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!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday at Rowen
I had a great day today at Rowen School. The principal is doing some really great things there - he is getting a music program underway (WHYY is going to be covering it soon!), and he has motivated community members to get trained as crossing guards so that the kids are safe after school. So wonderful!
Then, there's us! I am so excited to hear about the things happening at Rowen, and knowing that we have the power to help change their library.
Today, I was interviewed by Kristen Graham of The Philadelphia Inquirer about Library Build, and a photographer came along as well. It should be a great piece about Rowen's library and the work that Library Build is trying to accomplish there.
Stay tuned!
Then, there's us! I am so excited to hear about the things happening at Rowen, and knowing that we have the power to help change their library.
Today, I was interviewed by Kristen Graham of The Philadelphia Inquirer about Library Build, and a photographer came along as well. It should be a great piece about Rowen's library and the work that Library Build is trying to accomplish there.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Certification versus No Certification?
Over the course of developing Library Build from an idea into an actual nonprofit organization, I have faced a great deal of criticism from librarians who say a variety of things including: "You can't possibly put in people who aren't certified as librarians," or "You will just be taking away the jobs of real librarians," or "Librarians without certification will not serve any great purpose in a library."
So, here we go.
Most of the libraries in Philadelphia's public schools are closed. They have no one in them who manages the collection, no one who monitors what books go in and out. There is no one who runs book clubs, no one who teaches kids how to use technology.
The library at Rowen School is kept locked because it is that useless to the administration without a librarian.
Point One: Is it better for the library to remain closed, than it is for an un-certified librarian to be in the library?
All other organizations that I have read or learned about in the course of my research that do the similar work of renovating libraries either do not put in any supports afterwards, or put in part-time, community volunteers.
A large, corporate foundation renovates libraries, but does not recruit or put in volunteers or librarians. Their work is to put in the books and make it pretty. They then leave the community and the school to use it as they wish. This is why so many of Philadelphia's public school libraries are abandoned now. Because without someone in the library full time to manage it and update it, it becomes useless.
Similarly, other organizations will renovate school libraries and will then place part-time volunteers into the library. Obviously, this is better than nothing, but these volunteers are not trained, and are not there full-time, dedicated to the students.
Point Two: Would you rather have a part time volunteer, or would you rather have someone in the library all day who has received training and is there to serve as a librarian for the entire school year?
As public school districts across the United States continue to face budget cuts and budget crises, they will continue to lay off their workers. Most recently here in Philadelphia, they laid off a great number of teachers. But guess who went long before the teachers? That's right, librarians. Why? Because ten to fifteen years ago when budget problems began arising in urban districts, they started getting rid of the people they felt they could most do without. They need teachers, so librarians and similar staff (music programs for one), got laid off.
That was more than ten years ago. This is why Philly's libraries are empty.
Point Three: Library Build is in no way taking jobs from librarians. There are very few librarians in Philadelphia! Once we renovate Rowen's library, we will place a trained librarian into the library. The School District is not magically going to come up with the budget to hire a full-time, certified librarian just because we put in the library. That is wishful, and dangerous thinking.
That being said, when we do actually begin to recruit Library Fellows we will consider any qualified college graduate. We will hire the most qualified applicants we get (including those with MLS degrees) who are willing to work at the salary offered.
So, here we go.
Most of the libraries in Philadelphia's public schools are closed. They have no one in them who manages the collection, no one who monitors what books go in and out. There is no one who runs book clubs, no one who teaches kids how to use technology.
The library at Rowen School is kept locked because it is that useless to the administration without a librarian.
Point One: Is it better for the library to remain closed, than it is for an un-certified librarian to be in the library?
All other organizations that I have read or learned about in the course of my research that do the similar work of renovating libraries either do not put in any supports afterwards, or put in part-time, community volunteers.
A large, corporate foundation renovates libraries, but does not recruit or put in volunteers or librarians. Their work is to put in the books and make it pretty. They then leave the community and the school to use it as they wish. This is why so many of Philadelphia's public school libraries are abandoned now. Because without someone in the library full time to manage it and update it, it becomes useless.
Similarly, other organizations will renovate school libraries and will then place part-time volunteers into the library. Obviously, this is better than nothing, but these volunteers are not trained, and are not there full-time, dedicated to the students.
Point Two: Would you rather have a part time volunteer, or would you rather have someone in the library all day who has received training and is there to serve as a librarian for the entire school year?
As public school districts across the United States continue to face budget cuts and budget crises, they will continue to lay off their workers. Most recently here in Philadelphia, they laid off a great number of teachers. But guess who went long before the teachers? That's right, librarians. Why? Because ten to fifteen years ago when budget problems began arising in urban districts, they started getting rid of the people they felt they could most do without. They need teachers, so librarians and similar staff (music programs for one), got laid off.
That was more than ten years ago. This is why Philly's libraries are empty.
