London patron of the day

So there was a patron today from London who had a lovely accent when she was telling me about her two boys, and how libraries in London are so different than here. I kept asking her questions so she could keep talking because I just loved hearing her voice. She was funny, too. Making fun of other people. Talking about her favorite yet worst librarian back in London. Best because she was good at her job, but worst because her style and attitude towards things was harsh, and she often used a witch voice. Then she demonstrated, and it was scary! Still, she assured me that the children over there adored her personality. She shared with me the books that she was checking out. There were about 5 picture books, and we got interrupted once because one of her boys was getting ready to fight another little girl off the computer game. She also talked really fast, which made it a challenge for me to figure out what she was saying even though it was still English. Have you ever wanted to just talk forever with a stranger just to hear their voice?

First commissioners meeting

I was invited to go to a commissioners meeting this week to talk about TLAB. It was also the first time the teen library advisory board was invited to talk about what TLAB to the high ups. I had to present something. The teens had to present something. No powerpoint presentation. Mind you, this was happening really fast. We were given 30 minutes to speak, and this was my first time speaking in front of the big guns. Now, talking in front of teens and youth is fairly easy for me, but talking in front of a room full of adults is something I get nervous about. Oh, and it was going to be televised. It is one thing doing storytime live, but for there to be a record of my presentation somewhere in the cloud…worrisome.

I write, and write, and try to think of stories as a way to talk about how I re-started up TLAB. If I had visuals, it would help illustrate my stories, so I brought along a folder. Good thing I enjoy talking lots and lots of pics of every teen program I’ve done!

Then I practiced, and practiced, and it felt like I was going in for an interview. I wasn’t sure what questions the stakeholders were going to be asking, but I knew I better be somewhat prepared. I felt so bad for the teens because it turned out that they only asked the teens questions! They did great though, like I knew they would, and I hope the commissioners’ meeting was a good experience for them as it was for me. Some support. Some advice. Another first, for me and TLAB.

First time storytime for autistic tweens

I did a storytime to a room of about 15 autistic preteens which was one of the hardest things for me from my perspective being the presenter. I had been researching the autistic spectrum, and what signals to look for, or what to do when something becomes a trigger. Mainly, I was trying my best to be observant. I had two in wheelchairs, one with a cane, and many nonverbal. There were caretakers with them which are regulars in the library, so I felt I had support in the room. I also brought 2 therapy dogs, which I think helped the preteens relax a bit. The ones in the wheelchairs I couldn’t tell how they were feeling because they were motionless, and I did have one girl who started crying, but then she focused more on the dog, and then started laughing after so I was relieved.

Then I took them on a tour of the library. This was no easy feat. I showed them the Teen Zone, which is a space with lots of materials just for them. As I was talking about the music cds we carried, I decided to throw out some names, and one girl asked if we had Taylor Swift which made me smile. That same girl asked some good questions about what else we carried, and asked me if I liked Taylor Swift, and if other librarians liked her. I told her that my teens like Taylor Swift so much that they put up pictures from her latest album 1989 up all over the Teen Zone. This answer seemed to satisfy her.

Continuing our tour, I wanted to make sure they knew what we had on our second floor. As I was leading the pack, one boy was scared to use the stairs. I offered to go slow alongside him until we made it up together. His caretaker was there, too, but I wanted to make sure the group knew we were going to do this together. I asked the rest of the group to wait for us until we got to the top. Then after the group in wheelchairs made it upstairs in the elevator, we checked out the computer lab, and there were some good questions about if all this was free. I asked few questions of the group, since I had been reading that asking too many questions, or giving choices might be too confusing to some. I had them set my pace. In the end, I wasn’t sure how I felt about how effective I was. Usually in storytime, kids will laugh, or smile, or play simon says, or answer my questions while I read to them, but with this group I couldn’t get that kind of a response. But what I did learn from this experience is to be even more patient with pre-teens.

Blind Date with a Banned Book

This week is Banned Books Week! Why not go on a blind date with a “bad” book?  This year’s theme pays attention to teen books that have been banned in the past, but now we have the freedom to read. I actually started the display a little too early and I ran out of banned teen titles to display because the teens were checking them out faster than I was putting them on display. This is a good problem though.

Here is the display that I did for the Teen Zone at 2 branches. See the CAUTION yellow tape? That is what I wrapped the teen books in. I also included a review sheet that is wrapped around the middle; asking for their review of the book. If they write a review and submit it, they get a chance to win a prize. My coworker also helped wrap up books for her branch, and I think the banned books look awesome!

2 years later...

I started writing in my blog again because not only do I like to write and share with others what it is I do for work, but because I was asked by a special someone why I hadn’t blogged in awhile. I actually don’t remember why I stopped, but I do know that a lot has changed in 2 years. I wouldn’t have been able to get through any of the changes in my life without the love and endless support of my husband. I don’t always know how he does it, but he makes me often feel like the luckiest person. Now I found the job of my dreams, I’m a fulltime Teen Librarian, and I believe this is where I want to be.

