This week, Andrew woke up in a particularly good mood. He was talkative, silly, and a very joyful boy. My wife, Sam, said to him, “You’re in a really good mood today!” He looked at her and said, “That’s because I didn’t wake up with my mean eyebrows!”
I’m not sure where he gets those from!
The Joy of Reading
Bedtime at our house always seems to be crazy. It got a little crazier this week when I walked into the bedroom with books to read, only to find that Ella was already reading … to our kitten!
She seemed to enjoy it, despite the lack of kittens in the story.
Flip Flopping Around
Speaking of the kitty, Bitsy is making herself right at home. She has no problem standing up to our pup, Daisy. It’s quite humorous to see her swat her itty bitty paw at Daisy’s nose.
Watching her this week has only enforced the phrase, “Playful as a kitten.” She loves to play. We definitely have to get her a few more kitty toys. Until the, I guess she will continue to wrestle with Sam’s Flip Flops.
Special Shopping Trip
This week, Andrew graduated from his speech class. His speech teacher, Miss Christa, has been instrumental in helping us get the right services for him. She has been become more than a teacher to us, she is a friend. We told the kids that they could go to the store to pick out gifts especially for her.
We told each of them that they could pick five things for her. When we walked into the store, they were off. They did a great job. They got her a calendar, new pens, a pumpkin solar light, plastic cups with their favorite things on them (Disney Princesses and Paw Patrol), nail polish, and a couple fall figurines. They also made sure to get her some pretty flowers.
The fall figurines they got her were a fox holding an apple and a squirrel holding an acorn. When she pulled out the squirrel (which was from Andrew) she said, “Oh wow! What a cute squirrel! What should I name it?” Andrew, without hesitation says, “Pickle Nuts!!”
At the end of the day, she sent us photos of where she placed her gifts around the house …
Pickle Nuts looks happy to be there.
Summertime Imagination
Despite the humidity, the kids loved being outside this week. They love to ride their scooters up and down the street and play in the backyard. I usually pull up a lawn chair and grab a spot in the shade and watch them play.
They must have been hot, to, because they were a bit more stationary than usual. They grabbed four of their chairs and put two in front and two in back. Next thing I know, they were “driving” to the store, to the park, and to go get ice cream. Naturally, they had to have their butterfly nets with them…
I love listening to them play together.
Doggin’ Around
Monday was National Dog Day. As much as she drives me crazy, Daisy is a good pup.
Now What?!
As I was walking to my car to go to work today, an Amazon truck slowly passed my driveway. My wife is always ordering things from there, so I never know what is coming. I thought I’d survived another delivery when the truck stopped and started backing into my driveway! All I could think was, “What the heck did she order now!? And why do they have to back in to delivery it!?”
My fears went away as the guy walked out with a simple little package with a shirt or something in it. Whew! I truly was expecting the two back doors to fling open and the driver come out with a huge box on a dolly or something!
I have seen this book come up over and over again on Goodreads, in blogs I follow, and online. You know the old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover?” Well, that holds true here.
This was a book that I just wouldn’t have read by looking at it or even after reading the brief descriptions of it. It just didn’t seem like something I would enjoy.
My wife, you may recall, recently joined Goodreads and has been listening to audio books now. It’s been fun to see many of the books I have read pop up on her “want to read” list.
She read this book and loved it. She said she thought I would like it. A few of my friends had recently read it as well and said it was one of the best books they read this year. So I checked it out and was not disappointed.
It was a great story! Here is the Goodreads synopsis:
Remarkably Bright Creatures, an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors–until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
The characters were very real and they dealt with real life issues (death, addiction, grief, gossip, depression, love, etc). At first you wonder how everything fits together, but as the story moves along the puzzle comes together nicely.
It is a heartwarming story that I am so glad I read. I highly recommend it.
It’s Monday and there is finally a bit of normalcy back in our life. It was a crazy weekend for us.
Thursday, Andrew had his surgery. It went better than expected and we were grateful that many of the “possible” surgeries were not needed. This time the recovery went a bit better than the last time. When he woke up from his last surgery he had what they called post op “delirium” and he began pulling the IV out and was just a bear! This time, they gave him something that let him sleep a bit more and he woke up much more calm.
