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Teen Tuesday and Do It Yourself Textbook Covers
            Here is a great craft idea for your teens celebrating Teen Read Week - October 12-18, from Michelle Yeager of the Cherry Hill Public Library, New Jersey.

            Michelle is the coordinator of children’s services for the Bridgeton Public Library, New Jersey, and each week the library features a different activity—video games, movies, or board games. Once a month they may have an artist, teacher, or performer do a workshop or performance. They’ve had everyone from a teen magician to a yoga instructor to a basket maker.

            For one of these activities, Michelle decided to have a program where they could make their own customized textbook covers—not the same old brown paper bags or book socks. “This turned out to be one of the easiest programs I’ve ever done. Although I made a sample, they hardly needed it. They immediately knew what to do.”

            Using a roll of white kraft paper, they made a basic book cover for each textbook. Then, with assorted art paper, sequins, old magazines, markers, crayons, and stickers, the teens turned these covers into their own unique book jackets. They had a blast going through old Shonen Jump and Game Pro magazines to find cool pictures, and ReadyMade Magazine (http://www.readymade.com/) was full of great graphics they could use. For the finishing touch, they used clear book jacket covers (‘borrowed’ from the cataloging department) to protect their masterpieces.

            During this activity they had eight teens make ten book covers, and they will definitely do this craft again. “It was easy, the teens had a great time, and their books looked terrific.”
(Terri Carpenter -- School Library Journal, 9/17/2008)

Don’t Forget to Vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
            We live in interesting times, so before voting on November 4, 2008, here are some non-partisan links to help clear up some questions you may have about the issues, facts, or candidate positions:

            If you have more basic questions about the whole voting process, here is a website -http://elections.state.wi.us/section.asp?linkid=270&locid=47 that includes the following information:  Voter and Poll Information, Voters' Frequently Asked Questions, Resources for Voters with Disabilities, Non-English Voter Information, Becoming a Poll Worker, Filing a Complaint, Confidential Listing for Protected Voters Information, and Who Are My Legislators? (Wisconsin State Legislature).

            Another program that you may have heard about and would want your children to participate in is Kids Voting USA® (KVUSA).  They are “working to secure the future of democracy by preparing young people to be educated, engaged voters.”
            This program is the combination of classroom instruction, family dialogue and an authentic voting experience that makes Kids Voting USA a powerful strategy for achieving long-term change in voting behavior and helps to develop strong skills and habits for living in a democracy.
            For more information about the Wisconsin affiliate, Kids Voting in Wisconsin, check out this website:  http://www.kidsvotingusa.org/page9624.cfm#northeast
(John F. Fossett, Kitsap Regional Library, Sep. 12, 2008 & Inese Christman, WVLS)

The Back Nine Stacks
                        Rick Bolton, the guy behind the miniature golf course library fundraiser, has taken his original idea and expanded on it to create a 501(c)(3) organization that can work with libraries across the country.

            Yes, they really will turn your library into an amazing miniature golf course for a day. They will work with public, school, and academic libraries that are seeking a fundraising event that will also draw new patrons to the library and provide for a fun community event.

            The Library Mini Golf nonprofit group found at http://www.libraryminigolf.org/ will create a miniature golf course for a library, 80% of which is a standard course. The individual holes are created in such a way that they can be set up and taken down quickly, and they can be folded down for easy storage. The course might include replicas of local buildings or other items of interest to the community. (For example, a hole with kitchen utensils as obstacles in the 641.5 stacks.)

            The library can then schedule an event and solicit local sponsors for each hole. On the big day, LMG will help the library set up the course around the stacks or wherever else you want it, and then people come in and play. He estimates a library can raise a minimum of $10,000 in just one day for this type of event.

