July is National Ice Cream Month! Check it out. Celebrate July by eating ice cream all month long… at least that is my plan. If you have a freezer at work– allow me to introduce the concept of work ice cream– a special pint that you can take spoonfuls of when you just need a minutes peace… but I digress.
Tag: books
Easy Reader Deep Dive
Easy readers, more specifically, easy reader series are one of the most requested items at my branch. Children have their favorites that they often ask for– Paw Patrol! Lego! Superheroes! Princesses! And parents ask constantly for recommendations for books on their child’s age level or reading ability.
#alamw19 and the Anxiety of the Exhibit Hall
It’s that time of year… time for the giant sprawling exhibit hall of brand new books (both free and at discount), vendors, networking, free snacks, and ANXIETY. Sometimes the exhibit hall offers FOMO with getting the coolest tote bags, hottest books, and precious minutes to gush with your favorite author… it’s real, and I think we all experience it– even if we are actually there. And while it is endless amounts of fun and discovery… it is also so hard for some people (ME!) who can be socially awkward. I am a super extroverted person… it’s one of the ways I can shine at being a librarian… but I also feel horribly uncomfortable and awkward in situations with lots of people, and also with all the people looking to sell something to you. So- I offer some tips to survive. Even if you are #alaleftbehind, one day you may experience…
Book Gift Ideas for Tweens
Librarians are experts at reader’s advisory. We read in our spare time to do a better job while we are on the clock. So when it comes to holiday book ideas, librarians are the experts. Unlike bookstores and retailers, librarians are free agents whose only interest is helping to connect readers to the right book. They can help the most reluctant reader become passionate about books. Librarians can even help the most challenging group of readers-tweens. As the year comes to a close, it is a great time to take a look back at some of the best books of the year. These books would make an excellent gift for a tween or educator in your life. If not a gift, these books are worth adding to your to-read pile. 24 Hours in Nowhere by Dusti Bowling Thirteen-year-old Gus lives in Nowhere, Arizona. His life in Nowhere is miserable, and…
Children’s Librarians are Experts at Readers’ Advisory
Librarians know their library collections! We know just the right questions to ask for each library customer seeking their next favorite book. Library customer: Do you have any new penguin picture books? Librarian: Hi! Yes, we have a wonderful selection of them! Library customer: I’m looking for a new book with a penguin wearing a sweater. Librarian: Let’s walk over to the new picture book section and look under Animals. (Point out the new picture book stickers.) I saw the book you’re looking for yesterday. So many colorful sweaters! Books Found: Penguinaunt by Marcie Colleen, Little Penguin Stays Awake by Tadgh Bentley and Penguins Don’t Wear Sweaters! By Marikka Tamura.
A Hogwarts Reading List : Ravenclaw
In honor of the United State’s twentieth-anniversary publishing of Harry Potter, I will be sharing a book list once a month to highlight books tweens should read based on their Harry Potter House. In April I highlighted books every Slytherin should read and in July I highlighted books every Gryffindor should read. This month I am highlighting books every Ravenclaw should read. Ravenclaws are often categorized as the smartest house, but this doesn’t mean that people in other houses are less intelligent. Like all houses, there are a diverse group of people that make up the house. Perhaps the most distinguishing quality of Ravenclaw is their love of learning. This often makes Ravenclaws possess intelligence, creativity, individuality, and wit. When it comes to reading, they often want to be challenged and learn something new. This results in Ravenclaws reading a wide range of literature. They especially love mystery or puzzle…
Fun After Hours! #alaac18
While the sessions, exhibit hall, and committee meetings are invaluable to my experience of ALA Annual… there is a lot to be said for after-hours events and networking moments that happen spur of the moment just by looking up from your phone and connecting to someone for a few moments. Taking a conference bus, talking to people online, or saying hello to the table next to you at Starbucks can be a way to connect to another librarian! It is one of the most underrated and yet amazing experiences that can come from Annual! Lots of librarians seize on this by planning late-night dinners and social events– and one that had been popping up my twitter over the years was Drunk Story Time! To me that combined lots of things that I love– drinking, story time, and connecting to other librarians! And yet– it was so intimidating! @MelissaZD (twitter) or Mel’s…
2018 Pura Belpre Award Celebracion
One of best sessions at each ALA Annual Conference #alaac18 is this Celebracion! Each author and illustrator gave insite into their work then we were treated to a performance by the folk group Vive Mi Terra from New Orleans. Their name — “Feel My Country” — is so apropos as we celebrate these latino titles and honor all children by celebrating mulicultural experiences. #alscleftbehind This post addresses the following ALSC Core Competencies: I. Commitment to Client Group and IV. Knowledge, Curation, and Management of Materials.