Joy Millam, Teacher Librarian/District Library Coordinator

Valencia High School/Placentia Yorba Linda USD

Blog / Library website / Online book forum

This wiki's creation is the product of suggestions by both Marc McPhee and Heather Gruenthal. I enjoyed Marc's presentation Friday, November 16, 2007 at CSLA's Annual Conference. He mentioned that he always creates a blog to support his workshop presentations (posting documents and files that pertain to the presentation). Heather reminded me that I had created a Library Resource Yahoo Group that had sadly never taken hold, and suggested that a Wiki might be better. (I have to say I was sick of the nasty spammers that infiltrated the Yahoo group.) So, this is it, a place to find helpful library resources and documents related to my latest presentation "Booktalks: A Blueprint for Building Readers."

Background

This is my fifth year in the library (2007). Prior to my jump to the library, I was a 15 year veteran of the English classroom.  I taught primarily 9th grade throughout the years and truly enjoyed the daily interaction with those remarkably impressionable, energetic freshmen. There was rarely a dull day-- every day was fun and funny. I enjoyed it greatly. With that said, it should also be noted that the challenge was reduced after 15 years, the same core works began to wear on me.  The Library Media Teacher, Carolyn Weber, had remarked over the years that I would be great and should look into becoming a LMT. I did, and truly have rarely looked back.  I love this job and every day brings new challenges and thrills. I have a renewed passion for my career and am really riding a wave of excitement.  I have a staff that is eager to collaborate and is always looking to mprove. They are open to learning new skills (technology) and booktalk visits. They trust my expertise and we have a mutual respect that just adds to the love I have for this school and my work within its walls. 

This is also my second year on YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers committee. We are charged with developing a list of books that reluctant readers will read, enjoy, and share. The list serves as a collection development tool for library professionals.  During 2008-2009 I will be the Chairperson of the Quick Picks Committee. I am excited to have this opportunity and continue to help create a list that will help reluctant readers all over the world. If you are wondering what the characteristics of a Quick Pick selection, here is some of our criteria: 1) the book must have an awesome cover that is absolutely riveting; 2) the opening of the book should be attention-grabbing; 3) reluctant readers will read it; and 4) they share it with others.  A great example of this is Rachel Cohn and David Levithan's book Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist or Frank Warren's non-fiction blockbuster, PostSecret.  If you think you have a Quick Pick you are welcome to nominate it at http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/quickpicks/nominatetitle.cfm.  Nominations are closed for 2007-2008, but will reopen in late winter for the 2008-2009 year. Also, if you are in or near Anaheim during American Library Association's Annual Conference June 26-July2, 2008  at the Anaheim Convention Center please come observe a meeting, we always love visitors and welcome your input about the titles that we are considering. Please see the ALA website for more information about locations and times.  http://ala.org/annual

Educationally, I'm well-rounded. I received my Bachelor of Science in Technical Journalism from Oregon State University in 1986.  I received my teaching credential from Chapman University in 1988 and lastly, completed my Master of Science in School Librarianship at Azusa Pacific University in 2005.  My formal education is nowhere near finished. Eventually, I will return to school and earn my Ph.D. 

Personal Information

I am married and the mother to one very amazing daughter, Jesseca. She is almost 17 and is a wonderfully compassionate person that I admire very much. She has such passion for life and is so thoroughly committed to making a difference in the world, that I know with certainty that she will make a difference.

My life is busy and filled with family activities. My youngest stepdaughter, Chelsea, is a cheerleader and we are often going to competitions to watch her compete. They are fun to watch and it is great to see her doing something she loves.  My eldest stepdaughter, Ali, is a sophomore at Long Beach State University and it has been interesting to see her go through the teacher education program there and to observe all the changes in the program in 20 years. I enjoy mentoring her and am excited to see her passion ignite as she experiences the joy of teaching.

Outside of work and family, I enjoy reading (obviously), crafts such as scrapbooking (big obsession), crocheting, and sewing, as well as going to the beach for rejuvenation that only a large body of water can bring (although a fountain will do it in a pinch).

Contact Me

If you have questions or just want to connect, please feel free to email me at jmillam@pylusd.org. My school website is at VHS Library.  I welcome your comments and suggestions. I hope that you will find this wiki a helpful resource.