Tag Archives: Literature

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

Registration: Reaching Reluctant Readers

Registration is now open!

CMLE is excited to offer our first reluctant reader event next month! In September, CMLE talked about reluctant readers in a popular post titled, Books & Boys. Then after attending this year’s MLA conference session with Patrick Jones in October, we knew our region would benefit from his message.

This Minneapolis based author, and former librarian, specializes in reaching reluctant readers and teens. As an American Library Association/Scholastic Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Jones will identify leading causes as to why young readers disengage. During this event, he will provide a framework to help us understand what reluctant readers look for including, tempting plot lines, enticing characters  and specific book design elements. Jones will leave participants with best practices to recapture a reluctant reader(s.) We hope you can join us!

Patrick Jones. Image Retrieved Online 11/7/13.
Patrick Jones.
Image Retrieved Online 11/7/13.

Event: Reaching Reluctant Readers
Date: December 6th, 2013
Time: 1:00-4:00 P.M.
Location: Stearns History Museum
Registration: Link (light refreshments will be made available)

Note: We are asking attendees to bring at least one, time honored and tested reluctant reader book to this event. When registering, you will be asked for the title (s) and author (s) of at least one book, but, the form will accommodate up to three of your favorite  picks. CMLE would like to compile a  list of these books to share as a takeaway from this event! Time will be allotted for Patrick to sign copies of his book. 

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

Philosophy Takes Center Stage

Image by Loozrboy. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Loozrboy. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Next Thursday, November 21st,  the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes World Philosophy Day.  Since its inception in 2002, the third Thursday of November encourages a continued dialog about contemporary issues and reflection on classic debates.  Unsure where to start? Flavorwire links readers to their top 10 Great Works of Fiction for Philosophers (November  2013.)

Tip: Consider a display in your library noting this day (enlist students to help.) Or, download one of the 10 works of fiction listed on a device(s) available for check-out. 

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

Save the Date: Spotlight on Books is Coming

Image by Ed Yourdon. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Ed Yourdon. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

A conference for adults focused on youth literature will be  on April 11-12th. It will be held at Sugar Lake Lodge, near Grand Rapids, MN. The featured speakers for the 26th annual conference include Will Alexander, Mary Logue, and Michael Hall. 

Check back with CMLE under Upcoming Events after the new year!

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

Teen Read Week

Image by goXunuReviews. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by goXunuReviews. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

How is your library engaging teen readers?

For the past 15 years, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has sponsored Teen Read Week (TRW). It is a national adolescent literary initiative to sponsor continued readership. This year TRW will be held on October 13th-19th. The theme strives to encourage teens to discover the unknown and continue to explores mysteries, “Seek the Unknown @ Your Library.”

Click here for additional information about Teen Read Week from ALA. 
Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Up for a Literary Adventure?

Image by Olfiika. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Common's licensing.
Image by Olfiika. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Common’s licensing.

Just for fun, picture yourself sitting in the living room at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, walking the halls of William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak in Oxford, Missouri or maybe staying in Truman Capote’s apartment in Brooklyn, NY.  If you are fan of both literature and travel, then Flavorwire’s post on 50 Places Every Literary Fans Should Visit (July 2013) is for you.

Tip: If you are looking for something a little closer to home, consider F. Scott Fitzgerald’s birthplace in St. Paul, MN.