What a Phenomenal Weekend!!!!!

What a blast I had this past weekend at the CSLA Southern Region Workshop. I enjoyed all of the sessions that I attended, and of course I enjoyed having the opportunity to present. If you don't know what CSLA is then you need to visit the website and join today. There is a plethora of benefits to being a part of this great organization, that not only supports students and learning but LITERACY! Check out the CSLA website today!

Library 2.0 Tutorials

So you might be asking yourself..... what are these 2.0 tools everyone is talking about? Or maybe you you've never even heard of 2.0 tools. Well I'll give you a very simple definition of Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is about revolutionary new ways of creating, collaborating, editing and sharing user-generated content online. It's also about ease of use. There's no need to download, and teachers and students can master many of these tools in minutes. Technology has never been easier or more accessible to all. So with that said I'd like to share a link that has dynamic "free" tutorial that you can do or even have your students do. 

Library Web 2.0 Tutorials

The Library Queen and the Profound, Phenomenal Cornel West

What an amazing opportunity to meet the wonderful and humble Cornel West!

#cornelwest #libraryqueene #greatminds #socialimpact #makeadifference

Pick of the Week

A Newberry Honor Graphic Novel. A great book filled with friendship, perseverance, and of course..... Girl-Power!! Definitely a book that hooks its reader. 

Book Fair Antics

Someone is having too much fun at the Book Fair! 

Success!!

2nd day underway with the Spring Book Fair! 

Gear up for Summer Reading

Well the end of the year is upon us... What are your plans to promote and support Summer Reading?? Book Fairs are always a way to not only showcase the School Library but if planned at the right time you have the opportunity to make sure your students have new books for the Summertime. It's a Groovy Book Fair this week...... and everything is Grooooovy!!!  #peaceloveandbooks 

Friday Antics!

I so enjoyed my time today. What a treat to be able to come out and collaborate and connect with the public libraries of San Bernardino County for their Professional Growth Day!

Love it when I meet Authors!

Having too much fun here in San Diego. Lucky Gal..... I met Pam Munoz Ryan and Virginia Loh. How FABULOUS!! 

@Pam Munoz Ryan and +Virginia Loh-Hagan #libraryqueene #sandiego #schoollibraries #justread

Professional Growth Day in San Diego

The Library Queen is on the move here in San Diego for a Professional Growth Day..... Super Stoked!!!

#professionalgrowth #sandiego #schoollibraries 

Pick of the Week

My P.O.T.W. (Pick of the Week) is not only an extraordinary book that won a Newberry Honor but I'm super stoked that next Thursday I will have the opportunity to meet the innovative and courageous author behind the novel. 592 pages full of craft and passion. ECHO by: Pam Munoz Ryan

#ECHO #POTW @Pam Munoz Ryan

Are you a "Connected Collaborator"

Who do you connect and collaborate with to ensure your students/patrons receive quality library services. Do you collaborate with teachers to support classroom instruction? Do you connect with the public library in the community you work to support literacy events? Do you collaborate with your administrator to share the vision of the school library program? Become a "connected collaborator!"

Media Library Educators Network

MLEN is underway and we are excited to get busy collaborating!

Para Symposium Coming up Tomorrow

Well it's that time again the 2nd Wednesday of the month is upon us so you know what that means.... The Para Symposium will be this Wednesday beginning at 5:15 p.m. (PST) The topic this week will be Bridging the Gap ~ Connected Collaborators. The focus will be how the School Library and Public Library can collaborate and build student success. You are able to access this webinar through Google Hangouts on Air or on the YouTube Channel #parasymposium #libraryqueene 

What a Blast!!!

If you did not have an opportunity to make it out to the LA Times Festival of Books this past weekend then you truly missed out. I had an amazing time (as usual) volunteering and enjoying all the wonderful things that the Festival had to offer. And of course you know I'm so USC so that just sweetens the pot! Well there is always next year if you couldn't make it this year.

