NETLS NEWS    

NORTHEAST TEXAS LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWSLETTER                               #130 Dec. 2002/Jan./Feb. 2003

Coordinator’s Column

It is a legislative year in Texas.  However, this session is unlike any we have seen recently.  With the state projecting an almost 10 billion dollar shortfall, all state agencies will see reduced funding for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2004.

Even though NETLS is not a state agency, our funding comes from the state and federal governments.  The preliminary budget projections that we have received from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) for our SFY 2004 planning contain a funding reduction that ranges from $89,000 to $178,000.  I stress that this a preliminary estimate.  Additionally, the TSLAC staff is reviewing the formula used to distribute state and federal funds to the 10 Systems.  Any change in the formula will probably mean less money for NETLS.  And of course, the legislative session is not finished.  The legislature could require TSLAC to enact additional cuts in funding projections.

Because of the lack of firm funding projections for next year, we have delayed the Geographic Committee Meetings and the Spring Membership Meeting (see insert).  The NETLS staff will provide our membership with several budget scenarios based on discussions with the various NETLS committees, prior to the Geo. Meetings.  It is hoped that we will have a workable budget for the membership to consider at the Membership Meeting to be held in Sherman on Thurs., Mar. 27.

In other budget news, we will receive NO ADDITIONAL Toys“R”Us FUNDS.  However, NETLS will be required to identify $46,457 in children’s materials spent from current year Collection Development expenditures.  We feel confident that NETLS libraries have already spent the required amount, but we encourage you to continue purchasing children’s materials.  We will have an update on the status of this activity at the Membership Meeting.

Our web based training offering, “Patron Privacy and Confidentiality: Law and Policy” has been well received.  Over 500 library staff and supporters have signed up and taken this two-hour course offered over the Internet.  Based on the results of this pilot project and using this technology, we hope to offer additional on-demand web based training opportunities.

 

Legislative Day

TLA Legislative Day brought hundreds of librarians and library supporters to Austin on Feb. 11 and 12 to advocate library issues.  Almost 350 library supporters gathered to talk about the needs of school, public and academic libraries.  The issues addressed were:

1)   Extending the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF);

2)   Supporting funding for TexShare and the Texas Library Connection;

3)  Unfreezing 2003 TIF grant funds;

4)   Supporting funding for school library materials.

A number of NETLS libraries participated in this effort.  Library staff members and supporters visited with their legislative representatives, discussing the importance of libraries to all the citizens of Texas.

2003 Texas Library Assn. Conference

Freedom In Action @Your Library is the theme of the 2003 Texas Library Assn. (TLA) Annual Conference.  The conference will take place Apr. 1 - 4 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.  Almost 300 programs and functions will provide continuing education and entertainment opportunities for attendees.  Additionally, 350 exhibiting companies will be on hand to show their wares and services.  Dr. Bill Cosby will be the featured speaker at General Session I.

A complete program listing and additional information on the TLA 2003 Conference is available online at <www.txla.org>.

 

2003 Texas Reading Club Manual Online

Due to a delay in printing, the 2003 Texas Reading Club Manual will be delivered to libraries in early March.  Library staff members who wish to use the manual in planning their summer programming may currently access a PDF format online at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Web site <http://www. tsl.state.tx.us/ld/projects//trc/2003/toc.html>.  Accessing these files requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.  The files are downloadable and printable.  The manual will soon be available in HTML format also.

To request additional information, contact TSLAC Youth Services Consultant Christine NcNew; 512.463.6623; <cmcnew@tsl.state.tx.us>.

2003 ALA AWARD WINNERS

The American Library Assn. (ALA) announced the following awards  during the Midwinter Meeting in January.

% 2003 Newbery Medal

Avi. Crispin: The Cross of Lead. Hyperion Press, 2002.

 

& 2003 Newbery Honor Books

Farmer, Nancy. The House of the Scorpion. A Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum, 2002

 

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Pictures of Hollis Woods. Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 2002.

 

Hiaasen, Carl. Hoot. Alfred A. Knopf/ Random House, 2002.

 

Martin, Anne M. A Corner of the Universe. Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc., 2002.

 

Tolan, Stephanie S. Surviving the Applewhites. HarperCollins, 2002.

