Check It Out

FALL 2013

Revamp Your Programs How to maximize your efforts PAGE 6

Cost of Library Fines

The

The pros and cons of charging late fees PAGE 4

the

DEVELOPMENT issue Programming for a Happy

Halloween

$4.99 US

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Festive ideas for all ages

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A Div isio n of Swa nk Mo tion Pict ure s, Inc . • Tim Swa nk, Cha irm an

chairman’s letter

W

elcome to the fall issue of Check It Out! As your library begins to return back to normal after the summer rush, it’s a great time to focus your attention on your library’s direction and development. Which parts do you love and which parts do you perhaps wish you could change just a little? Since every library has a few changes, updates and upgrades they would like to make, we’ve dedicated this issue to simple ways you can improve your programs, services and more.

Within these pages, you’ll also find some great programming ideas for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure not to miss “Programming for a Happy Halloween” on page 18, which features fun ideas for kids, teens and adults. “Holiday Crafting with Books” on page 13 is another great programming idea that combines the trend of upcycling your unused books with low-cost decorations for the upcoming winter season. And as always, “Read it. See it.

Love it.” on page 22 contains the newest recommendations for your book to movie club.

Incipit “She wanted only to sleep.

The plane had touched down two hours late and there’d been a marathon wait for the luggage.”

The Bone Collector

By Jeffery Deaver

Plus, don’t forget that International Games Day on Saturday, November 16, is right around the corner! This event is getting bigger and more successful with each passing year, now celebrating its sixth annual event. Take a look at the numbers and ideas from last year’s celebration on page 16 to get some inspiration on how you might want to participate.

We hope this issue gives you great ideas, helpful advice and interesting inspiration that you can use in your library. We are always searching for new ways to serve you, so please contact your licensing manager at 1.888.267.2658 with any library needs or ideas for a future issue. If you know someone who would be interested in a subscription to Check It Out or even be featured in the magazine, simply let us know. We always enjoy hearing from you!

© NBC Univers

al

C H AI R M AN

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table of contents

International Games Day was first created in

2008

PAGE 4

PAGE 16

PAGE 18

The Cost of Library Fines

International Games Day: Recap by the Numbers

Programming for a Happy Halloween

A look at the success of last year’s International Games Day

Four frightfully fun ideas to keep everyone entertained around October 31

A look at the pluses and minuses of charging for overdue materials

the

DEVELOPMENT issue

6 Revamping Stale Programs: Updating to Add Excitement Suggestions on how to make old ideas look new again to attract more patrons 8 Raising the Genius Bar – How We Created Our Own Tech Class at Our Library Public Services Librarian Brandy Sanchez speaks about creating a library tech class 10 Interviewing in the Library: How to Maximize Your Time Tips to make hiring a new staff member a little easier on your schedule

20 Now Trending: Blackout Poetry Learn how to create the hottest new poetry trend in your library 22 Read it. See it. Love it.

See how your favorite books have translated into this year’s biggest blockbuster movies!

24 Library Spotlight Hear about great programming ideas from Janet Carlson Calvert Library and San Juan Capistrano Library

Catching Fire Suzanne Collins

25 Fun & Games Can you guess these Hollywood stars’ favorite reads?

13 Holiday Crafting with Books How to upcycle your old books into clever holiday decorations

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Advancing Your Library Libraries across the country can take a deep breath now that summer reading season is officially over! As patrons of all ages return to classrooms of various shapes and sizes, and your shelves become a little quieter, it’s a great time of the year to focus on your library’s processes, staff and resources. This September issue’s theme focuses on how your library can further develop after a busy summer season with articles on revamping stale programs on page 6, tips on how to hire efficiently on page 10 and even a discussion on the pros and cons of library fines on page 4. Lastly, since emerging technology is always such a hot button topic for libraries, we’ve included a special guest article on how the Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, MO, created their own series of tech classes on page 8. As always, enjoy!

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Cost of Library Fines The

A look at the pluses and minuses of charging for overdue materials.

H

ere’s a library fun fact: Keith Richards confessed to British news source The Mirror that more than 50 years ago, while a teen in Dartford, England, he failed to return several books to his local library. Today, those fines would have compounded to anywhere from $4,500 to $30,000 – a hefty sum of money for some overdue books from the 1960s. It’s no doubt that his overdue fine money would be hugely beneficial to the programs and services in the Dartford library. But was it the fines and fees that prevented him from returning his materials?

A free policy doesn’t mean responsibility free

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Everyone knows the easiest way to avoid fines at any library is to return borrowed materials on time. However, sometimes due dates can creep up on patrons, slip their minds or even be ignored if there are only a few chapters left to read. Some libraries see fines as necessary to their financial survival, while others see them as a marker of responsibility for keeping library items in good condition.

