On the Go with NW Kid Chaser - NW Kid Chaser

Little Free Library...

1/26/2014

This past fall, my youngest son and I discovered another
little free library in Salem.
Just east of the intersection of Belmont and Winter -
the joy of reading awaits you.

To the community librarian we say:
"Thank you for sharing your love of books!
We borrowed a few, added a few, and will return again soon."

More please...Thank you.

4/4/2013

The only thing I love more than libraries... are more libraries!

Thanks to DIY wonder-woman Jessica, Salem has another library. Her "Little Library" project is one part literacy-education, one part community-building, and three parts awesome-Do-It-Yourself. They say that you should "be the change you want to see in the world" - well, Jessica is a 'doer' who (without a doubt) is making Salem better. Read all about it here!

After hearing about this South Salem gem, my boys and I stopped by yesterday to "Take a Book - Leave a Book" on Summer Street. We left three paperbacks in exchange for three new treasures. My boys immediately devoured the texts, so it looks like we may revisit Summer Street soon.

What are you reading these days?
Perhaps you might want to stop by Salem's newest library:
It's little in size, but HUGE in heart!

Library Events We Love...

1/4/2012

Have I mentioned how much I love my local library?

While these events have passed, I’m posting them here
so that you can keep an eye out (and join in the fun)
next time they roll around. Our library usually hosts these events twice a year and are favorite for my boys.

Take reading, math and a bit of Auction Kings and you have:
A Book Auction!

Participants donate one book in return for $100 of auction money. After reviewing the offerings, the librarian begins auctioning off each book to interested buyers. Bids are made in $10 increments and you can buy, buy, buy until your money is gone.

During this past auction, several chapter books went for as low as $10. Other books sparked a bidding war with bids climbing as high as $70.

I like to watch the money management strategies taken by the young participants. Some wait and wait until the perfect book comes up for auction and then blow the whole wad.

Others bid on books no one else is interested in so as to get the maximum amount of books possible. Each of my boys came home with four new books and smiles.

Everyone knows the classic Bingo – but the library version has (of course) an early literacy twist:
Book Bingo!

This non-competitive game of bingo features bingo cards with words rather than numbers. Participants have to read the words on the card to play the game.

My first grader was a bit nervous at first, unsure of some of the holiday words featured on his card. However, after just one game I saw his confidence and competence rise.

In the end, his voice rang out, “BINGO!” and he proudly chose a new book for his prize.

In Salem, the best way to get the latest library information and schedule is to join the Salem Friends of the Library and receive a monthly newsletter at your home mailing address.

I try to remember to pick the newsletter up at the library – but I always forget. I have received the newsletter by email – but it’s too long to digitally peruse. Instead… for a steal-of-a-deal life membership I can do my part to support local literacy AND receive a monthly newsletter updating me on the latest and greatest services provided by the regional resource.

Teen Scene...

11/10/2011

In the 6th grade, I often walked after school from my middle school campus to the local public library. Spreading my books across the oak table in the magazine room, I often had a whole room to myself to study, read, and daydream. It was book-worm heaven - but incredibly square.

These days, afternoons at the library have reached a whole new level of cool. The Salem Public Library Teen Scene has converted to dusty old basement into a a groovy new space -- as appealing to teens as the Discovery Room is to toddlers.

Stacks of teen-friendly books, hundreds of graphic novels, a game station, a computer/video production lab, concerts, pizza parties, book talks, writing groups, and library staff ready & willing to provide a safe place for teens to gather: This great space offers something for book worms, musicians, writers, and teens with any and every interest.

As an educator, this thrills me. As a momma, I feel grateful that my community cares about our youth. Thanks Salem!

Ramona is not a pest...

9/9/2010

My family hit the movie theater this Labor Day weekend. We’ve never taken the boys to a movie before.
Truth be told - I’m a bit shy of mainstream media.
However, we decided to go for it with the recent release of “Ramona & Beezus”
I’m happy we did.

As we have read all of the Ramona series, we were delighted to see this movie stay true to the very heart of Beverly Cleary’s work. I saw several reviews that called the production “sappy and sweet.” I would agree. It was wonderfully sappy and down-right darling sweet. My kiddos laughed. My elbow-partner cried. Three families from our neighborhood converged for the event (adults in one row - kiddies in another) and ALL agreed this film deserved two thumbs-up. I was relieved that our first movie show did not disappoint. Thanks Ramona!

Ramona the Pest...

7/15/2010

Oh, how we love the Ramona Quimby series
by Beverly Cleary.

We can’t eat a hardboiled egg around our house without someone cracking it over their head. Ramona’s brutal honesty about the world through first-grade-eyes has completely captured our hearts. If there was any doubt, Stockard Channing’s reading of the books on audio certainly sealed the deal. These stories are classics for the elementary set.

In Ramona’s honor, my boys and I took a detour
during a recent trip to Portland to visit Klickitat Street.
Just a few blocks south is Grant Park, and there we
found all sorts of Quimby sized fun.

Grant Park is a gem located in a lovely neighborhood of
older homes. The park has a track, tennis courts,
a playground, and a water feature. This summer it is also
home to the Portland Playground Program
which offers organized games and crafts. We traveled
there on a Tuesday and found the park abuzz
with Mommies, and Daddies, and children.

Here’s just a few pics from our Beverly Cleary inspired outing. It’s a must see for local readers.

Double Dog Dare...

5/30/2010

I hope to inspire my sweet angels to read –
but I’m not afraid of bribery either.
Lucky me - it looks as if Borders has the same idea.

Recently this came across my email:
(Thank you Sarah and Money Saving Mom)

We are not in need of more books at our house,
but there’s something wonderful
about rewarding reading with more reading.
In any case, you never really can have too many books, right?
Here's the sign-up forms for your family.

We’re up to the dare, are you?

Peace be with you…

4/13/2010

A recent trip to the Salem Public Library included a backdoor exit for my family. It was a change of plan that made
my seven year-old feel on top of the world!

While most days we go in-and-out of the main library doors (toward the parking structure), we took advantage
of a recent sunny day to visit Peace Plaza.

To reach the park (which stands between the library and
Salem City Hall) folks need to exit from the library basement. My boys and I stopped first at the Queen of Tarts Bakery & Café to buy a super-sized peanut butter cookie.
A bit of climbing, running, and nibbling made for
a nice change of pace from our regular routine.

My boys said they’d like to go back again with their bikes.
I’m interested in another cookie.

A backstage pass...

3/31/2010

National Library Week is April 11th through 17th.
Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows that
I am a huge fan I am of the public library.
This valuable civic resource keeps my kids
and I swimming in books. Hooray!!

In honor of National Library Week,
the Salem Public Library staff is
offering Behind-the-Scenes tours.

The one-hour tours promise a look at how books
are handled from purchase to check-out, as well as information about library services, programs,
and the Central branch facility. Even for library
veterans as ourselves - I think the tours will be
interesting for me and my boys.

Scheduled tours will be held:
Thursday, April 15 at 10:30am
Friday, April 16 at 4pm
and, Saturday, April 17 at 2pm.

Space is limited, so call the Information/Reference Desk (503-588-6052) to pre-register.

Late breaking news…

3/3/2010

I just found out that the Marion County Department of Children and Families is looking for volunteers to help sort collected books for distribution through the Reading for All program. Work parties are scheduled for the evening of March 4th, the morning of March 6th and the afternoon of March 8th. This is a great service project that helps spread the loving of reading throughout the community.

If you can help contact:
Cathy Crocker
Community Liaison
Marion County Department of Children and Families
(503) 588-7975
ccrocker@co.marion.or.us