This is what I have always wanted to do once I started taking my graduate courses, and learning in the field at different library systems. I’m still learning and being trained on things like software systems and applications. Even today I learned another layer of my job position, which also brings more responsibilities and power. Awesome. I got my latest position this past April, which ironically was also the time I planned on getting married. I didn’t plan on this job coming along, but I knew I had to take the teen librarian position when it was presented to me. Best decision ever.  

I’m also much busier than I thought I would be. This also means that I may not write on this blog all the time, but I will when I can. I am thankful all the time for what I have in my life, and what I have accomplished because you won’t believe how long it took me to get in this position. Let’s see what I can accomplish in another 2 years…

The Mommies on the Bus

Storytime is back in session! Tonight’s theme- Back to School. I started out with summer books, and then transitioned to getting ready for school books. When I did the “Wheels on the Bus” song, there is a part where it goes… the mommies on the bus say, I love you, I love you, I love you… and this is when I have the parents hug their child. I was looking around the room and the parents look so happy bonding with their child, meanwhile, all the kids get squished and smiling as if they are saying... aww shucks (:

Wonderful World of Disney Games!

For this blog, I will be shortly reviewing video games, along with some other titles that may be of interest to those who like these games.

Disney Epic Mickey Wii game

Mickey has gotten into a painting mess, and now has his magic brush to make everything right. The first thing I noticed was how dark this Disney game was. It had a darker mood and was a little bit more challenging than another Disney character filled game- Kingdom Hearts. The controls were a little interesting, especially with the nunchuk to navigate Mickey around. It was difficult for me to control Mickey whenever the camera angles would change, but it was done for artistic value. It was funny how Mickey opens treasure chests like in the Zelda games. The music sounded like a Danny Elfman soundtrack, which I loved! Overall, I’d recommend this game to anyone who would love seeing Mickey Mouse go on a magical action adventure inspired by real Disney cartoons.







 The Nightmare before Christmas DVD

Not only is this a great Halloween movie, but it is also a dark and unusual Christmas movie.











  Best Of Boingo CD

Before Danny Elfman did music soundtracks for Tim Burton movies (like my favorites Edward Scissorhands , Batman Collection , Pee-Wee's Big Adventure) he also was apart of an eccentric 80's group. 










Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ; And, Through the Looking Glass Book

The original and sequel to Alice in Wonderland’s magical story by Lewis Carroll.











 Kingdom Hearts Graphic novel

Those who enjoyed the game can now read about Sora while he explores a new world, meets some new friends, runs into some familiar characters, and joins a quest to help his friends and find the King! Stay tuned for Epic Mickey 2 for all consoles, as well as the 3DS coming soon!

Some Potty Humor...

Patron of the Day

I was watching a lady inch her way to the reference desk. She was smiling and seemed like such a sweet lady. I was clearing off some books when she finally reached the desk, “Excuse me miss. Where are your movies on travel? I’m supposed to go over to the *pffffffffffft*….” OMG. This lady just totally farted mid-sentence while looking deeply into my eyes! I couldn’t look away, laugh, or do anything. What surprised me the most was how long it lasted. It sounded like it was going to be a messy one, too. I had to just stand there and pretend to not hear any noises. I was frozen and had missed everything else she said after! I felt so bad but I had to ask, “Uh… what place are you going to again?” I walked her over to the DVD section, making sure I was a little bit ahead of her.

Kids Say The Best Things

I really enjoy working at the children reference desks. At the children’s desk, I get to help out so many smart kids, and sometimes I’m amazed by how much they remember the little things. Kids are very visual. There was this one young girl with her even younger sister, and they both came up to me after perusing the paperbacks.

The jumpy older sister asked, “Aren’t you the librarian at another library?”

She was right! I do sometimes work at different libraries. I smiled, and really couldn’t remember these two girls.

I told her, “Yes! I also work at the two-story* library.”

Then the girl was thinking hard, “No. I saw you at the big cabin-looking* library. You got me Princess Fairies.”

Wow. That was amazing because she remembered me from a specific library where I haven’t worked at in awhile, and getting her specific books. Princess Fairies are apart of the popular Rainbow Magic series for young girls in 1^st and 2^nd grade and up. She was very observant for someone so young.

Her younger sister confirmed it, “Uh huh. The big library.”

Well, they are both big, but I knew what she meant.

So what I learned about the two girls was how amazing kids can remember, from what you looked like, to what you said to them, and what you did to help them. My first impressions with kids are important because those interactions will stick with them, and so I have to make sure it is always a positive one. Lately, a few patrons have been starting to recognize me at the two-story* building, and while I don’t remember their names all the time, I won’t forget our conversations.

*names changed!

World Domination Library Video

Here's a library outreach video I liked.. maybe because I am in it? It was a lot of work to make but it turned out pretty good. Remember to go to your local librarian for all your world domination needs. (:

Dr. Rotten's World Domination