The Hudson Valley Library Association brings together librarians primarily from independent K-12 schools in the New York City, Long Island, Westchester and nearby New Jersey and Connecticut communities.
It's Banned Books Week--a favorite event for librarians, authors, and book lovers everywhere! Since 1982, libraries and bookstores around the country have participated in the only national celebration of our freedom to read. Banned Books Week is being celebrated this year from September 24 through October 1. It's a great time to talk about censorship with your students, discuss why some books are challenged or banned, and celebrate by reading anything you want to read!
If you're in the market for a juicy read that just happens to have made it on the most frequently challenged list, you might want to take a look at culture blog, Flavorwire, where HVLA Secretary, Sarah Murphy, delves into 10 Banned Books That Talk About Sex. (Banned books are so hot right now!)
Another way you can participate is by uploading a video to the BBW Virtual Read-Out channel on YouTube. You can find all the criteria and instructions you need on the official BBW website. After all, if it's good enough for Judy Blume...
Librarians are a resourceful bunch. Have any great blogs, videos, or sites that we should know about? Share it in the comments!
This post was brought to you by HVLA president Angela Ungaro.
The Katonah Museum of Art has a new exhibit opening called Storied City: New York City in Picture Book Art and on October 17 they are having a morning just for librarians. In addition to a tour of the exhibit, there will also be intriguing discussions about picture books including one led by HVLA's own Michael Clark.
The power of the internet is at work, people. After posting about James Kennedy and what my students are doing with the 90-Second Newbery contest he co-created, I was contacted by the author himself. We e-mailed back and forth a few times and I can confirm suspicions that he is indeed a wacky and affable guy.
Here's the great news:BFS has arranged for James Kennedy, author of The Order of the Odd-Fish, to visit our middle school students!
Greater news: He'll be in the area a few days before the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival (which is Saturday, November 5th) and is available to visit other schools in the area! Contact him by e-mail (kennedyjames@gmail.com) to arrange something.
And the greatest news: James has invited my students to introduce their film live at the event. Needless to say, they are thrilled about the whole thing. Two of them are convinced that this is their ticket to fame. We shall see...
So what are you waiting for?! You still have three and a half weeks to grab some kids, a video camera, and get editing so you can submit a video entry to The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival. This handy, dandy flyer will help you get started. Good luck!
This post was brought to you by HVLA President, Angela Ungaro.
Do you have 90 seconds to spare and a few willing, creative kids in your library? If so, you still have time to create and submit an entry to James Kennedy's 90-Second Newbery Film Festival by Monday, October 17th.
James Kennedy, author of The Order of the Odd Fish, and Betsy Bird of NYPL and SLJ's Fuse #8 Production blog, have joined forces to curate a film festival consisting of videos "that compress the story of a Newbery award-winning book into 90 seconds or less." This contest is open to all (ages 0-18) and at the bottom of a blog post back in January, Betsy Bird made note of a "New York Caveat" where NY kids are not restricted to only Newbery books. Imagine the possibilities! (Note: Since you're in the area, you can also attend the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival at the main branch of the NewYork Public Library on November 5, 2011 from 3-5pm.)
So if you're wondering why I'm making such a fuss over this clever little contest, allow me to explain. Near the end of last school year, I "caught" a few of my 5th grade students huddled around a computer streaming James Kennedy's video "A Wrinkle in Time" In 90 Seconds on Vimeo. One of the girls explained to me what the video was and how she wanted to get some kids together to enter this contest with her. Right away, I was interested in the project and knew I had to get involved.
As a faculty advisor, I was able to help the students get organized, access equipment that the school already owned, and provide a space/time for them to prepare and execute the video. I had the very good fortune of working with a group of kids who were extremely motivated as well as technically proficient. At times it felt hectic but for the most part it was fun! The students decided to create a 90-second(ish) rendition of Ellen Raskin's 1979 Newbery winner The Westing Game. Without further ado...
Fall is here and that means school librarians have a plethora of literary and library-related events to consider attending. The following conferences and festivals range from absolutely FREE to just a few hundred dollars; from virtual to IRL (in real life); and from local to national to worldwide. There truly is something for everyone. We hope you give (at least) one a try! [Note: All these events and more can be found on HVLA's google calendar.]
Brooklyn Book Festival
Date of Event: September 18, 2011
Location: Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon Street)
About: Brooklyn presents the largest free literary event in New York City featuring "literary stars and emerging authors who represent the exciting world of literature today."
Don't Miss Out: As part of Brooklyn Book Festival's "Bookend Events" the Brooklyn Public Library is hosting a Librarian Mingle on Saturday, September 17, with Marilyn Johnson, author of "This Book is Overdue: How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All." BookFest @ Bank Street Date of Event: October 29, 2011 (Registration beginsSeptember 12, 2011)
Location: Bank Street College of Education
About: This event is dedicated to the celebration and discussion of books for children and teens. The day includes conversations with kidlit luminaries Norton Juster, Jules Feiffer, and Leonard Marcus as well as panel discussions, break out discussion groups, and a delicious lunch catered by 'witchcraft.
Don't Miss Out: With only 150 spots open for registration, the event fills up quickly. Check out their facebook page for a link to register to this year's BookFest today.
Library 2.011 Worldwide Virtual Conference
Date of Event: November 2-3, 2011
Location: Everywhere
About: HVLA is partnering with this free worldwide online conference. The conference co-chair, Steve Hargadon, describes it as a "unique chance to participate in a global conversation on the current and future state of libraries."
Don't Miss Out: HVLA members are encouraged to submit proposal ideas about the "Evolving Professional Roles of Librarians in Today's World" to HVLA vice-president and Library 2.011 liaison, Judy James at Judith_James [at] fa.org before September 15, 2011.
AASL 15th National Conference & Exhibition: "Turning the Page"
Date of Event: October 27-30, 2011 (Advance Registration ends September 29, 2011)
Location: Minneapolis, MN
About: "This conference promises to provide you with thought-provoking sessions, discussions, (in person and virtually) with colleagues and friends, time to investigate new materials and resources in the exhibit hall, and the opportunity to get invigorated with a big dose of energy to help you and your program turn the page." --Ty Burns & Cheryl Steel, Conference Cochairs
Don't Miss Out: The Independent School Section Networking Event will take place on Thursday, October 27, 8-10pm. Be there!
This post was brought to you by HVLA President, Angela Ungaro.
