September 22, 2016

September 22, 2016

Every Thursday, you’ll get this short, fun, relevant newsletter. It will contain a quote or smile about the library and those who love it, an idea you can use to promote your library or reading in general, and an occasional shameless plug for the programs I offer. Enjoy! 

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And please tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

Bryan Davis Rocks!

Quotable

Speak Up in Staff Meeting!

Alabama Library Expo Report!

Bryan Davis Rocks!

One of the highlights of this week has been to spend some time with author Bryan Davis (www.daviscrossing.com). He writes fantasy epics for older children and teens (and occasionally for grownups!).

He talked this week about some of the letters he has gotten from teens who have been inspired by his books. One in particular was a girl who had been sexually abused and by reading about the strong female hero of one of his books, gained the courage to stand up to her abuser and report him. He’s now in jail and the girl is a young woman who is pursuing creative writing as a college student. Just hearing him tell of the impact of story as a life changer gave me chills – every time I heard him tell it!

One hero in this story that was overlooked? The MEDIA SPECIALIST who selected and processed the book and made it available to this young lady. You serve as the pipeline between authors of inspiring literature and the kids whose lives are changed by the power of a book!

You are making a difference today for your students! Keep up the good work!

Quotable!

"I'm of a fearsome mind to throw my arms around every living librarian who crosses my path, on behalf of the souls they never knew they saved."

-- Barbara Kingsolver, novelist

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Getting Resources to Teachers

#38. Ask your principal for a full one hour session in pre-planning (or a 3 minute Spotlight on Media Center Resources in every staff meeting!) to tell/remind teachers of the great resources available. When you remind teachers what resources you have (or tell them about them for the first time) you can make them more effective teachers and become an indispensable part of the team. They need to know that the media center is not just for the students, but that you have a lot to offer them as well. You can do it one big session, but it would probably be more effective in bite-size, time relevant doses at the point of need.

Alabama Library Expo

I had so much fun sharing 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes with nearly 500 media specialists this week at the Alabama Library Expo! I made some new friends and saw a lot of folks I have known for a while. And we have added over 100 people to the Smart Librarians newsletter list! Welcome! (BTW, I can come to YOUR county or region and lead a professional development session. Check it out on my website!)

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

www.TommyJohnsPresents.com 
tommy@tommyjohnspresents.com
Call 770-315-3339 or Toll Free at (866) 490-READ
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