terrified recipients on Christmas morning.

The Nightmare Before Christmas, PG

Frank Cross is a successful, but cynical television programming executive that has traded the love of his life for work. After firing one of his coworkers on Christmas, Frank shoves old ladies from cabs, downs vodka for breakfast and gives those on his gift list a corporate logo towel for Christmas. He gets a serious wakeup call when ghosts start paying him visits.

Scrooged PG,13

Buddy the elf sets out to find his father after being raised by elves at Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. Papa Elf reveals that his father is Walter Hobbs and that he lives in New York City. Buddy travels to the Big Apple, and sends his father some racy Christmas lingerie thanks to a department store sign urging him to get it for “someone special.”

Elf, PG

A Christmas Story, PG

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Imagine that you’re a kid again. It’s Christmas morning, and you’re excited to get down beneath the tree to see what kind of loot you’ve got. Ralphie felt the same way, hoping to get a Red Rider BB gun. He opens his Aunt Clara’s gift and is annoyed to find a set of pink bunny pajamas, furthering his belief that his Aunt thinks of him as a four year-old girl.

FALL 2016

WORST HOLIDAY GIFTS IN MOVIES AMAZON

Bad Santa, R Willie T. Stokes, a mall Santa who robs the stores during the Christmas season, meets a small, pudgy kid while working a shift one day. Willie nicknames him the Kid and moves in with him and his elderly grandmother, “borrowing” their money and car. As Willie and the Kid become closer, the Kid crafts an unusual Christmas present for Willie – a wooden pickle.

Love Actually, R You’ve always been told not to snoop for your Christmas gifts, but sometimes stumbling upon one accidentally happens. Such is the case for Karen who discovers a jewelry box with a ruby necklace inside tucked in her husband’s coat pocket. When she is allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve, she chooses the one shaped like the jewelry box, only to find a Joni Mitchell boxed set inside. Turns out Karen’s husband bought the necklace for someone else!

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, PG The Grinch, a bitter green creature with a heart “two sizes too small,” lives on a snowy mountain high above the town of Whoville with his dog Max. One Christmas Eve, he devises a plan to steal every ornament, present and tree associated with the holiday. When the Whoville residents wake up the next morning, not only are their presents gone, but their Christmas feast is missing as well! © Universal Studios

The Santa Clause, PG Santa Claus accidently falls off Scott Calvin’s roof while attempting to deliver presents on Christmas Eve, urging Scott’s son Charlie to persuade him to put on Santa’s suit to finish the job. Charlie has been told there is no Santa Claus by his step-dad Neil, who stopped believing in Santa after he never received his Oscar Mayer wiener whistle as a child. Once Scott fully assumes Santa’s role, Neil finally gets his wiener whistle as proof that Santa is real and is now Charlie’s dad. © 2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

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BEHOLD,

LIBRARY CARD

d r a C y r a r ib L a f o r The Powe

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, so refresh patrons on the many ways a library card can save their wallets from extra use this year. Here are a few of our favorite reasons why this card should have a prime place in purses and wallets everywhere and tips on how to incorporate them in your promotional efforts and programming ideas.

REASON #1: It grants free access to stuff they

normally pay for.

As you know, books, movies, music and more can all be obtained with just a library card, drastically reducing or even eliminating patrons’ spending on these items. True they may have to return these items at the end of the lending period, but it’s always free to reread, re-listen to or re-watch anything they’ve borrowed. Emphasize the free factor on library signage, in emails, on your website and more to spread the word on your wonderful freebies. Call out bestsellers that are now available, new blockbuster movies that have hit your shelves and more as soon as they come in. REASON #2: Reading keeps patr

ons sharp

Science shows that reading not only lowers stress levels, but can also make people smarter. Research by the University of Sussex proved that reading for just six minutes a day reduces heart rates, relaxes muscles, activates the associative learning parts of the brain and engages vision skills. Plus, a report by the Journal of Education Psychology also shows that there’s a strong tie between reading and improved memory and cognition. Encourage patrons to pick up a book and read more often with a Read and Watch series that invites patrons to read the book and watch the movie inspired by it.

