WebFeat

As part of our exploration of Webfeat we were asked to search for articles about our home towns. My town is very small and not very newsworthy, but I found an article from the Miami Daily Business Review regarding one of the preschool sites. The 5,000 square foot building on a 1/2 acre lot was sold for $1.2 million in 2003. I had no idea preschool real estate could be that lucrative.

Duck Thing

I just set up a Library Thing account and wondered what books to add. I realized this could be a good way to keep track of books I've used in successful story time programs. Last month, I offered a series of "Duck Tales" programs my young patrons enjoyed, so I thought that was a good topic: http://www.librarything.com/catalog/StaceB .
The Library Thing tags will help me locate books that may be used in programs on various topics. For example, some duck stories are also counting books, alphabet books, or books that feature shapes or colors. Someday soon, I plan to add some more books to my Library Thing, but for now I'm afraid it's simply a Duck Thing.

Deep Valley Public Library Forever

Here it is, the limited edition, highly collectible Deep Valley Public Library Forever Stamp!

This is the library building the author Maud Hart Lovelace frequented as a child. The bad news is, this is no longer a library. The good news is, this old Carnegie building is still standing and is used as an art center today.

With the help of an image generator, http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/ I was able to turn this photograph into a lovely commemorative stamp.

A is for Alligator, B is for Bloglines

I've just had my first experience with Bloglines, and I can appreciate this service. It's good to know that when I encounter a new blog or RSS feed I'd like to read from time to time I can add it to Bloglines and have a one-stop site to visit.

Libraries can use this technology to broadcast the latest library happenings. Hennepin County Library in Minnesota has an RSS feed for this purpose. The ALSC blog post today features ideas for alligator themed story times. A blog I discovered just yesterday has a post on creating alphabet books with children.

A is for Alligator and Aardvark, B is for Bloglines and Book Arts!

When the Bell Rings

As part of the 23 Things Project we have explored blogs and Flickr. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I enjoy reading blogs by librarians who post program ideas. On Flickr I unexpectedly discovered some new storytime craft projects. My concern about these "things" is the incredible amount of time that can be spent (wasted?) in these pursuits.

I believe that these technologies can be beneficial as long as I watch the clock and set time limits when I begin to explore. An article in the May issue of School Library Journal recommends devoting only fifteen minutes a day to these new tools. So, when I begin to explore the next "thing," I will set my egg timer for fifteen minutes and when the bell rings I will stop and log out of whatever I am into. If my next blog post stops with no apparent conclusion, you will know what happened...the bell rang!

Recycled Butterflies

I messed around on Flickr two weeks ago and searched for photos of butterflies. I saw what I expected to see, photographs of live butterflies on various plants, but I also found something unexpected: pictures of butterfly crafts.

I never considered Flickr as a source of ideas for storytime craft projects, but there they were! I saw pictures of children of all ages working on butterfly craft projects using various materials. My favorite craft was created by an adult:

"Weekend Creative: Punch Collage" http://www.flickr.com/photos/aliedwards/2250158125

This is a clever way to use that butterfly paper punch that hasn't seen the light of day since I bought two years ago and threw it in a drawer of craft supplies. This fall, I am planning a recycled books project and this craft idea offers a great way to re-use magazine and newspaper pages.

Blogs 'n Books

Blogs provide great avenues for librarians to share program ideas and book recommendations. I have recently begun attempting to keep up with posts by librarian bloggers who offer storytime suggestions. The ALSC division of the ALA has a blog on which librarians post titles of books they have used in recent programs as well a professional books they recommend and discuss. If only there were more hours in the work day to keep up with this vast sharing of information! I'd love to find the time to post my storytime favorites, especially on days when my programs have been big hits with my young audiences.

Seven and 1/2 Habits

The Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners slide show offers a great introduction to Web 2.0 studies. Learning new things can be intimidating, especially when those new things involve technology. This 14 minute program provides a game plan in the form of a learning contract that anyone can use as he or she begins to study something new. I love the emphasis on "play" as a means of learning.

I feel the most difficult part of the Web 2.0 exercises for me will be finding time to work without constant interruptions.