On Friday we were home. He seemed to be doing well. He was eating a lot of soft foods and popsicles. He seemed a bit more like himself, but we knew he wasn’t 100%. On Saturday, we had a scare as he just didn’t want to eat or drink. We even took him out for ice cream in hopes that would work. Naturally, a trip back to the ER and what does he do? Drinks and eats.
Not sure why he felt the need to grab a winter hat for ice cream, but he did.
That night my wife caught a very cool picture. Let me set this up for you. When I put him to bed, I will lay him in his bed and turn out the lights. I will say prayers with him, cover him up, and turn on his sound machine/night light. Then I’ll put on my reading glasses, grab my mini-flashlight and read my book where he can see me. He will eventually close his eye, knowing that dad is right by him, and go to sleep.
While in our bed that night, he grabbed his sunglasses and put them on. He grabbed his Paw Patrol flashlight and one of the books my wife and I plan on reading. He said, “Wook, Mommy! I Daddy!!”
Little by little – he is acting like himself.
We were home just in time to watch the sunset yesterday. Before the rain, the kids saw fire flies lighting up the back yard. So they ran around trying to catch them. Both were successful!
It’s been years since I’ve chased fireflies, but I have vivid memories of doing so. I hope they will never forget doing it.
It’s been a bit since I offered up some thoughts on my recent reads, so I thought I would share a few with you. (The one I am currently reading is very good and will review separately when I finish.)
I really enjoyed this book. I certainly gained some insight into Abraham Lincoln and learned a LOT about Frederick Douglass.
From Goodreads:
The New York Times bestselling author of George Washington’s Secret Six and Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates turns to two other heroes of the nation: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Upon his election as President of the troubled United States, Abraham Lincoln faced a dilemma. He knew it was time for slavery to go, but how fast could the country change without being torn apart?
Many abolitionists wanted Lincoln to move quickly, overturning the founding documents along the way. But Lincoln believed there was a way to extend equality to all while keeping and living up to the Constitution that he loved so much–if only he could buy enough time.
Fortunately for Lincoln, Frederick Douglass agreed with him–or at least did eventually. In The President and the Freedom Fighter, Brian Kilmeade tells the little-known story of how the two men moved from strong disagreement to friendship, uniting over their love for the Constitution and over their surprising commonalities. Both came from destitution. Both were self-educated and self-made men. Both had fought hard for what they believed in. And though Douglass had had the harder fight, one for his very freedom, the two men shared a belief that the American dream was for everyone.
As he did in George Washington’s Secret Six, Kilmeade has transformed this nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you turning the pages to find out how these two heroes, through their principles and patience, not only changed each other, but made America truly free for all.
The first of two Mitch Albom books I read. These are easy reads and I read both of them in a day. He’s really a fantastic story teller.
From Goodreads:
Adrift in a raft after a deadly ship explosion, ten people struggle for survival at sea. Three days pass. Short on water, food and hope, they spot a man floating in the waves. They pull him in. “Thank the Lord we found you,” a passenger says. “I am the Lord,” the man whispers. So begins Mitch Albom’s most beguiling novel yet.
Albom has written of heaven in the celebrated number one bestsellers “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “The First Phone Call from Heaven”. Now, for the first time in his fiction, he ponders what we would do if, after crying out for divine help, God actually appeared before us? A fast-paced, compelling novel that makes you ponder your deepest beliefs, “The Stranger in the Lifeboat suggests that answers to our prayers may be found where we least expect them.”
The second Albom book. This one speaks of time. I’d rate both about the same. They were entertaining and made you think.
From Goodreads:
In this fable, the first man on earth to count the hours becomes Father Time.
The inventor of the world’s first clock is punished for trying to measure God’s greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.
He returns to our world – now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began – and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.
I saw mixed reviews on this one, and while I thought it was a bit slow to start, I really enjoyed it and how it ended. I listened to the audio book, which was performed by a few people – each main character was voiced by someone. I’m sure that made it much easier for me to follow.
From Goodreads:
A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party.
