Monday, November 10, 2008

A kid's Library Shelf

Building a child's personal home library is the gift that grows with the children in your life. Think of all the children in your life. Books are a powerful gift for birthdays, Christmas, graduation, or any other special occasion. The children in my life expect books from me. One year I changed gears and was surprised to see disappointed faces. Now I get requests or hints for certain books, even complete sets of books.

Buy kids what they want and like to read. Pique their interest with a visit to a book signing sponsored by a library or bookstore. Teach children how to take care to their books. Talk to parents about a bookshelf for older kids or a bookbag for younger kids.

Always personalize the books. You can add a bookplate or write a message to the kids. (Some collectors say personalized books are devalued.) Don't forget bookmarks and booklights as well.

By the time the special children in your life reach 18, they will have a collection of books that chronicle their life, growth, and your love and committment to them.


Peace,
Vy

Your Neighborhood Bookstore

Did you visit the library yet? If so, then it's time to visit your neighborhood bookstore...or someone else's neighborhood bookstore.

Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks offer the standard. However, intimate locally owned and independent bookstores such as Subterranean, Left Bank Books, Not Just Another Bookstore, Diversity Gallery, and Afro World may offer more soul for a cold rainy day.

My favorite bookstores are giftshops at museums and cultural institutions. The Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Black World History Wax Museum, and The Old Courthouse are a must visit. Many offer local topics and authors as well as personalized service.

Discover your favorites today. Enjoy.

Peace,
Vy

Your Neighborhood Library...it's all FREE!

When was the last time you visited your neighborhood library?



If more than a couple of years have passed, then you may be in for a big surprise. I challenge you this week to visit your library's website, attend a booksigning, research your family's history, or just sit and read a book to your kids.



At St. Louis County (Missouri) Library's website, http://www.slcl.org/, I download books to my computer, read book reviews online, and find resources to use in my consulting work. I visit my neighborhood branch to preview books I want to buy, read magazines I can't afford, and meet with friends for booksignings.



...and it's all FREE!

Peace,

Vy

Welcome to Vy's Voice

Vy's Voice is the online voice of Vynetta Morrow, education consultant and African American Children's Literature Specialist. Visit this blog to stay informed and share your thoughts on topics related to African American Children's Literature and the study and teaching of African American History. Enjoy.

Peace,

Vy