HomeSchool and Public Library Cooperative Programs

In February 2004, the ALSC/AASL/YALSA Joint Task Force on School/Public Library Cooperative Activities sent a message to several electronic mailing lists soliciting information on exisiting school/public library cooperative programs, their funding source, and contact information for the point person. We also asked for cautionary tales (programs or experiments that did not succeed or that encountered roadblocks others may want to know about). Our focus was cooperative, collaborative or partnership programs between elementary, middle or high schools and local public libraries. We excluded items about joint-use libraries and items about cooperation between libraries and other agencies/age groups. This page lists the responses we received.

Click here to link to an interactive form that schools/public libraries can use
to submit other partnerships.

Contents

Title of Program: Assignment Alert
Type of Program: Assignment Alert
Age level: Elementary & Secondary
Description of Program: A service provided by the Multnomah County Library School Corps for teachers and school library staff working in Multnomah County schools. Teachers and school library staff fill out our online form to share their assignments with the Multnomah County School Corps librarians. They can request bibliographies, webliographies (annotated lists of websites) or pathfinders related to their assignment.
Contact Information:
Jackie Partch
School Corps Lead Worker
Multnomah County Library
205 NE Russell, Portland, OR 97212
503.988.6004
jacquelp@multcolib.org

Title of Program: Middle School Teacher Resource Center
Type of Program: Assignment Alert
Age level: Middle school
Description of Program: The Middle School Teacher Resource Center is an online website that supports Portland Public School teachers and librarians. This online resource links teachers with librarians (school and Multnomah County Library) and curriculum specialists. Specific goals are to: help librarians and curriculum specialists reach and help more teachers and students; allow teachers, librarians and curriculum specialists to share their "best" units, and allow centralized librarians (Prof. Library, School Librarians & Public Librarians) to serve more schools.
This website specifically provides:

• Lesson Plan Database--an archive of continually growing curriculum activities and resources searchable by grade level, curriculum area and topic. This website allows the lesson plans (pathfinders) to be collaboratively developed and shared by teachers, Professional Library, TOSA's and Multnomah County Library to specific teacher needs.
• Curriculum assistance--online curriculum "help request" for teachers that immediately alerts the school librarian & curriculum specialist, Professional Library and Multnomah County Library to specific teacher needs.

Title of Program: PAL PAK
Type of Program: Book Collections/Kits
Age level: K-8th grade
Description of Program: In an effort to share resources and expand services to the Orland Park students, the Orland Park Public Library instituted a unique program to provide materials to the teachers in the local schools which would enhance their lesson plans on a variety of topics. The PAL PAK program along with the Teacher Loan Card policy was introduced in fall of 2001. PAL PAKS are comprised of 15 – 30 books, audiovisual materials and props related to thematic units on a variety of subjects and geared for grades K – 5 and packaged in a rubber tote. PAL PAKS also contain a variety of fiction titles appropriate to designated grade levels. These variety packs serve K – 8 students.
The Library Board passed a policy allowing teachers in the schools that service Orland Park students to have access to our materials on a longer checkout time and their administrators have agreed to be fiscally responsible for lost and damaged materials. This service compliments the PAL PAK program when teachers wish to supplement their classroom and school library collections with materials from the public library.
The PAL PAK program initially requires knowledge of what the teachers need, what their administration is willing to do to collaborate, and whether this service will truly benefit the children. After almost two full years of providing thematic units to the teachers, we find that more PAKS are being requested; the teachers are requiring new subject units to be created, and that individual teachers are requesting “personalized” PAKS for their special needs children. Our statistics have shown an increase of PAK use over this last school year, and more units are in the process of being created.
We hope that other public libraries may benefit from our experience because this program is one that can be emulated by other libraries. Understandably, in this uncertain economy, libraries must find the means to share resources without depleting their own budgets and collections. This program may be modified to utilizing more of existing collections by creating more variety PAKS of duplicate titles, and using the paperback as the preferred format. Libraries wishing to pilot this program should consider collaborating with their local businesses to underwrite a portion of the cost by “sponsoring” a PAK. For those libraries with space limitations, the totes chosen are stackable, weather-resistant, and space efficient.
In the interest of economic prudence it has become necessary for educational institutions to collaborate and share their resources for the educational benefit of the children.
Contact Information:
Marilyn Heintz, School Liaison
Orland Park Public Library
14760 Park Lane
Orland Park, IL 60462
heintzmoppl@yahoo.com

Title of Program: "Word of the Week" Book Discussion Group
Type of Program: Book Discussion Groups
Age level: Elementary
Description of Program: I have been working with one of the elementary school's resource persons on a book discussion group relating to their character education "word of the week". We meet at lunch time with the kids and read books relating to a word of the week and discuss what that word means and how it relates to their lives. I have used the website www.helpingbooks.lib.oh.us to prepare the discussion and choose materials. This is part of my regular outreach.
Contact Information:
Deborah L. Dubois
Children's Outreach Librarian
Mansfield/Richland County Public Library
deborah_dubois@freenet.richland.oh.us

Title of Program: Read It Forward
Type of Program: Community Reading Projects
Age level: Secondary (Middle and high school)
Description of Program: The concept of Read It Forward is simple: choose one book of interest to teens and ask each participating to keep passing the book to another teen after they've finished reading it.
In May 2003, we chose Ben Mikaelsen's Touching Spirit Bear, the story of a ninth grader who's arrested for viciously attacking a fellow classmate and how his town deals with the assault. We chose the book because it promotes a sense of community—and because we know Mikaelsen was scheduled to visit our town in the fall. Over the summer, we contacted the local school district and mailed individual letters to school librarians and English department heads informing them about the project and asking if they would include the book in their lessons. We also asked them to spread the word to their staff and students. Read It Forward was also publicized in the library's monthly newsletter.
Afterward, we purchased 500 copies of the book, giving each an individual three-digit number and attaching a label explaining how the program works. We distributed about 35 copies to each of our urban branches and 10 to each of our rural branches. Teachers picked up the books for their classes, and parents brought home copies for their kids. Other books were scattered throughout town, on bus stop benches and even at the Southwest Airlines airport terminal. The books disappeared to quickly that we had to purchase 75 additional copies.
In all, our books have reached about 800 teens, some of whom have passed the book along to friends as far away as Toronto and Guam. There are an estimated 135,799 middle and high schoolers in our district.
Contact Information:
Debbie McGuire
Youth Services Coordinator
833 Las Vegas Blvd. N.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 507-3583
fax: (702) 507-3604
mcguired@lvccld.org

Heather Wallen
Elmhurst, IL
I am a liaison to our local high school, so when teachers request materials for their students I either pull them or ILL them, then use a van delivery service (run by the schools) to get the materials there. The high school teachers don't use the service much, but I think my colleague sends things to the lower grades more often. It works well when I need it, though.