The bride – The plus one – The best man – The wedding planner – The bridesmaid – The body
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
Have you read anything you think I’d enjoy? What book have you read recently that was one you couldn’t put down?
You have probably noticed that I have been talking about a lot more books recently. This is not by accident. I am reading more. I have always loved to read, but never seem to find the time to do it. I have made it a point to read more and am utilizing the local library more than ever.
It is sad to think that people don’t believe that libraries are important anymore. It is true, though. Many just don’t realize how important they are. My brother, Christopher, has worked in a library for many years and I thought it would be interesting to take his answers and post them here as a guest blog. I truly hope that you will enjoy reading this as much as I did.
Without any further ado, here is my brother Christopher:
My Journey in the World of a Public Library
Libraries have always had a special place in my heart and being offered the opportunity to spend some time sharing my experiences, answering questions, while also providing some thoughts on what I see as the future of libraries is special gift and I am grateful for it. I’ll start by providing a little background of my career.
I started my library career as a Page at the Walt Whitman Branch of the Warren Public Library in Warren, Michigan in 1991. At the start, it was simply a much better after school job than working in fast food and would be a means to allow me a decent pay check to do what I wanted to do. However, the longer I worked there and the more I demonstrated my enthusiasm, the more responsibilities I was assigned. I loved it. I was learning so much and enjoying what I was doing.
However, despite the director telling me multiple times that they’d get me full time, the bureaucracy of the city and the unions, made it seem impossible. At first, I was determined to stick it out, but then I visited a library in Columbus and it changed my mind. I had been contemplating moving out on my own for a while and seeing this beautiful library inspired me to take an application (yes, this was still when applications were on paper) that day and truly considered moving.
In August of 1994, I was hired as a General Aide in the Technical Services Department of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It was the start of one of the greatest journeys I’ve ever taken. I’m proud to say that I started at the ground floor and worked my way up to where I am today, a Customer Service Manager.
On to the questions:
(Keith: So I asked a bunch of random questions, in no particular order. Please excuse the “all over the road” order of them.)
At one library branch close to home, they actually have a booth for podcasting! What do you think the future of libraries looks like?
The role of libraries has evolved dramatically over the years and many will debate if all are true fits. Library’s are no longer the solemn little rooms where librarians shush you for making too much noise. Libraries today are vibrant and active community hubs where customers from all walks of life enter to enrich their lives. We have to continually adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our customers and sometimes that means offering services and programs beyond books. For example, during the pandemic we immediately saw the impact moving the majority of resources to online only was to our lower-income families. Customers who never used a computer before were now desperate for help in filing for unemployment, job searching, getting their children logged in for school. Libraries were the lifelines for so many people. Where else can you go and get help for free?
What’s the most interesting question you’ve been asked by a patron?
When a customer doesn’t know the title of the book, but knows something about it. Sometimes this can lead to some of the most fun or the most frustrating interactions because it becomes all about the hunt. There are some amazing resources available to libraries that help with storyline and plot and others that are great with generalities. Speaking for myself just hearing a question along the lines of “it is a juvenile book about a female who worked for NASA”, brings me excitement. There are so many questions to ask because sometimes you might know right away and other times it could be something you have no knowledge on. The look of surprise and satisfaction on the customer’s face when you find it, it is priceless.
Is there one genre of books that seems to be the most popular?
This is truly based on the community the library serves. For example, there are 23 locations in my library’s system and while we try to ensure that all locations have materials and resources that meet the needs of a fair and balanced collection, the neighborhood itself has different needs and interests and will tend to have more on subjects and genres that are popular for that community. I’m going to purposely avoid children’s materials (picture books, board books, etc.) as they are always high circulating items, so my answers here are going to focus more on adult materials.
