Libraries in economic crisis?...thanks ALA

The American Library Association recently developed a new toolkit named "Advocating in a Tough Economy". In case you don't know what a toolkit (in regards to library terminology) is...it's basically references/ideas to help you make your job easier. In this specific toolkit, ALA has given us "tools" on how we can support libraries in different community capacities. They address issues like how one should approach the media and local government officials, what to say or what to wear at meetings, etc, etc. I highly recommend it to those who are trying to find ways to sing the praises of the library!!! I like to remember the 3 P's---Preparation, Practice and Passion. The last P is my favorite because it is the selling point for any audience. It is utimately what shines through...:)

Identical by Ellen Hopkins (Beware of spoilers)

As part of my resolutions I decided to read more in the YA/JUV area. To kick off this year, I chose Identical by Ellen Hopkins. She is the author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, and Glass. This is book is recommended for 14 and up. This book is about identical twins named Kaeleigh and Raeanne and their picture-perfect parents. Their mom is running for a congressional office, and their dad, who is a judge, has substance abuse problems among other problems. Who is taking care of the girls? Each girl is hiding secrets from the public eye. Even when I thought I got to a good stopping point, I had to keep reading. This was my first Ellen Hopkins book to read.

The twins' behaviors may shock some, but I recommend reading this book with an open mind. It deals with issues that are prevalent in our society, such as substance abuse, cutting, purging, and sexual abuse. After the accident, Kaeleigh and Raeanne and their mom were never the same. Their mom was mostly busy with her work, and she barely had time (or made time) to spend with her daughters. The ending was surprising as well. I had a inkling suspicion that something was a little twisted in the diary-like format. I was amazed that Hopkins could weave so many stories into this book. For me, I wanted Hopkins to elaborate more about the mom. It seemed to me that the boyfriend Ian, psychotherapist Carol, and grandmother (Kaeleigh and Raeanne's dad's mother) cared more for Kaeleigh during her time of desperate need. Many teens have requested for me to order more Ellen Hopkins books. I can see why.

Resolutions for librarians

Ok so I've not posted for a long while...I got caught up in the holiday spirit and school things. So today is the last day before 2009, and I decided to google "new year's resolutions for librarians". I wondered for a couple of seconds if there would be any hits. There were over 780K results.

I read mostly blog links. The Shifted Librarian blog had a post about New Year's resolutions for technology in libraries. It was posted in 2004. The next one was actually about a Filipino librarian. I loved his quote..."I can't change Filipino librarians, but I can change the way you look at us." His post was basically about emailing resolutions to yourself. The next blog, although it was short, was interesting. Click here to read the blog. It was more of what I wanted to read. The blogger posted 4 pieces of wisdom: collection development in religion, setting aside personal political beliefs, genealogists and library publicity. The blogger attitude still fits with our current times. When I read this blog, it made me think about my library resolutions...I pondered...pondered more...still pondered...so here are 5 things I will try to do...

1. Read (at least) 1 young adult or juvenile book per month.
2. Increase the young adult nonfiction and juvenile biography section by 20%.
3. Blog more on the library system's teen and children's blog.
4. Be 20% more active in community events.
5. (Of course) Be the best librarian I can possibly be for my community.

I think this list is a start. I'll revisit it again.

A first...of many

So tonight I scheduled myself to speak with a local elementary school. It has taken me a good year, but I have made significant progress with this elementary school's principal. I think she knows that I have the children's best interests. She's a spectacular person.


It was their December PTSO meeting. I was not mentally prepared for the amount of people attending this meeting. I was simply speechless and my mind was going 200 mph. I think there were almost 600 or 700 people in their cafeteria. There were probably more. Usually, I'm not too nervous about speaking with people, but like I said, I didn't expect for there to be so many people. I spoke about about the library's importance in their community. I'm sure some people were bored, but that's to be expected. I kept my speech under 3 minutes and I think it was just enough.

After this event, I have learned that I need to speak at more functions. It is something I really enjoy. Now I just need to get a personal assistant to line up my gigs. ...lol

Try and Wear a Cape

So I know I work with children and teens but I realized that I enjoy reference work A LOT!!! I like interacting with adult patrons and (trying) to solve their reference needs.

