TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Coming Up This Month
2. SLP Update
2a. Map Added to the Performer Web Page
2b. CSLP Annual Meeting
2c. ALA's Summer Reading Program
2d. ALSC Preconference Focuses on Challenges of SLP
2e. Copies of Past Wisconsin Manuals Available
2f. Some 2009 SLP Resources
3. Teen Services
3a. Adolescent Literacy Leadership Conference
3b. YALSA Summer Courses
3c. AskAway YouTube Contest for Teens
4. CCBC Publications
4a. 2008 CCBC Choices
5. UW-Madison Summer Courses
6. Libri Foundation Grants
7. El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
8. ALA Step Up to the Plate Promotion
9. Children's Book Week
10. First Lady Doyle's Recommended Children's Titles for this Month
11. Monthly Postings are Archived on the Youth Services Web Page
12. Upcoming Events in 2008
1. Coming Up This Month and Next
April is
Better Hearing and Speech Month www.asha.org/campaign.htm
Mathematics Education Month www.mathaware.org
National Alcohol Awareness Month www.ncadd.org
National Autism Awareness Month, Autism Society of America, www.autism-society.org
National Child Abuse Prevention Month http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/itsuptoyou/default.asp
National Garden Month www.nationalgardenmonth.org
National Humor Month www.larrywilde.com/month.htm
National Month of the Young Child www.naeyc.org
National Poetry Month, Children's Book Council, http://www.cbcbooks.org/yppw/ and www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/41
National Occupational Therapy Month www.aota.org
National Youth Sports Safety Month www.nyssf.org/campaign.html
Sexual Assault Awareness Month www.nsvrc.org
School Library Media Month www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/aasladvocacy/schoollibrarymedia.htm
May is
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, http://allergies.about.com/od/basics/a/MayNAAAM.htm
Better Speech and Hearing Month, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, www.asha.org
Get Caught Reading Month, Association of American Publishers (AAP) and the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA), www.getcaughtreading.org
Lupus Awareness Month, Lupus Foundation of America, Inc, www.lupus.org
Mental Health Month, Mental Health America, www.nmha.org/may/index.cfm
National Arthritis Month, Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org
National Asian/Pacific Heritage Month, U.S. Government www.sandiegohistory.org/links/asianmonth.htm
National Bike Month. League of American Bicyclists, www.bikemonth.com
National Foster Care Month, National Network for Youth in Foster Care www.fosterclub.com/index.cfm
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, www.fitness.gov
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Advocates for Youth, www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/ntppm.htm
2. SLP Update
2a. Map Added to the Performer Web Page
We have had numerous requests in the past few years for a map that would help people identify performers in certain areas. When I last checked on having a map developed I was told DPI did not want that mounted on the state Web page because of the space it would take. But times and technology have changed, much faster than I realized. Jamie McCanless who manages the Performer Directory for me has developed the map people have been wanting.
Public librarians and staff from other organizations who want to hire performers for their children's programs can now use the new Performer Map to locate potential candidates in their area. This map uses the free Google Maps service. On the map, every city with at least one performer in the Performer Directory has a location marker. Clicking a marker displays its information window, which includes:
- The city name
- An alphabetical list of performer names
- The primary directory category for each performer
- An underlined link to each performer's main directory entry
In the full-size map, the location markers are also listed in order by city name on the left side of the window. Clicking a marker in the city list scrolls the map to the city and displays its information window. The markers are color coded for Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In performer entries of the directory pages, the city/state of the contact line is linked to the Performer Map. Clicking the link displays the city on the map and it's information window.Note: Performers who are represented by a booking agency that is listed as their contact are not included in the Performer Map.
2b. CSLP Annual Meeting
The CSLP Annual Meeting was on April 23-25th in Little Rock, Arkansas. The 2010 themes are "Make a Splash-Read" for the children and "Make Waves" for the teens. The 2011 general concept will focus on international cultures.
2c. ALA's Summer Reading Program
Although DLTCL is a member of CSLP and supports the CSLP themes each year, not all libraries in the state use the theme and materials. ALA also offers summer reading program materials. The ALA theme for 2008 is "So much to See, So Much to Do @ Your Library." There is a toolkit with free things that can be downloaded at www.ala.org/ala/alsc/projectspartners/kidstoolkit.cfm. Take at look at the site, these materials are generic enough to be used for various purposes throughout the year and they are free.
2d. ALSC Preconference Focuses on Challenges of SLP
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will host the preconference "Summer Reading Survivor: Overcoming the Challenges" from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, and from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Friday, June 27, during the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. On Thursday evening, Judy Sierra, folklorist and author, will open the preconference and get attendees "Wild about Reading." A networking reception with desserts and refreshments will follow.
Friday will feature a morning panel discussion focusing on partnerships and collaboration, followed by library educator Stephen Krashen, who will remind participants about the power of reading and why summer reading matters to kids. Poet, author and illustrator Harry Bliss will help attendees "Catch the Reading Bug!" during the luncheon keynote. Afternoon breakout sessions will address online summer reading programs; promoting reading programs; school and community partnerships; and serving children with vision impairments, which will be presented by the 2007 ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant recipient. Attendees will gather ideas from poster sessions during the afternoon break featuring a variety of summer programs. Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian at the District of Columbia Public Library, will tell why she, as administrator, values summer programs.
The closing keynote will be delivered by Pam Muñoz Ryan, an award-winning author, who will have participants shouting "Hooray! Ole! We love reading!" Attendees will leave the preconference feeling renewed and rejuvenated.
