Teachers.

Come to the Bellevue Library November 14th, 2pm to learn from Mary Jane Beaufrand, teen author.  MJ will give us the basics on what makes a character memorable. Get some tips to make your fictional characters deeper and well rounded. After all, zombies have feelings too. Beaufrand is the author of Primavera, a young adult novel.

Space is limited so please register at www.kcls.org or call the Bellevue library at 425-450-1765. 

This event is for students in grades 6-12.

Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library

Thanksgiving is coming up which means it's time to start placing hold on those Thanksgiving titles to be sure that you will get them in time. Here are some of my favorites.

For Preschoolers:
'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
School children go on a field trip to a farm and bring home turkey for thanksgiving. Based on the famous 'twas the night before Christmas. This book is hilarious!


Alligator arrived with apples : a potluck alphabet feast by Crescent Dragonwagon
A Thanksgiving alphabet book. Each animal bring a different dish for the best A-Z Thanksgiving feast.

Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell.Not really a Thanksgiving book, but a heart warming counting book about a family eating together. Probably my favorite "food" book for preschoolers.

I know an old lady who swallowed a pie by Alison JacksonGoodness! Can this lady eat, or what? Written in the same rhyme as "I know an old lady who swallowed a fly.

For Elementary Schoolers:
Thank you, Sarah : the woman who saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
The real story behind Thanksgiving is more inspiring than pilgrims and Indians. Sarah Hale finds that the pen is mightier than the sword when she convinces Abe Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Milly and the Macy's Parade / by Shana CoreyYoung Milly inspires the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Based on a true story; includes historical note.

The Hoboken chicken emergency by Daniel Pinkwater Arthur goes to pick up the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner but comes back with a 266-pound chicken.

There is so much to know and learn when it comes to applying for college. Where should I apply? How do I make my application competitive? Once I get in, how will I pay for it? Some KCLS branches are offering programs that will help you answer these questions and more.  Come to one or all of these free programs! Some programs require advance registration, so follow the link for details.

COLLEGE OPTIONS: FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU
This workshop is designed to help students choose the right college. Discover your strengths and learn about the options that best suit them!
Newport Way Library, Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 PM

FINDING YOUR DREAM COLLEGE
Facilitated by a real-life college administrator, this workshop will empower those looking at schools to use numerous information opportunities to be both resourceful and resource full!
Covington Library, Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 7:00 PM

WRITE TO WIN
Hear from a real college administrator about what it takes to write successful college entrance essays and submit applications that work.
Covington Library, Wednesday, October 28, 7:00PM
Bothell Regional Library, Sunday, November 01, 12:30 PM
Maple Valley Library, Thursday, November 05, 7:00 PM
Auburn Library, Thursday, November 19, 7:00 PM

FINDING MONEY FOR COLLEGE
A representative from the non-profit College Planning Network will provide a complete review of the college financial aid process, including how students identify and apply for all types of grants, scholarships, work study and student loans.
Covington Library, Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 PM
Auburn Library, Thursday, November 12, 7:00 PM

NAVIGATING THE FINANCIAL AID MAZE
So you've filled out the FAFSA and have identified colleges, but how will you pay for it? A former assistant director of student financial aid will share tips on budgeting during college, tracking your student loan information and working with your financial aid office.
Auburn Library, Thursday, November 05, 7:00 PM

SAT INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR
Get test-taking strategies for the SAT and other college entrance exams, as well as advice on the college admissions process. This is a repeat of the program held on October 7.
Federal Way 320th Library, Monday, November 16, 7:00 PM

When You Know the Assignment is Coming

• Find a basic research system to use, such as Big 6. Check what your school uses, or pick one that works for you. You can find some examples on the library's research help page.
• Find a way to manage your notes and drafts.
• Find out what bibliography format you are expected to use.
• Find a way to schedule your work that works for you.

When You Get the Assignment

• Read the whole assignment and make sure you understand what is required. Ask questions of your instructor now.
• Map out the assignment: list all major jobs and sub-jobs to make sure all of them get done.
• Don't procrastinate: have free time at the end, not the beginning.
• If you get to pick a topic, do some early research. Find out what topics have a lot of information and what have only a little. It can be through browsing a library catalog or using basic reference sources like encyclopedias. Pick a topic that is easier on you, research-wise, by picking one with a lot of available information. If you start early and hit a dead end, you will have more time to change your topic if you need to.
• Make the best of your assignment: pick topics of interest to you, get the most out of the topic for yourself, take an opportunity to learn something new and interesting. Not all research has to be boring.

