10 Insider Secrets Librarians Only Tell Their Friends

Today's post is about 10 insider tips that librarians share with their friends. Not that we don't want to tell patrons about these options, but they're more useful when discussed at a time when it is appropriate to know.

These tips all work for the libraries in my region; I don't know if they work at every library. However, it might be worth your time to call and find out. If you know of other great tips, please share in the comments!

1. Yes, you probably DID return that book

We're checking in and out a million books a day, so your book could be missed due to human or machine error. It happens more often than you know, so we're all very nice about this. If it happens to you, just let us know. We always double check the shelf and return carts. If they are there, we'll clear it off your account. If not, it is probably lost in your car. ;-)

2. Never pay a fine!

Check to see if your library or surrounding libraries offer fine free days. In my area, we have fine free Wednesdays at one library and fine free Fridays at another. Depending on how many items are late, it might be worth the longer drive. Many libraries also offer Fine Amnesty weeks, usually around the holidays (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Library Appreciation Week, and around Summer Reading). In our area, you bring in can goods to clear the fines off your account any time during that week.

3. Order online, pick-up at any library

Everyone has time for the library! We are open nights and weekends, more hours than your pharmacy and banks. You can "order" (we call them requests) in the comfort of your home and have the materials delivered to any library of your choice. (Want to use the library near your work? Sure!) You'll get an email when they are ready and have seven days to come and pick them up. If you are taking care of small children and find it overwhelming to browse our shelves while keeping an eye on the kids, use this handy feature! Do your browsing at home, come for the programs and toys, and then visit the Circulation Desk to find your books waiting for you.

4.  Keep e-books for longer than 2 weeks

The worst part about our e-books is that, if they are popular, you have to go on the holds list. When it finally arrives, you might not have time to actually read it. One trick, though, is to download the book and turn off your wi-fi. It won't be deleted until you connect to the internet again, so it is yours until then! (No guilt, too! Since it is an ebook, the next person will still get their copy on time.) Granted, many people read on their phones and internet is a necessity, but it works great if you have another device that you can sacrifice the internet for a few days, or however long you need.

5. Get a museum* pass from any library near you

Your library's museum pass is checked out for the day you want it? Call your surrounding libraries and see what their policies are with museum passes. Some may allow anyone (not just residents) to put a hold on them. Others may allow you to check it out the day you want it, if it is still available. * Librarians also tell their friends that "Museum Passes" is the catchphrase for lots of fun places around the area, not just museums. Think aquariums, zoos, parks, farms, and more!

6. Donations may not be added to library's shelves

Many people assume their book donations are automatically added to the library's collection. Librarians look at a lot of factors when adding to the collection and for one reason or another (duplicates, condition, patron interest, etc.), they may decide to not add the book. For libraries with a very limited book budget, donations may be very vital to their operation. But if they have a healthy book budget, chances are, they already purchased a copy of most donations. If that is the case, many libraries automatically put donations into their annual book sale. You're still supporting the library since the library or Friends of the Library benefit from the profits, but if you want your children or teen books to get a lot of use, you might want to first offer them to schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, or daycare centers.

7. Every library has a different collection.

Every library is different. Some have special collections -- board games, Wi-Fi hotspots, seed exchanges, cake pans, etc. Some have special technologies you can use like 3D Printers, sewing machines, video equipment, and more. And some specialize in a specific genre or type, like graphic novels, video games or audio books, providing you with a larger selection to browse. So, get to know all of your libraries you are willing to drive to and see what they have to offer. If your library is on the same network, your current library card will work for check out. If not, they may allow you to make another card there, for free or a small fee.

8. Every library offers free programming, open to the public. (edit: most events are open to the public within 24 hours of the start time.)

