I can't believe that three months has gone by since I last posted. I am ashamed!! Well, I have been doing a lot of reading. September thru December was a whirlwind of reading books for reviews. I reviewed a few books for Library Journal Xpress and a few for the Historical Novel Society.
I have been trying to stick with my goal of reading different genres. Here is a quick update on how this has been going:
Children's book- Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
Science Fiction- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
2 Biographies- The Glass Castle and If I am Missing or Dead
Young Adult- Uprising
Romance(Regency)- The Viscount Who Loved Me
Classic- A Christmas Carol
Modern Classic- The House on Mango Street
Mystery- Plum Lovin'
All of the above books were good. At first I wasn't so sure about The Viscount Who Loved Me but after thinking about it, I did enjoy it. I had to reread Dickens' A Christmas Carol because of the season. What a great story. I finally can now say that I know what people are talking about when they say that Janet Evanovich is such a great author. I loved Plum Lovin' and have already reserved a copy of her new one, Plum Lucky that is due out soon. She has recruited a new fan!
I am going to do some better planning so that I read some different genres and don't double up on anything in 2008. Happy Reading!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Color Purple
The Color Purple is the story of two African American sisters growing up in Georgia. Celie has not had an easy life- she is abused and taken advantage of by her father, and her two children are taken away. She is then forced to marry a man who abuses her as well. Her younger sister, Nettie, flees, and is able to escape the life that Celie must endure. Nettie promises to write to her sister, but Celie never hears from her.
As Celie gets older, she meets other black women and begins to build relationships with them. Her life takes on new meaning, and she begins to open up and find a power within herself that she didn’t know she had. The Color Purple is a story of survival, the story of a person who is up against seemingly insurmountable odds and perseveres. This powerful story won the Pulitzer Prize in 1983 and should not be missed.
The movie The Color Purple starring Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey is a classic as well and should not be missed!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
ALA: Future Friends Generation X
Future Friends: Marketing Reference and User Services to Generation X
This was another fantastic program that had some really great ideas on programming for Generation X. The panel started out with giving some statistics about Generation X which were very interesting. The next set of speakers talked about their successful programming for this generation at their library. See handout for TnT- Twenties and Thirties at the St. Charles Public Library. Some of these types of events would be cool to try out here.
The next group presenting was from Kansas City Public Library. They talked about a group they formed called Young Friends aka BookEnds for young professionals to socialize and network. This group provides unique events in which adults aged 21-40 can participate. You have to pay an annual fee of $40, but most of the patrons have been fine with the fee and feel its money well-spent.
This was another fantastic program that had some really great ideas on programming for Generation X. The panel started out with giving some statistics about Generation X which were very interesting. The next set of speakers talked about their successful programming for this generation at their library. See handout for TnT- Twenties and Thirties at the St. Charles Public Library. Some of these types of events would be cool to try out here.
The next group presenting was from Kansas City Public Library. They talked about a group they formed called Young Friends aka BookEnds for young professionals to socialize and network. This group provides unique events in which adults aged 21-40 can participate. You have to pay an annual fee of $40, but most of the patrons have been fine with the fee and feel its money well-spent.
ALA: He Reads...She Reads
He Reads…She Reads: The Booklist Adult Books Reader’s Advisory Forum
This one was another excellent Reader’s Advisory program. Again, David Wright from Seattle was one of the speakers along with Kaite Mediatore Stover from Kansas City (MO) Public Library. The two of them write a column called He Reads...She Reads in Booklinks. List of titles they recommended will be coming soon.
This one was another excellent Reader’s Advisory program. Again, David Wright from Seattle was one of the speakers along with Kaite Mediatore Stover from Kansas City (MO) Public Library. The two of them write a column called He Reads...She Reads in Booklinks. List of titles they recommended will be coming soon.