Still, others think that fines should be eliminated because they can deter certain segments of the community like those with small children or the less fortunate from taking advantage of all the library has to offer.

In the days where competition with libraries is fierce thanks to Amazon, the Internet, bookstores and more, omitting fines may be an easy way for libraries to appear more customer-friendly. Booklovers have pointed to movie services like Netflix, who don’t charge if you’re a little late to return borrowed items.

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To Banish or Not to Banish?

The Dover Town Library, in Dover, MA, is one library that offers the unusual advantage of no fines for overdue materials, citing convenience and friendliness as two of the goals to be achieved when banning fines. Dover librarians have lost between $3,000 to $5,000 each year in revenue by banishing fines, but they “have gained substantial amounts of goodwill within their community” according to Kathy Killeen, Library Director, in an article by The Christian Science Monitor.

In the days where competition with libraries is fierce thanks to Amazon, the Internet, bookstores and more, omitting fines may be an easy way for libraries to appear more customer-friendly.

Killeen also states that, “Young families borrow a great deal of items. They’ve got a lot of pressure on them. If they’re a week behind, they don’t have to pull out their wallet. It just takes that onerous element of libraries out of our exchanges with people.” Plus, Killeen notes that, “It takes an incredible amount of staff time to collect 50 cents, to monitor it and send out notices. We weighed the actual costs of collecting fines against the revenue brought in and decided it was kind of a wash.”

Fine elimination may work for smaller communities, but can make a major funding dent for bigger libraries. For example, the Chicago Public Library typically brings in over $1 million with their 10 cents a day fines according to spokeswoman Maggie Killackey. Another example of a library that relies on fines for financial reasons is the San Diego Public Library. The city treasurer’s office acts as a collection agency for this library, which typically brings in over $900,000 fines each year.

Leslie Burger, director of the Princeton Public Library and former president-elect of the American Library Association, defends fees because they indicate a certain responsibility over the items patrons borrow, yet encourages libraries to be flexible because not everyone can afford fines. “Fees work as a barrier and keep people away,” she notes in The Christian Science Monitor article previously mentioned. Some

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patrons don’t consider that it takes money to purchase library materials, and tax dollars are often the source to keep a library’s shelves full. “There are plenty of things for librarians to do besides collecting nickels. We want people to come in and use (our materials).”

Alleviate Fines with Special Events For libraries who don’t want to completely do away with fines, but would like to give patrons a reprieve from paying, here are some ideas.

Food For Fines – The Santa Cruz Public Library in Santa Cruz, CA, eliminates $1.00 in library fines for each non-perishable food item donated, up to $20.

Fines-Free Library Loan Program – The Hayward Public Library in Hayward, CA, created a plan that lets users borrow items without late fines for a low monthly fee. For $2.99 a month, patrons can rent 3 items and return them for new ones whenever they would like.

Read Down Program – The Delaware Country District Library created a plan to help patrons whittle down fines by doing what they love – reading. During this program, every 10 minutes that a patron reads will add $1 of fine credit to his or her account.

Fine Amnesty Day – The Public Library of Cincinnati sets aside one day a year that patrons can have all fines removed from their library cards. This year’s Fine Amnesty Day was organized to help thank the community for their support and use of the library after receiving the National Medal for Library Service.

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Revamping

Stale

Programs Sometimes, even your most successful programs can get lost in the noise of your patrons’ lives. In order to attract new faces, feedback, ideas and more, you may need to make some updates to the way you’re marketing your program, who you’re targeting or what you’re offering.

How do know if it’s time for an update?

Certain situations like dwindling interest, limited program offerings and poor attendance are all signs that your program may need a little makeover attention. The first step in revamping a program is to evaluate how your patrons are learning about your programs, and what they’ll get out of the program by attending. Redesigns to your programs need to be guided by an understanding of what your patrons want and need, in addition to knowledge on how they find information and where they look.

The first step in revamping a program is to evaluate how your patrons are learning about your programs, and what they’ll get out of the program by attending.

When it comes to spreading the word about a program, always keep in mind that in addition to flyers, signs, brochures and emails, you have numerous other marketing channels at your disposal at all times. These include your website, social media, word-of-mouth from your staff or from other library visitors, newsletters, or even just walking in at the right time.

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Choose your words wisely As librarians, you recognize the power words can have.

The verbiage you use in your program descriptions actually play a significant role in who attends. For example, which is more powerful: “healthy recipes” or “I can’t believe it’s vegetables”? Most people would choose the second one.

Here’s another example of how words can impact perceptions of your programs. Let’s say you’re marketing a workshop on infant care. Some parents may find words like “parenting tips” or “infant help” condescending and negative. They may choose not to attend based on this simple word combination. Therefore, make sure your text is witty, but also expresses how those who attend will benefit from coming to the program.

