All posts by Angie

Books

We Heart MN: Cheerful Books for Fall

In this series, we’ll pick some of our favorite things about Minnesota and share some related book suggestions. (We’re open to your suggestions! Comment below or email us and tell us some of your favorite MN things!) 

One of the best things about living in Minnesota is that we get to enjoy all four seasons. And right now I am loving that my drive into work is becoming more and more colorful every day! Green is transforming into orange, red, and yellow so we thought it’d be fitting to read some cheerful books that take place in the season of autumn.

Squashed by Joan Bauer “Humor, agriculture and young love all come together in Joan Bauer’s first novel, set in rural Iowa. Sixteen-year-old Ellie Morgan’s life would be almost perfect if she could just get her potentially prize-winning pumpkin to put on about 200 more pounds…”

 

 

Now I haven’t read this yet so I’m not sure it technically takes place during autumn. However, the main character’s name is September and it sounds like a fun adventure! The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by by Catherynne M. Valente
“Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.”

 Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert “Lois Ehlert uses watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative and rich introduction to the life of a tree. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, and other facts about trees.”

 

Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington “Elise Jacobs is ready for a change. Recently divorced, she relocates to her hometown of Landover, Maine to operate a bed and breakfast she inherited from her grandmother. After growing up with the fondest memories of her childhood being spent there, she relishes the chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to revive the inn. As summer gives way to Autumn, the inn is returning to its’ grandeur. A handsome guest sets out to challenge Elise at every turn. She knows the type…or does she? “

Programs

Exciting Author Events! Moving Words: Writers Across MN coming to Upsala and more!

As library and book people, we are definitely looking forward to this exciting series of events! An evening spent discussing books and writing with award-winning Minnesotan writers? (for FREE?) Count us in!

“Moving Words is a program of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library as the Library of Congress-designated Minnesota Center for the Book.”

This program is bringing four Minnesota Book Award-winning authors to the Upsala Public Library on December 5th from 6:30-8pm for a discussion of the “impact of literature in their lives, their connection as fellow Minnesotans, and the lens through which we read.”

The four authors coming to Upsala are: Andrew DeYoung, David Housewright, Andrea Swensson, and Kao Kalia Yang.
This program actually is holding events across the state of Minnesota, so check out the event calendar to see if there is one near you!

CMLE, Programs

A Delightful and Tasty Tea Event

Last weekend, CMLE members came together to celebrate libraries! We met at the Mad Hatter Tea House in Anoka and were immediately charmed by the house and the grounds.

Leading up to the entrance were these informative signs that told us all about the history of the Woodbury House and how it came to be the tea house it is today!

Look how inviting the entrance is! Colorful and happily decorated for fall!

The dining room where we sat made me want to completely redecorate my living room. The Alice in Wonderland theme was incorporated in a subdued way that gave the room a classy yet comfortable feeling. We made our introductions and happily got down to a library discussion while waiting for our first tea selections to arrive.

Many of the members who came to tea are true tea aficionados. I am not, but definitely enjoy the beverage. However, this tea service made me want to drink tea (especially from gorgeous china) all day, every day!

And then the food arrived!

Yes, it was even better than it looks. Scones, savory sandwiches with various types of cheeses, and decadent desserts were heartily enjoyed by all.

We had a fabulous time at the Mad Hatter! It was great to see both old and new faces and enjoy some library conversation.

If you didn’t make it but want to meet some other people in the CMLE library world, mark your calendars for Tuesday December 18th! Our next Library Advocacy Postcard Party will take place at the Local Blend in St. Joe from 3pm – 5pm. It won’t be quite as fancy as this event but we’re still looking forward to it, and to seeing you there!

 

 

School Media Specialist, Tech

AASL Recommended Apps: Goosechase

In June, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) announced their Best Apps for Teaching and Learning 2018. The apps encourage qualities such as creativity and collaboration, and encourage discovery and curiosity.

The app GooseChase mixes scavenger hunts and mobile tech in order to create fun learning activities. “In minutes, GooseChase lets you create and facilitate a customized scavenger hunt. Create a game on the GooseChase website and add missions from the mission list or make your own missions. Students use the app to join your game and submit clues.” Plus, the Goose Chase website offers a free game library just for teachers. 

Platform: iOS, Android
Grades: Elementary+ Cost:
FREE: (recreational account)

Check out this review of the app from Common Sense Education.org which says the app is “highly engaging and encourages collaboration.” This post from Adventures in Ed Tech gives detailed instructions on using the app as well as some helpful tips. 

Watch this video to learn how GooseChase works!

Advocacy

Report from CMLE Library Advocacy Postcard Party!

Having support for libraries is so important. It keeps us funded, staffed, and able to provide amazing programs and materials to our patrons, students, and communities!

That’s why we hold Library Advocacy Postcard Parties: to spread the word to school boards, city councils, principals, legislators, and other stakeholders about why libraries are so valuable!

Did you miss our event but still want to speak up for your library? Check out our series Advocacy Alchemy for ideas on how to do so! Otherwise feel free to tweet, share, post, or email these facts (seriously, it’s that easy):

  • 21 state studies confirm school librarians support student achievement
  • School librarians provide 21st century
    professional development to their teaching
    colleagues
  • Find more facts about school libraries here.
  • Public libraries in MN return over $4 in value to their communities for every $1 in tax money invested in them. They are involved in a huge variety of community service:  serving lunch all summer to low-income kids, Daddy and Me Storytime for early literacy skills, training in writing resumes and using a computer to apply for jobs, checking out ties for job interviews, and so much more!
  • Hospital libraries provide doctors, nurses, and patients with vital, up-to-date medical information on any condition
  • Academic libraries provide programming to help first-generation college students learn about college life, reducing the chances they will drop out
And don’t worry, we’ll be having another Postcard Party on December 18th from 3-5pm at the Local Blend in St. Joe 🙂