LTLS - Quick Connections

ALSC/BWI Reading Program Grant

The ALSC/BWI Reading Program Grant is designed to encourage children's reading programs in a public library by providing a grant of $3,000, while recognizing ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) members for outstanding program development. The applicant must be an ALSC member and develop a theme-based summer reading program in a public library. The program must be open to all children (birth-14 years). Proposals with innovative ways to encourage involvement of children with physical or mental disabilities are encouraged. Individual libraries within a larger system are welcome to apply. To apply, visit the ALSC website. Deadline is December 3, 2007.

New Weekly Poll!

Be sure to check out our new poll below, or on our home page.

You can also view results from previous weekly polls.

MITBC Hosts "Salute to Veterans" Program

The Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center (MITBC) will present “A Salute to Veterans: Honor Their Service – Preserve Their Stories”! as part of MITBC Day on September 19 at the Alliance Library System, 600 High Point Lane, East Peoria.

Bob Patrick, Director of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress keynotes the morning session.  He speaks about a national initiative to collect oral histories of America’s veterans.  Joseph Popowitch, Reference Librarian at Indian Trails Public Library shares the heartwarming experiences of library staff and volunteers who participated in the LC Veterans History Project in Darien, Illinois. 

The afternoon workshops give you the resources and skills to easily host local programs for veterans.  Everyone who attends will receive a multi-media presentation, "Salute To Veterans",  training materials for interviewing and recording skills,  and customized posters and media releases to assist in organizing local programs.

This fall is an opportune time to host programs for veterans.  PBS stations begin airing a Ken Burns series - “The War” on September 23.  MITBC will partner with libraries on local programming.  The new Digital Talking Books, due in 2009, will be distributed with priority given to veterans.

A detailed description of the program, including speakers, activities and programming opportunities is available.  To register, visit the Alliance Library System website. Click on the “Continuing Education” drop box, scroll down and log on to “Register with CLeO”.  Registration closes September 12, 2007.

Kankakee Public Library Event

On Saturday, July 28th at 1:00 p.m. former Illinois First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan will appear live at the Kankakee Public Library, 201 East Merchant Street in Kankakee, to sign the book she penned with Dan Monroe, At Home With Illinois Governors: A Social History of the Illinois Executive Mansion.  The event is co-sponsored by the Kankakee County Museum, the Junior League of Kankakee County, and the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop in Chicago.  Visitors will be given the rare opportunity to acquire copies of Mrs. Ryan’s book signed by three former Illinois governors – George Ryan (of Kankakee), Jim Thompson, and Dan Walker.

For more information please call the Kankakee Public Library at 815-939-4564.

Yellow Delivery Strips

The Rantoul Public Library has found that the Rantoul Press will make the long yellow strips at a cost of  3 cents per strip.  They can be contacted at 217-892-9613.  Ask for Mike.

Disney Minnie Grants available

The Walt Disney Company and Youth Service America (YSA) are providing grants of up to $500 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service. Service can take place between October 1 and November 26, 2007.

Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need. Applications are welcome from all countries, though applications will only be accepted in English.

Requirements and application are available on the YSA website. Deadline is August 30, 2007

National Storytelling Festival Trip

The 35th National Storytelling Festival will be in less than four months! Will you and your friends be in Jonesborough, Tennessee listening? The McHenry Storytelling Guild invites you to join us on our 25th Festival Trip. We leave from Crawfordville, IN, NSLS and MLS. So NOW is the time to think stories - tents - stories - tellers - stories - fall leaves - stories . . . We all need more stories, so check your calendar and make your reservation NOW for the 2007 National Storytelling Festival. Questions? Drop me a line or call. Click here for all the details.