Another successful appearance by the Library Reading Divas

Five Library Reading Divas (Laura, Linda, Kris, Jen and Sharon) arrived bright and early for the Macy's media event in downtown Minneapolis. They were on hand to help Macy's and MELSA announce the new Minnesota museum Adventure Pass presented by Macy's program.

Instead of their usual formalwear, the Divas were attired in the business suits complete with the white "Reading Diva" sash and, of course, their tiaras. They greeted the guests as they arrived and spent time mingling in the crowd. All of the Divas had their photos taken and had opportunities to explain what a Library Reading Diva is and what they do. Diva Laura and Diva Linda spend some time talking to Minnesota Monthly, so who knows? Maybe those two will have their photo in the magazine.

We even got to kick-off the event! After a half hour of coffee and morning appetizer, the Divas stepped on stage and "shhh-ed" the audience. After a few "shhhhhs", the crowd quieted down and Bill Sprattler, Macy's store manager, joked to the crowd that he hadn't been "shhh-ed by a librarian since I was eight!"

The Divas took the stage again when Sally Lederer, with MELSA, was introduced. After some vamping by the Divas when Sally explained why they were there, the Divas left the stage and stood nearby as Sally introduced the new, exciting program that will begin September 7. The program will allow library card holders to go to their library and "check out a museum!"

After the speakers were done, the Divas moved to the exit and handed out a notepad that looked like an old library checkout card and thanked everyone as they left.

Another crowd-pleasing appearance by the Library Reading Divas.

What a fantastic group of volunteens at the Rosemount Parade!

Temps in the mid-90s and a heat index of 102 degrees, didn't stop the Library Reading Divas from participating in the annual City of Rosemount parade!

Three volunteens arrived to help decorate the carts and to learn the book cart drill team routine.




The Bookmobile was one of the last entries in the parade, so there was a lot of hurry up and wait going on, but that didn't stop these Divas from smiling! Finally, almost an hour after the parade began, it was our turn. Four of the Divas pushed the carts, while other Divas passed out candy to the parade goers and spritzed the Divas with water to help them keep their cool during the parade.

The group, led by veteran Divas Laura and Linda, marched in front of the Bookmobile, stopping on occasion to perform the ever popular pinwheel book cart maneuver, complete with a surprise "shhhhh" to the audience!

As usual, a Library Reading Divas Book Cart Drill Team was a hit with the parade goers.

Macy's Media Event - changes and updates

More changes are underway for the Library Reading Diva's appearance at the August 17 media event. Remember, the media event is the announcement of the new Museum Adventure Pass program that will be available at all metro area libraries in early September and only the media will be invited to this one.

While the Library Reading Divas Book Cart Drill Team concept peeked Macy's interest, there was a concern raised that the our formalwear "costumes" will not be instantly recognizable as LIBRARIAN and LIBRARY.

Sally, with MELSA, is meeting with them again early next week and will pitch our new idea of being dressed in stereotypical librarian attire (skirt suit or blouse and skirt, reading glasses and hair pulled into bun) to see if this would work.

I've always thought that part of the message we want to convey with the formalwear and the Library Reading Divas is "look at libraries and librarians in a new way!" We all know that we offer so much more than books! It would have been fun to continue with the "diva" theme for the media event, but I think we can make this other look fun also.

Will keep you posted as I hear more information!

Another Thank You From Festival Organizers!

In my opinion - they are a class act! I am amazed at how much fun they were to work with and how appreciative they were of our participation.

Each and every one of you helped the Reading Divas Book Cart Drill Team to sparkle! You all rock!

Updated DCL Summer Parade Information

I'm reposting this message from Diva Linda with updated information for the Hastings Rivertown Days parade - which is this Saturday, July 15 at 7 p.m. - and the Rosemount Leprechaun Days parade - which is coming up fast! It is Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m.

