NJSL Launches Drawing for Free Tickets to See Monster Jam and more! - Open to both public and school libraries The NJSL and the Meadowlands Sports Complex are sponsoring a series of contests offering 4 free tickets to IZOD Center Events. We have one drawing for Monster Jam (big trucks) that will end January 29 that we'd like you to share with your customers. All they have to do is go to http://njlibrarychampions.org and enter the name of a book they read to be entered for a free drawing for 4 tickets. More info and ...Continue Reading

We use Google Forms.  It is simple and easy to use and its free.  We are using it throughout our district.   Miriam Miriam Parkinson Librarian Google Certified Teacher Thomas Jefferson Middle School Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 *From:* Schear, Elyse [mailto:sch...@palsplus.org]*Sent:* Thu 1/21/2010 11:55 AM*To:* njy...@njstatelib.org*Subject:* [njyac] Online Surveys Hello,   I'm looking for feedback on online survey programs.   I've tested the free versions of Survey Monkey and Constant ...Continue Reading

Hi Elyse, I used Survey Monkey Pro to create 2 surveys evaluating library service for teens for a MLS research class. It worked perfectly, well worth 19.99 a month! Some of the best features was the ability to create charts and tables which could then be downloaded into Excel. It was easy to cancel the monthly charge too, a simple mouse click-no phone calls! ...Continue Reading

Hello,   I'm looking for feedback on online survey programs.   I've tested the free versions of Survey Monkey and Constant Contact. I like Constant Contact, but we're limited to purchasing from companies that accept purchase orders, and they don't. I understand that Survey Monkey is popular among librarians, and they do accept P.O.s, but the free version seems very limited in the number of questons and the amount of customization, like colors for text and background, importing images and chang ...Continue Reading

Please excuse any cross-postings. WIN A VISIT FROM KATHERINE PATERSON Would Your School or Library Like a Visit from Katherine Paterson, the New National Ambassador for Young People\x92s Literature? The newly named National Ambassador for Young People\x92s Literature for 2010-2011 is Katherine Paterson, author of such critically acclaimed and popular classics as \x93The Bridge to Terabithia,\x94 \x93Jacob Have I Loved,\x94 and \x93The Great Gilly Hopkins.\x94 Paterson\x92s theme for her ambassadorship is \x93Read for ...Continue Reading

When I was a new mother  (24 years ago) and working very very part time as a reference librarian (though my heart has always been in children’s services) I did a free-lance story time for preschoolers at a small library that had only one librarian  who felt she just couldn’t do story times in addition to her other duties. I would arrive at the library with books, props, crafts etc all in my huge canvas bags, set up, do the program and clean up in about an hour.  If I remember correctly, I was paid about ...Continue Reading

Was wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience using the Peppermint Puppeteers - a group out of Woodcliff Lake, NJ.  We are organizing our summer programs and are considering booking their "Fantasy Program".  Thanks!Adrienne BassoYouth Services LibrarianWestfield Memorial Library ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following information is a reminder of your current mailing list subscription: You are subscribed to [list_name] using exam...@exam ...Continue Reading

Hello ~   I will be bringing someone in to provide a half hour program for children under 2. This will be a monthly program to start but may become a weekly program. I am wondering if there is a customary fee for this type of service. The provider is a former teacher and not a professional entertainer.   I would appreciate any information or suggestions and thank you for your time in advance.   Hope you are all having a great day! Theresa McArthur Head of Children's Services West Milford Towns ...Continue Reading

Dianne – Here is Mary’s reply about her pricing - “I would charge a ballpark of $250 for a once-off activity program. And yes, the fee is flexible – If libraries are looking for a reduced rate for booking a few libraries together, a couple of programs etc, I’m happy to negotiate the price. I'm also agreeing to increase the number of kids in the program if there are parents/other adults there to help if that helps their budgets.  Of course some of how much I can reduce the price will be based on mi ...Continue Reading

What does she charge? ----- Original Message ----- *From:* Vasilik, Patricia *To:* njy...@njstatelib.org *Sent:* Wednesday, January 13, 2010 5:57 PM *Subject:* [njyac] Resonably priced yarn program for kids We have had a program at the Clifton Library several times now, done by a woman who teaches kids how to make simple objects from yarn.  She calls the program Yarn Good Fun, and she does a great job.  Kids have made tassels, yarn dolls and pompoms and lots of variations ...Continue Reading