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The Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE) is one of seven regional multitype library systems established to meet the needs of and share the resources of all types of libraries. We love libraries, and are here to support them!
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The Great Stories CLUB for Teens

Connect troubled teens with the power of reading with a Great Stories CLUB reading and discussion series!

  The ALA Public Programs Office and YALSA are now accepting online applications through November 2 for the next round of Great Stories CLUB grants at www.ala.org/greatstories <http://www.ala.org/greatstories> .

Funding was provided for this program by Oprah’s Angel Network. 

 The Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and

Books) is a book club program designed to reach underserved, troubled teen populations through books that are relevant to their lives. All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special) located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens in the United States and its territories are eligible to apply.  Potential organizations for Great Stories CLUB partnership include juvenile justice facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, alternative high schools, agencies serving teenaged foster children, shelters serving homeless and runaway youth and other agencies.

 More information about this exciting opportunity at the ASCLA blog:

 http://ascla.ala.org/blog/2009/09/02/greatstoriesclub09-applicationsopen

Please share this e-mail and blog post with other individuals, groups or organizations you know who may be interested.

School Media Specialist

Target Grants for Schools

Target, the retail firm, makes school library grants through its Community Outreach Programs. Access Community Outreach information here.

The June Streaming News had an article about Target’s School Library Makeovers, which provides more extensive assistance. The company program, in partnership with The Heart of America Foundation®, refurbishes elementary school libraries, improves their equipment, including new technology, shelving, carpet and paint, and provides volunteer time. Additionally, each library media center receives 2,000 new books and each student receives seven books to begin a home library. President Ann M. Martin, on behalf of American Association of School Librarians, awarded Target the because of its Target School Library Makeovers program.

Public, School Media Specialist

Ultimate Teen Bookshelf

Looking for quick help in collection development?

The Young Adult Library Services Association of the American Library Association (ALA) has created The Ultimate Teen Bookshelf. Developed in conjunction with the United We Serve initiative, the Ultimate Teen Bookshelf list, comprising 50 books, five magazines and five audio books, can be found at www.ala.org/teenbookshelf.

The full YALSA news release is at http://tiny.cc/tdUs6 or http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/june2009/bookshelf_yalsa.cfm

Check this out:, Public, School Media Specialist

CPSC Issues Rule Regarding Lead Standards; More Guidance To Come for Libraries

 As the American Library Association (ALA) has emphasized since first enactment of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), concern for children’s safety is our first priority in providing materials to young patrons.  On August 26, 2009, the CPSC’s final rule on children’s products containing lead was released.  In the rule, CPSC confirmed that libraries have no independent obligation to test library books for lead under the law.  CPSC also announced its intention to release a Statement of Policy specifically providing guidance for libraries with regard to the treatment of older children’s books that could potentially contain lead.  According to our conversations with CPSC officials, that Statement of Policy should be released within the next several weeks. 

 While we await the Statement of Policy, ALA recommends that libraries take the following actions.  If a library is aware that any children’s book does indeed contain lead above the legal limits or otherwise presents a danger to children, it should remove it from public access, for instance by moving it to the non-circulating collection.  We would also ask that if libraries do learn of any books containing lead to please let the ALA – Washington Office know so that we might  share that information with other libraries.  When the Statement of Policy is released, we will promptly notify our members.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jessica McGilvray, Assistant Director of the ALA Office of Government Relations at jmcgilvray@alwash.org or 1-800-941-8478.

 Jessica McGilvray,Assistant Director

American Library Association

Washington Office – Office of Government Relations

1615 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., 1st Floor

Washington, D.C. 20009-2520

 

phone: 202-628-8410

fax: 202-628-8419