Opinion

Stories of strong, determined women who changed the course of history make amazing subjects for booktalks. Elizabeth Blackwell, Louisa May Alcott, and Clara Lemlich are just a few of the tough cookies with indomitable spirit who persevered in the face of adversity, achieved their goals, and became role models for others. They are featured in three recently released books that are perfect for booktalking.

The diversity of our nation and our struggle for civil rights are clear themes in this month's new titles. Among our selections are two books that address the historic 1963 March on Washington, celebrating its 50th anniversary this month: one in graphic format for older students written by John Lewis, and the other, a picture book by Andrea Davis Pinkney.

As the economic landscape continues to shift, the mission of schools and libraries to address the gaps intensifies, and the work of the key players, teachers and librarians, has never been more essential.

The great Joyce Valenza over at NeverEnding Search has already shared this, but if anything deserves to go school librarian viral, it’s Doug Johnson’s take on the library back-to-school letter.

In response to LM_NET queries, Doug Johnson published a BFTP (blast from the past) post today on Your Library’s Back-to-School Letter. Doug encourages us to use the start of school as an opportunity for connection and advocacy, inspiring us to design an initial communication that conveys the energy and contributions of our library programs in [...]

A new age of scribe is emerging, notes Joyce Valenza, who, in her latest blog post, considers the craft of sketchnoting and its role in enhancing the conference - and classroom - experience.

Can creators in essence separate the “super” from the “hero” and still be said to be working with the same character?

The very language of the Common Core State Standards calls for librarians’ key skills: research; equipping students to access, evaluate, and synthesize information; and strengthening literacy. Paige Jaeger, a coordinator of school library services in Saratoga Springs, NY argues that librarians can build a strong case for a seventh shift in the CCSS: research.

Some summer camps offer what schools straining under reduced budgets and months of test prep can't—and they aren't just for the wealthy. Turn your library into a clearing house of information for kids and their parents about the range of programs available to them.