If you want to volunteer, but don't wish to participate in the drill team - well, we have tasks for you too! We always need two people to carry the banner announcing who we are! And we could use someone to carry the megaphone to call out greetings and to lead the drill team. Or we could use a Diva or Dude to assist in handing out candy. Or we could have a Diva or Dude walking along side the Bookmobile greeting the crowd with waves and smiles. There's plenty to do so join us!

Greetings from Diva Linda! I have gotten quite a few phone calls and names of volunteens that want to be a part of our fabulous drill team. That is SO exciting! I would like to take a moment to mention some of the "housekeeping" for being a part of the drill team.

If you are interested in representing the library at any of the parades, please contact me. I gave you my contact information in the email messages and letters I sent to you. (I will try to answer any call "live" from 7-3:30 p.m. or leave a message 24/7 on voicemail.) If you're not sure how to get ahold of me, you can always ask your contact at the library where you signed up as a volunteen.

What do you wear for the parades? A formal or suit would be great for a diva or dude. Nothing expensive or special. Most of our gowns were bought at Goodwill. We do have some gowns that could be worn on the day of the parade. Call and check on availability a few days before the parade. We also have extra tiaras and sashes to wear as well. Otherwise, a white t-shirt and khaki pants or shorts would be appropriate.

What should you bring? Be sure to bring water and sun block (sun glasses?) as well as a smile and enthusiasm! We are representing the Dakota County Libraries.

What will you do in the parade? We will be walking the length of the parade in front of the bookmobile. We will smile and wave 'royally' at the masses gathered to catch a glimpse of us and may also PASS out candy (divas never, ever THROW candy) or carry a banner announcing that we are representing the library.

Remember, these are volunteer hours that you could use for church, school, scouts, etc. !!! We had one volunteen who volunteered as a Diva a few years ago that actually received some scholarship money for college because they were impressed with the way she choose to volunteer and do outreach to the community.

Here is the most updated schedule that we have for this summer's parades.

2006 Parade Dates
For the volunteer Reading Divas and Dudes Book Cart Drill Team

Hastings Rivertown Days Parade
Saturday, July 15
7 p.m. parade starts
Meet at the Hastings Library at 6 p.m. and ride on the Bookmobile to the parade route! The Bookmobile leaves at 6 p.m. sharp so if you're not there you'll need to meet us at the parade route.

Our unit number is 99 and we will enter the parade route on 15th Street (off of Highway 61).

The parade begins at 7 p.m. and it is a loooooooong parade - One Mile Long! - so please be sure to bring water and comfortable walking shoes.

Call the Hastings library or Linda if you have questions on the ending location of the parade.

Rosemount leprechaun Days Parade
Saturday, July 29
11:00 a.m. parade starts
10:30 a.m. line up

This community loves the library! And we love them! It is a very heavily attended parade and we want to have a huge number of Reading Divas and Dudes at this parade so please consider being a part of this one! The line up location is in the parking lot of the Rosemount High School. The lot can get very hard to get in and out of, and has very limited parking, so you may want to be dropped off or park elsewhere and walk to the line up location. The parade ends at the middle school.

Inver Grove Heights Days Parade
Saturday, September 9
11:00 a.m parade starts

More details will follow as we get them.

Another successful parade for the DCL Reading Divas

The weather this past Saturday turned out to be the perfect weather for a parade! Sunny, low 80s with a warm, gentle breeze. This parade is the shortest one of the season - only two blocks long - but filled with "throngs of well-wishers lining the streets" (per Diva Linda).

Three Library Reading Divas, along with Princess D. Clown, marched in front of the library's Bookmobile pushing their book carts abnd waving to the crowd. They also performed a few drills to the crowd's delight. The pinwheel maneuver, as usual, resulted in cheers and loud clapping to which the Divas turned to the crowd with an exaggerated "sshhhh".

Another crowd pleasing appearance by the DCL Reading Divas. Next parade is Saturday, July 15. Hope to see you there!