A separate registration and fee from the ALA Annual Conference are required for the preconference (event code SC1): $195, ALSC member; $240, ALA member; $285 nonmember; or $175, student member. Advance registration closes May 16. After this date, registrations will only be available at the onsite rate.
For registration information, visit www.ala.org/alsc, click on "Events & Conferences," or contact the ALSC office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 2163.
2e. Copies of Past Wisconsin Manuals Available
The DPI Publications Office is cleaning house and has copies of three manuals used in the past available at no cost to interested libraries. They may be of interest to your local schools or day care centers. The titles are 1990 "Readlicious," 1996 "Razzle Dazzle Read," and 1998 " Mave Waves: READ!" If you would like free copies of these publications, let me know. I will distribute them on a first call, first serve basis.
2f. Some 2009 SLP Resources
March's "Puppet Tales Newsletter" written by Stephanie Stokes, California, for Mister Anderson's Company, has a link to free Spider Web Soup label that can be downloaded. It looks like a Campbell's Soup label and fits around a standard sized soup can. To sign up for the free news letter go to www.misterandersons.com/contact/index.htm
Mackinac Island Press has a new title that may support the bug theme this summer. The title is 'Twas the Night Before Summer," a takeoff of the poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas." A young girl fears she will be bored during the summer, but a luna moth appears in a magic flying ship and shows the girl and her brother all the fun things that they can do. They stop to watch bugs in a county fair-like setting and at the beach, watch fireworks, and roast marshmallows before they return to their beds. The whole book is available for preview at www.mackinacislandpress.com/childrensbooks_bookpreviews.php
3. Teen Services
3a. Adolescent Literacy Leadership Conference
DLTCL is hosting an Adolescent Literacy Leadership Conference on May 15, 2008. This conference will kick off a multi-year initiative which will encourage public libraries to address various aspects of adolescent literacy in their local communities. Space is limited. The System Youth Services Liaisons made recommendations on who should attend. There are a few spaces left. If anyone has an interest in attending, please let me know by April 30, 2008.
Statewide assessments of reading achievement show that the proportion of students proficient in reading declines as they move from elementary and middle school to high school. This conference will launch a multi-year initiative that will champion high-quality teen services and build momentum behind Wisconsin's drive to create the most literate, well-educated citizenry and workforce in the nation.
Jim Burke, a nationally prominent expert in adolescent literacy, will be on hand to provide an overview of recent research findings and relevant developments including the challenges and opportunities for improving adolescent literacy in Wisconsin. In addition, a UW-Madison researcher on teen brain development will help frame what is known about the differences in the teen brain and hormonal systems that differ from those of children and adults. The afternoon will include a dynamic panel of teens who will discuss the exciting teen services they helped design for their public library. The day will conclude with a summary of the ways in which electronic gaming impacts the way in which teens think, read, and organize information, based on the latest research.
3b. YALSA Summer Courses
The Young Adult Library Services Association, a unit of the American Library Association, is offering three summer courses July 7 though August 18. Registration opens May 12.
Making the Match: Finding the Right Book for the Right Teen at the Right Time
Become an expert and connecting teens with books! Course participants will explore adolescent development, learn about teen reading preferences and take part in an active discussion about specific books and library materials that meet the varied needs and interests of teens. This is a six-week course. The cost is $149 for YALSA members, $195 for ALA members, and $215 for nonmembers. Instructor: Teri Lesesne.
Reaching Teens with Gaming
The main focus of this course is to educate non-gamers about what video games are, to eliminate stereotypes and fears about video games, and to introduce librarians to a medium that engages the free time of more than 80% of their teen clientele. This is a six-week course. The cost is $149 for YALSA members, $195 for ALA members, and $215 for nonmembers.
Instructor: Beth Gallaway.
Tech Tools for Teen Leadership
Let's face it, learning and using new technologies can seem overwhelming. In this class you will:
- Find out about free easy-to-use technologies that make it easier for you to lead and manage teen library services.
- Discuss ways to use new technologies to plan and implement TAG projects, meetings, and programs.
- Learn how to begin to integrate technology in order to make your day-to-day teen services tasks more easily accomplished.
- Brainstorm methods for keeping up with technology so to improve teen services in your library
This is a six-week course. The cost is $149 for YALSA members, $195 for ALA members, and $215 for nonmembers. Instructor: Linda Braun.
For more information go to www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/onlinecourses/info.cfm#summer or contact Nichole Gilbert, 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4397.
3c. AskAway YouTube Contest for Teens
The Wisconsin Statewide AskAway publicity committee is sponsoring a Youtube contest for teens. this is a great opportunity for your youth groups to try something new, get some publicity and prizes. We are offering a $150 first prize and a $75 second prize. We are looking for original videos between 30 and 60 seconds long (can be longer) that depicts the AskAway service in a positive way; why they use and like it. Pease consider having your young adult group enter the contest.
