Message Board
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Have a great idea for implementing this year's summer reading theme? Share it here! Posts can include anything relevant to our summer reading program -- decorating, programming, book ideas -- you name it!
NOTE: This is a moderated bulletin board for posting suggestions only. Questions about NJ's Statewide Summer Reading program should be directed to our committee members on the contact page. |
We are no longer accepting post to this year's message board. Thank you. |
Messages
McDonald\'s Check It Out booklets for the northern 13 counties of New Jersey have finally arrived and been shipped to all the participating libraries. The booklets went out in the regional delivery system on Wednesday. Most libraries should receive them by the beginning of next week at the latest. If your library does not get direct regional delivery, it will come to you through a headquarters library. This is especially true in Monmouth County, so some may take an extra day or two.
There are some extra booklets, so if your public library is in eligible (check the flyer on the links for librarians on this website) and you didn\'t order before, please e-mail me. My e-mail address is on the Contact page of this website.
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-07-13 11:25:24
Joe Fischer (Magician) is currently accepting bookings for the fall (Halloween, Christmas, Childrens Book Week, National Library Week etc). Call Joe at 973-661-9368
Joe Fischer
| Nutley, NJ | 2007-07-13 10:09:50
When can we expect the McDonald\'s coupons? Thank you!
Ellen Smith
Ramsey | Ramsey, NJ | 2007-07-05 15:11:49
Hi, jonathan Blair out of this world magic is out of orange county N>Y> but will come to Bergen N>J www.johnathanblairmagic.com a great show kids loved it. Renee
Park Ridge Library
Renee Wagner
Park Ridge Public Library | Park Ridge, NJ | 2007-06-29 16:13:30
Hi!
Would like to share with all of you a recommndation for a performer that we used for our kick-off this week. Jim Vagias, of Educational Productions, came to our library and entertained a crowd of 100+ children. He did magic, told stories, AND made us laugh. Very nice to work with; had a great repore with the kids...I would highly recommend him for anyone who is still in need of a performer.
Lyn Gebhard
Sparta Public Library | Sparta, NJ | 2007-06-28 09:26:27
I\'m sure some of you may have seen this already, but Kohl\'s is currently selling copies of Mark Teague\'s Dear Mrs. LaRue books and plush Ike the dog dolls for $5 each. I bought a few of each to use as prizes and for display. The Ike sitting on our desk is already very popular!
http://www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/Community02.htm
Sarah Pardi
Fort Lee Public Library | Fort Lee, NJ | 2007-06-18 18:51:08
Discovery School.com has a puzzle maker! Cryptograms, fallen phrases, hidden message, etc.
http://www.puzzlemaker.com/
or if you want to see what tehy have to offer:
http://www.puzzlemaker.com/chooseapuzzle.html
I made a few puzzles and it seems to work well. Check it out.
Lisa
Lisa Sedita
Ridgefield Public Library | Ridgefield, NJ | 2007-06-18 13:55:55
In response to Linda Hoffman @ West Patterson:
We award one \"butterfly buck\" for each complete hour of reading, even for the youngest kids. They can then take these \"bucks\" and trade them for trinkets in a treasure chest or on the shelves of our display case. These prizes range from 1 \"butterfly buck\" (trinkets in treasure chest) to 50 \"butterfly bucks\" (special prizes in the display case). We call them \"butterfly bucks\" because the theme throughout our library building is butterflies, but you could call them book bucks, mystery bucks, etc.
We have found this to be successful with all age groups from PreK through teens. Feel free to call or email if you have any questions.
Anne Lemay
Franklin Township | Somerset, NJ | 2007-06-06 14:17:18
Does anyone have a use for 7 Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales iron on transfers. If yes e-mail me at
t_stoveken@yahoo.com
under subject tuype
SUBJECT: PAWS CLAWS TALES
Theresa Stoveken
Three Bridges Public Library | Three Bridges, NJ | 2007-06-03 18:05:11
I made my own footprints for decorating the walls around our youth dept. I found several mens ladies and childrens shoes with great treads, painted with black acrylic paint( it just rinses off.) We copied the and placed them walking on the walls and the seiling with caution tape in all directions.
