RESOURCE REVIEW
by Ann Hoey, Youth Services Consultant NH State Library

How do I find booktalks and book discussion questions? Where can I get a list of presenters who put on programs for children? What listservs are worth subscribing to? In answering these questions lately, I thought it might be helpful to share some resources I refer people to in case you have overlooked or perhaps forgotten about them.

BOOKTALKS

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/
Nancy Keane's Booktalks: Quick and Simple

This website features lots of booktalk suggestions by a school media specialist at a Concord, N.H. middle school. In addition, Nancy has written Booktalks and Beyond: Thematic Activities for Grades K-6 and Booktalking Across the Curriculum: the Middle Years, both available through NHU-PAC.

http://www.washburn.edu/mabee/crc/booktalks/index.html
Booktalks by Judy Druse

On this site, find booktalks for contemporary and older titles and learn some book- talking tips as well.

Novelist

All New Hampshire public and school libraries have access to this resource, which is part of the EBSCO database supplied by the State Library. One of its many features is the inclusion of booktalks on hundreds of children's and young adult titles. You can find these by hitting the Start button on the homepage and then finding the Booktalks link on the section called "Read About Popular Titles and Topics."

Book Discussion Questions
http://www.multcolib.org/talk/guides.html
Multnomah County Library - Book Discussion Guides

This online library site has one of the best collections of book discussion questions.

It also includes suggestions for activities and snacks for each title.

Novelist

In addition to booktalks, you can find book discussion guides to young adult titles. Just follow the directions for accessing the booktalks above and look for the Book Discussion Guides link.

Speaking of book discussion questions, I want to remind CHILIS members about the informal book discussion co-op. If you have at least 12 copies of a fairly recent children's title and you are willing to share them with another library on the van route, you can join the co-op. Just let me know (271-2865 or ahoey@library.state.nh.us) and I will add you to the list. Then, when you would like to borrow multiple copies of a title, you can call or e-mail me and I will give you the contact information for the books you would like for your book discussion.

http://www.state.nh.us/nhsl/ldss/presenters.pdf
Children's Presenters for New Hampshire libraries

You can find this .pdf document on the Library Development Services page of the State Library's website. It is a list of people who perform or present programs for children in New Hampshire public libraries and/or schools. The directory only includes people who live in New England. When you contact an artist, be sure to ask for references, preferably ones from other librarians/school officials. Also, you should get information about fees, mileage costs, and space/facility requirements in writing before you sign a contract. To reduce costs, try to set up a blockbooking arrangement. In some cases, you may want to partner with your school or public library; the artist may be able to do a daytime performance at the school and then an evening family performance at the public library.

http://www.schoolshows.com
SchoolShows.com

This site offers an online directory of school assembly programs. Searchable by topic, state and keyword, the directory lists over 800 performers.

CHILIS listserv.

If you are not on this list, you are going to miss important information about what's happening in New Hampshire children's library services. It's the primary way that CHILIS and I communicate with youth librarians. To subscribe, go to http://webster.state.nh.us/mailman/listinfo/chilis-l and follow the directions or e-mail me and ask me to subscribe you.

PUBYAC

This is a very active discussion list for youth librarians everywhere! Librarians discuss program ideas, policy issues, space planning, collection development - you name it. It's also a helpful resource when you have a stumper. You can sign up for the digest format to avoid receiving lots of individual messages. This is a great list for connecting to the larger library community. To get on the PUBYAC listserv, visit http://www.pallasinc.com/pubyac/.

Don't hesitate to call me at 271-2865 or e-mail ahoey@library.state.nh.us if you need help with any aspect of youth services. If I don't know the answer, I will try to put you in touch with someone who does.