CSLA Announces Illustrators Galore @ the LIBRARY STORE

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Notable children's book illustrators have generously drawn upon their talents to support the California Campaign for Strong School Libraries. Aliki, Caroline Arnold, Joe Cepeda, Marla Frazee, Kazu Kibuishi, Brian Selznick, David Shannon, and Marianne Wallace created illustrations for the cause. The public can view the images and support school libraries when they visit the Campaign's LIBRARY STORE.

Jackie Siminitus, VP of Communications for CSLA, praised the artists and school library "Best Seller" Patrick Nelson for stepping forward, saying "The California economy is crippling our schools in many ways, and school library programs are taking hits in large part because parents and school officials are not aware of the changing role of the library in the digital age. Teacher librarians teach cyber safety and digital literacy, in addition to the academic research process. These skills are essential for success in college, careers, and life."

The Campaign is a public awareness program aimed at publicizing the role of today's school libraries and the new Model School Library Standards approved by the State Board of Education last fall. The standards include:  1) Standards for Students that delineate what students should know and be able to do at each grade level or grade span to enable students to succeed in school, higher education and the workforce, and; 2) baselevel staffing, resources and infrastructure, including technology, required for effective school library programs for students.

Patrick Nelson, CEO of California-based bookseller Mrs. Nelson's Toy & Book Shop, used his vast network of contacts with authors and illustrators to facilitate the arrangement with the California School Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that oversees the Campaign.  Last year, Nelson was recognized by the California School Library Association for his role in creating and developing a statewide school library advocacy campaign.

The California School Library Association advocates, educates, and collaborates to ensure that all California students and educators are effective users of ideas and information.

SOURCE California School Library Association