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January 2005 |
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, at midnight on December 31st
did you open all the doors of your house to let 2004 escape unimpeded before
2005 could come in? Before the old year ended, did you clean the house, wind
your clocks, stock up your larders, pay your debts, and make sure all the piggy
banks and wallets in the house had money in them in order to insure a good start
to the new year?
The WVLS staff and board look forward to our 44th year of providing service to our members. The service patterns keep changing but our goal of helping our members provide better service to their patrons remains the same.
PIN A GOLD STAR ON…
Late last year a WVLS survey of area
public libraries revealed a wide range of ways to recognize gifts to the library
and to honor staff members and trustees for special events and awards. It
appears that some libraries don’t make any ‘fuss’ about anything while
others celebrate everything they can.
From the member libraries that responded to the survey we learn that:
Gifts to the library are often recognized in the following ways:
Staff honors, anniversary events, etc. are often recognized in the following ways:
-- Heather Eldred
2005
WVLS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Appointed by the county boards of supervisors, the 15-member
WVLS Board of Trustees is responsible for all policy decisions for WVLS. The
number of representatives from each county on the board is based on county
populations, and usually appointees serve 3-year terms. WVLS trustees meet six
times annually in January, March, May, July, September and November. At their
January meeting, the board elected its 7-member Executive Committee, which also
meets six times each year – February, April, June, August, October and
December. All meetings are open to the public and most are held at the Marathon
County Public Library. Following is the 2005 WVLS Board of Trustees roster:
WVLS Executive Committee Members
Other Members of the WVLS Board
VALENTINES
FROM YOUR PATRONS TO OUR LEGISLATORS
As you know, February 8 is Library Legislative Day. Governor
Doyle has officially proclaimed February as Library Lovers Month in Wisconsin.
Let's swamp our legislators with postcards from library patrons telling them why libraries and/or library systems are important to them.
LART (WLA’s ‘Library Advocacy Round Table’) encourages you to make this happen! Here’s how simple it can be:
Provide pre-printed postcards for your customers to fill out in your library. Have them indicate which legislator/s they want to send their message to (provide labels or a check list). Have them drop the postcard into a box. Have your Friends group gather them, add a stamp and mail them out. If you don’t have a formal Friends group, gather a few library-friendly folks together just for this project. It’s always better to have this type of lobbying done by library supporters – not directly by library employees.
What if this happened all during the month of February
Your postcards could be just regular blank ones – or maybe there already is a picture postcard of your library available…if so, use it.
On the message side of the card, begin the message by writing,
"ABC Public Library" and my
library system,
the Wisconsin Valley Library Service,
are important to me because……………"
Ask the library patron to complete the postcard.
Let’s see if we can have an impact as the state legislature reconvenes and faces budget problems. It is VITAL that legislators come to understand that libraries are highly valued by their constituents.
Action is needed now.
Please take part in this grassroots activity!
If you do participate, please drop me a note telling me of that participation…maybe you could also get school kids to take this on as a writing project !!
Thanks.
--Heather Eldred
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Dragons, Dreams
& Daring Deeds
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Friday, February 11, 2005 Marathon County Public Library 300 First Street, Wausau (In case of inclement weather, alternate date is 3/4/05) |
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MCPL Children's Room: Coffee and Conversation
9:30-10:30 a.m. Grassroots Meeting/Sharing Session 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. MCPL Wausau Room: |
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| Come one, come all! You are herewith invited to an illuminating performance of storytime tales of daring, adventure and amazing deeds. Return to your library with a pack full of ideas and inspiration for summer library activities filled with medieval magic and merriment, dragons, castles, knights and fun. Veteran south central Wisconsin storytellers/librarians Geri Ceci Cupery and Karen Wendt will share story and program ideas as well as tips for marketing and publicizing youth programs. | |||
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Please R.S.V.P. by |
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18TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK FEST SCHEDULED FOR
MARCH 8 AND 9, 2005
Kathleen T. Horning, Hollis Rudiger, Megan Schliesman and Merri V. Lindgren from the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) in Madison, Wisconsin will discuss books for children and young adults at an evening presentation on Tuesday, March 8, as well as at a day presentation on Wednesday, March 9. Both sessions will include a CCBC exhibit of the best 2004 books for young readers.