 

% 2003 Caldecott Medal

Rhomann, Eric. My Friend Rabbit. Roaring Brook Press/Millbrook Press, 2002.

 

& 2003 Caldecott Honor Books

DeTerlizzi, Tony, illus. The Spider and the Fly. Text by Mary Howitt, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2002.

 

McCarty, Peter. Hondo & Fabian. Henry Holt, 2002.

 

Pinkney, Jerry. Noah’s Ark. SeaStar Books/ North-South Books, Inc., 2002.

 

% 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award

Grimes, Nikki. Bronx Masquerade. Dial Books, 2002. 

&2003 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books

Grimes, Nikki. Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Orchard Books/ Scholastic, Inc., 2002. 

 

Woods, Brenda. Red Rose Box. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2002.

% 2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Lewis, E. B. Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Text by Nikki Grimes.  Orchard Books/ Scholastic, Inc., 2002. 

 

&2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books

Dillion, Leo & Diane. Rap A Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles—Think of That. Blue Sky Press/ Scholastic, Inc., 2002.

 

Collier, Bryan, illus. Visiting Langston. Text by Willie Perdomo. Henry Holt & Co., 2002.

 

 

%2003 Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent Award (Text)

McDonald, Janet. Chill Wind. Frances Foster Books/Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002.

 

%2003 Coretta Scott King / John Steptoe New Talent Award (Illustrator)

DuBurke, Randy. The Moon Ring. Chronicle Books, 2002.

 

%2003 Michael L. Printz Award

Chambers, Aidan. Postcards from No Man’s Land. Dutton Books/Penguin Putnam Inc., 2002.

 

&2003 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Books

Gantos, Jack. Hole in My Life. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002.

Freymann-Weyr, Garret. My Heartbeat. Houghton Mifflin, 2002.

Farmer, Nancy. The House of the Scorpion. A Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum.

 

% 2003 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award

Giblin, James Cross. The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler. Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, 2002.

&2003 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Books

Blumenthal, Karen. Six Days in October: The Stock Market Crash of 1929. Atheneum, 2002.

Gantos, Jack. Hole in My Life. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002.

Greenberg, Jan and Jordan, Sandra. Action Jackson. A Neal Porter Book / Roaring Brook Press, 2002.

Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian Sang. Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc., 2002.

 

% 2002 National Book Awards

Fiction

Glass, Julia. Three Junes. Pantheon Books, 2002.

 

Nonfiction

Caro, Robert A. The Years of Lyndon Johnson: Master of the Senate. Knopf, 2002

Poetry

Stone, Ruth. In the Next Galaxy. Copper Canyon Press, 2002.

 

Young People’s Literature

Farmer, Nancy. The House of the Scorpion. Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum, 2002

 

Distinguished Contribution to American Letters

Philip Roth

 

% 2002 Nobel Prize for Literature

Kertész, Imre.

 

 

Libri Foundation Grants Available

The Libri Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2003 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN grants.  The Foundation, a nationwide non-profit organization, donates new, quality, hardcover children’s books to small rural public libraries through the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program.  Since October 1990, the Foundation has donated over $1,840,000 worth of books to more than 1,600 libraries in 48 states.

The Foundation works with Friends of the Library groups or other local organizations.  Local sponsors can contribute from $50 to $350, which is then matched by the Foundation on a 2 to 1 ratio.  Thus, a library can receive up to $1,050 worth of hardcover children’s books through the program.  After a library receives a grant, local sponsors have four months, or longer, if necessary, to raise their matching funds.

        Libraries are qualified on an individual basis.  In general, libraries in rural areas that serve populations of under 10,000, have very limited budgets and maintain an active children’s departments are eligible.

Applications are accepted from independent libraries as well as libraries that are part of a county, regional, or cooperative library system.  A library system may also apply if all the libraries in the system meet the requirements.  School libraries may apply only if they also serve as the area public library.

Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply for a second grant three years after the receipt of their first grant.  Libraries that do not fulfill all the grant requirements are not eligible for a second grant.

To request an application packet, contact the Libri Foundation; POB 10246; Eugene, OR 97440; 541/747-9655; fax 541/747-4348; <librifdn@teleport.com>, or visit the Foundation Web site at <www.librifoundation.org>.

Application deadlines are Mar. 15, July 15, and Nov. 15.

