Delaware Youth Wins Top Prize in Library of Congress Contest

Photo (l-r) - Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Rachel Smookler, Kate Wetherhead Photo credit - Joe Bellavia
Photo (l-r) – Andrew Keenan-Bolger, Rachel Smookler, Kate Wetherhead. Photo credit – Joe Bellavia

The Library of Congress recently announced the winners of its “A Book That Shaped Me” Summer Writing Contest, a program that asks rising fifth- and sixth-graders to reflect on a book that has made a personal impact in their lives. A Brandywine Hundred Library patron, Rachel Smookler, was the 1st Place Grand Prize & Delaware State Winner. Rachel wrote about Jack and Louisa: Act 1 by Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead.

Nearly 300 young readers submitted essays to participating public libraries in the Mid-Atlantic region in this fifth year of the contest. Launched in 2012 with the DC Public Library, “A Book That Shaped Me” expanded with the help of public libraries in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The local libraries offered the contest as part of their summer-reading programs.

Five finalists per state were chosen in an initial round of judging. The finalists each will receive a $50 gift-card prize.

Judging was conducted by members of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The AASL works to ensure all elementary- and secondary-school librarians participate as collaborative partners in the teaching and learning process.

The grand-prize judging round, which selected state and grand-prize winners from the pool of state finalists, was conducted by a panel assembled by the Library of Congress that included educators, children’s authors and Library of Congress staff. This year’s guest author judge was Jason Reynolds, recipient of the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent, who was a presenter at the 2016 National Book Festival.

Each state winner will receive another $50 gift-card prize. The first-, second-, and third-place grand-prize winners will be awarded additional gift-card prizes in the amounts of $200, $150 and $100 respectively.

Grand-prize winners read their essays during the “A Book That Shaped Me” awards presentation at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. The contest presentation took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 and was emceed by Eun Yang, NBC4 Washington television anchor.

Grand Prize & State Winners

1st Place Grand Prize & Delaware State Winner
Rachel Smookler, New Castle County Libraries – Brandywine Hundred Library, who wrote about Jack and Louisa: Act 1 by Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead.

2nd Place Grand Prize & Maryland State Winner
Julia Lucy Grumet, Montgomery County Public Libraries – Bethesda Library, who wrote about The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

3rd Place Grand Prize & Pennsylvania State Winner
Mikayla Phasupong, Citizen’s Library, who wrote about The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss.

Delaware Finalists
Molly Amerling, Frankford Public Library
Emily Carpenter, Dover Public Library
Lucy Goodwin, Hockessin Library, New Castle County Libraries
Lauren Woods, Hockessin Library, New Castle County Libraries

About:
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/workshops, community partnerships, and more.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.


Delaware School Libraries Council Releases Delaware School Libraries Master Plan

NS-MPschoolLib(Dover, DE) – The Delaware School Libraries Council is pleased to announce the release of the Delaware School Libraries Master Plan: Quality School Libraries = Higher Student Achievement which contains recommendations to develop quality state-of-the-art school libraries. The 18 month-long comprehensive planning effort was funded by the Delaware Department of State and supported by the Delaware Department of Education.

The Delaware School Libraries Master Plan summarizes the current status of school library services, addresses future trends, and informs solutions for development. It was conducted by the Institute for

Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware and Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants. IPA has an extensive project management and strategic planning background in the public sector. Himmel & Wilson specializes in evaluation and planning services for libraries.

“Delaware’s school libraries, along with our public library system, are tremendous assets that foster a love of learning and drive academic and career opportunities,” Governor Markell said. “I appreciate the School Libraries Council for undertaking this comprehensive study, which demonstrated the impact school libraries can have in improving student achievement, and I welcome the ongoing discussion about ways to more fully support them in the years ahead.”

“Congratulations for these efforts to connect the public and school libraries. This connection will improve access to resources and enhance the lives of students and their families” said Representative Valerie Longhurst, who is leading a pilot to integrate school libraries into the Delaware Library Catalog.