In an article on www.programminglibrarian.org, former Children’s and Family Program Coordinator at the Multnomah County Library in Multnomah, OR, Cindy Strasfeld stresses the importance of making a great first impression in addition to choosing the right words. This means from the first initial brush with a program through word-of-mouth, a social media update, a flyer or another avenue, you have to grab attention. Snappy headlines, bright colors, cool graphics and succinct descriptions can help in getting your message across in a flash.

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Borrow from other programs A few tweaks can give a routine program a brand new meaning. Strasfeld took the core ideas from a successful program titled “Tools for Midlife Transition,” and broadened the message a little to attract a whole new audience. Her program’s new theme was how to survive change, expanding on the original concept of surviving job loss and economic instability. The new rebranded program now included tips on how to start over after being laid off, ending a relationship or suffering from a loss.

Her program’s new theme was how to survive change, expanding on the original concept of surviving job loss and economic instability.

These little, simple changes lead to an audience that expanded to include post-college students struggling after graduation to retired adults looking for ideas on how to enter a new phase of life.

Think outside the box You know the audience you want to reach, but perhaps your current program just isn’t bringing in the numbers.

For example, let’s say you’re interested in targeting men for a workshop on outdoor preservation and gardening. Why not focus specifically on lawn care or how to safely keep pesky animals from eating their plants?

By adding a bit more of a traditional male focus in this instance, you may just find an increase in male attendance. Partnering with a local business or cause is another way to give your program a new look without changing too much of its core. By connecting with your community’s local business association, for example, your library’s small business resources can get some additional recognition.

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Bundle your programs Packaging two programs together – an old one and a new one – as parts of a series is a great way to add interest to an already existing program. This also has the added benefit of leading patrons to a new program they may not have discovered otherwise. A great example of this would be creating a wellness month and including a pre-existing program on heart health with a new program about how memory works. Another great example would be adding a summer twist regarding vacation planning on to your preexisting budgeting workshop.

Pair this with a seminar on finding the best travel deals and a lecture from an author or speaker with extensive traveling experience, and you’ve got a whole new series to present to your patrons!

Don’t forget outside help!

If you’re looking for new programming ideas and inspiration, there are many resources, governmental agencies and non-profit organizations that will give presentations and donate materials for free in order to spread the word about their causes. Find national organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the United Children’s Fund (UNICF), the Red Cross and many more local associations to help with your programming by registering with the National Council of Nonprofits at www.councilofnonprofits.org.

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Raising the Genius Bar

How We Created Our Own Tech Class at Our Library

By Brandy Sanchez, Public Services Librarian Daniel Boone Regional Library, Columbia Public Library, Columbia, Missouri

Overdrive and Daniel Boone Regional Libary Apps

M

y love affair with Apple began nearly seven years ago when my husband gave me an iPod Shuffle for Christmas. Since then, I have acquired an iPod Nano, two iPhones and an iPad Mini, seeing as their sexy, sleek design is a siren call for a gadget junkie like me. Most importantly, though, these devices allow me to organize and coordinate my life with military precision, all from the palm of my hand.

I use my iPad Mini as a digital cookbook, portable television, game console, eReader and photo editor. My iPhone wakes me up in the morning, outlines my daily agenda, organizes my grocery list, remembers all my passwords, fetches all my email, maintains my music collection and still manages to make the occasional phone call.

I am not the only one bitten by the Apple bug, either. Since the release of the iPad in April 2010, our library staff has been fielding more and more reference questions related to mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and eReaders.

When we launched our downloadable eBook service in January 2011, the number of technical questions we receive increased exponentially.

In order to address our community’s need to become more tech savvy, the Columbia Public Library began offering a

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free course called “Maximizing Your Mobile Apple Device.”

This is only one class in an entire curriculum aimed at improving proficiency with mobile devices; our regional library system also offers courses for those with Android devices and eReaders of all sorts.

Since the release of the iPad in April 2010, our library staff has been fielding more and more reference questions related to mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and eReaders.

“Maximizing Your Mobile Apple Device” is a two hour class that is offered on a monthly basis. Since our first offering in January 2011, registration has been full for nearly every session. In fact, we’ve had more than 200 patrons attend this class over the last two years.

The primary learning objective is for patrons to master the basic functions of their Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

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We begin by illustrating how iTunes, Apple’s digital media player software, connects your device with your computer.

Then, we spend time identifying the many uses for the Home button. After a lengthy Q&A session, we move along to demonstrating helpful keyboard shortcuts in the Notes app and browsing features of the Safari app.

Since our first offering of the “Maximizing Your Mobile App Device” class in January 2011, registration has been full for nearly every session. In fact, we’ve had more than 200 patrons attend this class over the last two years.