Upcoming NETLS Workshops

Be Crafty:  Easy Storytime Crafts

·      Mon., Mar. 10 – TYLER PUBLIC

·      Tues., Mar. 11 – Christopher A. Parr Library (PLANO PUBLIC)

·      Wed., Mar. 12 – SHERMAN PUBLIC

Learn which craft ideas may or may not be legally copied from magazines, Web sites, books, etc.  Presenter Linda Ayers will demonstrate how to make and use several activities she has designed.   Registrants will take home templates to use for building crafting confidence.

 

EBSCO TexShare Databases

Learn how to search and utilize online databases with topics that include health & wellness and homework resources.

·      Mon., Apr. 14 - RUSK COUNTY (Henderson)

·      Tues., Apr. 15 - QUITMAN PUBLIC

·      Wed., Apr. 16 - ZULA B. WYLIE (Cedar Hill)

 

Library Policy Development and Revision

Writing sound and workable policies is often frustrating and time-consuming.  Dr. Herman Totten, presenter and co-author of Model Policies for Small and Medium Public Libraries, makes the task easier with his guidelines and models.

·      Tues., May 20 - WILLIAM T. COZBY PUBLIC (Coppell)

·      Wed., May 21 - SULPHUR SPRINGS PUBLIC

·      Thurs., May 22 - LONGVIEW PUBLIC

 

 

Remember that you may register for NETLS workshops online at <www.netls.org>.

 

Online Patron Privacy Tutorial

Response to the NETLS online tutorial, Library Privacy and Confidentiality: Law and Policy, has been outstanding.  More than 500 NETLS area library staff members and volunteers registered for the Web-based course, which was produced by NETLS and the School of Library and Information Sciences at the Univ. of North Texas.  Course content centered on the USA PATRIOT Act and other recent changes regarding patron privacy.

Most students completed the course in two hours or less.  Each person who finished the tutorial earned two hours of continuing education credit from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).

NETLS and the Univ. of North Texas have applied for an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant which would fund a series of similar tutorials.  If the grant is awarded, an assessment survey will determine topics for six to eight more courses to be provided free of charge to NETLS libraries before being marketing nationwide by UNT.

 

Showcase Performers to Tour Europe

Buddy and Tina Wright, sibling bluegrass prodigies who have performed at NETLS Programming Showcases and several NETLS libraries, have moved to Lubbock.  They continue to book appearances in the NETLS area and have included their contact information in the online NETLS Performers Database <http://www.netls.org/ ProgramingPublicity/PerformersList/netls_performer_catalog.htm>.

Buddy and Tina will embark in May on a three-week European tour.  They are scheduled to perform in eight countries including at the European World of Bluegrass in Voorthuizen, Netherlands.

 

Small Library Management Training Program

The Library Development Division of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) has announced the dates and locations for Session II of the Small Library Management (SLM) Training Program.  The topic for Spring 2003 is Management II: Administration and Planning.  This session is a continuation of Management I session that was held last fall.  Julie B. Todaro, Ph.D. is the speaker.

Enrollment, formerly limited to directors of small public libraries, is now open to all non-MLS library staff members who work at libraries that serve a population of 25,000 or less.  A maximum of two staff members per library are allowed in the program at this time.  Library staff members with MLS or equivalent degrees are not eligible.

Session dates and locations are:

 

·       Mar. 10-11   George Memorial, Fort Bend County (Richmond)

·   Apr. 24-25   Mahon Public (Lubbock)

·   May 1-2       Corpus Christi Public

·   May 8-9          CARROLLTON PUBLIC

 

Brochures for the session are mailed to eligible libraries.  Library staff members may register online at <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/slm2/index.html>.

To request additional information, contact Dawn Vogler, Continuing Education Consultant; TSLAC; POB 12927; Austin 78711-2927; 512.936.4449; fax 512.463.8800; <dvogler@tsl.state.tx.us>.

 

 Summer Workshop for Distance Learning Librarians

Project LEAD is now accepting applications from library staff members who are interested in attending a summer workshop on distance learning.  The purpose of the 2003 Distance Learning Librarians Summer Workshop is to provide training for librarians in effective ways to support distance learning students and faculty; to deal successfully with new information technologies; interact effectively with distance learning students and faculty and learn new methods of delivery in a distance education environment. 