--from Renee Ponzio - Chairperson. Statewide AskAway Publicity Committee, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Eau Claire, 715-839-1683; reneep@eauclaire.lib.wi.us
4. CCBC Publications
4a. CCBC Choices
The Cooperative Children's Book Center sent copies of the 2008 edition of CCBC Choices to the systems for distribution to all their member libraries. "Choices" is edited by Kathleen Horning, Megan Schliesman, Merri Lindgren, Tessa Michaelson and Hollis Rudiger. It lists the CCBC staff's choices of the best books published in 2007. All the books listed in "CCBC Choices" are available for viewing at the Cooperative Children's Book Center in Madison. "Choices" is published by the Friends of the CCBC, Inc. and is provided free of charge to librarians, teachers and other interested individuals in Wisconsin. You might want to share information about CCBC Choices with local school library media staff. For information about CCBC Choices contact Megan Schliesman at schliesman@education.wisc.edu
4b. Bullying Bibliography
The CCBC is introducing a new bibliography called, "Thick-skinned, Thin-skinned, The Skin I'm In: Books about Bullying, Teasing, Relational Aggression and School Violence." Experiences with bullying, teasing, relational aggression, and school violence are an all too common part of childhood and adolescence. Schools and communities are looking for ways to address these issues, while children, teens, and caring adults deal with the day-to-day fear and misery caused by such behavior.
This selective bibliography offers titles that authentically address the issues of bullying, teasing, relational aggression, and school violence. The titles chosen here reflect themes of conformity, self-perception, and popularity in addition to stories related to school culture and tolerance. While some books describe the difficulties of being different, others emphasize the positives. From books depicting the heartache of gossip and social invisibility to books portraying the struggle of feeling comfortable into one's own skin, these titles will have relevance and resonance with readers.
The titles are grouped according the suggested age range as well as by the main perspective the book offers (being the target, being the aggressor, being the observer, multiple perspectives). A section on difference is also included for each age range. The bibliography is available at
www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/detailListBooks.asp?idBookLists=309
--Tessa Michaelson, Librarian, Cooperative Children's Book Center
5. UW-Madison Summer Course
Bilingual Storytime Workshop, August 11-13, 2008
Participants will gain an understanding of cultural differences and learn how to
effectively incorporate elements of Hispanic, Native American, and Hmong cultures into children's programming.
For more information, contact Anna Palmer, ahpalmer@wisc.edu or 608-263-4452.
6. Libri Foundation Grants
The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries throughout the United States. Since October 1990, the Foundation has donated over $3,500,000 worth of new children's books to more than 2,600 libraries in 48 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. The most recent deadline was April 15th, but the next is August 15th.
In order to encourage and reward local support of libraries, the Libri Foundation will match any amount of money raised by your local sponsors from $50 to $350 on a 2-to-1 ratio. Thus, a library can receive up to $1,050 worth of new children's books. After a library receives a grant, local sponsors (such as formal or informal Friends groups, civic or social organizations, local businesses, etc.) have four months (or longer if necessary) to raise their matching funds.
The librarian of each participating library selects the books the library will receive from a booklist provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and nonfiction titles on the booklist reflect the very best of children's literature published primarily in the last three years. These titles, which are for children ages 12 and under, are award-winners or have received starred reviews in library, literary, or education journals. The booklist also includes a selection of classic children's titles.
Libraries are qualified on an individual basis. In general, county libraries should serve a population under 16,000 and town libraries should serve a population under 10,000 (usually under 5,000) Libraries should be in a rural area, have a limited operating budget, and an active children's department. Rural is usually considered to be at least 30 miles from a city with a population over 40,000. Libraries with total operating budgets over $150,000 and county libraries with total operating budgets over $350,000 are rarely given grants.
A school library may apply only if it also serves as the public library (i.e. it is open to everyone in the community, has some summer hours, and there is no public library in town) A branch library may apply if the community it is in meets the definition of rural. If the branch library receives its funding from its parent institution, then the parent institution's total operating budget, not just the branch library's total operating budget, must meet the budget guidelines.
Previous Books for Children grant recipients are eligible to apply for another grant three years after the receipt of their last grant. Libraries that do not fulfill all grant requirements, including the final report, may not apply for another grant. Grants will be awarded April 30th and August 31st. Application guidelines and forms may be downloaded from the Foundation's website at http://www.librifoundation.org.
For more information about The Libri Foundation or its Books for Children program, please contact Ms. Barbara J. McKillip, President, The Libri Foundation, P.O. Box 10246, Eugene, OR 97440; 541-747-9655; libri@librifoundation.org.
7. El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
Libraries across the country will join Dora the ExplorerTM, members of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and REFORMA in celebrating El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), also known as Día, on April 30. Día celebrates the importance of advocating literacy for every child, regardless of linguistic and cultural background. Dora the ExplorerTM, the popular children's television character who invites children to share her adventures in learning, is featured in the Día 2008 brochure, poster and bookmark.
Libraries showcase their various multicultural programs and services through Día celebrations. Día events support literacy and bridge cultures through bilingual book displays and story hours; family literacy fairs; bilingual writing projects, and programs that will encourage parents to inspire their children to read.
Día honors children, their languages and culture, encourages reading and literacy, and promotes library collections and programs that reflect the country's changing populations. For a brochure featuring multicultural book lists and tips on how to encourage children to read, please visit the Día Web site at www.ala.org/dia. Libraries that register their Día events through the Web site will receive copies of the complimentary brochure, while supplies last. In addition, posters and bookmarks are for sale through ALA Graphics at www.alastore.ala.org.
ALSC is the national center for Día. Through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, ALSC is working with national organizations, such as Dia's Founding Partner, REFORMA, to initiate communication and education efforts that promote Día to families across the United States. REFORMA is the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking.
If your library is celebrating Día please go to the ALA web site and describe what you are doing. Currently there are no entries for Wisconsin.
