A team of southern Connecticut teens took grand prize in the 16 to 18 age category.  Their highly styled music video (seen below) with original music and lyrics shows teens “chillin’ in the high school library.”  The $3,000 prize money will go to the library at New Canaan (Conn.) High School.  The team was made up of students Katayoun Amir-Aslami, Ashley Feldman, Isabelle Herde, Nick Howard, Nicola Scandiffio, Stewart Taylor, Courtney Wills and Nick Zanca.

“The teens who put together the winning videos demonstrated unique creativity in how they conveyed why they need their library,” said ALA President Roberta Stevens, who launched the contest as a way to engage teens in library advocacy.  “I’m happy funds will go to support their libraries because of their efforts, and I hope that they maintain a close relationship with libraries into the future.”

The Why I Need My Library contest asked teens ages 13 to 18 to create original videos on why they think libraries are needed now more than ever.  Between January and April, more than 600 teens worked on videos alone or in groups and submitted them to the contest through YouTube.  Teens used a variety of techniques in their videos, including live action, stop motion and machinima.

Runners up were also named. Two first runners up were selected in each age group and will receive $2,000 for their libraries. The runners up are:

13-15 age category

Rebecca Gross, Nicholas Ryan, Benjamin Thorstraten
Sudbrook Library
Baltimore, Md.

Samantha Hoelzer, Kendall Lierz, Lewis Lindsey, Lindsey Scott, Ryan Scott
Del Webb Library at Indian Land
Indian Land, S.C.

16-18 age category

Yesenia Aguirre, Fernanda Canales, Julie Gurman, Yoan Morales, Lisandro Vibeo, George Zul
Harris County Public Library – Aldine Branch
Houston, Texas

Paul Anderson, Naoko Braxton, Colleen Cathner, Sandra Hoyer, Peppy O’Neill,Makeda Thomas
Potomac Community Library
Woodbridge, Va.

Three second runners up were selected in each age group and will receive $1,000 for their libraries. The winners are:

13-15 age category

David Gomez, Sirenna Harris, Isabel Madera, Ruben Ochoa, Jocelyn Torres and Amor Velazquez
San Diego Public Library – Logan Heights Branch
San Diego, Calif.

Justin Doll, Cassandra Hurley, Anna Johns, Harrison Sotoloff, Anna Teitt, Lindsay Zatlmeire
Finksburg Library
Finksburg, Md.

Johnna Astis, Shaquille Charlery, Porsche Hoppin, Kareem Jessemy, Megan Kilgallen, Phillip Stewart
Brooklyn Public Library – Central Youth Wing
Brooklyn, N.Y.
 16-18 age category

Alvin Ho, Brian Ho, Alistair Twombly
Santa Clara City Library
Santa Clara, Calif.

Matthew Barnes, Coen Clark, Michaiah Clark, Donald Hill, Jr., Aaron Tetter, Patrick Toliver
Kankakee Public Library
Kankakee, Ill.

Andrew Pruim, Anika Pruim
Grand Rapids Public Library
Grand Rapids, Mich.

Special mention

Kirana Cunanan and Isoleil Montalvo
Olympian High School Library
Chula Vista, Calif.

Links to the winning videos and the runners up are available through www.ilovelibraries.org/whyineedmylibrary.   The grand-prize winning videos will be shown at the Opening General Session of the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans on June 24 in the auditorium of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Paula Brehm-Heeger of the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County and Diane Chen of John F. Kennedy Middle School, Nashville, Tenn., co-chaired the Why I Need My Library taskforce, appointed by Stevens.  The taskforce members are Lana Adlawan, Sacramento Public Library; Gretchen Caserotti, Darien (Conn.) Library; Qi Chen, Argosy University Chicago; Michelle E. Chronister, Silver Spring, Md.; Kelly N. Czarnecki, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, ImaginOn: the Joe & Joan Martin Center, Charlotte, N.C.; Roberto Carlos Delgadillo, University of California – Davis; Jason L. Hyatt, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte, N.C.; Liana Juliano, Nossaman LLP, El Monte, Calif.; Debra Kay Logan, Mount Gilead (Ohio) High School; Holly Cole Okuhara, Weber County Library System, Ogden, Utah; Ali Schilpp, Sudbrook Magnet Library, Baltimore, Md.; Monique Sendze, Douglas County Libraries, Castle Rock, Colo.

Why I Need My Library is one of three presidential initiatives launched by Stevens. Our Authors, Our Advocates calls on authors to highlight the key roles libraries and library staff play in the economic, social and educational fabric of our nation. More information is available at www.ilovelibraries.org/ourauthorsouradvocates.   Frontline Fundraising is a web resource designed to simplify the fundraising process for libraries. Find more information at www.ala.org/frontlinefundraising.

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In this video for atyourlibrary.org, the American Library Association’s website for the public, author Scott Turow (“Innocent”) reveals how his love of libraries began during his days growing up in Chicago. He remembers how he went AWOL from his duties as a mailman to read “Ulysses” by James Joyce at his local library.

