Summer Reading Program - the Final Word on 2003!

With 68 libraries participating in the program, a total of 25,146 completed at least one component of the program! Congratulations, everyone, for a very busy and productive summer! The word got out about the benefits of summer reading!

We the People Bookshelf Grant:

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are accepting applications from public and school (K-12) libraries for the "We The People Bookshelf" grants. Part of NEH's We The People initiative, the Bookshelf project will award the 15 Bookshelf books for young readers to up to 500 libraries across the country. Selected libraries are required to present programs that highlight the theme of "courage" and encourage young readers to explore these works.

Libraries interested in receiving the "We The People Bookshelf" grant can view a booklist and program description from http://www.ala.org/wethepeople or http://www.wethepeople.gov. Applications are being accepted online until October 22, 2003 for Round One and February 15, 2004 for Round Two. See http://www.wethepeople.gov/bookshelf/guidelines.html for application guidelines.

The NMRLS web site includes links to a variety of grant opportunities for libraries. This page is newly reorganized: http://www.nmrls.org/grants/links.shtml.

YA Program of Note - Book Discussions Online:

I've named it BookChat and I've decided to do it as a list serv. Topica is hosting for me. They have a nice feature that allows you to receive the messages first, and then post them to the list. That way you can check for content if you need to. It was pretty easy to set up. Now I just need to wait and see if the kids actually use it. I created a very simple informational page for the group at http://www.peabodylibrary.org/ya/bookchat.htm. I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences.

Melissa S. Rauseo
Young Adult Librarian
Peabody Institute Library

Upcoming YS Workshops Register at http://www.nmrls.org/ce/ceform.shtml 4th Annual Meet the Author/Illustrator 10/20/2003 - 03:30 PM to 06:00 PM - Essex Agricultural and Technical H.S. The Fourth Annual Meet the Author/Illustrator convenes at the Essex Agricultural and Technical High School, Danvers, on Monday, October 20. Join in an afternoon of literary delight and delightful refreshments and meet: Peter H. Reynolds, Illustrator (Judy Moody) and Author (The Dot) Todd Mack, Author (Princess Penelope) Carolyn Coman, Author (What Jamie Saw) Jeannine Atkins, Author (Becoming Little Women) Following a panel discussion where they will share their stories about their work and themselves, audience members may join one of the authors or illustrators in a more informal group conversation. Books will be available for purchase and signing. The Youth Services Book Review Group November 5, 2003 December 4, 2003 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!