8. ALA Step Up to the Plate Promotion
The boys of summer are stepping up to the plate for the start of the first week of baseball season 2008. The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum are getting into the swing of things, too. Season three of Step Up to the Plate @ your library officially launches this week. The program teams up two American classics - baseball and libraries-to promote the importance of information literacy skills and increase awareness of the library as an essential information resource. The Step Up to the Plate trivia game is now available to library patrons on the program's Web site at www.ala.org/baseball.
Season three of the program, is a whole new "ball game," celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." People of all ages will be encouraged to visit their library and answer a series of trivia questions inspired by "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Categories of questions will include ballparks, baseball in popular culture, fan experience, and baseball pioneers. One grand-prize winner will receive a trip to the Hall of Fame in October 2008.
Librarians are encouraged to visit the program Web site to register for free promotional tools to help promote the program locally. Tools include program logos in both English and Spanish and a toolkit that includes sample press materials and programming ideas. To date more than 500 librarians from across the country have registered for the program.
Librarians who bring in the most entries can win incentives for participation in the program. The library that brings in the most entries will get a $100 bookstore gift certificate and a copy of "Baseball's Greatest Hit: The Story of 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game,'" by Andy Strasberg, Bob Thompson, and Tim Wiles. The next three libraries will receive a $50 ALA Graphics gift certificate and a copy of "Baseball's Greatest Hit." For more information about Step Up to the Plate trivia game or the promotion in general, go www.ala.org/baseball.
9. Children's Book Week
This is just a reminder that Children's Book Week has been moved from November to May. The artwork for the 2008 theme is now available. Mary Grand Pre, who is best known in children's literature circles as the creator of the Harry Potter covers, designed this year's official Children's Book Week poster. The Children's Book Council is offering the official poster at no charge this year. For information on Children's Book Week web site go to www.cbcbooks.org/cbw/index_2.html.
10. First Lady Doyle's Recommended Children's Titles for this Month:
First Lady Jessica Doyle has initiated an online book discussion club for children and adults. Each month her Web page for the book club, called "Read On Wisconsin," lists the titles for discussion. All books were carefully selected by a Literacy Advisory Board and reflect a commitment to diversity in their content and message. Mrs. Doyle hopes you find them as interesting and appealing as she does.
The titles recommended for this month are:
Preschool: "Bee-Bim-Bop!" by Linda Sue Park
Primary: "Virginnie's Hat" by Dori Chaconas
Intermediate: "Moses" by Carole Boston Weatherford
Middle School: "Yellow Star" by Jenni Roy
High School: "Poet Slave of Cuba" by Margarita Engle
For more information or to join the "Read On Wisconsin" book club, go to http://readon.wisconsin.gov
11. Monthly Postings are Archived on the Youth Services Web Page
The 2008 monthly postings for the system youth services liaisons will be archieved on the DLTCL Youth Services Web page at www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/ys-postings.html.
12. Upcoming Events in 2008
Note: An attempt has been made to verify each of these dates and URLs. If you notice errors, your assistance in making corrections is very much appreciated. The dates were last updated in December 2007 and more updates will be done as 2008 information becomes available.
APRIL
April is
1 April Fools Day
American's Creed Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
2 International Children's Book Day, International Board on Books for Young People, www.ibby.org (always on April 2)
and
Kick Butts Day, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, www.kickbuttsday.org
6 Hindu New Year www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
6-8 WEMTA(Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association) Conference in Milwaukee, www.wemtaonline.org
7 World Health Day "Protecting Health from Climate Change," World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/world-health-day/en/ (always April 7)
9 Prisoners of War Remembrance Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
13-19 National Library Week "Join the Circle of Knowledge @ Your Library" www.ala.org/ala/pio/natlibraryweek/nlw.htm
and
The Week of the Young Child, National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org/about/woyc/
7-13 National Public Health Week, American Public Health Association, www.apha.org
16 National Library Workers Day, American Library Association www.ala.org/events/
19 Patriot's Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
19-26 National Infant Immunization Week, Nantional Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niiw/default.htm
20-21 Passover (Pesach), first two days of this Jewish observance day Passover (Begins at sundown the night before the first full day)
20-26 Administrative Professionals Week www.iaap-hq.org/APW/apwindex.htm
21-25 National Playground Safety Week, National Program for Playground Safety www.uni.edu/playground
21-27 TV Turn-Off Week, Center for Screen-Time Awareness, www.tvturnoff.org
22 Environmental Awareness Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
23-25 CSLP Annual Meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, www.cslpreads.org
24 Take our Daughters and Sons To Work Day, MS Foundation, www.ms.foundation.org
(always the 4th Thursday in April)
25 Arbor Day (always the last Friday in April)
25-27 National Youth Service Days, Youth Service America, www.ysa.org/nysd/
26-May 4 National SAFE KIDS Week Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids USA, www.usa.safekids.org
26-27 WalkAmerica, March of Dimes, www.walkamerica.org (usually April 30th, but varies by community but usually toward the end of April)
27-May 3, 2008 National Volunteer Week, Points of Light, www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nvw/
30 El dìa de los niños/El dìa de los libros (Children's Day/Children's Book Day), ALA,
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/diadelosninos/diadelosninos.htm (always April 30th)
Teach Children to Save Day www.wisbank.com (varies by community)
MAY
May is
Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, http://allergies.about.com/od/basics/a/MayNAAAM.htm
Better Speech and Hearing Month, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, www.asha.org
Get Caught Reading Month, Association of American Publishers (AAP) and the Magazine Publishers of America (MPA), www.getcaughtreading.org
Lupus Awareness Month, Lupus Foundation of America, Inc, www.lupus.org
Mental Health Month, Mental Health America, www.nmha.org/may/index.cfm
National Arthritis Month, Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org
National Asian/Pacific Heritage Month, U.S. Government www.sandiegohistory.org/links/asianmonth.htm
National Bike Month. League of American Bicyclists, www.bikemonth.com
National Foster Care Month, National Network for Youth in Foster Care www.fosterclub.com/index.cfm
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, www.fitness.gov
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Advocates for Youth, www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/ntppm.htm
1 May Day
and
National Day of Prayer in U.S. (always first Thursday in May) www.ndptf.org
1-7 National Physical Education and Sport Week, National Association for Sport and Physical Education, www.naspeinfo.org/naspe
2 Yom Ha-Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), a Memorial Day for the Holocaust in Israel. This is the date to remember the 6,000,000 Jews who died in the Holocaust.
