Neil Gaiman Asks: Heard Any Good Books Lately? : NPR

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120769925

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School Library Monthly Blog » Get Your Lesson Plans Published!

http://blog.schoollibrarymedia.com/index.php/get-your-lesson-plans-published/

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Library Mice

I have mice in my library, and not the kind attached to the computers. I disposed of two dead ones just last week. I've been putting out sticky traps and have had the exterminators out many times, but the rodents keep on coming back.

It's always entertaining when one of the little critters runs across the room, setting students to screaming and carrying on. I use the mice as a good reason students shouldn't eat in the library, or crawl on the floor (some like to hide under the tables in the hopes that I won't notice and make them go to class).

Even if I ban all student food, we still have our staff meetings and parties in the library, and there is often food involved.

Any tips or ideas? It's a bit of a health hazard. . . .

Teacherlibrarian.org

Changes are coming to my blog! I bought a new domain name, teacherlibrarian.org, to more closely reflect my new position as a middle school librarian (okay, I switched from the public library more than two years ago, but I'm finally catching up). I still consider myself a teen librarian, but have lately been more focused on the teaching part of my job.

I'm not sure what to do with teenlibrarian.com, and whether I want to keep paying for it. If you want to take it over when it comes up for renewal, let me know.

I'm in the middle of the National Board Certification process right now. I finish in April -- and then just wait to hear whether I passed, with my fingers crossed -- so hopefully I will be able to do more blogging after that.

Teen Ink Magazine: 20th Anniversary

Teen Ink Magazine, which publishes writing by and for teens, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. See their press release below for more information.
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PRESS RELEASE:
TEEN INK MAGAZINE CELEBRATES 20th ANNIVERSARY
Reaches out to YA librarians with special offers

Teen Ink Magazine is celebrating its 20th anniversary of publishing the best writing by teens and for teens with a special promotion for librarian subscribers. As part of their 20th anniversary celebration, Teen Ink is offering a 2-for-1 subscription package to any new YA library subscribers. If you have not seen the print magazine, feel free to email for a FREE copy, or request one at http://teenink.com/Sample/. Or, call 1-800-393-1986 to speak with a Teen Ink representative.

Already love Teen Ink? Consider linking your teen page to www.TeenInk.com. A TeenInk.com link means that with just one click, young adults who visit your site can:

-Submit their own work for Teen Ink publication
-Read over 28,000 pages of other teen work
-Read and write for the Teen Ink blogs
-Get Advice on writing, college, photography and much more from teen authors-Check out hundreds of young adult book, movie and music reviews
-And so much more.

Linking is simple and all the instructions are provided online at http://www.teenink.com/About/link.php.

If you link to TeenInk.com on your website or YA page, Teen Ink will also put a link to your library at www.TeenInk.com/Resources/LibrariesR.php.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to call at 800-363-1986 or email editor@teenink.com.

Twilight Movie Mania

Yes, I admit I'm hooked on the Twilight vampire series. I'm signed up for a copy of the new novel, Breaking Dawn, due out Aug. 2. Will Bella become a vampire? Will she choose the mysterious Edward or the dependable Jacob?

But I'm a bit worried about the movie version: Greetings From Twilight- News Page

The actors are just too pretty for my liking, and they look about 25 -- or maybe it's all the makeup. Edward is supposed to be gorgeous, but I thought Bella was, well, sort of average.

Regardless, I know my students will be clamoring for copies. I had better stock up!

MediaShift . D.I.Y. Nation::Cheap Editing Tools a Boon for Media Makers | PBS

MediaShift . D.I.Y. Nation::Cheap Editing Tools a Boon for Media Makers PBS

Excellent article on tools you can use to edit video, photos, etc. online. I want to try the one that lets you make your own music videos!