Common Sense Media

I just became aware of Common Sense Media , a site dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, it provides trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume.

Here's what they believe in:

Our 10 Beliefs
We believe in media sanity, not censorship.
We believe that media has truly become "the other parent" in our kids' lives, powerfully affecting their mental, physical, and social development.
We believe in teaching our kids to be savvy, respectful and responsible media interpreters, creators, and communicators. We can’t cover their eyes but we can teach them to see.
We believe parents should have a choice and a voice about the media our kids consume and create. Every family is different but all need information.
We believe that the price for free and open media is a bit of extra homework for families. Parents need to know about the media their kids use and need to teach responsible, ethical behavior as well as manage overall media use.
We believe that through informed decision making, we can improve the media landscape one decision at a time.
We believe appropriate regulations about right time, right place, and right manner exist. They need to be upheld by our elected and appointed leaders.
We believe in age-appropriate media and that the media industry needs to act responsibly as it creates and markets content for each audience.
We believe ratings systems should be independent and transparent for all media.
We believe in diversity of programming and media ownership.

What do you think of the movie?

Thursday night on March 22 at midnight the Hunger Games movie will begin its presumably long local showing, so what do you think about it? Please tell us your thoughts on the movie compared to the book. For local showings and information, click here.

VOTE for Evergreen Young Adult Book Award now!

It's time to VOTE for the Evergreen Young Adult Book Award for 2012! If you have read at least two books from the ten nominees, you are eligible. Pick up a ballot from Mrs. Hightower or vote online at: http://tinyurl.com/Evergreen2012

You must vote by Thursday, March 15, so do it now!
Here are the ten nominees in case you have forgotten:

Swim the Fly by Don Calame
Maze Runner by James Dashner "The 2012 Winner!"
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
North of Beautiful by Justina Headley
We Were Here by Matt de la Pena
Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Malice by Chris Wooding

What are you reading?

My granddaughter Siobhan likes to "read" her books now and will spend a long time pondering the words and pictures. Her favorites are animal books. What are your favorites? A candy bar to the first ten students who repond back with their favorite kinds of books. Is anyone out there?

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Have you seen this award winning short video sure to tug on the heart of any book lover? My cousin sent me the link on Facebook this morning and I had to share it with you, I hope you enjoy it!
Feb. 27th update: Last night this film won an Oscar for Best Animated Short! I knew it was special from the first time I saw it. It's worth looking at again now.

More than books @ your library!

Did you know you can test for your food handlers card at the CHS library? You can even prep for the test by taking the Washington State food worker course. The link in on the library page and you can get your card by paying online after the test with a debit or credit card. Mrs. Swanson's Nutrition, Fitness and Foods class was in today and took the test - they have to pass the test before they can cook in her class, so they were all motivated to pass. Have a good time cooking!

Promote reading with teen video contest!

I recently received this press release from the Washington State Library:

OLYMPIA . . . Are you a teen who aspires to be the next Steven Spielberg or Spike Lee? Do you love to make fun, cool videos? Here is your chance to put that cinematic creativity to good use and help promote reading and libraries at the same time!

The “2012 Teen Video Challenge” is a national video competition now underway. Its goal is for more teens to get involved with reading and their public library's summer reading program. The contest ends March 9, 2012.

The Washington State Library is partnering with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to promote the video contest. To take part do the following:

1. Go to "Own the Night" Teen Video Challenge 2012.
2. Create a 30-90 second video that encourages teens to read and use libraries this summer. Include your interpretation of the 2012 CSLP teen slogan "Own the Night."
3. Explore the "Resource for video creation" page for additional ideas and information.
4. Entitle your video: "2012 TVC-WA-Unique Name." Please choose a unique name that does not include your real name (example: 2012 TVC-WA-J. Smith-Krpton123)
5. Upload your video to YouTube.com or Vimeo.com.
6. Fill out Model Release form and Entry form .
7. Mail completed forms by March 9, 2012 to:

2012 Teen Video Challenge
Washington State Library
6880 Capital Blvd S
PO Box 42460
Olympia, WA 98504

Winners will be announced by CSLP in spring 2012.