ALA: Off the Chain
Off the Chain: Reader’s Advisory for Exploding Genres
This program was a panel of speakers. Highlights were the author Zane talking about her fiction and David Wright from Seattle Public Library (moderator). The purpose of this program was to talk about new genres, especially those popular among twentysomethings, the library’s “lost generation.” Edgy fiction, cult authors, urban fiction and graphic novels were the main genres discussed. The following is a list of popular authors that, according to the panel, libraries should have:
Charles Bukowski
Mark Danielewski
Haruki Marakami
Kelly Link
Douglas Coupland
Bret Easton Ellis
Chuck Palahniuk
Iceberg Slim
David Goines
Vickie Stringer
Zane
A magazine that was mentioned that more libraries should own in order to be in touch with emerging literature is Believer. An RA book that would be extremely helpful is The Rough Guide to Cult Fiction.
It was interesting to hear Zane talk about her life, writing, and publishing career. All I really knew about her was that her books were extremely popular when I worked at Phoenix Public Library. They were always either checked out or stolen. Years ago she started writing stories and emailing them to family and friends. Word got around that she was a good writer and then she started putting her work on the web. Eventually, she started her own small press. Her work is mainly popular erotic fiction geared toward women.
This program was a panel of speakers. Highlights were the author Zane talking about her fiction and David Wright from Seattle Public Library (moderator). The purpose of this program was to talk about new genres, especially those popular among twentysomethings, the library’s “lost generation.” Edgy fiction, cult authors, urban fiction and graphic novels were the main genres discussed. The following is a list of popular authors that, according to the panel, libraries should have:
Charles Bukowski
Mark Danielewski
Haruki Marakami
Kelly Link
Douglas Coupland
Bret Easton Ellis
Chuck Palahniuk
Iceberg Slim
David Goines
Vickie Stringer
Zane
A magazine that was mentioned that more libraries should own in order to be in touch with emerging literature is Believer. An RA book that would be extremely helpful is The Rough Guide to Cult Fiction.
It was interesting to hear Zane talk about her life, writing, and publishing career. All I really knew about her was that her books were extremely popular when I worked at Phoenix Public Library. They were always either checked out or stolen. Years ago she started writing stories and emailing them to family and friends. Word got around that she was a good writer and then she started putting her work on the web. Eventually, she started her own small press. Her work is mainly popular erotic fiction geared toward women.
ALA: Programming Not Just for Boomers
Programming Not Just for Boomers: Programming and Services
This program was a panel of three speakers, one of them being Marshall Shore from the Maricopa County Library District in Arizona. He spoke first and mentioned some of the programs the district is doing now:
Knit One, Read, Too! at SERL and the Crochet and Knitting Club at NWRL
Marshall is trying to get involved with national organizations such as Church of Craft and Craft Mafia to create and sponsor programs.
He then began talking about ideas and programs for the future. These included:
Film Movement
Independent and foreign films
Will be at 5 branches
Sponsored by Recorded Books
Library gets to show a film
ASU MFA Theater Play Writing
This is a program where patrons will read a short story and then develop it into a play. It sounded like it might be a contest and the winner gets to have help developing their story into a play and then actually getting to perform it.
University of Phoenix workshops on:
Going back to school (college)
Writing essays
How to apply for scholarships
Big Read
Book is To Kill a Mockingbird
Library will get to create a podcast and video for YouTube
There were a few other things he mentioned, but I couldn’t get them all written down. This group of speakers did not supply a handout.
Next he talked about the Perry Branch and its Deweyless system. The taxonomy is from the Book Industry Study Group.
The next speaker was Allan Kleiman from Old Bridge Public Library, NJ. He talked about programming for seniors. He is doing some amazing things at their library. He talked about how the typical 70 year old is much more active, mobile, and engaged than a 70 year old from 10 or 20 years ago. He said there are 35 million people age 65 and older in the U.S.
