Tag Archives: Libraries

General, Public, School Media Specialist, Services

Bubbles + Storytime = Fun!

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Try bubbles as a storytime prop!

If you are a children’s librarian, or even just a parent that has taken your child to storytime, you know how fun and important that time can be! In this article from the ALSC blog, librarian April Lee describes her use of introducing bubbles into her storytime adventures.

Lee shares how she was initially apprehensive about using bubbles as a prop during her storytime, but then discovered that a bubble machine solved most of her worries, and the experience was very positive. She writes that the bubbles “Give children a fun sensory experience and a chance to play together at the beginning of storytime – as opposed to just the end – along with breaking down the initial shyness among the group.” You can even find her original bubble-related song lyrics on her blog! 

Another example of bubbles and storytime can be found in this post on the Library Village blog, which describes several different types of bubble machines and even links to some bubble songs on YouTube. For more things bubble-related, including recipes and activities, check out this link to Pinterest.

Have you used bubbles in your library or media center, during storytime or a different activity? Share your experience in the comments!

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Stay tuned for Banned Books week!

2016-sept-25-oct-1
Defend your right to read!

Banned Books Week 2016 is next week! Beginning September 25th – October 1st, celebrate your freedom to read and tune into CMLE’s website for more ways to participate in this important event!

ALA explains the significance of Banned Books Week: “It highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.”
You can check out ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom for more information on the dangers of censorship.

CMLE is excited to help celebrate this special week, and we have been gathering information to share with you, some of which include ways to get involved and what to do if a book at your library gets challenged. Make sure to check back with us next week!

In the meantime, get into the Banned Books Week spirit and watch this video below on the Top Ten Banned Books of 2015:

Academic, General, Public, Resources, School Media Specialist, Services, Special, Tech

Learn to build your own Android app

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Look how cute he is! Let’s build an app!

There are many interesting apps available for library use, and we are looking at some of them this week. But what if you want something that is unique to the special needs of your library? What if you want to stretch yourself and your tech skills by trying something new? What if you just don’t want to pay for an app??

You might be the perfect audience for this (free!) Udacity class!

Android Development for Beginners How to Make an Android App gives you some training in Java and programming for Android. “This course is designed for students who are new to programming, and want to learn how to build Android apps. You don’t need any programming experience to take this course. If you’ve been using a smartphone to surf the web and chat with friends, then you’re our perfect target student!”

Your library may want to reach out to patrons in a way that works for them, and speaks to them with tools they are already using. “Android powers over 80 percent of the world’s smartphones, and represents an incredible opportunity for developers everywhere. The next billion people coming online will interact with the internet for the very first time on a mobile device. Building for Android gives you the best opportunity to reach these users and make an impact — both in your community, and on the world.”

You may not need to connect to everyone in the world – but you do want to connect with as many of your potential users as possible; and an app you create may be one tool to help make that happen!

 

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

32 of the world's most gorgeous libraries

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Another beautiful library, the Vancouver Public Library

In case you are looking for some travel inspiration, or just want to feast your eyes on some beautiful architecture, check out this article from the BookBub blog that highlights 32 of the world’s most beautiful libraries. The list is diverse with the libraries that are included, with designs that range from Baroque to extremely modern. It’s interesting to see the various influences that have impacted the libraries’ designs – many are theological, some have been influenced by nature, or the history of their location. In the article, each photo features a short description that discusses the uniqueness of each library. Here are some samples:

  • The very first library profiled is the Abbey Library of St. Gall in Switzerland. It’s a World Heritage site and also contains the earliest known architectural plan, written on parchment!
  • The impressive Kansas City Central Library in Missouri is number thirteen on the list. It’s easy to tell the function of the building from the outside, since one of the walls features huge paintings of the spines of 22 different books! Each book is twenty-five feet high and nine feet wide.
  • Take a look at the Tianyi Pavilion Library in China at number twenty-seven on the list. It’s the oldest private library in Asia! The tranquility of the location is very obvious. The library is next to a lake and surrounded by gardens.

It’s so hard to choose a favorite, but I think the libraries in Austria are especially breathtaking. Which one(s) would you like to visit in person?

 

 


	

	
	




	
	

				

			General, Public, School Media Specialist
		

			
Hennepin County creates Black Lives Matter reading lists

		

			 		

	


		

		
Minneapolis_on_Mississippi_River
By Jdkoenig (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Events that took place in our state this past summer have contributed to a larger discussion of race and privilege in our communities. As we continue to work to promote racial understanding, community, and work through issues, a great resource to utilize is your library.


This article from the Star Tribune discusses how in July, in response to the police shooting of Philando Castile and the Black Lives Matter protests, the Hennepin County Library created two reading lists. One was aimed at teens, the other at children, with the goal of educating, encouraging empathy, and starting conversations about race matters.


The article also describes the important role of libraries throughout the country, specifically in times of crisis. During the violent protests in Ferguson, MO the library stayed open even though most organizations and schools were closed. They offered programs for children and students and promoted community unity. In Dallas, after the shooting deaths of five police officers, the library remained open and offered counselors to the public. For additional examples of the strength of libraries in times of unrest, see this article from American Libraries magazine.