Feistylibrarian

Never forget Banned Books Week

2010-09-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

In 2000, I packed my life into two suitcases and joined the Peace Corps. Though it has been a decade now- I have never forgotten the lessons of freedom that I learned while living and working in Estonia. My former colleagues did not always have the right to read. They did not always have the permission or the access to all the books that we sometimes enjoy without blinking an eye. For them my small collection of commonly banned book titles is ever more meaningful.

Banned Books Week is my reminder to never forget. Celebrate your right to read. Hold it dear. Because some of us will never forget the rights that were taken from us and some of us are still fighting for the right to read.

ALA Banned Books Week

#ala10 conference and ALA membership

2010-06-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

I am not at ALA10. I spent a good part of my weekend cleaning baseboards and scraping wallpaper. This weekend was an associates degree in sweat equity. Sure, I combed the listings of programs at ALA. But this year was unlike any other. This year I made a huge change to my ALA membership. In years past I have shelled out the dollars for many divisions such as ALSC, YALSA, NMRT and ACRL. This year I had to decide between continuing to pay toward the divisions or putting the money directly into a local cause I hold dear to my heart. It was a tough decision. I felt terrible about not being able to give to them all. I opted for the local cause.

Next year I hope to renew all my divisional memberships. But I had to examine each one closely and truly it came down to content and knowing exactly where my money flowed. I love my work and my field. My only solace this month was that the programs I support locally go hand in hand with area literacy initiatives. I'm not at #ala10 this week. I am working and loving my work as always. I feel very lucky, I do.

2010 Horizon Report

2010-03-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

This week's techie material in my sights is the 2010 Horizon Report. I always tackle these kinds of things in three stages. Everything gets the speed browse, then the "highlight certain points" read and finally the read to apply the information to my day to day work in public libraries.

Library with Heart

2010-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

Over a year ago, I stopped blogging. I felt like I had nothing to say. Maybe I got my mojo back in July. It happened at ALA in Chicago. Lot's of people go for inspiration and I was with them. There were many meaningful moments and sessions. I made some new friends, contacts and learned so much. One session that I keep coming back to was Michael Stephen's Libraries and the Heart. Shortly after I returned to my community a new door opened so to speak. And now I spend a good amount of time trying to get and keep the heart in our libraries. This is a heart with our digital natives in mind.

Splash page

2009-01-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been producing these pages for library users and I do not know what to call them. In library school they may have been tagged as "pathfinders" but these are not that sophisticated. Basically users come in looking for a splash of information on an array. They want a little bit of print, database article and some web links on a topic. They usually start looking for a book but then we get to the reality that often times a topic is the most current in electronic or web site form. Anywho! What do you call these? Do you use a standard template? I also like to make them live docs so that person can add or alter as needed - like a "pretend" version of open source

series haters converted

2008-11-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

Some of us avoid books in series. We are impatient and short on attention. We barely made it to the last book of Harry Potter because it simply took forever. You know who you are. It's okay. I too am a one in your series hater club. The only thing closer to series love that I can conjure is my loyalty to handful of authors. I pretend that their single titles are a part of some universal book series. I applaud the following authors for keeping me focused through an actual series- Stephenie Meyer, Philip Depoy and Jerry Spinelli.

I salute the series reading masses and hope one day to join your ranks. In the meantime I need some new material from the following authors- Craig Thompson, Adam Rapp, Jeanette Walls, Pete Hautman and Barbara Kingsolver.

reading augusten burroughs

2008-10-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am an Augusten Burroughs fan. I like his writing so much that I do not even recommend him to the average library user. This is because I am completely selfish and vulnerable. I am afraid to even offer him up because their possible rejection or lack of interest in his writing would crush me. I save Augusten for just the right person. There are twenty some memiors, non-fiction, edgy/unorthodox fiction titles that folks will espouse and I hand them Augusten in full confidence. I want them to mourn, gasp, laugh out loud and sulk when they read his stuff. I want them to get him. Can I get an autographed book for this glowing review of Augusten?

long time gone

2008-10-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

If it is possible to miss library school, I am there. Though work and school was time consuming the post-work day discussions face-to-face and online about library issues somehow inspired and sustained me. I felt in the loop. I became all too familiar with those databases I knew I would no longer have access to as soon as I graduated. This must be the sign, the diagnoses of a true reference librarian. Who else in the world mourns his or her access to full-text databases?

A pic from my recent road trip through Chicago and Racine. Love Chicago. I am not sure I could ever navigate the bumper to bumper traffic everyday on the the way to work but I know in life it all balances out. Racine and the surrounding areas are so beautiful.

do not be insulted... reader's advisory

2008-01-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

Reader's advisory is not for the faint of heart.

It is a two-way highway that winds and dips toward many an an unforeseen destination. You have to recommend books because that is the business of librarianship. I like to do this with confidence and an invisible plexi-glass shield. Even with the most thorough interview my reader might not enjoy the books that I recommend. Early in my career I was slightly devastated when readers did not share my passion for all things Laurie Halse Anderson, Terry Trueman or Craig Thompson related. Later I got over it. It is not really about you after all.

Recently a friend and mutual fan of all books YA related offered a Joan Didion title. He loved it. Let's just say that I made it to page 66 of The Last Thing He Wanted. My friend recommended this title for great reasons- my reverence for Heart of Darkness, penchant for wacky yet intelligent female protagonists, curiosity of conspiracy and spy situationals. Based on past favorites like The Red Dancer this offering should have been a good bet for me. I always like books where the protagonist is a train wreck and this protagonist had all of the potential.

Like some of my library customers I thought - how can I tell my friend that I could not even finish the book! I considered my options- lie completely, be brutally honest or tell him what I did like about it and make a counter offer. Okay- lying is not an option. The truth is that I could not keep up with the cat and mouse chase of Didion's prose. Maybe I just like her non-fiction material best? It also did not help that I came home with something I knew I wanted to read- Harvey Pekar and Dean Haspiel's The Quitter.

In the least I owe my friend a thanks for recommending a book that truly had the potential to be a winner for me. Now I will work on a counter offer- a title that he should potentially enjoy....or at least get to page 66. Reader's advisory is a just a conversation about books. It is a conversation between two people that has the potential to reveal a new reading destination- nothing more and nothing less.

BTW- The Quitter was really good- if you like the depressing, gritty, train-wreck / yet likable voice of American Splendor's Harvey Pekar.

reference interview.....interview with a kiddo

2007-10-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Open the discussion with kiddos in library during a reference interview can lead one to the hottest new......picture books! These were recently kiddo confirmed and road tested during outreach visits to preschoolers.
Whopper Cake by Karma Wilson
Famer Brown books by Teri Sloat
New Socks by Bob Shea
I Don't Like Gloria! by Umansky and Chamberlain

OMG- yessss....there is a new Babymouse out. This time Babymouse is on ice....a Skatergirl. Babymouse has been uber popular among the younger end 'tween set girl readers for over a year now. Jennifer and Matthew must continue this series because I am hooked.

Despite flood level graduate work and work work I have read some great new YA titles:
Don't miss these!
Back......after too long of a wait in my opinion.... Stargirl! by Jerry Spinelli. Remember Stargirl and Leo and her wonder little rat Cinnamon? Anyway...the story continues now with Love, Stargirl. She is in a new state and still healing from her broken heart via Leo. Now we get Stargirl's perspective. This is a good one folks- and you get a super bonus character or two for which Spinelli should seriously consider writing spin-off titles. Junie B. Jones watch out because here comes Dootsie Pringle!

I have taken at least one Kevin Brooks book back to the library without finishing and that was a huge mistake on my part. In a closing time desperation I nabbed his newer title - Being. Well so much for getting my graduate reading done that weekend. Robert goes in to have his throat checked in an outpatient surgery thing and ends up waking up in the middle of surgery to find that no one around him is truly a doctoer and he is made of something entirely non-human. It is like Jason Bourne meets the Fugitive with some love and good teen angst all rolled into one. Get a copy of Being in your hands right now.

Freak Show by James St. James - ever seeking the GLBTQ YA titles it was admittedly the cover that got me and I am sure James would be okay with that. Billy Bloom is a queen...tiara or no tiara. He is inadvertantly trapped (by his distracted father) in the Florida swamps and the center of high school conservative realms. Not amount of glitter or spirit gum is going to shield him from the onslaught of rejection. It is sad and LOL funny and sometimes way too much. James has successfully created or shared (maybe) a character who earns your support. Vote for Billy Bloom!