Book Cart Drill Team ArtMoves Parade Photos

A few photographs of the metro-wide Library Reading Diva Book Cart Drill Team in action during the Art Moves Parade. As noted on MELSA's website, John Reger from WCCO's evening news referred to the Divas as "A Crowd Favorite!"

Mendota Parade Details - Saturday, July 8

The next parade on our summer schedule will be in Mendota on Saturday, July 8. This is a great parade! Only Two blocks long but filled with throngs of well-wishers lining the street!

The parade begins at 12 noon. Please arrive for line-up between 11 and 11:30 a.m. The line up location is St. Peter's Catholic Church off of Highway 13 in Mendota.

Macy's Media Event - Date Announced

The Library Reading Divas were invited to perform at the Marshall Field's (Macy's) media event on August 17th in front of Marshall-Fields. That event is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Just another chance to dazzle the media with our library book cart manuevers. Well.... at least the sun glistening off of our tiaras will dazzle them.

Note: You do need to be a library employee (in a MELSA library) to be a part of this Library Reading Divas event.

Two Library Reading Divas to Appear in Kaposia Days Parade

The first appearance of the Reading Divas after their television debut! (Well, a two second clip on the local nightly news counts doesn't it?) Two of the infamous Library Reading Divas will appear (sans book carts) in South St. Paul's Kaposia Days Parade on Friday, June 23. They will be with the Dakota County Library Bookmobile. Since this is such a long parade, with a number of slight inclines, curves and corners, they decided to hand out candy rather than perform with their bookcarts. The Bookmobile is number nine in the line-up - be sure to get your sunglasses ready to put on as they walk by as they will dazzle you with their sparkly gowns, shiny tiaras and smiles.

Macy's (Marshall Field's) Called...

The Macy's media event will be Thursday, August 17. And they want the Reading Divas to be there (we are the crowd favorite after all). Mark your calendars Divas and I'll get more details to you as they are revealed to me. And I bet there are other Divas lurking in your system just waiting for their chance to wear a vintage prom gown and be in the spotlight...

First Parade Photo

Look at that formation - very impressive. And ya gotta' love the combat boots with the flowy peach gown....why didn't I think of that?

Reading Diva Sighting at the Library!

Diva Anne shares this story from last night.

"OK, I'm at the reference desk, and two little girls come walking up. I thought they were going to say "Hi, Anne!" or "You came to my school" or something like that. Well, no. They didn't.

The older of the girls walked up and said, "We were at the Children's festival on Saturday, and I think you are one of the reading divas!" and the younger one said "You waved to me!"

A Thank You Letter from the Festival Organizers

"Dear Local and Regional Artists of the 2006 Flint Hills International Children's Festival,

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your wonderful efforts this past weekend! The festival would not be possible without the help of your wonderful artistic talents. The positive interaction you and your groups made with the children and families this weekend was spectacular---the entire staff here was so impressed with everyone's professionalism and great attitudes!

I hope you all had as much fun as I did, and I know we have received a lot of positive feedback so far from some of you and our patrons.

Please see the message below from our President/CEO David Galligan, who wanted his message to go out to EVERYONE who was involved in this year's festival.

Thanks again and we hope you decide to participate again next year!"

"Colleagues, I can't even begin to tell you how powerfully I felt the success and energy of this last week -- your success and energy as a staff, and that of our many CAC, OCOS, Education Advisers, other volunteers and the many sponsors who are as much our partners and colleagues in this festival as they are financial backers. All of you, together with our fabulous guest artists, hundreds of them, touched many thousands of lives on site at Rice Park and around the metro area and state through your inspired outreach programs. It's the touching of lives, of course, and the changing of them in the expansion of our global points of view -- our own as staff/ volunteers/ sponsors and that of our audiences -- that is at the core of Ordway Center's mission. In its educating, presenting, producing and hosting roles, Ordway Center is a catalyst driving new energies between artists and audiences. Thanks to all of you for so obviously putting heart and soul into this singular effort. Special thanks to our sponsors and to Heather Spicuzza and her incredible staff and volunteers for the vision and execution (including the perfect weather) of a truly remarkable festival. David "

Should Have Photos to Post by Tuesday

I'm sure you are all eager to view the photos from the parade, and once we get a copy of the newsclip we'll find a way for all of you to view that also. I'm also following up on the MIA t-shirts. And as soon as I hear back reqarding the missing official festival t-shirts I'll let you know.