Perhaps the most fun, though, is when we discuss how to download apps from the App Store. This is the perfect time to showcase the Overdrive app, which allows patrons to access our collection of free downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. We also have a Daniel Boone Regional Library app which allows patrons to search our catalog, place holds and renew their books.

When we first began “Maximizing Your Mobile Apple Device” we had a rather formal classroom set-up. Students would sit at computer stations facing the front of the room while the instructor lectured and provided demonstrations.

Now, we’ve reorganized the classroom into a “genius bar.”

Students sit at tables in a U-shape around the instructor. The only technology used is the Apple device that they bring with them. The atmosphere has changed from that of a formal classroom to a casual conversation among friends.

Brandy’s Advice for Those Looking to Offer Mobile Device Trainings

1

Detailed handouts with photos, diagrams and clear instructions are a requirement. This allows patrons to have guidance when exploring concepts in the classroom and at home.

2

Look to the digital natives in your organization to lead technology training. Those 30 years and under have a curious and dauntless spirit when it comes to learning how to navigate tablets, smartphones and eReaders.

3

Teach with patience. Remind students to be forgiving with themselves. Consistently offer words of encouragement, especially with those who seem frustrated and overwhelmed.

Due to the trend toward mobile computing and our staff member’s valuable word-of-mouth promotion, we don’t have to do much advertising. We promote our class in our quarterly program guide, quarterly schedule of computer classes and through occasional newspaper ads.

Technology training is a wonderful way to market your collection of computer guidebooks, online resources and other related library programs. They provide a safe environment for patrons to geek out and experiment with gadgets, thus promoting digital literacy among your entire community.

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Interviewing in the Library How To Maximize Your Time

W

hen you’re looking to fill an open position at your library, the process can definitely be time consuming. You want to take every measure possible to make sure the right candidate is hired, one that will enhance your current programs and services and fits in well with the rest of your staff.

But with so many demands on your time, how can you maximize your candidate-finding efforts?

The secret is in crafting a description that accurately portrays the job, asking the right questions of your candidates, and actively listening to what the candidate is and isn’t saying. Here is a mini lesson on how to attract more qualified candidates for your position.

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Creating the Job Description This is your position’s time to shine! When creating a job description for your library’s open position, be specific and relatable. Since a heavy component of this job will be customer service, using too much business-related language can be a turn off to applicants who count patron interaction as the most important element of a position they’re seeking.

Make the job sound even more appealing by listing the fun and creative aspects of the job in addition to the day-to-day tasks you’ll expect the new hire to complete. Also, specify your library’s goals, explain your mission, outline any qualifications you’d prefer and state whether you’d like candidates to submit a resume or CV.

Specify your library’s goals, explain your mission, outline any qualifications you’d prefer and state whether you’d like candidates to submit a resume or CV. Resumes are usually for business professions and range from one to two pages, where as a CV is reserved for academic professions and can be as long and detailed as needed.

Some Great Basic Questions To Ask:

• Based on what you know about the

position, what attracted you to apply for it?

• What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?

• What are three of your biggest

accomplishments or proudest moments?

• Tell me about a time when you had a work problem and how you went about solving it.

Some Hypothetical Scenarios To Ask The Candidate To Answer:

• What is your definition of public service attitude?

Asking Interview Questions CBSNews.com suggests starting off with an easy ice breaker about the weather, a recent holiday or even a neutral newsworthy topic to ease the candidate’s nerves and gain trust. By making the candidate feel at ease, he or she will relax and give more compelling information.

Follow up by asking some questions about the candidate’s previous position. You want to get a crystal clear picture of the candidate’s performance, skills and goals. Don’t be afraid to ask about both real and hypothetical scenarios.

While some are better at interviewing than others, pay attention to any recurring red flags, like always playing the hero or the victim.

• What would you do if you were unsure

of how to answer a reference question?

• Imagine you heard a staff member tell a patron an incorrect answer.

What would you do?

• Name two books you’ve read in the past month. Describe one of them as if you were recommending it to a patron.

Not sure what questions to ask your candidates?

Instruction and Reference Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Joe Hardenbrook’s website www.mrlibrarydude.wordpress.com has a whole list of commonly asked questions from libraries around the US. Hiringlibrarians.com is another excellent source for library interview information.

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Throw in a Surprise You may also want to throw a few surprise questions into your interview to see how your candidates think on their feet. A curveball question is designed to get your interviewee away from any memorized or well-rehearsed answers and will show how well the person can play along.

Pay attention to the candidate’s attitude, the way he or she approaches the problem or question and how easy or difficult it is to come up with an answer.

Trick Question Examples: What do you think is inside of a Mexican • Jumping Bean? ow many books would you guess are • Hinside this library? had the chance to be any hero • Iorf you heroine in literature, who would you pick and why? hy do people strive to climb • WMount Everest?

