The Library Connection
The Monthly Newsletter of the Eastern
Shores Library System
www.esls.lib.wi.us
See the Library Media & PR website for other free graphics for your Library's website,
Volume 26 Number 3 March 2006
Click here for the Winter 2006 Bookmobile Schedule
ESLS Libraries Receive Grant
The Oostburg Public Library and the Mead Public Library in Sheboygan have received the We the People Bookshelf grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities for 2006. This program encourages young people to read classic books and explore themes in American history, culture, and ideas. The libraries will receive fifteen thematically related books which embody the theme of "Becoming American." The books on the bookshelf are for those in kindergarten through grade 12.
Trix Tahtinen, Library Director/Children's Librarian plans to use the materials to do some children's programming for the Fourth of July holiday. Karin Menzer, Youth Services Manager at Mead reports that they will promote the books through displays and programs.
Youth Librarians Meet with Homeschoolers
The March grassroots meeting of the youth services staff from Eastern Shores libraries included a presentation by two parents who have been homeschooling for many years. The parents and the library staff members shared ideas about how libraries can better serve this segment of the population. One suggestion was that the libraries keep an information binder at the desk with bibliographies, lists of sources of materials, and local contact information for those who are considering homeschooling and who look to the library as a source of information. Also, it was suggested that the libraries request catalogs from publishers who publish curriculum materials for homeschooling.
Librarians reported that homeschoolers sometimes come into the library and ask to see a collection of books by a specific publisher. For example: "Where do you keep your Usborne books?" Since libraries shelve their materials by author or subject matter, this can be a frustrating and time-consuming search. The homeschoolers suggested that the librarian could give the customer a publisher's catalog and then they could select specific titles that can be searched by author or title.
Also, when publicizing programs, be sure to contact any local homeschooling groups so they can add the information to newsletters or lists that they maintain.
The Oscar Grady Public Library in Saukville houses a collection of homeschool curriculum materials. The Ozaukee Homeschool Organization purchased shelving and members of the group donated materials. Individuals sign out items using an honor system.
The book Homeschooling in Wisconsin: At Home With Learning by the Wisconsin Parents Association (WPA) was mentioned as a valuable resource. The WPA's annual conference and curriculum fair at UW - Stevens Point on May 5-6, 2006 is an event that libraries can suggest to those who are looking for information. Posters can be downloaded from http://www.homeschooling-wpa.org/conference/pdf/WPAPoster2006.pdf
Plymouth Library to Fill Wish List
Staff at the Plymouth Public Library have decided to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month during April by accepting donations for a domestic abuse shelter. Safe Harbor, located in Sheboygan, has a "wish list" of items they need to assist those who need their services. Customers can have their fines or lost book charges forgiven when they bring in items from this list to the library. The library will have the wish list available at the circulation desks.
Websites about Child Abuse Prevention:
http://www.preventchildabusewi.org/packet/page1new.htm (the Wisconsin site)
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/learn_more/cap_index.html
http://nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/topics/prevention/index.cfm
Children's
Librarians Corner
Sensory Integration Dysfunction
Judy Jones, U.S.S. Liberty Memorial Public Library, Grafton
In the manual, Early Learning Initiative for Wisconsin Public Libraries, written by Barbara Huntington, librarians are encouraged to continually learn more about infants and early learning. Recently a young mother was looking for information about a term with which I was unfamiliar, Sensory Integration Dysfunction. I would like to share with you information about this disorder.
Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SI) is when someone is not able to process sensory input efficiently. They can often be overwhelmed easily by even the mildest of sensory exposure or just the opposite, they may need a lot of input to process sensory information. SI is often first noticed in children in the early years, but some cases may not be recognized until the child enters school. SI is often found in children with autism, but is also found separate from autism or any other conditions. A child with SI may not like being held or touched, or may seem bothered by certain types of clothing. The child may avoid getting hands dirty, avoid walking bare foot on the grass/carpet, and may be over or under reactive to light or sound. On the other hand, children who need more input may show SI symptoms of repeatedly spinning in circles or banging their head. The mouth, hands, and feet are the most sensitive areas that will often show issues first.