Michelle A Vallee
Coordinator of Children's Services
Cranston Public Library
Cranston, RI
We are a medium-sized library system: one central library with five branches. If individual teachers or students request materials using their own card, then we do not send the materials to the school. Here's how we connect with our middle and elementary schools when the school makes the request:
*Requested materials are taken by our system delivery person to the central school library office. (We have a Monday through Friday delivery, so when ever the materials are requested, it's no problem to send them out.)
*Within the public school system, a delivery person works daily and goes to any school where a delivery is needed.
*Checking out the materials at the school library is done in accordance with their policies. (They can issue temporary barcodes that work with their tech system. Schools use Follette; we're on Horizon.)
*Returning material is handled in the same way: school office to library delivery person, back to sending library.
Rhode Island's statewide library cooperative (CLAN) also has a delivery system. This system has regularly scheduled delivery stops at most high schools in the state. So we simply "bag" the requested materials (again, that would be materials requested by the school, not an individual) and the state delivery system picks them up. When delivering, the driver also retrieves materials to be returned.
As far as "outcomes", we're very much aware that this reciprocity is a good thing. It's cemented our relationship here in Cranston, as well as statewide.
Of course, we still moan and groan about not knowing in advance about some assignments...but that's probably a permanent condition!
I hope this helps you. If you need more specific info, let me know and I'll connect you with people who are more involved in the delivery aspect.

Wayne Grimm
Library Media Specialist
Conestoga Middle School
Beaverton, OR
When I was at Tigard Public Library, we had a setup with the Tigard-Tualatin school district where their courier would stop by whenever we had books or materials to deliver to one of the schools in the area. This was actually pretty seldom--once or twice a month--and we'd just call the school district courier whenever there was a pickup ready; they'd swing by when they were out on their route that day.
The school librarian was always the point of contact for receiving, distributing & returning all pub. library materials (before sending them out we'd check them out to a special account we'd created for the school, with the LMS as primary contact). If the books were to go out to individual students once arriving at the school, the LMS would keep track of their circulation with a manual signout list.
It was a nice setup, and one I miss here in Beaverton. Our school district won't consider adding the public library as a courier stop (as it is, they've already had to cut back courier service to elementary schools to every other day), and the Beaverton City Library hasn't come up with a way to make it work from their end...
I don't think the arrangement at Tigard did much to boost circulation, really, but it was a great way for me to keep in contact with and collaborate with the school librarians--and through them, with the teachers. Mostly we used the system when a school librarian would discover a hole in the school collection--and the kids needed those resources right away. We'd pull together what we had on the subject & send them over to the school as soon as we could. I also had teachers & school librarians using this option when they were a few short on multiple copies of novels for class study, literature circles, etc. The communication about what was needed & when almost always happened through a phone call or an e-mail from a school librarian (though I got the ball rolling by going out to the media specialists' meetings to let them know the service was available).
We never did use this delivery setup to allow individual students (& teachers) to place items on hold online & then have them delivered to their school--I would love to see such a service for my students & teachers, but the logistics of it seem pretty daunting. Good luck with your project--let us know how it develops--

Melissa Jones
Director of Youth Services
Schaumburg Township District Library
Schaumburg, IL
We have had a book delivery program in place for many years. The delivery van is run by the local public school district. It travels once each week between the 27 public schools in the district and the library. The teachers call in for a bag of 20 books for their classroom. The books are checked out to the school. The book statistics are part of our YS circulation statistics. Students may not request materials through this program. We send out on average 50 bags of books weekly during the school year, so this adds to our circulation statistics. The library handles the book check out and check in and the school assumes the delivery responsibilities.

Stephanie Squicciarini
Teen Services Librarian
Fairport Public Library
Fairport, NY
We are a school district public library, meaning our budget is voted on directly by the community considered to be part of the school district. This allows for some natural cooperation, one being a school district courier service...
Courier Service: We do have a service, actually, an employee of the school district that transports materials between the schools and the public library (I work at the public library). This helps with books that the schools need for assignments, book discussions (teachers and students) and for books returned to the wrong library - that is, if someone returns a book here that belongs to one of the schools, which happens frequently, we just send it on in delivery. Students also often return our books to their school libraries, so they get sent back to us.
Circulation: Only our staff does any checking in/out here. I cannot speak to any training that goes on at the schools, but we are on different systems so our books would not get checked in/our there...we charge them out to the school's library card - which can also be used by teachers if they are checking out books to use in the classroom.
Outcomes: This has been in place since well before I started here. I don't think it increases circulation substantially, but it does make things easier for us and our patrons. They see the connection between the two and are pleased that their books will ultimately get in the right place. It is always well-used and very effective. I also use this service to get other materials to the school librarians - fliers about our programs, professional books they might be interested in, etc.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need me to clarify or expand on anything.

Ria Newhouse
Teen Services Librarian
Hancock County Public Library
Greenfield, IN
We use a courier service to deliver books to schools in the county. We are a county-wide library and teachers can call, email, or fax requests to us for a collection. They may want 50 books on frogs or a collection of 150 biographies, etc. The request goes to the associated department and they fill the request. The books are put in plastic tubs, noted what school they're going to, and then the courier picks them up and delivers them to the schools. Each courier trip costs $15 and my library eats the cost. When the teacher is done, she/he calls and lets us know and then we arrange for the courier to do a pick-up and deliver the tubs back to us.
Now, when we send out books, we actually check them out to the teacher or the school librarian on their teacher card. They can have extended loans with these cards. They are, however, responsible for all of the materials and any fines associated with the materials. This hasn't been truly successful and we do end up waiving a lot of fines.
Teachers do utilize the service and I do think circ stats go up because of it. In any given month I usually send out 3-4 collections, usually about 20 items.
Hope this helps, feel free to ask any questions.