Give the Candidate Room to Talk You’ve asked all of your questions. Now, it’s time for the candidate to ask a few things of you. By asking the candidate if he or she has any questions, it helps show that your library encourages open dialog.

Things to remember as an interviewee Are you the one looking to take on a new position? If so, remember these tips!

3 Avoid

bridging. When you’re asked a question, the interviewer is looking for an answer to that specific point.

However, sometimes you may be tempted to briefly answer, but then move on to the point you really want to make. The problem with this is that the interviewer is most likely asking the same question to everyone who comes in for this position and comparing all of the candidates’ answers. If you don’t answer the question you’re asked properly, the interviewer could assume you either can’t or don’t want to give an answer.

3 Admit

when you don’t know something. Saying “I don’t know” in an interview may seem counterintuitive to getting the position. Yet, your interviewer may think more of you if you admit you’re unsure about something, rather than giving a poor or irrelevant answer.

3 Embellishing

even a little bit.

The competition for the position may be stiff, but enhancing your record can be dicey. With the Internet handy for fact checking, potential employers can easily find out about fibs, showing that you’re possibly untrustworthy and dishonest.

3 Be By asking the candidate if he or she has any questions, it helps show that your library encourages open dialog.

a little vague if criticizing.

If asked a question like “what you would like to change about the position?” or “how would you change the current way things are done?”, give a few examples but tread with caution.

Getting into great detail about what you need for the position when you haven’t yet received a job offer may be offensive to your interviewer.

3 You’re

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t Disne y Pict ures

© Wal

© Warner Bros.

If no questions are asked, it’s probable that he or she isn’t too interested in moving forward in the interview process.

On the flip side, if he or she brings up questions and answers that are intriguing, insightful and demonstrate their desire for the job, this person just may be the right fit for your library.

an expert at handling problems in your current position. The interviewer is interested in your various experiences, including recurring problems, challenges and failures. If your interviewer gets the impression that you’ve got an answer to every problem at your current library, he or she may start to wonder why you’re looking for a new position.

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Holiday Crafting With Books

Holiday Crafting With Books How to update your old books into clever holiday decorations.

D

o you have a stack of old books that are too old for the shelves and need a second life?

Try using them in your holiday crafting programs for a solution that de-clutters your space and adds the element of upcycling.

Book Ribbon Ornaments

Crafting Level:

Ea s y

Printed Pinecones

Crafting Level:

M ed i u m

What You Need: Old books, scissors, cardstock, spray adhesive, 1” craft punches, Styrofoam balls, craft glue, ribbon or jute, brown paint and a small cup

What You Need: Clear fillable ornaments, old books, scissors, a paper shredder, ribbon and glitter (optional)

Directions:

Directions: 1. T ear the pages from an old book. Cut off the blank margins.

2. Spray

two sheets of cardstock with adhesive.

1. Tear pages out of your old books and cut off the empty margins.

3. P unch circles from book page covered cardstock with 1” Craft Punch. You will need quite a few to cover each styrofoam.

2. Curl the book pages with scissors, much like you curl wrapping ribbon.

4. C over the cardstock with your book pages, pressing down as you apply. Cut off any overhang.

3. Stuff your book curls into the clear ornament at top.

You can also add a little bit of glitter in the ornament if you’d like.

5. S tarting at the pointed end of the Styrofoam® ball, put a spot of glue on the tip. Place a curled circle here.

(This is the bottom of the ornament.)

4. Replace the ornament’s top and tie with ribbon.

6. Glue

and layer circles around the first curled circle.

(Curl the circles).

7. C ontinue layering circles one row at a time. Overlap them as you continue around the ball. As you go up, curl the circles less.

8. When the ornament is almost covered, make a loop from the jute. Center and glue the loop to the top of the ball. This is your hanging loop.

9. Finish covering the ornament with the circles.

10. Antique

the ornament by brushing on and wiping off very diluted brown paint. Let dry.

Continued on the next page.

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Holiday Crafting With Books

11. Glue and wrap as you go the very top 2”–3” of the ornament with jute.

Desktop Book Tree

12. Finish by tying a bow using the red jute ribbon at the bottom of the hanging loop.

Crafting Level:

TIP:

Coat Styrofoam® ball with gesso and let dry before hot gluing elements.

Tricky

What You Need: Old books, Exacto knife, dry adhesive, glitter and craft glue

Directions: 1. G rab some old books and remove their covers.

2. C ount out 30 pages of your book. It may help for you to use the page numbers.

3. U se your knife to slice down the spine where you’ve partitioned off your 30 pages.

4. Repeat steps two and three.

Now, you should have two sets of 30 pages each.

5. Take one of your sets and lie it flat on the table so that the spine is facing left. Grab the top right corner and fold it down so that the edge of the corner is touching the spine. Just like folding a paper airplane, make sure the edges are flush with the book’s remaining spine.