You do not need to be a resident of that library to be able to attend a library's programs. So, when you are looking for something to do, check out their online calendars. Sure, every library may offer story time, but if your library offers it on the day you are working, your neighboring library may not! Adult programming can vary widely, and who doesn't like a free movie night?  If you are a caregiver, check out the Macaroni Kid website which pulls all regional kid programming into one calendar for you. Edit: Some libraries do reserve their programs for their residents, but many of them will allow outside patrons to attend if there are open seats within 24 hours of the program start time. Thanks, Peggy, for pointing this out! 

9. If you can't find it on Google, ask your Reference Librarian

These information professionals know how to find anything, especially answers to tough questions. If you want to know something and Google isn't giving you the answer (or, maybe, too many answers and you're now confused), come see a Reference Librarian. It doesn't matter if you are trying to find the name of a toy you played with in the 1950s, looking for scholarships, getting started on your genealogy, or trying to find the perfect cheesecake recipe -- they can get the answer for you. Personally, I think they are better than Google since you know whatever they come back with is *THE* answer you needed. Think of them as your personal information assistants.

10. Can't find what you want? Ask for it.

Libraries are now connected together and share their collections via interlibrary loans. Chances are very high that if your library doesn't have it, you can request it from another library. But if you can't find it anywhere, you may ask your library if they would be willing to purchase it. Many librarians are happy to do so because it is a guaranteed circulation. We like when our materials circulate and we like happy patrons!

Ready to Go Book Display: LGBT Pride Month

Welcome to our series, "Ready to Go!" Book Display. Once a month, we'll highlight the latest or greatest for every age group (Adults, Teens and Children) that you can promote within your library or order for your collection.

Recommendations for Adults:

And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality: A Memoir by Mark Segal (Oct 2015)

A dramatic and inspirational memoir from one of the world's top leaders of the movement for gay and lesbian equality.

Hide by Matthew Griffin (Feb 2016)

The love story of Wendell Wilson, a taxidermist and Frank Clifton, a World War II veteran, who have kept their relationship secret. Now in old age, Frank suffers a mild stroke and together they must navigate their fears, new and old.

Mislaid by Nell Zink (May 2015)

Running off with her 3-year-old daughter Karen, leaving her 9-year-old son behind, Peggy goes underground, and as time passes, Karen, not knowing that she has any other family, attends the University of Virginia where she meets her long-lost sibling.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (Sept 2002)

Calliope's friendship with a classmate and her sense of identity are compromised by the adolescent discovery that she is a hermaphrodite, a situation with roots in her grandparents' desperate struggle for survival in the 1920s.



Recommendations for Teens:

Luna by Julie Anne Peters (Feb 2004)

Fifteen-year-old Regan's life, which has always revolved around keeping her older brother Liam's transsexuality a secret, changes when Liam decides to start the process of "transitioning" by first telling his family and friends that he is a girl who was born in a boy's body.

This Book is Gay by James Dawson (Jun 2015)

A British author of teen fiction offers basic information about the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender experience, including terms, religious issues, coming out, and sex acts, for people of all orientations, including the merely curious.

Stonewall: Breaking Out in the Fight for Gay Rights by Ann Bausum (May 2015)

A dramatic retelling of the Stonewall riots of 1969, introducing teen readers to the decades-long struggle for gay rights.

Bleeding Earth by Kaitlin Ward (Feb 2016)

In this Stephen King-meets-Kafka-esque debut, author Kaitlin Ward shows the core of human nature with this blood-filled psychological horror novel.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Apr 2015)

Sixteen-year-old, not-so-openly-gay Simon Spier is blackmailed into playing wingman for his classmate or else his sexual identity - and that of his pen pal - will be revealed.

Draw the Line by Laurent Linn (May 2016)

A teen boy survives a hate crime against another gay student through his art.

Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash (Sept 2015)

In this graphic novel, a 15-year-old girl endures wrenching public and private challenges when she unexpectedly falls in love with a female counselor at her Appalachian summer camp.

