Libri Foundation grant for children's books

Thanks to the generosity of the Libri Foundation and the Friends of the Library, the Lillie M. Evans Library recently added 74 new books to our children's collection. The Libri Foundation is dedicated to donating quality children’s books to rural public libraries and through an additional donation from Hal Berenson and Laura Ackerman, the LME Library received a bonus of $350.00 worth of math & science books. The Friends of the Library supported the grant with a 1-to-2 match on the Libri Foundation funds. Youth Services Librarian, Anita Routh, chose the books from a list of over 700 titles of the best books for ages Pre-K through Young Adult. “There were so many wonderful books, it was difficult to narrow our choices; however, we feel we’ve made some great selections for our community. “

Books were selected from all age groups and categories, but the LME Library staff is particularly excited about the selection of biographies. Biographies are extremely popular with our juvenile readers and the staff has been working to expand this section. The addition of the Math and Science books has been a wonderful bonus to this great program.

Each Libri Foundation book has a bookplate to identify it. A sampling of titles includes: ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room; Mirror, Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse; Shadow Life: A Portrait of Anne Frank and Her Family; Race Cars Up Close; Space, Stars and the Beginning of Time; Computer Animation; and Ballerina Dreams. The books will be displayed throughout December and January in the new children’s reading area. Funds to purchase the child-sized soft furniture in the reading area were provided by the Friends of the LME Library.

This grant and the assistance from our friends have allowed us to provide some additional children's resources even in these difficult economic times. Thank you to the Libri Foundations and the Friends of the Library for continuing to make the LME Library a great place for children in our community!

Find-A-Book/2011 iREAD Summer Reading Program

Today from the Illinois State Library:
"Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is proud to join Governor Pat Quinn and Christopher Koch, Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education, in encouraging parents and librarians to check out an important website aimed at keeping children reading during the upcoming summer months when school is not in session.

The Find-a-Book website, www.lexile.com/findabook, has quick and easy access to a list of books that will match a child’s reading level and interests, as well as the nearest libraries carrying each title.

The Find-a-Book site uses a student’s reading score in Lexiles, a measure of reading ability and text difficulty derived from state standardized tests, including the ISAT. The website also features a search option to access appropriate book choices based on grade level and comfort with typical reading materials at that grade level.

Research has shown the powerful impact of continued reading. One review of the impact of summer reading found that children can lose up to 60 percent of their skills during a two-month vacation. Children who read during the summer months, however, can sustain their reading gains and are better prepared for learning when the school bell rings again in the fall.

Secretary White also encourages parents to talk with children about the fun and importance of summer reading and take them to the local public library. Librarians have information about Lexiles and other programs such as the iREAD program, a summer reading program offered through the Illinois Library Association (ILA)."

The 2011 iREAD Summer Reading Program theme is “A Midsummer Knight's Read.” Check the Lillie M. Evans Library website at http://lmelibrary.org for information on local programs and a calendar of events.

Online Storytime Resources

There are some great storytime resources available online.  Tumblebooks are accessible from the library's catalog, databases, and electronic resources page.  By clicking the TumbleBook Library icon you and your child can view TumbleReadAlongs, TumbleTalking Books and TumbleReadables. TumbleBooks offer various audio and audio/visual books that are fun, interactive and encourage children to love reading. TumbleBooks are ideal for ages K-6th.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (NC) has created StoryPlace on online bilingual website where young children can listen to online stories, complete interactive online activities and find reading lists.  Stories for pre-school and elementary children are highlighted. 

Barnes & Nobles also has an online story library.  This month listen to author Chris Van Allsburg reading The Polar Express book.  Other stories are available through by visiting http://media.barnesandnoble.com/?fr_chl=d81d787750f41575bb1283d41092fcca2f43fe15&rf=bm  and clicking on ONLINE STORYTIME