100 degree reads

2007-08-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

It is almost too hot to grill and absolutely too hot to do any serious yardwork. These reads are helping me through the last hot days of summer-

for Kiddos
Getting Air by Dan Gutman
The Road to Paris by Nikki Grimes
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
(and if you find that you really like Konigsburg than don't miss out on one of my all-time favorites- Silent to the Bone)

for Teens
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles
Everlost by Neal Shusterman

for the rest of us
The Year of Endless Sorrows by Adam Rapp
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver and family
Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys and the Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbott

back from a blog hiatus

2007-03-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

There are too many great things about public librianship, library school and reading in general to continue my blogging hiatus. Story time continues to be that ethereal (lightness of being) time in the work week that I look to for that balance, that passing glimpse at the world in a snapshot moment of peace and beauty. It is that thirty minutes or so that is all about the story and the audience and getting them to that place where suddenly even the walls and floor don't exist because the story is the only thing that is happening and even the storyteller is secondary. Any fears I have about where life will lead me after library school just disappear during that time. This whole bit is probably best encapsulated in one of those signs that reads "you might be a children's librarian if...."

the flat iron steak

2006-10-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

What is a "flat iron" steak and where did the term originate? One delicious bite of my husband's dish at Agrario recently sent me combing the deep cool lockers of local supermarket meat aisles. Is there really an iron ivolved? Is it cut in some special way? I wasn't sure but in the mean time I paid the higher doller for a two pound cut clearly labeled "flat iron" steak. My - Food Network- search for the term only yielded a few recipes. I had to enter a new region of my foodie favorite site- the scary recipe power search page. Alas, this wouldn't work either because the FN power search forces you to select things like food regions or techniques. None of these allow me to further define "flat iron" steak. Running out of patience and interest I went against all my librarian instincts and googled the following: flat iron steak? I was greated with results from GourmetSleuth, Askthemeatman and Answers.com. Several links deep I read my way into a Washington Post bit that highlights a "cheapskate steak" article describing the "flat iron" steak this way- (and I quote) "Moving from the belly area over to the shoulder is the underestimated flat iron, aka the top blade steak." from Kim O'Donnel. I am hopeful at this point that this cut will prove extra special. Still, it is all in the marinade sometimes. That is a whole new blogpost.

non-celebrity fit club or librarian busts a move

2006-09-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

terrified by possible choice of sedentary career and becoming Bridget Jones low point huge-or-mus with large reindeer sweater collection - hitting the gym and the pavement to break out
cheered on by super competitive older sis and local good friend who is also concerned about huge-or-mus future

Magazines that will get any girl back to the gym:
Shape, Women's Health, Cosmo

Class to avoid if you don't want to hurt for days: - learned the hard way
Step Class (Boot Camp version)

Class to take for fun+workout+ better moves next time you bar hop: - loved it
Body Jamz (Hip-hop, salsa and more) - even for the hipshaker challenged

How to be a librarian w/out looking like one? (still working on this)
cooler looking tights (patterned) instead of traditional black ones
add a good dose of your favorite color to your hair (i.e. whater you can get away with)- this will depend on your place of work (sadly..no flame red or pink for me)
truck out your most radical nail polish shades in place of the lower cut clothing you would rather be wearing (hard to find stylish shirts that don't go too low)

Bluesfest

2006-09-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last night we saw Tab Benoit play at Bluesfest. What a great performance! Then there is the bonus. I spoke with him for a few minutes. The guy is nice and really plugged into wetlands preservation for Louisiana. We talked about the Spike Lee documentary - When the Levees Broke. He is most closely involved with the IMAX coming out called - Hurricane on the Bayou. The film won't hit theatres worldwide until December. I will definitly go to see it. It took us two different nights to get through - When the Levees Broke- because it is so long and just pretty heartbreaking. The devastation is beyond anything I could ever have imagined and the work that still needs to be done is huge. Seeing Tab play right after getting through that documentary was very healing. It gave us hope.

The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs

2006-08-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finished reading the new Jack Gantos book - The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs. It was this twisted little tale of taxidermy, identity and unrequited love in the small town world of the Rumbaugh family. It was a weird story but I liked it. It was a mix of the whole love-for-Mom-gone -overboard thing from Psycho paired with the charming innocence of one little girl like Davita's Harp from Chaim Potak? Readers who like a little of the strange, gothic and Hitchcock humor will go for this.

the art of slowing down in the library and life

2006-08-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Things get so crazy with work and school that I actually have to push myself sometimes to just slow down or drop everything for a day. This pic. is the result of spending a whole day at the state fair with my Dad. We had a great time despite the heat. It made me remember that family is really important. Also, I usually do my best "work" brainstorming or problem solving when I am not at work. Go figure.

LIS career on Hiatus?

2006-08-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

LIS career is on hiatus for a very good reason. The main contributors are working on a new book. This is the most amazing website that led me to Sophie Brookover's article about finding your place in youth services. This is one of the sites that I look to for advice or simply ideas about where to go next in library school/library career. Luckily the contributers promise to return in November. That won't be soon enough for me. Look..no one has return the perfect manual for youth services in public libraries. I need all the help I can get.

Blues Fest- Tab Benoit to play

2006-08-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tab Benoit is going to play at the upcoming Greater Ozarks Blues Festival! There are so many fantastic musicians scheduled this year. Some of the best cds that I get at the library are the ones that I choose sort of randomly. In this case I just wanted a blues group I hadn't heard before. This was easy since I don't have a wide listening history with blues. I ended up with one of this band's older cds but let's just say it is probably overdue because I just keep on playing it. It was total luck they are coming to the fest this fall. I'm still holding out for the Mountain Goats or the Be Good Tanyas but it looks like they just stick to the west coast.

new jason graphic novel - The Left Bank Gang

2006-08-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Norwegian cartoonist Jason has a new graphic novel soon to arrive on our shelves- The Left Bank Gang. Jason has a way with animal characters drawn in the cleanest lines and possessed by the deepest and most apealling flaws that they quickly become human. The characters become worthy almost instantly of your hope and concern. This new book is set in 1920's Paris!

must finish semester..dirt off your shoulder

2006-08-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Work and school is my final five of a marathon run right now. I am so close to the finish. This is when I tend to get the worst case of procrastination. My family is at the lake sunning on a dock and I'm trapped in front of my laptop for one more weekend. Errr! It seems to work for me to put my favorite Napster playlist on and just keep at it until it feels finished. This is the tap into Jay-Z, Mary J. and Nina Simone time. I just shut myself in and get it done because as soon as this passes I will have over two weeks of no classes and total freedom. Must get through....

DOPA to Senate Committee- time/to/send/some/emai!

2006-08-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Blogosphere indicates that DOPA has moved to the US Senate committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Click on the link and take a few moments to email one or more of the members listed on the page. Tell them about how DOPA will affect you and/or your library and library patrons. Don't let the FCC decide for us.

DOPA- this is what happens when you don't read the bill!

2006-08-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll try to be diplomatic. My goal is not to divide but to embrace. If you don't have a blog, haven't heard of Neopets or Runescape and haven't worked closely with kids and teens in the last five to ten years then please read the DOPA bill thoroughly before deciding that ALA "must not want to keep kids safe because they oppose this legisation". Just because legislation passes by a huge majority does not mean it is the best move for the nation. Let me be very clear here- what gives the FCC or any other governmental department the right to decide if some teenager should have access to email or any of the other sites I have already mentioned? Let me get this straight - there might be bad people who also like to email, play online games and instant message so to protect kids we are going to prohibit them from using any of these sites in a safe and well-lit public setting where trained professionals can help them make good decisions about those sites? I just want to be clear on this. To review- if you haven't read the bill and you don't understand the technlology then you need to get it together asap. One last point- please keep in mind that "children" equals little kids all the way up to high schoolers. So we are almost ready to send them off to a major college or university campus but we don't trust their abilities to instant message? I just want to be clear here.

DOPA and libraries

2006-07-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

I never thought that a lighthearted blog about becoming a full fledged public librarian would border along the lines of criminal but that's how I felt as I watched HR 5312 (DOPA) sweep through the House of Representatives in Washington this past week. I feel a little defeated right now and little feisty if you will too. All of this time and effort spent embracing and learning how to bring a new generation into public libraries via technology they enjoy using. What next- will they pass a law banning all cell phones in public facilities because text messaging is also social networking? I live to work with kids. My fantastic job is the thing that gets me out of bed each morning. Take away their Myspace, Blogger, Runscape and Xanga? Why don't you give them a piece of chalk and a slate board from now on. I thought that keeping these sites in the open sunny spaces of my library helped create a place where kids and teens could have open discussions with trained professionals about making good decisions on the net? Won't DOPA just force them to use these sites underground? I don't have all of the answers here but I am very concerned. This...just when I was hoping to incorporate a major blog/wiki bit to my upcoming preschool gardening program for parents. I wanted them to know a little more about the benefits of learning about gardening blogs and gardening with children. Now my kid gardening blogs might be banned?

The Be Good Tanyas

2006-07-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

-can't stop listening to the Be Good Tanyas
-broke from work and school this week to catch up with family and friends- i.e. long phone time with sis in Japan and enjoyed some free tix to a charity golf tournament
-had fab dinner with main squeeze- i.e. avacado gazpacho and seafood stew

Books for Kids: Spike Lee demonstrates "Please, Puppy, Please!"

