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.

Cutest Patron of the Day

My cute patron of the day was a little girl who in her tiny private school uniform came up to the reference desk to grab some kleenix. Then she waited close by my seat to ask in the highest possible pitch," Oh, I was just wondering...do librarians love to read books?" Her mother pushed her along saying, "Come on..." and I told her, "Yes, I do love to read books!" She was so little! So cute!

That Dragon, Cancer

I heard of this indie game about a little boy who has cancer that started out on kickstarter, was successful on it and now the game is done. It has some controversy because of the subject, and I think some people weren't able to handle an emotional video game like this so instead took to bash it. It is to my understanding that the subject of cancer is not something we should be seeing in games. I guess some just want all the games to remain the same and never evolve. Lots of negative things happen to people all the time, and are we supposed to just not ever talk about it, or express how we feel about it in a new medium, to deal with the pain of the loss of a loved one, ever?

Now, I haven't played That Dragon, Cancer yet, but I am looking forward to playing it and here's why… I love playing video games where I am immersed into the emotions of the characters or storyline. I play games like Journey, Never Alone, Rain- all games which had me from the beginning because of the whole package (beautiful music, low lighting mixed in with contrasting light, feelings of hope for the character) These types of games also seem to have a "bigger picture" type of message which  makes me feel like the game showed me something I never noticed before about life, and death. Especially when I am trying to understand why so many people around me are dying of cancer, and I feel like we do need to talk about cancer more to help each other.

I know this game might make me feel sad. Maybe it will be depressing because it is about cancer and death, and the little boy we already know dies. All I can hope for is that this little boy's parents, who developed the game as a way to cope with their loss, can find some comfort.

Teen Patron of the Day

Today's teen patron of the day was standing next to me, and she said, "I like your hair… I like the color" This was so nice of her to say! I have never met this teen before. I always wear my hair the same way, in a ponytail, but not today. Now, to me, my hair was not all that today. And I thanked her, and I was flattered because this was a teen, and I want teens to think I'm cool. I'm wearing my hair down in an Aaliyah style, half covering my face. Maybe I should wear my hair down more often.

Back in the Day

Back in the day, when I was young…sometimes I do forget while talking to the teens how I am old, *ahem, older than them so much so as they do not react when I make a reference to a certain actor/musician/group or someone from my day. Just because your name reminds me of a r&b singer from the 90s, does not necessarily mean that you will know who the hell that person is because you weren’t born yet. I can’t believe just how many times a teen stares at me when I try to make a reference to a singer, and all I get is a courtesy smile and giggle. I know that courtesy laugh- it is just because you are trying to be nice. You can't fool me! I do that all the time!

Anyways, I may have to start watching, listening, reading more of what teens do because otherwise we are not going to be able to relate. I need to step up my game this year. Oh, games is another one I need to start doing more.

Another thing I notice is that I keep telling myself, "I never acted like that when I was that age?" Mostly this thought enters after I have just finished scolding a teen whom I saw from the corner of my eye throw an empty coffee cup across the room, and miss the trash can. Respect is something that is clearly not in this child's vocabulary, so I made sure he learned that hard lesson from me. That single incident happened over a month ago, and everyday I go to work I have seen this one teen and I always refer to him as the "coffee cup guy" and I make sure to call him that in front of his friends, who just happens to be girls, and who laugh because they don't understand why I keep calling him coffee cup guy. One time, I even asked if he wanted to star in a tv show since he struck me as an attention grabbing type of individual. He denied that he liked attention, and promised me he would never do that again, ever. Nowadays, we say hello, and ask how we are doing, and I learned his name over time. But it is just too much fun calling him coffee cup guy, and I don't think he minds much...anymore.

Wealthy Patron of the Day

I helped an elderly couple find a specific article about a device that was named one of Time magazine’s best inventions* of 2015. I asked the typical reference questions to try to locate it and, when I thought I had it, I started to read it to them. The man said that that was his grandson’s invention. I turned to him and thought, “That’s so awesome”. And they looked so proud, too…and wealthy. Then, the woman told me the whole story of how this device was helping other people, and then I just felt in awe that their grandson was like a celebrity of this town.

*The picture is not the aforementioned invention of this story.

