Loud Librarians Lead - Vlog for May 2021

Learn how to create reading kits for your library that help families practice reading at home.

Jenna's passion for teaching and working with children keeps her reaching for new ways to promote learning.

Jenna has an undergraduate degree in elementary education, a Master of Arts in Education as a Reading Specialist, and a Master of Library and Information Services. The thing that Jenna loves most about the library is creating community connections, whether at storytime or serving library customers.

Special thanks and credit go to the Denver Public Library for sharing resources and information, which was used to create reading kits for Siouxland Libraries.

Visit library.sd.gov for downloadables including a tip sheet, poster and a leveling rubric.

At Siouxland Libraries, Jenna would like to thank Stephanie Bents, Kiesha Dykstra, Elizabeth Berg, and Alysia Boysen for their role in creating the reading kit collection.

For questions about the reading kits:

• Jenna Neugebauer, Siouxland Libraries, JNeugebauer@siouxfalls.org
• Amy Seto Forrester, Children's Librarian, Denver Public Library, aforrester@denverlibrary.org
• Warren Shanks, Children's Librarian, Denver Public Library, wshanks@denverlibrary.org

Loud Librarians Lead - Vlog Episode 3!

The latest episode of Loud Librarians Lead vlog is an interview with Amanda Bremmon and Jamie Buswell from the Siouxland Libraries. These two librarians team up to create virtual programming for their patrons to interact with during the pandemic. Acquire tips and tricks to help you bring alternative programming to your library!

Amanda K Bremmon and Jamie Buswell are Library Associates at Siouxland Libraries’ Downtown Branch.

Jamie has an undergraduate degree in chemistry with a focus in secondary education. Her educational philosophy derives from discovery based learning which allows the student or child to learn through hands-on exploration and inquiry. Before joining Siouxland Libraries, Jamie was previously the Program Manager and Interim Director of the Kirby Science Discovery Center at the Washington Pavilion. She strives to bring a fun, unique, STEM based approach to afterschool age programming.

Amanda has an undergraduate degree in music industry and a Master of Library Science. Her work is focused on creating innovative ways for the public library to be an active part of the community. She can often be found with her guitar at storytimes, designing science programming, or selecting children’s non-fiction and the library’s music collection. She previously worked as an account manager for a major science kit company.

“Jamie’s passion and empathy creates an incredible environment for our patrons as well as her coworkers. She is wonderful at reminding me to have fun while learning.” – Amanda

“Amanda’s curiosity and desire for learning pushes me to explore new concepts and helps me grow as an educator.” - Jamie

Enjoy the video above, and for more links and information, visit Loud Librarians Lead at library.sd.gov.

Siouxland Libraries launches "A card that’ll save you money!" library card sign-up campaign

Siouxland Libraries came up with a fun way to celebrate the 2020 Library Card Sign-up campaign. Justin Stevenson, Siouxland Librarian and Betsy Rice, Communications & Marketing for the City of Sioux Falls are responsible for the campaign: A card that'll save you money!

The campaign, which is running on all Siouxland Libraries' social media platforms and in the bi-monthly Highlights newsletter began Monday, September 14 and will end Monday, October 26.

Branch librarians submitted names of "library super users". Rice interviewed nine and obtained photos to be used for social media posts.

The focus of the campaign is the amount of money saved to date in 2020 by borrowing materials from the library rather than buying. A great bargain any day, but especially during a pandemic when people are trying to save money.

In addition to the library card campaign, Siouxland is also featuring a running total on checkout receipts showing what a patron has saved by borrowing vs. buying!

Ever wondered the true value of your library card? 🤔

Now your checkout receipt will tell you! This new feature will even show the running total of all you've saved over the years. 😮💵🎉 pic.twitter.com/kk3zkqoJCb

— Siouxland Libraries (@Siouxlandlib) September 14, 2020

"We read a lot of books," says Marisa, a regular at the Brandon Branch along with her husband and 4 kids. They've amassed $10,990.65 in savings so far in 2020.

That number doesn't even include Dad, a fan of audiobooks. Get a receipt at your next visit to see your savings! pic.twitter.com/NJAJjdbTfw

— Siouxland Libraries (@Siouxlandlib) October 5, 2020

"The library's saved us a ton of money," Marisa exclaims. Literally ― if measured in coins!

**graphic design created by Lindsey Conrad, City of Sioux Falls