Most folks choose to attend one session or the other, but you certainly won't be turned away if you decide to stay overnight and come to both. In addition to the Holiday Inn Express itself, a Super 8 and AmericInn are also close by.
PLEASE NOTE that a separate registration (sent to two separate places) is required for the evening and day sessions.
Registration information for Children's Book Fest is on the WVLS web site at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Workshops/workshop.html If you are unable to download the files, please send your fax number in an email or SASE snail mail request to the attention of Kris Adams Wendt at the address below.All registrations must be received no later than March 4.
Payment of $6.00 per person must accompany each registration blank. No purchase orders, please.Telephone inquiries regarding the Wednesday presentation may be made to Kris at the Rhinelander District Library phone and email below. More information about the Tuesday presentation is available from Headwaters Reading Council member Joan Belongia brnstbks@newnorth.net 715/362-5111 (day) or 715/362-3844 (evening).
Katy, Megan and Merri are the co-authors of CCBC CHOICES, an annual recommended best books list. Children's Book Fest participants will receive a copy of the 100-page booklet as part of their registration package, as well as other booklists. The registration fee also covers the cost of refreshments and a CCBC honorarium. PLEASE NOTE: MEALS ARE ON YOUR OWN.
Headwaters Reading Council, the School District of Rhinelander and the Rhinelander District Library have invited the Cooperative Children's Book Center staff to bring the newest and best books for young people to Northern Wisconsin since 1987. Additional assistance is received from the Indianhead Federated Library System, Northern Waters Library Service and Wisconsin Valley Library Service, as well as business sponsors Brown Street Books, M&I Bank, Ripco Credit Union, and Wisconsin Public Service. -- Kris Adams Wendt, Director; Rhinelander District Library; 106 N. Stevens St.; Rhinelander, WI 54501; kwendt@wvls.lib.wi.us; 715/365-1070 dept.; 715/365-1082 extension; 715/365-1076 fax
MARK
YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR THIS WVLS WORKSHOP!
Nationally renowned
speaker, Pat Wagner, President of Pattern Research (Boulder CO), will present "Evaluating
and Improving Staff Performance" & "Making Hard Choices" to
area trustees, directors, supervisors and decision-makers, on April 28th at
Marathon County Public Library. For more information about Pat Wagner and
Pattern Research, visit http://www.pattern.com
Watch for more workshop details in future issues of the Lamplighter.
YOUNG
PEOPLE NEED TO BE TAUGHT HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS
Based on research
conducted since 1958, Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets
that all young people need to grow up to be healthy, principled and caring
adults. The more assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are
to make positive choices. Conversely, the fewer assets a young person has
developed, the more likely they are to become involved in risk-taking behaviors.
It has been found nationwide that most students have fewer than half of these 40
assets. The list of 40 developmental assets as well as tips for focusing on each
one is too long to include in its entirety here, but may be requested from Beth
Sillars at the WVLS office (715/261-7255 or sillars@wvls.lib.wi.us).
Following is the featured asset for January:
PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING – Asset #32
Young people have this asset when they know how to
plan ahead
and make decisions.
Children are not born with the ability to plan ahead or make decisions. These are skills that must be modeled and taught by showing kids specific steps to follow. Any time youth need to make a decision that involves their health, have them consider five questions: Is it healthy? Is it safe? Is it legal? Does it respect others and myself? Does it respect the wishes of my parents? If there is a "No" response to any of these questions, they need to carefully consider the consequences that are likely to occur. Adults can help youth learn how to plan for their future by encouraging them to save money for a special purchase, finding a summer job, planning their time to complete a long-term assignment and keeping a daily planner or date book. You can prompt good planning by asking questions, but try not to take over the planning and decision making process. Teach the process and be patient – recent brain research tells us that the part of the brain used for impulse control, planning and effective decision-making is not fully developed until age 20 or later!
