Shadows On Stone: Sculpture and Ellen Lebow

Shadows On Stone: Sculpture and Ellen Lebow: "http://poorlebowpaam.wordpress.com/"

Shadows On Stone: Sculpture and Ellen Lebow

Shadows On Stone: Sculpture and Ellen Lebow: "http://poorlebowpaam.wordpress.com/"

A Balancing Act

I can hardly believe it's November--actually December and there's not a snowflake in the air. (Knock on wood and the computer screen). Does it still feel like a cool summer too you? Ok, I'm delusional. But at least you can admit that it certainly isn't the dark days of winter, although the days are definitely shorter. I'm still not getting used to running out to my car in the dark at 4:30 p.m. Forgive me if you think this is a complaint but it's really not. I'm ecstatic that I can go out and not yet have to scrape the frost of my car window before heading home OR to work. In fact, I was extremely ecstatic that the temperature was warm enough for us to rally the gang of middle school students outside with Todd Brodeur to participate in final viewing of invited performers during our Annual Performer's Showcase the other week. I was also in amazement that Mr. Brodeur had enough Frisbees to lend to EVERY willing student who wanted to learn a new frisbee trick. I was impressed! And I was even more impressed with many of our acts who were able to adapt to performing in front of lower and upper middle school students when the nearby elementary school couldn't participate at the last minute. While a few performers were nervous, others broke out in wide smiles and wanted to roll with the punches along with me. What's an artist to do? If there ever was a time to put on a happy face--this was it! So while certain acts were "suited for younger audiences", our invited guests offered performances that erased the age appropriate line. If you weren't there, you would have missed those kids who rapped right along AND added sound effects with a presenter who only offered elementary aged stories. Or you would not have seen kids signing along a story about a whale and its travels. Yes, these were sixth AND eight graders enjoying the show. Which goes to show, that good stories capture the imagination and interest of willing participants.

Speaking of participation, I look forward in working with those librarians who offered to help facilitate the next showcase. You know who you are I will be calling upon on. And others who decide to volunteer later next year,you know how to reach me. I could certainly use a hand in this making our showcase an exciting adventure for everyone involved. All it takes is a willingness to juggle the precarious and ever evolving musical acts....

Been There, Done That and we even have the T-Shirt

Now that school has started, summer has officially ended it's time to switch gears and start all up again in the fall--which is now. It was definitely a wild ride this summer with unofficial reports indicating that summer participation and registration were off the charts. But didn't we know that that would happen? As seasoned librarians we always see the numbers go up in a fluctuating economy. And veteran librarians attempt to prepare for the influx of new and the 'haven't been at the library since grade school' user. Whatever side of the information highway track they reside, we as usual, embrace our prodigal sons and daughters with open arms. *smile* Sometimes our visitors leave with renewed love for their town library by returning or either telling their friends about the experience they had. Others we won't physically see again until another distressed economy.

If your visitors left words or demonstrated their show of support of their library this past summer, record that moment in your summer reading evaluations. Believe it not such stories are passed along to House Committee Chairs, Senators and even the Governor during Budget Hearings. Its very rare for citizens to physically join us across the state to help speak out in order to protect our state budgets each year but your pictures, emails or letters demonstrate that librarians are not the only voice crying out in the wilderness.

So as we move into the fall, let's not forget to tie up loose ends of summer by completing those summer evaluations if you haven't already. Remember it's not just your voice but those of your patrons that count.

P.S. You're invited to 'lift your voice' about your summer reading program experience or festivities in our Summer Reading Wrap-Up Roundtable on Tuesday, October 21st. To register, click here.

Great....one last (almost) thing to think about.

I know many of you are finishing up the last traces of your Summer Reading Program but for those of you who finished running your program or perhaps it was your program running you, you can at least start filling out our summer reading evaluation form. It isn't due until September 12 2008, just shy of a month from now but I'm sure this will give you sometime to fill it out. It be posted on our SEMLS homepage for you to find until the deadline but you will receive another reminder about in the days to come. And speaking of the days to come, in a few more months we'll start sending out the order forms once we finalize plans for our Starship Adventure & Find Out What's Out There 2009 summer reading programs. We're going to try to keep the ordering schedule in October but I have to tell you it may be November folks. Either way, the order form will be made available in plenty of time to receive your 2009 orders for next year. In the meantime, you can see both manuals, children or teens that we will be using to celebrate our space and personal exploration themes. The state of Tennessee did an EXCELLENT job in compiling really cool activities, games and lists. You can start downloading any of their materials now if you'd like. We are going to have SO much fun next year during the International Year of Astronomy!

Big-E Tickets are ready for the asking!

For those of you who are looking for a prize without entering a contest, you may be in luck. 8-) Each year, my colleague Janet Eckert from the Western Region lassos complimentary tickets from the statewide Country Fair otherwise known as the BIG E for summer reading participating libraries. The West Springfield event held each fall in September brings in famous country, pop and rock musicians to present along with the year-round agricultural related events, i.e. traditional horse and dog shows, cooking and photography competitions, and wine testings.

If you're interested in receive a pair of $15 complimentary tickets to offset the price of you or your patron's trip to the Big E during the week of September 12-18 2008, please respond via email to me at vbeenebeaversATsemls.org or by phone at 508.923.3531 by Friday, August 8th. Since I only have 20 pairs, it's a first come first serve basis. Get 'em while their available!

And the Best Dressed Children's Room winner is.....

First runner up is the Norfolk Public Library...but

Seekonk Public Library is the winner!
We'll drop the donated Blockbuster size Spiderman window/wall display off to you tomorrow.

Norfolk we have something for you but it's just not as dramatic. But we think you'll be pleased.

Thanks to all who submitted the photos. We hope it was fun for you as it was for us.