My current location is a high circulating branch where fiction and non-fiction both circulate really well. General fiction tends to be high here and subjects like cook books, graphic novels, and biographies are also popular. At other locations Mysteries or Urban / African American fiction might be the higher circulating items, while at another it could be Horror or Decorating. One of the biggest growing non-fiction collections over the years is Graphic Novels and Manga. It seemed for a while (early-mid 90’s) that libraries didn’t give much value to Graphic Novels as they were deemed “just comic books” and Manga was just a passing fad. I truly believe that part of that changed because libraries really started thinking about Teens and discovering that we couldn’t offer them the same programs or spaces in our buildings as we did for children. Once we started tailoring collections and programs to teens, Graphic Novels and Manga just exploded and it is an amazing cross-over between children and adult materials. I’ve read some graphic novels that are far better written and with a better storyline than some popular fiction.
Do your library host a community event that you enjoy or look forward to?
My library system hosts numerous events throughout the year. This year in particular is our Sesquicentennial (150) celebration so we are doing far more programs and events that we might in a normal year. On March 4, 2023, each location hosted a birthday celebration for their communities and offered special programs all day.
How has technology changed the role of a librarian?
One of the most noticeable changes is that libraries no longer have massive collections of reference materials. Before the internet, to locate the answer to many questions you had to look it up in a book. Libraries purchased more maps, atlases, encyclopedias, almanacs, car repair manuals, price guides . . . you name it. The internet changed that and now we have electronic resources that provide vast arrays of information; and actually, the information is timelier and more accurate.
Back when we were kids, dad used to rent that 8mm projector for us to watch movies. What kind of equipment is popular to rent today?
This is another of those questions that I just love to think about. I’ve worked in libraries for over 30 years now and I’ve seen things come and go (e.g. VHS tapes, Audio-tapes, CD-ROMs). Additionally, working with a cooperative of library systems in my state, I also see how vast and diverse the offerings can be. Some examples of things I know library systems circulate are: video games, records, hotspots, board games, and guitars). Some libraries also offer in-library use only for laptops and tablets. One of the newer editions we’ve added at my library system is Culture Passes. A culture pass allows admission to other Ohio organizations. Some of our passes included the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Zoo, Columbus Symphony, and Ballet Met.
What’s the most unique item in your library’s collection?
I had to reach out to a friend who works in our Local History and Genealogy department for help on this. This stereograph is one of the earliest known photographs of downtown Columbus.
Our LHG department has really been working hard for many years to digitize as much of their collection as possible. During COVID closures and partial re-openings we were able to send them extra staff to help with scanning and they were able to get over a years-worth of work done in just a couple of months.
What is the biggest misconception about libraries?
“It must be such a calm and peaceful job where you can just sit and read all day”. I always laugh when people say that to me because it couldn’t be further from the truth. As I said before, libraries are vibrant and exciting community hubs where customers come to get support and information. As with any job, there are indeed quiet times but those are rare. On any given day you have story time taking place, customers have conversations, people using computers for research or job hunting, staff performing tasks as shelving and checking in materials. This is movement and life happening in our buildings.
At the same time, we are also open to all which means that we get customers from all walks of life coming in. We are a public institution which means we are dealing with the public all day long and some times it isn’t always easy. We have incidents where customers yell, argue, fight, sleep, and threaten staff. Thankfully, for many of our locations these are rare – but it is a fact of dealing with the general public.
What is the most important role that the library plays in the community?
Libraries are Open to All. That means we welcome everyone into our spaces without judgment. We are a vast resource to communities whether it is for education or enjoyment. You want a great book – we’ve got it. You to do research on your family – we can help you. You need to apply for a job online for the first time – we’ll help you. You need resources on shelters and food pantries – here is a list. You need a space to study – we’ve got study rooms. You need a space to host your business meeting – we’ve got meeting rooms.
We may not always have exactly what you need, but we’ll do what we can to help you locate it or tell you where you can find it.
How do you stay up to date with new material? Do they advance books to you?
Most libraries purchase materials through one of two major book vendors, Baker and Taylor or Ingram. My library system uses Baker and Taylor and we are able to purchase items approximately 3-4 months before they are released. In our Collection Services department we have a team of selectors who primary job is to purchase materials for the entire system. Obviously, there are authors and subjects we’ll always buy (James Patterson, Danielle Steele, Cookbooks, Medical) and distribute throughout our locations, but the selectors also know what subjects are popular at each location and will attempt to send those items to those locations.