                        The LMG is currently working with some midwestern libraries. In the meantime, interested libraries can contact Rick at http://www.libraryminigolf.org/contact.html  to learn more or discuss holding an event.
(The Shifted Librarian, September 15, 2008)

Wisconsin Library Heritage Center Features Wabeno Public Library

            Did you know that the Wabeno Public Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the oldest log cabin libraries in the state?  Lois Radloff, Director of the Wabeno Public Library, provided information that her library was built by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as their land office back in 1895.  According to the application for the designation on the National Register, it states that “the building was turned over to the village of Wabeno in 1923 to be used as their library.  Thanks to Lois for bringing this information to light.  Now the Wabeno Public Library is on the Wisconsin Library Heritage Trail at this address:  http://heritage.wisconsinlibraries.org/
(Larry Nix, September 19, 2008)

INFO TO GO

Free OverDrive Icons and Promotional Items
            OverDrive icons and logos are available for use on your library web sites at this address: www.overdrive.com/products/dlr/logos.
            Generic promotional materials in PDF format are available for downloading at www.overdrive.com/products/dlr/partnerservices-promotionalmaterials.asp.  Available materials include a bookmark, business card, flyer, poster, and brochure. OverDrive does not allow customizing of these materials.
(WPLC, September 23, 2008)

Hey...you...get offa' my cloud!
            Computing may be heading for the clouds. The latest buzz word in tech circles is "cloud computing".  In fact, you may already be doing some cloud computing without even knowing it. Do you use G-mail, Blogger, Facebook, or Google Aps? If so, you are cloud computing. In short, cloud computing is the use of software directly on the web, without anything other than a browser and operating system needed on your local machine. Ultimately, we could end up with computers in our homes that have nothing on them other than lots of RAM and communication software to connect to the web. In our library we used to call these machines "dumb terminals." Even your data would be stored remotely. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of cloud computing:

Advantages:
            1. Software is cheaper because there is no CD or DVD to produce. Users will subscribe to software on line and log-in for access.
            2. Pirating is reduced because there is no CD or DVD to be copied.
            3. Viruses disappear because there is limited software on the computer to become infected.
            4. The servers that house your data would be backed up by the storage site, so no need to worry about it.
            5. Users would have access to all their software anywhere in the world on a computer with Internet access, making for the ultimate in portability.
            6. Data and software would be stored on highly secured servers, making hacking for personal information much more difficult.
            7. Home computers would be cheaper and simpler because they would require less internal hardware to run software locally.

Disadvantages:
            1. No more sharing software between friends.
            2. If your internet connection is lost, you have absolutely no access to software or data.
            3. Users are at the mercy of the software companies to buy updates to software, since the companies would be able to shut off old versions and require upgrades.
            4. Users would be required to trust companies with their personal data, assuming it would not be sold, lost or given to investigators. This type of computing is not for the paranoid.
            5. Users would be completely subject to all the terms of service of the software companies. How many users follow all the fine print on the installation click-through? I know I don't.

It's yet to be seen if cloud computing will bring sunshine or storms.
(Stephen Bertrand, Kankakee Public Library – She Said/He Said Blog, September 2008)

Google’s New Browser – Chrome vs. Internet Explorer 8

                Google has introduced a new Web browser, called Chrome (link to download) http://www.google.com/chrome/index.html?hl=en&brand=CHMI&utm_source=en-0000et&utm_medium=et&utm_campaign=en

The move takes the Google-Microsoft rivalry to a whole new level. If Google succeeds, it will be a big deal, with major ramifications for the future of the Web.

            Chrome is a smart, innovative browser that, in many common scenarios, will make using the Web faster, easier and less frustrating. Chrome’s interface has some bold changes from the standard browser design. These new features enhance the Web experience, but they will require some adjustment on the part of users. For instance, Chrome does away with most menus and toolbar icons to give maximum screen space for the Web pages themselves. Also, Google has merged the address bar, where you type in Web addresses, with the search box, where you type in search terms. This unified feature is called the “Omnibox”.

            One striking difference in Chrome is how it handles tabs, which display a single Web page. In Chrome, each tab behaves as a separate browser. The bookmarks bar, Omnibox, menus and toolbar icons are located inside the tab, rather than atop the entire browser. The tabs appear at the top of the computer screen. Chrome also groups related tabs. If you open a new tab from a link in a page that’s already open, that new tab appears next to the originating page, rather than at the end of the row of tabs.

