CSLF Appreciates Support from Mary Ann Fraser

In the California School Library Foundation’s ongoing effort to support advocacy for school libraries, we celebrate children’s book authors and illustrators who have freely donated artwork to The Library Advocacy Store. 
This month, we celebrate Mary Ann Fraser. Her work includes over sixty children’s books, with a recent foray into young adult literature. Starting her writing career while working as a commercial illustrator and muralist, Mary Ann Fraser’s catalogue gives glimpses of both original and reimagined literature for children. And despite illustrating so many books, she continues to love painting wall murals.

Why Reading Aloud in the Library (or Anywhere) is Important

 “I don’t have enough time to do anything more than a read-aloud.”

A statement I have heard over the last several years from elementary school library staff.  Many elementary school libraries have fixed library schedules, and these schedules often don’t allow for more than thirty minutes with each class, so library staff find themselves with just enough time for a single book read aloud.  And sometimes, it feels like this storytime is not enough.  However, research suggests that reading aloud to children on a regular basis promotes good reading habits, inspires curiosity, exercises critical thinking skills, and nurtures a love of reading.  Storytime creates a positive experience with literature and inspires students to become independent readers and ultimately, independent learners.

Book Hook: Games

Bob Watson of Coshocton has completed 80 puzzles since last spring. Puzzle Warehouse increased its sales from 1000 a day to nearly 10,000 a day. Other puzzle makers report that their sales increased 300-400% during the pandemic. Perhaps you are one of those who joined the puzzle craze. (I was!)

What caused such a change? The need for screen breaks? The cost? The relaxation? The ability to listen while you work?

Everyone has a different reason, but at TeachingBooks, you’ll find—if you haven’t already—that there is a free puzzle on every book page. Simply type the title you want to see and look for the puzzle piece on the left below the share tools.

After you click on the puzzle piece, a new window will pop open. Turn on the sound, choose the number of pieces you want, and solve the puzzle.

Not only is it fun, but you also sneak in a bit of learning—how words connect, title vs. author or illustrator, and thinking about visual imagery components.

Meet CSLA Southern Region Section 1 Representative Margaret Easbey

 

Meet Margaret

I've been interested in libraries all my life. I grew up amidst academia, practically living at the UCSB Library. As a kid I created spreadsheets to catalog different collections of things like my Grandpa's LIFE magazine collection from the WWII years. Once I landed a job in the library in college I was totally hooked to the whole idea of public service, collaborative learning, freedom of information, all of it. I decided pretty quickly that I would eventually go for an MLIS. Life happened then. I met my husband, had a couple of kids, knit a whole bunch of sweaters, socks, mittens, Christmas stockings, etc. 

I finally decided I was ready to start a Master's degree and that Summer of 2015 when I enrolled at San Jose State, I landed a job as Library Technician at McKinley Elementary School here in Santa Barbara. Until I had my own kids, I was scared of children and never even for a moment entertained the idea of working with them. Working at this school has changed me and changed the trajectory of my life. In delivering library services to my students, I have found a place where I can really make a difference in the lives of lots of people while doing what I love! 

I have attended only a couple of CSLA events since 2015, but I have grown to admire the organization and the community beyond words. I'm just thrilled to have the opportunity to serve on this board. I have a lot to learn and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and working together.

Vision for CSLA

For now, because I am so new to CSLA, my goal is to get acquainted with the board and with members in Section 1, and the Southern Region.

I think it's always a good idea to get involved in organizations like this. There is always more need for leadership than one might think. Selfishly, there's so much opportunity for learning and personal growth as well! 

Why did you Join CSLA

I think the support group aspect has been the most impactful for me. So many of us library staff in schools are solo and very isolated because of it. I found it so immensely helpful to hear that my experience was similar to others in similar roles. It gave me a lot of confidence to learn that I do a lot of things the same as others. On top of that the opportunities provided for professional development by CSLA have been exemplary.