Reason #3: It’s already coming

out of everyone’s paycheck!

The local, state and federal taxes we all pay cover much of the cost of the local library. Instead of letting patrons' tax dollars go to waste, advocate for this awesome resource they’re already paying for! Once they make a visit, they’ll see all of the technology, programming and resources that help thousands of individuals learn more, spend less and better themselves. s that can Reason #4: The library introduces you to thing pique your curiosity.

Your programming has the ability to awaken patrons’ inquisitive nature regarding topics they may be learning about for the first time. Create a series of events that emphasize that a library card is the only admission ticket needed. These programs could include a mental health series, art workshop, cooking demonstration, DIY home seminar and much more!

Reason #5: You can access new

stuff without leaving your cou ch.

Let patrons know they never need to be stuck at home without a good book again! Many resources like ebooks, audio books and music don't even require a trip to your brick-and-mortar library. Show them how to download materials in just seconds using your library's resources.

MOVIES TO SHOW:

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FALL 2016

OUR CUSTOMERS ARE STARS!

Congratulations to all of the library winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for libraries! This award, presented by First Lady Michelle Obama, celebrates libraries and museums that have made a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities. We are truly honored to count each one of the four winners below as patrons of Movie Licensing USA. Here’s a little more information about each one!

Brooklyn Public Library (Brooklyn, New York) Website: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/ Number of visits per year: 8.7 Million With the motto “Start Here” and a mission to be a vital knowledge center for all, the Brooklyn Public Library is an independent library system serving the borough’s 2.6 million population. As the nation’s fifth largest library system, this facility serves more than 928,700 residents through annual programs, offers more than 15.8 million books to read and racks up over 8.7 million visits per year.

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As a community cornerstone, the library system focuses on embracing all facets of its surrounding population with a wide variety of diverse programs and resources. With 46% of Brooklynites over the age of five speaking a language other than English, citizenship help, ESL (English as a Second Language) formal and informal classes and materials in more than 120 languages can be found in every single branch. Literacy series, bilingual story times, international film events and more are just a small sample of the ways the Brooklyn Public Library aims to include everyone.

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OUR CUSTOMERS ARE STARS! operating that’s still present today. Because of this forwardthinking mentality, the library has been able to “leap frog” into the digital age easily.

Otis Library (Norwich, Connecticut) Website: http://www.otislibrarynorwich.org/ Number of years of service: 166 Years The Otis Library prides itself on its extremely proactive nature, according to executive director Bob Farwell. Since 1850, the library has been offering programming based on community listening, as well as free and open access to information, ideas and services that cover all of their community’s needs. The library’s commitment to remaining an engaged partner in literacy in every facet of life makes it an irreplaceable part of living in Norwich. In addition to preserving the community’s historical, economic and cultural development, the library works to serve Norwich’s large special needs and immigrant population. Through partnerships with local and state health organizations to break down the stigma of mental illness and special needs, the library regularly offers programs such as Mental Health in Movies, local film festivals that highlight important mental health issues and the Changing Minds Book Club. All of these activities aim to encourage meaningful discussions about mental illness. For those who are new to America, Otis Library offers a passport application center, citizenship and immigration workshops, one-on-one bilingual instructions and storytimes, and a vast collection of materials in foreign languages.

North Carolina State University Libraries (Raleigh, North Carolina) Website: http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/ Number of collection uses per year: 12.9 Million This library is a gateway for knowledge for the North Carolina State University community. Close to 30 years ago, as the library began to rethink its place in the community and national ranking among other academic libraries, technology began to shape its new way of

This library’s stats are seriously impressive. With 4.9 million volumes, 69,000 print and electronic serial titles and 710 bibliographic databases, this library racks up 12.9 million collection uses annually. Not your typical academic library, North Carolina State University Library gains a competitive advantage over UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University with its creative recruitment mindset. All future librarians hired under the Fellows Program work on some of the library’s highest new initiatives in order to add a competitive advantage to their own resumes, as well as further enhance the already successful library.