2006-07-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Books for Kids: Spike Lee demonstrates "Please, Puppy, Please!"
Originally uploaded by carpe icthus.

have you read Please, Puppy, Please? so good, just like the other Lee family books
this picture moves me
Do the Right Thing- read it

off the blog planet

2006-07-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

still wishing for:
swivel screen computers so kids can see how to search for stuff while I type
mousepads that don't look gross and ripped up
MP3 sticks and listening stations
high quality stero headphones available for check-out during computer use
wish my Beastie Boys tees were acceptable dress (sigh)
additional smallish tattoo
enough bongos or maracas for my whole storytime group

reading:
The Spawning (super old paperback that made me think of Rosemary's baby)
Please Puppy Please by famous Lee family (lovin' the giant pics, stunning)
Auguries of Innocence by Patti Smith (readable poem bits for the lowontime)
Shug by Jenny Han and Boy2Girl by Terence Blacker (the YA bits)
Perfect Recipes for Having People Over by Pam Anderson (24-7 gazpacho)
Library Information Systems by Kochtanek (title=panic attack or drowsiness?)

can't stop listening to:
The Mountain Goats (especially This Year)
MJB's Be Without You
Beck and more Beck

bliss from the week:
still really liking library school thing (despite possible lack of life outside work)
helping out at the ref. desk (big person desk) and enjoying it (again)
two dads who made a big thing about thanks for storytime (made me feel gushy and very at peace with the world - big huge universal oneness WE=TEAM)
girl's weekend @ the lake (already planning another one)

dogged pursuit

2006-06-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sweat. Yeah gross. Sweat. In dogged pursuit of Scooby-Doo, Junie B. and countless other requests I found myself in an aisle of our children's department breaking out into the lightest sweat. Yes, this is summer reading. I head to the stacks only to be flagged by two more mommies and a frantic eleven year old clutching her AR list. I feel like some kinda coffee-spoon-counted superhero of a children's associate as I pound the stacks to get the right stuff to them. At four-forty this afternoon I find myself turning to a co-worker to admit that I am "truly" tired. Am I crazy? Am I a glutton for punishment? Because I love this stuff. I secretly wish we were this swamped the whole calendar year. (pic. my herb garden- my calming activity- lots of peppermint and dill this year)

summer reading, summer sun

2006-05-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading
I think that I explained how the summer reading program works about a hundred times yesterday. This would drive most people crazy but it is my favorite time of year in the library. The kids get so excited about turning in their gameboard for prizes and telling us about the books they read and activities they did. The department is loud and chaotic. You have to hit the ground running every day, every minute until summer ends. It is perhaps one of the things that I enjoy most about my job.
Summer Sun
The guys in the family bought an old boat that runs like a dream. It has become this thing that we all look forward to during the work week. It is amazing how fast your week goes when you are thinking about another weekend on the water. For safety they insisted that I learn how to drive the boat. I was a little resistant at first but now I like driving it as long as it isn't a holiday weekend when the coves are too crowded. We don't have any clocks at the lake and time just fades away.
Currently Reading
Far From Xanadu by Julie Anne Peters
Between Mom and Jo by Julie Anne Peters
(just finished the most recent Midnighters book by Scott Westerfield)
Anxiously Awaiting
Specials by Scott Westerfield
The Dark Flight Down by Marcus Sedgwick

federated searching

2006-04-23T14:07:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation after work tomorrow but the library school projects continue. For the next few days I will be immersed in the topic of federated searching and federated search products (i.e. Webfeat, Aquabrowser).

What is federated searching?
Who are the major distributors/products available?
What are the pros and cons of using a federated product?
How can a federated product authentically search databases with variances in wild cards, stop words and Boolean combos?
What if all I really want is the "did you mean" feature and a way to time into all my library's database by entering my access number just once?

library school - kids in the hall

2006-04-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

My first full semester as a real library school student is coming to an end and I have mixed feelings about what I am learning....or...not learning. I think that my experience is already a little defined in that- I have been working full-time in a public library for almost three years. I have been enjoying a class in an academic library setting. There is a world outside of public librarianship. On the other side- I am worried about the intensity and focus of training within library services to children. If I didn't already work in the children's department- would my children's services class really prepare me for the actual work that I do? Would it prepare that library student for a managment position in my department with his/her squeaky new MLS? I don't know but I am concerned. Most of what I deal with on a daily basis in children's isn't addressed in my class. I need to think about this some more. We all do. Everyone.

the gentle leader

2006-04-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

(Petsmart's gentle leader leash picture)
Ivy the young black Lab weighs about sixty pounds. She does "sit", "down", "fetch" and "stay" but Ivy can practically take your arm out of socket on a routine walk to the park. As her co-owner I admit that I don't have a clue about leash training when it comes to a larger breed dog. Our former dog Oscar was a mere 28 pounds and he usually chilled out in the first five minutes of a walk. We are considering purchasing the "gentle leader" lead that neighbors, co-workers and random park dogowners have recommended. I think the best thing we could do for her this summer is finally enroll in an obedience class (for us). I know that it is our fault she can't walk on a leash properly. Are you getting the pet owner guilt here?

sheets of rain

2006-04-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

easter weekend happenings and aquabrowser

2006-04-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Easter Saturday started out kind of
dark and dreary but our new plants
really needed the rain. We awoke eagerly
anticipating the family gathering at the
lake. There are just a couple of herbs that I
cannot live without- here we have
rosemary, thyme and lemonbalm.
We cook with a
lot of rosemary
in our house.

don't judge a patron by her cover

2006-04-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Could the middle years Midwestern looking Mom of the teen patron over there possibly be a reader of GLBTQ infused adult fiction titles? The answer is yes. Reader's advisory is a two lane highway folks and it is amazing what you'll pick off the shelves when you just listen to your own patrons. Librarians need reader's advisory assistance too. One very nice Mom patron recently told me about the book that I can't put down at the moment/ Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian. After reading Julie Peterson's Luna, I just haven't found anything else to quench my knowledge gap in the GLBTQ world and this is it. I can't wait to see this patron again so can tell her thank-you.

Feisty's current zine reading list

2006-04-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Duplex Planet 175
Ride On #7
9 and a Half Left / issue 10
Best Zine Ever! / issue 4/ Review of Fav. Zine- (i.e. zine Reader's Advisory for Feisty)
East Village Inky #29 or Tribute issue to Jambo the Cat
I Hate This Part of Texas #5
Xtra Tuf No. 5 The Strike Issue

All of these are available for purchase from Microcosm. As always, I was insanely happy with the new zines. Some of these are new issues of zine series I liked- 9 and a Half Left and the East Village Inky. Ayun's EVI is always worth more than she asks. This tribute issue to her psycho family cat Jambo is no exception. It is a laugh out loud bittersweet journey through the nine lives of a cat the literally clawed his way into Anyun's heart through the years. This is the second or third 9 and a Half Left issue that I have purchased. Mike Rodemann writes in openly and thoughtfully about his current phases of life- factory work, fatherhood, marriage and life in general. Reading Mike's stuff almost seems like you are just sitting with him at a coffee table listening to his stories. His stuff just flows without any overbearing commitment to a theme or mantra. I will keep ordering it if he is willing to write.

A final note- I waited for what seemed like more than a year to read some of Moe Bowstern's work. I first saw Moe on the Microcosm documentary (100$ and a T-shirt). I knew that she wrote about about commerical fishing and other stuff. Her work was always out of stock though. I could have been more dogged in purshasing her zine but sometimes I have this silly thing where I believe the cosmos just didn't align for my purchase....so I waited over a year. I am only a quarter of the way through the book from Moe and it was worth the wait.

Zines don't cost much and they are these mini works of art- these fantastic bits of phenomena.

PLA in Boston bits

2006-03-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

(picture of vendor exhibit @PLA of Down to the sea with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen)

I am still too busy with unpacking, new work-week, homework and life to truly comment on everything from PLA right now. Basically it was really amazing to attend the conference. It was completely bizarre at first to be in the company of thousands of librarians. Holy cow, we kind of do look alike in a lot of ways - i.e. comfortable shoes, pants, sweaters/blazers. Librarians are pushy, impatient, funny, witty, generous, kind, feisty, hard-working and informed. I attended sessions that made me sleepy and some that brought tears to my eyes. I met librarians from all over the country who want the best for their communities. I never laughed so hard for so long during the children's author luncheon. Today I have a "guys read" shelf in my children's department because of Jon Scieszka. (PLA pictures)

The conference was a whirlwind. I had such a great time getting to know so many people and even my own staff members and administrators better. Now I'm tired. I'm catching up on the Soparanos and planning my herb garden. I will give a more detailed report on PLA this weekend. Right now I just love my job and the career that chose me. My heart is full. That's it.
(PLA pictures)

flying to PLA....but not yet

2006-03-22T05:48:00.000-08:00

Feisty missed her first flight to Boston.... I repeat....feisty is not on the plane. Yes, that's right - Ms. Traveled-all-over-the-world has missed a flight for the first time in her life. Oh yeah! I got it into my little head that my flight was one time and showed up to find that it was actually a little earlier. Nice right? So I am sitting in the airport at a very unattractive hour of the morning waiting for the next flight through Chicago. It is going to be a long day. Luckily, I have my laptop, cell phone and favorite Napster playlist to keep me company. The only upside of this thing is that now I am traveling in the singular so I feel like I am back in the Peace Corps- the old days when I would hop on a bus and show up in a town I had never seen to just figure things out.