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo (May 2016)

Amanda Hardy only wants to fit in at her new school, but she is keeping a big secret, so when she falls for Grant, guarded Amanda finds herself yearning to share with him everything about herself, including her previous life as Andrew.

The Gender Quest Workbook by Rylan Testa (Dec 2015)

This one-of-a-kind, comprehensive workbook will help you navigate your gender identity and expression at home, in school, and with peers.

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin (Feb 2014)

Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults and used her considerable skills to represent them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during, and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference.

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings (Jun 2016)

A new book by one of the youngest and most prominent voices in the national discussion about gender identity.

Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz (Mar 2015)

Auditioning for a New York City performing arts high school could help Etta escape from her Nebraska all-girl school, where she is not gay enough for her former friends, not sick enough for her eating disorders group, and not thin enough for ballet, but it may also mean real friendships.

Recommendations for Children:

Gay & Lesbian History for Kids by Jerome Pohlen (Oct 2015)

Offers a look at the history of the LGBT rights through personal stories and firsthand accounts, and chronicles events, organizations, and influential leaders of the movement.

This Day in June by Gayle Pitman (May 2014)

A picture book illustrating a Pride parade. The endmatter serves as a primer on LGBT history and culture and explains the references made in the story.

George by Alex Gino (Aug 2015)

Knowing herself to be a girl despite her outwardly male appearance, George is denied a female role in the class play before teaming up with a friend to reveal her true self.

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings (Sept 2014)

Presents the story of a transgender child who traces her early awareness that she is a girl in spite of male anatomy and the acceptance she finds through a wise doctor who explains her natural transgender issues.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell (Jun 2015 - 10th Anniversary Edition)

At New York City's Central Park Zoom, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches. Based on a true story.

Jacob's New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman (Mar 2014)

Jacob, who likes to wear dresses at home, convinces his parents to let him wear a dress to school too.

Better Nate Than Ever by Time Federle (Feb 2013)

An eighth-grader who dreams of performing in a Broadway musical concocts a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of "E.T."

How to Create a Floating Book Collection

When I was working on my Masters in Library Science, I had the opportunity to intern at a public library and volunteer at a local high school media center. It was through this combination that we realized there was a need for pleasure reading at the high school, but no budget to fulfill it. Since the public library had a lot of fiction books, there was a great opportunity for a collaboration.

YAY, Collaboration!

Getting both libraries together, we developed an idea of having a floating fiction collection where the public library would lend books to be housed at the school for a few months. Utilizing Google Forms, we came up with a simple process that worked for everyone, allowing us to keep track of books and who had checked them out. It worked really well!

Since then, I've created many floating book collections and learned much. Here's how we did it:

Why a Floating Collection?

1. School libraries could have a minimal fiction budget. When I visited all the schools at my previous job, I learned that some libraries had a great budget, but others had a small budget (if any at all) and were only allowed to buy books that supported the curriculum.

2. Schools may also have a slow processing time. Another school I collaborated with said it took four months for their book order to be approved by the administration. So, even if they can buy their own books, they may not be able to put it in the hands of teens.

3. Public libraries do have a budget, especially for fiction, but their limited open hours may conflict with teen schedules and the location of the library may make it unattainable for teens to visit if they don't have transportation.

Benefits

1. During my internship, we watched student readers grow from three teens to over 20!
2. Teens became excited over new books!
3. School Librarians could count on their arrival and saved much time with not having to process them themselves.
4. The YA Librarian had a chance to highlight forgotten but great reads.
5. Circulations increased - both for the school library and the public library.
6. This program is easy to implement!

