I had a chance to speak with Michelle Luhtala, department chair of New Canaan (CT) High School Library, late last year about her students winning the American Library Association’s teen video Contest, “Why I NEED My Library!†in 2011.’ After learning that the American Library Association was sponsoring the teen video contest, “Why I NEED My Library!†, Michelle Luhtala, school librarian at New Canaan High School (CT) sent the information to a group of students interested in videography.’ She let the students ponder the idea of the contest and they did the rest… ultimately winning the top prize of $3,000.00 cash.’ The focus of the video was the library and the services offered.’ Michele said the $3,000.00 cash prize was a huge incentive for the students.
Even thought they did not get to keep the money for themselves, the students did get to decide how to spend the money for the benefit of the school library, a way to leave their legacy.’ Ultimately, 5 iPads were purchased for the school.’ Each iPad is individually engraved with the student’s name and has its own cover which represents each of the award winning students.’ Since receiving the iPads, Michelle said that many students come to the desk requesting to check out “The TIM†or “The Nick†iPad.