At our first meeting, folks were supportive of an action component to our group, probably one that is book related, but that too is open for discussion. I hope that we can have a discussion via the blog on this matter.
What do we want to work on? Rotating topics from meeting to meeting or stick to a campaign for a longer period of time? Does anyone have any ideas? We briefly talked about the shrinking libraries in public schools and prisons.
How do we do the work? In between meetings, at the meeting, both?
What are the types of actions we can take? Educating ourselves, writing letters, raising money, donating books, educating others, etc?
Thoughts/Comments?
Monday, June 18, 2007
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11 comments:
This is a wonderful organization which I am just beginning to become acquainted:
http://www.buildingwithbooks.org/
What exactly does BWB do for schools?
I used to serve as the local teen librarian Bodine and currently do for University City. The University City High librarian is known amongst the public librarians who have worked with her as someone who is overburdened and undersupported, to say the least.
What kinds of things could we do to support this program?
i agree with dan. what might we do to support bwb? can we directly support school librarians? if we did, dan, how might we be of assistance?
I'm probably not the one to ask about the specific challenges inner city school library and media specialists face. I have a feeling that the biggest needs change based on the specific circumstances. MLK, as Shannon told us, lost all of their books to asbestos. They probably need reference resources. Someone else may have the World Book Encyclopedia, but need books to support specific classes (research on world cultures or 30 copies of Hamlet). The best way to figure out what a school needs is to ask. MLK sounds like it's in need, and Shannon has access to their librarian, so that might be a good place to start.
If we're looking simply to donate something monetary, I found out on Monday that my friend at the Santore Branch of FLP (7th and Carpenter) has not secured any prizes for her Teen Summer Reading Game that would really appeal to her teens. If we could get her something to raffle off as a grand prize (say, a $50 mp3 player) it would probably assist the TSR program at that branch. Teen Summer Reading is basically a raffle and whenever you read a book you get a raffle entry. The incentive is much better if the grand prize is not a pen with a little koosh ball on top. To tell the truth, I'm pretty peeved at her: I had no problem finding the money to get an iPod Shuffle and gift cards and I have way less resources than she does. But I don't think the teens should be punished for that...
I like both the ideas of supporting a local library and school.
could we set up meetings with librarians at 7th and carpenter and mlk or other appropriate people/staff and discuss ways we could help.
perhaps we could also identify and reach out to other book clubs and get them to join whatever effort(s) we undertake.
I can set up something at Santore Branch, but I probably won't be able to be there because they work the same hours as I do. Now that Summer Hours are in effect, the only times that will be good for any reasonable number of people are Monday and Wednesday nights early (6:30 or 7pm). An alternative might be to arrange a happy hour meeting somewhere in the neighborhood and meet the librarian there for dinner and drinks on a Friday night. I know she has family obligations, so this would require more planning.
I'm still mulling over the action component options, but just a question. Dan, does Ann not have any TSR prizes or just no good ones? All we've got at LMB are three thumb drives and some crappy light up sunglasses or something.
I am, however, thinking that as most people have busy schedules, the action aspect should not require a lot of additional meeting time outside of the book club discussions. I'm actually fine with it, but I'm imagining the others might find this an imposition. Let me know if I'm wrong.
i think we're in agreement that folks are both interested in an action component and that it doesn't take much of our time.
what do you think about inviting someone or two to our July 8th meeting to hang out with us and present some options of action. is there someone good at the central library branch who has a good sense of needs and projects going on around the city. hopefully this would start to identify some ways that we might get involved.
I apologise for the following library-speak, this is mostly for Elaine: Last year, the area coordinators put together all of the leftover programming money at the end of the year and bought each branch a bicycle for the kids and an MP3 player for the teens to raffle off as grand prizes. At my branch, the MP3 player did wonders for teen participation in Summer Reading. This year, that was not done. However, each branch did have a huge grant for "programming" aimed at individuals age 0-18. The librarians were free to spend that money on, say, an MP3 player for Summer Reading. That's what I did. Ann did not. Steph must not have either. I think having a grand prize that teens get excited about really makes a difference in terms of participation. LMB probably needs more help than SAN, so maybe we should get them involved as well.
By the way: I have been repeatedly told that the sunglasses with the flashing LED lights are "really cool." I don't get it either.
Yeah, we decided to spend most of the money on long term stuff, ex. replacing or supplementing technology we should have like a functioning digital camera and dvd player. We also ordered a camcorder and puppets plus puppet stage (mostly cause Sara and I think puppets are awesome). I think Steph assumed that the TSR prizes would be better. She seemed pretty disappointed when they arrived. I do think if we consider helping out Santore we should also help LMB. Steph's getting back from vacation on the 6th. I'll email her and ask her theoretically if she might appreciate some help with the prizes.
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