TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Coming Up This Month
2. SLP Update
2a State Park Passes
2b. Video PSAs Now Available
2c. Video to Feature Tips on Using Sign Language with the Bug Theme
2d. Two "Catch the Reading Bug" Songs and "Newspapers in Education" Ads Available on the CSLP Web Site
2e Insect Bingo Cards
2f. Web Based Bug Resources for Children Who are Blind about Bugs
2g. Free Puppet Tales Newsletter from Mr. Anderson's Company
3. Teen Services
3a. Adolescent Literacy Initiative Leadership Conference
3b. YALSA Offers ALA Conference Scholarship
4. Monthly Postings are Now Archived on the Youth Services Web Page
5. Additional Children's Book Award Winners
5a. The Schneider Family Book Award
5b. American Indian Youth Literature Award
5c. ALA Notable Lists
5d. Additions to ALSC's Great Web Sites for Kids
6. El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
7. Children's Book Week has been Moved to May
8. Lena and Oneida Public Libraries Win DPI "Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin" Awards
9. Lena Public Library Wins ALSC Bookapoalooza Program Award
10. First Lady Doyle's Recommended Children's Titles for this Month
11. Upcoming Events in 2008
1. Coming Up This Month
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. SLP Update
2a State Park Passes
The state park passes have been sent to the printer and should be ready for distribution to the Systems in early April. I will not be coordinating a promotion with the county fairs this year, but will send all the contact information I have to the systems so that liaisons who want to pursue county or regional promotions may do so.
2b. Video PSAs Now Available
CLSP has two video Public Service Announcements (PSAs) available on the CSLP Web site. The PSAs may be downloaded free by any libraries in CSLP member states. In addition I have ordered one DVD version of the PSAs for each System. The System Youth Services Liaisons will decide how to make the PSAs available to their member libraries. Some Systems lend their copy, others make copies for the libraries that want to use them. Some Systems ask interested libraries to purchase their own copies from Upstart. The DVDs will include both the English and Spanish versions.
The PSAs may be used without restriction by public libraries to promote their summer library programs. To view the PSAs go to www.cslpreads.org/psa.htm. There are also tips on the CSLP Web page on how to use the PSAs in numerous ways, including library board presentations.
The creation of the children's PSA was coordinated by the CSLP Marketing Committee, Chaired by Patty Langley, Delaware. The children's PSA features Harry Bliss' characters from the poster art animated to a lively song in the Beach Boys' tradition. It will be available in Spanish very soon. Jasmine Rockwell, Chair of the Teen Committee, coordinated the creation of the teen psa. There are four versions of the teen PSA, featuring four teens of different ethnic backgrounds. All four versions are available in Spanish. The segments were filmed on location in a library and feature the "alien" character from the teen poster. Magical things happen and books take wing.
2c. Video to Feature Tips on Using Sign Language with the Bug Theme
Rhonda Puntney, Lakeshores/Mid-Wisconsin, is the Chair of the CSLP Diversity Committee. She and I worked on a pilot project for CSLP to help librarians incorporate some bug sign language in their programs this summer. We had Vicki Patterson do a short video to introduce some American Signs for various bug names. Vicki presented at a WAPL spring conference about two years ago on Baby Sign Language. She demonstrates how to form the signs for various bug names and will also show how to use that sign in a finger play or song. As soon as this resource is available, we'll let you know.
2d. Two "Catch the Reading Bug" Songs and "Newspapers in Education" Ads Available on the CSLP Web Site
Ruth Metcalf, State Library of Ohio and the CSLP Web Page Committee Chair, announced that there is a free rap song on the CSLP web page at www.cslpreads.org This rap song was created for CSLP by Cactus Sullivan a.k.a. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo of Asheville, North Carolina.. This song has an urban flavor. Sullivan's email is undergroundplayground@gmail.com. Pam Jaskot from the State Library in North Carolina worked with Sullivan on this song for CSLP.
Billy Gorilly, a performer from California, also has a "Catch the Reading Bug" song included on his new CD, "Billy Gorilly-Happy Birthday Gertie." Billy's song is also a rap, a scatological ode to entomology. A second bug song on the CD is "Mrs. Flicker Fireflybrian" which is about everyone's favorite flying librarian. For more information go to www.billygorilly.com.