PLA or bust!

amazing weather

2006-03-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those fantastically beautiful days that you never want to end. It is a really nice reprieve from the chaos that was our department this week. We were short staffed and unbelievably busy with great programming. It has been so crazy that I have not had a lot of time to think about the details with PLA in less than two weeks. I had the chance at the end of the week to meet with my graduate advisor for the first time. There were several library science faculty at the reception who are headed to PLA so I am excited about meeting up with some familiar faces. My roomie at the conference is a YA staff member who is just as psyched as me to see Terry Trueman on Thursday morning.

this is for alaina

2006-03-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Four jobs I’ve had: Bath and Body Works (Christmas Help/ College Days), House Sitter ( College Days), Patient Service Representative (right outta College, low pay and high stress, Peace Corps Volunteer ( TEFL Volunteer in Estoina, so cold and dark but serioulsy amazing)

Four movies I can watch over and over: The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, anything with John Cusack ... are you seeing a pattern here? I can watch anything with Cusack or Ringwald again and agian. Now you see why working with teens is not work for me. I just get them, period.

Four Three places I’ve lived: Boonville, Missouri; St. Joseph, Missouri; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Oxford, England; Kilingi-Nomme, Estonia

Four of my favorite dishes: anything Italian, anything Indian, anything Thai, anything Chinese, anything Mexican

Four sites I visit daily: local coffee places, public library where I work, my house, neighboorhood park to walk my beloved black retreiver, Ivy.

Four places I would rather be right now: Tallinn, Estonia; Amsterdam; Cuernavaca; Bergen, Norway

Four books I love: A Clockwork Orange, Sula, The Glass Castle and The Bell Jar

Four video games I can play over and over: I'm changing this one because I only take video games home to stay in touch with the tween and teen units in my library- I like the Sims stuff but I really like playing cards- hearts, poker, Texas Hold'em, rummy. Lately I have enjoyed any of the "tycoon" games.

Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know by Paul Gravett

2006-03-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

Paul Gravett and Peter Stanbury picture

The heading here is the book that I can't put down this week- Graphic Novels: Everything You Need to Know by Paul Gravett. I love graphic novels but I have been searching for something book to give me some reader's advisory in the area of graphic novels for grownups and also a resource where I could refer staff and/or patrons who ask - what is a graphic novel? This book does it all. This will be a purchase for my collection as soon as my tax dollars come in. Paul highlights a number of groundbreaking graphic novels while also indentifying specific illustrative and textual features within those novels that you -as the reader-may or may not have noticed. I am eating this book like a five course meal. Seriously. If you like graphic novels- pick it up to get in deeper and maybe find a few gems you missed along the way. If you don't know anything about graphic novels or major authors in the field- read to discover a whole new world. I would love to see this author in a workshop. This is good stuff. I want you to check it out so much that I risk life and limb to post the cover on here with attribution to author and desinger in the hopes that you will order it for your library right away. You won't be disappointed.

PLA happenings

2006-03-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

I am getting so excited about going to PLA in Boston. The number of sessions offered is mind bending. Seymour the cat thinks so too.

kidmadecoasters

2006-02-28T19:01:00.000-08:00

got these in the mail today as a late b-day present from my neice and nephew- handmade coasters
...so beautiful. anything made by them is so valuable to me. thanx Cody and Hailey- love E

eggrolls

2006-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Books are always better with eggrolls. This is wok number two of the year since we obliterated the first wok just over a month ago. I thought woks were pretty indestructible but Emeril must pay a whole lot more for his woks. We are getting more adventurous with our Asian fusion cooking now that we actually know how to use some of the ingredients we bought at the local Asian food market. If they have classes at the store then I highly recommend them. We paid twelve bucks a piece to sit in the back of the store for an evening and learn how to cook a bunch of stuff. It was worth it. I'm on the lookout for Indian cooking classes this spring. I would like to make my own Nan bread and Shahi Paneer.

rocky horror chili show

2006-02-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

I snapped a couple pics up at this past weekend's Chili event (which by the way was a little too crowded). Tomorrow I have to join a couple of staff members for lunch with my director. It is something new or at least recycled where staff members can lunch with her once a month to ask all of their library related questions. I know, I know - this is a valuable opportunity to learn a little more about my director and tap into that wealth of info. Still, there are times when I simply don't want any face time with the "administrators". I mean picture the conversation if we were being real-

Director: You can ask me anything, ask away! :)

Me: Can we address the issue of capri length business causal pants again? Can you guarantee me a professional job when I graduate from library school? Can we at least consider developing a library 'zine collection? Can I host a monthy graphic novel book discussion group? If I don't wear pantyhose this summer can you handle my nickle sized skin art? What do you think about the Beastie Boys?

Of course I'll wear a blazer to the rocky horror lunch hour tomorrow. Yes, yes I'll put my best foot foward and wear a smile. No, I won't ask any of the above questions (though you know I long to). I'll try not to choke on my chicken sandwich, spill my soda or fidget in my seat. Directors are just human beings right?

why are you doing this?

2006-02-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

The Boulevard of Broken Dreams
By Kim Deitch
New stuff from Pantheon Graphics!

I just finished Why are you doing this? by Norwegian comic artist Jason. I usually stay away from talking animals as a general rule but his stuff is so readable that you quickly forget you aren't reading about the dating drama of another group of boring humans. The central character gets sucked into murder haymen when he is falsely identified as his best friend's killer - and all of it just as he begins to heal from a painful breakup. Read it in half an afternoon and like me you will be reaching for more from Jason.

I waited quite a while to sit down with Gemma Bovery by Posy Simmonds. It was book-cover love at first site at a B&N just before the holidays. I could barely keep a hold on my thirty dollars. It was worth the wait. An entire story told from the point of view of French baker who falls in love with Gemma from afar. Gemma, from her diaries, unfolds in drawings, word bubbles and entire paragraphs of text. The story is like a full French bistro dinner with good wine included. I might be shelling out the dollars to add this one to my collection.

Skating through

2006-02-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sasha Cohen made a better appearance on Project Runway than she did in last night's performce. Still, the girl can fly on ice so she has my respect. I have never outgrown the Olympics.

library 4.0

2006-02-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

1. I refuse to be consumed by library 2.0 so I plan to invent my own schtick - library 4.0
This my model....the one that helps me keep my "joy factor" in tact.

Library 4.0 rough draft
a. just be nice to your patrons- everyday, all day - even if you are ill, burned out or underpaid
b. if you haven't heard of it before- get to know it/ if you haven't used it - learn to use it (DDR)
c. say this to yourself, then believe it with all your heart - "anything is possible"
d. one word "access" - do whatever you have to do to give your patrons access to what they are asking you for.....no matter what
e. ask questions- keep asking questions.... of your fellow staff, your administration, your patron and yourself
f. laugh.....that's right....laugh out loud freely as often as possible- be lithe, be humble, be filled with joy
g. give yourself permission to mess up

birthday at Bruno's

2006-02-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

We went for dinner at Bruno's to toast my birthday. We all tried something different- a seafood ravioli, seafood pasta, shrimp diabla and chicken and sausage pastas. This is the way we eat together in our family. Life is best when you try a little of everything. We cook together at least once a week.

Poison and Twilight

2006-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Two of the best books that I have read all year - Poison by Chris Wooding and Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I could not put these books down. I couldn't wait to get home and get everything out of the way so I could get back into them. They are that good. Twilight is Stephenie's debut book. If only we could all write like this on our first shot. Poison was this great fairytale web full of new creatures and realms with characters who surprise you. I want to see them both on the big screen. Get them today, you won't be disappointed.

PLA jitters

2006-02-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

PLA is steadfastly approaching. I cleared the wait list for children's author Jon Scieszka. My goal is the get a decent pic. of the famed author and put in a bit on our library kid's blog. I would venture to shake hands with Mr. Scieszka but I have this unbelievable fear that I will mispronounce his name. I know- it rhymes with "fresca"- but sometimes when the moment comes you get that deer in headlights look and all you can come up with is "shi-zzzes-kha". Listen dude I just like your stuff okay. Can I call you Jon?

superbowl and feisty is out of commission

2006-02-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

In couple of hours our house will be filled with friends and family for the Superbowl. I have been sleeping like a champ all morning due to a psychotically wacky work week and the cold that finally caught me. Some people take cold medicine and drink various teas to beat the cold. I simply accept my temporary membership into the house of ick and sleep it all away. I also believe that beer and hot wings can only improve my health.