Preparing to Search

• Find topic keywords. Is there specialized vocabulary for your topic? Read dictionary entries and encyclopedia articles or introductory books to find the best search words. Write down the major ideas, major names, and synonyms to use in your searches later. What is the broader topic name? What are narrower topic names?
• Get help in selecting sources: the librarian is there to help, and can tell you about sources you don't know about yet.
• Keep good notes and cite everything! Use a note taking method that will attach the source citation and page number to each thing you write down. Make sure you can tell the difference between a direct copy from a source and your own paraphrasing in your notes.
• General sources will have more basic information and will be filed under the broader topic name. You will find some information on your topic in these works. You don't have to read the whole thing. Pick and choose the sections you read by using the table of contents and the index, searching with your search words.
• Specialized sources may have information about smaller parts of your whole topic, you will need to combine information from several of these to get the whole picture. Again, read only what you really need, using the table of contents and the index.
• Plan ahead for library visits by using the catalog from home and placing books on hold. Allow time for your holds to arrive.
• Group types of research by where you need to go: school library, public library, or online to minimize trips BUT refining your search may make a second trip necessary!
• When you need to interview someone, keep their schedule in mind, don't assume they can get right back to you. Ask early.

Searching

• Evaluate the information you find: Is it up to date enough? Is the author an expert? Does the author have an agenda that might influence the information they give? Can you find confirmation of their facts? Bad information leads to a bad research paper.
• Works cited in your sources can lead you to other good sources. Use the work other people have already done.
• Read only what you need to read, use the table of contents and index to help you.
• Read and think as you go: it will help you redirect your searching if you need to and means you don't have to read a huge stack of books and printouts all at once.
• Research raises new questions and clarifies your research. Leave yourself time to refine your project and redirect your questions.
• Don't have your final answer in mind! Research should be able to change your mind.

Writing

• Organize your notes: by idea or by topic, make a map of the flow of your argument with support for each piece. This will help you find where your argument needs more support and enable you to look for sources to fill in the gaps.
• Cite all ideas from other sources. Cite all direct quotations. Anything without a citation is assumed to be a generally-known fact or your own original work. If it isn't, that's considered plagiarism.
• Allow plenty of time to write and rewrite, make sure the points you want to make really come across, and make sure all of them are supported by your research.
• Make sure your final product answers the question you were asked in the original assignment: no matter how well you did in research and writing, it won't matter if it doesn't meet the assignment requirements.

I just need an article, quickly!
From the library's home page, click on Databases. Under Subject List click on Magazine and Newspaper Articles. Choose ProQuest. If you're outside the library, you'll need to enter your library card number. The first thing you'll see is a search box. You'll get a list of results back. Click on the link for each to see the whole article. You can print, email, or save your article. Stuck? Read the other tips or ask a librarian. There are many other magazine and newspaper databases that the library subscribes to, they are all searchable in a similar way.

What magazines are available in online databases with the full text of the articles available?
From the library's home page, click on Databases. At the bottom of the screen, there is a search box. Search for the title of the magazine you want. You can browse by clicking on Full-Text Magazines & Journals In KCLS Databases.

What magazines and newspapers does KCLS have in paper format?
Search for the title of the magazine or newspaper you want in the catalog, making sure that what you find has a call number starting with PER. The full record will tell you what libraries have it and how many years of back issues they keep.

How can I find a magazine or newspaper on a certain topic, for a certain age group, or in a certain language?
Our Browse Magazines page has links to magazines and newspapers the library has on many topics, for children, teens, and in different languages. The Press Display database has newspapers in many languages.

Can I check out magazines and newspapers?
You can't check out newspapers or the newest issue of a magazine (though you can make copies), but you can check out magazine back issues for 1 week, and place them on hold.

How can I get better results when I search for an article?
Try limiting your search by the date range you want, limiting to peer-reviewed articles, sorting your search results, or trying suggested search terms. Try the advanced search options. You can also ask for help from a librarian. Make sure your results are from a source you trust. Be aware that some publications may be biased one way or another. You may want more than one point of view on controversial topics.

Where can I find articles from the Seattle Times?
The Press Display database offers full text of the Sunday paper for the past 60 days. Seattle Times articles are no longer offered through ProQuest, so the library does not currently have any weekday digital back issues of the paper. The physical copies are held for up to 3 months and microfilmed back issues are available at many larger libraries. Some current articles are available for no charge on the newspaper's web site.

What about magazine articles on the web?
Many newspapers and magazines offer current articles for free on their web pages, and some offer articles from older issues as well. Others may charge to look at or print articles. There are some excellent free online collections of historic newspapers. Ask a librarian for more information.

How do I cite a magazine article for my bibliography?
Most of the databases will automatically format a citation for you on the article itself. If not, MLA is the most common format:
Author of article. "Title of article." Title of magazine/newspaper. Date of publication: Page number(s) of article.
More information and citation styles are available on the library's bibliography help page.

Can I get articles from other libraries?
Fill in the Interlibrary Loan: Journal/Magazine & Newspaper Request form It may take several weeks to get the article to you.

I can't find what I need!
Ask a librarian for help, in person, on the phone or online. Staff are familiar with what resources are available and how to get your answer quickly.

School has been in session for almost a month, and for many students that means homework is starting to pile up. Why not set aside some time to visit your local library and get your homework done? Many KCLS libraries offer Study Zone, and it is a great place for students to do homework and get help with their questions. Volunteer tutors provide free homework help during Study Zone hours. Students can find help in all subject areas, including Math, Science and WASL and SAT test preparation. Each tutor works with 1-5 students in a group setting. Study Zone is open to all students in grades K-12. 

Students are not required to register or provide personal information to participate in Study Zone, just drop in any time during Study Zone hours.  See the schedule for Study Zone hours at a KCLS library near you.

If there isn't a Study Zone location near you, don't despair! Visit any KCLS library for help from live volunteer tutors online through Study Zone Online. Please note that this service is only available from library computers.

If you can't make it to Study Zone, but still need help with your homework you can always try Live Homework Help, which is a service that connects you with a live tutor from any computer that is connected to the internet. The Live Homework Help is available 7 days a week from 2pm-Midnight. All you need is your library card number to log on and connect to a live tutor!

What are databases?
Web-based sources of information that you have to pay to use. King County Library System has pre-paid for people with library cards to use many useful databases. Databases are library information available 24/7, and it's free if you have a library card!

What can I find in databases?
Magazine and newspaper articles, entire books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, pictures, music, videos, and hundreds of specialized sources of information.

How do I find a database?
Go to the library home page, click on Databases, then select a subject or browse the list of databases. You will need to type in your library card number if you are using the web page outside the library buildings.

How do I know which database I should use?
Pick one from a list on the subject you are interested in or contact a librarian for help. You can get instant help online, just use our "Ask a Librarian" service.

How do I list a database in my bibliography?
Most databases will have a citation pre-formatted for you on the information page. If not, look at our bibliography help page for more information or ask your instructor.

How do I search in a database?
Most basic searches will act like a Google search, but you have advanced options, too: you can search for a certain subject, limit by date of publication, limit by author, and more.

What magazines are available in online databases with the full text of the articles available?
At the bottom of the Databases screen, there is a search box. Search for the title of the magazine you want. You can browse by clicking on Full-Text Magazines & Journals In KCLS Databases.

How can I get better results when I search a database?
Try limiting your search by the date range you want, limiting to peer-reviewed articles, sorting your search results, or trying suggested search terms. Try the advanced search options. You can also ask for help from a librarian. Make sure your results are from a source you trust. Be aware that some publications may be biased one way or another. You may want more than one point of view on controversial topics.

I can't find what I need!
Ask a librarian for help, in person, on the phone or online. Staff are familiar with what resources are available and how to get your answer quickly.

  Seriously. Is anyone else tired of the vampire craze?  Are you ready to move on to the next best thing? Zombies!

Author Kevin Emerson (Oliver Nocturne series, Carlos is Gonna Get It), will lead a writing workshop for teens in grades 8-12.  This two-hour workshop help you create savory characters, insert them into a creepy story then we'll release the fiends! Zombies swarming up from the sod, vampires from moldy crypts, ghouls and poltergeists from the mist itself! How will your characters survive? What will they do? Are these creatures a metaphor, or what? Chills, thrills and tons of writing guaranteed.

Bellevue Regional Library October 17, 2-4 pm

Registration is required. Register online at kcls.org.

Playground Day by Jennifer J. Merz

is a celebration of of a day spend outside at the playground. 

You can just feel a crisp fall day, the metal of the swing, the thrill of the slide and the spin of the merry-go-round.  Jennifer Merz's paper cut illustrations are fun, colorful and full of expression. 

Pair this with Emily Gravett's Monkey and Me for the perfect preschool jaunt.

You know that KCLS has a whole lot of databases, but did you know that many of those databases have lesson plans to help teachers use the information in their classrooms? Here are some to choose from:

African American Experience
Click on "Classroom Resources" or click on "Lesson Plans" for featured topics.

American National Biography
Click on "Teacher's Guide"

Biography Resource Center
Click on "Toolbox" and scroll to Teachers

CultureGrams
Click on "Teaching Activities PDF"

Daily Life Online
Click on "Teacher Resources"

Latino American Experience
Click on "Teacher's Corner"

Novelist
Click on "Working with Kids"

Oxford Art Online
Click on "Tools and Resources" then "MoMA/Grove Art Lesson Plans: learning units"

Oxford English Dictionary
Click on "Learning Resources"

Pop Culture Universe
Click on "Skills Center" then "Teacher's Corner"

Teen Health & Wellness
Click on "Librarian/Educator Resources" then "Lesson Plans"