READ. Exercise Your Mind.

What is your daily workout? Do you exercise both your mind and body?  Each day, do you step onto a treadmill or climb onto an exercise bike to stay in shape while reading or listening to a good book?  This image illustrates my daily visit to the YMCA.


Grab a thick page-turner mystery or best seller, start walking (hold on to the siderails or book) and shed pounds while getting your cardio exercise.  This is a book lover's fitness secrets.  Yes, eReaders and eBooks are appearing at the YMCA, too!

A variety of shirts and other gift items are available at the Library Advocate's DesignClass with this design.  See cafepress.com/DesignClass

READ: May the Odds be Ever in your Favor

What is the most popular book for young adults and their parents, too?  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  Read it before seeing the movie.  Once you've read the book, the three-book series, or the movie, you will want a shirt or other item that plays off the series, "READ: May the Odds be Ever in your Favor." They are available from cafepress.com/DesignClass

Big Eye Reader Shoulder Bag

Big Eye Readers like to ask, "What are you reading?" They really want to know!

Some mornings, I teach computer skills at the senior center.  Other mornings, I am a college design student.  But first thing each morning, I open the school library at my local middle school.  Last year, I'd bring library-themed bookmarks each week or so.  

One September day, it dawned on me to make a bookmark using a “Big Eye” character that I designed for a computer club poster. I replaced the computer club membership card year with a book and created a reading witch.  It was very popular with my “early bird” students, so I invited them to come up with new design ideas.  Seventh grader Chelsey immediately suggested a ninja.  My daughter told me I needed one wearing a Minnie Mouse hat and bow. A friend asked me to add a baseball player because her school's team studied in the library before baseball practice. Character ideas keep popping up, as do enhancements to earlier designs. The first two characters were black and white, but now include red and orange. Book covers keep getting more elaborate, too.  

Within six months, there were more than a dozen Big Eye Reader characters -- enough for them to start their own book club! At some point, the Big Eye Readers turned into mini-bookmarks, to save paper. These little people are popular to strategically position in books so the Big Eye character looks right at the reader.  Believe it or not, it is strangely comforting to have the companionship of a Big Eye Reader peeking right at you. :)

All the Big Eye Reader characters are available individually and together at Gifts by Design at Cafepress.com/DesignClass. The above 2-sided shoulder bag is available in several colors. See http://www.cafepress.com/designclass.625085754  

Love Hearts

Give a heart in celebration of Library Lover's Month (February).  Hearts galore are available on journals, note cards, wall images and apparel at cafepress.com/csla. Promote reading, books, and library FRIENDS in February and all year long. See Words of the Heart at cafepress.com/heartwords

Book Club Characters

Big Eye Reader characters have gathered around a table to discuss their favorite books. These guys and gals invite others to join them and share their favorite books, authors, illustrators and characters.  The group and individual character designs are available as note cards, magnets, mugs, and apparel at cafepress.com/designclass.

Colorful Book Clock

Found under the Christmas tree: A colorful book clock for my office.  This gift is light weight and stands out on my book shelf above my desk.  

When you or a friend is a library advocate, it is natural to hunt for fun items that include books or images of books.

The clock is about 8" x 8" and 6" deep.  It is designed by Sjoerd van Heumen, a freelance art director in advertising, according to labeling on the box.  He designed the book clock in 2005 and a hit-it alarm clock in 2004. The clock is produced by Karlsson for better times at karlsson-clocks.com.  Other book-related items are available at http://usa.presenttime.com

Season's Readings: Santa and Holiday Gifts

Just in time for the holiday season!  A Big Eye Reader dressed as Santa Claus.  Who is peeking out of the chimney, Rudolph the Reindeer or one of Santa's helpers? Designs keep arriving at the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries' LIBRARY ADVOCACY STORE.  There is now a special Holiday Gifts section, with lots of Christmas tree ornaments, stockings, note cards and more. See cafepress.com/csla/7817620

Share the news with your friends. Ask for "Big-Eye Reader" Kids Coloring Page and Bookmarks at info@csla.net

Signals Catalog - Reading Theme Items

This holiday season seems to offer more reading-themed gift ideas than ever.  The Signals catalog offers:

• Edward Gorey Book Lovers' shirts, including READ, So many books/So little time, A book in my hand and a dog by my side...
• "Ask me about my book"; "I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books." (t-shirts)
• Bookbag and t-shirt: "She is too fond of books, and it has addled her brain." - Louisa May Alcott
• Cats Reading Lamp.
• Woman Reading Shelf Sitter.
• More t-shirts: "In my novel, I'm plotting against you." "WRITER'S BLOCK: When your imaginary friends won't talk to you."
• Books Planter.

Big-Eye Readers ask: What are you reading?

