Library Girl
I eagerly waited for this book. I wasn’t prepared to fall in love, which I most definitely have.
library
Banned Books as Speaking Truth to Power
There is a difference between keeping peace and making peace. It is not about avoiding discomfort and trying to keep everybody happy, but bravely joining in the work of justice.
Nonfiction to the Rescue, Part 2
By featuring both nonfiction and fiction during storytime, you provide children an opportunity to experience the contrast between what is real and what is imaginative. Both are important for a successful reading experience. Here are 18 of my favorite nonfiction books to use in storytime programs.
Nonfiction to the Rescue, Part 1
As a children’s librarian, a primary goal for me is to help children embrace imagination through books, from imagining we are superheroes to going on a hunt to find a bear, flying in the sky, exploring a new land, to diving deep in the ocean. For some time however, including nonfiction titles in my programs has been a top request from parents and educators.
Going Rogue
“Exploration is really the Essence of the Human Spirit.”
—Frank Borman
’Tis the season for fall themes such as pumpkins, leaves, and turkeys. As I was planning programs for October and November, I decided it was time to go rogue and think of new themes. I started searching terms such as “funny fall celebrations” and “unusual holidays.” From National Mad Hatter Day to National Cake Decorating Day, my search helped me develop new program opportunities for families to enjoy including:
National Mad Hatter Day, October 6, 2019
Journey down the rabbit hole and make Wonderland come to life.… more
Joining Forces
Creating a Library Exchange Network
Last year, I had the distinct honor to attend a professional development opportunity at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). As part of the training, we were given a chance to see some of the projects students and professors are working on in fields such as education, fashion, and healthcare. I was surprised to learn from Dr.… more
Paws and Read
Celebrating Our Furry Friends with a Pet Reading Program
“Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.”
—George Elliott
In October 2011, I was in a state of transition. I had just returned from interning at the Library of Congress to a full-time job as head of a children’s department. I was excited about this new adventure but, to move forward, I was missing a furry friend.… more
Gobble up a Good Time
It is amazing how quickly department stores move all of the Halloween items out and bring out Christmas lights, wrapping paper, religious items, different sized Santa Clauses and ornaments. Oh, and who can forget about the start of Christmas music at the beginning of November? I love Christmas, but for the longest time, I’ve been confused about why department stores do not dedicate space for Thanksgiving.… more
Skinny Dip with Cynthia Grady
We visit with Cynthia Grady, author and librarian, at her home in New Mexico. She tells us her favorite childhood candy, the person she'd ask to meet her at a coffee shop, and much more.
Give me a good mystery
Summertime is synonymous with reading for me.
My grandmother kept a light blue blanket by the back door so I could spread it out under the elm tree and dissolve into stories. Sometimes a lemonade, sometimes a piece of watermelon … but always a book. Sometimes a friend would sit next to me absorbed in a story of their own but most often it was just me, the birds, the sounds of summer, and a hardcover book.… more