Project LEAD is funded by a grant from the Institute of Museums and Libraries (IMLS) which pays for 40 library staff members to attend the week-long workshop.  Costs for mileage, tuition and fees are paid by grant funds; attendees are responsible for lodging and meals.

The workshop will take place July 14-18 at the University Center in The Woodlands, TX.

Applications and additional information are available at <http://lasso.woodstock.edu/uc_project/SWApp.lasso> , or by contacting Project LEAD Project Manager Marilyn Vinson <marilyn.vinson@nhmccd.edu>.

Deadline for applications is May 2.

Wireless Networking for Libraries Update

Recent news articles and computer store advertising flyers have recommended wireless computer connections for small offices and homes.  Many libraries are following the lead of small businesses by installing wireless networks to save the expense and problems associated with moving wires every time a computer is relocated. 

The NETLS office has been using the 803.11b standard wireless network adapter on our desktop computers for about 3 years. The problems we were told to expect with wireless connections have not occurred. The 803.11b standard used by wireless allows data traffic as fast as 11mbps (megabits per second).  That is a little faster than the old reliable wired 10baseT standard used by small networks.   The new faster standards such as 803.11a have not been as successful because the price of equipment has remained high and the distance between connections for the faster standard is limited to 80 to 100 feet.

There is now wireless equipment available that uses both the 803.11b standard that runs at 11mbps for a distance of up to 180 feet and also includes the standard of 803.11g that runs at up to 54mbps for shorter distances.  This new option is nice because it allows a mix and match situation where older setups and newer, faster, setups can be connected at the same time.  The price of this dual system is usually very reasonable and will provide a library with a more versatile system, giving speed when necessary, yet keeping costs down by including older equipment that provides the distance when needed and the speed for graphics as needed.

With this new equipment availability, libraries can use wireless connections and save a lot of expense in not having to have the library rewired every time a computer needs to be moved.

Library staff members who would like more information on wireless adaptations and/or systems may contact Automation Consultant Roy Lewis at 972.205.2571, <rlewis@netls.org>  or Technology Consultant Jerry McCulley at 972.205.2569, <jmcculley@netls.org> .

 

Technology Grants and The Beaumont Foundation

The possibility that the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) may go away causes great concern for many librarians.  This concern continues to grow in the face of a weak economy and diminishing library budgets.  Many library directors and administrators will be looking for alternative sources of funding.

In the area of technology, the Beaumont Foundation may provide some relief.  The Beaumont Foundation of America <http://www.bmtfoundation.com>  has a technology grant program that provides libraries with Toshiba laptops and networking hardware.

Twenty-one states (including Texas) are eligible in the first round of grants.  Applications are due Mar. 31.  Libraries are eligible to apply for "Community Grants" and could be awarded laptops, servers, routers and printers.  $350 million in funding is available to schools, non-profits, government agencies and individuals, as the result of the Shaw vs. Toshiba class action lawsuit.

The funds are available to 501(c)3 or non-school government entities and K-12 public, private, parochial or charter schools.  These grants have been made available to support digital inclusion for low-income citizens.

Grant recipients receive pre-built equipment and/or software packages rather than cash awards.  For example, mobile lab packages include up to 24 laptops, a workgroup server appliance, one DLP (digital) projector, a standard laser printer, and digital camera.  All laptops come preloaded with Microsoft Office and a 3-year warranty.

Some libraries in the NETLS area have already discovered the Beaumont Foundation.  Juanita Hazelton, director of VAN ALSTYNE PUBLIC, is considering applying for a grant.  The library plans to loan out laptop computers to city employees and library patrons. 

WHITEWRIGHT PUBLIC is also planning to apply for this grant.  If successful, they will receive enough computers for a lab as well as some to be used in the main library. Director Chris Ely plans to use the laptops for training as well as possible loan to library patrons.

More details on the grants are available at the Beaumont Foundation Web site at <http://www.bmtfoundation.com>.  Click on “Grants” for an overview of the application process.  On the “Overview of Grant Process” page, click on “product list” to see the types of equipment available for libraries.

For more information about this article and other technology related issues, contact Technology Consultant Jerry McCulley; 972.205.2569; <jmcculley@netls.org> .