First there was a Big-Eye Reader asking "What are you reading?" Soon, other Big-Eye Readers joined the conversation: an explorer, Halloween witch, and a ninja.  Then, more Big-Eye Readers appeared with their favorite books and hats, too.  


These cute-but-crazy characters from DesignClass are now available on: 

• mugs - collect them all
• notecards - get them all and create a set of all the characters
• journals -- ideal gifts for your book club or reading circle

Levenger Library Classics

Levenger's Holiday 2011 catalog arrived today.  It is always a treat to look through because it caters to "serious readers", and this time was no exception. They are offering a number of board games, packaged as "Library Classics" such as Scrabble Library Classic, Monopoly Library Classic, and Clue Library Classic.  All are housed in book boxes.

Other new Levenger item include:

• Literary Charades -- Charades for Booklovers.  It is geared to four or more players ages 14 and older.
• Literati - a game to build storytelling skills as you build vocabulary.  For ages 15 and older.
• Moon and Stars Stacking Bookcase (2 units). Give a child a gift of their first bookcase, along with some special books. 
• Book Buggee - a wooden toy car that carries or displays books.  A favorite doll or stuffed animal can "drive" the buggee.

"I go to bed with a different author every night" is a fun message on any book lover's night shirt.  The Bas Bleu catalog offers this for the holidays.  In fact, the catalog has a lot of fun items for book and library lovers of all ages.


If you like book sayings, the catalog also offers a royal blue with white lettering plaque that states: "Life is short. Read fast."  Display it in your home or library.

How about a throw pillow stating that "She who reads never goes to bed alone", Pride and Prejudice Earrings,  Enchanted Book Boxes that look like books with intricately designed covers but are really boxes with magnetic closures -- ideal for hiding secret or special valuables.


Bas Bleu has a Bas Bleu Society, where members can get special pricing. 


The Bas Bleu catalog gives me great pleasure to read several times over because it is always packed with fun and unusual items.

Book eReader and iPad Cases

Uncommon Goods catalog offers hardcover classic covers for your iPad and Kindle eReaders.  Book cases include The Einstein Theory of Relativity,War and Peace, On the Origin of Species, Pride and Prejudice, and Fairytales of Hans Christian Anderson.  According to the catalog, the covers are handmade by the Manor Bindery in England.

Cloth Book-of-the-Month

Victoria Van der Laun creates homemade, cloth-bound books that are educational and ideal for small children. Each book covers a basic topic, like dinosaurs, planets, or the ABCs, and uses colorful, quilted appliqués to beautiful works of art.  See the video on her small business and consider sponsoring her through KickStarter!

Journals -- Gifts by Design

Do you like journals? I have one for each of my classes, volunteer projects, book club and adventure vacations. These are different and separate from my computer and other online tools. Here is a journal design that is just right for today's students who easily move between print and ebooks. The design shows two children reading among stacks of books and an assortment of new technology: ipod, iPad or tablet, and a laptop computer. See Gifts by Design.

Here are some more journals, available through the CA Campaign LIBRARY STORE.

 

Kids Today: Read. Know. Grow.

Here is a new version of the "Reading Friends" design, complete with the popular poem about how reading helps you grow in many ways.

The design is available on mugs and more at the DesignClass.

Wood Book Boxes by Takota Woodworking

Nancy Templeton Takota Woodworking is still showcasing her beautiful book boxes and book banks. I visited with her at her booth at a Squaw Valley Art and Wine Fair over the 4th of July weekend. Nancy is always looking for old books with great cloth or leather binding.  Librarians who are about to get rid of old-but-wonderful books should first send Nancy a note at takotawood at sbcglobal.net

So many librarians and book lovers are retiring, so the book Boxes would make very special gifts. Nancy shows her work at a number of Northern California street fairs.

Here's what Nancy has to say about her Book Boxes:
"The advent of technology has wonderful advantages in providing access to the 'information highway'.  But, as is usually the case with any progress, there will be casualties along the way.  'Books', as we know them, will take on a new form such as 'kindle'.  they will be available to a wide audience adn, can be read anytime, anywhere."

"The demise of the hardcover book began with the advent of paperbacks -- easier to carry and easier to store.  However, with the loss of these "cumbersome tomes" came the loss of an art form -- the binding itself.  These beautiful tapestries of fabric, embossing, and gold leaf are now relegated to the dusty shelves of thrift stores and library sales."

"My art form is one of transformation with a new sense of purpose for these remarkable 'relics'.  I carefully remove the pages, make a box of recycled wood, and replace the binding.  The oak resembles the pages and the book has been 'restored' to original appearance -- ready to grace your shelves with its proud heritage.  By the way, it's now a really cool place to hide things!" - Nancy Templeton 
  

Mothers Day Mugs and More -- More Childrens Book Illustrators

Shop for Mothers Day mugs and more at the California Campaign LIBRARY STORE.  There are more than 20 images to choose from, each with the message "READ. KNOW. GROW."

