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Gnomes Across Massachusetts

Be sure to check Gnome updates at www.wmrls.org/sum/indexgnomes.html.

The following libraries in the Northeast are participating:

  • Amesbury Public Library
  • Beverly Library
  • Danvers, NMRLS
  • Danvers, Peabody Institute Library
  • Littleton, Reuben Hoar
  • Lowell, Pollard Memorial Library
  • Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library
  • Nevins Memorial Library , Methuen
  • Peabody, West Branch
  • Salem Public Library

Summer Reading Going places @ your libraryŽ:
Ann Romney Kicks Off 2005 Summer Reading

First Lady Ann Romney helped kick off the 2005 Statewide Summer Library Adventure, along with Elia D. Marnik, a commissioner with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and David Driscoll, Massachusetts Department of Education Commissioner, at the Waltham Public Library on June 21.

Mrs. Romney spoke on the importance of reading to children and reading during the summer. In addition, she read the Governor's proclamation declaring, the first day of summer, as the official kick off to the 2005 Summer Library Adventure.

Commissioner Marnik in her remarks stressed the research that shows that reading throughout the summer helps students maintain their reading levels and reap the benefits of better literacy. She also outlined the many activities that are part of the program at libraries across the state, and said that more and more children and their families are taking part in this exciting library program. "By joining this year's summer reading program, 'Going places @ your library,' readers can experience going away without having to travel further than their own library," she said.

DOE Commissioner David Driscoll praised libraries for their work in becoming community centers where students, young children and their parents, have the opportunity to continue their reading during the summer, as well as providing the resources for students with their homework and school needs all year.

Sponsored by local libraries, the six Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, and the MBLC, more than 115,000 children, teens and adults participated at 397 libraries last year.

Don't forget to visit the online manual at www.nmrls.org/sum/2005/index.html. The password and user name can be requested from Susan Babb at susan@nmrls.org.

New VOYA Award: Best High School Summer Reading List

To recognize exemplary summer reading lists that entice students with a wide variety of reading choices, VOYA's Best High School Summer Reading List will be chosen annually by a volunteer committee of school and public librarians and teen readers. The first winning list debuts in the February 2006 issue. Beyond publication in the magazine, the winning school will also receive a big box of books that are likely reading list candidates!

The submissions deadline for 2005 reading lists is August 31, 2005. More info at: www.voya.com/Contests/index.shtml#readinglist

The winners of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards were announced and are now featured on the Horn Book Website - www.hbook.com/awards/bghb/current.asp

Upcoming Youth Services Workshops

The Youth Services Book Review Group
Monday, August 29, 2005
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Thursday, December 1, 2005

The Youth Services Book Review Group meets once a month, from 10:00 to 12:00, at the NMRLS office in Danvers. Books from publishers are available to reviewers in advance of their publication date. Reviews are shared each session in round-robin fashion. New reviewers are always welcome! Just come and the books will fall into your hands! (No registration required)

Making the Connections: A MSLMA/NMRLS Library Media Specialist Discussion Series: What in the World is a Book Talk?
9/27/2005 -- 03:00 PM to 06:00 PM -- Amesbury Middle School

Maureen Hardin, Library Media Specialist at the Amesbury Middle School, will discuss her Book Talk program and her LSTA grant experience which involved adding Guest Book Talkers (parents, community members and students) to her "Festival of Books" program. Following the presentation will be time for questions, success stories, and book talk ideas. Please note: Ten (10) PDPs will be awarded if 3 of the 4 Sessions are attended. Each session will be 3 hours in length. An additional hour is earned through a demonstration of completing a related product. This series has been approved by the DOE.

YA Librarian Roundtable: Get into gear with program ideas!
9/29/2005 -- 11:30 AM to 01:00 PM -- Newburyport Public Library, Newburyport

Join your colleagues in a lively discussion on YA programs. What makes for a good YA program? Is there such a thing? Share your tips and strategies and take home new ideas. Bring your lunch. Beverages and desert will be provided.