Point Three: Library Build is in no way taking jobs from librarians. There are very few librarians in Philadelphia! Once we renovate Rowen's library, we will place a trained librarian into the library. The School District is not magically going to come up with the budget to hire a full-time, certified librarian just because we put in the library. That is wishful, and dangerous thinking.
That being said, when we do actually begin to recruit Library Fellows we will consider any qualified college graduate. We will hire the most qualified applicants we get (including those with MLS degrees) who are willing to work at the salary offered.
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Search Continues
I spoke to a representative from a local grant-giving Foundation this afternoon. She was very interested in Library Build's mission, and our work with Rowen.
Just one flaw: we need more board members!
I'll admit that I am not the very best at networking or connecting people to my mission. One of the pieces of advice that Joe McBride gave me before he passed away was that I needed to do the work, while someone else needed to be the spokesman. Pretty much true! Ha! (Anybody?)
So I put up a posting on Bridgestar this afternoon for Board Members. Let's see if I get any good responses! You can check it out here:
http://www.bridgestar.org/MyCareerCenter/PositionDetails.aspx?jobId=9770
For those reading this blog, please email me if you are interested, or if you know anyone in the area who might be interested. I am willing to talk to anyone with a clear interest in public education.
Thanks!
Just one flaw: we need more board members!
I'll admit that I am not the very best at networking or connecting people to my mission. One of the pieces of advice that Joe McBride gave me before he passed away was that I needed to do the work, while someone else needed to be the spokesman. Pretty much true! Ha! (Anybody?)
So I put up a posting on Bridgestar this afternoon for Board Members. Let's see if I get any good responses! You can check it out here:
http://www.bridgestar.org/MyCareerCenter/PositionDetails.aspx?jobId=9770
For those reading this blog, please email me if you are interested, or if you know anyone in the area who might be interested. I am willing to talk to anyone with a clear interest in public education.
Thanks!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Book Fair!
I met with a representative from Barnes and Noble this week, and we are officially having our book fair with them December 12 through the 17. Save up your book lists and support Library Build!
Our voucher number is: 10570174
You will need to present this at the time of purchase (in store, or online!) for Library Build to receive a portion of the sale. Remember, you can shop at any B&N in the nation, not just in Philadelphia!
Students First
Last night I attended a meeting held by Michelle Rhee's new organization, Students First. I'm not going to write anything about Michelle Rhee or Students First on Library Build's blog (yes, they are very separate), but if you are interested, I wrote about it in my other blog: http://thenpstartup.blogspot.com/2011/09/students-first-philadelphia.html
Monday, September 19, 2011
City Schools - No Librarian
Today in the Philadelphia Inquirer is an article about the Cook-Wissahickon School Elementary. It's a general story about public schools that can be successful, yet are facing tough times because of the School District's budget cuts and the lay-offs of hundreds of teachers (including yours truly).
But I was caught by one line on the first page: "We lost our Spanish teacher, and librarian".
Its not something that most people think of as necessary. But without a librarian, the students at this school won't be able to check books out that interest them. Their classes won't be able to make visits to the library to learn about reading, writing, or research projects (yes, even elementary students need to learn these skills!) Teachers won't be able to work with the librarian to find interesting books that go along with their curriculum. And the library will eventually become disorganized and old with misuse.
This is why we are trying to get Library Build, Inc off the ground! I am very excited by the things we have planned for Rowen Elementary's school library.
But I was caught by one line on the first page: "We lost our Spanish teacher, and librarian".
Its not something that most people think of as necessary. But without a librarian, the students at this school won't be able to check books out that interest them. Their classes won't be able to make visits to the library to learn about reading, writing, or research projects (yes, even elementary students need to learn these skills!) Teachers won't be able to work with the librarian to find interesting books that go along with their curriculum. And the library will eventually become disorganized and old with misuse.
This is why we are trying to get Library Build, Inc off the ground! I am very excited by the things we have planned for Rowen Elementary's school library.
Friday, September 16, 2011
A tour of Whole Foods Callowhill
These pictures are on facebook as well, but I get excited, so here we go:
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| Signs in the checkout lines! |
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| Reuse your bags! |
 |
| yeah! |
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| Book Drive box! And had a nice chat with the security officer while I took these pictures :) |
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| Chip collection! I think Library Build needs some more... ! |
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| Again. |
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| Thanks Whole Foods Callowhill! |
Enjoy Friday!
Barnes and Noble and Library Build
You read that title right!
I am so very pleased to announce that I am planning a book fair at Barnes and Noble Rittenhouse to benefit Library Build during the week of December 12, 2011!
Once the specifics are in place, I will post a voucher to this blog and to facebook. You can use the voucher to support Library Build in ANY Barnes and Noble Booksellers in the United States! So save up your Christmas book lists and shop for Library Build!
How it works:
Barnes and Noble uses the voucher to track who is supporting Library Build. A portion of every sale goes directly to Library Build. The exciting part is that the more people who buy for us, the more money we end up making for Rowen School!
This is a great way for us to get our name and mission out into a broader community here in Philadelphia.
Look for more information to come next week!
