Summer 2020 ponderings

I have a few quick topics that are on my mind!  I will put them together in this one crazy post.

TOPICS:
1. Little Free Library UPDATE
2. Professional learning 
3. Summer reading opportunities
4. Summer learning continues

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES

I originally posted about Little Free Libraries in summer of 2016.  Here is a link to that post: Little Free Library BLOG post.  But I have not updated much since then formally.  I recently took a few pictures of regionally Little Free Libraries in my area.  Our United Way has several documents and links to help you find a Little Free Library to support (share books with) or find a new read.  List of Little Free Library  OR visit the United Way website for an interactive map United Way + Little Free Libraries.  Plus there is a national map using the Little Free Library official website (Official Little Free Library Locator) or the unofficial app (Little Locator).  For the official locator, I find that the zip code search works best!  

Where are your favorites?  Here are few pictures of regional Little Free Libraries!

New pictures of the Little Free Library at Wattsburg Area Elementary 

Feature books in the front

Unofficial one on West 6th Street near Erie County Health Department
It was in SAD shape inside and needs some love!

On Burton Avenue near the park (plus there is another at the park!)

This is a BIG Little Free Library on Dobbins landing.  It reminds me of a lighthouse.  There is another in the EMTA building inside near by that looks like an EMTA bus!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I was supposed to go to Penn State for an Ag Institute by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau learning opportunity.  This was cancelled because of COVID.  Here is the link if you are curious about this - Ag Institute Link

Instead, I am reading a book called "Bold School" with some co-workers.  Look for updates later in the month.  

SUMMER READING IDEAS

Normally, businesses and libraries offer many different opportunities to promote reading.  Here is what I have found this summer!

1. Pizza Hut - It is the Book It.  Here is the link for parents - Camp Book It

2. Scholastic - There is a program and app option.  Here is the link to Read - A - Palooza and a link to the Home Base activity site - Scholastic Home Base.  

3. In Erie, PA, our local PBS channel called WQLN has a summer reading program for the month of JULY.  Here is the link for more information.  WQLN or Summer Reading Race Flyer

4. Public library is using a virtual way to track reading minutes and books.  The whole family can participate!  It starts on July 13.  Bean Stack

SUMMER LEARNING FUN

Again there are many opportunities and ideas in our region to learn and grow in a non-traditional way.

1. Penn State Behrend's "GOOSE CHASE".  It is a fun scavenger hunt app - Goose Chase

2. Headwaters Park has monthly scavenger hunts - Scavenger hunt

3. Outdoor BINGO throughout Erie County - Summer Bingo

WRAP UP :)

Have a great summer - here is what the children are reading in my house!

1. TJ - age 7 is reading book 2 in the Sophie Mouse series 

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2. Bella-Ann - age 10 is finishing up "Who Was Thomas Jefferson" and going to start one on Alexandar Hamilton

Plus we are onto book 3 in the Chronicles of Narnia called "A Horse and His Boy".

Finally - here is my new mantra for fall!  

Little Free Library Traveling Journal

I have become obsessed with Little Free Libraries.  I made my dad/daughter visit several for me while they went on vacation.  I look for them as we travel near and far.  I keep a box to fill them up as I drive by (even in rougher neighborhoods).  Recently, I even created a "Google Doc" on the Little Free Libraries in Erie County.  Here is the link - LFL - ERIE COUNTY PA

Naturally, I was excited to hear about a traveling journal of Little Free Libraries.  About 2 weeks ago, I received the box on the night of open house.  No time to open it...life was crazy.  Fast forward, I carved out time on Monday last week to open the box.  It was like Christmas.  The old worn looking journal called out to me.  Plus the previous senders included a picture book of Philadelphia and bookmarks!  I was so touched.  I read and perused the book for an hour or so at bedtime.  So many touching stories...so many amazing places!

Next, I had to write my entry in TRAVEL.  What do I say?  What makes our Little Free Library special and unique?  What do others want to know about my library?

Today, I penned my essay, took pictures, printed pictures, and more!  TRAVEL is ready to move on with a surprise for the next location (shhhh...I will tell you once they receive it!)

I cannot wait to follow up on TRAVEL's BLOG.  I do not want to let it go.  Will I do another traveling journal - YES!  I might start one to go from school library to school library and create a map...like Flat Stanley.

Here are a few pictures to illustrate what I am talking about!  You can learn more about TRAVEL at the following link - MEET TRAVEL

The outside of the journal

My entry into TRAVEL journal

My pictures and wrap up

My sweet Philadelphia book from the previous steward

The bookmarks enclosed as well!

TRAVEL IS OFF TO VERMONT 

Impact Grant Wrap-Up

In the summer, I applied and was awarded a Little Free Library through the Impact Grant.
Little Free Library Blog Post

In November, Mrs. Barboni (our principal) finished painting the Little Free Library and the maintenance staff found a great place to mount the Little Free Library box.

In early January, Scholastic chose this Little Free Library to receive a donation of 400 books.

On Friday, March 10th, I completed the last piece for my Impact Grant...a community reading celebration.

The library hosted three local guest authors during the PTO Ice Cream Social/Art Show.

Mrs. Tina Curtis read her "Cat in a Basket" and talked about how she made the illustrations.
See my post from October - Author Feature

Mrs. Hillary Barboni read both stories that she wrote "My Lucky Penny" and "Joshua Finds a Home".  The library was a packed house each time.  Author Feature

Mrs. Brittany Atkins came to read her newest book as well.  I have not done a feature author story on her book YET!  Her first book is available on Amazon.  Look What We Can Do

Hillary Barboni reading her Joshua book

Mrs. Barboni also read her other book "My Lucky Penny"

Tina Curtis reads her "Cat in the Basket"

Mrs. Curtis reads to a packed room!

Brittany Adkins shares her first book.

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Everyone was all ears for Mrs. Adkins book

In addition, here are some pictures of the STEM challenge table and donated book cart!

Book Markers for Everyone!

Little Free Libraries

I love the idea of children (and adults) always having access to BOOKS.

This blog post came to me as my son (age 4) was coming out of the Whole Foods Co-Op one evening.  It was bedtime, I was tired, my arms were full!  He stopped to look at the little free library box at the exit.  He wanted a book to take home...amid adult books and full hands...I found nothing for him.  He did find one for his big sister.

Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking of the joy and spontaneous nature of this interaction!
The Wattsburg community doesn't have a public library except a book mobile every other Saturday.

Where could we put a little free library box in the Wattsburg community or on the school campus?
What are the pros and cons?
Would you or your children be excited to swap books at any time for free?

I applied and received a FREE "Little Free Library" for Wattsburg Elementary School.  Look for updates soon!

Here are few links about "Little Free Libraries"!

https://littlefreelibrary.org/

http://mentalfloss.com/article/61083/15-gorgeous-little-free-libraries

http://www.goerie.com/article/20140719/NEWS02/307189898

Whoopie Goldberg's Favorite Things

***NEW Video about Little Free Library
Today Show 7/2/18

Here is our new Little Free Library
12/12/16