 #USC #BookFest #FestivalofBooks #ReadingisFundamental #LibraryQueenE

School Library Month

We are one full week into April and guess what..... April is School Library Month! So what fun, exciting, or engaging activities or celebrations do you have planned for your students for this month? Please share! We should always be advocating for our school libraries but April is an opportunity to showcase your school library program. Have fun! and Be innovative!

Festival of Books 2016

Who is SUPER EXCITED!!!! This gal is! This weekend will be the Festival of Books at the USC Campus April 9 - April 10. And the cost is best of all....... FREE!!!! You can't beat that. I'm excited for this weekend and I'll be volunteering again this year... What a treat!! #festivalofbooks #USC #libraryqueene

Saltwater Taffy

I love the opportunity to meet and also take selfies with authors. Thanks +Eric Delabarre for this opportunity. check out his book entitled Saltwater Taffy.

Dr. Seuss Bookends ROCK!!!!

What a privilege to have thoughtful friends who see something that is totally you and they just have to get it!! I'm so in love with my new bookends! Who's a Lucky Lady...... This girl is!! #drseuss #libraryqueene #lifeofabookworm

End of the Year Procedures

Well the end of the school year is upon us. So here is just a sample end of the year checklist that might help you to make sure you have everything in order before you close the school library doors and head off for summer vacation. Sample End-of-the-Year Checklist for School Librarians

Para Symposium ~ Diversity in your School Library

In case you missed the Para Symposium from earlier this month. Here it is! If you'd like any of the lesson plans that I talked about or a copy of the "monthly" celebrations then feel free to send me an email libraryqueenel@gmail.com

CUE Wrap-Up!

What a great time I had at the CUE Conference this year in Palm Springs. A lot of "FRESH" ideas I'm looking forward to implementing and trying. 

Getting "Cued" Up!

First day of the CUE Conference in sunny, sunny, hot Palm Springs! 

#CUE16 #PalmSprings #techsavvy #libraryqueene

Palm Springs Here I Come!

Super stoked to be attending the CUE Conference this week Thursday-Saturday in Palm Springs. I love Education and I love Technology and this is where the two meet..... At the CUE Conference. #CUE2016  #CUE #techiegirl

Professional Development never Hurts!

Enjoying and embracing my opportunity to develop professionally with Jonathan Hunt @SDCOE. Support classroom instruction in the school library with Common Core.

Para Symposium this Wednesday

Well it's the second Wednesday of the month this week, so you know what that means..... The Para Symposium will be taking place at 5:15 p.m. (PST). The topic for this month's webinar is: Diversity in the School Library. You can always check it out through the Google Hangouts on Air or through the YouTube Channel. 

Final Day of Read Across America Week

We have reached the end of our week long celebration of Dr. Seuss and Read Across America. Today all the students and staff are "Going Green." I'm sure you can conclude that my featured book for today is The Lorax. This has been a fun and fabulous week!

Day 4 Read Across America Week

So excited for what I have in store for the kiddos today as we celebrate our fourth day of Read Across America. My featured story for today is the latest Dr. Seuss book What Pet Should I Get. Today the students are allowed to dress up as their favorite animal.

Day 3 Read Across America

I'm unmasking my inner "Superhero" today during our 3rd day of celebrating the beloved Dr. Seuss for Read Across America Week. My featured book for today is Fox in Socks. So it would only be fitting to wear "crazy socks!"

Day 2 Read Across America

What fun is in store for my students as we celebrate day 2 of our Read Across America Week. Students will be creating abstract art and art without using any writing instruments. Only scissors, paper, and glue. So excited! My featured book for today is The Cat in the Hat and it is Red, White, and Blue day! 

Day 1 Read Across America

It is Day 1 of our Read Across America week here at my school site. The featured book I will be sharing is Green Eggs and Ham. It is also Pajama Day!! Yeaaaaa for jammies on Monday! Lots of fun activities planned for today!

What an Incredible Weekend

I so enjoyed myself this weekend at the 20th Charlotte Huck Children's Festival in Redlands, CA. What a joy to hear from and meet some dynamic writers, illustrators, and editors of children's literature. 