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Holiday Crafting With Books

6. Continue to do this until all pages are folded.

Want More Holiday Upcycling Ideas?

7. Take the other set of 30 pages and flip it so that the spine is on the right. Repeat the folding steps.

• Old jars and tiny toys can 8. Hold the book and brush glue on the edges with the folds.

easily be turning into winter wonder land snow globes with Martha Stweart’s snow globe tutorial on www.marthastewart.com.

9. Dip in glitter and shake off the excess. Gently separate the pages so the glue doesn’t adhere the pages together.

• Felt, pinecones

and even old fabric swatches can be combined to create one of a kind wreaths. www.countryliving.com

10. Lay the pages down and liberally apply dry adhesive to the front and the last page.

• Find new ways to 11. Press the two edges of each set together lining up the edges. Open the pages and curl around until you can do the same to both sides.

display all of your holiday cards with ideas from www.bhg.com/ christmas/crafts/ christmas-cardprojects/

12. Sit up and let it dry.

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international games day

International Games Day: By the Numbers A look at the success of last year’s International Games Day

C

elebrate this year’s International Games Day on November 16, 2013, with tons of games, friends and fun.

Choose to feature a mix of traditional board game favorites like Sorry and Monopoly, current best sellers like Apples to Apples or Who Knew, skill games like Boggle or Jenga, or even computer and video games!

Simply fill out the registration form before November 15th to have your library’s location listed on the international map of participating locations. Here’s a look at how libraries celebrated last year.

International Games Day is now permanently scheduled for the

3rd Saturday in November Currently, there are

0

public institutions dedicated to supporting the playing of games

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Brought to you by:

“I had several new teens attend the program and many of them did not know anyone else. By the end of four hilarious rounds of Apples to Apples, I gained a new member to our Teen Advisory Board and a couple new members to our book club.”

– Briggs Lawrence County Library in Grand Prairie, TX

International Games Day was first created in

2008

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international games day

“One of the best results of the program was that we had a lot of community and relationship building happen because the staff got to spend more one-onone time with families and because children who previously didn’t know each other got to interact with each other while playing games.”

– Crooked Lake Branch Library in Coon Rapids, MN

Last year, there was at least one library participating from

ALL 50 U.S. STATES Each year, there are two international tournaments featuring

Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart.

This year’s deadline to register for these video game tournaments is September 30.

In 2012,

1,281

libraries registered for National Gaming Day –

17,152

participants spent the day playing games in libraries all over the world

“One teen said to me while attending our program, ‘Thank you for doing this for us, if you didn’t have this program, I wouldn’t have anything to do today but sit and watch TV.’”

Why add gaming as a part of your library?

Games have been around for centuries and every culture has its own favorite games.

Your library already supports music, movies and other forms of culture, so why not add gaming to the list of timeless activities that are always evolving?

Games remove barriers, promote sharing, socialization and connection across all ages, genders, ethnicities and demographics.

Games vary vastly from one form to another. They can be serious, fun, simple, complex and so much more.

Games teach about systems, which relate to all facets of life from educational learning to living in a community with rules.

– Allen Parish Libraries in Oberlin, LA

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Programming For a Happy Halloween

Programming For a Happy Halloween This October, celebrate the spirit of Halloween at your library with creative programming ideas that appeal to all ages.

“It’s Alive — Books Come to Life”

“Carve Out Time to Read”

Activity Type: Story Hour Age Group: All ages

Activity Type: Carving Contest Age Group: Teens to adults

This event lets the entire family celebrate, without being too scary. Invite your staff, library groups and volunteers to dress up like a story book character and come to life when the library’s lights go out. Borrow stage lights from a local theater, turn out the library lights and pop some popcorn for your patrons. Begin the evening by taking patrons on a special tour of the library that lets them meet characters along the way. You can even create a faux campfire setup to feature tales from several

Invite patrons to bring their own pumpkins in for a special reading-themed carving contest, while you provide the carving tools and the patterns. Download free pumpkin patterns from www.pumpkinpile. com or invite attendees to come up with their own carvings. Create multiple categories for the entries to be judged upon like “most creative,” “scariest,” “most book-worthy” and more, while playing a Halloween movie m PumpkinPi le. co or music in the background.

characters, adding their own spin to the book’s original tale. Use leftover freebies from summer reading and party favors from Oriental Trading Company to give each participant a bag of tricks and treats to take home.

Challenge Level

rn - Tr aditio nal with the Jac k O’ Lante the smallest black areas first, and finishctions

e.com/instru ctions: Carve visit: PumpkinPil Carvi ng Instru inPile.c om tips on carving, Copyri ght © Pumpk largest. For more t owners

All characters

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respectful copyrigh ® and © of their and names are

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Programming For a Happy Halloween

“Trunk or Treat” Activity Type: Informational Candy Bonanza Age Group: Children

© Warner Bros.