Library Reading Divas now Television Stars

That's right divas. You were the featured Artmoves parade unit on the 6 p.m. Channel 4 news! We were reported as the crowd favorite , the Library Reading Divas. Jan, Anne and Linda are filmed doing a pinwheel, then the film cut to the runaround (hilarous!) with the announcer commenting that we must have practiced a long time for that one. Sally will try and get a clip for everyone to view. Not only was the parade a blast, but what great PR for the libraries. GREAT JOB DIVAS!

BIG, BIG, BIG Thank You to Kiki and Her Family

...for their help decorating the book carts this afternoon. Without their assistance we would have spend many more hours getting this task done. The book cart decorating crew arrived at SPPL just after 1:30 p.m. We were escorted to the lower level of the building and spent the next two hours transforming the book carts into mobile works of art.

Shashary and Seleny were awesome! These two girls sure have an artistic eye. Thank goodness Jose came along to help, as he was able to assist in repairing one of the carts that lost its wheel! Yikes! That would not have been a good surprise during the parade.

The book carts are soooo diva-worthy and parade ready. You're gonna need shades....

We're Ready for Showtime!

As you can see from last night's dress rehearsal, these Reading Divas are ready! All went well during practice, except for the whistle blower who had some trouble operating the whistle. As Jan reminded me, "in the words of Lauren Bacall, just put your lips together and blow". Who knew that one needed special training in whistle blowing? This photo will be sent to the media along with the photo opp announcement.

Remember to bring:

• Water (if you have someway to strap it on the your cart even better)
• Suncreen
• Your signed media release (turn in when we check-in) Everyone must submit one.
• Digital (video) recorder (this one's for you Anne).

See you all tomorrow at the MELSA tent (corner by Ordway and SPPL) about 11:30 a.m.

Shhhhhh!

Don't you just love this photo from the last practice?

Sounds like everyone has been busy scouting the local thrift stores looking for vintage or retro gowns! Just a few tweaks here and there so that we don't trip over our gowns while we twirl our book carts. Kris has been busy stitching up the Reading Diva Sashes for the group. Sharon found the supply of feather boas for anyone that needs a little extra glitz.

"Dress" Rehearsal

Last chance to practice!

Practice is on schedule for Thursday, June 1 from about 5:30 to 7 p.m. We’ll grab as many empty carts as we can find and head out to the parking lot to practice the routine (with a real whistle this time!) If you arrive after 5:45, we'll probably be in the back lot already.

Cart assignments for the Divas:
First row: 1 – Anne, 2 – Jan, 3 – Linda
Second row: 4 – Karen, 5 – Kris, 6 – Jen
Third row: 7 – Laura, 8 – Ann, 9 – Ali, 10 – Sarah

Jan suggested a "dress" rehearsal, probably because she's so excited about the dress she found. So, bring your gowns and we'll get a quick dress rehearsal in.

Let me share some of Jan's email, just in case you haven't read it yet. She said that the store had "an amazing assortment of dresses in the most godawful colors, all for $12-$20. Hot pink (think "Pepto Bismal"), torrid turquoise, gumball green, racy red, gold and glitzy, and more. Some of the puffiest sleeves known to humankind. If you remember the episode of "Friends" with the prom video of Monica and Rachel, you'll have a good idea of their selection. I found a lovely dark green chiffony number with a faux pearl brooch. It will look fab with my dress gray sneakers." Sounds like the perfect Reading Diva gown to me!