What You Need

1. Internet access
2. Google account
3. Library card for your school
4. Books you're willing to part with long term

How It Works

1. We created a Google Form that looked like the image below. The form worked for checkouts, the spreadsheet (second image) was great for seeing who had which book.
2. The YA Librarian selected 20-30 books and checked them out on the School Library's library card. They updated the list on the Google Form.
3. The YA Librarian dropped off the books to the school.
4. The School Media Specialist displayed the books prominently in the library.
5. When teens checked them out or returned them, the School Media Specialist used the Google Form.
6. Two months later, the YA Librarian came with new books and took the available books back, checking them in and clearing them from the school's library card.
7. The School Media Specialist was responsible with following up on students to make sure books are returned; however, if any weren't back by summer vacation, the books were marked "Lost" and the public library bought a new copy.

The Check In/Out Form

Spreadsheet, available to only the librarians

Want to Create Your Own?

Don't reinvent the wheel! We created a template for you:

1. Make a copy of our Google Form and update it.

2. Make a generic "Floating Collection" library card and then check your books out on it.
3. Type the title of these books on the Google Form for checkout. (We did them alphabetically by title.)
4. Save the live form URL on your laptop or email it to the person checking the books out.
5. Go to the new location and start checking in/out books on this form to your patrons!

Tips

1. If you select books that are part of the series, keep in mind they won't return to your shelves while they are at the school. (Missing first books in series might discourage new readers.)
2. I didn't send over new books unless I bought a second copy. I pulled older reads that were lost on the shelves.
3. If a book was checked out multiple times at the school, I did check them in multiple times on the school card to reflect that for our records.
4. We included a section for special requests so teens could ask for anything specific, including the next book in the series.
5. If your schools have summer reading books, they might return the favor and let you circulate their copies during the summer. :-)
6. Lastly, this process will work anywhere that you want to have a floating collection -- nursing homes, comic cons, etc. We only had two books not returned since I started this program five years ago, and that's because the students had moved away.

And that's how it worked for us. I'm sure there are other ways to run a floating book collection, too. If you decide to use this idea, please let us know in the comments!

Top 8 Places to Shop for Bookish Apparel

We love our cardigans during the week, but what's a librarian to wear on their days off? Bookish apparel, of course! But where to buy them?

This was a question that was posed on the ALATT Facebook group and there were so many great answers, we thought we'd collect them before this Facebook post was lost in the void of the internet. Here are our favorites from the suggestions!

#1 Lithographs

A very interesting website! They create designs from the text of classic/contemporary novels! They certainly win the most creative award in this list. You can also buy temporary tattoos, posters, and totes...

 And, if you hurry, you can participate in their Kickstarter, buying an infinity scarf which features the words of a beloved classic or contemporary novel. Or, you can custom design your own.

#2 Welovefine

Some great finds at Welovefine! Designed by fans for fans, you'll find all types of clothes for your favorite fandom! They are currently releasing limited run t-shirts based on the MARVEL comic covers.

#3 Out Of Print

Lots of options on this website with a focus on the classics. We love these socks, but you can also search through clothes, tote bags, jewelry, scarves, and home accessories.

#4 Threadless

A great mix of fun and serious, with some really unique takes on bookish themes!

#5 Bookworm Society

Oooh, so much to choose from here! Not only do they have tote bags, but t-shirts, mugs, throw pillows, and more! Their design is heavily on word art, but nothing wrong with that!

#6 Redbubble

A large selection, here, too! Not only can you buy leggings, but clothes, wall art, stationery, bags, and home decor!

#7 Shirt.Woot!

Shirt.Woot has daily deals on lots of unique t-shirt designs . In their literary category alone, they have 403 t-shirts! Most are playful images. Every day, they have new designs and once they sell out, they're out.

#8 Etsy

 

If you are looking for great jewelry, you have to check out Etsy. Just searching for "literary" jewelry, you'll get 3,000 hits. You'll be busy for a while.

Additional Places to Checkout:

Harry Potter Alliance
Powells.com
Teeturtle
Ties.com
ModCloth
Cafe Press
Appraising Pages Shop

Happy shopping!