International Games Day

International Games Day is here! We had not just one, but TWO days of game playing for all teens. We had a bunch of card games, video games, board games, online gaming happening in three different locations, and all staffed by the community center staff, TLAB teens and myself. We had snacks to refuel. We had prizes raffled. It was lots of marketing, because it never was done here before, and I was determined to get new teens to come to this event.

On day one, I was dragged by the teens to play Just Dance 2015, one of the Xbox One kinect games. I was horrible. The girls were good, and I was trying to keep up, but I could not understand the timing, even though I do like playing rhythm games with an actual controller. So your body is the controller, which I’ve never done before, but some of the girls had and were being very nice to me and each other, which was good to see.

The teens were so supportive about my lack of skills, and I was just hoping not to mess them up, or step on their toes because there were 6 of us in a line looking at the same projector screen. The song they chose was Katy Perry's Dark Horse, which I know the song, but damn that was hard to dance to! I kept saying, What is going on?! I thanked one of the TLAB teens for helping me try something new.

High-Five!

A teen came up to me today as she shouted, “Where have you been!” I whipped around to see who was not using their library voice. It was a teen from my teen programs that I knew. She said she hadn't seen me in a week. A week? Apparently, I haven’t been around the Teen Zone in a minute, so I told her I’ve been, you know, busy. Which I have been lately with T-LAB and this being our second week in interviews. Almost done! Anyways, back to my original story… so this teen said she had to tell me something, as we both headed outside of the room.

It sounded serious cause she lowered her voice as she looked around. She said there’s this point system at her school, and you have to get a certain amount of points, 84 points is the minimum, and long story short, she made the Honor Roll! Now, this is amazing considering the fact that she told me before that she just transferred from NY, didn’t know a single person at her new school, entered school a week or so after everybody else started their first day of school, and I remember she was so nervous. I told her how happy and proud I was of her. I said, “Look at you! Doing really good in school, and making the Honor Roll when you just started…haha, High-five!” We high-fived, and she told me that she just had to tell me next time she saw me. So sweet she thought of telling me that.

Teen Advisory Board interviews- Day 1

Today was the first day of interviews for our Teen Library Advisory Board! Remember, I have never interviewed from scratch before so this is different. We had over 30 applicants for our teen library advisory board, which was really awesome! Then we narrowed it down to 22 hopefuls who will be apart of this board. For the next 2 weeks, we will be interviewing teens who will be competing for officer spots. This town is already very competitive by nature so this is going to be interesting.

Day 1 went well. There were a few regulars that I knew pretty well because they go to our teen programs. I was silently rooting them on, “You can do it!” Some teens I was worried about because I know how reserved they are, but I thought they did a good job. Some were obviously very nervous- one girl was shaking, and I felt so bad for her! Later on she warmed up to us. Hearing them talk about how they/their friends would describe themselves was probably the most interesting and eye-opening part. These kids are really hard on themselves. They all have such different personalities, yet they have so much in common.

Through the whole process, I am trying to stay optimistic. They are good kids, and some of them probably will stick around for the school year if their friends are with them. My boss wants the best of the best on our board, and so do I. But so far, from day 1, they are all great candidates! How am I going to only choose a few spots for officers? How am I going to do this over the next 2 weeks? Day 2 of interviews is tomorrow, and I'm hoping it gets easier. *Sigh* What was I thinking? :)

Do What Makes You Happy

I really enjoy thinking of teen programs or events to do. And if the program or whatever I’m working on is a success, even better. It is always nice to hear good things from upper management. Yesterday, the library director where I work, whom I never really see because she works at a different building, came by my desk. She said that she liked what I was doing for Banned Books Week and my display. Can I just say that that made me feel like I am doing good, and that my ideas are good. I feel good! I will do more of what makes me happy.

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!

TV/Film studio visit

Yesterday I visited a TV/Film studio! I was given a tour of the whole studio. There was a large interviewing table in the front, and I kept thinking of anchormen, or anchorwomen, and people that I watched on tv doing the news, like Frank Somerville. There were even teleprompters, and then I started thinking of something going extremely wrong, like being on air live and there are no words! I am not sure if I could do something like be on tv live, which they explained it would be very live, with no second delay, and that is some pressure.

I learned about the cable access tv stations in the area, and what kinds of shows are shot on each of them. My tour started out on the main set where a super large green screen was the backdrop. I had always seen these green screens on behind the scenes youtube videos, and it looks really neon green in person.