Title of Program: CLASP (Connecting Schools and Libraries Project)
Type of Program: Large, Systemwide Initiatives
Age level: Elementary and secondary (middle school)
Description of Program: CLASP, the Connecting Libraries and Schools Program, is a library-school partnership that links schools serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade and the three New York City public library systems. CLASP expands the long tradition of services for children and young adults offered by Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and Queens Borough Public Library. The basic program of CLASP services includes: Library cards for all children in public and private schools, class visits in the schools and in the libraries, parent workshops that encourage involvement in student education, teacher workshops and improved channels of communication for educators, family literacy programs to highlight the enjoyment of reading, summer reading booklists and library activities. As a result of new funding, CLASP is now available in all New York community school districts serving all K-8 students. URL: http://www.nypl.org/branch/services/clasp.html
Contact Information:
Grace Shanahan
Manager, Connecting Schools and Libraries Project
Department of Youth Services
2065 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234
718.253.4567
g.shanahan@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Title of Program: Education Initiative
Type of Program: Large, Systemwide Initiatives
Age level: Elementary and secondary (K-12)
Description of Program: In 2000, the King County Library System in Washington State established the Education Initiative in order to work with school libraries to help students achieve academic success.  An Education Coordinator was hired to establish partnerships with the 18 school districts in the service area and to serve as a liaison between school librarians and youth librarians in the 42 branch libraries. At the center of the Initiative is the personal connection between the school librarian and public youth librarian. Each school is assigned to the closest community library. The Education Initiative supports an annual 2nd grade library card distribution, regular school visits by youth librarians to provide online database demonstrations, give book talks and promote reading incentive and summer
reading programs and other presentations as requested by school staff. Programs for Black History Month, Poetry Month and author presentations held in schools ensure a large audience of students, many of whom become aware of public library resources for the first time.  Schools often can't afford to have these programs and are very enthusiastic about the curricular support. Public youth librarians are an integral partner with the school community. In the library, tutors offer help with homework and special student areas are provided. Organized lists of recommended websites on homework topics and online databases support the curriculum. Live online homework help draws large numbers of students.  An electronic newsletter is sent five times a year to every school librarian in the area to spread the word about new resources and upcoming events.
Contact Information:
Barbara Carmody, Education Services Coordinator
King County Library System
960 Newport Way NW
Issaquah, WA 98027
425-369-3324
bacarmody@kcls.org

Title of Program: Great Library Card Adventure/Get Carded
Type of Program: Library Card Campaigns
Age level: Elementary & secondary
Description of Program: The Great Library Card Adventure is a library card campaign for kindergarten classrooms in Multnomah County, presented by the Multnomah County Library School Corps. Although we usually run the campaign kindergarten classrooms, every few years we extend the campaign to all K-5 students. (All K-5 students are able to apply for cards during any Great Library Card Adventure campaign, but during most years, the contest is for the kindergarten classrooms only.) We want every student, faculty and staff member in the county to have a Multnomah County Library card. We send letters to school principals and library staff inviting them to join the campaign, and we send kits with posters, applications, and instructions to those who join. After returning the applications, teachers receive a drink coupon from Starbucks. Students (both those who already had cards and those who get them through the program) receive Great Library Card Adventure stickers. Kindergarten classrooms with 100% of the students signed up for library cards are entered in a drawing to win one of three collections of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction books for their classroom. Classes with 100% of students signed up that do not win a book collection will receive a gift certificate to a local bookstore. URL: http://www.multcolib.org/schoolcorps/glca.html
Get Carded! is a library card campaign for middle and high schools students. We have done this campaign twice since 1997. We send letters to school principals and library staff inviting them to join the campaign, and we send kits with posters, applications, and instructions to those who join. School return tally sheets to us with the numbers of students who already had cards, and the applications of those who are applying. All students and teachers who participate in the program (whether they already had cards or applied them) received a card with discount offers from local businesses.
Contact Information:
Jackie Partch
School Corps Team Leader
Multnomah County Library
205 NE Russell, Portland, OR 97212
503.988.6004
jacquelp@multcolib.org

Title of Program: Library Card Campaign
Type of Program: Library Card Campaigns
Age level: N/A
Description of Program: For the past eight years the Public Library has coordinated a library card registration program with the Hillsborough County school system and interested private schools. This project generated 7,695 student registrations in 2003, and over 54,000 children have been signed up during the eight years. The Library features high profile sports figures in a public service announcement (psa) that encourages children to register; the psa is played in the schools during the campaign.
Contact Information:
Priscilla Lakus, Tampa Hillsborough County Public Library System
900 N. Ashley Drive
Tampa, Fl. 33602
(813) 273-3648
Lakusp@hillsboroughcounty.org

Title of Program: PowerCard Committee
Type of Program: Library Card Campaigns, Summer Reading Programs
Age level: Elementary & Secondary
Description of Program: The Schools and Public Libraries in Palm Beach County, Florida have a partnership called the PowerCard Committee. It is 6 years old.
The PowerCard mission is to encourage children and their families to develop a love of reading, learning and libraries. Because of the work of this group, all students in Palm Beach County Schools can get free library cards at their choice of 15 county and 7 city libraries. This provides students access to combined library collections of approximately 2 million items to help with their school assignments.
PowerCard sponsors an annual library card campaign in September through contests in the schools and public libraries with incentives provided by local businesses. We've even been able to make sure that a library card is included on the school supply list. Right now we're working on our yearly Summer Reading Program promotion. Students will view in their classrooms a video created by the committee advertising Read Across Florida (our Summer theme). Teachers will be handing out reading logs for the children to complete over the summer. These were also created by the PowerCard committee and the libraries will use the same one. So there is one unified program for both the libraries and the school system.
Why is PowerCard Important? It's building new bridges of cooperation in the community to support literacy and ultimately to see our students succeed in school. Palm Beach County libraries and school district have developed partnerships with the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition; Children's Service Council and other local agencies.
Contact Information:
Wendy Rosenfeld
Youth Services Coordinator
Palm Beach County Library System
3650 Summit Blvd.
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406-4198
Tel. 561-233-2745
FAX 561-233-2627

Title of Program: School Cards
Type of Program: Library Cards for Educators/Schools
Age level: Elementary & Secondary
Description of Program: In response to requests from teachers, the library department worked with school administration to set up special library cards for schools. The cards, which are kept at the public library and managed by library staff, allow the school librarian to make sure the school's collection is used first and then to supplement it from the public library's broader resources. Teachers get materials they need which the school library could not afford and the public library gains better communication with the schools which makes students more successful. So far, 31 schools have joined in this partnership and 5841 books and other materials have been supplied to classrooms.
Contact Information:
Carolyn Caywood, MSLS
Bayside Library & Special Services
936 Independence Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
757-460-7518, fax 757-464-6741
ccaywood@vbgov.com

Title of Program: N/A
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: 9th grade
Description of Program: Ninth graders in the Lewisburg Area School District have library class once a week. Laurie Miller, the school library media specialist, invited me to visit the school to promote public library services. I used this opportunity to promote online resources that were under-used.