 

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Address Change for WebBOOK^©

Recently, the NETLS online media catalog and booking system, WebBOOK^©, has been transferred from the NETLS office server to the servers at VIS Consultants, our software provider in Maryland.

During this process, the “look” of WebBOOK^© was changed to match that of the new NETLS Web site and the Internet address was changed.  WebBOOK^© may now be accessed directly at <http://www.av.netls.org>.  It is no longer necessary to go through the NETLS Web site to get to WebBOOK^©, although that link is still available for those wishing to use it.

No other changes have been made to the Media Catalog or the booking system.  Staff at NETLS member libraries should have no difficulty in accessing and using the system as they always have.

WebBOOK^© users should bookmark the new address on their computers.  At present, a link will take users from the old Media Catalog site to the new one, but the link will eventually be discontinued. 

WebBOOK^© users who experience any problems with the system or have any questions should contact Media Assistant Lori Mullins at 972.205.2574, <lmullins@netls.org> , or Media Consultant Barbara Rhodes at 972.205.2573, <brhodes@netls.org> .

 

2003 Carnegie Medal Winner

The 2003 Andrew Carnegie Medal winner for the best in children’s video is So You Want to be President? (NETLS VC2849) produced by Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly for Weston Woods Studios.  The program is based on the Caldecott-winning book by Elizabeth St. George, illustrated by David Small.  Playful renditions of “Hail to the Chief” provide a musical backdrop for St. George’s portrayal of the diverse and often eccentric men who have held the office of president.

The Carnegie Medal was established with the support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York to honor an outstanding American video production for children released during the previous year.  It is administered by the Assn. for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Assn. (ALA).

 

Film Discussion Series Grant Available

National Video Resources (NVR) and the American Library Assn. (ALA) are now accepting grant applications from libraries wishing to host The Sixties: America’s Decade of Crisis and Change.  This new six-week library program features scholar-led lectures, documentary film screenings, and reading and discussions on a period of extraordinary change and social conflict in American history.  The program is supported by a major grant from the Nat. Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Libraries of all types are encouraged to apply.  Twenty-five libraries will be selected to serve as pilot sites for the program.  Each library selected will receive a full set of videocassettes to use in the series and to keep as a permanent part of their collection; $1000 to pay honoraria for local scholars to present the series at the library; the opportunity to send a team of two people to a training seminar; support print materials and national publicity for the series as well as a list of potential local co-sponsors.  The discussions must be open to the public.

Libraries interested in applying for the grant opportunity can download an application at <http://www.ala.org/publicprograms/sixties> .

Applications must be received by Mar. 28.

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NOTEWORTHY

Names in the News

Christine Davis is the new director of TRI-COUNTY LIBRARY.

 

Jerry Daniels has joined the staff of NICHOLSON MEMORIAL (Garland) as Financial Analyst.  He transferred from the City of Garland Audit Department.

 

Sherry Grieb has retired from DALLAS PUBLIC.

 

Chris Mann has resigned as director of LINDALE LIBRARY.

 

After 21 years of service Ann Peeler, director of ENNIS PUBLIC, will retire at the end of March.

 

Sandy Reynolds, reference librarian at NICHOLSON MEMORIAL (Garland), retired in February after 16 years of service.

 

Sue Stevens is the new assistant director of FRANKLIN COUNTY.

 

Pam Straus is the new director of POTTSBORO AREA PUBLIC.

 

Kathryn Sturtz, formerly Special Services Consultant with NETLS, is now the Coordinator of the Alamo Area Library System (AALS) in San Antonio.

 

ERRATA:  Apologies to Delene DelaRosa, director of QUITMAN PUBLIC.  Her name was misspelled in our last Newsletter.

 

TexShare Database Index

Last year the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) contracted with TDNet, Inc. to build an A – Z title index of all full text periodicals available online in the TexShare core databases.  That index is now available at <http://216.166.61.222> .

The new list tells users where a selected title is online and which database it is located in.  Additionally, users can link directly from the title on the list to the full text version of the periodical. 

Libraries can place a link on their home pages to the TDNet site to give patrons access to all TexShare titles, free of charge. 

Upon request, TDNet will also build customized versions of the A – Z list that includes links to the full text journal databases that libraries have purchased locally.