© 2013 Disney/Pix

ar

Host a safer alternative to trick or treating for the kids in your community.

In your parking lot, invite trick-or-treaters to dress up and collect candy from patrons who hand out treats from the trunks of their vehicles. Ask the patrons who are interested in passing out candy to arrive an hour early to park and get situated, and encourage them to dress up as well! This is also a great event to pass out information about your latest programs and services.

After candy is collected, screen your own scary movie marathon with titles like Monsters Inc., Harry Potter, Casper and Monster House.

“Ghost Hunting with the Pros” Activity Type: Lecture from a professional ghost hunter with a ghost hunt Age Group: Adults Ask a local ghost hunting historian, club or expert to speak on his or her experiences with the paranormal, including any investigations done with voice recordings, pictures or other forms of evidence. Encourage the speaker to talk about various types of paranormal activity, places paranormal activity has been spotted in the community and the different tools used to track spirits. Other great topics include how his or her personal fascination with ghosts started and what a patron should do if in the presence of a ghost. Cap off the evening with showing a ghost-themed movie like Paranormal Activity 4, Thirteen Ghosts, Ghostbusters or The Blair Witch Project.

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Creepy Cool Displays

by Rachel Moani • Created for the Lacey Branch of the Timberland Regional Library

by School • Created Librarian Heath Stapleton

by Gabrielle • Created Karsai, Library Assistant at Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta

by Rebecca Owen • Created for the Hopkinsville/ Christian County Library

Costumes From Your Favorite Pages!

• Twilight Book Cover Costume

• 50 Shades of Grey • Amelia Bedelia Series • Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus

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blackout poetry

Now Trending: Blackout Poetry Learn how to create the hottest new poetry trend in your library

I

t all started with a frustrated artist, a few newspapers and a black permanent marker. Artist Auston Kleon is proudly responsible for the origin of blackout poetry, an interesting new art form that involves crossing out unnecessary words in newspaper articles to create new messages. His work has been called “brilliant” by New York Magazine and referred to as “the resurrection of newspaper when everyone else is calling it dead” by The New Yorker.

Blackout poetry’s beauty lies in taking the message of an article and cutting through the word clutter to create a completely new message. Usually, only a few words are left unmarked to create a short, yet poignant sentence or phrase about the author’s own black out poetry title. The creator can even add an additional artistic element by blacking out words using designs or drawings.

This activity is perfect for libraries with small budgets because it doesn’t require many materials. Newspaper articles, old book pages or magazine spreads are all

acceptable text for creating blackout poems. Plus, creating a poem is simple. First, the creator goes through the text and circles which words he or she wants to use is the poem.

Then, a black permanent marker is used to color in or mark up the rest of the words on the page. Only the words left visible are the ones that make up the poem.

Black out poetry is an interesting new art form that involves crossing out unnecessary words in newspaper articles to create new messages.

Creator Kleon claims, “The blackout process can be tricky – often, the more I try to intentionally “do” something with it, the less spectacular the results. Like most poetry and art,

Austin Kleon – www.austinkleon.com

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blackout poetry

Kevin Harrell – www.blackoutpoetry.net

the blackouts aren’t really editorials either. So much of what they say is what the reader brings to them, or what title or captions they’re given, or what content they’re put in.”

“The blackout process can be tricky – often, the more I try to intentionally ‘do’ something with it, the less spectacular the results … So much of what they say is what the reader brings to them, or what title or captions they’re given, or what content they’re put in.”

However, setting a time limit, throwing out articles that don’t inspire you and even not reading the whole article before you start choosing the words you want to use are a few of the tips used by blackout creative destruction poet and die-hard fan Kevin Harrell. Harrell also urges creators to look at the words as raw material and search different parts of the article for words that you can turn into something completely different that the article’s original point. “Basically, you’re making fiction out of non-fiction,” he states on his website www.blackoutpoetry.net.

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www. hphololol.wordpress.com

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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

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© Miramax Films

© NBC Universal

Ella Enchanted Based on Ella Enchanted

By Gail Carson Levine; Rated PG

Warm Bodies Based on Warm Bodies

By Isacc Marion; Rated PG-13

© NBC Universal

© Summit Entertainment

Beautiful Creatures Based on Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia; Rated PG-13

Nanny McPhee Based on The Nurse Matilda Series

By Christianna Brand; Rated PG

© Warner Bros.

children

Hoot Based on Hoot

By Carl Hiaasen; Rated PG

young adults

© New Line Cinema

and offers a chance to discuss similarities and differences between the two.