            Meanwhile, Microsoft hasn’t been sitting still. The second beta version of IE8 is the best edition of Internet Explorer in years. It is packed with new features of its own, some of which are similar to those in Chrome, and some of which, in my view, top Chrome’s features. 
(All Things Digital, Walter S. Mossberg, September 2, 2008)

How to Prepare Your Community for the Transition to Digital Television (DTV)
            A law passed by Congress in 2006 will dramatically impact the way your community views television, starting in 2009.

            Television will change dramatically on February 17, 2009, when all full power television stations across the country complete the federally mandated transition from analog to digital television (DTV) broadcasting.  And while consumers have much to gain – including more free channels and crystal-clear pictures and sound – more than 34 million households that watch television using antennas risk losing their reception unless they take the easy step to upgrade.  Many of these residents visit your library for information and resources.

            Your library has a unique platform to inform and educate consumers about the DTV transition.  To help you, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has developed multiple resources that explain the different facets of the transition and its impact on the residents you serve.

            Here is a link to the Librarian Toolkit at the American Libraries website:  http://staging.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/wo/woissues/techinttele/dtv/DTVToolkit/DTVToolkit.cfm

This toolkit includes the following information:

•           How to Prepare Your Community for DTV

• ·         DTV Q&A “Cheat Sheet”

• ·         DTV Consumer Awareness Brochures

• ·         Federal Government Assistance

• ·         DTV Speakers Bureau

• ·         DTV Road Show

• ·         Questions About Antennas

• ·         Recycling Analog TVs

             We hope that you find these resources useful in spreading the word among consumers, so that no viewer risks losing television reception when the switch occurs. If you have further questions or need additional resources, please visit http://DTVAnswers.com

Picture This Puzzle by Ann Mroczenski
Wisconsin Valley Library Service celebrated International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th.  Can you find the 6 differences between these two pictures of the webmasters desk?  (hint: You may want to print them out for easy viewing.)

	1	2	3	4	5
a
b
c
d
e

	1	2	3	4	5
a
b
c
d
e

Answers to the above Picture This Puzzle are below.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER

National Book Month, find more information at: http://www.nationalbook.org/nbm.html

            Oct 2               V-Cat Council Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Abbotsford Public Library

            Oct 2-3            Northwest Wisconsin Children’s Book Conference at the Telemark Resort and Conference Center, details can be found at: http://www.telemarkeducation.com/book_conference.html

                Oct 9               WVLS Workshop on What to Do When…?

            Oct 11             Northwoods Conference for Library Friends, Supporters, and Volunteers at the Rothschild Village Hall, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

            Oct 12-18        Teen Read Week 2008 - “Books with Bite”, details at: http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2008/index.cfm

            Oct 18             WVLS Executive Committee Meeting at the Marathon County Public Library, 9:30 a.m.

            Oct 19–25       National Friends of Libraries Week – for more information go to: http://www.folusa.org/sharing/national-friends-week.php

            Oct 20             Gifts of Hope with Chrissy Nelson – WVLS Special Needs Grant Sponsored Workshop – Rhinelander District Library, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

            Oct 31             Happy Halloween!

NOVEMBER

            November is:   American Diabetes Month, find more information at: https://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp           

            Nov 2               Daylight Savings Time Ends

            Nov 4               Election Day – Don’t forget to VOTE!

            Nov 4 – 7         Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, Madison Marriott West, Middleton, details at: http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/conferences/2008/index.htm

            Nov 11             Veteran’s Day

            Nov 13             WVLS Workshop on “Book Clubs, NoveList and Children’s Dreams”.

            Nov 15             WVLS Board of Trustees Meeting at the Marathon County Public Library, 9:30 a.m.  

            Nov 27             Thanksgiving Holiday

            Nov 28             WVLS Office closed

Picture This Puzzle Answers

A2:  The mirror is gone.
C1:  My webcam is back.
C5:  Someone gave me an apple.
D1:  A bowl of candy appeared.
D2:  Someone ate a kiss.
E5:  Buffy snuck into the picture again!

ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm

LAMPLIGHTER

is a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. 
300 N. First Street / Wausau, WI 54403
Contributions are welcome!

Back issues are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Newsletter/newsindex.htm 
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