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Summer Reading Program Updates

Massachusetts Regional Library Systems (MRLS) Coupon Masters

These coupons are available to all libraries that are participating in this year's statewide summer reading program. These master sheets require photocopying by participating libraries and are valid only when the back of the coupon is individually stamped in a contrasting color ink by the participating Massachusetts library. This year, the MRLS coupon masters are available in PDF format at www.wmrls.org/sum/coupon.html

Importance of the MRLS/MBLC Credit Line

Librarians understand the role of the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems (MRLS), but it is important that the public become more aware of MRLS contributions if state support is to continue. Help to improve public awareness by using the following credit line on all of your summer program publicity and in all of your summer program press releases:

What's buzzin' at your library, the 2006 Statewide Reading Program, is funded by your local library, the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Blogs and Wikis

Be sure to check for updates on summer reading at www.nmrls.org/sum/portal.htm. Information about 2006 and 2007 can be found here! As well, visit the what's buzzin' in the Northeast blog. If you want to contribute to the blog, please let Susan Babb susan@nmrls.org know and an invitation will be sent out to you!

For those of you looking for ideas for the MA 2006 Statewide Summer Reading Program, what's buzzin' at your library/tune in @ your library (TM), check out our statewide collaborative WIKI, with librarian-compiled booklists, model programs, a downloadable credit logo, customizable documents like press releases, links to craft projects and regional blogs, and more! We have storage space to host documents like storytime outlines or original templates as well.

Thanks for crediting sources and not posting scans of copyrighted materials without permission!

To VIEW or ADD TO the wiki,

  1. Go to whatsbuzzinma06.pbwiki.com
  2. Enter your first name
  3. Enter your email address
  4. Enter the password "mrls" (for ma regional library systems)

This allows us to track the changes made to the pages.

NOTE: If you log in to view or add anything, please make sure you LOG OUT when you are finished.

If you need help, scroll down to the bottom of the first page and click "WikiBasics." Don't stress over formatting - someone will come along and make it pretty - that's the beauty of wikis!

Block-booking

Jane Knight from Rockport and Cathy Talty from Gloucester have been block-booking for summer programs to reduce costs. They have Scott Kepnes coming on July 26th and Jackson Gilman on August 9th. Block booking really works!!

North Shore Video Contest

All teens, ages 12-19, are invited to create a short video, no more than 20 minutes in length during the summer of 2006.

What Can Be Filmed?

  • Animation
  • Comedy
  • Commercial
  • Drama
  • Documentary
  • "How To" Show
  • Foreign Film
  • Or anything else!
Content must be appropriate to a general viewing audience.

How?
Submissions MUST be in Standard Play VHS format (no Extended Play or Super Long Play formats) or digital DVD format. Help is usually available from your local cable access station. Give them a call! Or ask your local librarian.

Then What?
Submit video and entry forms directly to Stoneham Public Library, or bring them to your public library or school media teacher to submit by Friday, August 4, 2005.

Awards Night
Monday, August 21st at 7 PM at the Stoneham Library. All the prize-winning videos will be screened and prizes will be awarded.

Still Have Questions? Contact Theresa at the Stoneham Library with questions at 781-438-1325 or theresa@stonehamlibrary.org. So get out there and start filming!

FY06 - FY07 Plan of Service for Youth Services

As one of the activities for this Fiscal Year, the YS Committee developed an online survey. The survey's questions were intended to find out the needs of YS librarians in the region, identify model programs, and acquaint YS Librarians with the existence of a Youth Services Committee.

There were 82 responses, fairly well divided between school and public libraries: 48 responses were from YS librarians in the public library; 34 were from library media specialists. The Committee was astounded at the variety of programs, both in school and public libraries. These programs will be identified as resources and possibly as potential workshops.

In regard to needs, the top topics checked off were: workshop presentations, web information, roundtables or informal discussions, and networking.

The Youth Services Committee has their work cut out for them in meeting the needs of YS librarians in the region.

What's on your mind? A Strategic Planning Forum for Youth Services Librarians

One Forum was cancelled due to lack of attendance. The two remaining forums are scheduled for:

5/16/2006 -- 03:45 PM to 05:15 PM -- Pike School, Andover, facilitated by Fran Mellin, Library Media Specialist, Pike School, and Kate Belczyk, Children's Librarian, Memorial Hall Library, Andover

5/24/2006 -- 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM -- Shore Country Day School, Beverly, facilitated by Lisa Estabrook, Library Media Specialist, Shore Country Day School, and Kelley Rae Unger, Children's Librarian, Peabody Institute Library, Peabody

Youth Services Librarians (school and public) are invited to attend this strategic brainstorming forum. Discussion will include issues and ideas in providing programs and services. Priorities from the discussion will be used towards future training and workshops.

Upcoming Youth Services Workshops

Please register at http://www.nmrls.org/ce/ceform.shtml.

The Youth Services Book Review Group: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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)

For more workshops for youth services librarians, please visit www.nmrls.org/youth/ys_wkshops.shtml