www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/holocaust/no1.html
3 Join Hands Day, Youth and Adults Volunteering Together, Points of Light www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/
4-11 National Music Week, National Federation of Music Clubs, www.nfmc-music.org
5 Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican celebration of a battle against the French outside the city of Pueblo. One site with ideas to celebrate with children is: http://atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Mexico/
6 National Teacher Day (always the Tuesday in Teacher Appreciation Week), National Education Association, www.nea.org/teacherday
7 National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
www.teenpregnancy.org/national/default.asp?categoryId=31
8 Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/nationalawareness/faq.aspx
11 Mother's Day
11-17 National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. www.ncadd.org/programs/awareness/calendar.html
and
Food Allergy Awareness Week www.foodallergy.org/calendar.html
12-18, 2008 Children's Book Week, Children's Book Council, www.cbcbooks.org
and
National Stuttering Awareness Week, Stuttering Foundation of America www.stutteringhelp.org
13-14, 2008 National Library Legislation Day, Washington D.C., ALA, www.ala.org/nlld
15 Adolescent Literacy Leadership Conference, Madison
17 Syttende Mai, Norwegian Constitution/Independence Day (always May 17) www.bosque-norsemen.com/Significance.htm
20 Buddha Day(Vesak) a Buddhist observance www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
25 National Missing Children's Day, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, www.missingkids.com or www.childfindofamerica.org
26 Memorial Day (always the last Monday in May)
www.rootsweb.com/~nyseneca/memorial.htm
29 Annual Meeting of the System Special Needs Consultants in Madison
JUNE
June is:
Adopt a Cat Month, sponsored by the American Humane Society www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_adoption_aacm
National Gay Pride Month
National Safety Month
Home Safety Month www.homesafetycouncil.org/homesafetymonth
June and July are
Fireworks Safety Months www.preventblindness.org/news/observe.html#June
8-14 Sun Safety Week, Sun Safety Alliance, www.sunsafetyalliance.org
14 Flag Day www.flagday.org (always celebrated on June 14)
and
14 Robert LaFollette, Sr. Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
14-22 Bike to Work Week, Bike to Work, www.biketoworkweek.com/
18 Father's Day (always the third Sunday in June)
20 Summer Solstice www.infoplease.com/spot/solstice.html
9-10 Shavuot (Begins at Sundown) Shavuot, the Feast of the Weeks, is the Jewish holiday celebrating the harvest season in Israel. Shavuot, which means "weeks", refers to the timing of the festival which is held exactly 7 weeks after Passover. Shavuot also commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai One web page with more information is: www.thewjc.org/holidays/shavout.htm
22-28 Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week
26-July 2 American Library Association Conference in Anaheim, California www.ala.org/ala/events/eventsconferences.htm
Juneteeth, an African-American celebration various local dates in June www.juneteenth.com
(Varies by Community)-
JULY
July is:
Eye Injury Prevention Month, American Academy of Opthamology, www.aao.org
Hot Dog Month, National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, www.hot-dog.org
June and July are
Fireworks Safety Months www.preventblindness.org/news/observe.html#June
4 Fourth of July Celebration
18 Asalha Puja Day (Dharma Day), a Buddhist observance www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/holydays/dharma.shtml
Dharma Day celebrates the start of the Buddhist reliation. It marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. The word Dharma can be translated as truth and is the term used for the path to enlightenment, or the Buddhist teaching.
24 Pioneer Day, (Also Covered Wagon Days, Days of `47, or simply July 24th)a Mormon observance www.media.utah.edu/UHE/p/PIONEERDAY.html (always July 24)
A major Mormon tradition, celebrates a birthday, an independence day, and a thanksgiving day for Mormons, as well as a foretaste of the celebration of the Saints that would usher in the millennium at the end of time. It has grown into one of the largest regional celebrations in the United States.
Dog Days of Summer the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere http://wilstar.com/dogdays.htm
AUGUST
August is:
Breastfeeding Awareness Month, La Leche Leauge, www.lalechleague.org
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, Prevent Blindness America, www.preventblindness.org
National Inventors' Month www.inventorsdigest.com
1-7 World Breastfeeding Week www.lalecheleague.org
3 Friendship Day www.friendship.com.au/friendday.html (always the first Sunday in August)
18 Lailat al Bara'ah (Shab-Barat) a Muslim observance
www.ispac-italy.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=891&date=20070829 Islamic Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of the dead.