Madison Public Library (Madison, Wisconsin) Website: http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/ Number of programming initiatives in 2015: 4,599 Classes and Events Flexibility and a huge emphasis on community engagement help make the Madison Public Library stand out from other branches. With a central library and eight neighborhood branches, this library system aims to focus on building community partnerships, connecting visitors to services including access to public health nurses and encouraging social services outreach. After a renaissance in 2012, the Bubbler program brings pop-up workshops to encourage the science of making. Whether it’s a lesson on beer brewing or the basics of animation, the Bubbler program truly embodies the library’s updated mission statement “Your Place to Share, Learn and Create." Other outstanding programs by the library include Parents as First Teachers, an early literacy training for public nurses who regularly serve low-income expectant mothers to emphasize library services and the importance of early literacy. The library also recently introduced Making Justice as a spin-off of the Bubbler program. The project unleashes creative artistic expression through programming like art and music for teens in juvenile detention facilities.

“In many communities our libraries and museums are the places that help young people dream bigger and reach higher for their futures, the places that help new immigrants learn English and apply for citizenship…the places where folks can access a computer and send out a job application so they can get back to work and get back to the important process of supporting their families.” - First Lady Michelle Obama

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FALL 2016

ELECTION IDEAS

ELECTION IDEAS FOR

ALL AGES! November 8, 2016, marks the big day for choosing the next President of the United States! No matter who’s voting for whom, embrace this awesome opportunity to teach patrons about the election process and encourage them to vote. Here are some programming suggestions for patrons of all ages to celebrate the day all Americans can let their voice be heard.

KIDS – Construct a Children’s Voting Booth What you’ll need: • Voting Ballots for the 2016 U.S. candidates – you can include state officials, too! • Tally sheets for all of the candidates • Pencils or pens • “I Voted” stickers • Voting poll worker name tags • Materials for a DIY voting booth like boxes, duct tape, stickers, etc. Introduce little ones to the concept and privilege of voting at an early age. You can easily make a DIY voting booth with a couple of large boxes taped together, some construction paper, duct tape and an American flag. Heavily advertise this special activity during any Halloween-related activities to boost your Election Day turnout. This is also a great opportunity to get teens involved by running your mock polling site to complete any high school-related community service requirements.

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ELECTION IDEAS

TEENS – Explain How the Election Process Really Works

What you’ll need: • • • • •

Poster board or butcher paper Markers Tape Internet access A large space to hang your creation

Take some of the mystery out of the whole presidential election process with a huge election infograph targeted toward teens. Feature other interesting tidbits about the election process like facts about the Electoral College, the general number of votes needed to win a party’s nomination, the definitions of a primary and a caucus and the U.S. constitutional requirements for becoming president.

Don’t have time to make a cool display? Download this free, teen-friendly graphic at https://www.usa.gov/voting and hang it in your library!

ADULTS – Play Up the Kid-Friendly Aspect What you’ll need: • A bulletin board to post election rules regarding kids • Flyers of election rules regarding kids • Election-related books for storytime • Children’s snacks for those waiting in line • Simple activities like Legos, coloring supplies and more Many patrons may be concerned about what to do with their kids while they cast their ballots. Sitters can be hard to find, and many patrons may not know they’re actually allowed to bring two children 18 years of age or younger into the voting booth with them. How can you help? Call your local election commission or check online to see what voting guidelines are in place for your state. If your library serves as a polling place and your supervisor of elections allows early voting, let patrons know. Publicize any early voting information or updates about children in polling places with flyers and a bulletin board within your library to inform those who may be bringing kids with them on Election Day. For parents who may be nervous trying to keep little ones entertained while they’re waiting in line, host electionrelated storytimes and prep some healthy snacks to keep kids busy. Simple activities like coloring, building with Legos and watching a movie are other ways to keep kids quietly entertained during voting hours.