The first visit, I demonstrated Bloom's Literary Reference Online and several "Power Library" databases supplied by the PA Commonwealth Library, including AP Images, Student Resource Center, EBSCO Health Source and Brodart's Dartclix (a database of Web sites).

The second visit, I demonstrated Novelist and booktalked several titles from each library's collection. The third visit, I demonstrated Grove's Art and had some "hoax" photographs for the students to determine which were fake and which were real.

At the end of the school year, I plan to return to promote the summer reading program. We have also gotten permission to send flyers home with the students about the program. (A first.)

We also have a copy of all of the textbooks being used throughout the school district in our reference collection. Students who have forgotten a book can come to the library to use it. Some students regularly copy the pages for their assignments so they don't have to carry their books. Home school parents use them as well.

The benefits: Laurie and I are developing a great working relationship. I recognize students who come into the library and they recognize me. The teachers are more aware of the public library's resources. The use of our online resources has increased dramatically. As a result, our board established a separate line item for databases and authorized us to purchase World Book Online.

The idea of collaborating with the schools can be overwhelming. Starting with simple, focused programs will get both parties involved and who knows where it will grow from there. Laurie and I are talking about a one book one school program in the future.
Contact Information:
Linda L. Homa, Reference Librarian
Public Library of Union County
255 Reitz Blvd.
Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-523-1172
reference@publibuc.org

Title of Program: BLAST (Bringing Libraries and Schools Together)
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary
Description of Program: We have established a school outreach program called BLAST (Bringing Libraries and Schools Together). We started in September of 2002. We are grant funded by both the Grable Foundation and the Pittsburgh Foundation. BLAST consists of three programs: open programs that are offered to all schools and all grades K-5 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools; a structured 3rd grade read aloud program that focuses on quality children's literature and is evaluated by the University of Pittsburgh; and a summer extended year program where we bring summer reading to 28 elementary schools and approximately 1600 students who would not otherwise have a summer reading opportunity.
Contact Information:
Georgene DeFilippo
Youth Services Coordinator
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
130 Whitfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
phone 412-665-2106
defilippog@carnegielibrary.org

Title of Program: Booktalking Visits to Schools
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Secondary
Description of Program: I know this seems uncreative, mundane, and 'standard', but the children's/young adult staff here at the Patrick Henry Library have managed to lure a very real young adult readership/library user/volunteer base by making sure we get into the local middle and high schools with 'booktalking', during the Teen Read Week, and especially the spring Summer Reading push, here in Fairfax County.
  We make sure that the talks are sure-fire, we try to see as many classes as possible, and we work to build rapport with the school librarians.  We have an ongoing email correspondence, and support each other's endeavors as much as possible, given staffing and time constraints. 
Last year we had a tour of the local high school's new library facility, (very state-of-the-art), for all our staff, and the librarians at Madison High School were amazingly hospitable, and supportive of what we are trying to do, as public librarians in service to teens.
We have a major middle-high school volunteer program, and a heavily circulating collection of YA materials, that spin off of the booktalking we do.
Since we started with a languishing YA collection, and teens who were embarassed to enter the 'children's' section of the branch, we felt that a plug for the 'basics' does not go amiss.
Contact Information:
Salome Swaim
Patrick Henry Library
Vienna, VA 22180
Solomea.Swaim@fairfaxcounty.gov

Title of Program: Head Start Partnership
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Head Start
Description of Program: Woodburn Public Library and Head Start work together cooperatively to encourage children and families to use the public library,  develop reading skills, and  experience the joy of reading.  The Youth Services Librarian travels to  each Head Start classroom in the fall sharing storytime fun and information regarding the public library. See attached  schedule sheet. During winter and spring, Head Start teachers, classes, parents  visit the library via Head Start school transportation to attend a storytime, tour the children's room, receive library cards and applications, experience children's computer  programs,  become “at home” in their local public library, and more. At year's end each child receives their own picture book from the library appropriated through State Ready To Read Grant funds.
Contact Information:
Beverly Phillips
Woodburn Public Library
280 Garfield St.
Woodburn, OR 97071
beverly.phillips@ci.woodburn.or.us

Title of Program: Linn Library League Summer Reading Program
Type of Program: Summer Reading Programs and Lists, Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: N/A
Description of Program: Linn Library League is a volunteer group of Linn County residents who want to bring high-quality, publicly funded library service to everyone in Linn County. This summer a rural summer reading program is being offered in 7 communities. Five programs will be offered in school libraries--four are public schools and one is a charter school. The funding for our program comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library.
Contact Information:
May Garland
(503) 394-3696
garlandm@smt-net.com
Linda Ziedrich
(503) 394-3643
ziedrich@smt-net.com

Title of Program: Middle school/High school/Afterschool Outreach
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Secondary
Description of Program: My department does outreach to middle schools and high schools and we do afterschool programs at various branches around the city.  There are also schools that come to the library. The individual branches are also responsible for planning their own after school programs and take care of the pre-school through grade 5 outreach services. We are not directly funded by any one grant, however, we often get various grants that support general after school programming.  For instance the Missouri State Library office gives grants for afterschool programs.  We are also currently using a Library Foundation Grant to pay for additional homework helpers.  In January that funding will be replaced by another State Library Grant.  That grant is also paying for resources that can be used at the Library, or during school outreach.  There is currently no direct funding of our school outreach services, or of schools coming to the library. 
Contact Information:
Melissa A. Pillot
Young Adult Specialist
Teen Services
St Louis Public Library
1415 Olive Street
St Louis, MO 63103
(314)657-1000
MPillot@SLPL.LIB.MO.US