“I have warm fuzzies about all librarians. They’re book people, and I would like to think I am too,” he said.

He said he would read literary journals at his college library, trying to find his voice.

He addresses library funding cutbacks. “In my town, there has been a battle royal about closing the branch libraries. He calls this a “false economy. Libraries play such an important part in offering, frankly, equal access to education.”

Turow has also recorded the following PSAs for use by libraries as part of Our Authors, Our Advocates, a national library advocacy public awareness initiative of the American Library Association’s 2010-2011 President Roberta Stevens. It is designed to place carefully nationally known authors in the spotlight, increasing support for libraries everywhere during a critical period of economic downturn.

Scott Turow is a writer and attorney. He is the author of nine best-selling works of fiction, including his first novel, “Presumed Innocent” (1987) and its sequel, “Innocent” (May 4, 2010). His works of non-fiction include “One L” (1977) about his experience as a law student, and “Ultimate Punishment” (2003), a reflection on the death penalty. He frequently contributes essays and op-ed pieces to publications such as The New York Times, Washington Post, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Playboy and The Atlantic. Mr. Turow’s books have won a number of literary awards, including the Heartland Prize in 2003 for “Reversible Errors,” the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award in 2004 for “Ultimate Punishment” and Time Magazine’s Best Work of Fiction, 1999 for “Personal Injuries.” His books have been translated into more than 25 languages, sold more than 25 million copies world-wide and have been adapted into a full length film and two television miniseries.

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Roberta Stevens                    Nancy Everhart

The American Library Association has responded to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s defunding of school librarian positions with a letter to the district signed by ALA President Roberta Stevens and American Association of School Librarians President Nancy Everhart.

The situation has been extensively covered by the media, including newspapers and radio.

Here is the letter as follows:

To Dr. John Deasy, Superintendent; Dr. Judy Elliott, Chief Academic Officer; Ms. Monica Garcia, Board President; and all members of the Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District:

The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) are deeply concerned that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is considering defunding its school librarian positions (or “teacher librarian” positions, as they are known in California) from its schools. If the elimination moves forward, only 32 of approximately 700 schools will have full-time school librarians and only 10 will have part-time school librarians. This means that approximately 600,000 students will be deprived of one of the most valuable educational resources needed for students to compete in today’s 21st century workforce – a school librarian

LAUSD must not ignore the countless studies that demonstrate that students in schools with strong school library programs learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized tests. The elimination of school librarians means the District is losing invaluable teachers whose educational specialty is empowering students with life-long, independent learning skills.

School librarians offer students much more than just access to books. They serve as a vital component of the education teams found in today’s schools. School librarians teach students how to use the Internet, conduct independent study and research, and nurture a love for reading. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards recognizes them as teachers, and their efforts can be measured to meet standards for professional teaching excellence.

Educators depend on school librarians to assist with keeping pace with the academic needs of 21st century students. Classroom teachers and school librarians collaborate to build learning skills into the curriculum, which then allows students to learn more effectively. From book selections to addressing the advancement in technologies and information gathering, school librarians teach students to use information legally and ethically.

In an era filled with tweets, YouTube videos, and Facebook, students often believe that information found online is true. It’s not enough for children to know how to read – they must be able to select, evaluate, and use information appropriately and effectively. Too often students lack the ability to analyze the information found online and are left guessing what Web content can be trusted. School librarians provide access to the tools and resources necessary to gain these 21st century learning skills.

Can Los Angeles afford to leave its students behind? The elimination of these positions will have a devastating effect on the educational prospects and success of the District’s students. A good school library is not an option – it is essential to a good education. We urge you to reconsider your decision.

Regards,

Roberta Stevens
President
American Library Association

Nancy Everhart
President
American Association of School Librarians

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The American Library Association (ALA) has announced a promotional partnership with National Geographic Entertainment connected with National Geographic’s new narrative feature film, “The First Grader.”  The film will be highlighted through ALA’s advocacy website for the public, ilovelibraries.org.  Other partners include: Capella University (national sponsor), International Reading Association (lead promotional partner), National Education Association, ProLiteracy and LitWorld.  “The First Grader” has premiered in New York and Los Angeles on May 13, 2011 and expand to more major markets in the following weeks. 

“In the Information Age, we often assume that every adult can read and write.” said Dale Lipschultz, Literacy Officer, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS).  “However, libraries know firsthand that this isn’t the case.  Libraries are among the first American institutions that people from around the globe turn to for help in learning how to read, write and speak English.  Like ALA’s American Dream Starts @ your library initiative, ‘The First Grader’ puts a spotlight on the urgent need to close the literacy gap that exists in American communities of all kinds — from large cities to rural towns.  Our goal, as librarians and literacy advocates, is to provide adults, regardless of their country of origin, with the tools and resources they need to lead happier and productive lives and build a stronger society.”

