Youth Services Advisory Meeting February 13, 2009

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In attendance: Sarah Matthews, Christine LaTerra, Jenny Goodemote, Debra Denis, Sheila Koeberle, Mary Conable, Ellen Reynolds, Dawn Goodman, Tracy Whitney, Tanya Thomson, Mary Ferris, Liz O’Toole

The focus of this meeting was the upcoming Summer Reading Preparation Program to be held at PLSHQ on March 13, 2009.

Ellen stated that she had viewed a virtual presentation about NYS Summer Reading. The DLD/LSTA grant guidelines are stricter. The good news is that PLS now has $12,000 to work with rather than $6,000. There is no system money for goodies this year (last year system purchased T-shirts, stamps, report card labels, board books). There is only some money available for some report card labels.

The teacher librarians really liked the T-shirts promoting summer reading. The NYS librarian is emphasizing collaboration this year. Ellen has requested an additional 50 posters.

The additional money can be used for T-shirts for the school librarians and tie in the report card labels. If they’re willing to do the report card labels, then they would receive a T-shirt.

Each library can receive 2 T-shirts (they will be able to choose the sizes) and an increase of grant funds to $250. Important stipulation: this money must be spent on programming materials, such as certificates, bookmarks, books that will be added to your collection, and other things that promote your program. It cannot be spent on refreshments, incentives, or books for prizes. The committee agreed with this recommendation.

Ellen will order T-shirts for the schools and 2 T-shirts for each library. She will send out information next week the form about the statewide grant outlining the restrictions.

There is an additional New York State component to the Summer Reading Program this year to celebrate the 400^th anniversary of both Hudson’s and Champlain’s voyages through the state and also the 200^th anniversary of Fulton’s steamboat. This component material is available on the Summer Reading website and includes a reading list and suggested materials.

Ellen reviewed the Summer Reading Program agenda. She asked that people let her know if they want her to buy their supplies for the program presentation. There is about $100 total available. She will send out a list of the supplies already on hand at PLS.

Ellen asked that any handouts concerning programming ideas and books to be used in conjunction with the program be sent to her at least a week in advance of the workshop so packets can be prepared for each person in attendance.

Crafts will again be displayed with instructions. The instruction sheet should include the materials used, the intended age range, and the level of difficulty for the craft.

Concerning the Early Literacy Grant: Perry and Warsaw are collaborating with Wyoming County Literacy Volunteers in applying for the grant. Peggy Parker has stated that she is not worried about competing with PLS for grant money. Ellen asked how the group felt about this issue. They believed it was okay for PLS to apply even though individual libraries may also be applying.

Christine LaTerra announced for Dorothy Morehouse a reminder about the Teen Book Festival at Nazareth College on April 4^th. Dorothy is trying to secure a bus to aid in getting people there. If you’re interested in a bus, please contact Dorothy. The web address for the festival is tbflive2009.org.

There was a reminder for the YSS Workshop on Friday, April 3^rd, taking place in Canandaigua. Early Bird Registration closes February 28^th.

The meeting was then concluded.

Notes submitted by Kathryn Riedener