Some activities that may be recommended to families (depending on that child’s individual situation) are messy playing (finger paints, playing with whipped cream, ect.), body brushing, massage, or looking for an object in a box of beans or sand. A child may walk with one shoe on, one shoe off to make them more aware of movement and to get another sensation. A number of children with SI have food aversions, so using a vibrating teether or spinning toothbrush may be recommended to make the child more aware of their mouth muscles. Music is also an excellent tool to help strengthen motor development and multi-sensory movement.
If a family feels that their child may have SI, they should be evaluated by an occupational therapist to determine if there is a problem and to receive ongoing therapy if needed. Local Birth to Three Programs or local school districts can provide these evaluations for the family.
After learning more about Sensory Integration Dysfunction, I purchased some new materials for the library. Here is a list of materials, old and new, that would be helpful for families, caregivers and educators of children with SI.
The sensory-sensitive child by Karen Smith
Jump-Start Action Songs with Ronno (CD/Cassette)
The Out of Sync Child and The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction both by Carol Stock Kranowitz
Raising a Sensory Smart Child by Lindsey Biel and Nancy Peske
Songames for Sensory Integration CD/Book
Here are a few websites with information about Sensory Integration Dysfunction, www.sensoryint.com/faq.html
The Early Learning Initiative for Wisconsin Public Libraries manual is also an excellent library resource to promote programs and story times for children during the important learning years from birth to three. The manual incorporates information about age appropriate games, songs, and stories to enhance learning during library programs.
List Of Children's Performers Working With Animals
This summer many public libraries will be looking for performers who work with live animals to do programs for the "Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales" pet theme for young children, and wild animal presenters for the teen theme, "Creature Feature." A list from the Wisconsin Children's Performer Directory of performers who work with animals is included here to help librarians with finding potential presenters. In addition, local 4-H Clubs, Humane Societies and other animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitators may be a good source for presentations on animals.
Following is a list of performers and presenters who work with live animals. A description of the performance, as well as the contact information for these performers is included in the Wisconsin Children's Performer Directory at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/performers.html
Camp, Bill - "America's Best Frisbee Dogs
DNR Wildlife Presenters - A list of DNR wildlife biologists and technologists who may be available to do free programs in public libraries this summer is available on the DLTCL web page at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/slp-dnr.html. Some of them may bring wild animals with them.
Feuerstein, Stephanie - "Nature's Guide
Gerholdt, James - "Remarkable Reptiles
James, Robert - "Animal Encounters
Jocham, Jay - Wildlife Painter.
Kessenich, Tom - "Snakes Alive."
Korb, Randy - "Wisconsin Frogs and Butterflies."
Poter, Bill - Wildlife Trainer and Photographer.
Rothacker, Alex - "Popeye and Swee'Pea."
Stone, Ed - "Wisconsin Reptile Show."
Tarr, Bryant - Falcons and Hawks.
Tlachac, Dennis - "Nature's Niche."
Public Records Board Approves Retention Schedule For Public Libraries And Systems
On February 27, 2006, the Wisconsin Public Records Board approved a comprehensive records retention schedule that may be adopted and used by public libraries and public library systems in Wisconsin. The new general schedule provides the timeframe for the disposal of records that are no longer required for administrative, financial, or legal purposes. Adopting the schedule will also enable the library to dispose of designated records without prior approval by the Wisconsin Historical Society.
In order for a public library or library system to utilize the schedule and dispose of public records, the library or library system board must formally adopt the Records Retention Schedule and notify the State Historical Society and the Wisconsin Public Records Board. To facilitate this process, a Notification of Adoption form was developed and was also approved by the Public Records Board.
The final schedule, the adoption form, and information on the process are now available on the DPI web site at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/retensch.html
New Magazine - Quince Girl
As a young Hispanic girl turns 15, she typically celebrates a coming-of-age ceremony--her quinceañera. The event often incorporates a religious ceremony with a wedding reception-style party afterward. Typically, the girls dress as elaborately as brides. EasiCat lists several books, both fiction and non-fiction in English and Spanish, on this subject. A new annual magazine - Quince Girl - debuted earlier this month. The publisher says it is the first and only national magazine for young women and their mothers approaching and planning a quinceañera.
