(Theodor Seuss) Geisel Award: Significance explained

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American Library Association

In an interview with Ann Cannon for the Salt Lake Tribune, librarian Carla Morris answers questions about the (Theodor Seuss) Geisel Award.

Awarded annually since 2006, the Geisel Award is given to an author and illustrator for the “most distinguished contribution for beginning readers” published in English in the United States during the previous year.

“The winner receives a bronze medal, and the Honor Book authors and illustrators receive certificates, which are presented at the American Library Association Conference each January.”

Andromeda Yelton: Historical perspective on ALA Code of Conduct

For Library Journal, Andromeda Yelton has authored a great piece on why the American Library Association needs a Code of Conduct.

Put simply, “This statement is a mechanism for addressing disputes, but it is also a declaration of values: it signals to everyone who we are. Furthermore, it’s part of an ongoing dialog about inclusion in library-related conference communities.”

Yelton provides historical perspective on the origin of the policy, including links to bloggers who share stories of harassment in the library profession.

Related post: My response to the ALA Code of Conduct

Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

What should I spy on the shelving cart of a passing volunteer during a visit to the Ashland library but the sixth volume in a fantasy series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel.

With The Enchantress, author Michael Scott concludes an epic story that thrusts a pair of teens, twins Sophie and Josh Newman, into a battle involving figures of myth and legend and notable people from history for the fate of the world.

The series began with The Alchemyst and continues with The Magician, The Sorceress, The Necromancer and The Warlock before coming to its conclusion.

Blanket stitch decorates this bag, assisted by library browsing

This handmade bag is just the right size to hold a couple of books. Made during the Ashland library teen program’s “Crafternoon” on Saturday, it features a repurposed sweater, a button-and-loop closure and a blanket-stitch edging.

I couldn’t remember how to make a blanket stitch, but that really wasn’t a problem, since “Crafternoon” was located near the non-fiction stacks in the Ashland library.

It was a simple matter to browse books shelved under Dewey classification 746 (Textile Arts) ’til I found a book on needlework. (Anyone else have “favorite” Dewey classifications that you’ve committed to memory for the sheer frequency of visits?)

ALA president advocates importance of school librarians

Barbara Stripling

In her column for the January/February 2014 edition of American Libraries, American Library Association President Barbara Stripling outlines essential services and life-changing benefits provided by school librarians:

• A culture of literacy
• A culture of inquiry
• Social and emotional growth
• Creativity and imagination and
• Thoughtful use of technology.

It’s inspiring reading for this Educational Assistant in an elementary school library. Stripling has my appreciation for her regular emphasis on the importance of school libraries and librarians — and so much more so now that I am in this profession.

Barbara K. Stripling, the assistant professor of practice at Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y., was elected in 2012 by ALA members to serve as 2013-2014 president.