Category Archives: General

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A Waterfall of Recycled Books in Spain!

Casa de America, Madrid
Casa de America, Madrid Photo by Cubeme

Linares Palace is in a privileged location in Madrid. Its façades are juxaposed to the Plaza de Cibeles Square, Recoletos Avenue and Alcalá Street. The building was constructed in 1873, by order of the Marquis of Linares. It is now home to the Casa de América, and its rooms serve as a venue for a range of cultural activities.

Last year, Spanish artist Alicia Martin created a unique sculpture incorporating recycled books. Marin’s eye-catching work features a cascade of more than 5,000 books falling from the second floor window and continue to spill onto the street below. This creative book sculpture looks like a waterfall frozen in time.

Just for fun, take a moment to peruse other work by this artists.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Grant Writing Tips!

Some rights reserved by Aaron Patterson
Some rights reserved by Aaron Patterson

Like many industries, libraries look to grant writing to secure additional funds to grow their existing collections and/or enhance programming.

The CMLE website lists a series of grants available throughout the year specifically for libraries. You can find important details about the terms and conditions of each grant along with a contact name in case you have additional questions. In the upper right corner, click on the button to suggest a grant or share your grant writing experiences with our members.  Also, for those who are new to the grant writing field, Scholastic lists 10 tips for you to consider when writing your next grant. Click here to learn more.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Teaching Children About $

Some rights reserved by Kenteegardin
Some rights reserved by Kenteegardin

During National Financial Literacy Month this April, it is the perfect time for parents to begin talking to their children about finances and the value of making good choices.  One excellent way to teach children about money is by reading books that instill these messages through storytelling.

As a resource for your library, click here for a list of books by MoneyAndStuff.info you can recommend to patrons of all ages. Also, to encourage libraries to promote financial literacy, the University of Minnesota Extension offers a free webinar (available anytime), titled, “Promote Financial Literacy Month @ Your Library.”

According to Kristen Mastel,  Outreach & Instruction Librarian and Minnesota Library Association President 2013, “Reading young children stories with financial concepts and discussing money matters can help children learn about money and become responsible money managers.  Reading books and talking with children about resource management topics during the early, formative years is ideal because this is when life habits and skills are developed.  In addition, when parents are involved with helping their children learn wise use of financial resources, the parents typically increase their ability to manage their own financial resources.” For more information you can view Kristen Mastel’s blog the KLMLibrarian.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

2013 “Libraries Rock” Conference: Audition Now!

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MLA ROCKlogo_conf13_0Are you looking for new ideas and tools to stay up-to-date, innovate, and succeed in your career? Consider attending the 2013 Minnesota Libraries Association (MLA) Annual Conference, “Libraries Rock.”  Save the date for this year’s conference held on October 10th-11th in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Click here to learn more !

If you have a great idea for a session that you would like to present or coordinate? Audition NOW and help shape the “playlist”!

Just complete the proposal submission form.

  • Sessions will run 60 minutes—a length appropriate for 1-3 speakers. The format of the presentation may include single or multiple speakers, panel discussions, case studies, and/or demonstrations of projects.
  • The Program Committee will select sessions based on consistency with conference themes, coverage of topics of timeliness and interest to members, and credentials of presenter(s).
  • Deadline for session proposals is April 26, 2013. 
Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Feature Libraries: National D.E.A.R. Day!

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DEAR-holding_03You may remember Beverly Cleary, author of more than 30 books for young adults and children. In 1992, she wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Since then, “Drop Everything And Read” programs have been held nationwide on April 12th in honor of Mrs. Cleary’s birthday (4/12/1916.)  Libraries, families and individuals across the country are asked to honor this special day-long celebration and encourage families to take time to read together.

Click here for more information about D.E.A.R.

How can I participate?

As an organization, library, school, or bookstore, you can participate by hosting a “Drop Everything And Read” event at your location (or elsewhere) during the month of April. As an individual, you can participate by attending an event in your community or by reading at home with your children, siblings, or friends. And, ultimately set aside time not just on the 12th but on a daily basis to read.

If you would like help identifying a book to read, here is a link to favorite books read during D.E.A.R. Day, you can find a list of books by Beverly Cleary or review the 2013  Most Notable Children’s Books for young readers published by Booklist.