Roseanna
Brighton District Library | Brighton, MI | 2007-05-24 11:07:59
For anyone interested in showing Alex Rider: Project STormbreaker this summer, I found copies of the DVD at K-Mart for 9.99 at least, at the Wayne store
Marilyn Olson
Johnson Free Public Library | Hackensack, NJ | 2007-05-21 16:25:02
I\'m looking for ideas on how to award prizes for the summer reading program.
Thanks!!
Linda Hoffman
Alfred H. Baumann | West Paterson, NJ | 2007-05-16 11:42:14
Wonderful suggestion for Handwriting Analysis Program. Bernice Krieger, 90 Day Street, Apartment H-19, CLifton, Nj 07011. We have had her twice and she was absolutely fantastic!!!
Denise
Bloomingdale Free Public Library | Bloomingdale, NJ | 2007-05-15 16:33:48
Hi all --
We\'re looking for black removeable footprints. I saw the velcro idea, but we\'d really like to go super easy - pull them off a backing and stick them on the floor. Has anyone found any?
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
Vicki Sweet
Randolph Township Free Public Library | Randolph, NJ | 2007-05-03 14:30:39
Also...
Flavian (973-226-6242, www.flavian.net) has a show called \"The Fourth Dimension of Mindpower\" - sort of magic and mystery.
Kate Vasilik
Franklin Lakes Public Library | Franklin Lakes, NJ | 2007-04-27 12:25:01
Some ideas for presenters/programs that might fit into your summer plans:
Bernice Krieger, 973-772-0043 (As far as I know, she lives in Clifton, NJ): Handwriting Analysis/Graphology
Louise Mason, 201-891-6689 (Franklin Lakes, NJ): The information I have from my director is that she is a psychic and that she also was the cover girl for the original James Bond books.
And for those of you who were at NJLA, you may have met:
Teri Merliss, terimerliss@earthlink.net (New Milford, NJ) who has a lot of experience with theater workshops (mystery theater, perhaps?).
Kate Vasilik
Franklin Lakes Public Library | Franklin Lakes, NJ | 2007-04-27 11:58:49
In response to the inquiry about Bob Conrad, we hired Bob twice and were pleased with his performance both times. The kids seemed to really enjoy his show. We would highly recommend him!
Lyn Gebhard
Sparta Public Library | Sparta, NJ | 2007-04-21 11:13:52
Hi All,
Does anyone know of a \"Handwriting Analysis\" person? It would be for a YA program.
Thanks,
Bernadette
Bernadette Kauffmann
Wayne Public Library | Wayne, NJ | 2007-04-11 11:22:48
Free mystery plays/skits are available from the Plano Public Library in Texas. This library hosts a new play each year and generously posts the scripts to their website. Here is the link:
http://www.plano.gov/Departments/Libraries/Youth+Services/Teen+Mystery+Night+Resource/
Or just do a Google search for Plano Library, Texas and once you are on their website, click on Youth Services and then on Teen Mystery Resources.
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-04-10 18:31:56
Full Effect Productions still has a few available times and dates left for this summer\'s Get A Clue Program, \"The Magic Mystery Show\" Visit www.fulleffectproductions.net for more information and summer schedule.
Steven Woyce
| Laurence Harbor, NJ | 2007-04-04 15:51:45
At the Parsippany Workshop I mentioned that I had done Scavenger Hunts using Library materials and it was suggested I post it to the Message Board some of the questions I’ve used. Below is a combination of various questions used over the years (feel free to adapt to your collection and floor plan). The main object is to get families to act as teams. The search is usually done as a list of 20 or so with additional items (posters, displays) for bonus points and tougher questions for tiebreakers.