My library system is fortunate in that we have a very healthy budget for materials so we can order high quantities of materials to ensure we have plenty of copies and meet demands in a timely fashion.
What’s the most rewarding part of working in the library?
That I work for an organization whose values (Respect, Integrity & Inspiration) are ones that I believe in and support. That on any given day I could make an impact on a colleague or customer’s day just by being kind and approaching situations with an open mind. Seeing a customer cry with joy because I was willing to waive the replacement cost of an item is a feeling you can’t forget. I’ve had my fair share of customers who have called me every derogatory name you think of or use every curse word known to man, but those pale in comparison to the far more joyful examples I could share.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned working for the library?
When I started working in libraries I never realized how much I would learn about mental health, socio-economic issues, diversity, and education gaps. Being Open To All truly means you see all works of life every single day, no matter what part of the city you work in. Issues effect all classes, all genders, and all races, you have to be willing to put your own issues and bias aside and do what you can to provide service. Sadly, we can’t do it all and unfortunately some are not willing to hear that. However, you have to be willing to keep smiling and push on try to not become jaded.
Libraries are important to many people who don’t have Internet access. Do you have issues with people accessing things they shouldn’t?
In order to receive certain funding, we do have to have a filtering software on our computers to ensure that content harmful to minors is blocked. As with any software it is not 100% accurate and sometime things slip through or topics that shouldn’t be blocked (breast cancer) are. However, according to the law anyone over the age of 17 who provides a photo ID can request to have the filter removed. In those cases, a security screen is provided to the customer. We also will not remove the filter on computers located in children or teen areas or in School Help Centers.
Now, that is not to say that customers who request the filter to be removed are indeed viewing inappropriate things, as I said the filter is not always correct. However, it is possible. We have had police arrive in our buildings before and arrest someone at our computers for viewing child pornography. It is rare, but again a sad fact of life.
However, I would also say that since my library system re-opened during the pandemic I have not once removed the filter. The majority of customers using our computers are doing research, job hunting, resume writing, or just simply watching videos on YouTube.
With thousands of books coming out every day, is there a process for “weeding out” old material? Is there always one copy of something saved somewhere?
Libraries have to weed their collections regularly or they would simply run out of room on their shelves. There are many factors that go into how often your collection is weeded. Some of the things to think about would be: popularity (is it still circulating well, is the author still popular); does it include out of date information (e.g. old medical practices or out of date laws); has it been superseded by newer editions (encyclopedias); do we have the funds to replace or buy more. There are always certain authors and titles that we will routinely purchase replacements for. Examples would be titles considered classics like Hemingway, Shakespeare, and etc.
My library system would be considered a popular library because we tend to focus our materials on high interest and topical themes. However, that isn’t to say we don’t keep some older or rare titles. At our Main Library we have a department called Local History and Genealogy that focuses on rare materials related to Ohio. They have a rare book room but you aren’t going to find every copy of someone like James Patterson sitting there or even an old edition of something like A Christmas Carol.
How do donations or book sales/fairs benefit the library?
Libraries are non-profit and our budgets come from levies, taxes, and here in Ohio a public library fund included in the state budget. We have an organization called The Friends of the Library and a Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation that are separate entities from us and can actually raise funds to help supplement our budget. Book sales are huge events that bring in lots of money that the Friends of the Library then use to run a store in our Main Library as well as provide support to our Summer Reading Challenge and other events where our budget may not allow us to do all we want to do. The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation also fundraises and seeks donations to help with building projects, support programs.
Is there an author that you have met that you found interesting?
While we have hosted many, many famous authors over the years, it is not always possible for staff to do much interacting with them unless you are working directly with their event. I’ve been able to meet numerous local authors and some famous authors in the Graphic Novel genre since we host events for a festival called Cartoon Crossroads. I got to meet Judd Winick who has written and drawn for Marvel and DC. He was so kind and personable.
When a book or item is checked out, it isn’t always properly treated right. How often do you find yourself replacing items because of this?