Yesterday I had my Black History month thing. The crowd was small but the kids were really into it. Next year I want to do a whole blues and jazz thing with it.

congratulations Alaina! or I'll be missing Alaina

2006-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

The fabulously talented and bubbly Alaina has scored a library dream job. Congratulations Alaina! I am going to miss her smile, humor and interest in all things music, blog and librarianship related in my children's department. The girl who launched - what MLS- has proven that a lot of determination, charisma and good vibe can take you far.......well...I mean at least all the way to the Cape. I hope Alaina keeps me posted on her blog. Springfield-Greene is losing a major talent. Bye Alaina! A-L-A-I-N-A-yeah! Knock their socks off :)

finding your own mentors and discovering your inner leader

2006-01-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

Is there are wait-list for finding a mentor in your own library? There are ways to find a mentor who is ready and willing to coach you through your library career infancy. ALA's YALSA and NMRT groups both offer online mentoring.

Though my own YALSA mentor kind of slipped off the map her initial feedback and encouragment helped me decide to become a more active member in my state library association. My current NMRT mentor is giving me a first hand look at the world through the eyes a public library director (!)- which is a something completely out of the question in my own library where I have zero access to my director or her amazing thoughts and experiences in librarianship. Which is (personally) very disappointing because she is probably a wealth of knowledge.

Library leadership is intangible if you don't have an MLS and aren't in a supervisory or managerial position. Basically I just defer to Spike Lee and "do the right thing" as a leadership model. One of my favorite leadership book series comes from the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market. The other source of my inspiration and cure from burnout is anything written by Don Miguel Ruiz. I constantly look to the Four Agreements as a guide when the going gets tough. Sometimes you have to discover your own deep reservior of leadership.

Comics

2006-01-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

I knew when I finally got "into" graphic novels and zines that I would fall for some writing/drawing style or another. I knew that I would potentially have to join the masses of other readers anxiously awaiting the next issue or book from their coveted author. I tried my best not to get attached but Craig Thompson's stuff is so addictive. The only this close to it is David B.'s Epileptic (of which I crave at least two more volumes). Craig Thompson states throughout webo and blogo sphereland that he is coming out with two books very soon- Habbi and Kissypoo Garden. I just need to find some stuff to get me through the waiting. I tried Charles Burns' Black Hole. I agree it is a masterpiece, but it wasn't my kinda masterpiece. It was just kind of too dark and twisted for me. Part of the issue was that our vendor's ordering write-up on it didn't acurately convey the style or themes. So I was a little floored when I first started reading. I read the whole thing. If you want a book that leaves you unsettled, paranoid or anxious- then Black Hole is your book. I, on the other hand spend forty hours a week working with little kids and it was just too depressing for me.

Looking for comedy in the Muslim world

2006-01-21T17:37:00.000-08:00

Finally checked out the Moxie Cinema. Albert Brooks got me laughing a couple of times during this afternoon film-E - Looking for Comedy in the Muslim world. It wasn't a side splitting film but it was an enjoyable one and good for my introduction to the Moxie. I really like the whole theatre- decor, seating, refresh-bar (the cream soda was super tasty). I will defintely be coming back to the Moxie very soon.... no, I mean very soon- because I have to see Sarah Silverman in Jesus is Magic. I could never get enough of Sarah in characters on the Crank Yankers and who didn't like School of Rock? Now I get to see her on a really big screen. Yesssssss!

poker night

2006-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

Recently we acquired a grandly styled wooden poker table on the cheap from an upscale furniture. It was in the "damaged" back room area because of the tiniest knicks and a bit where the green playing circle needed to be refitted. We were certainly never in the market for a two thousand dollar poker table but...at a whopping $150 dollars we just had to take it home. Our friend who does framing stuff fixed the green part for just $40 bucks. Now our finished basement is the poker night gathering spot for our friends and family. So far it has been a lot of fun. The nice thing is that the table is really beautiful and will surely move with us wherever we move in the future.

the scary academic library......not so scary

2006-01-19T20:22:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: (Grand Prize")Inquiring Minds" by Kirsten Baker, Liverpool (N.Y.) Public Library

Unlike many library staff, this image is my comfort zone. A gaggle of kids in my library makes me feel at ease. Tonight I entered a local academic library to start my first reference class. I was not excited about checking out the non-Dewey system. I had visions of being stuck somewhere between the U.N. documents and the first edition poetry books of my undergrad days. Surprisingly, my prof. was at Mid-winter in San Antonio and our fill-in (the university library head ref. guy) was great. He was funny and just so real and nice. I actually left the class tonight thinking- whoa, I could totally work in this library. Me in an academic library? No way.... we shall see. One night down....many more to go. I'd think I would miss patrons who still believe that Santa exists. Doesn't he?

Vintage cocktails

2006-01-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the children's librarian has to take a break from discussing kid lit. My other interests include container gardening, wine tasting, poker, traveling and tech stuff. A title on the Well Fed Head local bookstore site caught my eye. The book is Vintage Cocktails by Susan Waggoner. It took me back to my Peace Corps days. I remember hunting for a cheaper bottle of absinthe in the capital. Unfortunately absinthe is prohibited within the states so I'll have to keep my fond memories until I can venture out of bounds again. Here are couple of ideas for vintage cocktails. All you need is a good mix CD and a group of friends.

SirsiDynix Institute Web Seminar - thanks Aleah!

2006-01-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

SirsiDynix Institute Web Seminar
anything that is free in this world ranks high on my list- especially one providing free live webtraining seminars on library stuffs (work full time? can't tune in for the live session? just click into the archive section and tune in on your own clock). I can't wait to check out some of these. Football, chili and the Dropkick Murphys are dominating my senses for now.

name my fish, win a gift certificate

2006-01-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

I need help naming my two new fish. If you have a good name please email. Don't let me go with the obvious, Dewey and Fiction. Maybe I should try names out for a few days. Oh, and the fish names must "fit in" with our other animal family member's names. We have Seymour (the rat cat), Ivy (the spastic Labrador pup) and Melloncamp (shy dwarf hamster). So far Seymour hasn't noticed the fish. Don't worry they are way up high. He does like to watch the hamster on his wheel. Winning name entries will recieve a five dollar gift certificate to a place they like (i.e. Starbucks or some local cafe). - good luck!

kudos to the mommies

2006-01-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

I just have to rave a little about the mommy club we hosted this week. My room was chock full of mommies, strollers and wee patrons. I like doing any programs period but sometimes you just get a group that is beyond fun. We did about half a dozen songs and all the kids were just bouncing around and jamming out. It was surreal. So, kudos to the mommies this week. Way to come in with a great attitude and participate like they were at a U2 concert instead of just another storytime.

New songs I've added to storytimes:
Ralph Covert (anything by him is great) - we really like the ABC's and Name songs
Milkshake (not to be confused with the "My milkshake brings" song thing)-try Fingers and Toes

Good stuff for Pre-tweens and tweens
Smoosh (tweens from Seattle who really know how to put out a quality CD)

things are just getting del.icio.us

2006-01-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Thanx to Alaina and information today I won't be completely out of the loop in the new year. The wonderful world of del.icio.us just opened up. I can't wait to comb the best of lists for hidden tools, tips and blogs that have evaded me all year long. feistylibrarian

New Year Goals?

2005-12-31T15:14:00.000-08:00

in no certain order per se
* figure out what the whole PLA committee thing really is
* hit the gym for the new dance-ish type class
* take Ivy the dog to obedience school
* conquer fear of dentists and actually visit one
* finish the entire new Mark Twain book award nominee list
* go skydiving finally
* write an article for a library publication? (very scary goal)
* visit at least five new public libraries in my state
* convince Clinton and Stacey to take over my wardrobe
* find time to volunteer with teens (miss working with their age group)
* purchase mic and webcam so I can chat up my family in Japan for free
* start a wine/book/food/blog clubby thing once a month at my place
* salsa without fear
* give a speech/presentation before board or administration without babbling, smiling too much or getting dizzy

new year librarianship

2005-12-30T16:06:00.000-08:00

Just before the New Year tidbits

A. Got a sweet little digital camera from Santa husband so now the blog will feature more library-ish pictures (with the exception of this one- my baby dog Ivy)

B. Going to PLA in Boston. Excited. Nervous. I've never taken a plane ride with my library director. I hope she doesn't ask to listen to my mp3 player. Could the Beastie Boys really be her kind of music? We shall see.

C. Was a closet fan of the Newlyweds and am secretly (okay maybe now not so secretly) sad to hear the Nick and Jessica are Splitsville.

D. Just finished Luna by Julie Anne Peters. Holy cow, have you read it? No? Read it. Now! I need exposure to more books like Luna. Thanx Lynn Evarts.

E. My mom's next door neighbor grew almost a foot. She's almost a teen and the coolest kid in the world. F.Y.I. if you see them, patrons or neighbors or family/friends?- tell them how cool and smart and amazing they are, they need to hear it especially when their center of gravity is shifting so rapidly.