I am so very pleased to announce that I am planning a book fair at Barnes and Noble Rittenhouse to benefit Library Build during the week of December 12, 2011!
Once the specifics are in place, I will post a voucher to this blog and to facebook. You can use the voucher to support Library Build in ANY Barnes and Noble Booksellers in the United States! So save up your Christmas book lists and shop for Library Build!
How it works:
Barnes and Noble uses the voucher to track who is supporting Library Build. A portion of every sale goes directly to Library Build. The exciting part is that the more people who buy for us, the more money we end up making for Rowen School!
This is a great way for us to get our name and mission out into a broader community here in Philadelphia.
Look for more information to come next week!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Unveiling of the Brochure!
Today I was the Marketing Director and Administrative Assistant Extraordinaire for Library Build. I had developed this brochure a few months ago to be given to principals who are interested in our help, and I spent the last few days editing it to be beautiful (at least I think so!)
Hopefully it looks good to everyone else!
The full effect!
Find them at Whole Foods Callowhill!
If you don't live in Philadelphia, check out this website, scribd - they let anyone post documents online. When you click on the link it should take you to the brochure. Remember, when you are looking at it online you are seeing it unfolded, so it may seem a little funny!Click on the face of it and the website will show you the inside panels. Enjoy!
Comments welcome as always!
Hopefully it looks good to everyone else!
Stacks of brochures! Maybe folding all of them was more of an intern's job. So add "Intern" to today's list of roles!
The full effect!
I made 118 of them before my poor printer conked out. Maybe after it rests a little it will be ready for more work!
Find them at Whole Foods Callowhill!
If you don't live in Philadelphia, check out this website, scribd - they let anyone post documents online. When you click on the link it should take you to the brochure. Remember, when you are looking at it online you are seeing it unfolded, so it may seem a little funny!Click on the face of it and the website will show you the inside panels. Enjoy!
Comments welcome as always!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Library in your Pocket
Amazon is developing the second generation of its Kindle - to be released very soon - and word is spreading of a new service they may offer: a "Netflix" for books. Instead of the usual purchase that you make now on your Kindle (or similar E-reader), you would also be able to "rent" books that are in Amazon's database, for an annual fee.
Sounds like an amazing technology to have in a school library!
Here's the link to the article.
Hopefully we'll learn more when they unveil it officially!
Sounds like an amazing technology to have in a school library!
Here's the link to the article.
Hopefully we'll learn more when they unveil it officially!
Book Drive and Grants
Today is day one of our book drive with Whole Foods Callowhill! So for the two or three people who happen to read this blog... and live in Philadelphia... lets donate some kids/teens books!
In other exciting news: received yet another denial from a Letter of Inquiry sent to a grant foundation. Color me shocked. I'm not sure if I should write about denials on this blog - I like it to remain positive, despite all of the setbacks I receive each and every day. But, I have to say that I am growing very frustrated, to the point of paralysis on sending in letters and actual grant applications. If I read, "your program is worthy, but...".... Anyway, despite the setbacks, we are moving ahead, and the thought of Rowen Elementary having a functional library drives me to try a little harder every day. Hopefully soon Library Build can get its big break - for Rowen's sake.
In other exciting news: received yet another denial from a Letter of Inquiry sent to a grant foundation. Color me shocked. I'm not sure if I should write about denials on this blog - I like it to remain positive, despite all of the setbacks I receive each and every day. But, I have to say that I am growing very frustrated, to the point of paralysis on sending in letters and actual grant applications. If I read, "your program is worthy, but...".... Anyway, despite the setbacks, we are moving ahead, and the thought of Rowen Elementary having a functional library drives me to try a little harder every day. Hopefully soon Library Build can get its big break - for Rowen's sake.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Book Drive!
Library Build is very pleased to announce that we will be holding our first book drive at Whole Foods Callowhill in Philadelphia beginning Monday, September 12 and extending through October 16!
So everyone has plenty of time to collect their unused, or lightly used kid and teen books to donate to our students at Rowen School!
I'm working on some more announcements and information, so stay on the lookout!
Callie
So everyone has plenty of time to collect their unused, or lightly used kid and teen books to donate to our students at Rowen School!
I'm working on some more announcements and information, so stay on the lookout!
Callie
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
First Day of School!
Today is the first day of school for the Philadelphia School District! And while teachers are preparing lesson plans, and our students are getting back into the swing of learning, we need to remember that the vast majority of Philadelphia public schools do not have librarians, and do not have functional libraries.
It's hard to imagine learning without a great library and access to books. Of course it can be done, and great teachers every day are able to help their students learn. But we are doing a disservice to our students every day that they are not able to learn how to research, learn how to use a computer or computer software, or just read for fun.
We need to ensure that one way or another public schools have libraries and librarians again. That's why what we do at Library Build is so important to us, and why we hope that more people see the value in what we are trying to do.
We need to ensure that one way or another public schools have libraries and librarians again. That's why what we do at Library Build is so important to us, and why we hope that more people see the value in what we are trying to do.
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