“Delaware has made a great investment in upgrading the services offered to residents in our 33 public libraries across the state,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “The Delaware School Libraries Master Plan provides recommendations to ensure students will have the resources they need to be successful within their schools.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our school librarians, teachers, administrators, students and families to help us coordinate important services and resources across our state and between our public school and library systems,” said Secretary of Education Steve Godowsky.

This school library planning process builds upon the strategic Statewide Master Plan for Delaware Public Libraries which resulted in significant improvements in public library buildings and sharing of library collections statewide through the Delaware Library Catalog. “A statewide strategic approach to all library services will support Delawareans in achieving potential in their education, career, and throughout life,” according to Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian and Chair of the Delaware School Libraries Council.

The consultants reviewed background documents and national library research, and obtained input from school librarians, educators, district administrators, students, parents, legislators, and the public through surveys, site visits, interviews, and focus groups. The final plan submitted to the Delaware School Libraries

Council provides recommendations for an integrated framework for school libraries across 4 categories, including: Staffing, Content & Access, Governance & Infrastructure, and Assessment & Accountability.

The Executive Summary and full report are available at: http://www.ipa.udel.edu/publications/delaware-school-libraries-master-plan2016.pdf

School administrators and community leaders are encouraged to submit a request to the Council for a local presentation on the recommendations by contacting Dr. Annie Norman, Chair, at annie.norman@delaware.gov.

About:

The Delaware School Libraries Council was enacted by Governor Markell in 2011 through Executive Order 30 “to improve and extend school library services that are essential to educational success.”
Delaware School Libraries Council members:
The Honorable David Bentz, State Representative
Erin Daix, UDLib/SEARCH
Jennifer Delgado, Senate appointee
Michael Hojnicki, Department of Technology and Information
Kathy Kelly, Department of Education
John P. Monahan
Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian, Chair
James Rau
Suzanne Smith, AI DuPont High School
Janine Sorbello

The Delaware Division of Libraries is a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries.


Unleash Your Potential with Delaware Libraries!

UIG-Journal2-smMany of us track our steps, our weight, and our sleep – How many of us also track our learning? Throughout history, innovators have written notes and drawn sketches to track and build upon their ideas and experiments. Delaware libraries want to help adults and children unleash their genius by making it easy to track your learning, too!

Tools for tracking learning come in all formats, from paper journals to online tools. Routine tracking will help you to discover the patterns in what interests you, to build your talents, and to develop your uniqueness.

  • Unleash Your Genius on paper with the Delaware Libraries Learning Journal! Print a 5×7 or 8 ½ x 11 journal and start writing. Need ideas? Try tracking:
    • Your reading (titles, authors, genres & more)
    • Your experiences (programs, activities & more)
    • Your questions (& answers)
    • Your insights & ideas
  • Track online with Beanstack! Our  Summer Library Learning tracker is back for Fall! Keep track of the books you’ve read and programs/workshops you’ve attended, and collect badges along the way.
  • Find more tips, tools, and techniques to track your learning at Delaware Libraries Unleash Inner Genius
  • Tell us what you think! Share your discoveries with us at feedback@lib.de.us, on Twitter, or on Facebook

Whatever your interest, whatever your talent, the library supports it. Explore a variety of subjects, to make connections and discover new interests. Then, chart your next path to discovery and innovation!

If you need assistance, your Delaware librarians can help! “Librarians are fascinated by, what fascinates YOU” said State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman. “And they are standing by to help you explore your curiosity and achieve your versions of the Delaware Dream.”

About:
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/workshops, community partnerships, and more.


Libraries a Home for STEM in Delaware

Thanks Delaware STEM for featuring an Op-Ed by State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “Delaware Libraries juggle, proudly, to support all possible learning opportunities for our communities. Libraries have evolved over the past 115 years, and in turn, we support Delawareans in learning – and renewal – throughout life.”


State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman, Featured in WilmU Magazine

Wilmington University recently featured State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman, in the summer issue of WilmU Magazine.

The Introvert Steps Out