Charlene Wagner, Children's Librarian

35 Years, 3 Generations of Families, Some Amazingly Wonderful Patrons.

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Where did the years go?

As I begin my retirement, there are certain things of which I am sure.
I will deeply miss:
  • The wonderful Gardiner Library staff.  Our collaboration, laughter, problem solving, and friendship goes far beyond most working environments. Together we have made GPL one of the premier libraries in the state. You are the Best!
  • Selecting books for the children’s collection.
  • School visits with dedicated teachers.
  • Meetings & conferences with colleagues.
  • And finally, all the energetic, super terrific children whom I’ve had the privilege to watch grow up and become readers.
 Thank you all!
And a special appreciation to the many thoughtful people who’ve taken the time to phone, stop by, write wonderful messages on Facebook, and indulge me with flowers & gifts.  I am so honored!
Charlene Wagner, Children’s Librarian

Memorial Book Funds

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One of Gardiner Public Library’s long standing memorial funds is the Avis Glidden Ames Fund.

Avis Ames was a teacher, bookkeeper and city auditor.  She was a member of the DAR and a philanthropist. Upon her death in 1952 she left monies to aid “needy & poor” children in Farmingdale as well as to the local DAR chapter.  The bulk of her estate was left to the library to purchase works of a patriotic nature.  The interest from this fund has enabled us to purchase many books over the ensuing years.
A few recent titles include:
Where is Mount Rushmore? by True Kelley
Presidential Misadventures: Poems That Poke fun of the Man in Charge by Bob Raczka
Earmuffs for Everyone: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs by Meghan McCarthy
This Strange Wilderness: the Life and Art of J.J. Audubon by Nancy Plain
The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters
Audacity by Melanie Crowder

 

A bookplate in the front of each book honors this generous gift.

21 Days Until Spring!

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After a Winter we’ll never forget – a few encouraging facts!

Gardiner Public Library statistics for February
4876 items checked out of the library
696 items were renewed
3885 people visited the library
16 programs were offered (book discussion groups, story hour, crafts, etc.)
133 people attended these programs
Charlene Wagner, Children’s Librarian

TWEENS, TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS

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The library moved their YA books from the stage of the children’s room to its current location on the main floor near the adult books several years ago.  Librarians have differing opinions for what constitutes a YA title.  Is it sexual content, language, drug use, or otherwise more mature topics.  Should YA be suggested for high school students or middle schoolers? Ultimately, of course, the reader must decide for themselves what they are comfortable being exposed to.  

Sometimes it is difficult for library staff to know where to shelve these books.  Do books about the horror of the Holocaust & slavery belong in the children’s room or in the YA section?  How about books about bulimia, anorexia, suicide, self mutilation, cyber bullying, alcoholism, drug abuse or war?  Where do these books belong?  Again, so much depends on the maturity & life experiences of the reader.
Too much labeling, YA or otherwise is counterproductive to getting the “right” books into a reader’s hands.  Few ten year olds are interested in a title specifying it’s for 5-7 year olds.  Similarly, some 12 year olds, which many library and bookstores consider to be YA, are not ready for more mature content.
There is always cross over between YA and children’s books, however our YA section is slanted toward high school aged students.
The Gardiner Public Library encourages children to use all areas of the library and does not limit any decisions.  This is clearly a child/parent choice.
Wherever a book is shelved, be confident that it has received a professional review from one of our sources & has been deemed worthy of being added to the collection. 

13 Reasons Why Books Make Wonderful Christmas Gifts

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1. Easy to wrap

2. Can often be enjoyed by several members of the household or circle of friends
3. Are fairly indestructible & don’t get eaten (like a box of holiday candy)
4. Have no expiration date (like some gift cards)
5. Can be enjoyed more than once, especially if it’s a great story
6. Look good on a bookshelf or coffee table
7. Can be used as a discussion topic at a party –“Have you read?”
8. Can provide new information, ideas, or hours of entertainment
9. Are quite portable on planes, trains & boats
10. No right or wrong size
11. Their purchase does not break the bank or overload your CC
12. You’ll (probably) remember who gave you that book for years to come
13. Are acceptable for “re-gifting” if you treat it carefully (remove dust jacket before you read it)
Charlene Wagner, Children’s Librarian

Giraffes In The Library!

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The children’s room of the Gardiner Public Library has recently received a large quantity of new LEGO building pieces through the largess of the LEGO Company & distributed by the Maine State Library Emergent/Family Literacy and Children’s Services Department.

 

 

We plan to sponsor a monthly club giving children (adults too) a theme or idea of something to create using the blocks.  Our first creations were “Giraffes”.  We have 7 delightful examples on display & hopefully more will be built during the month of November.
Come on into the library and make a giraffe to join the others.
And next month we’ll make an airplane!
Charlene Wagner, Children’s Librarian

Before we open . . .

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Tasks completed before the Library opens:

1. Empty book drops, both front & back
2. Turn on all computers
3. Check in books, movies, magazines, etc., for adult & children’s rooms
4. Replace newspapers from day before with current issues
5. Straighten all rooms
6. Print interlibrary loan (ILL) requests & pull books to be sent to other libraries (usually 30 to 40 items)
7. Retrieve messages left on answering machines & solve requests/and or problems
8. Sort mail
9. Update displays, water plants, feed & clean “Lizzie” (gecko)
10. Pack ILL requests in travel pouches
11. Print overdue notices & check shelves in case any items were inadvertently overlooked during original check in
12. Answer email requests
13. Record previous days foot traffic count
14. Attend 2 monthly meetings (one all city employees, one library staff)
15. Open doors & cheerfully greet our waiting patrons!
Charlene Wagner, Children’s Librarian

Teacher Alert!!

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Any full-time teacher or supporting staff in RSU # 11 and Litchfield schools may check out up to twenty-five books for classroom use for a four week period.

You may email (cwagner@gpl.lib.me.us) or call (582-6894) to have staff pre-select books to be ready for pick-up at your convenience.
A short contract form is available at the library for this service to teachers.
Class room visits may also be scheduled for any time except Tuesday mornings.  (Story-hour)
Teachers are encouraged to use this opportunity to supplement their school libraries for Common Core requirements.
We welcome your suggestions to foster cooperation and a good working relationship with area schools.

Political Humor in the Children’s Room

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Books about U.S. Presidents & First Ladies that are sure to enlighten & entertain!

 
 
 
 
Charlene Wagner, Children’s Librarian

From the Children’s Room

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Several months ago the Children’s Room started a
1stSaturday of each month story hour.
Time 10 AM to 10:30AM
New books are introduced with an old favorite added in now & then.
Come join us June 2nd for our next Saturday story hour.
The American Library Conference has been held in New Orleans several times in the past so when I read a review for a book about Jean Lafitte, the hero of New Orleans I was curious.
Jean was raised by his Jewish grandmother after his mother died and from her he learned how their family suffered for practicing their faith at the hands of the Spanish government.
He vowed to become a pirate and capture all vessels flying the flag of Spain.  Although a biography for younger children,  Jean Lafitte: the Pirate Who Saved America by Susan G. Rubin, packs a great deal of history in its 47 pages.  I learned fascinating facts about the War of 1812 and the pirates who saved New Orleans.  Hopefully ALA will be held there again!
Book jacket illustration was found a Google images.