Some ideas for senior programming include:
Technology training
Basic computer training
Intro to the Internet
Safety & security on the Internet
Medicare Part D
How to buy tickets online (airfare, concerts)
Email children and grandchildren
Gaming- Wii for seniors (good for maintaining hand-eye coordination)
iPods, ebooks
blogs
film/book discussions
cultural programs
movement- basic exercise, dance
financial security, recently retired
2nd career- resumes for 70+
Consumer health
Local history
The Teaching Company courses
Coping with loss
Genealogy
Nostalgic programming on decades, events, persons, places
Creative writing, poetry- turn it into a blog. Can do an open house for the community to read seniors poetry and other writings. Can also link with a classroom of students at school to write on a theme together. Can listen/watch streaming video of a poet reading his/her work.
some ideas for how to teach seniors include:
peer to peer
intergenerational classes
boomers teaching parents
teach in a nursing home
social networking sites for seniors
All programs should:
Allow people to share, discuss, and reminisce
Have refreshments
Get people involved
Use their mental capabilities
Make program into an event
Here’s one example he gave about making a program into an event (this would be a cool idea for us to use!)
Show the recent award winning movie The Queen starring Helen Mirren
Display royal memorabilia (print, commemoratives)
Book display @ program of royal fiction, biographies, nonfiction
Have English music playing
Show movie (introduce and ask questions at the beginning & end)
Red carpet leading into room
Serve theme refreshments- tea and scones, etc.
Check out this library’s senior blog at seniorspaces.blogspot.com
This program was a panel of three speakers, one of them being Marshall Shore from the Maricopa County Library District in Arizona. He spoke first and mentioned some of the programs the district is doing now:
Knit One, Read, Too! at SERL and the Crochet and Knitting Club at NWRL
Marshall is trying to get involved with national organizations such as Church of Craft and Craft Mafia to create and sponsor programs.
He then began talking about ideas and programs for the future. These included:
Film Movement
Independent and foreign films
Will be at 5 branches
Sponsored by Recorded Books
Library gets to show a film
ASU MFA Theater Play Writing
This is a program where patrons will read a short story and then develop it into a play. It sounded like it might be a contest and the winner gets to have help developing their story into a play and then actually getting to perform it.
University of Phoenix workshops on:
Going back to school (college)
Writing essays
How to apply for scholarships
Big Read
Book is To Kill a Mockingbird
Library will get to create a podcast and video for YouTube
There were a few other things he mentioned, but I couldn’t get them all written down. This group of speakers did not supply a handout.
Next he talked about the Perry Branch and its Deweyless system. The taxonomy is from the Book Industry Study Group.
The next speaker was Allan Kleiman from Old Bridge Public Library, NJ. He talked about programming for seniors. He is doing some amazing things at their library. He talked about how the typical 70 year old is much more active, mobile, and engaged than a 70 year old from 10 or 20 years ago. He said there are 35 million people age 65 and older in the U.S.
Some ideas for senior programming include:
Technology training
Basic computer training
Intro to the Internet
Safety & security on the Internet
Medicare Part D
How to buy tickets online (airfare, concerts)
Email children and grandchildren
Gaming- Wii for seniors (good for maintaining hand-eye coordination)
iPods, ebooks
blogs
film/book discussions
cultural programs
movement- basic exercise, dance
financial security, recently retired
2nd career- resumes for 70+
Consumer health
Local history
The Teaching Company courses
Coping with loss
Genealogy
Nostalgic programming on decades, events, persons, places
Creative writing, poetry- turn it into a blog. Can do an open house for the community to read seniors poetry and other writings. Can also link with a classroom of students at school to write on a theme together. Can listen/watch streaming video of a poet reading his/her work.
some ideas for how to teach seniors include:
peer to peer
intergenerational classes
boomers teaching parents
teach in a nursing home
social networking sites for seniors
All programs should:
Allow people to share, discuss, and reminisce
Have refreshments
Get people involved
Use their mental capabilities
Make program into an event
Here’s one example he gave about making a program into an event (this would be a cool idea for us to use!)