What You Can Do to Combat Librarian Burnout

Here's the scenario: You're a super-intelligent, well-educated librarian, dedicated to public service and readers' advisory, and you really and truly care about your job. The problem is, sometimes it feels like nobody notices all the good you do. Or maybe you've just heard, "it must be nice to sit and read books all day!" one too many times. Perhaps you've spent hours of time preparing for an epic library program, and didn't get any attendance at all. We all have bad days, but if you find this mood lingering past that one day, you might have Burnout.

Whatever the problem, if you're in burnout mode, the best way to fix that is to take a few minutes for yourself and regroup. (If it's really bad, you may need to take a few days off, but let's hope we can fix it before it gets to that point.) I am very lucky in my current job, but I've had situations in the past where I've just been so burned out, I felt like I never wanted to set foot in a library again - and that is completely unlike me, and it needed to be fixed. I hope my tips and tricks help you, too.

What it is

Before we get to the fun stuff, I wanted to talk a little about burnout. The Mayo Clinic has a great overview of what burnout is and what you can do. For example, if you're feeling more than one of these symptoms, you might have an issue: 

• Have you become cynical or critical at work?

• Do you drag yourself to work and have trouble getting started once you arrive?

• Have you become irritable or impatient with co-workers, customers or clients?

Check their website for the full list of symptoms - there are many, and you may not even realize that you're dealing with a real thing, but burnout can be a serious issue, leading to depression, anxiety, heart disease, a compromised immune system, fatigue, insomnia... It's like stress, but moreso, and it's caused by work. Now, if things have gotten really bad, these tips might not help, but for those of us who just have an off day every once in a while, try...

Get Some Instant Relief

Grrrrrr!!!

For moments when you wish you could get away but you really can't, buy yourself a stress ball, or pick one up for free at a conference. Other fidget toys are also helpful, like the Tangle, which looks like a big, twisty teething ring that you turn around in your hands. They can help with anxiety, or just distract you for a few minutes. I also like the Bubble Hourglass, where you flip it over and the colored liquid goes from top to bottom. It can be really relaxing to focus on something for a minute. I also have a large purple bunny (her name is Princess Bun-Bun) that a former coworker gave me; she's there for me to hold if I need a hug. Silly, perhaps - but helpful. A friend of mine keeps a jar of bubble stuff on her desk; another friend has play-doh. Whatever helps you.

Spend Five Minutes Or Less On...

Actual screenshot I took when I was stressing one day.

When things are stressful but you can take a few minutes to unwind, I recommend taking advantage of some of what the internet has to offer. Personally, I love watching the live animal cams from various zoos and aquariums. It's especially nice because I can leave it on in the background of the computer and keep doing my work, and then you look up and - awww! Panda bears!

• The San Diego Zoo has polar bears, apes, elephants, and pandas.
• The Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., has elephants, lions, and pandas.
• The New England Aquarium has a webcam that looks down into the giant ocean tank, and you'll see everything from sharks to sea turtles floating past.
• The Monterey Bay Aquarium has eight different animal cams, from jellyfish to birds to sharks to sea otters. (I find the jellyfish to be particularly relaxing.)

If you Have a Bit More Time...

Totally coveting these right now.

Which you would only ever do on your own time, right? Of course right. But maybe take a look at getting yourself a new cardigan, funky socks, or a new pair of amazing librarian glasses. For inspiration, check out @LibWardrobe on Twitter and see how everyone else is styling these days. (As for me, I get much of my best stuff from Out of Print Clothing.) It's amazing how a little treat can perk you up sometimes.

If you have more time (seriously, it's addictive), take a look at the Unshelved comic series by Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes, and read about the adventures of the staff in the Mallville Public Library. If you need a good laugh, Awful Library Books is pretty much the most hilarious thing there is, and I'm also a big fan of Better Book Titles - which totally counts as research for readers' advisory, right? And of course, to wake up those brain cells, Mental Floss is your best friend.

