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Bringing author/illustrator Raúl the Third to Delavan, Wisconsin, has been a goal for the Aram Public Library team for quite some time. I had the opportunity to meet Cathy Camper, author of Lowriders in Space, in 2021, at the Wisconsin Library Association conference. I was so captivated by Raúl the Third’s illustrations for that book that I shared my enthusiasm with Michelle Carter, Aram Public Library’s director.

Fast forward a few years, and the opportunity to invite Raúl the Third to Aram Public Library became a reality, thanks to the Maureen Hayes award!

The Aram Public Library was proud to host Raúl the Third on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Hayes award funding for the visit also allowed us to distribute copies of his books, Training Day and Lowriders in Space, to 300 children attending summer school through the Delavan Darien School District. In addition, book plates designed by Linnea Bergstrom, a member of the Aram Public Library staff, were sent to Raúl for signing prior to his visit. The signed bookplates were placed in each of the books before they were given to the children.

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Delavan Darien School District partnered with our library on the day’s activities, providing both programming space and individual art kits for each of the children attending. The kits included an art journal and three ballpoint pens—red, blue, and black. Raúl shared the significance of the art kit contents with the audience. He wanted to illustrate a book with the contents, demonstrating that art can be created using common, everyday tools.

Our author gave three presentations during his visit—a morning program to library professionals, a summer school program at the local high school, and a final event held in the early evening for community members.

At the morning program, Raúl met with library professionals and shared information regarding his background and how he started drawing. Books were signed, pictures were taken, and the audience had a truly unique experience in a small, informal setting.

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When meeting with the summer school group, Raúl quickly became a ringleader—inviting youth to answer questions in Spanish and English, drawing characters on an easel, and encouraging reading and creating throughout his presentation. It was clear to our library team that he was in his element and clearly enjoyed interacting with the group.

Linda Zell, vice president, Aram Public Library trustee, shared, “Raúl’s visit to the Delavan Darien School District summer school was the highlight of the visit. While telling stories and showing how he develops the illustrations, his main message to the children was that it’s not where you come from but where you end up doing what you love that brings happiness.”

The evening event had an informal atmosphere that allowed participants to interact with Raúl through presentation and questions. Attendees also had time to meet with Raúl and purchase books for signing.

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On every level, Raúl the Third is exceptionally talented; he is also inquisitive, friendly, interesting, and has a fantastic sense of humor. Raúl met our town’s Mayor outside of the coffee shop, the Director of the Chamber at lunch, and continued to delight throughout his day in Delavan—conversing with local eatery staff, visiting comic and antique shops, and even the local farm market. Raúl truly embraced the opportunity to get to know our small town and its inhabitants and shared his experiences on his social media.—Michelle Carter, Director, and Katherine Schoofs, Youth Services Librarian/Assistant Director, Aram Public Library, Delavan, Wisconsin

Editor's note: Aram Public Library is the recipient of the 2024 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award. To learn more about the grant, visit the Hayes Award webpage.

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This past spring, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) released its annual list of Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning, which provide opportunities for school librarians to enhance learning, engage learners, and collaborate with educators. The list can be found on the AASL website.

“The year’s list provides new additions covering all grade levels and offering valuable resources to assist educators and enhance learning,” said Committee Chair Alexa Lalejini. “Book Creator, Khan Academy, Masters of Tradition, Parlay Ideas, and Write the World offer school librarians inclusive and engaging tools to use with learners or in collaboration with classroom teachers. ClassHook, Diffit, PebbleGo, TeachingBooks, and SeeSaw offer standards-aligned instructional support.

"Two new tools are bringing music to the school library, Musiquest offers creative ways to learn music, while EarSketch teaches coding through music composition. Tools receiving recognition for a second time, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing and evolving their resources as educators' needs and roles change, include Copyright & Creativity, KidLitTV, New American History, Pixton, Sora, and Wild Classroom.”

The recognition honors digital tools that foster innovation and collaboration, encourage exploration and participation, are user-friendly, and offer information and references. The technology resources are also evaluated for their application of AASL’s National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.

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