Damaged items are something that each location encounters on a weekly basis. Sometimes it may range from something as simple as a torn page to something as grievous as a book that is warped and mold due to some type of liquid damage. We really try to look at each damaged item and determine is this normal wear and tear or is this malicious. Something like a tear or a dust jacket that is coming loose or ripped would fall into the category of wear and tear and we would not charge the customer for it. It also depends on what type of material is damaged. Is it a kid’s paperback or board book? We probably have enough copies in the system that we don’t worry about it and don’t charge. Water damage, mold, urine, burnt, dog chewed, those are the types of damage that don’t happen just from every day use. We’re going to charge the customer for the replacement cost. Some libraries include processing fees and possibly overdue fees as well, but my library system doesn’t charge overdue fines or processing fees. Fees from damaged items goes back into our materials budget and our selectors decide whether to replace that item or purchase another item.
How often do you host signing events with authors – local or famous?
My library system hosts authors every couple of months and for different events. We have a series called the Carnegie Author Series where authors are hosted at our Main Library downtown with seating up to 500-800 people. During themed weeks like Teen Read Week we host Teen genre authors who do a presentation at Main and then maybe visits one or two branches as well. Local authors are also hosted, usually at the branch in their neighborhood.
Our local library has a story time for kids once a month. Does the library ever host something like that or maybe a book club meeting?
We love to program. Each location can tailor programs to their community’s wants and needs, but each location is doing something at least once a week. Here in my current location Story Time takes place twice on Monday through Thursday with each day geared to a specific age group (Babies, Toddlers, Pre-School, and Family). Monday through Friday we have a School Help Center open from 3:30-6:30. We have an art café’ program for teens twice a week and a once a week D&D club. We tend to take a three week break in May as we prepare for Summer Reading Challenge where we will have 3-4 programs a day June – July. August gets another three weeks break and then its right back into our standard story times and teen programs.
We haven’t done much adult programming here in a while and it is definitely something we want to bring back. We’re really hoping to bring more diverse options for not just adults but for all ages as well. We’re hoping to kick this off more once Summer Reading Challenge is over.
For the first time ever, we are hosting a Book Festival this July in honor of our Sesquicentennial Celebration. It will be a huge two-day event at our Main Library and the Topiary Park directly behind the building.
So many people feel like libraries should go away. Personally, I have been actively using the library for books, music, and many other things. What is your argument for why they are vital?
If the COVID pandemic taught me anything, it was how incredibly necessary libraries are for a community. The vast majority of customers who needed help navigating a new digital world that was not ready for it was overwhelming. Everything went online and sadly, if customers didn’t have the skills or comfort dealing with technology they just gave up.
Libraries across the country became the places where companies and organizations told customers to go – because they didn’t have the time or patience to help their own customers. Even before we allowed customers back inside the buildings we were copying and faxing through curbside service. Once we allowed people inside, it was helping people complete job applications, submit payments online, complete unemployment applications. Additionally, many of our locations offer summer lunch or afternoon snack for children and we had to adapt move to a grab-and-go service instead of being able to offer children a chance to sit down and eat a healthy meal.
Libraries became and continue to be lifelines to our community whether it is for education and knowledge, social services, and basic life skills.
Did a love for books growing up influence you to work in a library?
I would say that at first, I didn’t make that connection as I thought it was just a part-time job. However now that I am a bit older, I see my love of books helped me truly see the value and joy in what I was doing.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of working for a public library? Any suggestions for what they need to do?
Be realistic in your expectations. Visit a library and actually look at what staff and customers are doing. Don’t assume that we just sit and read all day – we don’t. We’re there to serve the public and provide service to customers from all walks of life. It isn’t always going to be easy. Some days are definitely better than others. Budgets are not always great. Children will make a mess and be loud. Technology changes all the time. Be realistic and true to what it is you want. You can make wonderful connections and truly impact someone’s life without even knowing it.
______
I cannot begin to thank my brother, Christopher for taking the time to answer these questions. Let me say here publicly that I could not be more proud of him. As he stated, he came up through the ranks and is a respected manager now. He is passionate about his work and his work makes a difference in his community. His library system is lucky to have such an amazing employee who truly cares about his co-workers and the patrons.
