Thursday, May 22, 2008

Changes in Latitudes

Conflict Resolution: There is a simple know fact that just trying to look at thing positively has an effect on your attitude! Research has proven that just deciding to do something better next time can help you find a healthy way to deal with an unpleasant situation. The old "silver lining in every dark cloud" philosophy can actually make a difference! When you search for and focus on what good can come out of your problems,actually can have a positive result on you mood and outlook! There are many situations in life one has to live with, but if one is affirmative, they do not have to let it ruin their life! Suggestions are to use Words: Discuss and think about your problem. Ideas: Have an idea of a compromise and share demands... what could each party give up? Settle:Decide on one compromise to the conflict and finally, Explain: Explain your view point to the opposition and resolve to end the conflict!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

There's always something New!

@your libraries
Watch "What's New in Libraries?" Channel 24 on Comcast
Increasing the North Suburban Library System member libraries’ visibility is a key goal of What’s New in Libraries? This cable program is created in partnership with the Library Cable Network (LCN) to highlight the many fun and interesting things that member libraries are doing while providing members with the experience of being interviewed on camera.
Can't watch, then you better read this! Sarah Long’s Daily Herald Column, every Tuesday. Sarah is fantastic at bring library topics and events before the public on a weekly basis is the motivation for NSLS Director Sarah Long to write her Daily Herald column. Her articles frequently feature member libraries, quotes and suggestions from their staff, and increase their visibility.
... and don't forget about Digital Past!
Sharing information in new and inventive ways is one of the goals NSLS libraries have pursued. Since 1998, Digital Past has created an online archive of over 35, 000 digital records to allow the participating institutions a chance to share their rare and unique records with the world. This is a great link to add primary sources to any school project and making community connections!

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Changes!

They say changes are good! ... but it sure doesn't feel right when you turn left when the tenancy is to turn right. I admit it: it's weird, I hate change but, I also look forward to it! I always try to keep a positive attitude and be optimistic, I know that change will always bring something good into my life and I also know that I am resilient, strong and capable of getting through anything. Sometimes (actually most of the time) my emotions, including the negative ones,are there as a guide but,in reality, I replace them with more positive ones. I also realize that the more quickly I accept or choose to change, the less likely the pain and hardship will be. I really get a kick out of challenging myself and empowering myself with questions and words. I think, the better I push myself, the better thoughts I am allowing myself to come up and I know will be connecting to something bigger. I make an all out attempt to live my inner-self, my soul, my spirit, my higher-self. And everyday, I try to surround myself with people who can help and who have an optimistic mind-set. This ensure me to create an environment the supports my change. I realize, I must take action & take command of my life. I must build a plan and take care of myself...so what am I waiting for? I must be my own knight in shining armor and join the realm of other patriots...Godspeed give m strength and lead me to my destiny.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Do the Dewey!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgSlpPUEAbo

Meet me @ the Des Plaines Public Library on Saturday, April 26, 2008!
Don't forget your Library Card! x x o , mb

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Illinois Library Legistative Day

Believe You Can Make a Difference
By MaryBeth McWilliams, MacArthur Middle School
January 30, 2008

As the Library Media Center Teacher at MacArthur Middle School in Prospect Heights, I strive for collaboration, leadership, intellectual freedom, and technology. I truly believe I have a vision for making a difference in Illinois Public School Libraries. Every school day, I facilitate intellectual freedom and learning with the young adult students and professional teaching staff in my school community. Constantly, these seekers of global information come to me requesting accurate information. As the LMC Teacher, I must continually be aware of current issues. I must be unbiased and prepared to assess and evaluate information and then concisely express and communicate this information. I am dedicated to doing this in order to continue to nurture an information rich society.