Title of Program: N/A
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary
Description of Program: I have a small contribution but it has been a big help to my school. I am the librarian at Clackamas Elementary School in Clackamas. I have partnered with the Clackamas County Library for the past 4 years. We began with Summer Reading promotion (the children's librarian was a Storyteller!) and expanded it to include Back to School night library card sign ups and information night.
This is a full Title I school and many of my students have few or no books at home. Promoting both libraries has had an effect. It is great to get parents re-interested in taking their kids to the library or helping them locate one!
The original contact I had at the County has now moved on, (unfortunately due to budget cuts.) The current contact I work with is Bonnie Warren, Children's Librarian at 503-650-3185. I am looking forward to her visit next week to share Summer Reading and some new titles.
Contact Information:
Karen Chaivoe
Library Media Specialist
Clackamas Elementary School
503-653-3663
chaivoek@nclack.k12.or.us

Title of Program: N/A
Type of Program: School Visits to the Public Library, Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary (Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade)
Description of Program: We have a successful program with our elementary schools that has been running for three years.  On Thursday morning of each week the school buses a different 1st grade class to the library.  We have volunters come and read to the children and then they are allowed to check out books that will be due the next time they come back (usually about a 1 month time period).  On Friday morning they bus the 2nd grade students for the same program.  We follow their character traits theme for the month.  One Thursday a month one of the staff goes to the Kindergarten classes and reads to the students.  This program insures that every 1st and 2nd grade student has a library card. There is no cost to the library as we already have our staff and the school buses the children.  Organizations donate funds each year to purchase new books for the 1st and 2nd graders.
Contact Information:
Carol Brentlinger
Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library
573-769-2830
pbpl@nemonet.com

Title of Program: School Corps
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary & Secondary
Description of Program: The Multnomah County Library School Corps connects students and educators with the critical information resources of the public library, providing trainings on using the libraries electronic resources (catalog, websites, databases) and presentations about reading/literacy. URL: www.multcolib.org/schoolcorps/
Contact Information:
Jackie Partch
School Corps Team Leader
Multnomah County Library
205 NE Russell, Portland, OR 97212
503.988.6004
jacquelp@multcolib.org

Title of Program: SWIFT (Student Web Instruction for Teachers)
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Secondary
Description of Program: SWIFT is a partnership between Hennepin County Library and area secondary schools dedicated to improving online research skills among students and teachers. Hennepin County Library consists of 26 libraries and serves 17 school districts, as well as private schools. Through classroom visits and staff development workshops, SWIFT works to teach students and teachers to use Hennepin County Library's online resources,
such as TeenLinks, to access databases, selected Web sites, and the library catalog. SWIFT also works to promote information literacy by teaching students and teachers how to effectively locate and evaluate internet sources on a specific topic. Our Web site is www.hclib.org/ToolboxForTeachers.
Contact Information:
Cyndi Webster
Eden Prairie Youth Services Librarian & SWIFT Project Manager for Hennepin County Libraries
(Student Web Instruction for Teachers)
565 Prairie Center Dr.
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: (952)847-5376
Voice Mail: (952)847-5386
Fax: (952)847-5377

Title of Program: Various
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary & secondary
Description of Program: We have programs that we do in the schools to enhance curriculum. They are detailed in our Access Brochure that you can find on our website at www.mrcpl.org under "Teacher Programs". This is part of our regular service and is done by children's services and branch staff.
Contact Information:
Deborah L. Dubois
Children's Outreach Librarian
Mansfield/Richland County Public Library
deborah_dubois@freenet.richland.oh.us

Title of Program: Web on Wheels (WOW)
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary & Secondary
Description of Program: WOW is a new program providing FREE assemblies or web site training for K-5 students in our community schools. Our interactive assemblies promote the library, the services we provide and on-line resources available through our web site. At the time of our visit, each student will receive special incentives to use library resources. The WOW team has broadened its scope from elementary schools to include middle school and high school visits focusing on an introduction to our website and databases. The team is also concentrating on extending our services to those who are not aware of us. All school librarians are now aware that WOW offers programs for Open House, Parent's Night and PTA gatherings. We have found that parents are really excited to learn about the resources that the library offers to their students. WOW is introducing library services to new populations by doing presentations at Summer Movie Nights for City of Las Vegas and Clark County Parks. Street Teens is the most current contact that was made to non-traditional users. WOW will train volunteers from Street Teens on services that the library offers.
Contact Information:
Debbie McGuire
Youth Services Coordinator
833 Las Vegas Blvd. N.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 507-3583
fax: (702) 507-3604
mcguired@lvccld.org

Title of Program: Welcome to Our Neighborhood with Mr. McFeely!
Type of Program: Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: PreK and K
Description of Program: In conjunction with what would have been the 80th birthday of Mister Rogers, The New Castle Public Library contacted Family Communications to plan activities for Mister Rogers' birthday which would include a sweater drive. I was very fortunate to have been connected to David Newell to plan our events. Mr. Newell turned out to be Mr. McFeely. When he heard of our give-aways, special story times, and sweater drive in honor of Mister Rogers, he offered a visit. We set the date of his visit during National Library Week.

Contact was made with the New Castle Transit Authority to arrange for their trolley to come to the library that day to provide trolley rides to children and parents attending the program. When contacted, local downtown businessman Tom George provided free parking to all who attended the program and Eat 'n Park Restaurant provided us with their famous "smile" coookies to give to the children.

During the three week period for the sweater drive, we received sweaters not only from individuals but also from local churches, and one of our biggest contributors proved to be the employees at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company who contributed over 200 sweaters to our drive.

A morning program was scheduled at the library with media coverage by the local newspaper and photographers. Representatives from the Lawrence County Crisis Center were on hand for the presentation by Mr. McFeely of over 30 boxes - 427 sweaters - collected.

We also contacted the Pre-K coordinator, Sandy Graham, and did another program for the Pre-K classes in the New Castle Area School District. Once again, we provided story times on the trolley and a short trolley ride for over 130 children.

During all of our story times that day, children received a free book, a personalized autographed picture of Mr. McFeely, and the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with him. We also provided chalk drawing outside and Mister Rogers coloring pages inside for the children as they waited to talk to Mr. McFeely or ride the trolley.