LIBRARY.MOVLIC.COM/MAGAZINE

FALL 2016

LIVEN UP TEEN PROGRAMMING

WAY S liven

Looking for some cool and creative ideas to attract more teens to your library? Use these programming ideas as inspiration to create your own unique library events. Remember, it helps to hold events during times that teens will most likely be able to attend. Try weekday afternoons right after school or Sunday evenings!

TEEN PROGRAMMING! Throwback Movie Night –

Remember when pizza and a movie were the highlight of your week as a kid? Pick a favorite film from back in the day and have a pajama-themed movie night with popular snacks from when your teen audience was young like pretzels, juice boxes, fruit snacks and cookies.

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2. 3.

Pinterest Linkup –

Help patrons find new ways to decorate their rooms, host get-togethers with their friends, try out easy recipes and more by creating a teen patron Pinterest page. Advertise this social media opportunity at your library and promote the board during any other teen activities to let the pinning party begin!

Creative Scavenger Hunts –

Scavenger hunts encourage teens to work together and have fun while figuring out creative clues. Sound like too much work to put together? You can make it a little easier by just creating a seek and find game, like an Angry Birds-themed egg hunt.

18 FALL 2016

Food and Film Nights –

Draw teens to movie nights with snacks based on the movies you’re showing. For example, if you’re showing The Huntsman: Winter’s War, treat residents to snow cones or slushies as a nod to the ice queen. If you’re showing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, order up some pizzas, and Greek fare goes great with a watch party for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.

College Practice –

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Partner with a local high school’s college counseling services to host an event all about applying to and entering college. An application and essay workshop and mock interviews will help students prepare for life after high school, while college-related movies like The Perfect Score, The Social Network and Orange County add in a nice entertainment element.

Trivia Challenge Create a trivia event featuring questions on the books and movies you offer, facts about your library and information about your services to help patrons become more aware of what your library can bring to the table in terms of entertainment, community engagement and education.

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LIVEN UP TEEN PROGRAMMING

Easy Intro to Cooking Class –

Show your teens what treats they can prepare using handy appliances like the microwave, blender and mixer and just a few simple ingredients from the grocery store. Feature easy, yet tasty recipes like skinny mug cheesecake, veggie chips, French toast, scrambled eggs and more.

Minute to Win it Games – Make a game night using quick games that last no more than 60 seconds. You can search the internet for plenty of ideas but here are a few of our favorites to start you off.

SAY CHEESE - Cover one person’s face from each team with shaving cream, then have another team member toss cheese balls at it to get them to stick. The team with the most cheese balls stuck to the face wins a point.

Binge Watching Bash -

Invite teens to catch up on whole seasons of popular shows with a binge watching party in the afternoons. Easy to plan and a simple way to get patrons together, plan an afternoon each week to show three episodes of a hit show, complete with popcorn and soda. © NBC Un

iversal

JUNK IN THE TRUNK - Take two empty

tissue boxes and make two slits on each of the boxes’ bottoms. Next, thread a ribbon or an adjustable belt through the slits. To play, strap the tissue box onto a player from each team’s backside and fill it with 10 ping pong balls. Instruct the players that they have 60 seconds to shake, dance, jump and wiggle the balls out. There’s no using your hands and no laying down. The person with the fewest balls left in the box wins a point for his or her team. TEAR IT UP - Slide two rolls of toilet paper onto a broom handle and balance the broom in between two chairs. Tie empty soda cans on the end of the toilet paper and invite someone from each team to shoot rubber bands at the toilet paper to break it. The first one to break the paper wins a point for their team.

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10.

Sweet Cinema Get your heart beating in more ways than one! Partner with a local gym or recreation center to create a boot camp-style workout for your library. Give it a movie twist by showing a horror movie like The Conjuring 2 and have experts lead attendees through quick drills every time someone in the film screams, walks into a dark room, opens a door slowly and more.

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Pictures

FALL 2016

AMAZON

Is Amazon the Ticket to Online Library Fundraising?

