Art of Ezra Jack Keats at Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) presents The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats, the first major United States exhibition to pay tribute to award-winning author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats (1916–1983), whose beloved children’s books include Whistle for Willie (1964), Peter’s Chair (1967), and The Snowy Day (1962). The exhibit runs from November 15, 2012 to February 24, 2013. The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco is located at 736 Mission Street. For hours, admission fees, and special programs, see http://www.thecjm.org/about/press/press-releases/246-the-snowy-day-and-the-art-of-ezra-jack-keats.
Nat’l Book Award for Youth Goes to Alexander
William Alexander’s fantasy Goblin Secrets (Margaret K. McElderry, 2012), received the National Book Award in the category for young people’s literature, announced on Nov. 14, 2012. Alexander quoted fellow fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin highlighting the importance of stories for shaping kids’ imaginations and making the world a larger place than the one they live in. “We have to remember that,” Alexander said. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Erdrich-wins-her-first-National-Book-Award-4039030.php#ixzz2CK2Ur2ho.
Submitted by Ruth Gordon
Contra Costa Library Receives National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has selected five libraries and five museums to receive the 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries for extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions. Recipients must demonstrate innovative approaches to public service and community outreach. California’s Contra Costa County Library was named one of the innovative library’s for 2012, for their Snap & Go program. The Contra Costa Library system is reshaping how residents access library services on the go. Snap & Go, a smart phone application using a Quick Response (QR) code, enables the Library’s card carrying commuters to carry the library with them. People can access e-books, the catalog and other features where and when they want them, not just when libraries are open. A new program, Discover & Go, offers library users and underserved populations 24/7 access to downloadable free passes to a wide range of cultural institutions, such as museums and galleries, throughout the Bay Area. For more information, check out: http://www.imls.gov/news/2012_medals_contra_costa_county_library.aspx .
Common Core Resources at CCBC
The CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center) in Wisconsin has a few lists on their website relating to the Common Core, and I suspect they’ll be adding to it. Check it out at http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/commoncore.asp .
Although they’re set up to be a resource for Wisconsin librarians and teachers, their webpages are terrific for librarians and teachers in any state. I sure wish California had something like it. Some of you already know about the CCBC through their listserv, but their website is a goldmine of great info. I highly recommend a trip through their site for professional development purposes. I regularly check it out myself.
Submitted by Linda Perkins
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