PPLC in the News Celebrating Literacy with the Pinellas Deaf Literacy Center The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative's Deaf Literacy Center hosted a Literacy through the Arts event in May 2010. The event was funded through a Target grant award to support literacy education. The Deaf Literacy Center received grant funds to support the creation of literary works of art that culminated in a book showcase and exhibition held at the Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center for the families with Deaf elementary school- aged children that participated in the classes and workshops. In attendance, Fred Beam, the Executive Director of Invisible Hands, Inc. and well-known professional Deaf performer and artist, Mary A. Brown, the PPLC Executive Director, Barbara Ponce, PPLC Board Member, and John Austin, Regional Sales Manager, The Z. Additionally, The Z, a provider of video communications for the Deaf community, also co-sponsored the event. This program raises awareness of the importance of arts education and provides the opportunity for persons with hearing loss to experience arts and cultural workshops locally. These funds will enhance the services provided to Pinellas County residents at their local libraries.

Current Newsletter August Click HERE for past issues.

Meet Young Adult Author, Sherri L. Smith

As part of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative's celebration of Teen Read Week, Books with Beat @ your library (October 17- 23, 2010), Sherri L. Smith will be headlining this year's event at select library locations. The Young Adult Author program is an annual event that partners Pinellas County public libraries and public schools in hosting a young adult author during the American Library Association's (ALA) Teen Read Week celebration. This program is in its seventh year in Pinellas County and brings author Sherri L. Smith to varying locations to provide a presentation and/or writing workshop to teens throughout the county. Sherri L. Smith is the author of the Sunshine State Young Readers Award list title, Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet.

Based on her body of work, Ms. Smith is also one of the individuals invited by the U.S. State Department to provide input into a discussion about multiculturalism in the United States.

Ms. Smith's newest release, Flygirl (2009), is the recipient of several awards and honors including the 2010 American Library Association Best Books for Young People, 2009 Washington Post Best Kids' Books of the Year, and was the featured cover of the April 2009 Booklist magazine. The author will be discussing this novel, as well as her other body of work, during her author visit in October. Please check out the author's Web site for more information about her, her novels, and links to educational resources at www.sherrilsmith.com.

For more information, please contact the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative at (727) 441-8408.

There's Still Time to Read Your Way to the Ballpark with the Rays This Summer!

Since the Reading with the Rays: Read Your Way to the Ballpark summer reading partnership kicked off in June, school-aged youth have had the opportunity to read their favorite books and go to their public library to get cool prizes. All you need is a score card, which can be picked up at local public libraries or Tropicana Field. The program includes opportunities for youth to circle the bases on their game card and win great prizes as they reach 1st, 2nd and 3rd base, including one free ticket to a Rays baseball game once a participant has made it to Home Plate! This program is made possible through a partnership between the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, the Rays baseball team, and the St. Petersburg Times' Newspapers in Education (NIE). The partnership supports summer reading for Pinellas County youth and emphasizes the importance of continued literacy throughout the summer months. Please click HERE for more information.

Chipotle Teen Summer Reading Program — Teen Burrito Bingo

Splash into your library this summer and win cool prizes! The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative is partnering with Chipotle Mexican Grill to bring you Teen Burrito Bingo. Beginning June 14 through August 20, teens can pick up a bingo card at any PPLC member library and start completing squares. Once you complete at least seven BINGO squares, teens can redeem their BINGO cards at their local participating public library to receive a Burrito Buck for a free burrito, bowl, salad or an order of tacos from Chipotle Mexican Grill while supplies last. Every teen that completes the summer reading BINGO will also be entered into a grand prize drawing for a chance to win a Chipotle Prize Pack and a burrito party for up to 25 people!

For more information, please click HERE or contact Paula Godfrey at the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative at (727) 441-8408.

PPLC Monthly Newsletter

Current Newsletter - August

Previous Newsletters

2010: January, February, March, April, May, June, July

2009: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2008: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2007: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2006: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

2005: October, November, December

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