Take a Twitter break:

Of course, once you've set up your Twitter account, you can easily take a quick break and see what's new and exciting. Some of our favorite Twitter accounts (in addition to the one for our blog), include:

Withdrew a book today: Someone had scotch-taped the cover closed so that the innards wouldn't fall out. #libraryfail

— Overheard@thelibrary (@overheardlibrar) April 13, 2016

If you really want a librarian to open up don't ask them about their favorite book, ask them about the book they hate the most

— Fake Library Stats (@FakeLibStats) April 26, 2016

The library asks that donations of magazines be taken to the back of the building where we have the ritual fire pit all set up.

— Banned Library (@bannedlibrary) April 28, 2016

Ooohhh a cool #popup #book ! pic.twitter.com/wQGFfPQ9WB

— Recently Returned (@inthebookdrop) April 13, 2016

Showing off some of the books that are circulating.

$2 #usedbooks pic.twitter.com/mMoIJwJUBQ

— Paperback Paradise (@paprbckparadise) March 31, 2016

(Caution - Paperback Paradise is not always safe for work!)

The library can be a hair raising experience.#vabirdlibrary pic.twitter.com/eawGXncXWp

— Bird Library (@Library4birds) April 27, 2016

They have a bird feeder that looks like a library, and it always makes my day.

The average high school student has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient would in the 1950s.

— Facts Library (@BestFactLibrary) April 28, 2016

Not always fun facts, but always interesting. And, of course....

From @mochibanks: "No mummy.. It’s MY BANANA! 😡🍌" #catsofinstagram pic.twitter.com/RGvZTEaYR4

— Cats of Instagram (@catsofinstagram) April 26, 2016

And Lastly...

There are a few things that you can do to help keep yourself in good mental shape, so you don't need to go looking for cat photos online in the first place (I mean, you will anyway, but still). Sometimes all you need to do is go take a nice walk on your lunch break; the combination of fresh air and exercise will perk up your endorphin hormones, and you might find that you come back to work with a spring in your step. (Or at least, not as downtrodden.)

"Mindfulness" is a big buzzword lately, but it really works. I use the Headspace app on my iPhone to walk me through short (10-15 minute) sessions, but if you prefer to stay low-tech, the primary goal is to focus on your body, your breathing, your contact points (your legs on the chair, your hands in your lap, etc.), any noises you hear, and smells you smell, etc. You don't judge the world around you - you just pay attention to it. I was surprised at how much this helps me; instead of getting annoyed at little things, they pass me by. I usually do it in my car on my lunch break. There are tons of great books and audio books out there on mindfulness, if you're interested in getting started.

Also: take some time to remind yourself that you really do love your job, and you're doing it for a reason. I Freaking Love Libraries is a great place to start. There's also I Love Libraries, which is an initiative of the American Library Association, and you can reach out to other librarians on Twitter, to vent and listen to their stories. (I usually use the hashtag #librarylife.) We're all here, we're all going through the same things, and we are all librarians at heart. If we didn't care, we wouldn't be so stressed out in the first place.

Let us know if there's anything else you can think of that might help you, and we'll be sure to add it to the article!

8 Best Practices for a Successful Writing Competition

In my previous job, I had the pleasure of running a teen writing competition for three years. Our first year, we had 35 participants. Our last year, we had over 100! So, we learned a few tricks over the years that we are very happy to share.

In A Nutshell, This is How We Ran It:

We had four categories: Middle School Poetry, Middle School Fiction/Memoir, High School Poetry, High School Fiction/Memoir. Each category had first place ($100), second place ($25), and honorable mention. The fiction/memoir was limited to 1,000 words and the poetry was limited to 30 lines.

Teens filled out an application and emailed it to us. (They could also drop three copies off at the library if they didn't have/want to email.) We printed out three copies and mailed them to our judges, which were local reporters and writers, and retired school librarians. They filled out a rubric for each submission and then met at the library to decide on the winners.