The program was extremely successful and well-received, not only by the children but also by parents. Our visit to the school was also appreciated; the administration expressed their gratitude several times regarding our continuing efforts to include them in special library events, and tentative plans have already been made to promote more of the library programs in the schools.

What started out as a story time and sweater drive resulted in a cooperative effort among our library, private business, and the City of New Castle to provide a memorable day for our community and also to be a good neighbor to the clients of the local women's shelter. In fact, that's what our program was called: "Welcome to the Neighborhood."
Contact Information:
Susan Morgan
New Castle Public Library
207 E. North St.
New Castle, PA 16101
724-658-6659, x107
smorgan@ncdlc.org

Title of Program: E-Resource News
Type of Program: Publicity (including newsletters)
Age level: Elementary & secondary, adult
Description of Program: A newsletter with resources for teacher-librarians, teachers and students. Sample copy: DeKalb County Newsletter
Contact Information:
DeKalb County Public Library
www.dekalblibrary.org

Title of Program: N/A
Type of Program: Publicity (including newsletters)
Age level: Elementary & secondary
Description of Program: The Youth Services Librarian works cooperatively with school Media Specialists, school newsletter editors, and Administration Offices to publicize Woodburn Public Library programs and events for students and families.  Each month, the public schools receive the updated Youth Services Schedule to share with their students and families. Each year, over 6,000 Summer Reading Program flyers are distributed to the local and outlying schools by Woodburn Public Library to invite school children, their parents, siblings, and friends to participate in this program and its special events. School Media Specialists and teachers help spread the news as well as the local newspaper, posters, sign boards, and more in an effort to reach out to children of all ages to have fun, grow, and develop new interests at the public library!
Contact Information:
Beverly Phillips
Woodburn Public Library
280 Garfield St.
Woodburn, OR 97071
beverly.phillips@ci.woodburn.or.us

Title of Program: School Corps Quarterly
Type of Program: Publicity (including newsletters)
Age level: Adult
Description of Program: This newsletter is a tool designed to assist educators in integrating public library resources with their curricula. School Corps Quarterly articles describe public library services and/or events that are relevant to educators countywide, at all grade levels. Articles give concrete examples of how teachers and media specialists at elementary, middle, and high school levels can use the service and/or what benefits they and their students would derive from attending the event. Each issue also includes a booktalk. URL: http://www.multcolib.org/scq/
Contact Information:
Jackie Partch
School Corps Team Leader
Multnomah County Library
205 NE Russell, Portland, OR 97212
503.988.6004
jacquelp@multcolib.org

Title of Program: Side x Side: Public Library/School Library Collaboration: Easier Than You Think
Type of Program: Publicity (including newsletters)
Age level: Adult
Description of Program: A newsletter with collaboration ideas for both school and public librarians. Sample copy: Mid-Hudson Newsletter (PDF)
Contact Information:
Rebecca Gerald, Coordinator
School Library System
Ulster BOCES
rgerald@mhric.org
Margaret Keefe
Coordinator, Youth Services
Mid-Hudson Library System
mkeefe@midhudson.org

Title of Program: Teacher Connection: A Newsletter from the Youth Services Department of the Lake Villa District Library
Type of Program: Publicity (including newsletters)
Age level: Elementary & secondary
Description of Program: Published once a quarter, Teacher Connection is full of information on how the Library can help you and your students. You'll find: Information on upcoming Library programs and initiatives; a regular column by Kerry Reed, Head of Youth Services; updates on teacher services such as Classroom Connection bags; and other useful information about Library resources. URL: http://www.lvdl.org/Youth/teacherconnection.html
Contact Information:
Elisa Gueffie
847-356-7711, ext. 242

Title of Program: Connect-For-Kids at the Library
Type of Program: School Visits to the Public Library
Age level: N/A
Description of Program: Connect-For-Kids At the Library is a program to encourage students and their parents/guardians to become acquainted with community library programs and promote family reading time. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the Clark County School District Business/Education Collaborative, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, North Las Vegas Library District, Boulder City Library, Henderson District Public Libraries, and McDonald's sponsor this program. To participate, students pick up a sign-up card at their school library and: visit a public library (with a parent or adult, if possible), show or get a library card from a public library (with a parent or adult, if possible), attend a library program at a public library (with a parent or adult, if possible), check out a book from a public library (with a parent or adult, if possible), and return the library book on or before its due date. When all five activities listed on the library card have been completed by the student and stamped by the community librarian, one free McDonald's cheeseburger coupon will be provided to the student by the community librarian.
Contact Information:
Debbie McGuire
Youth Services Coordinator
833 Las Vegas Blvd. N.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 507-3583
fax: (702) 507-3604
mcguired@lvccld.org

Title of Program: Cooperative Summer Reading Program
Type of Program: Summer Reading Programs and Lists, School Visits to the Public Library
Age level: Elementary
Description of Program: Newport Public Library and Yaquina View Elementary School in Newport, Oregon, have been running a cooperative Summer Reading program for three years. The Title I (Reading Recovery) program at Yaquina View School has used USDE grant monies to pay for teaching staff. This is how the program works:
The library's summer reading program meets once a week on Wednesday afternoons. The school program meets at the same time in the library with the students attending the program. Both before and after the program the teaching staff meets with students for one-on-one and small group reading instruction. About 40 children participate in the school program and another 100+ participate in the library program.
This cooperative program has introduced the library to many families who would not otherwise be using it in the summer (or any other time). The students participate in the reading rewards part of the library program as well and, for many of them, it is the first opportunity to recieve the same recognition that the "normal reader" kids get.
The school staff have been tracking the testing results of their students and statistics show students involved in the summer reading program actually gain skills over the summer.
Both library and school staff are very happy with this program and hope to continue it indefinitely.
Contact Information:
Rebecca Cohen
Newport Public Library
Newport, Oregon
storyweaver@newportlibrary.org

