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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Libraries thriving, not dying!
Aug 20, 2011
Rosemary Campbell
Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — On a recent Saturday afternoon, two little girls riding pink bikes paused next to Beth Elder as she waited to cross a street near the downtown farmers market. Elder heard something that thrilled her. The girls' mom suggested to their dad that they head over to the library, and the little bicyclists screamed in delight.
Elder knew she was doing something right.
Elder is the director of the Salt Lake City Public Library System, a position she has held for the past three years. During that time, she says she has watched community demand for high-quality public library services swell.
The popularity of electronic book readers and the Internet for cheap materials, and the recent news that Borders is closing its doors, have had people predicting the demise of libraries. But ut instead of floundering, libraries continue to find their niche in communities, said Elder.
Rather than surrendering to all the competing factors, libraries have found ways to adjust and innovate by embracing technology that allows people to read online and on handheld devices like the iPad, while also providing free, downloadable reading materials, audiobooks and music.
"The fact that people can use many library resources for free is still a compelling factor," Elder said.
What's perhaps most surprising, considering the oft-predicted demise of the printed words, is that the number of people visiting libraries keeps rising, said Donna Jones Morris, Utah's state librarian of seven and a half years.
From 2008 to 2010, community use of public libraries in Utah went up 52 percent, the number of items borrowed went up 12 percent, and the number of people attending library programs went up 11 percent.
National numbers reflect a similar trend. Today, about 68 percent of Americans have library cards, the highest percentage in 20 years. Library visits have grown 67 percent in the last year alone, which experts attribute at least partially to the sluggish economy, which has made "free" even more valuable.
Sheryl West of South Salt Lake grew up in California and has visited the library since she was a little girl. Her mom would drop West off at the library for storytime, a program where animated library staff read stories to kids.
West, patiently waiting in the children's section of the Salt Lake Main Library while her 6-year-old son played computer games on a recent summer day, said she wants to instill in him a love of the library and reading.
"We actually make an adventure out of it. We take TRAX, find some books — getting them home is the adventure," West said. "He loves coming. He's starting to get that bug."
Libraries have always had to evolve, but now more than ever they are focusing on finding out what communities want and responding to those specific needs.
"Some people come here because spending time in this beautiful architecture … feeds their soul. For others, it's a convenient place to meet," Elder said. "Some come here because of the children, pulling their hand and leading the rest of the family."
Libraries are achieving their goal of reaching a broad demographic because they are keeping up in an increasingly electronic world, she said.
The number of items people download is only 2 percent or 3 percent of the total item circulation in the Salt Lake County Library System, but it's an important service because it targets younger users, said Jim Cooper, director of the Salt Lake County Library System. Library services have always tried to provide the newest, most modern materials to its patrons, from reel-to-reel tapes to vinyl disc records to cassette tapes.
Kelly Richan from Ogden came to the Salt Lake Main Library on Wednesday for a film screening, but also checked out the library's current art exhibit.
To him, a lifelong patron, a library is more than books — it's a gathering place where people can interact and broaden themselves.
"Libraries are much more than a warehouse of books. They are becoming the center of community life. They focus on meeting specific community needs," Morris said. "That's the role libraries are playing, and it's extremely important. They're not just surviving. They're thriving."
For more information about main-library events, visit: www.slcpl.lib.ut.us/events
Rosemary Campbell
Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — On a recent Saturday afternoon, two little girls riding pink bikes paused next to Beth Elder as she waited to cross a street near the downtown farmers market. Elder heard something that thrilled her. The girls' mom suggested to their dad that they head over to the library, and the little bicyclists screamed in delight.
Elder knew she was doing something right.
Elder is the director of the Salt Lake City Public Library System, a position she has held for the past three years. During that time, she says she has watched community demand for high-quality public library services swell.
The popularity of electronic book readers and the Internet for cheap materials, and the recent news that Borders is closing its doors, have had people predicting the demise of libraries. But ut instead of floundering, libraries continue to find their niche in communities, said Elder.
