February has been a huge month for me! I’ve been preparing for a major job change, hosting wedding-related parties, and getting ready to move to a different city. But I didn’t stop reading and listening and watching. Here’s what I loved this month, in the midst of all the chaos.

What I Read

Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

After recently losing his job as a designer, Clay needs a new job. And no one is hiring. He stumbles across a 24 hour bookstore and gets hired as the night clerk. He soon learns that in addition to selling used books, the store lends out coded books to a select few peculiar customers. Add in some Google employees, a couple tech startups, and a secret cult, and you’ve got a winner. It ends up being a funny and fascinating commentary on the advantages and shortcomings of both “old knowledge” and technology.

Absolute Death by Neil Gaiman

What a phenomenal character. She’s so dynamic – lovely but dangerous, energetic but serene; at times harsh, but at times sensitive. This collection of graphic novel stories explores Death’s many facets, and the inter-connectivity of the world. Sandman stories always sit in my mind between readings and this was no exception.. According to this Sandman Reading Guide, the 2 miniseries included in Absolute Death are the natural next read after finishing the original series.

Everytime I read the Sandman series I feel like I’m reading it for the first time, and I think that might be the sign of a remarkable book?

Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox by Danielle Daniel

This picture book written by a Métis artist explores the Anishinaabe tradition of “totem animals.” An excellent read about Aboriginal Canadian culture and identity that any child could relate to. Beautiful, sensitive, and wild – perfect for the 2016 TD Summer Reading Club theme!

What I Won

Anyone who’s been to the OLA Super Conference knows that the SuperExpo is a wild, wonderful place full of friendly people, free stuff, and contests. A few weeks ago I found out that I won a draw for $100 of free books from one of my favourite Canadian publishers: House of Anansi! After much deliberation, I chose the above books and I love them all!

What I Watched

Sometimes, when you’re experiencing the biggest life changes, you just want a little familiarity to hang onto. My familiarity this month came in the form of re-watching The Office. Thank you Netflix.

What I Played

I haven’t posted about my everlasting love for Skyrim yet, but I should. Skyrim is everything I want in a video game: amazing storylines and the opportunity to freely explore a fantasy world. Bonus points for dragons and a magical college. What I love most is the wide range of quests available: you can spend your time foraging for plants to help out a budding alchemist, searching for legendary swords, stealing from the rich,  playing matchmaker, giving out tracts for the local temple, or fighting trolls. The best part is: even though I’ve been playing it for over 2 years, I keep discovering new quests.

Oh and it’s beautiful.

What I Did

Ran a Pinterest Tutorial during my second-last week at one of my jobs. It was great! Attendees were impressed that the library offered it, and we had fun exploring the capabilities of Pinterest.

Put on a Double Engagement party! I showed my true programming librarian colours with a DIY mixology table, two homemade Wreck This Guestbooks, and a glitter station. My good friend Maddy created a bingo scavenger hunt, and my artist fiance Danny hung dozens of his old paintings around the house for people to add to. A wacky time was had by all 50ish guests.

Got a new job! Since graduating with my MLIS in August 2014 I’ve been working at two different library systems in Ontario. It has been amazing experience and I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given as a new librarian. But it’s time to move on to something else exciting – a full-time permanent Children’s and Teen Services Librarian position near my hometown of St. Catharines Ontario. My first day is the first day of March Break. Stay tuned for my new library adventures!