There’s a storefront at our local mall that has a year-round sale where everything is 100% off. It reminds me a lot of my library, actually. Just today, when I left with 11 books, the bottom of my receipt said, “You saved $198.97 by using your library.” As an 80s baby, I grew up in the height of mall culture. The time I spent in malls, “window shopping” with my friends, rivals the time I spent in the library. The irony is not lost on me. Or perhaps it’s not irony, but a trope. A rivals-to-romance tale of two American institutions. (Tentatively titled A Court of Food and Beverages.) Or a tragedy, depending on who you ask. While malls have more than survived in cities like the one I was born and raised—Miami, Florida—they’ve struggled in places like the mid-sized North Central Florida college town I’ve called home for nearly…
Category: Blogger Kelley Taksier
Once Upon a Library in Fairyland: A True Story
True story: I just got back from Fairyland. Just ask my three (and a half!) year-old nibling. I’ve been an avid reader of fantasy since childhood. So, it shouldn’t have surprised me that Fairyland had a library.* It also shouldn’t have surprised me that the library was the most magical thing there. Which may seem subjective. But, following the logic of the fantasy genre, I would argue that we feel magic—not measure it.
Science of Reading in the Library: Building Print Awareness to Support Comprehension
Building print awareness, or knowledge of print concepts, is something that those serving children in libraries already do. Building print awareness even more intentionally better positions children to understand texts when they enter school. (Today’s post is yet another installment in an unofficial series on the science of reading in the library.*)
Prepping for Pride Month with Critical Multicultural Analysis
With Pride Month just over the rainbow,* Critical Multicultural Analysis (CMA) is a helpful tool for putting together your library’s 2026 “Pride Collection.” The Stonewall Book Awards List, Rainbow Book List, and Diverse BookFinder offer a veritable parade of choices. CMA helps ensure our collection and displays (which I guess are the parade floats in this metaphor?) represent a spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experiences.
Science of Reading in the Library: Just-Right Texts for Emerging Readers
Selecting just-right texts for emerging readers ensures that reading is an enjoyable—versus frustrating—experience. But what makes a text just right? Today’s post is yet another installment in an unofficial series on the science of reading in the library.* Our topic: the factors to consider when selecting texts for emerging readers.
Science of Reading in the Library: Think Alouds During Read Alouds
You already read aloud with children…but do you think aloud with them? Today’s post is yet another installment in an unofficial series on the science of reading in the library. Today’s topic: using think alouds to teach easy, evidence-based comprehension strategies during read alouds. Previously I addressed other knowledge and skills that are easy to apply during read alouds. These include the types of words for emerging readers, blendable sounds, and direct vocabulary instruction.
Afrofuturism in Books and Programming for Children
Every January, before Black History Month, my town hosts Afrofuturism Week. This year, I noticed my favorite local bookstore put up a display dedicated to Afrofuturistic literature. Books by my favorite author, Octavia E. Butler, were present and accounted for. Of course. But the cover of one book in particular stood out: How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin.
Science of Reading in the Library: Types of Words for Emerging Readers
This month, I decided to focus on yet another way to bring the science of reading into the library: understanding the types of words for emerging readers. (Last month I focused on blendable sounds.) Why? Because the “science of reading” has continued to be a popular topic.