Title of Program: N/A
Type of Program: School Visits to the Public Library, Public Library Visits to Schools
Age level: Elementary (Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade)
Description of Program: We have a successful program with our elementary schools that has been running for three years. On Thursday morning of each week the school buses a different 1st grade class to the library. We have volunters come and read to the children and then they are allowed to check out books that will be due the next time they come back (usually about a 1 month time period). On Friday morning they bus the 2nd grade students for the same program. We follow their character traits theme for the month. One Thursday a month one of the staff goes to the Kindergarten classes and reads to the students. This program insures that every 1st and 2nd grade student has a library card. There is no cost to the library as we already have our staff and the school buses the children. Organizations donate funds each year to purchase new books for the 1st and 2nd graders.
Contact Information:
Carol Brentlinger
Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library
573-769-2830
pbpl@nemonet.com

Title of Program: N/A
Type of Program: School Visits to the Public Library
Age level: Elementary
Description of Program: We have an excellent program for loaning materials to schools and working together on joint projects. This year we had an exhibit in our children's room from Stony Brook University, featuring the plants and animals of Long Island. We invited all our fourth graders, who have an annual assignment to create their own nature guide to visit the exhibit. The culmination of the project was to invite the fourth graders to the library for a visit with author/illustrator Jim Arnosky, who is the author of many nature books. I frequently touch base with the curriculum coordinators and teachers to see if we can create programs tailored to their needs. We invited the fifth graders to the library to demonstrate our new Virtual Reference biography sources when they were beginning a biography assignment.
Contact Information:
Doris Gebel
Head of Youth Services
Northport-East Northport Public Library
dgebel@suffolk.lib.ny.us

Title of Program: Oakland Elementary Night at the Public Library
Type of Program: School Visits to the Public Library
Age level: Elementary
Description of Program: One type of program that has worked well for me is "Oakland Elementary Night at the Public Library" or "Green Elementary Night at the Public Library". I have done this with two public schools after getting to know the school librarian. As the public librarian, I give a bilingual orientation and tour to my library and then a storytime together with the school librarian. I usually provide snacks and we encourage and expect families to sign their youngsters up for library cards.
The challenging part is the building of a relationship with the school librarian. Turnover is great in public schools in Fort Worth. It has taken me almost three years to build a relationship with these two schools because of it and even after having successful programs the next year is unpredictable if there is a new administrator who does not place a high priority on this type of partnership (many administrators have tunnel vision solely focused on testing, testing, testing!)
Contact Information:
Desiree Fairooz
Youth Librarian
East Berry Branch Library
Fort Worth Public Library

Title of Program: Books and Brunch
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Adult
Description of Program: We have a program each fall for school librarians and teachers called "Books and Brunch". We highlight library services and materials that will help teachers in the classroom and school librarians. We have brought in an author to speak on her books and how to use them in the classroom. We also give practical information about booktalking, displays, database instruction and other information teachers can use. We have arranged with some of the schools for librarians and teachers to get inservice credit for attending this program. The library funds this program.
Contact Information:
Deborah L. Dubois
Children's Outreach Librarian
Mansfield/Richland County Public Library
deborah_dubois@freenet.richland.oh.us

Title of Program: Books and Brushes
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: N/A
Description of Program: We had one special program to get out young adult reading section painted. It was called Books and Brushes. The students had to read three books from the library and then they painted an example of the book on the mural to be placed in the library. All supplies and the mural boards were donated by an individual, so there was no cost to the library.
Contact Information:
Carol Brentlinger
Palmyra Bicentennial Public Library
573-769-2830
pbpl@nemonet.com

Title of Program: Books to Treasure
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Second grade
Description of Program: "Books to Treasure" is the Tulsa City-County Library's annual celebration of National Children's Book Week.  The event encourages families to read aloud, and promotes the beauty of children's book illustration.  An illustrator is invited to Tulsa to visit second graders at a private school, a Tulsa Public School, and an outlying school district's school.  An evening talk and book signing is held at a public library.
During the fall, a second grade library card signup is conducted.  Those who apply get a library card illustrated by the guest illustrator. In September, teacher workshops are held to showcase the Books to Treasure web site which has an illustrator biography, related web sites, and lesson plans written by public and school librarians.  Examples of the lessons are presented at the workshops.  Refreshments and door prizes are provided.
Each second grader in Tulsa County receives a paperback book illustrated by our guest, an effort to create lifelong readers if they aren't already.
Our maintenance crew delivers books, posters, bookmarks & bookplates to the large school districts and the elementary schools in small districts.  Our children's librarians deliver materials to the private schools.
The whole program is funded by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation.  Anne Zarrow was a teacher and the Zarrow family is a huge supporter of schools and libraries.

Contact Information:
Lana Voss, Children's Department Manager
Tulsa City-County Library
Central Library
400 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-7973
lvoss@tulsalibrary.org

Title of Program: Breakfast with School Librarians
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Adult
Description of Program: We invited all the school librarians and the teachers we know best from our 14 partner schools to stop in at Bayside between 8:30 and 9:30 this morning for coffee & a library orientation. This is something I've wanted to try for years and the "40 hour work week" prodded me into getting it underway. I'm writing to let you know how it went.
We had representation from 3 schools - a teacher from one elementary, 2 librarians from another, and the secretary from a middle school. We also had many librarians call to explain that they couldn't get away to come - the principals had called meetings. (The secretary was sent by the librarian in her place.)
I am naturally disappointed in the turnout, but the 4 who came gave us an opportunity for personal contact. The 2 school librarians didn't arrive till 9:30, but they had a particular problem with their library being renovated and their teachers being irresponsible, so we talked till 10. Additionally, those who called at least know we want to be supportive. So, it was worth doing, though another time we'll try something different.
We had refreshments, an assortment of our handouts, an assortment of weeded posters, and tours for our guests. But, mostly, it was the personal contact and affirmation that mattered.
Contact Information:
Carolyn Caywood, MSLS
Bayside Library & Special Services
936 Independence Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
757-460-7518
fax757-464-6741
http://VBgov.com/libraries ccaywood@vbgov.com