The website has more information about this publication: http://www.quincegirl.com/
Slides Still the Best
(from the April 2006 issue of Bi-Folkal Times)
When Bi-Folkal began producing reminiscence programs in 1976, slides were the undisputed best medium for group programs (large, bright, clear, sharp, involving). Since then VHS video has boomed and is busting. Now we have DVDs (but more TVs than DVD projectors for group programs). Kodak gave up on making money with slides when they quit producing projectors in June of 2004. But Kodak will continue to support slide projectors for another five years, and slide projectors are being sold at cheap prices every day on ebay. Now is the time to use slides to prompt and preserve memories. Slides are still large, bright, clear, sharp and involving--slides are the best!
Wisconsin Spots for Tots
A new website is expected to be launched this spring. Wisconsin Spots for Tots is an online guide of fun, age appropriate events, activities and attractions in Wisconsin for families with babies and toddlers. All organizations (including libraries) are invited to submit information about upcoming activities. The submission form is based on a survey of Wisconsin parents, who were asked what information they wanted to know before making a decision as to whether or not to attend the program, event, or attraction. Visit the site at www.wispotsfortots.com/index.html
Advertising Your Book Sale
The Book Sale Finder - The Online Guide to Used Book Sales (www.booksalefinder.com) offers free listing for traditional used book sales run by charitable organizations. This includes Library Friends groups. In addition, the site includes paid advertising for book stores (traditional and online) and books wanted. There are also ads for resources for book sellers.
Preliminary 2007 LSTA Grant Categories
LSTA Advisory Committee at its meeting on April 11-12, 2006 will be considering ideas and proposals for the 2007 budget and categories. The DPI website had a list of these categories, including who is eligible to apply, the purpose, and the estimated total expenditures for each category. See the preliminary information at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/lstaprelim07.html
As a part of the LSTA Advisory Committee meeting, there will be a public hearing on Tuesday, April 11, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interested persons may attend the hearing and offer comments and suggestions on the LSTA program for 2007. Persons unable to attend the public hearing may submit written comments to Peg Branson by letter (P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841), fax (608/266-2529), or email (peg.branson@dpi.state.wi.us). Testimony should arrive by April 10 for inclusion in the hearing.
NetLibrary Use Increases
Wisconsin library customers are continuing to use the resources available through NetLibrary. The 2005 statistics showed 32,598 accesses during the year--up 11% from the previous year. The 2004 accesses were up 15.9% from 2003. The Business books continue to the be most popular, followed by Computer Science; Medicine/Health/Wellness; and Literature. Statistics are available on the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium website: http://www.wplc.info/statistics/
OCLC's Top 1,000 Titles
The OCLC website contains the "Top 1000" titles owned by OCLC member libraries—the intellectual works that have been judged to be worth owning by the "purchase vote" of libraries around the globe.
At the top of the list: the Bible, with 796,882 holdings and 93,567 bibliographic records. In second place is the Census, followed by Mother Goose, Alighieri's Divine Comedy, and Homer's Odyssey. Garfield ranks 15th and Peanuts comes in at 69th. View the complete list at www.oclc.org/research/top1000/complete.htm
Free Art Books
from Steppingstones - February 2006 (Southwest Wisconsin Library System)
If you are looking for titles to fill in the gaps in your art collection, you might try the Distributed to Underserved Community Library Program. Their mission is to make information about contemporary art and cultural issues available to people of all income levels in all geographic locations through their local libraries. They do this by offering books free of charge to public libraries, school, and alternative libraries in rural and inner-city areas. There are also no shipping or handling charges. All a library has to do is add them to your collection and make them available to your customers.
Their website www.ducprogram.org/index.html explains how to order the books. In addition to books, they offer educational guides, posters, videos, CDs, DVDs and interactive materials about contemporary art, architecture, art history, and cultural issues from museums, publishers, and individual artists and writers from all over the world.
