July 6th, 2010

INTERVIEW

• Meg Kolaya: Cuts Hit Library Serving Kids With Autism
  New Jersey's Scotch Plains Public Library, known for its award-winning "Libraries and Autism: We're Connected" training video and website, is in trouble. Governor Chris Christie has proposed cutting the state's funding for public libraries by about 74 percent, or $10.4 million–and the town of Scotch Plains has already reduced library funding by more than $40,000. We spoke to Library Director Meg Kolaya about the impact of the cuts, especially to those on the autism spectrum who have come to rely on the library's programs.
  
  What impact will the cuts have on your much-needed programs for children with autism spectrum disorders?
  Our work with individuals on the spectrum will continue despite our need to balance our budget. We will continue to host our Group Spirit parent meeting once a month on an open Thursday evening. We have several teens on the spectrum who have become volunteers, and they will be continuing to come to do their hours. Our NextReads book club for teens with cognitive disabilities has been meeting Tuesday nights at our local Panera [Café] and, although we take a break in July and August, we will definitely keep this totally volunteer-staffed group going.    more » » » 

NEWS

• Harper Lee's Hometown Gets Ready for Mockingbird's 50th
  Harper Lee may not attend. But her hometown of Monroeville, AL, has spruced up its main square and planned a BBQ, silent auction, readings, and a three-legged race past camellia bushes and green lawns to fête the 50th anniversary of Lee's seminal novel, To Kill A Mockingbird (Lippincott, 1960).
  
  "The whole reason for the celebration is to honor Nelle Harper Lee and her contribution to the town and the world," says Stephanie Rogers, acting director of the Monroe County Heritage Museum, tucked into the Old Monroe County Courthouse, where Lee's father practiced law and which served as the model for the courthouse in the film version of Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning story. "It's so special and as many librarians know, it's required reading all over the world."    more » » » 
• SYNC Offers Librarians, Teens Free Audiobooks All Summer
  Librarians and teen book lovers are in luck this summer. SYNC, an online community that hopes to build an audience for audiobooks, is offering two free downloads of some amazing titles each week for the next two months.
  
  Until September 1, anyone 13 and up can download audiobooks ranging from Handbook for Boys by Walter Dean Myers and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens to Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston and A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. The titles, which are in MP3 format, are compatible with any digital player or computer, and the choices are from some of the best audiobook producers.   more » » » 

WATCH AND READ

• Sisters Extraordinaire: Ramona and Beezus
  Who doesn't love Ramona? Beverly Cleary's irrepressible protagonist goes big screen with a live-action film adaptation from 20th Century Fox and Walden Media. Ramona and Beezus (G) premieres in theaters on July 23, 2010, ready to warm the hearts of fans and families everywhere. Joey King stars as the exuberant, mischievous, and ever-imaginative Ramona Quimby along with Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place's smooth-talking teen magic-wielder, Alex Russo) as big sister Beezus. Based on Cleary's long-enduring and best-selling series of books, the film's plot revolves around Ramona's efforts to save her family's home. John Corbett and Bridget Moynahan play the adult Quimbys, with Ginnifer Goodwin taking on the role of Aunt Bea, Beezus's namesake and role model. The movie is directed by Elizabeth Allen, who made her behind-the-camera debut with another book adapted to film, Aquamarine (2006), a romantic comedy about two teenage girls who befriend a mermaid.   more » » » 

REMARKABLE READS

• Childhood Emotions
  Emotions can run high for the young. Competitions for best friendships, crankiness resulting from late nights, and sibling hassles all contribute to the drama. Those who work with preschoolers and early elementary kids need to have resources that allow their patrons to discover themselves and see that their feelings are perfectly normal. There is always room for improvement, and these titles provide options for conflict resolution.    more » » » 

LIBRARIAN'S INTERNET

• You're in Charge!
  pbskids.org/itsmylife/games/in_charge_flash.html
  
  During the summer, young teens are often at home during the day and, if both parents work, they may be responsible for taking care of things around the house and looking after their siblings. This cool online game replicates what it's like being responsible for chores and younger kids. It will be a snap for teens already used to doing these things, but a real challenge for those who haven't yet been "in charge."    more » » » 

JOB OF THE WEEK