Images are on mugs, water bottles, keepsake boxes, and a full line of T-shirts for moms and children.  Look for your favorite childrens book illustrator or image.  Start your collection today.  The newest illustration is Tom Lichtenheld's fun "Duck Rabbit".  Look closely at this cute critter -- what is he?  A duck? A rabbit?

Make a commitment to check the site weekly to see what has been added.  Each time you promote the Campaign and its LIBRARY STORE, you make another person or persons aware of the importance of strong school libraries.  Proceeds support the public awareness campaign.  Learn more about the issues, the research, and the crisis at http://librarycampaign.csla.net

Book Art: Illustrators Advocate for Reading, Libraries, and Lifelong Learning

Thanks to Patrick Nelson, CEO of Mrs. Nelsons Library Supplies, there are now a dozen illustrators who have donated their art in order to promote libraries and support the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries.  Artwork is now available on mugs, notecards, T-shirts, and more at the Campaign LIBRARY STORE.  New items and artwork is added regularly.  Urge your friends, family and book lovers to visit and shop regularly.  These are wonderful items for gifts and gift baskets, recognition, and simply fun for your collection.

Here are highlights of the four newest artists.  Please be sure to thank them all.  The most recent additions include Steve Gray's two hilarious cow illustrations: Moonlight Cows and Farm Cows.  If you are crazy about cows, these images are especially for you.  Both images say "Read. Know. Grow."

Ben Boos, noted for his Fantasy and Sword illustrations, contributed a fantastic Key and Book image linked with the words "Read. Know. Grow."  Underneath the image is a statement to "save California school libraries."  Yes!  Thank you.  Save us!

Sophie Blackall has given us a beautiful library scene, with a teacher librarian reading to a class of young students.  Across the top, over the tops of the children, are the words "Strong Libraries Build Lifelong Learners"  Yes!  So true.  Tell the story.

Sarajo Frieden has given us a fun tree filled with children, reading.  Words are "Read. Know. Grow." These words are so perfect for all students, all schools, all readers, all lifelong learners.

»	Kazu Kibuishi says Read.Know.Grow.
»	Kazu Kibuishi for Libraries
»	Aliki says Read. Know. Grow.
»	Aliki for Libraries
»	Marianne Wallace READ.KNOW.GROW.
»	Marianne Wallace for Libraries (ALL)
»	Panda by Caroline Arnold. Read.Know.Grow.
»	Panda Loves Libraries by Caroline Arnold
»	Read.Know.Grow. Art by Joe Cepeda.
»	Joe Cepeda for Libraries
»	Read.Know.Grow. Art by Marla Frazee.
»	Marla Frazee for Libraries
»	David Shannon for Libraries
»	Brian Selznick for Libraries
»	Moonlight Cows &
	Farm Cows by Steve Gray
»	Sophie Blackall for Libraries
»	Ben Boos for Libraries
»	Art by Sarajo Frieden

Book Images by Illustrator Alireza Darvish

Alireza Darvish, graphic designer, illustrator, and animator creates illustrations and paintings that use books as points of departure.  Darvish attended the Fine Arts Institute in Tehran, 1984–1988 and now lives in Germany.  See his animacali website full of illustrations.

Reading Bear

After a bear broke into our cabin, a friend gave us this beautiful Reading Bear.  The Levenger catalog arrived today and there was our bear on page 25 (W10-AD6110).  It is designed as a bookend for a bookshelf, but it is a bit big for that.  

We use it as a paperweight on the cabin's kitchen counter.  It is big and heavy enough to use as a door stop  -- in fact, Levenger's makes that suggestion.

Wonder what he is reading!  He never looks up from his book. 

Personal Library Kit

Here's a personal library kit for starting your own library -- or your classroom library.  Yes, it is a bit "yesterday" but could be a fun way to loan out books to friends and provide a reminder that they need to be returned! 

This looks like it is designed as wall decoration.  What will they offer next?  Book mark displays for book mark collectors?

Remember this item for Library Lovers Month (February).

Public Library Association opens Gift Shop

The Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association, has opened a library gift shop on CafePress, along the lines of the Gifts for Library and Book Lovers shop opened earlier by the California School Library Association.


My favorite images on the PLA site are the Snowy Day, with a child pulling a sled full of books up a snowy hillside; Book Break, and Best Friend  Check them out.  It would be great if the Celebrity READ poster images could be added to mugs -- we could collect them all!

Discover a World of Wonder @ Your Library -- Student Poster Contest Winner - 2010

Sac-City middle school student Allie Lown won the grand prize in the California School Library Association's annual @ Your Library Student Poster Contest.  Allie's theme is "Discover a World of Wonder @ Your Library."