Ruth Metcalf has also placed free Newspapers in Education ads on the CSLP web page. These newspaper ads were provided by the North Carolina State Library and were underwritten by an LSTA grant. The ads are built around the theme "Catch the Reading Bug" and take the form of fun, puzzle-like worksheets. In addition to newspapers, these ads can be used in library newsletters or as flyers. These ads are provided free of charge for use by any library or library supporter. Ruth extends her thanks to Pam Jaskot, Communication Programs Consultant, with the North Carolina State Library for providing CSLP with these resources.
2e Insect Bingo Cards
Jamie Matczak, Nicolet, shared a source for some lovely insect bingo cards that she used at her recent SLP workshop. http://bogglesworldesl.com/insectbingo.htm
2f. Web-Based Bug Resources for Children Who are Blind about Bugs
The University of Louisville and the American Printing House for the Blind developed a Braille guide to common insects and other arthropods that are found in Kentucky. The Department of Entomology worked with the Tracy Farmer Center for the Environment to develop this tactile guide. It allows students who are blind to use larger- than-life toy insects to study the body parts of several common insects and insect relatives. A PDF version of the guide can be downloaded from the web site. For more information about this guide go to www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/bugconnection/teaching/teaching.htm
The Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped recommends the following two bug-related web sites. Both have recorded sounds made by bugs. These bug sounds can be enjoyed by children who have sight, as well as those who have vision disabilities or who are blind.
Iowa State Entomology Index of Internet Resources www.ent.iastate.edu/list/directory/152/vid/4
"Bug Bytes" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/person/3559/soundlibrary.html
2g. Free Puppet Tales Newsletter from Mr. Anderson's Company
Stephanie Stokes, California, has launched a new project for Mr. Anderson's Company, a newsletter called "Puppet Tales." You have to sign up to receive it, but it's free. There is a SLP school visit script in the February issue. To view or sign up for the newsletter go to www.misterandersons.com/puppettales/
3. Teen Services
3a. Adolescent Literacy Initiative Leadership Conference
The Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning is hosting a leadership conference on Adolescent Literacy for Public Librarians on May 15, 2008 in Madison. Participation in the conference is by invitation. The systems are helping the Division identify the people who will receive invitations. The intent of the conference is to create momentum to enhance and strengthen public library services to adolescents most at risk of having literacy issues.
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 prominent national 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, Elizabeth Shirtcliff, 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 at the Waupaca Area Public Library. The day will conclude with a summary of the ways in which electronic gaming impacts the way teens think, read, and organize information, based on the latest research by Kym Buchanan of UW-Stevens Point.
3b. YALSA Offers ALA Conference Scholarship
As part of YALSA Unity: A Diversity Initiative, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will offer two YALSA members with a diverse background a stipend to attend the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 26-July 2. Each sponsorship recipient will receive up to $1,000 for conference expenses. The deadline for application is March 31. Winners will be notified on May 2. This stipend is administered by YALSA through funding from ALA's Ahead to 2010 initiative.
Applicants must be YALSA members of a diverse background by the time of the application. Diversity is defined by the ALA Diversity Counts report, which includes race, ethnicity, language background, sexual orientation, education, age, disability and economic status. For applications, criteria, and more information, visit www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/stipend.cfm.
4. Monthly Postings are Now 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. Several liaisons have requested that these monthly postings be archived to allow them to look back for previous information. Jamie McCanless, who works on the youth services Web items, will be putting each month's posting in the new archive.
5. Additional Children's Book Award Winners
5a. The Schneider Family Book Award
Michael Golrick, Wisconsin's ALA Councilor-at-Large, reminded me of an important children's book award that I neglected to include in my posting last month, the Schneider Family Book Awards. The Schneider Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. Three annual awards are given for birth through grade school (age 0-8), middle school (age 9-13) and teens (age 14-18). The book must emphasize the artistic expression of the disability experience for children or adolescent audiences. The book must portray some aspect of living with a disability or that of a friend or family member, whether the disability is physical, mental or emotional. Books must be published in the previous two years. Dr. Katherine Schneider, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and her family endowed this American Library Association Award in 2003. The award is administered by the ALA Governance Office.