Family Scavenger Hunt
Books and Stuff (2 points each)
1. A book with a color in the title
2. A video or DVD with a color in the title
3. A fiction book with a type of animal in the title
4. A video/DVD with the name (ex: Larry) of an animal in the title
5. A non-fiction book about a movie or TV show
6. A pet care book about a pet you have at home
7. A book by an author with the same name (first or last) as someone
in your family
8. A book about an occupation of someone in your family
9. An audio book version of a family favorite classic book
10. A picture book read by an adult team member as a child
11. A read-along of a book about children at school or a teacher
12. A Video/DVD based on a book and the original book
(2 items = 4 points)
13. A music recording of the soundtrack of a favorite movie
14. A non-fiction book about a state other than New Jersey a family
member lives or lived in (ex. Grandparents in Florida)
15. A board book with photographs but not of babies in it
16. An Easy Reader about an animal that would not make a good pet
17. A children’s magazine with an animal on the cover
18. A non-fiction book about a favorite holiday
19. An audio book and the book it is based on (read-along bags do not qualify) (2 items = 4 points)
20. A fiction book that takes place in New Jersey
21. A Book based on a film (movie novelization)
22. A video/DVD of a TV series
23. A book with the name of a day of the week in the title
24. An audio book with a season in the title
25. A book with a number in the title
26. A Picture book that has won an award
27. A book written by a performer that is not an autobiography
28. An animated version of a book
29. A book by an author with three names
30. A book by an author with one name
31 A book with a favorite cartoon character
32. A book with pictures of three or more presidents in it
33. A Video/DVD with the name of a month in the title
34. A fiction book about an animal that can’t speak English
35. A music recording with a personal name in the title
36. A folk tale from a country your ancestors came from
37. A non-fiction book about a fictional character
38. A movie based on an old TV show
39. An audio book of a Newbery Award book
40. A read along kit of a classic picture book
41. A Reference book without the words Encyclopedia, Dictionary or Atlas in the title
42. A craft book with the name of a holiday in the title
43. A joke book whose title is a pun
44. A songbook with a song about a real place in it
45. A picture book, an Easy Reader and a Chapter book all by the same author (4 points)
46. A music recording and a biography (book) of its composer or performer (3 points)
Ann Job
Montville Twp Public Library | Montville, NJ | 2007-04-04 15:34:22
Has anyone used Bob Conrad before?
http://www.conradproductions.net/libraryandrec.html
Virginia
Wharton Public Library | Wharton, NJ | 2007-04-02 12:34:30
The Pequannock Township Public Library has booked Mr. John Carlson (magician) for his \"Top Secret Magic Show\" for their Reading Celebration Party on Thursday, August 9, at 1:00 pm. If anyone is in the area would like to book him the same day either earlier or later or another day, his number is 1-888-556-2442. His web site is www.kidmotivator.com.
Maureen Bartolucci
Pequannock Township Public Library | Pompton Plains, NJ | 2007-03-29 11:11:03
At a recent workshop in Parsippany there was mention of a site where we could download scripts for use in our libraries... like the one that was read, which was Literally Clueless. Could you post the link to these free scripts? Thanks.
Karen Eastlund
Raritan Public Library | Raritan, NJ | 2007-03-26 18:00:18
South Jersey Ghost Research (www.hauntedhelp.org) offers presentations with a video describing what they do, a CD with voices recorded on actual investigations, and a q&a session. Posterboards describe what they found on investigations in different areas of the region, as well as equipment used. It is free. The audience is teens & adults. I don\'t do a signup because people don\'t tend to want to have a name attached to a list regarding the \"paranormal\". Hope this helps- it ties in to the \"You Never Know\" theme for Teens, but if you open it to adults as well, you should have a good number of attendees.
Kristyn Beaty
Camden County Library System | Bellmawr, NJ | 2007-03-26 11:42:47
If you are interested in placing footprints on your carpeting and do not want to use tape or paper, try Velcro. You can purchase 6” wide Velcro from Textol Systems 1 800-624-8746 or visit their website at: http://www.textol.com/t_sewon.asp for ordering and prices. I have also used it to mark areas on the floor for performers. The only downside is you must buy a 25 yard roll.
