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Statewide Performer Directory - New Look

The Statewide Performer Directory has a new look and new features. The Performer Directory is located at www.semls.org/performer/index.asp

There is now a new logo and design of the front page of the directory plus a new "advanced search" feature. You can now search by age and cost. There is now a drop down screen with age groups and a drop down screen that lets you choose the maximum base fee that you want to pay. When you are searching $250 you are searching all programs that cost $250 and under. In the near future, SEMLS will be sending information that you can give to your performers about the directory. Currently, there are about 1,000 programs and 300 performers listed. For the past 6 months SEMLS has been averaging about 6,000 searches per month.

MLA YSS Program in the Spring:
The Youth Services Section (YSS) of the Massachusetts Library Association is pleased to announce their upcoming Spring 2005 program:

Jack Gantos: Getting Boys to Read
March 4, 2005
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen, MA

Children's author, Jack Gantos, is the recipient of the Massachusetts Book Award, Printz Award, and Newbery Honor Book Award. His books include the Rotten Ralph books, Hole in My Life, and Joey Pigza. This is a program you will not want to miss! Registration Deadline: January 28, 2005.

Special Upcoming Program - Monday, November 15, 2004
(Register online at www.nmrls.org/ce/ceform.shtml)
The Fifth Annual Meet the Author
11/15/2004 -- 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM -- Reading Public Library

Agenda:

3:30 - 3:40: Introductions
3:40 - 5:00: Panel Presentations:

Nancy Garden: Molly's Family (author)
Sharon Wooding: Molly's Family (illustrator)
Barbara Diamond Goldin: Just Enough is Plenty, Cakes and Miracles
Lesléa Newman : The Best Cat in the World, The Boy Who Cried Fabulous, Fire Engine for Ruthie, Haichiko Waits
5:00-5:15: Break, Book Sales
5:15-5:45 Question and Answers
5:45-6:00: Book Signings & Door Prizes

"Let's Book" Children's Book Week: November 15 - 21, 2004

The Children's Book Council sells materials specially designed for celebrating Children's Book Week. Visit the Children's Book Council Web site at http://www.cbcbooks.org for more information on ordering and for ideas.

Upcoming Youth Services Workshops
(Register online at www.nmrls.org/ce/ceform.shtml)

NOBS and NMRLS Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up and Preview
12/6/2004 -- 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM -- Hamilton/Wenham Public Library, South Hamilton

Intended for librarians (but open to all) who participated in the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems' Statewide Summer Reading Program Explore other worlds @ your library®.

At this roundtable program you will:

  • Bring samples of library publicity, displays, and programs to show and discuss with colleagues
  • Share your successful summer program tips & techniques with your colleagues
  • Take a look ahead at SRP 2005 Going places @ your library®!

Coffee begins at 9:30.

Let's Talk: A Chat Session on Graphic Novels with Linda Braun
12/14/2004 -- 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM -- virtual

If you would like to talk to other librarians about graphic novels - what they are, where to find them, and how to add them to the collection - then join us in this 90 minute chat session.

You'll be able to learn about graphic novels from the comfort of your library, office, or home. Just log in to the URL provided when you register for the session and you'll be ready to go on the day of the session.

When you register, along with the chat room URL, we'll send you titles of articles and website URLs that you can look at in order to get ready for the session led by Linda W. Braun.

The Youth Services Book Review Group
Thursday, December 2, 2004

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! Registration is not required.