Schneider Award for Young Children
"Kami and the Yaks" by Andrea Stenn Stryer, illustrated by Bert Dodson (Bay Otter Press, Palo Alto, CA, 2006)
Kami, a young Sherpa boy who is deaf, rescues his family's yaks and livelihood during a violent storm. Stunning, realistic watercolors add depth to a strong story, and bring out the drama of the Himalayan Mountains. Together they perfectly capture Kami's ability to communicate with home signs.
Schneider Award for Middle Grades
"Reaching for the Sun" by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer (Bloomsbury USA Children's Press, New York, NY., 2007)
Zimmer uses lyrical free verse to tell the story of one girl's thirteenth year. Josie, a young teen with cerebral palsy, blossoms through her relationship with her grandmother, conflicts with her mother, her friendship with a new neighbor boy, and her care of the family garden. Form, format, and content combine to create an exquisite story.
Schneider Award for Teens
"Hurt Go Happy" by Ginny Rorby (Starscape Book, Tom Doherty Associates, New York, NY, 2006)
Initially isolated by her mother's refusal to let her learn American Sign Language (ASL), Joey grows from a lonely teen to a mature animal rights activist in this engaging story of a girl who is deaf and Sukari, a signing chimpanzee.
For more information about the Schneider Award go to
www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=awards&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=163339
5b. American Indian Youth Literature Award
The American Indian Library Association (AILA), an affiliate of the American Library Association (ALA), announced the recipients of its American Indian Youth Literature Award at the Mid-Winter conference in January. This new literary award was created as a way to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. Books selected to receive the award present Native Americans in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts. The award is presented in each of three categories.
American Indian Picture Book Award
"Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom" by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridge (Cinco Puntos Press, El Paso, Texas, 2006).
A beautifully inspired story of a friendship between Martha Tom, a Choctaw girl and Li' Mo, a slave boy and how their relationship brought wholeness and freedom to Mo's family and also to many slaves. Bridge's illustrations enhance the story by resonating the joy of friendship, the light of faith, and the leadership of children.
American Indian Middle School Book Award
"Counting Coup: Becoming a Crow Chief on the Reservation and Beyond," by Joseph Medicine Crow (National Geographic, Des Moines, IA, 2006).
This is an appealing autobiography of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow (Absarokee). The author recounts his adventures and training as a traditional Crow warrior and his service as a decorated World War II veteran. The book helps readers learn first-hand about real-life on the Crow reservation before during and after encounters with newcomers. In a text that is not preachy, but and honest read, Joseph Medicine Crow tell how he over came many challenges to fulfill is role as Chief of the Crow Nation.
American Indian Young Adult Book Award
"The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie (Little Brown Publishers, NewYork, NY, 2007).
A realistic, bitter-sweet yet, humorous look at the life of Arnold, a Spokane Indian teenager making his way in life on the reservation while attending an all white high school. Alexie brings to life the challenges many young native people experience as they learn to navigate and balance Indian life in a modern world. Part autobiography, Alexie's Arnold reminds us of the complexities of coming of age, bigotry, bullies, loyalty to family and the meaning of love. In the near future an American Indian Youth Literature Award free downloadable bookmark and brochure will be made available on the AILA Web site at http://aila.library.sd.gov/ and the ALA OLOS Web site.
5c. ALSC's 2008 Notable Lists
The Association of Library Services to Children has released their 2008 Notable Lists for children's books and children's videos.
Notable Children's Books www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/january2008/ncb2008.htm
Notable Children's Videos www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/january2008/ncv08.htm
5d. Additions to ALSC's Great Web Sites for Kids
Thirty-five new web sites have been added to the ALSC Great Web Sites for Kids Web page. To view the newly added sites go to www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/january2008/ews08.htm.
6. El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day)
Libraries across the country will join Dora the Explorer™, 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 Explorer™, 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 or examples from Wisconsin.
7. Children's Book Week has been Moved to May
Children's Book Week introduces young people to new authors and ideas in schools, libraries, homes, and bookstores. Through Children's Book Week, the Children's Book Council (CBC) and the CBC Foundation encourage young people and their caregivers to discover the complexity of the world beyond their own experience through books. Children's Book Week will be observed May 12-18, 2008. This will be the first Children's Book Week to be celebrated in the spring.
