When people find out I’m a librarian, they either instantly love me, or instantly begin trashing my profession and passion. Grumbly curmudgeons will continue to say things like “libraries are redundant now that we have the internet,” and “books are going out of style,” and “no one has time to read these days.” To which… Read More 9 Reasons Canadians are Reading More Than Ever
School is back in session! And that means so are my 7:30am shifts. As I readjust to driving in with the sunrise, I reflect on all the fantastic books I’ve read this summer. My currently reading list is getting hazardously long, especially now that the Giller Prize longlist was announced (yay Andre Alexis and Heather… Read More What I Loved #13: The Martian, The Rook, Camping, Still Alice
With the boom in diary fiction in children’s fiction (Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries), I thought it was time to highlight some of the Diary Fiction in our teen collection. Diary fiction can be especially intimate and emotional, making it a great fit for certain YA novels. I created a 3D diary… Read More YA Diary Fiction: Teen Book Display
What is a Pop-Up Library? A pop-up library is a temporary collection of materials for patrons to browse and check-out, at a location other than the library. My program, Books in the Park, was hosted over the summer at Victoria Park downtown Kitchener, every other Wednesday from 1-3. Approximately 20 people attended each time, of… Read More Pop Up Libraries: Tips for Success
If you liked Neil Gaiman’s adult fantasy novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, you might like this annotated booklist of similar adult fables. The Ocean at the End of the Lane Read-A-Likes Neil Gaiman’s most recent adult novel opens as a disgruntled middle aged man returns to his childhood home for a funeral.… Read More Read-a-likes: Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Fans of Flight of the Conchords rejoice! Show star Jemaine Clement and contributing director Taika Waititi are back, funnier than ever. And this time they’re vampires. What We Do In the Shadows is a spoof on the horror genre, but it’s also a whip-smart mockumentary (think The Office meets Shaun of the Dead). The movie… Read More Hilarious Horror Mockumentary: What We Do in the Shadows
It’s been awhile since I’ve pumped out a What I Loved post: I’ve been busy! Busy with Books in the Park, moving to a new place, riding roller coasters, being a wedding guest, and attending all the festivals I can squeeze in. But here’s a summary of the best and weirdest I’ve read, watched, and… Read More What I Loved #12: Orange Is The New Black, Canada’s Wonderland, Steel Rails, and The 100 Foot Journey
Ever wondered what your dogs would say if they could speak? Canadian author André Alexis’s apologue (a brief allegorical fable) might shed some light on the matter. In an effort to determine whether or not human intelligence contributes to happiness, Greek gods Apollo and Hermes grant intelligence to fifteen dogs in a Toronto veterinary clinic.… Read More Book Review: Surprisingly dark and enlightening “Fifteen Dogs”
A picture book with no pictures might sound like the total bore, but believe me, it will have you and your audience laughing to tears. The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak (also known as Ryan the Temp from popular sitcom The Office) tricks the reader into speaking in silly voices and saying some… Read More Interactive Picture Books
Promotion is a huge part of Teen Summer Reading Programs, and what better than a fun pop-up display during a program to grab their attention! Its easy to create a fun, attractive design with online design tools. When promoting books to teens, its important to be as “unlame” as possible. I created a few signs… Read More Teen Summer Reading Display
Ontarian Librarian 