The Chief Librarians reporT Library News Highlights July 27, 2011

1. heLp for Job seekers: a CiTy-Wide CoLLaboraTion

DC Public Library convened a high-level strategy session on the mosaic of services that support job seekers in the city, and how to utilize this information to improve our efforts within the Library. Twenty-five representatives from six public agencies and non-profit service providersthe Executive Office of the Mayor, Department of Employment Services, Community College of the District of Columbia, Byte Back, United Planning Organization, and Project Compassparticipated. Participants learned about what the others are doing and want to do to help local job seekers. As this effort proceeds, the goal is to coordinate tasks, with each group capitalizing on what they do best.

2. sisTer souLJah WoWs an audienCe of 200

Sister Souljahs latest book, Midnight and the Meaning of Love, is set largely in the unlikely pairing of New York City and Japan, but Sister Souljah made clear to her 200 listeners at MLK, Jr. Memorial Library, that she sees no reason to restrict herself or her fictional characters to the boundaries set by a single countrys borders. Her appearance at MLK came through DCPLs partnership with Howard Universitys Bookstore. Sister Souljah said she was born in the Bronx and raised in the projects, but early on knew how to go to the libraryover and over again. Library books opened the world to her. She earned a degree from Rutgers University in American History and African Studies, and then followed her heart abroad, where she became active in several human rights efforts.

3. inTernaTionaL GaminG niGhT Comes To norTheasT Library

Schools out! In a first-time partnership, Northeast Library invited Labyrinth Games, a gaming shop in Southeast DC, to bring board games from around the world to the Librarys teens and children. A core group of teens led marathon games of Parcheesi, which originated in India, and Yote, an African game that is similar to

checkers. Younger children played Tally-Ho, a German hunting game, and Mancala, an African game that resembles chess. Theres no question that the partnership between Labyrinth and the Library has a bright future.

4. a 75Th birThday CeLebraTion in The GreaT haLL

July 1st, with DC Mayor, Vincent Gray, on hand to make it official, was proclaimed Wally Amos Day. The creator of Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies, who has been a champion advocate for literacy since 1979, led a story time in the Great Hall at MLK, Jr. Memorial Library. Of course, chocolate chip cookies were served. Mr. Amos was introduced to Literacy Volunteers of America in 1979. Happy Birthday, Wally Amos!

5. WhaT To do aT your Library? iTs a banqueT of Programs and activities for teens and adults are usual fare year round at DCPL, and in recognition of summer as a time for relaxation and for trying new things, heres some of whats going on: Gentle Yoga and Hatha Yoga Tech Tuesdays Zumba! Job Readiness Seminar and Resum Writing Workshop Sign language for babies and parents (called Booliwah!) Write Your Personal History Philosophy Caf Knit-Wits: Knitting and Crocheting Class and Club DC Music Salon Meditation for Everyday Living

possibiLiTies!

6. dCpL in parTnership WiTh dC hunGer soLuTions

At eleven neighborhood libraries, lunch is available to children up to 18 years old, Monday through Friday, from July 5th until August 19th. DC Hunger Solutions provides the meals, which are eaten onsite. In six libraries, library staff manages the meal service. Walmart provided funds for essential ancillary products, from refrigerators to cleaning supplies. Staff members are encouraging the children to make use of the library while they are there.

7. books and baLLeT aT WoodridGe Library

A Boston based company, Lady Constance Ministries, teaches dance to children and youth, ages 2-16. Lady Constance Goodwin, the company director, is teaching beginning ballet, free of charge, to children, ages 2-6, during July and August at the Woodridge Library. The Woodridge staff worked with Ms. Goodwin to develop the Books and Ballet Reading Program. Ms. Goodwin reads stories to the children at the beginning of each class and encourages them to read every day. So far, Angelina Ballerina is the favorite.

8. a Turkish breakfasT piCniC aT paLisades Library

The threat of rain moved a traditional Turkish Breakfast celebration indoors at Palisades Library, but spirits remained high. Lavish tablecloths were spread on the floor of the Childrens Room for the 35 children in attendance. They ate cucumbers, tomatoes, bread with olive oil and mint dipping sauce, hard-boiled eggs, olives, honey and Turkish tea as they listened to the reading of The Hungry Coat, a Turkish folktale. The children decorated cloth bookmarks with designs inspired by Turkish carpets and the Istambul tulip, and learned how to play traditional Turkish games.

9. Library ConsTruCTion + ChiLdren = GreaT quesTions! Lisa Deanes, Project Manager of the Washington Highlands Neighborhood Library, has met with many community groups as new libraries were being planned and built around the city. But this time the questions about the plans and construction process came her way from an unusual group: The Sunshine Early Learning Center invited Lisa for a show-and-tell about the coming new Washington Highlands Library, which they are excited about, and the Q&A was lively. The audience included about 50 pre-K and 10 elementary-age children.

10. Life pieCes To masTerpieCes aT Takoma park Library

Takoma Park Library hosted an art show by student artists enrolled in programs offered by The Life Pieces to Masterpieces organization. More than 30 people met and talked with the artists, who range in age from 3 to 21, and viewed their works. Founded in 1996, Life Pieces serves more than 200 boys and young men each year in neighborhoods that are east of the river. The organizations mission is to help their apprentices discover and apply their creative abilities to change the challenges they face into possibilities. The artists comments: I get to use my ideas in art, I let my imagination and creativity run free! and I love painting because its MESSY!

11. aCCessinG heaLTh informaTion aT deanWood Library DCPL and Howard University are collaborating to promote and provide health information to residents who live east of the river. Deanwood Community Center and Library has been the locus of this effort so far. The programs purpose is to educate residents on how to find and evaluate health information. The first stage targets the senior population. Two health information sessions were held for seniors in June in the computer lab at Deanwood Library. The NIHSSeniorHealth and MedlinePlus databases were highlighted. Deanwood Library staff is also participating in community health fairs.

12. The sheiLa roberTson prize Winners honored

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Six children, ages 6 to 13, won the Sheila Robertson Prize and seven were given Honorable Mention for book reviews they had written. During the award ceremony, held at Chevy Chase Library, each winner read his or her book review to the audience of 63 people. There were over 125 entries for this years city-wide contest, which is sponsored by the Friends of Chevy Chase to honor Ms. Robertson, Friends president for many years. This was a special year, for Ms. Robertson passed away last December. The program was dedicated to her, and her daughter and son-in-law were present and accepted a donation of books in her name for Chevy Chase Library.

Chevy Chase

13. anaCosTia Library reCoGnized by The Library JournaL

The Anacostia Neighborhood Library was awarded Honorable Mention in the inaugural list of New Landmark Libraries issued by The Library Journal. The library was one of 20 libraries nationwide that was officially recognized by The Library Journal. The Landmark Libraries projects stated purpose is to highlight groundbreaking public library buildings and establish a set of standards to strengthen the capacity of communities to design and build excellent public libraries. Anacostia Library was recognized for its open floor plan and green features, as well as for its use of natural materials and color in its design.