The impact of the change for public libraries is not known. It is also not yet known what impact there will be, if any, in regard to promoting the summer library program in schools during the month of May. Public libraries may choose to celebrate by introducing their summer library program theme during Children's Book Week. Some schools may also adopt the summer library program as their theme for Children's Book Week. There has been discussion nationally about the affect the change will have, particularly on public libraries. It is going to be difficult to roll out the summer library program theme and artwork, while also celebrating Children's Book Week in the middle of May with different art and themes.
For information on the reasoning behind the change to celebrate Children's Book Week in May go to the Children's Book Council web site at www.cbcbooks.org/cbw/index_2.html. The artwork for the 2008 theme will be posted on this site soon, but is not currently available.
8. Lena and Oneida Public Libraries Win DPI "Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin" Awards
State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster recognized 10 programs and activities that strengthen rural communities when she presented her 2008 Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin awards during a ceremony on March 7th at the Capitol in Madison. Among the recipients were the Lena and Oneida Public Libraries. This is the third year that Burmaster has presented Standing Up for Rural Schools, Libraries, and Communities awards.
"Despite increasingly difficult challenges, the teachers, students, and citizens of rural Wisconsin continue to do extraordinary work for the betterment of their schools and communities," Burmaster said. "These awards recognize the efforts of rural residents to shape the lives of our children as well as the future of this great state. They are changing the world and are true champions of education."
"For decades, the Lena library operated out of a back room in the Village Hall. Alfred Goldstein, a regular patron, left money through his estate to build a new facility. The community then pitched in: the school board donated land, two local homebuilders volunteered as construction managers, the Lions Club raised funds for equipment and technology, and citizens donated money for books. The library, which opened in 2006, has tripled circulation, provides meeting space for book clubs and other groups, and supports a teen board that promotes activities for youth. Lena Public Library. Director Jennifer Thiele accepted the award."
In 2004, the Oneida Community Library Youth Department celebrated 100 years of Dr. Seuss with a "Seuss-centennial," that included green eggs and ham, stories, games, guest stars, and prizes. The celebration, which involves library staff and personnel in other departments of the Oneida Nation, was repeated in 2005 and is becoming an annual event. It has been an excellent way to bring families into the library and provides an opportunity to focus on food safety and nutrition, issues that relate to the incidence of diabetes in American Indian people. Kymberley Pelky, children's liaison for the Oneida Community Library, accepted the award.
The full list of awardees is available at dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2008_48.pdf.
9. Lena Public Library Wins ALSC Bookapoalooza Program Award
Lena also won a ALSC's Bookapalooza program award. The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), announced the winners of the second annual Bookapalooza program. The three libraries selected to receive a collection of children's materials are Enid M. Baa Public Library (St. Thomas, USVI), Lena (Wis.) Public Library and Montrose (Colo.) Regional Library District- Naturita Branch Library.
The collections, which consist of books, videos, audiobooks and recordings produced in 2007 and submitted by children's trade publishers to the 2008 award and media evaluation committees for consideration, are intended to help transform each library's collection and provide an opportunity for these materials to be used in each community in creative and innovative ways. The Bookapalooza program aligns with ALSC's core purpose of creating a better future for all children through libraries.
Jennifer Thiele, Lena Public Library Director said, "I can't express enough how much this grant could mean to our library. I would want nothing more than having these kids take this love of libraries into their adulthood. I want them to look back on the library fondly, as a place where they felt comfortable, nurtured and happy. Many of these kids don't have that at home or school, and I want to offer them as much as I can if we have it available. I think these kids deserve some really great books, and as a librarian it is my job to make sure they are getting what they need."
Information on how to apply for the 2009 Bookapalooza program is available on the ALSC Web site, www.ala.org/alsc.
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 March are:
Preschool: "Chicken and Cat" by Sara Varon
Primary: "Bebe Goes Shopping" by Susan Middleton Elya
Intermediate: "My Very Own Room, Mi Propio Cuartito" by Amada Irma Perez
Middle School: "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan
High School: "Sold" by Patricia McCormack
For more information or to join the "Read On Wisconsin" book club, go to http://readon.wisconsin.gov
11. 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.
MARCH
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
APRIL
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
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.aahperd.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-slo.org/isld.html (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
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
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 1:10:45 PM
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