We notified all winners that they were finalists in the writing competition. They and their families were invited to come to the Spotlight program, where we announced which place they made, handed out checks and certificates, and gave them the opportunity to read their work to the audience. (Begin the event announcing high school winners. Middle school winners are too shy to read first but then they get caught up in the fun.)

From this whole process, we learned so much!

1. Be Specific in Your Rules/Application

Your rules should specify all important details in clear bullet points. If you want to drive something specific home (i.e. word count), make them fill it out in the application (Total words in your submission?).

In our application, we asked for contact info (name, address, phone, email, grade, school, title of piece, word count). Our last question asked them if they wanted to know about our Teen Writing Group and we'd email them more info. Unfortunately, that didn't find us new members, but I tried! I've since taken it off the application. (Maybe it'll work for you?)

Since our judges were volunteers, we held firm with the word count limitation.

Here is a sample of our Writing Competition Application, which I believe was heavily inspired from the Darien Public Library's application (which popped up when I googled Teen Writing Competition Applications, desperate for any ideas to help get started. Thanks for making it public!):

2. Finding Judges

We emailed all of the local authors in our area and asked them if they would be willing to participate. We were excited when two people said yes! To fill up the rest of the judge panel (three for each age group), we extended our search to local reporters and retired school librarians (Don't understate the celebrity factor, especially if the school librarian was beloved). We promised we wouldn't send them more than 50 entries for their age group (25 poetry/25 fiction/memoir). Most of the time, this wasn't a problem. The last year, we read all of the entries and had to weed out some of the submissions.

We had a core group of judges who were willing to do this every year. I tried to have an odd number of judges in each group so they could easily come to a conclusion on the winner. Usually I had to hunt for two more people to join each year, which was doable.

2. Create a Separate Email Account

We learned this our first year. I have a Teen Room Assistant who helps with the writing competition. The first year, I had to forward all of the submissions to her and she printed them out. The second year, we shared the same generic email address AND I had it set up to provide an automatic response so people would know we received their submission and for those who needed confirmation for their teachers. (That was 102 emails I didn't have to send last year!)

3. Deadlines

We catered to grades 6-12. Through trial and error, we learned that having a deadline in March for Middle School and a deadline in April for High School worked the best. Our best guess is that our previous deadlines fell around standardized testing, where teachers were more focused on the test than our competition (which makes sense!).

4. Advertise on Your School's Social Media

We followed our local schools on Facebook and tapped into them for advertising. (I also hear some schools are very active on Twitter, too) On Facebook, I sent messages to them asking them to share the following post and I wrote it all up so they can just copy and paste. One school had a Facebook Group which they allowed me to join, so we had a direct line to teens AND parents.

5. Email English Teachers, School Librarians -- and History Teachers

We always try to reach out to the teachers in the appropriate field connected to our program, so we've emailed English Teachers and School Librarians about the contest. Our last year, though, we decided to include History Teachers since they are also interested in stories. It made a huge difference! We also mentioned that we would accept homework assignments, if teachers wanted to give extra credit. *Hint, Hint* Note: This is the reason why we had to say "Memoir" instead of "Nonfiction". We did get some homework assignments that didn't fit into our rubric.

6. Email Previous Participants

We saved the email addresses of those who participated and emailed them again the next year, inviting them to participate again.

7. Make It Easy for Your Judges

We mailed the submissions to our judges and a rubric to help them judge on the same values (See below for an example.). They had about three weeks to read and fill out the rubrics. Then we invited them to attend a meeting where they could discuss their favorites and select the winners. I had lots of snacks, coffee, and I always gave them a small gift card to Dunkin' Donuts and a large piece of chocolate that said "Thanks!". I think it was the Winner Selection meeting that helped us create such a core group of judges -- they really got into dissecting the teens' writings to come to an agreement on the winners. The energy in the air was always filled with excitement and wonderment. They were always impressed with the submissions!