24 Krishna Janmashtami, a Hindu observance www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/janamashtami.shtml
The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, one of the most popular Gods in the Hindu pantheon. Food is prepared from milk and curds said to have been favoured by Krishna. Some Hindus choose to fast for the first day of Janamashtami, choosing only to eat after the midnight celebrations. Dances and songs are used to venerate and remember this supreme God. Plays are also carried out re-enacting scenes from Krishna's early life. In Temples images of Krishna are bathed and placed in cradles, whilst the shankh (conch shell) is played and bells are rung. Holy mantras are also chanted to venerate Krishna.
SEPTEMBER
September is
Childhood Cancer Month www.candlelighters.org
Library Card Sign Up Month, ALA, www.ala.org/ala/pio/mediarelationsa/factsheets/librarycardsign.htm
National Hispanic Heritage Month www.somosprimos.com
National Library Card Sign Up Month
www.ala.org/ala/pio/presscentera/piopresskits/librarycardsignupmonth2006/lcsm06presskit.htm
National Preparedness Month, www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washnews/2006ndx/087aug25.htm
and www.ready.gov/america/npm/index.htm
Reye's Syndrome Awareness Month, National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, www.reyessyndrome.org
2 Ramadan Begins (Fasting Begins) Muslim ends Oct 13
7-13 National Suicide Prevention Week, American Association of Suicidology, www.suicidology.org
8 Labor Day (always the 1st Monday in September)
and
International Literacy Day (always September 8) www.reading.org/association/meetings/literacy_day.html
11 My Good Deed Day Points of Light and Hands On Network www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/
14 National Grandparents Day www.grandparents-day.com (always the first Sunday after Labor Day)
15 Moon Cake Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival or Chung Chiu) a Chinese Taoist tradition
www.regit.com/hongkong/festival/mooncake.htm This festival corresponds to harvest festival s observed by Western cultures. In Hong Kong, it is held in conjunction with the annual Lantern Festival. A special kind of sweet cake (yueh ping) prepared in the shape of the moon and filled with sesame seeds, ground lotus seeds and duck eggs is served as a traditional delicacy.
15-23 Reye's Syndrome Awareness Week, National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, www.reyessyndrome.org
17 Wisconsin Day (Wednesday of the third week in September)
http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
21-27 National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration, National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation, www.nraf-rehabnet.org
and
Deaf Awareness Week, World Federation of the Deaf, www.deafcouncil.org.uk/daw/
22 Fall Equinox
25 Annual Meeting of the System Youth Services Liaisons, Madison
27 Family Health and Fitness Day USA, Health Information Resource Center, www.fitnessday.com
27-Oct 4, 2008 Banned Books Week sponsored by ALA www.ala.org/bbooks/
28 Frances Willard Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
28-October 4 Hearing Aid Awareness Day, International Hearing Society, www.ihsinfo.org
30-Oct 1 Rosh Hashanah (Begins at Sundown), a Jewish High Holy Day. This is the Jewish new year, a celebration of the creation of the world. Rosh Hashanah is also Yom Teruah, the day of the Blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn blown in the synagogue to usher in the new year
TBA
Wisconsin Storytellers Get-together www.wistory.org
Annual Regional Library Systems Meeting, Madison
LSTA Reviewer Training, Teleconference
Northwest Wisconsin Children's Book Conference in Cable
OCTOBER 2008
October is:
Adopt a Dog Month www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_adoption_aadm
Brain Injury Awareness Month www.biausa.org
Children's Health Month http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/chm.htm
Crime Prevention Month www.ncpc.org
Domestic Violence Awareness Month www.ncadv.org
German American Heritage and Culture Month
International Dinosaur Month www.dinosaur.org/IDM.htm
Italian American Heritage and Culture Month www.niaf.org/research/contribution.asp
National Book Month www.nationalbook.org/nbm.html
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month www.nbcam.org
National Dental Hygiene Month www.adha.org
National Disability Employment Awareness Month www.dol.gov/odep/faqs/ndeam.htm
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month www.ndss.org
National Family Sexuality Education Month www.plannedparenthood.org
National Lupus Awareness Month www.lupus.org
National Physical Therapy Month www.apta.org
National Popcorn Month www.popcorn.org/poppinmonth/press.cfm
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month www.sbaa.org
National Stamp Collecting Month www.usps.com
SIDS Awareness Month www.firstcandle.org
World Blindness Awareness Month www.aao.org
1 International Family Literacy Day, National Center for Family Literacy, www.famlit.org/site/c.gtJWJdMQIsE/b.2149665/k.F0C5/National_Family_Literacy_Day__November_1.htm
1-2 Los Dias de los Muertos, a traditional holiday in Mexico that honors the dead. Families stream into cemeteries with flowers and food. There are skulls and skeletons treats made of sugar. The skulls are painted bright colors and are often decorated with pretty flowers. Families work together to create an altar. The altar is a place of honor for the departed souls. Families offer food, fruits, and special loaves of bread, pan de muertos, with "bones" decorating the crust. Many other Hispanic countries celebrate Los Dias de los Muertos. Some people in the United States celebrate the religious All Saints Day on November 1. www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm (Celebrated on November 1-2 every year.)