Rather than surrendering to all the competing factors, libraries have found ways to adjust and innovate by embracing technology that allows people to read online and on handheld devices like the iPad, while also providing free, downloadable reading materials, audiobooks and music.
"The fact that people can use many library resources for free is still a compelling factor," Elder said.
What's perhaps most surprising, considering the oft-predicted demise of the printed words, is that the number of people visiting libraries keeps rising, said Donna Jones Morris, Utah's state librarian of seven and a half years.
From 2008 to 2010, community use of public libraries in Utah went up 52 percent, the number of items borrowed went up 12 percent, and the number of people attending library programs went up 11 percent.
National numbers reflect a similar trend. Today, about 68 percent of Americans have library cards, the highest percentage in 20 years. Library visits have grown 67 percent in the last year alone, which experts attribute at least partially to the sluggish economy, which has made "free" even more valuable.
Sheryl West of South Salt Lake grew up in California and has visited the library since she was a little girl. Her mom would drop West off at the library for storytime, a program where animated library staff read stories to kids.
West, patiently waiting in the children's section of the Salt Lake Main Library while her 6-year-old son played computer games on a recent summer day, said she wants to instill in him a love of the library and reading.
"We actually make an adventure out of it. We take TRAX, find some books — getting them home is the adventure," West said. "He loves coming. He's starting to get that bug."
Libraries have always had to evolve, but now more than ever they are focusing on finding out what communities want and responding to those specific needs.
"Some people come here because spending time in this beautiful architecture … feeds their soul. For others, it's a convenient place to meet," Elder said. "Some come here because of the children, pulling their hand and leading the rest of the family."
Libraries are achieving their goal of reaching a broad demographic because they are keeping up in an increasingly electronic world, she said.
The number of items people download is only 2 percent or 3 percent of the total item circulation in the Salt Lake County Library System, but it's an important service because it targets younger users, said Jim Cooper, director of the Salt Lake County Library System. Library services have always tried to provide the newest, most modern materials to its patrons, from reel-to-reel tapes to vinyl disc records to cassette tapes.
Kelly Richan from Ogden came to the Salt Lake Main Library on Wednesday for a film screening, but also checked out the library's current art exhibit.
To him, a lifelong patron, a library is more than books — it's a gathering place where people can interact and broaden themselves.
"Libraries are much more than a warehouse of books. They are becoming the center of community life. They focus on meeting specific community needs," Morris said. "That's the role libraries are playing, and it's extremely important. They're not just surviving. They're thriving."
For more information about main-library events, visit: www.slcpl.lib.ut.us/events
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
FREE Kindle Offer! Sept 1 2011 - December 31,2011
Minimum $1500 order per Kindle offer. (we still give free shipping and processing FREE).
On our new promotion starting Sept. 1, purchase orders must be received by December 31, 2011 no later.
Kindle order forms sent after the PO has been received are not eligible.
Previous sales are not eligible and cannot be combined with other offers.
Books must be purchased from ABDO Publishing or its divisions through its authorized sales reps.
Orders cannot be combined with other offers which include:
Previous sales
Promo offers in the catalogs
Additional discounts
Free AR test
Monday, July 11, 2011
Apple Tree program to help families with school supplies
SALT LAKE CITY —Families at the Road Home shelter got a welcome head start on their their back-to-school shopping Monday.
Organizers for The Road Home Apple Tree Project kicked off their annual clothing and school-supply drive, which invites residents along the Wasatch Front to help children in need during their regular shopping.
"There's a tremendous opportunity just to pick up an extra item" said Chris Thomas, owner of sponsoring company Intrepid.
Thomas said 36 paper trees will be placed from Ogden to Provo in Payless Shoesource, DownEast Outfitters, Staples and Sanctuary Day Spa locations. Patrons at those stores are asked to pick an apple from the trees, which contain the name and needs of a child, and purchase items on their behalf.