A completely free online tool exists that can raise money for your library. Plus, it’s a program that belongs to Amazon, one of the biggest retail giants on the internet. Is this too good to be true? According to the blog YourTeachersAide.blogspot.com, “The Amazon Associate Program pays associates a small percentage of a sale if the sale is made through a link on the associate’s website.” Sounds easy enough, right? At this point you may be thinking ‘how exactly does this work’ and, more importantly, ‘what are the catches?’ Read on - we’ve thoroughly investigated these two questions and more.

The Scoop on Qualifying Revenues and Standard Advertising Fees So how exactly does a library earn money using this program? According to Amazon, “during each calendar month, you may earn advertising fees for qualifying

20 FALL 2016

purchases. Most advertising fees are calculated as a percentage of “qualifying revenues,” which are defined as the amount received from qualifying purchases without adding in things like shipping, handling or gift-wrapping costs. Their program description goes on to say that “the advertising fee rates you may earn will vary depending on the number and category of products that are shipped, streamed or downloaded” that count as qualifying purchases. What do the standard advertising fees look like? Based on a table available on Amazon’s website, fixed advertising fee rates vary from 1% (video game console products) to 10% (game download products). Most categories like electronics, ereaders and grocery items bring in a fixed advertising rate of 4%. There are also special offers and promotions which can earn more advertising fees from items that were previously excluded or increased advertising fees.

AMAZON

ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE: The Amazon Associate Program PROS:

• Partner with a worldwide brand

• Safe and secure for both parties

• Items found through your link will be credited if purchased from a shopper’s cart within 90 days

• If a shopper uses your link to buy something and buys something else instead, you still receive credit for the purchased item

• Millions of items available for purchase

There are some limits to the program, but they seem pretty reasonable. For example, you can only earn up to $25 per personal computer “regardless of the qualifying revenues received from the sale of that product” and all qualifying purchases considered fine art are limited to a maximum earn of $200, “regardless of the qualifying revenues received from the sale of that product.” Also worth noting, there are some other stipulations surrounding advertising fees on Kindle books, such as “promoting free Kindle books will not earn any revenue.”

How Libraries Are Benefitting from This Program A quick Google search pulls up a number of libraries that have tried this program. However, not one of them has left a review on how well it’s actually going for them. Don’t let that discourage you just yet; there are plenty of other bloggers out there who have had a lot of success with The Amazon Associate Program. Darren Rowse of ProBlogger.com has been using this service alone for more than 10 years, claiming he’s made more than $600,000 in the last decade from this program. He claims that he’s sharing his results because “over the years, [he’s] heard many bloggers write off the Amazon Associate Program as not being worth the time.”

CONS:

• If an item is not added to a cart, there’s a 24- hour window for the shopper to come back and make a purchase to receive credit

• No Paypal cash out option

• Amazon’s payouts can be a little low compared to industry standards

The Geneva Library Foundation chose to be a part of the Amazon Associates Program to contribute toward their goal of raising $1 million by 2016 and $2 million by 2021. On their library’s website, they feature an Amazon branded search box that directly links library patrons to the item they’re searching for. Once redirected to Amazon’s site, the foundation receives a referral fee since the consumer originally searched for the desired item on the library’s website. They also let patrons know that all purchasers are anonymous to the library, and there is no record of who purchased what item. The library receives a list of items sold through their link each month, along with a list of fees that have been generated. To ease any concerns for the purchaser, the process is safe, confidential and backed by Amazon's top-notch customer service. If you’re in the market for earning some extra money for your library without a lot of work, this program might be something that you may want to look into. After all, there’s nothing to lose and only extra funds to gain.

WANT MORE INFORMATION? You can find more details on Amazon’s Associate Program website www.Affiliate-program.amazon.com.

LIBRARY.MOVLIC.COM/MAGAZINE

FALL 2016

BOOK - TO - MOVIE

READ IT. SEE IT. L VE IT. START A BOOK TO MOVIE CLUB AT YOUR LIBRARY! ENCOURAGE PATRONS TO READ A SELECTED BOOK, THEN PLAN A MOVIE EVENT AROUND THE MATCHING FILM. THIS PROGRAM WORKS WITH ANY AGE GROUP

TEENS 22 FALL 2016

Based on Allegiant by Veronica Roth Rated PG-13

Based on Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll Rated PG

Based on Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Rated PG-13

NOT LICENSED?