Sometimes I reminisce about one of my first reference interviews. A few years ago, I met an elderly woman who wanted a specific poem to read at her friend's funeral. She determined that she was going to leave with this poem. Everyone in the library devoted their energies to this reference query and search for at least 15 or 20 minutes for this woman. We looked in poetry books, anthologies, and even "googled" it. After this intense search, everyone decided to quit the search. Sometimes I think it (the search) becomes more of a contest~"who's the best or quickest". Secretly, I do enjoy the competition. When all seemed lost, I looked at the lady again and decided I would continue with the search. She only had part of the line. For you people who think it's a poem you can find on poetry.com or bartleby.com, you're so wrong. Ultimately, I found the poem on a google search. I changed a few search terms. It was that moment of elation from the lady that I said I was going to stick with libraries. Sure, I have had moments where I questioned my decision. (It took me almost 2 years to apply to library school.)

So for the past few days I have had some pleasant reference interviews. I love the creativity and depth my job allows for me, i.e. creating story times, decorating, playing the Wii with Teens or kids, ordering books for juveniles and teens, crafting, homework help for everyone etc etc. Despite all these things, this week has shown me that I am a librarian who colors outside of the lines. I like people. I like to help people. I like all types of people from birth to 100+ years old.

Sometimes I am in awe of the expectations of our communities. They expect us to be omnipotent beings; there, I think, is the challenge, but it really is simple. Even if we can't be the omnipotent beings they want, we have the abilities to provide acts of kindness or consideration goes a long way. I understand that I can't be Superwoman for the library world but I can, at least, try and wear a cape and pretend to be invincible. Right?

Library Conferences, Bigelow Tea Bags, and the Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum Rap

Last week I went to a youth services conference in Jackson. I had a nice time. I learned a few new things and I also realized how much my library system offers to its patrons compared to other systems in the state. One of the things I most enjoy about library conferences are the people...such a mixed bag of people. I learned quite a few things from New Stage, Dianne de las Casas, YALSA's Maggie Moran, and Vicki Cobb. There's a cool experiment with Bigelow tea bags, and I learned that there are people who can make folk tales into rapping tales. Oh yeah, I also learned that I like to share Shakesperean insults...murky pantaloon...lol..

Usually, for me,the end of the conference feels like camp. You know...the whole "hi my name is (fill in your name)"..."this is my favorite program" lalalala..."hey you want to hang out when we have free time"...and

Then it's finished. You exchange business cards if you have them or scratch email addresses on the napkin you used to wipe your mouth with at the last meal of the session. Ah what fun!!!

It's a Bird!!! It's a Plane!!! It's...

not Superman...it's really a sparrow in the library. (in the picture it's in the metal square opening)

Ok today was eventful...Besides the fact that it's story time day, which is always fun, we had a sparrow in the library! I'm thinking~really neat children's story. After my story times, I offered to help the circulation desk and one of my coworkers buzzed me on the telephone and said "there's a bird in the library"! Of course, being the person I am and a children's person, I was excited and sad. I was sad because I watched how frustrated the bird became; he kept flying towards the window. We took several pictures and I even tried taking video. How did the bird enter the library? Who knows? We have a few theories. LOL. Poor Fred (that's the name he was given). Fred was in the computer lab and was sitting on one of the beams. He probably had some email to check or maybe he was looking for another line of work. I didn't have a chance to do a reference interview with him.

Fast forward...someone called animal control and after a few minutes of tiring Fred with nets and bird calls, I decided we could use the bug nets that I had from last year's summer reading program. Good thing we had nets. Finally animal control arrived on the scene. One of the officers retrieved his large net from his truck. He was amazed that the net reached as far as it did. Fred was even more frustrated and flew lower and was on the ground. The female officer was like a Jedi and caught Fred and released him outside. It's like I blinked and Fred was gone. It's like the officer just teleported from her spot across the room and...poof...the ordeal was over. Library peace was restored. I wonder what things Fred will share with his other feathered friends. I'm sharing the video I took; I learned that I am not a good videographer. In the video you'll hear me speaking with one of the animal control people. I sound like a goober but oh well. What a day at the library?!?! (By the way... didn't need a hat....whew)