The Borrowers Based on The Borrowers

By Mary Norton; Rated PG

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Based on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

By J.K. Rowling; Rated PG-13

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© Walt Disney Pictures

The Exorcist Based on The Exorcist

By William Peter Blatty; Rated R

© Miramax Films

Gangster Squad Based on Gangster Squad

By Paul Leiberman; Rated R

© Warner Bros.

© Warner Bros.

© Focus Features

Admission Based on Admission

By Jean Hanff Korelitz; Rated PG-13

© Warner Bros.

coming attractions

adults

book - to - movie

The Others Based on The Turn of the Screw

By Henry James; Rated PG-13

This year marks the 40th year since The Exorcist made its silver screen debut.

Frankenweenie Based on Frankenstein

By Mary Shelley; Rated PG

These movies will be available for spring programming!

For more information, programming ideas and to view additional ideas for your book-to-movie club, visit www.movlic.com/library

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community

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.

Janet Carlson Calvert Library Franklin, Connecticut

san juan capistrano Library San Juan Capistrano, California

Christina Schulz – Director

Mary D. – President of the SJC Friends of the Library

Number of Cardholders? 1,963

Number of Cardholders? 794,191

Number of Books in Circulation? 1,125

Number of Books in Circulation? 124,224

What was your library’s best program or event?

The Connecticut Authors Trail is an event for residents to meet local authors at 18 area Eastern Connecticut libraries this summer. This year marked the fifth annual trail. We have sponsored over 100 authors in the past five years.

What was your library’s best program or event?

We love all forms of the arts here, including our monthly film programs, our gallery where we display local artists’ work, the Multicultural Arts Series and its summer concerts, the reading programs, writers and book clubs, arts and crafts, Knit-Lit and other wonderful adult and children’s programs.

What books are you reading right now? We had three distinct book clubs this summer. The books we read were: The Petsitters Society: Jilly the Kid and The Kid in the Red Jacket for beginner readers; Swindle and Because of Mr. Terupt for the junior readers; and Fault of our Stars and The Giver for teens. Our book club will be reading Gone Girl next.

How does your library create community?

We offer programs for all ages at the library but we also go out into the community with some of our programs.

We partner with elementary schools having after school book clubs, participate at the Read-In and special book events. We bring story hour to the local daycare so the children who cannot come to the library still can participate. We have a book club at the senior housing development for those who cannot easily come to the library and deliver about 100 books a month so they can use the library resources. These are just a few of our many examples.

www.calvertlibrary.org

What books are you reading right now? I usually have 3-4 books going at any given time. I’m reading Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield by Jeremy Scahill, the author of Blackwater, an expose on the lucrative world of privatized warfare. I also recently read Farewell to Manzanar

by Wakatsuki Houston and What, No Sushi? by Alana Terry as a result of our library hosting a provocative and highly informative program on Japanese Internment camps in California during World War II. How does your library create community? At our library, the staff know the patrons and they engage with each other. We create programs and collections that reflect the needs of the people here.

Our programs are not just meant to educate or entertain – they are also meant to bring people together and build relationships.

http://ocpl.org/libloc/sjc/

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entertainment

FUN, ga mes & c ntests Take a break, relax and add a little more fun to your day with these games, puzzles and contests. For more activities like these, log onto www.movlic.com and click the Check It Out Magazine link.

Guess the Stars’ Favorite Reads!

Can you match the movie star with their favorite book with the help of the clues below?

1. George Clooney As seen In: Burn After Reading, The Ides of March, O Brother Where Art Thou This Hollywood heartthrob prefers the old Russian classics, including this important piece of world literature.

Favorite Book: ____________________________

2. Anne Hathaway As seen In: Becoming Jane, Get Smart, Les Miserables This actress’s favorite book proves that you’re never too old to appreciate fresh flowers or stories about them.

Favorite Book: ____________________________

3. Megan Fox As seen In: Jonah Hex, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People This action star also likes the read about chases, mysteries and crime sprees when she’s not on screen.

Favorite Book: ____________________________

4. Natalie Portman As seen In: V for Vendetta, Cold Mountain, The Other Boleyn Girl This actress once starred in a play of the same name, detailing the life of a child hidden from the dangers of an epic war.

Favorite Book: ____________________________

5. Nicole Kidman As seen In: Bewitched, The Golden Compass, Rabbit Hole Even though Kidman once starred in the first film in an anti-religious movie series, her favorite books are still these classic children’s books.

Favorite Book: ____________________________

6. Alec Baldwin As seen In: It’s Complicated, Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, The Aviator This TV and movie star still loves this classic tale of race relations in the south and a young girl’s childhood curiosity about a neighbor.

Favorite Book: ____________________________ Answers: 1. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy 2. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 3. Kiss the Girls by James Patterson 4. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank 5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis 6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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© Warner Bros.

A Division of Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. • Tim Swank, Chairman

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