Michaele Casey
Bernardsville Public Library | Bernardsville, NJ | 2007-03-23 15:40:51
Hi everyone!
So many of you at the workshops asked where I got the Sherlock Holmes hat that I decided to do a little detective work for you. I located one that looks just like mine on the Kipp Toys website: www.kipptoys.com. It\'s item # NB7075 and is listed as \"out of stock\". I called the company, though, and was told that they are accepting orders and expect to have them back in stock in April or May.
Hope this helps.
Margaret Draghi
Bound Brook Memorial Library | Bound Brook, NJ | 2007-03-13 10:00:11
A few people who attended the craft workshop on Friday, March 9 wanted to know where we purchased the glittery puffy star stickers. I got them online from Oriental Trading. They are called \"glitter red white blue star sticky shapes and the item number is 48/2337.
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-03-10 16:15:15
Could you share any ideas for a game board with the Get a Clue theme. We usually divide our readers into two teams and have a quest, for example: get to the castle, win the race, cross the country.
Hilary Mirrer
North Brunswick Public Library | North Brunswick, NJ | 2007-03-08 13:29:33
Jim Vagias, a magician highly recommended by Michaele Casey is now listed on our performer\'s list. This summer he is offering a program specifically designed for this year\'s Get a Clue Theme. His rates are reasonable and flexible especially with block booking.
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-03-08 12:11:42
I booked Magician Terry Parrett\'s \"Tales of the Unknown\" for my YA\'s this summer! It sounds like a good program. I just wanted to pass it on.
www.librarymagic.com
Thanks!
Bernadette Kauffmann
Wayne Public Library | Wayne, NJ | 2007-03-06 11:45:13
Guildcraft Arts & Crafts offers many craft kits, prizes and novelties that would complement your detective theme perfectly. Some examples include our decoders, spy briefcases, spy disguises and agent ID badges. Check out all of our products at www.guildcraftinc.com or call 1-800-345-5563 for a free catalog!
Laura Miller
| Buffalo, NY | 2007-03-05 13:31:53
This is in response to Ellen Smith\'s request for a caroonist. A few of our branches have had Ted Riddle of Monolith Comics come to the library every year for several years. He demonstrates cartooning and works with the kids on drawing their own cartoons. This year he is doing a program on the new Spiderman movie that will be released this summer and will surely appeal to teens. He can be reached at 908-852-6741.
Lina Crowell
Warren County Library | Belvidere, NJ | 2007-03-02 10:53:14
This is in response to Ellen Smith\'s request for a caroonist. A few of our branches have had Ted Riddle of Monolith Comics come to the library every year for several years. He demonstrates cartooning and works with the kids on drawing their own cartoons. This year he is doing a program on the new Spiderman movie that will be released this summer and will surely appeal to teens.
Lina Crowell
Warren County Library | Belvidere, NJ | 2007-03-02 10:51:45
Would anyone know of cartoonist or illustrator who could demo cartooning? I\'m looking for a teen audience. Thanks.
Ellen Smith
Ramsey Library | Ramsey, NJ | 2007-02-27 12:17:58
For anyone looking for an out of the ordinary program ---
Notable children\'s author Natosha Gale, author of The Adventures of Squally the Squirrel is available to conduct an hour presentation to libraries on the topic of Stranger Danger. Ms. Gale has over 18 years of experience as an FBI Community Outreach Specialist. Her presentation fee is $200 (25 children), which includes traveling expenses and children also receive a free gift in this stranger danger demonstration which all kids and parents will be sure to enjoy. For more information or for larger group packages, contact Ms. Gale at: 302-275-1809 or email: write4life1971@yahoo.com
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-02-26 13:22:54
Leonia Public has booked Jim Vagias (educational magician) and his Get a Clue Reading Mystery program for 3:00 pm on June 25. If anyone in the area would like to book him for later in the day (either a 5pm or a 7pm show) his number is 732-238-8139. Check out his website at http://www.educationalproductions.com/index.html
Elizabeth Bender
Leonia Public Library | Leonia, NJ | 2007-02-26 11:29:52
In response to Karen Olivari\'s request for a psychic, I have heard Jane Doherty speak. She is the author of Awakening the Mystic Gift, and I believe she still has a bi-weekly radio show on WCTC 1450AM and WJHR 1040AM.