Title of Program: Bristlecone Storytelling Festival
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Elementary & Middle School (4th-6th)
Description of Program: The Clark County School District storytelling festival is an exciting, voluntary program offered to fourth through sixth grade students in all elementary and middle schools. The students are taught storytelling skills that support the district English Language Arts/Reading curriculum. The Bristlecone Storytelling Festival Teacher's Guide is a tool for librarians and teachers to use as they lead their students through the steps of the storytelling process. The teacher's guide includes student activities, structure, strategies, and tips to enhance learning and to ensure a successful storytelling experience for all. Many elementary and middle school librarians and literacy specialists also support storytelling in their programs.
The Bristlecone Storytelling Festival includes the fourth through sixth grade students. Teachers schedule individual classroom festivals that provide their students the opportunity to practice the storytelling craft for an audience. Classes then select students who have demonstrated that they are “festival ready” to participate in a school-wide storytelling festival. Students who participate in the school's storytelling festival then select two school representatives who will perform at a Region Storytelling Festival. Las Vegas-Clark County Library District's theaters will host these region festivals between March 28 and April 1, 2005. Selected students may be able to participate in the Boulder City Folk Festival.
Contact Information:
Debbie McGuire
Youth Services Coordinator
833 Las Vegas Blvd. N.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 507-3583
fax: (702) 507-3604
mcguired@lvccld.org

Title of Program: The Center for the Book Letters about Literature
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: 6th grade
Description of Program: Since 2002, F D Campbell Memorial Library and The sixth grade teachers at Mohawk Elementary School have partnered using The Center for the Book Letters About Literature program.  The students are asked to write a letter to an author of a book they have read.  The author can be living or dead.  The letter doesn't get sent to the author.  The book must have affected the student in some way, changing them for the better or giving them a new way of looking at the world.  Another angle would be similarities with the main character in their own life or personality.  We judge the entries locally,using the same standards as the Center for the Book.  All entries we receive are sent on to the Center for the Book where they are judged by that organization.  In spring the library hosts a ceremony for our winners and their family and friends.  We give the winners a Barnes and Noble gift card.  Their letter also is miniaturized and placed in the front pages of the book they chose, so that anyone who reads the book learns of their accomplishment.  For our contest, we limit the author to a writer of a book.  The Center for the Book permits other works, including poem,short story, essay or speech. 

This year marks the sixth year that we have partnered with the students and teachers.  The English teachers and I feel it is a very successful program.  F D Campbell Memorial Library pays for the postage and the ceremony.  It is a very simple and cost effective program and could be replicated easily anywhere.
Contact Information:
Jean Workman, library director
F D Campbell Memorial Library
P O Box 666
Bessemer, PA 16112
724-667-7939
read_books@hotmail.com

Title of Program: Children's Author Lecture
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Elementary & Secondary (middle school)
Description of Program: Children's Author Lecture is a joint program organized and funded by the Multnomah County Library, The Library Foundation and Riverdale Grade School. This annual event, begun in 1998, explores the exciting and diverse world of books for children from the viewpoint of the books' creators. Past guests include Jack Gantos, Christopher Paul Curtis, Sharon Creech, and Katherine Paterson. As part of the program, needy schools can apply to participate in the school exchange program. Students in the exchange receive complimentary tickets to the lecture, transportation, an autographed book by the author, and will meet with a class from Riverdale Grade School to discuss the author's writing. URL: http://www.multcolib.org/kids/lecture/
Contact Information:
Katie O'Dell
Reading Promotions Coordinator
Multnomah County Library
205 NE Russell
Portland, OR 97212
503.988.6002
kodell@multcolib.org

Title of Program: Curriculum and Staff Support
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Adult
Description of Program: Multnomah County Library’s School Corps program provided invaluable support to students and staff in our public elementary school and high school.  Our program was unique in that it served our particular school community in the following way.  As school librarian, I surveyed my staff prior to summer vacation, learning what curricula they would be teaching the following year as well as particular areas of interest to teachers and students.  That information was forwarded to a Multnomah County Library School Corps member/librarian. The School Corps member and I met with staff, individually or in teaching teams early in September to learn about curricula needs and opportunities for collaborative programs between the school and the library throughout the school year.  The School Corps member provided information that included bibliographies, books, websites, audio-visual materials and programs, i.e. Feasting on Forbidden Fruit, Summer Reading Program, Pathfinders, searching strategies, using the library’s catalog and databases. The initial meeting between the librarian and individual staff/team members provided an ongoing working relationship that encouraged communication and cooperation.  In turn, I signed up most students for library cards at the beginning of the year, and for participation in the summer reading program at the end of the year.  Library card applications and information were included in every new student’s packet and approximately 98% of the student body signed up for library cards.  Most of the students participated in the summer reading program.  Positive outcomes for the school, the school community and library included:  increased knowledge and understanding of public library programs by the school and community, and understanding the school community and curricula needs by the public library.  These programs increased use and support of the library by our students and their families as well as understanding and supporting the library’s mission, programs and funding measures.
Contact Information:
Marian Creamer, President and retired school librarian
Children's Literature Alive!
11657 S.W. Breyman Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97219

Title of Program: Looking to Learn
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Elementary & middle school
Description of Program: The Williamsburg Regional Library was awarded the 2004 Gale/School Library Journal Giant Step Award for an innovative program called Looking to Learn. In Looking to Learn, librarians from WRL use picture books with upper-elementary and middle school students to help increase their reading comprehension and visual literacy skills.
Contact Information:
Noreen Bernstein
Youth Services Director
Williamsburg Regional Library
7770 Croaker Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
757-259-4054
Fax 757 259-4079
www.wrl.org
nbernste@mail.wrl.org

Title of Program: Middle School Survival Program
Type of Program: Special Events
Age level: Secondary (middle school)
Description of Program: I called the guidance departments at my middle schools and asked to speak with the sixth grade counselor. I usually have guests do one of two topics: “What to expect in sixth grade” (how will it be different from elementary school, what will be expected of students, etc.) and “Being Organized.” You could also call other agencies that deal with young teens or contact other areas at the school (school resource/police officers, principals and vice-principals, teachers who are very popular). The topics are pretty much endless, but I have had success with the two that I do, mainly because those are two of the biggest concerns of the students and parents alike.
The final segment of the program is a presentation about how the library can help with homework and projects. This is a good time to do a PowerPoint presentation of the website, catalog, and databases. It is also a good time to remind them to be prepared: have the assignment sheet, pencil, paper, change for the copier, etc.
I followed up with a letter to my guests outlining the program and confirming their participation. I send a second letter over the summer, but it is best to send that to their home address if you can get it. Have all of the guests ararive before the start of the program, even if they are going later in the morning. This way there is less to worry about.
Your guests will be popular after the program. Either leave time for Q & A during the program and let the guests know that they will be approached after the program ends. Make sure that it is OK with them.
I made packets of information for each student/parent