8. Celebrate Your Winners!

The teens always came excited to the Spotlight program, where we announced what award them had won, handed out certificates (great for their portfolios!), and checks. We also distributed a booklet of the winners' writing, arranged together alphabetically by the author's last name. The winners had a chance to read a portion of their work to the audience, which is a thrill all on its own (especially since we dimmed the lights, had a spotlight on the podium and a microphone). We shared the winners' writing online and in our newsletter. We also emailed the teachers the list of winners and what school they came from so they can congratulate their students. And, since we did it consistently for many years, teens and teachers started planning ahead for it.

That's it for my tips. Good luck with your competition!

Ready to Go Display: Summer Reading: Health, Wellness and Fitness

Welcome to our series, "Ready to Go!" Book Display. Once a month, we'll highlight the latest or greatest for every age group (Adults, Teens and Children) that you can promote within your library or order for your collection. This month we are getting ready for summer reading with health, wellness, and fitness books! 

Recommendations for Adults:

The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances by Matthew Inman (Sept 2014)

From the New York Times best-selling author Matthew Inman, aka "The Oatmeal," comes this collection of comics and stories about running, eating, napping and one cartoonist's reasons for running across mountains until his toenails fall off.

Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy (Dec 2015)

A Harvard psychologist and TED star shares strategic advice on how to live in accordance with one's inner resources to overcome social fears and self-doubt while heightening confidence, productivity and influence.

52 Small Changes for the Mind by Brett Blumenthal (Dec 2015)

A wellness expert offers a plan for better memory, decreased stress, improved productivity, and lasting happiness by making one small, attainable change every week, whether it be eating more brain-powering foods or developing music appreciation.

Smart Fat: Eat More Fat, Lose More, Weight, Get Healthy Now by Steven Masley (Jan 2016)

The innovative guide that reveals how eating more fat - the smart kind - is the key to health, longevity, and permanent weight loss.

Fit Dog: Tips & Tricks to Give Your Pet a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by Arden Moore (Jan 2015)

This book guides owners to expert care for their loyal companions in all ways, from daily fitness and health care to pet-proofing a home for a senior dog's safety. Also check out Fit Cat by Arden Moore (Jan 2015).

Recommendations for Teens:

Yoga for Your Mind and Body by Rebecca Rissman (Apr 2015)

Presents yoga techniques and poses to promote brain power, stress relief, strength, and fitness.

Body and Soul: A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life by Bethany Hamilton (May 2014)

As a professional surfer who has overcome challenges, the author shares her expertise and an athlete and a Christian, showing girls how spiritual health is just as important as physical health.

Paleo Girl by Leslie Klenke (June 2014)

Presents a health, fitness, and lifestyle guide for teenagers that includes a seven-day paleo eating guide, stretching and exercise moves, and how a paleo lifestyle can affect puberty.

The Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens by Jennifer Shannon (Sep 2015)

This guide helps teens to skillfully work through situations that cause anxiety so they can focus on their goals.

Recommendations for Children:

Good Morning Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Wake-Up Story by Mariam Gates (Mar 2016)

Invites young readers to practice a morning yoga routine to jumpstart the day and shows them how to focus, self-monitor, and self-soothe. Also try Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story by Mariam Gates (Apr 2015).

What's So Yummy? All About Eating Well and Feeling Good by Robie H. Harris (Sept 2014)

Gus, Nellie, and baby Jake visit their community garden before shopping at the farmer's market and grocery store to gather healthy ingredients that they help prepare for a picnic, in a story that explains the role of nutrition in health.

Move Your Body! My Exercise Tips by Gina Bellisario (Jan 2014)

Natalie's team isn't ready for the big race on Field Day, so Ms. Starr teaches them about exercise and stretching to help them prepare.

Meditation is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids by Whitney Stewart (Mar 2015)

Describes nine simple meditation exercises to help kids find focus, manage stress, and face challenges.