Thomas said last year, organizers were able to provide each child with three complete outfits and two pairs of shoes.
"It's an amazing experience to see the kids receiving their clothes," Thomas said.
He said without the help of this program, most of the children staying at the shelter would not have access to back-to-school items.
Monday's event had families passing through stations where volunteers measured for their clothing and shoe sizes, took their name and photograph and provided a slice of pizza, donated by Little Ceasar's.
Katrina Sturgeon was there with her daughter, Luella, who said she's excited to start kindergarten in the fall. Luelle added she is "a whole hand" old and that her favorite color is "red and white and green and blue and yellow."
Her mother was just excited for the help.
"The position we're in right now, we don't have a lot of money for things," Sturgeon said.
Sturgeon and her daughter have been at The Road Home for six weeks. During that time, she said she has received invaluable assistance with everything from a place to stay to help obtaining lost documentation for her and Luella.
"They've helped us a lot here," Sturgeon said. "If we didn't have this place we don't know what we would do."
Amanda Chidester had her three daughters with her, two of which are school-age — Bailey, who will start second grade in the fall, and Courtney, who will be in first grade. Both girls were measured for clothes and with mouths full of pizza nodded to say they were excited for school to start.
"I'm a single mom with three kids so it's really good of them to do this," Chidester said.
Thomas said people tend to associate The Road Home with the Christmas season but that there is a need year-round for donations. The school year, he said, is a time when children in difficult situations can use a "pick-me-up."
"Our goal is really to help these kids out," Thomas said.
Organizers for The Road Home Apple Tree Project kicked off their annual clothing and school-supply drive, which invites residents along the Wasatch Front to help children in need during their regular shopping.
"There's a tremendous opportunity just to pick up an extra item" said Chris Thomas, owner of sponsoring company Intrepid.
Tom Smart, Deseret News
Baylee, foreground, and Cortnee Chidester get a sticker after being measured as children have their foot sizes and clothing sizes measured for donations to help them have new clothes for back to school at the Road Home Shelter Monday, July 11, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thomas said last year, organizers were able to provide each child with three complete outfits and two pairs of shoes.
"It's an amazing experience to see the kids receiving their clothes," Thomas said.
He said without the help of this program, most of the children staying at the shelter would not have access to back-to-school items.
Monday's event had families passing through stations where volunteers measured for their clothing and shoe sizes, took their name and photograph and provided a slice of pizza, donated by Little Ceasar's.
Katrina Sturgeon was there with her daughter, Luella, who said she's excited to start kindergarten in the fall. Luelle added she is "a whole hand" old and that her favorite color is "red and white and green and blue and yellow."
Her mother was just excited for the help.
"The position we're in right now, we don't have a lot of money for things," Sturgeon said.
Sturgeon and her daughter have been at The Road Home for six weeks. During that time, she said she has received invaluable assistance with everything from a place to stay to help obtaining lost documentation for her and Luella.
"They've helped us a lot here," Sturgeon said. "If we didn't have this place we don't know what we would do."
Amanda Chidester had her three daughters with her, two of which are school-age — Bailey, who will start second grade in the fall, and Courtney, who will be in first grade. Both girls were measured for clothes and with mouths full of pizza nodded to say they were excited for school to start.
"I'm a single mom with three kids so it's really good of them to do this," Chidester said.
Thomas said people tend to associate The Road Home with the Christmas season but that there is a need year-round for donations. The school year, he said, is a time when children in difficult situations can use a "pick-me-up."
"Our goal is really to help these kids out," Thomas said.
E-mail: benwood@desnews.com
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Library Strikes Back Star Wars Event
As a Direct Rep with ABDO Publishing, I had the honor to help sponsor the Library Strikes Back Star Wars event at the SLC Public Library Saturday July 9th 2011. It was way more fun than I even expected! The librarians were so clever with the games they picked and events they planned, none of this would have even been possible without them, their clever ideas, and hard work! They had bowling pins that had heads on them with Star Wars characters using Star Wars potato head men and bowling pins? Not sure how they did it, but it was so cute!