Final Thoughts
As I began to check more and more books out of the library, I knew I wanted to write a blog that would stress the importance of a local library. I kept trying to find a way to express this, but always seemed to come up short. Then I asked my brother if he might be willing to help. In a sense, he wrote this entire blog!
I guess the point I was hoping to make was that libraries are not obsolete, if anything they are the exact opposite. They are essential to local communities. They are more than just lending out books. They serve a vital role in our society.
Today I encourage you to visit your local library. Renew that library card. Check out the best seller lists. Get a Good Reads or Story Graph account. Find other blogs that feature book recommendations. Get lost in a good book. Let your imagination run wild! You will not regret it!
(Thanks Chris! I appreciate you taking the time to be a part of this, I love you!)
I have been reading more over the last few months. As a matter of fact, I’ve probably read more books in the last 6 months than I did all last year. I just finished up another one from Anthony Horowitz. He has earned a spot on my list of “must read” authors.
I went through my “want to read” list on Good Reads and requested a few more from the library. I am currently reading a fascinating book from Patricia Cornwell on Jack the Ripper.
She wrote it back in 2002 and I think I found this at a used book store a few years ago. When I ran out of books from the library, I went to my home “to read” stack and picked this one off the top. I don’t know much about the Jack the Ripper murders, but this book seems to line up with a PBS special I saw a few years ago.
I also got my hands on a DVD copy of The Offer, which was a mini-series that streamed on Paramount+.
If you know anything about me, you know how much I love the Godfather movies. This is the behind the scenes story of how the Godfather went from a best selling book to the amazing award winning film. I haven’t gotten far, but I did get one episode in. I can’t wait to finish this.
On the Horizon …
I think I have decided on a topic for a “feature” I want to host. It will probably involve childhood Saturday mornings …
I recently finished up my post for Dave’s (A Sound Day) Turntable Talk. It involves a childhood musical memory.
I have been wanting to write on something for a while and I’ve decided that my brother is the perfect person to help me with it. That will be coming soon.
Today I finished The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz. It was the Sherlock Holmes novel approved by the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
I really enjoyed it. To me, it read much like one of Doyle’s Holmes stories. I would imagine that there has to be a bit of pressure for any author who takes up an iconic character like this. I think he did a really good job. He also has written three James Bond novels that I may need to check out.
It is funny how my mind pictured various versions of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as I read this book. There were times I pictures Holmes as Basil Rathbone and times I saw him as Benedict Cumberbatch. Then there were times I saw Watson as Martin Freeman or Nigel Bruce. Not that it really mattered, but there were instances where I saw the situations with specific versions of the characters. It is hard not to visualize them. (How can anyone read a Columbo book and NOT picture Peter Falk?!)
If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, I don’t think you will be disappointed in this book. I recommend it. 4/5 stars.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, he has written a few books with a fictional version of himself working with a former policeman who is now helping the police. In a sense, it is a version of Dr. Watson and Holmes. The next installment of that series is on my “too read” stack.
Next up – a book I have been waiting to pick up for months. It is finally available. Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch have a new offering in their “conspiracy” series.
The First Conspiracy was about the plot to kill George Washington. The Lincoln Conspiracy was about a plot to kill Abraham Lincoln (years before he was assassinated). This one is about the plot to kill FDR, Stalin, and Churchill. I cannot wait to dive into this one.
I often question whether I should post about books I read. Then I remember that more often than not, I only read that book because some blogger I follow posted about it!
Now I understand that just because someone praises a book doesn’t mean I will enjoy it. If, however, it sounds like something I find interesting, I will pick it up. That’s what happened with the latest book I just finished.
I don’t recall who suggested it, but the title caught my attention. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes, I recognized the name of his arch nemesis. Sure, enough, that is who the title is referring to.
I found out after I had the local library order it for me that he has actually been commissioned by the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write a new Sherlock Holmes mystery. It was called House of Silk (which I have on order from the library now).
Moriarty takes place after Holmes and Moriarty are “killed” at Reichenbach Falls. A Pinkerton Security man arrives to investigate something connected with Moriarty. He meets a man from Scotland Yard who is working a case closely connected with him too.