New Mark Twain Book Award nominees

2005-12-17T15:54:00.000-08:00

The new Mark Twain Book award nominees list for 2006-2007 is out! I went through the list right away to get a general idea of themes, relationships and settings for all the books. Last year my goal was to make it through the whole list but this year I am actually going to set and meet that goal. I started with The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn. Ghost stories were always my favorite as a kid. This book had the perfect combination of suspense and character development. A story told from the ghost's point of view makes it stand out as well. Last year I was a little disappointed with the "ghost" nominee Crandall's Castle by Betty Ren Wright. It wasn't scary enough. It just built up to very little. I was an avid haunting and ghost story reader as a kid and The Old Willis Place is very promising. Eager to continue my MTB nominee reading marathon early, I also polished off Wintering Well from Lea Wait. You get a lot with this little book okay? You get lots of well developed characters in more than one setting. There is an interesting father vs. son war waging throughout the book that never gets completely resolved but enough so that you know the central characters are going to be okay. Kids who want that historical fiction that is lighter on the reading time and gives them a look into the world of medicine in the early 1820's will really go for this. I liked it. Given my first two choices this could be a really competitive year in MTA book nominees. I hope that I can finish this list by fall. I would love to booktalk the list in some local schools.

Holy cow! Library school! Santa delivers.

2005-12-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yesss! I am doing the library school dance again. Holy cow I was notified that I will recieve a scholarship for my studies. Christmas definitey came early this year. I was so relieved and happy that I got all choked up and teary on the phone when they called to tell me. I have been trying to get into library school and find funding for over a year and half. It seemed to take endless essay rewrites, transcript requests and late night fax trips to Kinkos. Over the past few months I was beginning to wonder if I would ever become one those "professional" librarians. Still it was all worth it to finally start library school and avoid additional student loan debt. As if this wasn't cake enough I have a bit of chocolate frosting too. I might really actually physically attend PLA in Boston this March. It all just still seems kind of unreal. All I wanted for Christmas was to be a real library student. I am so excited. Librarianship rocks!!!!!!!!

Narnia festivities

2005-12-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Lori and I threw our Narnia premiere party. It went off really well. The kids made Aslan masks, White Witch crowns and locker un-ornaments. We had a drawing for a ten dollar movie gift card and a poster that our local theatre donated. It was a really casual program. We really set out all sorts of foam, glitter, yarn and ribbon with the craft tables and just had the kids move about and create. They had loads of fun and most of the parents participated too. We showed the movie trailer clip from the website and played some classical festive-like music in the background. Initially we had planned for a much larger program but registration was low possibly because we set the program date so close to the publication of our library magazine so lots of people just didn't know about it. In the end we still had about forty kids. I can't wait to see the movie next week!

Rain, ducks, stripes and bikes

2005-12-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

I don't write about pictures books much because I still feel like such a newbie in the world of little kid lit. My comfort zone is young adult literature. Even so, the author I go back to over and over for storytime material and suggestions for patrons is David Shannon. We went through the massive weeding project recently and I was horrified to find that we no longer had a copy of A Bad Case of Stripes on our branch shelf. I am working to amend this since it is one of my favorite longer picture books. It works really well when I give a tour and storytime for older elementry students- specifically in grades two to four. Scholastic features this title in their preschool section but I have found that it is a little long for them unless you break up the story with some movement play and songs. It would be a great lap book for familites to take home with preschoolers. I might have to figure out a way to act it out or something because the story is just so great. The illustrations are so beautiful. I think what I like best about Shannon's books is that he has written titles to fit many themes or patron requests- i.e. behavior, weather, animals, food issues. He just has a lot there. I also find a lot of selection from authors such as Lois Ehlert and Jane Yolen.

gaming what?

2005-11-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

Alaina and I wish that were the lucky peeps headed to this gaming conference for libraries. We are so jealous. And we need lots of help in the gaming department folks. I am on homework (home) detention with my latest cd-roms trying to get with the picture. I will let you know how my roller coaster tycooning goes this weekend. Look my world is still lo tech. I am still thrilled with the wireless connection in my house and my husband's sirrius radio. All I want for Christmas is an Ipod and a digital camera but I would settle for a mic and headphones so I can finally IM with my sister in Japan.

Ivy discovers the cat litter box....help

2005-11-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not just a Children's Associate. I am also a library patron. Ivy the dog has discovered Seymour's cat box in our basement. It is an entirely new discovery for her. How do you keep your dog from digging into the kitty crunchy treats? Why do they do this? It is really gross. According to Pet Education.com this is called "coprophagy". The article here says we shouldn't punish our dog for eating feces. We have a hard time punishing Ivy for anything because...well we just love our dog so much. I live for her wagging tail every day when I come home from work. As I stated a long time ago in this blog- Ivy is the dog we got at the Humane Society a year ago to help mend our broken hearts when my fifteen year old dog Oscar died. We would do anything for our dog. We don't have any children so....she is the recipient of a lot of attention. An article from the school of veterinary medicine at the University of Illinois suggests adding garlic to her diet to make the feces taste bad but they don't say how much garlic? If you have any suggestions email away. Ivy the wonderdog sure likes the catbox right now.

tweens/ networks/ the pressure mounts

2005-11-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

Song of the Day - Lose Yourself / Eminem
Tweens- they need programs in libraries too okay? you bring them in with preschool/toddler storytime and fabulous Wiggles dance/activity extravaganzas only to drop them like pancakes as soon as they head to school full days? find a way to provide programs in libraries for patrons ages seven to eleven and more specifically nine to twelve. Don't expect them to attend and love teen night if you haven't maintained their interest through late elementary and early middle school. This is this week's feature public library MISSION

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE? not so....so far.... no less than four other public librarians this week responded to my listserv query for fellow tween programming brainstormers. Five heads are better than one- fear not Missouri tweens we are developing programs just for you....stay tuned. Recently discussed programs included Grossology, Crafty Girl stuff, Corn Husk dolls, Beading and much more (click items for info)

Mounting Pressure- I was the recipient of a surprise phone interview for a state library scholarship. As if the whopping application with essay and references wasn't enough now I was on the line -live- to answer questions. Whew! I hope I conveyed my true love of all things library related. I did my best. That's the best that I can do. Cross your fingers. My greatest wish is to be a real librarian. I hope I got it right this time. I love my job... have I mentioned that? I just want to be a real librarian. I will keep you posted.

snap back to reality...... you only get one shot.... do not miss this chance (Eminem)

I refuse to "shush" your child

2005-11-21T19:13:00.000-08:00

I recieved a compliment today that meant so much to me. One of my storytime moms thanked me for never "shushing" her child and always acknowledging her child's comments and discussing stories and concepts with her throughout my storytime. It meant a great deal to me because I approach storytime with the idea that every child is unique. I work hard create an atmosphere of "discussion" rather than "presentation". I don't think that the "bubble in your mouth" silent storytime works for all children so I try to create a balance. It felt amazing to know that the parents see this and that they appreciate it. My storytimes are full of movement, conversation and singing. We act out our books and say new words aloud. This bliss in my job comes in those brief seconds when I am look around the room as we "shake our sillies out". My youngest patrons faces are filled with huge smiles and their giggles erupt from every direction. I always acknowledge those bliss moments by saying to myself - I love my job. I do, I love my job and it feels really good.

Rhino Networking

2005-11-19T19:33:00.000-08:00

NMRT had a good online disussion recently about networking. If you have joined ALA recently but you aren't involved or paying extra for too many new roundtables or divisions- please consider joing NMRT. It is a roundtable for newer members and older members who want to act as mentors. It is a great place to ask all of those questions you may have been afraid to ask of ALA in general. It is comforting to hear from ALA veterans that all of us struggle with networking. People I work with day to day would assume that networking is easy for me but I too have to force myself to meet people at conventions and seminars.

(This is good F.Y.I. time - I have personally been blown off by library folk midway through a great discussion simply because they discovered that I don't yet possess an MLS. Let me just say that this is snobbishness at its worst. Don't part a part of it. Don't underestimate someone just becasue they haven't attended library school. Instead offer to be a mentor and help them to become a library student. This is especially important if the person without the MLS has demonstrated throughout the discussion that he/or she knows is better equipped than you in an area of reader's advisory. When I do get my MLS I will never turn up my nose at any up and coming non MLS library folk. Just a little reminder.) I belong to YALSA but I feel a little like a real tween since I can't find the niche between ALSC and YALSA. What if you want more on serving eight to eleven year olds? Help.

festive staff development happenings

2005-11-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Narnia is almost here! Punk'd is finally going off the air - yesssss! (Don't get me wrong- Ashton was all funny and edgy for a while but how many times can you prank Lindsay Lohan?)
Our library closed down yesterday for the annual staff development training fiesta. It isn't always so festive but this year they seemed to make it really fun. We had guest speakers Kim Patton (YA 101) and Loa Freeman (Success Naturally) and many more presenters. I had seen Kim before. She is an excellent presenter on all things young adult. Kim is a YALSA serving the underserved trainer. Loa was a new face for many staff. She is the director of a hugely successful yoga and image studio in Springfield. I wish I had the money take some of her classes?

