I apologize for the lack of posting this week. Things have been a little hectic this week with projects and meetings that need to take place before the start of the next semester. Today I was asked if I gain magic powers whenever someone read a book and I laughed and said "maybe." I think however, that there is an element of truth in that statement. I think we all gain a bit of magic whenever we read, especially if what we read connects with us.
Connecting readers (or people who might become readers) with books is one of the job functions of a librarian, but it is also the role of teachers across the globe. I honestly don't remember not being able to read, or learning how to read per se (just how to sound out words that I didn't instantly recognize), but I do remember the first book that really grabbed me. It was Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary and it was read to my first grade class by one of the best teachers I have ever had Mrs. Pat Primoli. I related so much to Ramona and what she went through in that book and I couldn't wait to read it for myself. This was the spur I needed to turn into a voracious reader.
According to BuildOn.org nearly 900 million people worldwide cannot read or write. Literacy is so important that throughout history people have been forbidden from learning these skills because illiterate people are easier to exploit and abuse. I urge you to take the time to read today and every day you can, and to read with the children in your lives. It really does only take one great book to turn someone into a lifelong reader, and lifelong readers are lifelong learners and that it ultimately the goal of every educator. To create lifelong learners.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Author! Author!
Today is the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's death. Although her life was short (she died at the age of 41) and her literary output comparatively small by today's standards (she published six novels) her work was, and remains, both significant and timeless.
Many people dismiss her works as being old fashioned romances, to which I say "balderdash." It is true that Austen's novels do tend to focus on romantic relationships, but getting married was essentially the only respectable choice for a young woman of any standing to make during the Georgian and Regency eras when Austen lived. Frankly, this was the only option available to women of standing well into the 20th century, but that is neither here no there. The point is, you cannot fault her novels for focusing on the primary concern of women during her lifetime. Austen's novels are filled with fabulous wit and iconic characters, and she makes cutting observation about the social standards and mores of her time.
Moreover, the plot and characters of her novels as provided inspiration for countless authors and film makers over the years. They have adapted her works, modernized them (remember Clueless? That's Emma. How about Bridget Jones' Diary? That's Pride and Prejudice), used her characters for stories of their own, and have even used Austen herself as a character in movies and books.
Are her books wordy when compared the plot heavy novels of today? Yes, but nothing like Dickens. Would it behoove you to know something about society and the way of life during the time when the books take place? It will certainly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the books, but it isn't necessary. I do recommend you try them if you haven't. You may not enjoy them (I don't pretend that every reader will enjoy every book equally), but who knows, you may just find yourself enthralled. (Someone else needs to read Longbourn by Jo Baker which focuses on the lives of the servants during the events of Pride and Prejudice so I can share all my feels!)
If you would like to learn more about Jane Austen we can recommend www.janeusten.org and www.janeausten.co.uk
Many people dismiss her works as being old fashioned romances, to which I say "balderdash." It is true that Austen's novels do tend to focus on romantic relationships, but getting married was essentially the only respectable choice for a young woman of any standing to make during the Georgian and Regency eras when Austen lived. Frankly, this was the only option available to women of standing well into the 20th century, but that is neither here no there. The point is, you cannot fault her novels for focusing on the primary concern of women during her lifetime. Austen's novels are filled with fabulous wit and iconic characters, and she makes cutting observation about the social standards and mores of her time.
Moreover, the plot and characters of her novels as provided inspiration for countless authors and film makers over the years. They have adapted her works, modernized them (remember Clueless? That's Emma. How about Bridget Jones' Diary? That's Pride and Prejudice), used her characters for stories of their own, and have even used Austen herself as a character in movies and books.
Are her books wordy when compared the plot heavy novels of today? Yes, but nothing like Dickens. Would it behoove you to know something about society and the way of life during the time when the books take place? It will certainly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the books, but it isn't necessary. I do recommend you try them if you haven't. You may not enjoy them (I don't pretend that every reader will enjoy every book equally), but who knows, you may just find yourself enthralled. (Someone else needs to read Longbourn by Jo Baker which focuses on the lives of the servants during the events of Pride and Prejudice so I can share all my feels!)
If you would like to learn more about Jane Austen we can recommend www.janeusten.org and www.janeausten.co.uk
Friday, July 14, 2017
Viva la France!
In honor of Bastille Day we bring you are salute to France and Paris in particular. Everything is available for checkout (except the croissants, those are mine!).
Thursday, July 13, 2017
One cart, two carts,
grey cart, new cart!Okay, so the carts aren't actually new, but everything on them is!
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Box carnage.
It should come as no surprise that I love to read. I am a librarian after all. But libraries are so much more than just books these days. We have ebook collections, databases, CDS, and a rather robust DVD collection (current holdings: 3757). Libraries (and librarians) exist to help people with their information needs, whatever they might be, and we will use any and all resources at our disposal to get you the information you seek, as well as some information you need but didn't know to look for.
But let's talk about reading books just a bit more. As you can see from the picture below, I have received a huge quantity of books in the last week. The box carnage was even worse than the picture. I only photographed half of it. Now, even though I love reading, I realize that not everyone feels the same way, and that some people just don't have time. Would I love it if everyone who came into the library checked out a book to read? Oh yes! But I recognize the causes of resistance to reading, and why someone might be reluctant to read for fun. I can assure you though that if you come to this library looking for something good to read that I will work with you to find you a book you will enjoy. We do not judge what a person chooses to read, so if you are fifty years old and want to read a young adult novel you can! Want a graphic novel? We've got those too! Short stories, novels in verse, memoirs, biographies, narrative nonfiction, personal philosophies, cookbooks, picture books, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, true crime? We have all this and more, and would love it if you would check out a book on something you enjoy or find fascinating. No one will give you flack about anything you choose to read. (Although, if all you check out is books on serial killers we might get a little nervous).
I'm off to wrangle with the contents of these empty boxes. A librarian's work is never truly done.
But let's talk about reading books just a bit more. As you can see from the picture below, I have received a huge quantity of books in the last week. The box carnage was even worse than the picture. I only photographed half of it. Now, even though I love reading, I realize that not everyone feels the same way, and that some people just don't have time. Would I love it if everyone who came into the library checked out a book to read? Oh yes! But I recognize the causes of resistance to reading, and why someone might be reluctant to read for fun. I can assure you though that if you come to this library looking for something good to read that I will work with you to find you a book you will enjoy. We do not judge what a person chooses to read, so if you are fifty years old and want to read a young adult novel you can! Want a graphic novel? We've got those too! Short stories, novels in verse, memoirs, biographies, narrative nonfiction, personal philosophies, cookbooks, picture books, romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, true crime? We have all this and more, and would love it if you would check out a book on something you enjoy or find fascinating. No one will give you flack about anything you choose to read. (Although, if all you check out is books on serial killers we might get a little nervous).
I'm off to wrangle with the contents of these empty boxes. A librarian's work is never truly done.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
Let's Get Started!
Hello and welcome to the Jim and Patsy Rose Library's new blog! We will be sharing information here on our collections, our services and our events in the days to come. It is the start of a brand new fiscal year and for me that means new books! (I've ordered 250 so far this month. Yes, I realize it is only the 6th). My colleagues and I have a lot planned for the upcoming fall semester and we hope you will take advantage of all that we have to offer you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to open these boxes.
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