HOT
COCOA PROGRAMS
Considering a hot cocoa program
for kids during the cold winter months? Following is a compilation of resources
from the pubyac listserv:
Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate by Carol Diggory Shields William and Grandpa by Alice Schertle The Leaving Morning by Angela Johnson The Deep Blue Sky Twinkles with Stars by Cyndy Szekeres The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg You Can do It, Sam by Amy Hest The Polar Express by Chris VanAlsberg Wake me in Spring by James Preller Six Snowy Sheep by Judith Ross Enderle Frozen Noses by Jan Carr Amy Loves the Snow by Julie Hoban (for toddlers) Winter Walk (for toddlers) Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner (iced cold chocolate) The Child’s World of Joy by Jane Belk Moncure The Queen With the Cold Heart participation story in Crazy Gibberish by Naomi Baltuck Chocolatina by Erik Kraft (no hot chocolate but chocolate cereal) Read from Christopher Morley’s poem Animal Crackers:
- Animal crackers, and cocoa to drink,
- That is the finest of suppers, I think:
- when I’m grown up and can have what I please
- I think I shall always insist upon these.
- What do you choose when you’re offered a treat?
- When Mother says, "What would you like best to eat?"
- Is it waffles and syrup, or cinnamon toast?
- It’s cocoa and animals that I love the most!
LIBRARIES
FOR THE FUTURE GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Public libraries are invited to
submit proposals for participation. The program is designed to use
literature, film, and the neutral ground of the library to stimulate discussion
that positively affects the relationship between the generations, especially
those of new immigrant families. Fifteen libraries will be selected for
The MetLife Foundation Reading America Program. Winners will receive a
cash grant of $5,000. The deadline for proposals is March 4, 2005.
The RFP and application packet are posted on
Libraries for the Future’s website at http://www.lff.org/news/RA05_rfp.html
If you have any questions, please contact Elissa Young at eyoung@lff.org
or Dina Sherman at dsherman@lff.org
or at 1-800-542-1918.
(Children’s Event Organizer
Newsletter, LLS & MWFLS Youth Services Update, Issue 179, January 12,
2005)
TOP
FIVE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMALL LIBRARIES
This list, which is updated
quarterly by WebJunction’s Emerging Technology Committee, points out the new
technologies that will bring your library the most bang for the buck:
– Giving patrons (and staff) the ability to access the Internet using their own notebook computers or other portable devices.Wireless Access
Thin Clients – Patrons work at inexpensive terminals; memory, storage, and applications are maintained on one centralized server.
Upgrading Your Operating Systems – Replacing antiquated operating
systems like Windows NT or Windows 95.
Blogging & RSS – A Web-based technology for keeping yourself informed, and for keeping your community informed about your library.
Technology Planning – Thinking ahead about what your library needs, and how to fund and support those needs.
NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC’S QUIRKIEST NEWS OF 2004
Truth is sometimes stranger
than fiction! Following are brief annotations of some of the top quirkiest
stories of 2004 as chosen by the editors of National Geographic News:
Bloodsucking bedbugs are sneaking back between the sheets some 50 years after being all but wiped out in the developed world, a new study says. The insects are sweeping cities across North America, Western Europe, and Australia.Bloodthirsty Bedbugs Stage Comeback in U.S., Europe!
Huge, Freed Pet Pythons Invade Florida Everglades!
In the past five years, the United States has
imported more than 144,000 Burnese pythons. Some of those snakes are now
wrestling alligators in the Florida Everglades – and breeding.
"Brain" in Dish Flies Simulated Fighter Jet!
Scientists have grown a "brain" in a
petri dish that can fly a simulated F-22 fighter plane. It’s all part of a
quest to build "living" computers.
Herring Break Wind to Communicate Study Suggests!
Schools of herring communicate by passing gas,
according to an unprecedented study. The fish apparently hear the bubbles as
they’re expelled, helping them to find each other in the dark and form
protective groups.
For more details on these and other quirky stories of
2004, visit
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1203_041203_quirky_stories.html
WEB SITES OF INTEREST (tourist traps on the information superhighway!)
BEST FREE REFERENCE WEB SITES 2004: SIXTH ANNUAL LIST
http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaourassoc/rusasections/mars/marspubs/MARSBestRef2004.htm
Looking for an answer to a
specific question? Check out this list of the best reference sites of 2004, as
compiled by the American Library Association (ALA). To be eligible for
consideration, the site must be free or predominantly free; of very high
quality, featuring both significant depth and usefulness of content; and
primarily a ready reference resource. Some choice selections include:
AskOxford.com, Cyberschoolbus, Epicurious and Household Products Database.
