Youth Services Advisory Committee Meeting January 13, 2013

In attendance: Kelley Blue, Mary Ferris (CAN); Deb Dennis (PHE); Mary Conable (WAR); Sheila Koeberle (PAL); Tanya Thompson (GPL); Dinana Thorn (BRI); Anne Rehor (ONT); Jody Waters (new BLO children's services person); Pat Finnerty (PLS); Kathryn Riedener, facilitator (PLS).

Topics for discussion:

• Changes to summer reading grants and how PLS plans to implement and coordinate them
  • Betsy explained that 2013 is the last year for the LSTA Summer Reading Grant (ends July 31, 2013). The thought was instead of giving each library such a small amount (approx. $150.00), PLS would create 10 theme-related kits filled with items for use during the summer reading programs. Each kit will contain a variety of materials that libraries might not otherwise be able to afford on their own. The kits will be displayed at the Summer Reading Planning Workshop.
  • Pat Finnerty described the focus of the new grant replacing the LSTA grant -- Family Literacy Grant -- and how the idea is to hire performers for our libraries during their programs. Hopefully, we will have better price-bargaining abilities since we will be looking to book several venues for the selected performers. If you have any suggestions for good performers, please contact Pat at PLSHQ.
• Planning the Summer Reading Workshop -- set the date (March 22), plan what to do, and who does what
  • It was decided to use a round-table format at this year's workshop which will be held on Friday, March 22, beginning with display set-up at 9:00 am and concluding at 2:30 pm. The agenda is attached below. Each segment will be facilitated by a YSAC member in order to spark the discussions and sharing of ideas. We will focus on 5 age/grade groups: Early Literacy (covering birth-preschool), facilitator Mary Conable (WAR); Grades K-2, facilitator Mary Ferris (CAN); Grades 3-5, facilitator Anne Rehor (ONT); Tweens, facilitator Deb Dennis (PHE); Teens, facilitator Kelley Blue (CAN). Early Literacy through grade 5 groups will be covered prior to lunch (11:45 am) while older kids (tweens & teens) will be covered following lunch (12:45 pm). A time slot for final group sharing will be held prior to the end of the program.
  • Each participant is asked 1) to register on the Twiki/PLUM and 2) to bring either a craft or snack idea to be shared at the workshop.
• Toddler book kits
  • Lynne Madden (VIC) is coordinating the creation of these board book kits. Libraries are asked to contact Lynne prior to purchasing titles to avoid duplication. The group suggested that those libraries who couldn't fund the purchase of the 15 board books might be willing to purchase the bags to package them. Lynne will be contacted with this idea.
• Update on Common Core Curriculum workshop
  • PLS is planning to have a Common Core Curriculum workshop in September. Details will be shared as they become available.
• Plan February Youth Yak (2/15) -- topic: Teens in Our Libraries -- programs, using volunteers, etc. Who wants to facilitate?
  • Kelley Blue, teen librarian at Wood Library (CAN) will facilitate our next Youth Yak program.
  • The PLS puppet collection is being disbanded. These puppets and toys will be available for the taking at Youth Yak.

Upcoming events/information:

• Puppet giveaway at Feb. Youth Yak (see above)
• Teen Tech Week - March 10-16, 2013
  • Kathryn shared a link on the Twiki/PLUM with programming ideas for Teen Tech Week
    • http://plum.pls-net.org/twiki/bin/view/Trash/MembersTeenTechWeekIdeas2013
• YSS Spring Conference 2013 : Among the Readers and Beyond - Friday, May 17, 2013 at Holiday Inn, Rochester Airport
  • Anne Rehor shared information about the conference. Information can be found at either the long link or the TinyURL link:
    • http://www.nyla.org/max/4DCGI/cms/review.html?Action=CMS_Document&DocID=672&Time=391468274&MenuKey=nomenucms
    • http://tinyurl.com/bz9wynl
• Teen Book Festival - Saturday, May 18 at Nazareth College 9 am - 5 pm
  • Kelley Blue shared information about this event --it's free but registration is required! She's looking for volunteers to perform various jobs (author walker, etc.) If interested, please contact her.