There were nerf guns
to shoot the death star!
An obstacle course with lava bed to cross, balloons for pedestrians that couldn't be popped!
A Darth Vader and Yoda Origami
station! Which is where I was stationed. Trevor my son helped with Darth Vader and I was doing the Yoda Origami.
And last but not least the Star Wars characters were there! Luke Skywalker, Stormtroopers and Darth Vader. Darth Vader even had the awesome Vader voice to go with the costume!
Part of the library crew with Star Wars characters.
He told stories to the kids! And I have to say he was the best story teller I have EVER heard in my life! Had me laughing so hard!
I was honored to be a part of it all! I am so grateful for the Star Wars crew to volunteer their time to be there for all of us, and for the SLC Public Library crew and volunteers with all the work they put into putting this together for all the kids who thoroughly enjoyed this event!
What fun! Thanks SLC, Starwars storm troopers, ABDO Publishing and Trevor for helping me put this together! Here's a couple pictures of my son Trevor and I with the Characters.
The kids had an opportunity to have their picture taken with the characters of Star Wars!
ABDO Publishing donated Books, bookmarks, posters and lifesize standups of the Star Wars characters to help sponsor the event. The library had the clever idea of giving each child a card to be stamped after each activity was completed to turn in for a drawing to get one of the donated items given as a drawing to win. We had lots of winners and smiling faces!!!
There were nerf guns
to shoot the death star!
An obstacle course with lava bed to cross, balloons for pedestrians that couldn't be popped!
A Darth Vader and Yoda Origami
station! Which is where I was stationed. Trevor my son helped with Darth Vader and I was doing the Yoda Origami.
And last but not least the Star Wars characters were there! Luke Skywalker, Stormtroopers and Darth Vader. Darth Vader even had the awesome Vader voice to go with the costume!
He told stories to the kids! And I have to say he was the best story teller I have EVER heard in my life! Had me laughing so hard!
I was honored to be a part of it all! I am so grateful for the Star Wars crew to volunteer their time to be there for all of us, and for the SLC Public Library crew and volunteers with all the work they put into putting this together for all the kids who thoroughly enjoyed this event!
What fun! Thanks SLC, Starwars storm troopers, ABDO Publishing and Trevor for helping me put this together! Here's a couple pictures of my son Trevor and I with the Characters.
The kids had an opportunity to have their picture taken with the characters of Star Wars!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Library Strikes Back!
The Library Strikes Back: Star Wars Dress-Up Event for Children and Families
I had to honor of helping put this event together! I'm really excited to attend this!
Main Library
0comments, 45 people like this -You Like this
Feel the force with this Star Wars event with stories, games, and activities. Dress up in your intergalactic best and have your picture taken with your favorite character. Yoda says, "A good time, it will be." Follow this link for a description of the One World, Many Stories kids' summer reading program and a full schedule of events.
Location: Main Library, Level 4
Contact Information: (801) 524-8200
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Publishers Weekly Quoting Dan Verdick with ABDO Publishing
ABDO to Offer Marvel e-Books; Free Comic Book Reader Guides
Jun 08, 2011
Jun 08, 2011
 | | Reader Comments 2 | ||
Educational and library publisher ABDO announced an agreement to license and offer e-book versions of Marvel comic books beginning in the Fall 2011 school year. In addition the publisher—ABDO has long worked to highlight the utility of comics in education—has created a series of free downloadable teacher guides focused on vocabulary building and based on ABDO’s Spotlight pop culture line of comics licensed from such publishers as Marvel and Dark Horse.
ABDO pioneered the practice of producing library editions of comic books and has been releasing Marvel comics in library and school editions through its Spotlight division since 2006. Now the educational publisher will offer Flash driven e-book “flip books” of the more than 150 Marvel Age and Marvel Illustrated titles it publishes.