2 Eid-al-Fitr (Id al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr Hari,or Raha Pausa) (The Festival of Fast-Breaking): Ramadan ends for Muslims. This is one of two of the most important Holy Days for Muslims. It celebrates the end of Ramadan, the fasting season. (The date varies year to year depending on the start of Ramadan.) www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
5-11 Fire Prevention Week www.nfpa.org/fpw (always the week of Oct 9)
9 Yom Kippur (Begins at Sundown), A Jewish High Holy Day. This is the Day of Atonement for sins between a person and God. On Yom Kippur, Jews are required to fast from sundown the night before the holiday until night fall on the day itself. Yom Kippur is observed by Jews, through fasting and synagogue attendance. Yom Kippur is a day of soul-searching and introspection for the Jewish people. www.torah.org (Key in Yom Kippur in search box)
8 Lailatul-Qadr (Lailat al-Qadr or Laylat al Kadar) (The Night of Power or Night of Destiny, Night after the 26th day of Ramadan) This is a Muslim holy day, celebrating the day Mohammed received the Holy Quran. It is to the Muslims what the receiving of the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai is to the Jews and Christian. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year. Muslims pray to Allah for a good destiny (The date varies year to year depending on the start of Ramadan. www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm)
14 Christopher Columbus Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html (always the 2nd Monday in October)
8-12 National School Lunch Week www.schoolnutrition.org
9 Leif Ericson Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
12-18, 2008 Teen Read Week, "Books with Bite@Your Library" www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/trw/teenreadweek.htm
14-20 Sukkot (Begins at Sundown) The festival of Sukkot, also known as Chag'ha Succot, the "Feast of Booths" (or Tabernacles), is named for the huts (sukkah) that Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert for 40 years before they reached the Promised Land. These huts were made of branches and were easy to assemble, take apart, and carry as the Israelites wandered through the desert. The length and how Sukkot is celebrated depends on location. Most of the world observes the festival for 9 days. Families build Sukkah which are homemade backyard huts. The dimensions are important. The roof must allow the sky to show through. Usually wooden slats are placed across the top and green branches, shrubbery, or foliage are placed in it. Once the structure is built family members decorate the interior of the sukkah by hanging fruit and vegetables, (such as apples, grapes, corn, and pomegranates) and families enjoy their holiday meals in it. www.torah.org/learning/yomtov/sukkos
12-18 National Rainforest Week www.earthfound.com/resources/earth_day_history.html (always 3rd week in October)
21-27 Kids Care Week, Points of Light www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/
23-31 National Red Ribbon Celebration, Campaign to Keep Kids Off Drugs Week (always 23-31) www.nfp.org
27 International School Library Day, www.iasl-online.org/events/isld/ (4th Monday in October annually)
28 Deepavali (Diwali)is the Festival Of Light. It is celebrated by Hindu, Sikh and Jain all over the world. The Festival signifies the triumph of brightness over darkness, good over evil, justice to fight humanitarian and intelligence over ignorance. www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
31 Halloween
and
Sight Night for the Lions' Club, used eye glasses are collected while children trick or treat www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/vision_sight_snight.shtml
TBA
World Food Day www.worldfooddayusa.org
National Make a Difference Day, Points of Light www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/
NOVEMBER 2007
November is
Fruit and Vegetable Month www.cdc.gov/5aday
4-7 WLA Fall Conference, in Madison www.wla.lib.wi.us/conferences/2008/
11 Veterans Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html (always November 11)
17-21 American Education Week sponsored by the National Education Association www.nea.org/aew/index.html (always the week before Thanksgiving)
and
International Education Week. A joint effort between the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State. www.internationaleducationweek.com or http://exchanges.state.gov
and
Geography Awareness Week (always the third week in November) www.epa.gov/superfund/students/geogday.htm
19 National GIS Day (Geographic Information Systems) www.gisday.com
20 Great American Smokeout Day www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/ped_10_4.asp (always the third Thursday of November)
23-29 National Family Week (always the week of Thanksgiving)
27 Thanksgiving (always the 4th Thursday of November)
NOTE: Children's Book Week has been moved to May, staring in 2008. http://www.cbcbooks.org/cbw/
TBA
National Young Readers' Day, Sponsored by the Center for the Book and Pizza Hut
www.bookitprogram.com/teachers/nyrd.asp
LSTA Advisory Committee meeting and public hearing, Madison
http://www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/lsta.html
National Parental Involvement Day www.projectappleseed.org
National Family Volunteer Day. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and Alliance for Children and Families to call families together in volunteer service. www.pointsoflight.org.
DECEMBER 2008
1 World AIDS Day www.avert.org/worldaid.htm (Always Dec. 1)
6-9 Waqf al Arafa (Hajj Day) a Muslim observance
9 Eid al Adha a Muslim observance
12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebration for Mexican Christians (Always Dec. 12)
16-24 "Las Posadas" This is the beginning of "Las Posadas," a nine day celebration. In villages and urban neighborhoods throughout Mexico, youngsters gather each afternoon to re-enact the holy family's quest for lodging in Bethlehem, headed by "Virgin Maria" and "San Jose," followed by other children portraying angels, the "Santos Reyes." The parade stops at a designated house to sing a traditional litany. Holiday festivities end on "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) when families head home for a traditional Christmas supper, and opening of gifts for the children. December 25th is set aside as a day to rest and enjoy the holiday -- "el Recalentado." (Celebrated every year from December 16-24.)
