As many of you know, I've recently started a new job as an elementary librarian in a local district. It's a great school with a caring staff and an awesome principal. We're fairly small, about 300 students, and we are in an urban area. We have about 99% free lunch at our school and there are about 300 empty homes in our surrounding neighborhoods, due to foreclosures, etc.
My budget is very small compared to other local districts and I'm trying to fill my shelves with exciting new titles to encourage the kids to read. There's not a lot left over after buying books for cool posters and incentives.
Basically, I just want to put the idea out there for authors, publicists, and publishers that I am willing to review books for younger readers as well, since my school is K-5. If I like a title, I will share it with my fellow librarians, and donate it to my school or to a student.
Also, if you have any posters or bookmarks that you would like to donate, I'm starting a treasure chest for kids who reach their reading goal for the quarter and the year. I'm just trying to make the library an awesome and inviting place, because we need to get these kids reading more. They are big graphic novel fans, in fact, I haven't even been able to start checkout yet, but I already have kids asking about graphic novels, so I know they are a big hit.
I just wanted to put all that out there. I hate to ask for stuff like that, but I want to keep my library fresh and exciting and I can't do that single-handedly.
Thanks guys!!!
I hope your library will be a big success! I might contact you in the future to donate a bunch of bookmarks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know about a publicist that has contacted me in the past to review YA books. Bostick Communications sends request for reviews to my email, I reviewed a couple, (adult and YA). It's kind of hit or miss because it's up to the author to send the books out. Maybe you could drop them a line letting them know you like to review YA.
Dottie :)
hope it works! good luck!
ReplyDeleteAwesome - what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting as a new elementary school librarian this fall and I can't wait! By the way. . .what did you do for the first week of school?
I'm trying to come up with something great and fun, but so far, nothing brilliant has come to me :)
This is great!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I wish I had goodies (and the money) to send to you. Anything I have goes to family or to a school or the public library. We have a gorgeous old library in our small community and it the biggest and best in the area. That doesn't make it very large but they sure do a great job. The children and YA section is run by the same librarian and she works hard to keep up but isn't always current with what's going on in the YA world. I've given her links to your site and some other librarians as well because she really wants to keep up. I've offered some ARCs to use as prizes and other goodies to help.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new job and enjoy! The kids are lucky to have someone who is so motivated and involved. You will make a huge difference in their lives and will make the library a happy experience for them. Best of luck!
Congratulations on your new job! Do you contact publicists directly and request specific titles? I've just started doing this and most have been very helpful.
ReplyDeletewhat a fabulous idea. When I get round to making some book marks I will definitely send some your way.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys you are sooooo awesome!! It's nice to know there's a lot of supportive and caring people out there.
ReplyDeleteAnd Janssen,
The kids are just coming to the library this week. Last week, they were with their teachers learning procedures and whatnot. I can't check out yet, because they have to upload all the information, so I'm just going to do library tours and read alouds, Library Lion, The Library Dragon, etc.
I can't wait til they can check out though, and they are eager as well. Good luck!!