ALA is pleased to provide a downloadable poster/flyer from “The First Grader” plus social media links with its members and the wider library community.  These resources can help libraries promote their own literacy programs as they work on community projects.  ALA and National Geographic encourage libraries to share their stories on the Facebook page of “The First Grader,” www.facebook.com/TheFirstGrader

“The First Grader,” based on a true story, is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education promised by the new Kenyan government.  One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school.  He is Maruge, an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life.  He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied – even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside 6-year-olds.  For more information on the film, or to find a theater where it’s playing, visit www.thefirstgrader-themovie.com.

“The First Grader” has been a hit at prestigious international film festivals since its debut at the Telluride Film Festival last September.  The film went on to the Toronto Film Festival where it was the runner up for the Audience Prize and then to the Doha and Pan African Film Festivals, where it won the coveted Audience Prize.

To download the poster/flyer and to learn how ALA members and the wider library community can help to close the literacy gap, please visit www.ala.org/thefirstgrader.

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This week, library advocates swept through Washington, D.C. to speak on behalf of libraries during National Library Legislative Day (NLLD).

Among those participating was Alison Kenney, a business owner from Marblehead, Mass. She was the winner of the 2011 White House Conference on Library and Information Services (WHCLIST) Award. The award, which is given to a non-librarian participating in National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) for the first time, covered her hotel stay and also provided her with a $300 stipend to reduce the cost of attending the event.

During this year’s NLLD, which was held May 9 and 10, more than 300 librarians and library supporters from across the country gathered in the nation’s capital to meet with members of Congress to discuss key library issues.

Kenney is one example of how community members can get involved in influencing policymakers to support libraries.

“After years of enjoying my local libraries, I’m excited about the prospect of stepping up my involvement and becoming a more formal library advocate through the WHCLIST award opportunity,” Kenney said in a post in the ALA Washington Office’s blog, District Dispatch that was extensively quoted in an article submitted to the Swampscott (Mass.) Patch, an online publication.

In the post, Kenney said her love of books, book club discussions and the important place libraries have in the community has inspired her to be involved with local libraries throughout her life. She has served as a Friend, volunteer and formerly as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor through a library program. She even launched a consulting business with library resources and is now a successful business owner.

“I’m also a mom of two elementary school-aged children who enjoy the library too,” Kenney said.

WHCLIST, an effective force in library advocacy nationally, statewide and locally, turned its assets over to the ALA Washington Office after the last conference was held in 1991 in order to transmit the spirit of committed, passionate library support to a new generation of advocates. Leading up to NLLD each year, the ALA seeks nominations for the award. Representatives of WHCLIST and the ALA Washington office choose the recipient.

Kristin Murphy, grassroots coordinator for the ALA Office of Government Relations (OGR), said members of Congress need to hear from individuals like Kenney, who can communicate the value of libraries in their communities through.

“Non-librarian advocates have an extremely powerful impact, and we are honored that Alison won the WHCLIST Award,” Murphy said.

“She will be a great ally for libraries and the services that libraries continue to provide, even in these tough economic times.”

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Librarians and library advocates who are concerned about preserving the services libraries offer have a chance this week to make their voices heard by legislators.

ALA Virtual Legislative Day, which allows library advocates to contact Congress from home, is part of the American Library Association’s (ALA) National Library Legislative Day on May 10, when hundreds of library advocates will descend on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staffs.

Library advocates who cannot make it to Capitol Hill for the event can still be a part of the effort by calling and/or e-mailing their elected officials on May 10 – or any time the week of May 9-13.

By calling and/or emailing your elected officials in Washington and asking them to vote for libraries, you can make a difference.

Just five minutes of your time will help support and strengthen the efforts of the library supporters in Washington rallying on May 10.

If you cannot call or e-mail your elected official on May 10, please do so sometime between May 9-13.

The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of ALA, has provided a reproducible bookmark and flyer.

Both can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/altaff/advocacy/virtualmarch/index.cfm.

You can also promote on Facebook. RSVP (and share the event on your Facebook page) at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=215175918508373.

Not sure who your elected officials are? Go to the Legislative Action Center at http://capwiz.com/ala/home/. 

If you have never used it before, check out the video tutorial at http://vimeo.com/10379244.

Please contact your elected officials today with the following requests:

• Fund the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) at $232 million, the level last authorized in December 2010;
• Preserve the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program with its own budget line and appropriate the program at its FY2010 level of $19.1 million;
• Maintain funding for the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistical Compendia Branch at $2.9 million in order to preserve publication of “Statistical Abstracts” and other publications;
• Fund the Salaries and Expenses work of the Government Printing Office (GPO) at $42,173,000 to preserve public access through the FDLP and FedSYS.

Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (School Libraries):

• Support student performance by including an effective school library program as part of ESEA through the LEARN Act to include:
• A school library staffed by a state-certified school librarian;
• A school library with up-to-date books, materials, equipment, and technology, including broadband connectivity; and
• Instruction by librarians for students and staff on digital and computer literacy skills, including collaboration between classroom teachers and school librarians to develop and implement the curriculum and other school reforms.

While these issues are the most urgent at this time, there are many other critical pieces of legislation impacting libraries.  For full list of key issues that will be discussed at National Library Legislative Day, click here.

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