Reviews
Where do you get item reviews from? It can be expensive to use subscription services, lucky there are some options.
Did you know that through our shared Overdrive Magazine subscription, you have access to BookList and BookList Reader: https://salon.overdrive.com/search?query=Booklist
BookList Webinars
https://www.booklistonline.com/webinars
Podcasts
- The Yarn is a biweekly about Childrens' literature.
- The Stacks is another fun dive.
- The Book Case is another with a more indie vibe encouraging reading outside your genre.
- NPR’s Book of the Day is also good; one book per episode typically.
- The NYT has a pod called The Book Review which I've not listened to, but may give it a try.
- What Should I Read Next has a format where the host interviews a reader about books they love, hate, and currently are reading. Then she makes recommendations based on that info about what the interviewee should read next.
All are free if you can stand a few ads here and there. Good background noise while doing other tasks at any rate. I listen on Apple Podcasts but I think most of these are available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Wondery, etc.
Access
Digital Learn--use a computer to do anything
I've shared this resource before but there have been multiple updates. Now they include info on Macs, Google Maps, staying safe online, mobile devices, online shopping, the Affordable Connectivity Program and so much more--such a good resource.
Canva!
Interested in getting started with Canva?
Canva Librarians and Teachers Winter Virtual Showcase - February 10, 2024
The Canva Librarians and Teachers Winter Virtual Showcase is an exciting online event scheduled for February 10, 2024. This showcase is designed to bring together librarians and teachers from all around the world in a virtual setting, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about innovative ways to enhance their educational materials and resources using Canva.
STEAM Projects
Just found out about this recently, through Brown Dog Gadgets you can request free sample kits of their available projects. Things like LED Name Badges, Solar Bugs, Bristle Bots, and more.
Many libraries in the system are using Brown Dog. They reached out to me and offered a bulk purchasing discount. I'll pass this info along after I speak with our rep.
https://www.browndoggadgets.com
Together We Read
The Overdrive, TOGETHER WE READ, US DIGITAL BOOK CLUB PICK will begin on February 21 and go through March 6, 2024.
During this time One Summer in Savannah will be available to download on demand as an ebook or audiobook.
Upcoming Webinars
Summer Reading
We will be hosting 3 different Virtual Summer Reading Workshops over the next few months one for Children's programs, and one for Teen programs, and one for getting started.
The Children's workshop will be held virtually on February 15th from 9:30 - 12:30. You can register here, just scroll to the bottom to find the registration button: https://rcls.libcal.com/event/11622097
The Teen workshop will be held virtually on March 13th from 9:30 - 12:30. You can register here, just scroll to the bottom to find the registration button: https://rcls.libcal.com/event/11622206
The Nuts & Bolts workshop will be held virtually on February 29th from 2pm - 3pm
- Never planned a Summer Reading Program (SRP) before?
- Organized one or two SRPs and want to learn more about managing the planning process?
- Learned to plan SRP during the Pandemic, but have questions about designing an all in-person SRP?
- Do any of these sound FAMILIAR? If the answer is YES, then this workshop is for YOU!
Join colleagues from Southern Adirondack Library System, Upper Hudson Library System, and Mohawk Valley Library System as we tackle the “nuts and bolts” of planning for Summer Reading.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/YSPpjd4Mtk9NuPMVA
All of these will be recorded.
Niche Academy
Looking for some fun things to learn. Did you know on our Niche Site we have:
- Survival Spanish of Libraries
- A series on Grants
- Tabletop Games for 21st Century Skills
- Canva for Libraries
- Small Scale ESL for Libraries
- HeritageQuest & Ancestry
Eclipse April 8th
https://www.space.com/eclipse-themed-places-on-path-totality-april-2024
In the Adirondack Library Series
Join The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake each month for the Adirondack Experience’s new virtual book series “In the Adirondack Library,” featuring recently published books about the North Country. Explore Adirondack life, history, and culture with a diverse group of regional writers.
The series presents new books through selected readings and illustrated talks by the authors; followed by thoughtful interviews with North County Public Radio’s Mitch Teich, host of North Words; and lively Q&A sessions. This season’s authors examine the lives and work of Adirondack photographers and sculptors; provide new insights about the role of the wilderness and camping in American culture; and illuminate the experiences of Black communities in the North Country.
Programs are Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Each requires a separate registration. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation with the link to the program.