At any rate, Sherlock is mentioned in the book, but is not a character. It did not take away from a good story. I found it entertaining enough to not only order the Sherlock Holmes story from the library, but to pick up another one of the author’s books. I am reading that one right now.
It starts with a woman who walks into a funeral home and pays for and plans her entire funeral. Six hours later she is murdered. That was enough to hook me. I just started it, but so far I am enjoying it.
I hope that the Sherlock story will be as good as Moriarty. You never know what you are going to get when you have a new author writing for a familiar character.
In the past that has worked. I enjoyed the new Columbo novels, the new Perry Mason stories, and hope the Sherlock one is just as good.
She wants to know about our favorite things while adolescents. She says: Pick any period of your adolescence and think back to all your favorite things. Feel free to elaborate as much as you want.
This week’s prompt is: Favorite Things
Pick any period of your adolescence and think back to all your favorite things. Feel free to elaborate as much as you want.
I am going to go with a time when I was in elementary school.
Who was your favorite relative? Not to play favorites, but who was the person you connected with more than others? Aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent, or parent? Why were you closest to them?
I hate the thought of picking a favorite relative. I would say that I probably connected most with my dad’s dad. When my mom’s dad passed away, it was the first time I had ever lost someone to death. I realized that he wouldn’t be around forever, so I began recording his voice so I’d remember what he sounded like. The loss of one grandparent caused me to be closer with all my other grandparents.
What was your favorite TV show? Share a clip if you can find one.
I remember being in front of the TV to watch the Dukes of Hazzard.
What was your favorite book or favorite family story?
In fourth grade, I remember liking Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. The little brother, Fudges reminded me of my brother.
What was your favorite, song, record, or album. Feel free to share a YouTube video of it.
I never listened to what my friends listened to. Very rarely was I listening to new music. I was always listening to oldies or stuff my dad was playing for me. I listened to a lot of Beatles music.
Who was your favorite teacher at that age? What grade were you in and what subject did they teach?
Mrs. Gallop was my fourth grade teacher. She taught all the subjects that year. She was a lot of fun.
What was your favorite subject (not teacher) in school?
In elementary school? It was probably reading. I loved to read.
Who was your favorite (aka best) friend? What things did you do together?
Jeff. He still is my best friend. We spent a lot of time causing trouble. We made a lot of silly recordings on cassette, played video games, played with Star Wars figures, walked around the neighborhood, ate at Wendy’s, etc. It seemed like we were always together.
What was your favorite way to pass the time?
Reading or listening to music
What was your favorite holiday? How did you celebrate?
Christmas. We’d spend Christmas Eve at my dad’s folks and Christmas Day with my mom’s family.
What was your favorite toy or possession? Doll, camera, radio, bicycle?
I had a silver metal cap gun. It looked like a real cowboy gun. I used it when we played cops and robbers.
Bonus: What was your favorite adventure? Family trip, amusement park, field trip, or vacation perhaps.
I loved going to Caseville with our family, but our trips to Mackinaw and Kings Island stand out too.
Between Sam and I, we easily read Ella 5-12 books a day. Usually after we finish one, she signs “more” because she wants to want to hear it again. She really needs a bigger book shelf, because it seems like we are always bringing new books home from the store for her.
We signed her up for the Summer Reading Program at our local library. The more she reads, the more prizes she can get. She earned her first reward and so we decided to take her to the library to get it. She’s never been to the library before, so she was pretty excited when she walked in.
The first thing she did, while I was talking to the librarian about her reading reward, was pull some books off a shelf (just like when she is at home)! I had to reshelf the books and she got to pick her prize. She got a rubber duck and a book. Then we went into the kids reading room. She was in heaven! There were so many board books!
I’ve been to our library a few times, but never had been in the kids area. I had to grab a picture of her by the mural.
Once we read about 20-30 books, we started to leave. She found a computer that had some easy drop and drag puzzles. She had to play with that for a while and loved every second of it. She’s looking like such a big girl now!
I am so happy that she loves to read. I will be sad the day she no longer wants me to read to her. That is something that I really love to do. There are plenty of stories and books to read!
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 