FYI,

A few recent items of interest:

1.     Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2015 CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards for Early Literacy! 

The CLEL Bell Awards were launched last year to recognize picture books that provide excellent support of early literacy development in young children. 

We are looking for high-quality picture books with a clear connection to reading, writing, singing, talking, or playing, published between November 16, 2013, and November 15, 2014. 

Anyone may nominate a title using this form: 
http://www.clel.org/content/bell-awards-nomination-form

Our full selection criteria are listed here: 
http://www.clel.org/content/bell-awards-selection-criteria 

Current nominated titles are here: 
http://www.clel.org/content/bell-awards-2015-nom-list

We will announce the 2015 Bell Awards on February 5, 2015, with one title in each of five categories, representing an early literacy practice: Read, Write, Sing, Talk, and Play.

Last year's winners are here: 
http://www.clel.org/content/bell-awards-2014-winners  

Research has shown that engaging children in these practices builds language skills and prepares children to become successful readers. 

We can't wait to see what books have caught your eye! 

For more information, visit the Bell Awards pages at http://www.clel.org/content/bell-awards or contact the Selection Committee at ...@gmail.com">clel...@gmail.com 

2.    There is a Kickstarter campaign to bring Reading Rainbow back via digital platforms and to provide free subscriptions for schools in need.  Here’s the campaign page:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/readingrainbow/bring-reading-rainbow-back-for-every-child-everywh

However, before you consider donating, see this article in the Washington Post about it

http://m.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2014/05/28/you-might-want-to-reconsider-that-donation-to-the-reading-rainbow-kickstarter/

3.    Best Buy is pleased to announce a request for grant proposals for funding from the Best Buy Children’s Foundation. The community grants program is intended for local and regional nonprofits and affiliates of national organizations.   Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to a qualifying nonprofit that provide teens with places and opportunities to develop 21^st century technology skills that will inspire future education and career choices. Applications will be accepted June 1-July 1 via http://www.bby.com/community-grants/

Forwarded by:

Sharon Rawlins, MLS

Youth Services Specialist for Lifelong Learning

NJ State Library

185 West State St.

P.O. Box 520

Trenton, NJ 08625-0520

...@njstatelib.org">sraw...@njstatelib.org

609-278-2640 ext. 116 - phone

609-278-2650 - fax