Based on Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers Rated G

Based on The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling Rated PG

CHILDREN

AND OFFERS A CHANCE TO DISCUSS SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO.

Based on The Choice by Nicholas Sparks Rated PG-13

1-888-267-2658 • LIBRARIES@MOVLIC.COM

Based on The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg Rated PG

Based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen Rated PG

Based on Cell by Stephen King Rated R

Based on Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg Rated PG-13

Based on A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers Rated R

WINTER PICKS

ADULTS

BOOK - TO - MOVIE

Based on The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern Rated PG

THESE MOVIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR WINTER PROGRAMMING! For more information, programming ideas and to view additional ideas for your book-to-movie club, visit

library.movlic.com

LIBRARY.MOVLIC.COM/MAGAZINE

FALL 2016

LIBRARY SPOTLIGHT

LIBR A RY SPOTL GHT WHETHER IT’S BIG OR SMALL, RURAL OR URBAN, NO TWO LIBRARIES ARE QUITE THE SAME. HERE WE INTERVIEW LIBRARY WORKERS TO FIND OUT WHAT PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES THEY ARE PROUD TO PROVIDE.

PEMBER LIBRARY - ST. GRANVILLE, NY - http://pember.sals.edu/

Ardyce Bresett (Director) Number of cardholders? 4,115

How do you attract volunteers? What programs have they helped with?

Number of books/items in circulation? 20,497

We have many volunteers, some are "Friends of the Pember" members. They help with fundraising, reading programs, purchasing needed library materials, and minor library duties.

What was your library’s best program or event? "May the Fourth Be with You" was a week-long Star Wars event we held with crafts, a trivia night, a family game night and a children's story time. Best of all, on Friday night we had a Star Wars cantina with themed food, costumes and the band Moose Crossing. Everyone had a great time, and the whole event was a great success!

What is your favorite part of your library? My favorite part of our library is our live-in library companion, Lucy. She’s a calico Rag Doll cat and all of the patrons love her.

Inc.

What books are you reading right now? Right now, I am reading Hidden Star by Nora Roberts. How does your library create community? We create community by serving the needs of a diverse group of individuals in and around our area.

We’re excited to bring movie programming back! We haven’t done anything with movies in the last few years but are looking forward to the programming possibilities now that we have a license to screen them again.

What is your most requested title for checkout right now? Right now, the most in demand book is The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

How does your library get funding? We receive state and local government funding, private donations, fundraisers and grants.

2016

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CROSSWORD

FUN, GA MES & C NTESTS Book BINGO!

CUT OUT, THEN COPY THE BINGO SQUARE BELOW. CHALLENGE LITTLE PATRONS TO FILL OUT THEIR BOARDS AS THEY COMPLETE THEIR WINTER READING. HOST THIS PASSIVE ACTIVITY FOR A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME LIKE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND PASS OUT PRIZES FOR THOSE WHO GET BINGO!

Book Bingo! Fill out your bingo board as you finish your winter reading. Have an adult initial each box you complete. Once you have bingo, turn it into your librarian for a prize!

Read a book to an adult

Read out loud to someone younger

Read under the covers

Read a chapter book

Write and read your own story to a Write about a book you’ve read friend

Read a biography Read a funny book

Read a story set in another time period

FREE SPACE!

O Read a book about sports

Read a book Read a comic book published 10 years or graphic novel ago

Read a book that is now a movie

Read a book by someone famous

Read the first book in a new series

Tell someone older three things you read in a book

Reread your favorite book

Read a book you started but never finished

Read a book before you go to sleep

Read to a pet

Read to your favorite stuffed animal

Read a book your library recommends

Read a book set in winter

Read a book at a friend’s house

NAME: _______________________________ DATE: ________________________________ LIBRARY.MOVLIC.COM/MAGAZINE

FALL 2016

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jungle book

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