Show the recent award winning movie The Queen starring Helen Mirren
Display royal memorabilia (print, commemoratives)
Book display @ program of royal fiction, biographies, nonfiction
Have English music playing
Show movie (introduce and ask questions at the beginning & end)
Red carpet leading into room
Serve theme refreshments- tea and scones, etc.
Check out this library’s senior blog at seniorspaces.blogspot.com
ALA program: More Shining Stars
I went to the 2007 American Library Association Conference in Washington, D.C. from June 21- 24. The next few posts will be my comments about the programs that I attended. I went mainly to Reader's Advisory programs and Programming programs!
More Shining Stars: Award-Winning Programs for Small and Medium Sized Public Libraries
I thought that this program would be a little better than it was. Only two of the speakers on the panel had any ideas that we could possibly use for for my library where I work, but both of these library’s programs were for teens.
Bloomingdale Public Library
One program that was discussed was having Dance Dance Revolution competitions. Teens were invited by being given a little 2x3 card advertising the event. They hold the event once a month for an hour and a half and provide snacks and drinks. They usually have 30+ teens at each event. It is something that was very inexpensive. They just had to buy the game, have a TV screen, and then purchase refreshments. Lots of libraries across the county are doing this, including Phoenix Public library here locally.
A lot of libraries also have the game Guitar Hero that teens can play. If you’ve never played this, you have to try it. Best Buy has a display set up so people can play around with it. It’s really fun! Libraries just have to buy the game and then have a TV. Relatively inexpensive in the long run.
Linebaugh Public Library
The program from this library sounded really cool and very intellectual. It’s called Café Symposium. It is an after school discussion group that encourages the development of critical thinking. The handout for this program was very thorough. The speaker said that everything a library needs to start up this program at their own branch is included on the handout. The facilitator that they use is an Honors philosophy student at their local university. She is their facilitator for free (it will look good on her resume).
In order to generate interest in the program, a library staff member and the facilitator go to high schools around the area to recruit students. They target AP English students who are Juniors and Seniors.
They usually start each session with a focus piece such as a poem, TV episode, etc that ties in with the topic in order to get the students comfortable and talking. They limit the event to six weeks with one session each week. A key to the success is that the facilitator never gives his/her opinion no matter how much the students beg!
More Shining Stars: Award-Winning Programs for Small and Medium Sized Public Libraries
I thought that this program would be a little better than it was. Only two of the speakers on the panel had any ideas that we could possibly use for for my library where I work, but both of these library’s programs were for teens.
Bloomingdale Public Library
One program that was discussed was having Dance Dance Revolution competitions. Teens were invited by being given a little 2x3 card advertising the event. They hold the event once a month for an hour and a half and provide snacks and drinks. They usually have 30+ teens at each event. It is something that was very inexpensive. They just had to buy the game, have a TV screen, and then purchase refreshments. Lots of libraries across the county are doing this, including Phoenix Public library here locally.
A lot of libraries also have the game Guitar Hero that teens can play. If you’ve never played this, you have to try it. Best Buy has a display set up so people can play around with it. It’s really fun! Libraries just have to buy the game and then have a TV. Relatively inexpensive in the long run.
Linebaugh Public Library
The program from this library sounded really cool and very intellectual. It’s called Café Symposium. It is an after school discussion group that encourages the development of critical thinking. The handout for this program was very thorough. The speaker said that everything a library needs to start up this program at their own branch is included on the handout. The facilitator that they use is an Honors philosophy student at their local university. She is their facilitator for free (it will look good on her resume).
In order to generate interest in the program, a library staff member and the facilitator go to high schools around the area to recruit students. They target AP English students who are Juniors and Seniors.
They usually start each session with a focus piece such as a poem, TV episode, etc that ties in with the topic in order to get the students comfortable and talking. They limit the event to six weeks with one session each week. A key to the success is that the facilitator never gives his/her opinion no matter how much the students beg!
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