Building up Kids to Read

I just discovered a great article on CNN from the weekend about helping kids become readers.

Essentially, kids need to see adults in their lives reading - even if it is from an E-reader. Reading in front of kids sends the message that you care about reading, about learning, and that you enjoy discovering new things from books.

Second - kids need to be read to when they are little!

The problem is that middle and high income families know this. They read to their babies when they are young, and they buy them books when they are growing up.

But how do we transfer this knowledge to lower income and struggling families? How do we help them get the resources they need to help their babies?

Part of my belief in Library Build is that libraries have the power to help these families because libraries not only offer free books, but free classes, readings, and free resources for parents.

So how to create the connection between libraries and books, and the knowledge that reading is important - to everyone?

Day After

It's the day after MLK Day - and some people might wonder, "well, what do you do all day now?"

Here's your answer.

 Yesterday we left all the books on the floor so that the paint on the bookshelves could dry all night.(The white stuff on the floor is carpet cleaner - and I could not find a working vacuum cleaner in the building).

 So. many. books. on. the. floor.

 And after!

 Yes, I did all of this. In 3 hours.

Happy books.

MLK Day 2012

MLK Day 2012 was a success! We cleared out the book cases, cleaned the book cases, and started painting them a wonderful blue! We also got plenty of book sorted, and some donated books processed! 

We will be planning a few smaller volunteer events in the next few months to finish the painting, and to go through the book collection again. Weeding a library is a lot harder than it sounds!!

 The day begins! All the book cases empty!

 Rowen students who came out on their day off to help!

This little guy was so proud of himself - though I'm sure mom won't be pleased about the paint on his shirt!

 Book sorting.

 Books to keep in the library!

 New color on the book shelves!

 The corner in front of the librarian's desk!

 New and old colors!

All cleared out and ready for paint!

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped!

Special thanks to:

Lisa Doi 

Jimmy Bereolos

Theo Thompson

Megan Trainer (and Tim!)

Ty Gambrell 

Kathy Barnes 

Jeff Hammond

Deirdre Childs

Check It In!

The DC Public Library system announced this week that from now until February 5 they will forgive all library fines for any overdue, damaged (etc) materials (which includes books, DVD's, and any other items that can be rented from the library system).

This is a great initiative, as it will allow many people to get back into the library without the worry that they will need to pay fines. It is especially helpful for children and young adults who may not have the funds to pay for lost or overdue books, and who will stay away from the library for years as a result.

The library's goal is always to get people to read, explore, and learn - programs like this help immensely!

Now if only Philadelphia could/would do the same...

Gift Wrapping and Bookfair

Next week is the big week! Our gift wrapping event and the Barnes and Noble bookfair!

Remember, the online code for the bookfair is 10570174 - and a precentage goes to Library Build! Please pass this along to others! Its free for you, and helps us out so much!

Doo-Wop Pop!

 

I am going through donated books for Rowen's library, and came across this one: "Doo-Wop Pop" which is by far one of the cutest books ever! Shy students who all feel a little awkward and unwanted in their school, are convinced by the school janitor to form a doo-wop group (hence the Doo-Wop Pop!). Through the group they learn to sing, to become friends, and to grow out of their shells. So awesome. 

Very excited that Rowen's library will soon be full of books like this!

Its here! Sign ups for Gift Wrapping!

On Monday December 12, Wednesday December 14 and Thursday December 15, Library Build will not only be holding a book fair with Barnes and Noble, but we will also be gift wrapping!!!

ALL proceeds from the gift wrapping go directly to Library Build - so its a great way to get involved and to know that you really helped out Rowen's students!

I have broken all three days into two hour shifts, but feel free to sign up for an "off" shift - I appreciate any and all help (and customers won't be pleased if its me gift wrapping for 10 hours a day... by the end the presents won't look so good, I'm sure...).

So here's the breakdown:

For December 12, 14, and 15 (yes, I know the 13th is skipped - we won't be gift wrapping on the 13th).

8AM - 10AM

10AM - 12PM

12PM - 2PM

2PM - 4PM

4PM - 6PM

6PM - 8PM

8PM - 10PM

Send me an email of a time, or times, when you can help out, at calliehammond@librarybuild.org

Here's what you can look forward to as one of our volunteers:

1. A performance by Rowen's students on one of the days (still deciding what day, but will announce it soon!)
2. Artwork all three days by Rowen's students featuring drawings of their favorite stories, books, and what books mean to them!
3. A chance to greet people during the holiday season and tell them about the need for libraries in Philadelphia's public schools!
4. My eternal gratitude!
5. Emails and invitations to upcoming Library Build events, including a Book Festival in the works for June or July, and to our launch party, and other amazing events!
6. A cool Library Build button!


Sign up! Go! and go libraries!

How to get kids to read

I already posted today, but, I logged on to CNN, and bam! the lead story is about getting kids to read! So I had to post it here and make some comments!

Here's the link to the article: How to get your kid to be a fanatic reader.

First, kids get into reading when they see other people reading!

Second, kids need to be impressed upon about how important reading is. Not boring textbooks, but fun books.

Third, boys especially need access to graphic novels, comics, etc, to engage them in reading. Once they read these and find out reading is fun, you can move on to bigger and better things.


I really enjoyed reading this article because most of it resembles what I have said when I talk about Library Build: in order to enjoy reading, kids need to read; kids need easy access to books that they will enjoy; and kids need librarians, teachers, others, to show them how great reading can be.

Go read something!