the cardigan librarian

dispatches from public librarianship and beyond by Katherine Grimm Bowers

[acornsandnuts]

PUBLIC SERVICE IS A LIBRARY PROGRAM. There is an art to working a public service desk in public libraries. You have to be “on”. What do I mean by this? You’re basically involved in a shift long performance art piece where you’re helping, teaching, and aiding the community. The traditional library program, you know, the ones that take place only from 4-5pm on the third Tuesday of every month and only for ages 13-18? Yep, those ones. Those types of programs can and will still happen but it can no longer be our focus. What can be our focus? The public. Being “on” for them at all times. Being there for the community at all times.

SING IT, JUSTIN! (via acornsandnuts)

I had a coworker at my last job who thought I was a bubbly extrovert. Nope, lady. Just doing the job.

[chroniclebooks]

This holiday, pledge to Give Books! For every reblog of this post, Chronicle Books will donate a book to a child in need through firstbook Learn more at  givebooks2014.com.

[schoollibraryjournal]

Studies (http://ow.ly/ACOsC; http://ow.ly/ACOyE) have shown that ROR-served families are four times more likely to read to their children. Preschoolers exposed to ROR scored three to six months ahead of other peers on vocabulary tests. Hispanic families receiving bilingual materials were more likely to report reading books at least three days a week. English- and non-English speaking parents increased bedtime reading and were more likely to report reading as a favorite activity.

Rx Read: Perri Klass and Reach Out and Read at Bellevue Hospital | School Library Journal (via schoollibraryjournal)

I learned about Reach Out and Read in my Underserved Populations class in library school, and Pippin's pediatrician participates. The book he received on trucks inspired his first word.

[misswendyd]

Gorgeous Puffin in Bloom editions illustrated by Anna Bond from Rifle Paper Company! Beautiful artwork on those endpapers and cover, plus special bonus materials at the end of each book. Including, of course, a recipe for raspberry cordial.

We’re giving away a complete set of four to one lucky person who completes our MG/YA classics challenge this year!

Photographs by The Midnight Garden.

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Yes, please.

[jessylikesthings]

I made a thing today. #teenlibrarians #librarydisplay

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Ooh, I like it!

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Maybe the younger kids could read to the teens? They could pick out books together, and have a sort of reading buddies thing. (I don't know if that's too storytime like, but thought I'd chime in.)

No, I think that's a good idea! I've sent an email to the children's librarian — who's currently on vacation like most of our staff at the moment! — to start discussing this and some of the other good ideas I've received from all y'all lovely tumblarians.

[thecardiganlibrarian]

teens helping kids at the library?

Basically, my teen and tween advisory boards are looking to do something for younger kids at the library. Does anyone have any ideas or experience with programs like these? I was thinking...face-painting, maybe? I don't want it to be anything like story time because I don't want to step on the children's librarian's toes, but I'd love something that tied in with literacy.

I can't even figure out good search terms to Google these sorts of things :(

TIA!

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Sign #324 you are are teen librarian.

[thecardiganlibrarian]

What advice would you give to a 15-year-old aspiring librarian high school student? I already volunteer at my public library, which I adore. Any tips for the rest of my high school years? I am in the 10th grade. I thank you immensely.

I have no idea how long this has been here, and why I didn't see it. It's summer reading, and I'm putting on 30 program in 30 days, so I'll use that as my excuse. Sorry! And thanks for asking!

Read widely, even things you don't like, as it's all foundational to your knowledge base for collection development and reader's advisory on down the road. You won't know much about, say, manga, if all you've read is a single volume of Nightschool, but you'll still be better placed than sticking to only your natural preferences.

Also, take opportunities to learn any and all tech that interests you. Someday, you'll be the librarian applicant with web design experience, or familiarity with video editing software, and those sorts of things can really give you an edge.

Anyone else got any sage wisdomosity?

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Get a job where I got my start in librarianing. (That Fish Is Fish felt storyboard? That's my handiwork.) And get to lecture library school students. And other cool stuff.

[thecardiganlibrarian]

You guys, I forgot to tell you

...my tween advisory board made a commercial for the public access TV station. You're welcome.

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Tell me about the NELA conference?

What it's like. If you're going. What's slated. Etc.

[pastakovich-deactivated20200808]

yes.

[aboutmidi]

Ukulele made easy

[mikefalzone]

And now USkulele!

[helenlindsay]

relevant

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Have I mentioned I'm going to look at ukuleles FOR WORK tomorrow? And that they're going to circulate? And that we're planning a ukulele workshop with this here lady?

[nerdylikearockstar-deactivated2]

lion-blood said: absolutely everyone I know who works in public libraries hates/is terrified of summer reading (I assume the programming done for kids?). is there some specific reason it is so horrible/stressful?

[nerdylikearockstar-deactivated2]

Oh I don’t hate summer reading, I love it! (Though I do sometimes fear...

[thecardiganlibrarian]

I just calculated that I am organizing or running 32 programs before July 30. Dying.

[schoollibraryjournal]

Happy Friday! The pilot of Lauren Oliver’s Delirium is airing tonight at 6:30pm EST on Hulu. (via 'Delirium' pilot, based on popular book, coming to Hulu | Inside TV | EW.com)

[thecardiganlibrarian]

I lost track of this project and somehow thought it had been derailed...

[thecardiganlibrarian]

Find Information and Information Technology Jobs via Goldstein Library at FSU

These seem to be centered in the South, but hey, a girl can dream?

[kishizuka]

"Advocacy for Animals Ignored by Children’s Books." Yes, the poster is available. #bea14 (via Fusenews: The Bear grumbleth “mum mum” — @fuseeight A Fuse #8 Production)

[thecardiganlibrarian]

I would like to see a book with a prickly urchin protagonist.