Programming Librarian

October 2011

Join One of the Largest Family Game Days in History
Jennifer Peterson | October 27, 2011
On Saturday, November 12, more than 20,000 people in communities across the United States will come together in the spirit of play for the American Library Association’s fourth annual National Gaming Day @ your library.

Finding the History of Your Home
Angela Hanshaw | October 25, 2011
I live in a rehabbed condo in a building that’s about one hundred years old, and I’ve often wondered about who had lived there in the past, what the inside of the building looked like when it was first built, and how the building has changed over the years. If my home was in Fullterton, California, I likely would have been able to find much of that out.

Launch Your Library into Space Science!
Stephanie Shipp | October 20, 2011
We invite you to participate in the Countdown to Curiosity and the launch of the latest mission to Mars on November 22–25 at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront and the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This free, NASA-supported experience includes a two-day workshop, a VIP tour of Kennedy Space Center, and front row seats at the launch of the Mars Science Laboratory/Curiosity.

Deadline Extended for National Library Week Grant
Megan McFarlane | October 18, 2011
Your library has something for everyone. This National Library Week, celebrate the ways your library provides a place where everyone belongs. The deadline for 2012 grant has been extended to Friday, October 28. U.S. libraries of all types are invited to apply for a $3,000 grant.

Cooking Up a Contest
Steve Zalusky | October 13, 2011
Editor’s note: Tie this contest in with your cooking programs, or use it to inspire new programming. One commenter on the contest’s website mentioned that her library was hosting a recipe tasting to determine which recipe should be submitted—a great idea!

New for October at EDSITEment
Angela Hanshaw | October 11, 2011
This month, EDSITEment offers lesson plans for a variety of American history–related film resources, with topics including Prohibition, post-Columbus America, American art, and the War of 1812. The site also celebrates Halloween and el Día de Muertos and highlights two exhibitions you won’t want to miss.

Build Common Ground in Your Community
Angela Thullen Baker | October 06, 2011
The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office is accepting applications for Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion, a multiformat discussion program for public audiences to spark action, engagement, and reflection within the community.

Featured Library: Aurora Public Library
Angela Hanshaw | October 04, 2011
This month we’re highlighting the Aurora (Ill.) Public Library for its wealth of Civil War programming. This year marks the beginning of the Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration, and this October, the library is offering a variety of related programs for adults and children.