Pick of the Week

Soooooooooooooo...... EXCITED that I have been able to get a copy of Yaks Yak: Animal Word Pairs by: Linda Sue Park illustrated by: Jennifer Black Reinhardt. Fabulous book and my Pick of the Week set to be released Tuesday, March 8th. Great for Teachers and Librarians to share with their students.

Children's Huck Festival

What an exciting two days ahead. Enjoying my time at the 20th Children's Huck Festival at the University of Redlands. Looking forward to all the ideas and resources to take back and share with my teachers and students.

Read Across America

 Guess who's birthday is coming up...... Dr. Seuss! Happy birthday Dr. Seuss on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 everyone around the world will be celebrating one of the world's greatest authors of children's books. What will you be doing to celebrate Read Across America?

Read Across America Ideas

~ Dress up days during the week

~ Guest Readers

~ Drop everything and read

~ Dr. Seuss themed book posters

~ Have your students create book trailers for their favorite Dr. Seuss book

Integrating music into your Library Program

If you work in the school library, then at some point you introduce your students to the different genres of literature. Well here is a fun picture book to share with your students and introduce them to the different genres of music. Ruby sings the Blues by: Niki Daly is one your students will enjoy. Just like I share the genres of literature, I use this story to introduce and integrate genres of music... Who said the school library can't be FUN!!

What Freedoms do you enjoy?

My featured story this week for my upper grades is Henry's Freedom Box by: Ellen Devine and illustrated by: Kadir Nelson. Wrapping up Black History Month I'll be discussing with my students about "freedom" and what it means to be "free." They will have the opportunity to share what kind of freedoms they enjoy. 

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin

To Kill a Mockingbird

One of my favorite books. What an incredible author. http://abcnews.go.com/US/harper-lee-author-kill-mockingbird-dies-89/story?id=37053799

Pick of the Week

If you have not had the opportunity to read this book you definitely need too. What a phenomenal book to have on your school library shelf and even your home library. Brown Girl Dreaming by: Jacqueline Woodson will touch your heart with it's eloquent words infused as a poetic narrative. 

Connection Books

Check out this list of books that are popular for helping students make connections. Find books to share with your students that help them to make personal connections. Connections to literature can draw a reluctant reader into the school library.

Media Library Educator's Network

Find a way to connect with other library professionals to connect, collaborate, and share innovative ideas.

This week in the Learning Commons

In honor of President's Day and also Black History Month, this week I will be sharing with my students Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by: Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by: Kadir Nelson. Have your students think about how "words" can lead to change. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from The Library Queen. 

Pick of the Week

My Pick of the Week is: 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's book of Precepts by: RJ Palacio. If you enjoyed Wonder your sure to enjoy this book. A book full of wisdom, comfort, strength, and encouragement. Something guaranteed to lift your spirits 365 days of the year.

Great Para Symposium

In case you missed it, here is the Para Symposium from today. Remember the Para Symposium takes place every 2nd Wednesday of the month beginning at 5:15 p.m. (PST)

Para Symposium Today!

If your not busy at 5:15 p.m. today why not check out the Para Symposium? The Para Symposium can be viewed either through Google Hangouts on Air or on YouTube. You don't want to miss it! 

Para Symposium Tomorrow

Check out the Para Symposium tomorrow either through Google Hangouts on Air or Library Queen E YouTube Channel. Beginning at 5:15 p.m. (PST) #parasyposium

CSLA 2016 was a Blast!!!!

WOW!!!! And that is an understatement for the fantastic time that we had in San Diego @ the Bahia Hotel this past week. The CSLA annual conference was full of good food, great connections, and fabulous presenters and exhibitors. CSLA 2017 will be held in Sonoma so I'm looking forward to that! Catch up on what you missed at csla.net

Great fun in San Diego @ CSLA 2016

First Day of CSLA Conference 2016

Even though I've been here since yesterday I'm totally excited that today is the first day of the 2016 CSLA Conference here in San Diego, CA. Great workshops, Fabulous sessions, Dynamic speakers, and Newfound friendships/connections. #csla16 #4csla

Black History Month

How will you be celebrating Black History Month in your school library? Try sharing new and notable books about African Americans who are not ordinarily recognized.

• Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by: Ellen Levine
• Firebird by: Misty Copeland
• Little Melba and her Big Trombone by: Katheryn Russell-Brown
• Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by: Jabari Asim
• Salt in his Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by: Deloris and Roslyn M. Jordan
• When Marian Sang: A true recital of Marian Anderson by: Pam Munoz Ryan

Scholastic Pulls Distribution of Book

Check out this article featured in the New York Times, written after Scholastic decided to pull the book A Birthday Cake for George Washington.

Pick of the Week

My Pick of the Week is Last Stop on Market Street written by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Such a fabulous children's book that has won numerous awards. This is definitely one for your bookshelf.   

What a Blast!!!!

Family Literacy Night was an amazing night packed full of fun, food, digital tools, and books!! Check out all the fun we had. If you would like to host a family literacy night at your school site, please get in touch with me so I can share all the Do's and Dont's :-)! #showcaseyourlibrary

CSLA Conference for 2016 is Near

If you haven't done so already, but still would like to attend.... It's not too late. Even though online registration is closed, you can sign-up on site beginning Thursday, February 4th @ 7am.... Hope to see you there!!

Family Literacy Night

I'm bubbling over with anticipation as I will be hosting my first Family Literacy  Night at my new school site. The theme this year is "The Digital Shift/Digital Literacy" I know that tomorrow is going to be uber amazing! You know I'll be sharing photos tomorrow... Ta, Ta, for now! :-) 

The Coding Craze

Super excited to have the opportunity to present a coding workshop at a GATE conference today! Helping to create 21st century innovators and thinkers. #coding #code.org

Mini GATE Conference

Super excited to be teaching "coding" at the GATE conference today! #codingunplugged #GATE

Pick of the Week

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and her Family's fight for Desegregation

 by Duncan Tonatiuh 

is my pick of the week. A brilliant children's book that sheds light on equality in the public school system years before Brown vs. Board of Education. 

CSLA 2016 Conference

Last day to register for the CSLA 2016 conference in San Diego is January 21st! So what are you waiting for? This conference is going to be DYNAMIC and you don't want to miss out. Visit the CSLA website to register for the 2016 conference.  

The New School Library

Although this article was written a few years ago, I feel the information contained within is very relevant today. School libraries are evolving into the very heart of schools all around the world. The school library is so much more than just a place to check out books. "They are a place for personal growth and reinvention, a place for help in navigating the information age, a gathering place for civic and cultural engagement, and a trusted place for preserving culture.” ~ [Herrera, Luis][The New School Library: The Human Connection to Digital Resources and Academic Success]

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Celebrating Dr. King

Pick of the Week

Lost in NYC: A Subway Adventure written by: Nadja, Spiegelman illustrated by: Sergio, Garcia Sanchez. It is a graphic novel that is great for children of all ages... Check it out!

Para Symposium Today

Don't forget..... Make sure to log on either through YouTube or Google Hangouts on Air for the Para Symposium today beginning at 5:15 p.m. (PST) the topic for today will be: Coding and the School Library

Teachers pay Teachers

I've finally completed my profile and I'm up and running. Visit my Teachers pay Teachers website to get monthly library lesson plans and much more at a low price. Thank you for your support!

Teachers pay Teachers "Tales of a Library Queen" Page. Check it out!

CDE School Library Survey

It's that time again for those of us that work in California school libraries to complete the library survey, through the CDE (California Department of Education) website. This helps the people in Sacramento to get an accurate picture of the condition of school libraries across the entire state of California. If you work in a California school library, then don't forget to complete the survey. You have until April 30, 2016..... but why wait until the last minute, get it done today! Here is the link to the California School Library Survey. Remember the survey is password protected.

A Message from The Library Queen

A message from The Library Queen for the New Year

Happy New Year

A big thank you for all the love and support not only for Tales of a Library Queen but of books, school libraries, and education. Be innovative and creative in 2016!