This year, CSLA is featuring the art on a note card so library and book lovers across the country and around the world can send thank yous, reminders, and all sorts of messages while also supporting the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries.* 

* The California Campaign for Strong School Libraries promotes the state's new Model School Library Standards.  The standards will be edited and published by the California Department of Education in Spring 2011 and will look like all the other state curriculum standards. The CDE expects to provide resources on their Web pages, conduct webinars and video conferences, and provide support for county office and district staff to conduct further training. Districts may wish to begin looking at the standards, both the student and the program standards, to assess how well their school library program meets them. Then begin planning for how to improve their library services. The standards are models and provide guidance for districts.

Read. Know. Grow. Messanger Bag

What a perfect message for a Messenger Bag. All book lovers need one of these bright and beautiful bags. Promote your love of reading while moving throughout your day.  From school, to carrying your laptop, to a hip alternative diaper bag, this versatile, spacious messenger bag is all you need to get you through every stage of your life -- and look hip doing it.

The California School Library Association Gift Store offers a number of other items with this design.  Enjoy!

KafkaCotton: Great Books. On Your Chest

KafkaCotton is a small T-Shirt site that offers a number of intriguing t-shirts that reference memorable books. Apparently they poll their community on which book will be featured next, individuals can submit designs, and the community votes on the winning design.

Book-themed shirts include:

• Kurt Vonneguts' Slaughterhouse Five (NEW - see image)
• Joseph Heller's Catch-22
• Herman Melville's Moby Dick
• Jack Kerouac's On the Road
• George Orwell's 1984
• Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass

Book Bags Made with Recycled Law Books

BookBags describes itself as an eco-friendly, aggressively green manufacturer of fashionable purses, handbags and clutches. It was founded by an environmentally creative law librarian who needed to find a better way to recycle continually updated leather-bound legal books.

READ TOGETHER T-shirts and More

New "Read Together" image is available on fashionable t-shirts for toddlers/teens/teachers and other book lovers, book club mugs, and much more.  See Library Gifts.

Promote reading in today's high tech world. Read and discuss good books with a friend. Find a cozy corner to quietly travel to new places and spaces.

* The site supports the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries.

Book Seat by Fishbol

Carmichael Librarian Karen asks:

"Is this not the coolest piece of furniture you have ever seen?!  It so speaks to my inner librarian.  I just had to share it with others who would appreciate its awesomeness."

Bookseat is offered by Fishbol.  Description: 

A simple bookcase that playfully curves and becomes a seat, is a creative design responding to the
advent of multifunctional spaces in today's urban living. Noted as one of the "ten must sees" at
Toronto Interior Design Show 2009. This piece is manufactured with Canadian birch plywood and
available with a felt cushion in customizable colors.

Little Librarian Toy -- Finalist in Toy of the Year Contest

Love it!  All librarians, library associations, FRIENDS groups and independent book stores should promote this literacy and career-oriented toy.

A Madison, WI, mother and daughter’s toy project will be featured in Disney’s FamilyFun magazine in November after being named a finalist in the magazine’s Toy of the Year contest. Little Librarian, created by Kristine and Amanda Miller, is a kit that helps children to create a library out of their own books. The kits include library cards, book cards, pockets that go inside the books like in pre-computer days, a reading journal, bookmarks, and even overdue slips.... Madison Wisconsin State Journal, Oct. 15

Little Librarian is made in the U.S.A. and is assembled at Opportunities Inc. by individuals with disabilities. 

Book Cover POSTERS

Book covers are often works of art that provide powerful memories of a story. Why not display your favorites on your wall or the wall of your library?  There are several companies that offer book cover posters, including art.com

The prints come in several sizes and their copyright dates have long-since expired.  When you select an image, you can then click to see other images with the same colors -- good for decorating.  Or, you can click to see other images with the same subject.  You can select what size print you want and can order it with a frame or not.  You can search for book covers or book illustrations.  You can also click to view the poster on a wall in a room -- ideal for those who have trouble visualizing what a small image on a computer screen will look like when it is poster size, framed, on a wall.  Lots of options.  Check it out.

Gifts for Library and Book Lovers

The California School Library Foundation now has a GIFT SHOP for members and friends.  It offers a mix of T-shirts, notecards, baby clothes, and drinkware -- Is that a word? Check out the mugs, water bottles, and can coolers.

Themes include:

• Read. Know. Grow.
• Strong Libraries Build Lifelong Learners
• Strong School Libraries Build Strong Students
• READING FRIENDS
• Digital Literacy

Check it out. Ideal timing for the holidays, volunteers, book clubs and the new year.
Items will added over the year, so visit regularly.

Proceeds go to the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries.