Chapter Nine: September News from Madison Reading Project
So many of our favorite activities happen in September! We spent this month supporting educators, kids and centers with their back-to-school programming as well as focusing on our own team planning and coordination.
We have had a fabulous month kicking off the school year! The book center has been full of teachers selecting books for their classrooms, and our staff has been busy collaborating and planning with our after-school partners to bring fun programs to local kids. Our team attended the Madison Out of School Time conference, and we even presented at one of their sessions.
Next week we will highlight, Banned Books Week. This attack on free access to books for children and adults across America is incredibly damaging and problematic. Starting Monday, check out our blog posts and website daily for ways to learn and get engaged with this movement.
Our team recently participated in our annual strategic planning and is excited and energized for everything we have to celebrate and look forward to. There were lots of great discussions, listening, and learning, and overall, we’re thrilled to grow as a team and provide the best possible services to our community.
As we start thinking about Fall, we’ll return to schools with our Free Book Fair programs, after-school STEAM programs, and community engagement efforts. We’re also planning our Community Book Drive; stay tuned in our newsletter, website, and social media to see how you can help give kids the “new book feeling” during the winter holidays.
Educator Corner
Name activities can be so powerful during the first week of school. We love this activity from Paula Liz, one of the authors of the new book, Anti-Racist Art Activities for Kids.
View the quick 4 minute tutorial here: Teach Us Your Name: Turn Your Name Into a Work of Art
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off September 15! We love this book list that has picture books, middle grade, and YA recommended books.
Join the 2023 Latinx Kidlit Book festival LIVE from your classroom, library or home for FESTIVAL FRIDAYS starting September 22nd through October 13th!
This amazing, free program features live chats with Latinx creators as well as storytimes and discussions for kids of all ages. View the schedule here.
Don’t miss our most up-to-date list of books to read during the first few weeks of school. You can also check out some of our posts about building a classroom community and using books to facilitate conversations around identity.
September Book List Recommendations
Lee & Low Publishing just shared this School Year Calendar that includes book recommendations for each month of the year. Print this out and keep on hand - it's a super easy way to incorporate a variety of voices into your classroom!
Local Literacy
The Madison Bubbler has a new Educator Resource page! It is a one stop shop for requesting professional development, visits to the bubbler, or school projects with our bubbler team, or finding making & learning resources for educators. You can check it out here.
If you serve students aged birth to five in Dane County, they are eligible to register for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Families can register at our website.
Programs for families and kids of all ages are back in full swing at Madison Public Library! Check out the online calendar for events to share, or contact them to set up a special event for your class!
MADReads for Kids: Madison Public Library staff read and review great new (and old favorites!) books for kids! Discover something new by following along with these reviews: https://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/madreads/kids