This aspect of my position, as the LMC Teacher, is one that I truly relish and I appreciate those students and staff that seek information. Working in the field of education and specifically in the middle school library media center, I focus on open access to information. As an educator in the library field, I am seeking to communicate, collaborate and connect intellectual freedom for everyone. The better informed and aware I am on state and national issues, the more effective I will be on preparing and presenting information for students. Ultimately, my mission is for quality in public school libraries that facilitate an atmosphere where students and staff spend less time searching and more time learning. By attending the Illinois and National Library Legislative Days in 2007, I gained an insight in how I fit into the partnership for libraries and lifelong learning.

I attended the Illinois Library Day on Thursday, April 19, 2007 at the state capitol building in Springfield. This was an occasion for school and public librarians to demonstrate our concerns to the Illinois legislators on issues that are important to the Illinois library communities. Since both House and Senate were in session, I was able to personally meet with the legislators to discuss Library Advocacy at their Springfield offices. My very presence and conversations showed our serious concern for the future of Library Literacy and Intellectual Freedom. I also gave each legislator my business card and a “Palm Card” that summarized exactly which bills I support and which I oppose. As a result of these face-to-face visits, I truly believe that I have established a solid rapport with local legislators.

At noon, as a collective body, Illinois Librarians gathered and enthusiastically marched from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to the State Capital. I proudly displayed my “I [heart] Libraries!” umbrella as I walked. The procession concluded with an energetic rally with impassioned speeches given by the Illinois Library Association and other supporters outside the Governor's and Secretary of State's office windows.

On May 1 and 2, 2007, I attended a two-day event along with librarians and library trustees who care about libraries and intellectual freedom. I participated in advocacy and training sessions to tell “our story” of student education in Prospect Heights and the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I also interacted with Capitol Hill insiders and visited congressional member offices to express a strong, visible message to them and to ask Congress to pass legislation that supports libraries. My mission was to remind the law makers of the significant contributions libraries make in our public schools and communities.

The first day was filled with programming and networking with librarians and trustees from all over the country. There were 424 participants from 47 states. We were informed of legislative updates from the American Library Association's Washington office and advocacy tips from legislative consultants. During the afternoon break, I went over to the Library of Congress to update my library card and to do some “research.” To complete the evening, the Illinois Library Association hosted a dinner at the Capitol Hill Club. Michael Strautmanis from Illinois, Senator Barack Obama's Chief General Counsel, spoke about current and relevant affairs and the direction of a cautious and planned future.

The second day everyone was “on the hill” meeting with legislators or their aides in the House or Senate. With the North Suburban Library System, I had appointments at the offices of Mark Kirk, Melissa Bean, Dick Durbin, and Barack Obama. At each visit, I advocated for the students of MacArthur Middle School and public schools.

About the Author

MaryBeth McWilliams is the Library Media Teacher at MacArthur Middle School in Prospect Heights School District 23. Previously, she worked in Palatine School District 15 in the Library Resource Center program. McWilliams also serves on the NSLS Board of Directors and is a member of several professional organizations.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Norway princess 'talks to angels' and has come "to understand the value of this enormous gift" and would like to share it with others.

According to the BBC: Norway's Princess Martha Louise says she has psychic powers and can teach people to communicate with angels.
The 35-year-old daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja made the announcement on a website promoting her plans for a new alternative therapy centre.

She says she realised as a child that she could read people's inner feelings, while her experiences with horses had helped her make contact with angels.

Princess Martha Louise is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne.

The royal palace says it has no official link to the princess' planned alternative therapy centre, the AFP news agency reports.

The princess, who trained as a physical therapist, says on the website for her Astarte Education centre that she has "always been interested in alternative forms of treatment".

Students at her centre, she says, will learn how to "create miracles" in their lives and harness the powers of their angels, which she describes as "forces that surround us and who are a resource and help in all aspects of our lives".

"It was while I was taking care of the horses that I got in contact with the angels," she says.

"I have lately understood the value of this important gift and I wish to share it with other people, maybe with you."

A three-year programme at her centre costs 24,000 Norwegian crowns ($4,150; 3,000 euros; £2,000) per year.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/6915262.stm

Published: 2007/07/25 10:15:26 GMT

© BBC MMVII