21 Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year (can occur on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd day of December). It is the first day of Winter. www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0907866.html
22-29 Chanukah or Hanukkah (Begins at Sundown) A Jewish holiday lasting eight days, but not one of the Jewish High Holy Days, www.interfaithcalendar.org/2007.htm, for additional information on Hanukkah see www.ou.org/chagim/chanukah/
25 Christmas, a major Christian holy day celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ
26-January 1, 2008 Kwanzaa, a seven-day African-American celebration, www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org or www.factmonster.com/spot/kwanzaa1.html
TBA
Hand Washing Awareness Week www.henrythehand.com
Upcoming Events in 2009
JANUARY 2009
January is
National Mentoring Month www.mentoring.org
National Book Month www.nationalbook.org
National Autism Awareness Month www.buzzle.com/editorials/text4-14-2003-39034.asp
National Birth Defects Prevention Month www.marchofdimes.com
1 New Years Day
and
Last Day of Kwanzaa www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
6 Tres Reyes Magos (The Three Kings, also Dia de los Reyes) a Mexican celebration of the visitation of the Three Kings or Wise Men to the Baby Jesus. In Mexico this is the day gifts are brought by the Kings in somewhat the same way Christmas is celebrated in the U. S. with Santa Claus One site that has more information is www.lasculturas.com/lib/libThreeKings.php (always January 6)
and
Epiphany, a Christian celebration
15. Martin Luther King, Jr Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html (always the 3rd Monday in January)
28 Christa McAulifffe Day www.holidaysmart.com/1christamcauliffe.htm (always January 28)
TBA
Buddhist New Year www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
National Folic Acid Awareness Week www.folicacidinfo.org/campaign/
Muharram (also Hujra) , the Islamic New Year www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
ALA Mid-Winter Conference in Philadelphia
www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/midwinter/2009/home.htm
and
Announcement of Newbery and Caldecott Awards by ALSC, during Midwinter Conference www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/literaryrelated.htm
World Religion Day for Baha'i religion www.interfaithcalendar.org/2009.htm
Library Legislation Day, Madison www.wla.lib.wi.us/legis/day/index.htm
FEBRUARY
February is
National Children's Dental Health Month, American Dental Association www.ada.org
Library Lovers Month, American Library Association www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers/
2 Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Groundhog Club www.groundhog.org
12 Lincoln's Birthday http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
14 Valentine's Day
15 Susan B. Anthony's Birthday http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
and
Nirvana Day, a Buddhist observance www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
President's Day (always the 3rd Monday in February)
22 Washington's Birthday http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
TBA
Give Kids a Smile Day, American Dental Association www.ada.org
National Burn Awareness Week, American Burn Association www.ameriburn.org,
Mardi Gras, a celebration on or leading up to "Fat Tuesday," the day before the Christian celebration of Lent begins.
Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of Lent, a Christian observance. www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
Children of Alcoholics Week, National Association of Children of Alcoholics, www.nacoa.org
Random Acts of Kindness Week, Random Acts of Kindness Foundation www.actsofkindness.org/people/days.asp
Chinese New Year www.interfaithcalendar.org/2008.htm
National Eating Disorders Week, National Eating Disorders Association www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=767
MARCH
March is
International Mirth Month
www.johnbudzinski.com/Tie-Ins/03March/international_mirth_month.htm
Irish-American Heritage Month, American Foundation for Irish Heritage http://irishamericanheritage.com/
Mental Retardation Awareness Month, The Arc www.thearc.org
Music in our Schools Month National, Association of Music Education www.menc.org
National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Brian Injury Association of America, www.biausa.org
National Kite Month, American Kitefliers Association www.nationalkitemonth.org
National Nutrition Month, American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org
National Umbrella Month http://mentalfloss.com/quiz/quiz.php?q=46
National Red Cross Month, American Red Cross www.redcross.org
National Youth Art Month, The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. www.girlpower.gov/girlarea/03mar/youthart.htm
2-8, 2008 Teen Tech Week "Tune In@Your library" YALSA, ALA
http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Teen_Tech_Week (always the second week in March)
3 Read Across America Day, National Education Association, www.nea.org/readacross/index.html
and
Hina Matsuri "Doll Festival" for girls in Japan. www.ginkoya.com/pages/girlsday.html (always March 3)
3-7 National School Breakfast Week http://docs.schoolnutrition.org/meetingsandevents/nsbw2008/about.html
4 Casimir Pulaski Day http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html
8 Celebrate the publication of CCBC Choices www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/events/default.asp
9 Mawlid al-Nabi, a Muslin celebration of Muhammad's Birthday www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0760942.html
10-16 Brain Awareness Week, The DANA Alliance for Brain Initiatives www.dana.org/brainweek
11-12 Rhinelander Children's Book Fest, http://wvls.lib.wi.us/RhinelanderDistrictLibrary
14 Freedom of Information Day (always around March 16th) American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washevents/freedomofinfo/freedominformation.cfm
16-23 Inhalants and Poison Awareness Week, Poison Prevention Awareness Week Council, www.poisonprevention.org and www.inhalants.org (always the third week in March)
17 St. Patrick's Day (always March 17)
also "The Great Hunger" in Ireland
http://dpi.wi.gov/eis/observe.html (always March 17)
20 Vernal Equinox (always on or about the 21st)
21 Earth Day www.earthsite.org/day.htm (always on March 21)
and
Good Friday, a Christian observance
and
Purim, a Jewish observance www.amfi.org/luahhagim.htm
23 Easter, a Christian observance
25-29, 2008 Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, www.placonference.org
Return to the System Youth Services Liaison Postings home page.
For questions about this information, contact Barbara A. Huntington (608) 267-5077
Last updated on 6/3/2008 1:11:25 PM
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