Publisher Jim Abdo said, “We know kids and teens love these action-packed adventure stories in print. With eBooks of Marvel titles, we’re going to help educators entice readers with the latest reading technologies using the most popular characters in the world, all for kids to enjoy a book while they build reading and computer literacy skills."
ABDO has also worked to create vocabulary teacher guides, compiling 23 sets of guides covering about 104 books from Marvel and Dark Horse that cover the entire Star Wars saga, Iron Man, The Hulk, Indiana Jones and more. The guides are free to download.
ABDO marketing director Dan Verdick said that “The old cliché of a teacher confiscating a comic book because it’s not good reading is long gone,” but added that “even today comic books and graphic novels are misunderstood by educators, parents and adminstrators when it comes to how much they can help build reading skills.” Not only are comics obviously popular “personal” choices for kids, Verdick said, “but they are also filled with academic vocabulary terms and sophisticated themes.”
Verdick said ABDO used a team of reading teachers, editors, and comics fans to produce the guides, which include reproducible vocabulary worksheets, research and creative writing ideas, themes for discussion and literature circles, and much more. The ABDO reading team found 3,519 separate terms in the 104 books that are 5th grade level and up. Marvel’s four-book Avengers set, Verdick said, contains more than 150 different 5th and 6th grade vocabulary terms and the guide runs to 22 pages.
In line with ABDO’s support of comics in the classroom, Verdick pointed out that the publisher sponsors a workshop entitled, “Reading is a Superpower: Comic Books & Graphic Novels in Schools & Libraries” that it conducts at state and district educational conferences across the U.S. And ABDO also offers a free research compilation, “Comic Books & Literacy” aimed at helping educators write grants or simply persuade colleagues that comics and graphic novels can build reading skills.
“The research is clear--for any reader, whether on-level, ELL, Title I, boys, or Special Ed.--comic books can help teach kids to read,” Verdick said. “Our free research compilation was designed to help educators understand how powerful these books can be for reading skill development. We’ve assembled great tools for educators to defend their collection choices, create super readers, and make the most of these incredibly popular adventures in their school or library.”
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Session with Dan Verdick
March 3 2011 we had a session in Cache County at the district building and it was a huge success! Dan spoke about getting boys to read. It was my first time watching his session and I felt he had some wonderful topics and he has such a great personality we all laughed and learned quite a bit. I want to thank him for flying all the way from Minnesota to do this for us! Any other counties interested in this session please contact me. We are planning another one in Weber county Utah April 13th.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Have a wonderful weekend!
News about the Wisconsin Protests
My heart goes out to the teachers in this fight. I don't agree at all with what the governor is trying to do here. Good luck teachers! Our prayers are with you!
This video clip is really great!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/220718/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-slow-jam-the-news-wisconsin-protests
This video clip is really great!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/220718/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-slow-jam-the-news-wisconsin-protests
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Book reviews from Addy 3rd Grade Reader
Stink: Super / Stinky Sneakers
I liked it. He put salt n pepper in boiling hot water and it turned out to be stinky. He went to school and everybody ran away from him and he almost won contrest but his friend did and that was it.
Super Stinky / Guinea Pig Express
I liked it when the Guinea pigs came and jumped in the car and started driving it. And he asked his mom if he could keep a couple she said no, dad said yes . There was a happy ending when he got to keep some and they had babies and they sold some.
Amelia Rules/ Other Side
Amelia RulesShe wanted to be perfect. I like it. It was fun to read she learns karate.
Wendy's Weather Watchers/ Sno-vember
They all became friends at school. Dad made a snow machine and then took it to school and let it snow for snowman contest who could make biggest one. They made a snow machine in the garage. The dads son turned it on in the garage and it started snowing! It was easy to read. Super fun wasn't boring.
ABDO PUBLISHING includes Spotlight and Magic Wagon @ www.abdopub.com
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