"Bringing YA Literature Out of the Closet"

2005-11-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

Lynn Evarts was my hero at our MLA conference. Her session on "Bringing YA Literature Out of the Closet" was the most important session that I attended this year. She was so there- so unbelievably enthusiastic and real. She brought tears to my eyes. I only wish I had had the courage to speak up during that session. I wanted to tell that her work was everything for many teens that I worked with. I wanted to tell her about an older teen patron who spotted the new issue of VOYA on my desk one day (the one with the GLBTQ cover spread). He asked about it and if he could borrow it for a while. I let him take it home with the promise that he would give me his opinion when he was finished with it. Two weeks later he came back with a list and a smile on his face. He told me he was happy that our library owned most of the books in the article. He gave me a few new titles to order. Lynn booktalked some titles that I didn't yet know about - The Shared Heart by Adam Mastoon and Absolutely, Positively Not..... by David Larochelle. The reality of extra campus security at a memorial meeting in October 1998 for Matthew Shepard on my small college campus is never too far in my memory. It was the first time in my life that I stepped forward to say that I would not put up with the hatred and homophobia. I came to the meeting alone and unsure if I would be verbally assaulted or if my tires would be slashed when I returned to the parking lot. When I entered the small college meeting room I knew that it just didn't matter. We have such a long way to go in this country. Lynn's visit to our conference meant so much to me.

new database, new cafe, espresso express

2005-11-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

Our library added a new database and renovated our old library coffee spot. This equals superfly access to expresso and VOYA/other library journals in one place. The new cafe is called Cafe 641. The prices are reasonable (my fav. grande mocha x-tra shot just $3.00 w/staff disc.), seating is much cooler and espresso drinks still come in a dollar shorter than Starbucks(same fav. beverage $4.21!). I like the Seattle coffee folks but their prices are a little steep in this community. Because of this I mostly make my espresso at home but I can't seem to get the same froth. The new database is the full text Library Literature. For those of you MLS folks or library students it may be old hat but for me it is brand spankin' new. I love that you can get a list of all of the journals on the database and click one for all of the articles in issues full text. Since I moved from YA to Children's I thought I would have to start scavenging for a peek at the new VOYA but now it is all there and I can read it from home. Right now I am trying to get some program planning done for March, April and May. I would like to do a D.I.Y. artsy series for tweens but I need some help from truly artsy folk. I wish Craig Thompson made free visits to the Midwest. I sent him a fan-email once and never got a reply. I guess I am still hoping that he appreciates/values his readers because I bought Carnet de Voyage as soon as it came out. (Dear Craig, please consider visiting our library. I don't have any moolah for the visit but we have a nice little futon in our house and my husband has mad cooking skills. We also have a nice selection of red wines and direct tv?) Why do I get the feeling this wouldn't be enough to get Craig Thompson to visit our library? Oh well. I'll keep hoping.

Library director factory

2005-11-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Where do library directors come from?
Are they ordered from some sort of library director factory?
How do these people know how to keep a giant library system running at full speed?
Do they have bad hair days?
Did the job sound even remotely scary to them in their early library days?
(this blogger is not responsible for coming up with any answers to said questions. in fact, this blogger is possibly demonstrating her own fear of eventual administrative work through the guise of big girl philoso questions. perhaps feistylibrarian feels torn between her desire to move up the percieved ladder and her fear of said "director" job title. keep in mind that this blogger is currently a paraprofessional with no real funds for library school so said top dog library position seems very unrealistic at this juncture. STOP)

stop embarassing your kids

2005-11-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

You love your kids right? Of course you do. I don't have any kids so maybe that is why I still have such vivid memories of miserably embarassing moments out with my parentals when I was young. Listen, don't embarass your kids 'til they turn scarlet in public- it is neither funny to the kid or the gen x library staff member trying to help them love the books they choose. Family jokes aside stop embarassing your kids in public by making fun of their clothes, hair or reading preferences. Your ten, eleven, twelvle, thirteen year olds need your love not your fashion tips or your review of a book that you haven't even bothered to read. Alright that is my soapbox today.

Books for young adults whose parents embarass them in public. Read these and feel better.
The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman (older tweens and new teens)
Stoner and Spaz by Ron Koertge (new teens and older teens)
Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison
(all teens)
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen (new teens and older teens)
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (tweens to teens)
Sweetblood by Pete Hautman (all teens)
Inside Out by Terry Trueman (just for teens)
Things Change by Patrick Jones (teens and older teens)

Weekend

2005-10-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

Rosa Parks 1913-2005

Rosa Parks and young readers - A Dream of Freedom by Diane Mcwhorter
A YALSA (serving the underserved) trainer pitched this book last year. It is one of the best introductory books on the civil rights movement for kids/young adults that I have ever read. Someone came looking for it specifically the other day from a college assignment. I was happy to recommend it.

eating too much Halloween candy - Candyfreak by Steve Almond
This is just good reading for those of us who like chocolate and other sugar bits.

bringing an outdoor herb garden inside - Little Herb Gardens by Georgeanne Brennan
I don't grow much but I do enjoy herb gardening because I love to cook with fresh herbs. This is a great book if you are still trying to decide if you even have a green thumb and don't want to spend a lot of money to find out.

mothers, daughters and food - Serving Crazy with Curry by Amulya Mulladi
This is emotional chick-lit. The mother/daughter relationship in this book was the glue. They heal themselves through cooking together. Read it with a glass of red wine and rent Chocolat or Like Water for Chocolate.

state library conference bits

2005-10-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

So I have now attended my first full state library conference. The conference opened with ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels. Longtime conference goers mentioned that sometimes opening speeches can put you to sleep but his speech was great. I felt that he was really connected with those of us who are just everyday in-the-trenches library staff. He spoke as a librarian. The first part of the conference I felt a little out of sorts trying to find rooms and strike up conversations with people I didn't know. For the most part the library crowd is pretty approachable. The second day was easier. The young adult author breakfast was my favorite session. This year they had Alex Flinn. I really like her books. Breathing Underwater is very good. I can't wait to read Fade to Black. She spoke at length of her difficulty with moving to Miami as an adolescent and some lonely years. I looked around the room to see almost all of us nodding as we too recalled our toughtest years- maybe age 12, 13 or 14. For me it was 12. It was my odd girl out year but it turned me into a fighter. Not a fighter physically but mentally it made me so strong. After that year I always stuck up for people who I felt were being picked on or pushed around. I still haven't qite figured out how to be more active in my state library organization but I'm working on it. I met another library person at the conference who is also navigating ALA/PLA committee work for the first time so that was cool. We both hope to attend our first national conferences this year. If I could meet any YA author it would be Terry Trueman. Stuck in Neutral is the most amazing book and so is Cruise Control. I hope he keeps writing for a long time.

glow

2005-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Our branch manager always says that if a staff member is having a bad day they just need to spend a few minutes back in the children's department. I would have to say that she is right. It is hard to be gloomy at my desk. Our pint sized patrons are really bright and funny. They renew my spirit. I hope I can bring some new ideas back with me from the conference. I can't wait to see their local zine collection.

getting the glow back

2005-10-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

rough week

2005-10-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Harsh. That's the story morning glory. I found out this week that I wasn't chosen for one of the two scholarships for library school that I applied for. It really bites. No, actually it hurts, really hurts. I'm trying to be positive. I can say that it went to someone equally awesome. I'm crossing my fingers for the other scholarship or maybe some funding through my library but it all seems like kind of a long shot. I'm definitely frustrated right now. This weekend I heal myself through cooking (spaghetti squash), watching Trainspotting and reading the Sunday New York Times. Luckily my family is super supportive and all are rallying to help me figure out a way to pay for library school. All I can say is that I won't stop the marathon at work. It isn't going to stop me from showing my mad love for librarianship (even if I might not become a real librarian anytime soon). I'm still looking forward to the conference this week even if I feel a step behind.
Hula girl is here to console me. Thanks, hula girl.

off to conference, almost

2005-10-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Our state library conference approaches. There are actually a bunch of sessions I really want to attend. This will be my first time attending the entire conference. I am excited about the sessions on reader's advisory and a tour of the Kansas City Public Library. I need to visit more public libraries. I hope someone snags a booklist handout from the graphic novels for adults. I try to stick with the children's/young adult sessions to gather materials for my department but I am an avid graphic novel reader. I am always looking for new stuff. My favorite graphic novels are auto/bio graphical and/or black and white drawn. Some of the best reads lately have been Epileptic by David B. and Carnet de Voyage by Craig Thompson. I have to close with that. The Daily Show will be on in a minute. Happy reading!
YA read of the week- Conrad's Fate by Diana Wynne Jones. I am only halfway through and can hardly put it down. Very well written. Escapism and fantasy at it's best.

First Year

2005-10-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Just two days shy of our first year wedding anniversary. A tier of our cake is thawing in the refrigerator. I hope that we don't get food poisoning on the joyous day. We are celebrating small- just a quiet dinner at a favorite restaturant and a bottle of champagne from the day. It was a big year. We overcame a lot of work and home obstacles. We lost our buddy Oscar (old dog) and gained our new friend Ivy (year old mixed black Lab). Now we have a much smaller shoe collection but our house is filled excitement and warmth. Oscar would have loved Ivy. Seymour the cat enjoys keeping his claws sharpened and his wits about him. We hope to get framed wedding pictures out to everyone for the holiday. In the meantime we celebrate and plan our Halloween costumes for Cousin Brandy's end of the month party.

