Tag Archives: Central MN

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Hey Central MN: You’re Invited to an Edible Book Festival!

ediblebooks_button (1)Save the Date for Some Serious Book Fun in April!

CMLE is pleased to co-sponsor this upcoming SCSU Library event and invites all library/school media staff in Central MN to join in the fun!

WHAT? Create and bring a piece of edible art related to books: it can be a pun on a title, refer to a scene or character, look like a book or somehow be inspired by a book. All materials must be edible – but may or may not taste good together; tastiness receives no points! No time to create? Come as a spectator, vote for your favorites, and take in additional entertainment, treats, and fun. (No registration required for spectators)

WHO? Whether you’re library staff, a voracious reader, professional chef, starving artist, and/or someone who just likes to play with their food, you’re eligible to join in the fun! Group entries are welcome too, so consider creating your entry with colleagues!

Get all of the details here!

Ready to help get the word out? Download the poster now!

Public, School Media Specialist

Referendum Results in Central MN

Yes in May to the Alternative Vote BallotLast week’s election was a chance for 21 Central MN school districts to include a total of 30 levy requests  on the ballot. As you can imagine, the levy requests  were varied, the results were mixed. A total of 16 requests passed (53%), with 14 not passing. Election sources choose to use the word “fail” when levies aren’t approved, but we need to commend schools who ask for what is needed to provide a solid academic experience for students.

CMLE staff have pulled the regional results for your convenience, & organized districts by county: https://cmleinfofeed.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/levy20141.pdf.

See the following links to pore through the statewide levy results

Image credit: http://tinyurl.com/l7p4u3w, licensed under CC BY 2.0

 

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

Local High School Library Launches Makerspace Programming

SRRHA Students engaged in a makerspace program. Image provided by Maria Burnham.
SRRHS Students engaged in a makerspace program. Image provided by Maria Burnham.

In a previous post, Makerspaces in Your Library, CMLE talked about the potential power of these creative cultures, emerging in libraries across the country. This week, staff reports on a local library’s makerspace programs and events.

Under the direction of the Library Media Specialist, Maria Burnham, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School (SRRHS) students are given an added opportunity to connect, collaborate and create. The library serves as a social collection point to grow and harvest new ideas; infusing technology and literature into the creative process. Burnham said, “Starting the makerspace was all about simply giving kids another choice in how to spend their time knowing that creativity is a skill that is vital for success in the 21st century.”

Examples of upcoming makerspace events include;

  • November: Still picture animations. Using iMotion HD app on an iPad to generate animations.
  • December: Yarn work-learn to knit or crochet.  After school knitting/crocheting club meetings complete with hot cocoa and cookies!
  • January: Paper crafting.  Paper crafts based off of the book, Paper Made: 101 Exceptional Projects to Make Out of Everyday Paper by Kayte Terry.

Tip: Sometimes these programs are more feasible in partnership with another entity. In SRRHS, Craft’s Direct  graciously donated supplies for several of the events. Identify possible community members, art clubs, teachers, business owners and volunteers you could bring on board to support your library’s makerspace!

Other resources:
  • Top 10 Art Books (Booklist) More
  • Top 10 Art Books for Youth (Booklist) More