There were oodles of props. Props of flowers, hats, seats of different shapes, tables in the shape of huge hands for no apparent reason, and extra windows!

This is a photo of the switchboard they had. Teens signed up to join their local tv station to learn how to use their high quality cameras, how to direct, edit footage, be in front of the camera, and talk about a real life issue that they feel is important to them. The teens of this program will also be videotaping and interviewing people at the library. I am ready for my close-up!

Patron of the Day- Game edition

I always wear this gaming lanyard that features Super Smash Bros. characters, and there’s a young boy who is a regular who always talks about games with me. Today this was what he said to me:

Boy (points at my lanyard): You know, I’m gonna get that Super Smash Bros. game for xmas this year.

Me: You already know what you are getting for xmas?

Boy: Yeah. I put it on my xmas list.

Me: Oh yeah. Who’s your fav. character?

Boy (big eyes widen even more): I’m gonna play as MEGA MAN… ALL… THE… TIME!

(:

Lost phone

I found a cell phone left at a PC so I took it downstairs. I thought I could look and see if I could call someone from his/her address book. This always makes me nervous because you never know what kinds of personal information I would come across and later regret seeing. I had no idea what age this person was, but I had found a “mom” entry, so I decided to call that number.

Lady: Hello?

Me: Hi. My name is Gina and I am from the *Salem Library. I think your son might have lost his phone here.

Lady: Oh. Well, aren’t you sweet. Thank you.

Me: I thought to call you. Do you know a way to contact him?

Lady: Well, (laughs) I am in Fresno, and where did you say you are at?

Me: Oh, I actually know where that’s at. I am in *Salem City.

Lady: What did you say your name is?

Me: My name is Gina. I’m a librarian here.

Lady: Well, sweetie, thank you. He does mention going over to that library. You know what, I’ll call his friend. Thank you, sweetie. God bless you.

Me: Thank you. Have a good night!

One minute later… A man comes up to the desk asking for his phone.

Man: I think I lost my phone.

Me: I just called your mom.

Man: You did? Thank you. What is your name?

Me: My name is Gina.

Man: Thank you, Gina.

Me: Your mom sounds really nice.

(:

*all names changed for fun

Patron of the Day- teen edition

I meet a lot of different types of teens during our teen programs. One of the teens I recently met this school year is a good artist. She shares with me her sketches whenever I see her, and one time she asked what I thought about a series of characters, and wanted to know which I liked the best. I felt honored that she wanted my opinion since I can’t draw for anything. She drew 10 or so of the same character in different ways. We talked about heroes, villains, storyboards, and she was drawing on the back of scratch paper. I mentioned there’s this one paper that already has the lines drawn in for you that way you don’t have to draw those in.

Yesterday, I saw her at our program and I gave her a couple pieces of storyboard paper leftover from a past teen drawing program, and told her that this was the storyboard paper I was talking about the other time. She thanked me for the paper, then I handed her another folded paper. I also had made her a birthday card since she casually mentioned that it was going to be her bday soon- well, it wasn’t really a birthday card, but I do this thing for my family and friends where I actually photoshop a picture since I can’t draw and am cheap, on folded 8.5x11” paper that I think they might like, and then I’d write my personal message in the inside. It is kinda cheap looking too, but it is my thing that I do for people, and they seem to like it so I just kept doing it for years.

Anyways, I made and handed this teen a folded birthday card with a picture based from one of the characters that I thought she might like. She unfolded the birthday card and she said, “OMG! That is awesome! Look, that’s like that character and it is holding a small cake…hahaha…how did you know?” and before I could respond again, she gave me a hug, and thanked me again. I felt really happy that she was happy with my cheap looking birthday card. She told me that September 12th is her birthday, which is today, so I hope she is having a good time celebrating.

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 (:

This Will End in Tears )*:

This Will End in Tears: The Miserablist Guide to Music by Adam Brent Houghtaling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read through this miserabilist book at random, mostly because I didn't know some of the artists but I wrote down the names of topics of interest (i.e. Breaking up, breaking down, cheating, divorce, decay, disintegration, self-harm and disease). It is funny because I am actually finding a lot of my favorite introspective artists in here (:

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