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
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
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
I recently wrote an article for the Teen section of the Cambridge Idea Exchange’s website entitled Why Poetry Is Way More Punk Than You Thought. It includes a short argument in favor of poetry as entertainment, highlighting some common misconceptions. It also includes a list of 4 ways to discover poems that will appeal to… Read More Poetry Reader’s Advisory: How To Find A Poem
Non-Fiction displays are a crucial part of any public library. End of aisle displays in particular are an important way to draw library wanderers into the stacks. Non-fiction sections have some of the most attractive books in the library: cook books, craft books, travel guides, coffee table books. And some of the most important: how-to… Read More How To Make Non-Boring Non-Fiction Book Displays
Springtime is upon us! Somehow in-between planning for fall programs (yes, we start early at the library), attending lovely weddings, and shopping for flower pots, I’ve been reading. A lot. And as you’ll see from the photos, mostly outside. What I Read Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis: In an effort to determine whether or not human intelligence… Read More What I Loved #11: Beauty Queens, Fifteen Dogs, Mini Terrariums, TCAF
When it comes to crafting, there are two types of people: those who want the detailed step-by-step instructions, and those who want the freedom to explore on their own. This month, at the Cambridge Idea Exchange, I made a deliberate effort to include opportunities for both types of people. For the instruction lovers I created… Read More Teen Makerspace Program: Recycle Mania in the Library
Ontarian Librarian 