Posts tagged ALA

Read a Banned Book This Week

Sep26
2011 Brian Minter Written by Brian Minter

First Book Salutes Banned Books WeekThis week is Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating our freedom to read whatever we like. It’s not that we want to celebrate the banning of books, of course. What we celebrate is the power of books to convey ideas, even ideas that are shocking, controversial or unpopular.

Sponsored by the American Library Association and many others, Banned Books Week is an important way to shine a light on these books. Many of the books highlighted during Banned Books Week were only the target of attempted bans; a powerful reminder of the importance of staying vigilant about protecting our First Amendment right to read any books we like.

At First Book, we like to walk the walk, so we make a special effort to ensure that the schools and programs in our network have access to high-quality books – including many that have been banned, or the target of attempted bannings.

Check out these books (and more) on the First Book Marketplace, and make sure the kids you serve have the chance to read them all, and make up their own minds.

Posted in Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

First Book at the American Library Association Conference

Jun30
2010 Erica Perl Written by Erica Perl

One of the great things about working at First Book is how wonderfully supportive our many partners and friends are of the work we do.  We regularly hear from authors who say, “How can I support First Book’s efforts?”  So regularly, in fact, that we will be rolling out some exciting opportunities for authors and illustrators to get involved with First Book on a wide variety of levels.

In addition, we realized that because the American Library Association annual conference was being held in Washington, DC this year, we had a rare opportunity to reach out to many of our author friends to provide an opportunity to support us that did not involve any hassles, expenses or travel (unless you could crossing a street).  We created what we aptly named “The First Book Shameless Promotion Chamber” and we rolled out the red carpet.  To our delight, over twenty five of our favorite authors and illustrators came to participate in the project and gave it their all.  We were touched to hear a Newbery medal winner say, “I want to work with First Book!”  We were also honored when our literacy statistics moved more than one author to tears and consternation.  And we were rolling on the floor when two accomplished and well known authors turned on their considerable charm and humor simultaneously.

We’ll unveil the wonderful results of our video shoot soon, but here are a few candid shots to tide you over:

We are externally grateful to the talented and eloquent author and illustrators, as well as the kind and accommodating publicists who arranged their appearances.  It may have been shame-LESS, but we all had a wonder-FUL time promoting First Book.

Posted in Around the First Book Office, Authors & Illustrators, Books & Reading, First Book Events, General, Literacy - Tagged , , , , ,

Did You Grab Your Library Card: It’s National Library Week!

Apr16
2010 Written by Becky H.

We hope you’ve had a chance to grab your library card and head to your local library in celebration of the American Library Association’s National Library Week (April 11th – April 17th)!

National Library week celebrates the special way in which libraries provide resources to children and adults across the country. Back in 1950, researchers found that Americans were drifting away from reading and spending more time on other activities. To get Americans hooked on reading, the National Book Committee launched National Library Week in 1958 with the goal of keeping communities connected to their local libraries.

This year’s National Library Week theme, “Communities Thrive at Your Library,” highlights the importance of libraries in these tough economic times.  Today, more than ever, individuals are turning to their local libraries for everything from a relaxing novel to job-hunting tools, reminding  us that even in the age of Nooks and iBooks, libraries still provide access to tremendous resources, and more importantly, a place for communities to come together.

So hop in the car, get on the subway, or hit the sidewalk and head to your nearest library! Bookshelves full of fabulous books await you!

Posted in Books & Reading, General, Literacy - Tagged , ,

National Library Week 2009 – Worlds connect @ your library!

Apr13
2009 Written by ToniAnn C.

Today is the start of National Library Week 2009, kicking off a week of appreciation for our nation’s libraries and librarians. The Honorary Chair of National Library Week this year is Jamie Lee Curtis a well-known supporter of children’s literacy and friend of First Book.

This week is jam packed with national events celebrating reading and libraries, which began this past Saturday with a reading event featuring the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and the American Library Association’s executive director, Keith Michael. Tuesday is National Library Workers Day and on Wednesday check out the American Library Association’s web site for a list of “Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2008.”  Thursday wraps the week up with a celebration of teen literature.

Here are some fun ideas to help celebrate this week:

  • Visit your local library. There will definitely be fun activities going on this week and it is a great way to make new friends in person and in books.
  • Have a family reading day. Everyone can bring a book to the table after dinner and talk about the story.

Looking for more ideas? Check out this list of 100 Terrific Websites to Celebrate National Library Week!

Posted in Literacy Links and Articles - Tagged , ,

Proud to Be An American Reader

Jul01
2008 Written by Rachael Walker

Guest Blogger Rachael Walker is the Outreach Consultant for Reading Rockets, a national multimedia initiative which aims to inform and inspire parents, teachers, childcare providers, and others who touch the life of a child by providing comprehensive, accessible information on how to teach kids to read and help those who struggle. Rachael began her career in literacy outreach at Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), has also served as a consultant to the NEA’s Read Across America campaign, and was most recently the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Metro DC.

Every Fourth of July I think about Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, and his often quoted words, “I cannot live without books.” That our own democracy has grown and flourished owes much to Mr. Jefferson and his Declaration, but also to the rise of the printed word.

Independence Day is a great time to share books with children. Reading Rockets has a Celebrate America list of recommended reading for children ages 0-9. Use this list to throw together a book-nic to go along with your Fourth of July barbeque and read about real and legendary American heroes and heroines, revisit classic American songs, and follow the adventures of travelers across the United States while you wait for the fireworks.

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