For more information on this program, library staff members may go to the TexShare Database Web site at <www.texhare.edu>  or contact TexShare Database Coordinator Russelene Waukechon; 512.463.7402; <rwaukchn@tsl.state.tx.us> .

 

TexTreasures Grant Program

The TexTreasures Grant Program, part of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s (TSLAC) TexShare program, is offering grants that provide access to special or unique local collections.  These grants may be used on projects that increase patron accessibility to collections through activities such as organizing, cataloging, indexing and digitizing local materials.  A total of $100,000 is available.  Each grant will have a maximum award of $20,000.

Public libraries that apply must meet the following requirements:

·         Have system membership in the fiscal year that the grant is awarded

·         Be willing to make information about these collections available throughout Texas

·         Expend local funds to meet certain funding requirements

 For more information, go to the TexShare Web site at <http://www.texshare.edu/programs/textreasures/index.html>  or contact Sue Beebe, TexShare Coordinator; TSLAC; POB 12927; Austin 78711; 512.463.0188; <sbeebe@tsl.state.tx.us> .

Deadline for applications is Mar. 28.

 

Free Library Spanish & English Phrase Lists

The Learning Light, publisher of “fun and practical educational materials to learn Spanish, ESL and Language Arts” and Spanish That Works, has recently updated their Web site to include several resource materials of interest to libraries with Spanish speaking patrons.  The Web site address is <http://www.thelearninglight.com>. 

Included are Library Phrase Lists which were originally developed for Teton County Library, handouts on Dewey Classifications in Spanish and “Basic English for the Library” that can be given to patrons.

The materials are in PDF format and may be found on the Spanish That Works main page under the “Free Materials” link. 

 

Asthma Action America

The Asthma Action America campaign would like the support of public libraries.  “More than 24 million Americas have been diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lives.  Asthma Action America seeks to help them better understand and manage their condition.”  The campaign is supported by 18 leading organizations, including the Public Library Assn.

Libraries are requested to help educate people with asthma in their communities by prominently displaying “Put Your Asthma to the Test” brochures.  The free materials are available in both Spanish and English and come in a countertop display unit.

To request the brochures, call 800.704.6443.  For more information on the campaign, visit the organization’s Web site at <http://www.asthmaactionamerica.org>.

(From Myra Arredondo, Consultant, TSLAC)

 

Mystery Writers of America Database

Mystery Writers of America is developing a database of libraries interested in using mystery writers as speakers.  The database will allow writers who are living in or visiting a particular area to contact the local library and arrange a visit or program.  No library will be obligated to sponsor a program with any individual writer or group of writers.  There is no cost to libraries to be listed in the database.

The project has just started, but over 250 libraries have already responded.  Libraries who are interested in becoming part of the database are asked to email the following information:

·      Name of library

·      Address

·      City, State, Zip Code, Country

·      Contact person

·      Phone number with area code

·      Email address

·      Library URL (if available)

·      Interested in:

4   Any published writer

4   Published writers, but not self-published

4   Published writers (list any further limitations)

·      May books be sold at the event?

This information should be emailed to <service@mysterywriters.org> .

 

First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas Grant

Grant applications are now being accepted for the First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas, a program of The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy.  The statewide initiative is a partnership of the Barbara Bush Texas Fund, the Texas Center for the Adult Literacy and Learning at Texas A&M Univ. and Texas literacy providers.  Laura Bush is the Honorary Chair.  Libraries are included in the eligible organizations.

Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded on a one-time basis to enhance existing instructional programs that may currently be working with just one generation, e.g. children or adults, so that a complete family literacy program, which includes parents and children learning and reading together, can be created, replicated or expanded.

Successful family literacy applications include reading instruction for parents or primary caregivers, reading or pre-reading activities for their children, and time for adult/child reading and interaction. 

Applications can be downloaded at <http://www-tcall.tamu.edu>  or requests for applications and/or additional information may be sent to The First Lady’s Family Literacy Initiative for Texas; Attn.: Pat Peebler, Grants Administrator; 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Ste. 1400; Houston 77027; fax 713/336-7709; <ppeebler@cogentech.com> . 

Applications are due Apr. 4.

Coming Up Taller Award Applications

The Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and support outstanding after-school and out-of- school arts and humanities programs for children and youth.