(ResourceShelf; http://www.resourceshelf.com/
; 1/2/05)
2005 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN - ALSC AWARD WINNERS
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/2005MediaAwardWinners.htm
Kira-Kira,
by Cynthia Kadohata was the winner of the 2005 Newbery Medal (for distinguished
writing for children), and Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin
Henkes was the winner of the 2005 Caldecott Medal (for distinguished
illustration for children). For the complete listing of award-winning children’s
books visit this ALA web site.
WINTERIZING YOUR CAR – TIPS FOR SAFE WINTER DRIVING
http://www.autoheroes.com/resources/article_winterizing.shtml
Check this site before the next snowstorm
is predicted!
COPYRIGHT TERM AND THE PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES
http://www.copyright.cornell.edu/training/Hirtle_Public_Domain.htm
Chart, updated yearly, indicating what
copyrighted works are in the public domain, or when they will enter the public
domain. Author is the Director for Instruction and Learning in the Instruction,
Research, and Information Services Division of Cornell University Library and
serves as the Intellectual Property Officer for the Cornell University Library.
GROUNDHOG DAY
http://www.groundhog.org/
This site has information about the
history and official observance of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Pictures, movies, souvenirs, event calendars, and information about the
groundhog club are all available. You can also watch "Punxsutawney
Phil" (the official groundhog) make his prediction live every year over the
Internet through this site.
OBITUARIES 101
http://www.big101.com/OBITUARIES101.htm
This site contains listings and links to
all the obituary notices supplied online by all the newspapers in the United
States. The states are arranged alphabetically with their newspapers listed by
name and city. the site also lists prominent deaths for the date, as well as
those reported by the Associated Press.
February – LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH – www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers/
February 2 – Groundhog Day
February 11 – "Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds" – annual WVLS Summer Library Program workshop – Marathon County Public Library – 9:00-12:30 – see details above.
February 16 – "Making Newspapers Accessible via the Web" – University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse – 9:00-4:30 - $100 – for further information, or to register, visit http://www.wils.wisc.edu/events/
February 22 – Wisconsin Digital Planning Summit – Pyle Center, Madison – for details, visit http://www.wils.wisc.edu/widigital/ under Events.
March 2 – Read Across America – www.nea.org
March 7-9 – Public Library Association Spring Symposium – Chicago, IL.
March 8-9 – Children’s Book Fest, Rhinelander – see details in this issue of the Lamplighter or visit the WVLS web site at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Workshops/workshop.html
March 12 – WVLS Board of Trustees meeting – Marathon County Public Library – 9:30.
March 16-18 – 20th Annual Computers in Libraries Conference – Washington DC – visit www.infotoday.com/cil2005 for conference updates.
April 12 – National Library Workers Day.
April 28 – "Evaluating and Improving Staff Performance" & "Making Hard Choices" – a WVLS workshop for trustees, directors, supervisors and decision-makers – guest speaker will be Pat Wagner, President of Pattern Research ( http://www.pattern.com ) - Marathon County Public Library – 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – watch for more details in future issues of the Lamplighter.
May 12-13 – Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries Spring Conference – Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton.
June 23-29 – 2005 Annual ALA Conference – Chicago, IL. More information, including conference and hotel registration, is at http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2005a/home.htm
July 16 – The release date for JK Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
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"The only certain means of success is to render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be. This is a habit followed by all successful people since the beginning of time. Therefore I say the surest way to doom yourself to mediocrity is to perform only the work for which you are paid." - Og Mandino (Refdesk Thought of the
Day, 9/27/03)
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ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm
is a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin
Valley Library Service.
300 N. First
Street / Wausau, WI 54403
Contributions are welcome!
Back issues are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Newsletter/newsindex.htm
(Note: Web links in past issues are not checked for currency and may no
longer work.)
| EDITOR: Marla Sepnafski Phone: 715/261-7252 FAX: 715/261-7259 |
Contributions are welcome!
News items should be submitted by the first of the month.
WVLS serves Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor counties.
When the most recent issue becomes available, readers are alerted by a notice
posted to WISPUBLIB, or sent an email.
To subscribe to WISPUBLIB, send an email message to wispublib@badger.state.wi.us
In the body of the message (subject line is ignored) type: subscribe WISPUBLIB.
Then send your email. To have The Lamplighter emailed to you without subscribing
to WISPUBLIB, contact Barbara Freimund at 715/261-7252, or email freimund@wvls.lib.wi.us