Fall, Funding and Tattoos

2005-10-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

My favorite season is fall. Were it not for my strict new budget- my entire front porch would be scattered with pumkins, gourds and general fabulous Halloween bits. This year I am going to be a pirate - Aaaarrgh! I live for cool nights and hiking when you can see your breath. I haven't popped into my blog for a long while. This month I am waiting to hear about library school funding or lack thereof. I have my fingers crossed. By November I should know if library school is on me for now. In the mean time I continue to work hard and laugh a lot. (Hello to Bruce, halfway across the world- hope the new job is working out. I'm not making big bucks but I love my job and that is the glue.) The other day I thought I was experiencing some sort of Nirvana. I looked around the story hour room during my kitchen science program to see at least twenty tweens utterly captivated by the goop and dough making tables. They were so into it. That is the kind of stuff I live for. I believe that we have do to whatever it takes to keep kids reading and coming to the library- even if we get them in with spam sculpting contests and movie marathons. That is it for now. The husband and I are about to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. It has been an amazing and challenging first year. Chris is my best friend. We waited nearly a decade to marry and it was well worth the wait. Last but not least- I've been hooked by the reality show Miami Ink and now I'm itching to get my tiny tattoo updated. It is a nickel sized compass without the north, south, east and west letters. I want to get the color updated and finally add the letters (and um....maybe get another little tattoo.) Aaarrrgh!

napoleon dynamite day

2005-08-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

the clocks in our building where playing some sort of trick between the hours of two and five today. minutes seemed to take hours. luckily we had a steady number of young patrons in pursuit of the perfect title. we happily spent a collective twenty minutes trying to find a craft/cooking book with a yellow cover that a young girl wanted to check out again. She remembered that the book featured some information on how to make butter too. We didn't find her exact book but she did leave smiling with two books on crafts and recipes from the old west and colonial days. I asked her to let us know if she tried to make vinegar pie anyway, no tots or Pedro around but the afternoon dragged. it happens sometimes. here's hoping that tomorrow will move swiftly.

summer reading comes to a close

2005-08-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our summer reading program officially ended. It was a long and chaotic summer. We are all ready for some time to recoup before starting work for next year's program. This week's reads are - Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden (older YA book GLBTQ) and Whiteout by Ken Follett (there is a vicious vile of plague missing and a snowstorm descending). CD of the week is Putumay present North African Groove. I just got a pack of new catalogs from Microcosm Publishing. Sweet. Check them out online too. I might actually get my hands on one of Moe's fantastic zines this time. I want to read about her work on fishing boats.

doing the library school dance

2005-07-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

big news....finally formally admitted to chosen library school. whew-hooo! so excited. now I just have to figure out how to pay for it? Yikes. One class can cost almost six hundreds smakaroos. On the upside- summer reading is fabulous. Our children's desk is literally surrounded by patrons with questions. It is so great. The community here really supports the library and we thank them every chance we get. There were about eighty kids at the Harry Potter Birthday bash. I had too much fun impersonating Albus Dumbledore. We made HP glasses, wands and origami owls.

tongue tied for books

2005-07-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

Even librarians get tongue tied now and then when trying to think of a good book as a birthday present. When a friend asked me the other night for a suggestion I had a list but none that fit her as well I thought they should (due to my own sometimes perfectionist tendencies). After a full day of off and on brainstorming I came across the Goldilocks special, or, the book that is just right. The picture book is Bottle Houses: the creative world of Grandma Prisbrey by Melissa Eskridge Slaymaker and beautifully illustrated by Julie Paschkis. It is the story of the real life Grandma Frisbey who spent many years creating amazing houses, walks and even bird bath out of beautiful colored bottles and bit of bottles and shards in mosaics. You can check out the story and photos of her magical world at this site. Anyway, Jenny this book would make a great gift for an artistic child and a gift giver who has the courage to build new worlds herself.
http://echomatic.home.mindspring.com/bv/index.html

plugging the new infoshop

2005-07-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Radish infoshop now has a blog. If you haven't been there yet - check out the fantastic schedule of free music and community events. There is something for everyone. Whether you are interested in local politics, African healing dance, loud music or documentary films- this is the place for you. Best part is- this place is non-profit and generally asks only for donations or "gas money" for traveling musicians or speakers.
http://radishinfoshop.blogspot.com

turn off your PC week

2005-07-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

it is almost that time again- time to turn off your PC and head back outside for some time in the sun. I haven't posted in ages. The library is knee deep in summer chaos. It is fun but challenging of course. I spent most of the 4th swimming and cooking with family and friends at the lake. My freckles moved closer together and I finally decided to start working on my first zine- really....finally. I have been thinking about it for a long time. I don't like doing anything unless I do it all the way so until now I just wasn't ready. I am hoping to gather some poem submissions from friends for it as well and hopefully produce something we can sell on the cheap to raise a little money for a local non-profit radical bookstore that opened recently. That is my ultimate goal....we shall see. Hope you are have a good summer.

paraprofessionals and the quest for admission

2005-05-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

my quest for admission into the library school of my choice still continues. hopefully by january 2006 I will be a full-time MLS student. In the meantime I consult every text I can get my hands on and take full advantage of the listservs and other features offered through professional organizations such as ALA/PLA and my state library association. I really appreciate all of the voices out there who have helped me in my first two years of public librarianship......Rosemary Hanold, Patrick Jones, Walter Mayes, Kim Patton, Stephanie Isser, Susan Raboy and many more folks in and around my own library system. I won't always be a paraprofessional but at least when I do have my MLS I'll always take the time to encourage new para-s to join in the conversations - to make the field theirs. My old branch manager encouraged me to join YALSA and I will do the same for others in the future. Anyway....thanks if you are out there.

touching base and trying out a new box

2005-05-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

I switched libraries. Big jump. I am in the same system but I switched from young adult and reference to children's. After two amazing years working with teens I was ready to get the other side of the youth services dynamic. The switch has been fantastic so far. I hope this will help me decide if youth services is my big calling. So far, so good. Both areas are challenging and exciting. I still get to work with tweens. I feel really lucky to work for a library system that embraces creativity, innovation and change.

scary scattered world

2005-05-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

This is a much delayed and hopefully much anticipated posting. Given the fact that no one knows my blog exists it is probably just the former of the two. Oh well.
Movie of the Week is....... Vera Drake
Books of the Week are........ The Nanny Diaries and Days of Love, Nights of War (some mix huh?)

This weekend kind gardeners at the farmers market helped me come up with herb/plant groups for my hanging baskets. My lemon balm and creeping rosemary are enjoying each others company. If you are going to ALA for the first time this year, please send me a post conference email about the experience.....give me a chance to live vicariously through you. I don't have the funds this year but hope to make it to my own first conference by 2007. What can I say.....I'm ambitious but I am also realistic. For now, I need to save for another graduate course. No more news for now except that our beautiful and large pup got a happening new pink (I mean pink) dog collar so that she can now visit the dog park.....run open and free.....trying again and again to catch the Frisbee she has grown to love. She is getting better every week. Now she runs and jumps to get it but just doesn't quite have the timing thing down.

The rage in placid lake.....Movie of the Week!

2005-04-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

My supervisor recommended this movie. See if you don't find a piece of yourself in each character? Are you Placid or his punishers? Are you the ambitous brown-nosing paranoid Anton? Are you the overzealous parent? You decide. If you have a little bit of rage inside you will definitely identify with Placid? Go rent it or check it out at your library. Next on my list? - Office Space.....as soon as my husband remembers to return Supersize me to the local Blockbuster. Morgan Spurlock- I salute you. Got the morning off- tune in to Turner Classic Movies or TCM. This morning it was A Streetcar Named Desire. Lovinit lovinit- right!

withdrawing digital

2005-04-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

it is good to leave your laptop. the high speed connection can never compare to a perfect sunny afternoon of green thumb endeavors. the info today is that I am almost finished reading Crime and Punishment. I liked it despite the numerous times when it put me to sleep. The other thing is- it is okay to just "be" sometimes.

john paul II

2005-04-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

goodbye John Paul. The Lord bless you and keep you. You fill me with hope and peace. I have never known any pope but you. I am frightened of change sometimes but I will have faith in the coming days. I believe in you. Thank you for your unending love. "Yahweh I know you are near"

a blustery day Christopher Robbin

2005-03-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

the doors of our library shook all day long. the wind was going to let us know whether the new blossoms and snatches of shoots would remain. it was like that scene out of Chocolate when the cold winds come sweeping into town and the mother decides that it is time to move on again. I gripped the elbow of a terrified patron who relies on her cane and very limited balance. Strong winds and wintertime make the smallest journeys dangerous ones for her. Yet still, she made a trip to the steps of the capital building yesterday to offer her protest for massive cuts that our governor just made to next year's medicare budget. Without the services she may have to return to a nursing home- leave the wonderful house that Habitat built for her. We library staff members were heartbroken to learn that our own dear loan system with the universities will be cut as well. I won't end with my political commentary- only that people should be really careful when electing anyone to office. People's lives are at stake when you visit the polls.