Visit Jane at www.janedoherty.com.
Anne Lemay
Franklin Township Library | Somerset, NJ | 2007-02-21 07:46:24
Chik-Fil-A is currently offering \"30 Second Mysteries\" for \"free\" in their kids\' meals. This is the same game that is described in the summer reading manual on p. 117. They are very fast and can span a large age range, but are especially good for the younger patrons, say ages four or five and up. They are great for a time filler or school visit.
Jennifer Sirak
Lambertville Free Public Library | Lambertville, NJ | 2007-02-15 20:05:17
I am looking for a psychic, tarot card reader or something to that effect to do a program for teens this summer. Does anyone have someone they can recommend?
Karen Olivari
Bernards Township Library | Basking Ridge, NJ | 2007-02-15 11:08:09
For those of you who may be interpreting this summer\'s mystery theme to include discovery, I invite you to consider a workshop that was recently presented at the Watchung Public Library by Lluana Jones, a professional mime. Entitled, IMAGINATION STATION, the program includes an initial short story in mime, followed by workshop that teaches children (ages 6 and up)to use their imaginations and bodies to tell a story.
Three aspects of Lluana\'s program were especially memorable:
1. She is a VERY talented mime.
2. She knows how to teach, AND listen to children.
3. Her gentle ability to encourage children and their dreams inspired both children and adults in the audience.
Lluana\'s program lasted an hour, and her fee was a very reasonable $100.00. She is local to this area, so the fee may vary if travel is involved. Here is her contact information:
Lluana Jones
P.O. Box 643
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
908-380-2022
EastCoastfx@verizon.net
Sharon Orlando
Watchung Public Library | Watchung, NJ | 2007-02-13 17:26:23
Author/illustrator Ann Koffsky (annkoffsky.com) does a presentation entitled \"The Process of Illustration.\" She talks and demonstrates for about 20 minutes.
Her latest book (schedule for relase this summer) is about the Fourth of July, and it has some easy craft instructions included. Ann will do a craft with the participants, but the library must furnish the supplies (paper towel rolls, string, crayons, etc. - she does not use unusual or expensive items).
She is usually available in the early evening, and she is willing to travel.
Her fee is $275 plus travel expenses. She gives a bulk discount for multiple presentations at the same location.
Ann is also available during the year.
She can be reached at ann@annkoffsky.com
Kathe Pinchuck
Bloomfield Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-02-12 16:19:20
A salesperson called to let me know that his company offers some items that could be used as incentives for this year\'s reading theme. Although it\'s not on the website yet, they do have Sherlock Holmes zipper pulls and one the website you can find plastic police badges. The items can all be personalized for your library - but there are no prices listed. If you\'re interested you can take a look at www.rdjs.com
The salesman\'s name is Bert Hill.
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-02-08 12:04:12
Bob Conrad has a new program for this summer reading program entitled \"The Magical Mystery Revue\"
Visit us on line at www.conradproductions.net
Bob Conrad
| East Rutherford, NJ | 2007-02-07 17:25:06
Full Effect Productions has a new program for this years GET A CLUE THEME, \"THE MAGIC MYSTERY SHOW\". Visit www.fulleffectproductions.net for available dates and more information.
Steven Woyce
| Laurence Harbor, NJ | 2007-02-07 08:41:24
For a list of mystery books for kids in grades 3-8, please feel free to look at my video booktalk website. http://www.bookwink.com. I will definitely be adding to this section as summer gets nearer!
Sonja Cole
| Montclair, NJ | 2007-02-05 16:26:06
If you have a great performer, program, or craft idea for this year\'s summer theme, we love to have it posted on this message board for us all to share.
Pat Vasilik
Clifton Public Library | Clifton, NJ | 2007-02-03 16:02:17
