He Said Libraries

President-elect Barack Obama durind today's address to the National Governors Association, the effect that library closings have on communities.

"Forty-one states are likely to face budget shortfalls this year or next, forcing you to choose between reining in spending and raising taxes,Jobs are being cut. Programs for the needy are at risk. Libraries, parks, and historic sites are being closed,” he observed. “Right here in Philadelphia, over two hundred workers are being laid off, and hundreds more unfilled positions are being eliminated.”
President-elect Barack Obama at the National Governors Association meeting December 2 in Philadelphia.

Let's keep our fingers crossed.
currently reading: The American Revolution by Gordon Reed

How Long?

389 years, to be exact.

A moment I will never forget 11:00 P.M. EST,

when Senator Barack Obama was declared

Presisent Elect Obama.

I'm still smiling.

currently reading...CNN, MSNBC,NY Times, etc.

That Great Gettin Up Morning!

Fare ye well, fare ye well Fare ye well, fare ye well

Well in that great gettin up morning

Fare ye well,fare ye well

In that great gettin up morning

Fare ye well,fare ye well

They be comin from every nation They be comin from every nation

On their way to the great carnation

On their way to the great carnation

Dressed in a robe so white as snow

Dressed in a robe so white as snow

Singin, oh, I been redeemed

In that great gettin up morning (fare ye well,fare ye well)

~Mahalia Jackson - That Great Getting Up Morning~

voted @ 7:57 a.m.

Barack, The Vote!

You owe it to more than just yourself.

Currently reading:The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire by Elaine Landau

That One!

Currently reading: Uprising by Margaret Haddix (required)

A Poem for The Day

BRYANT PARK SUBWAY STATION

Glistening tiles, shining white or faint cloud colors,

Grounding of stony texture, brown-bronze-green,

Above, reaching upward, a tracery of golden branches,

And the mysterious words of poets,

Light my way to the library.


Triss Stein
Metropolitan Diary NY Times 9/28/08

currently/still Reading: On Writing, A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

16 Days

This is not a political blog, nor do I claim to know much about politics, however:


Stand for those who came before us and those who could not stand up for themselves.

VOTE!


currently reading: Colored People by Henry Louis Gates (1st time)

A Quickie

This is not a political blog, nor do I claim to know much about politics!

19 DAYS!

Currently reading: The Triangle ShirtWaist Factory Fire by Gina De Angelis (required)

A Career Builder

15 jobs that pay $50,000 -- and might be hiring


Librarians

Annual median income: $50,970*

Projected employment in 2016: 164,000

Increase between 2006 and 2016: 4 percent


See full list here
http://www.cnn.com/

As Reported in the Alaska Daily News

DISCLAIMER:
Again, this is not a political blog, however I thought this was an interesting story!


Palin pressured Wasilla librarian

TOWN MAYOR: She wanted to know if books would be pulled.
By RINDI WHITErwhite@adn.com
(09/04/08 01:49:40)


WASILLA -- Back in 1996, when she first became mayor, Sarah Palin asked the city librarian if she would be all right with censoring library books should she be asked to do so.
According to news coverage at the time, the librarian said she would definitely not be all right with it. A few months later, the librarian, Mary Ellen Emmons, got a letter from Palin telling her she was going to be fired. The censorship issue was not mentioned as a reason for the firing. The letter just said the new mayor felt Emmons didn't fully support her and had to go.
Emmons had been city librarian for seven years and was well liked. After a wave of public support for her, Palin relented and let Emmons keep her job.
It all happened 12 years ago and the controversy long ago disappeared into musty files. Until this week. Under intense national scrutiny, the issue has returned to dog her. It has been mentioned in news stories in Time Magazine and The New York Times and is spreading like a virus through the blogosphere.
The stories are all suggestive, but facts are hard to come by. Did Palin actually ban books at the Wasilla Public Library?

To see full story click here:

currently reading: Conducting the Reference Interview (fun stuff)!

Life Is Fine!

So since I'm still here livin',
I guess I will live on.I could've died for love--
But for livin'
I was born

Though you may hear me holler,
And you may see me cry--
I'll be dogged, sweet baby,
If you gonna see me die.

Life is fine! Fine as wine! Life is fine!
Langston Hughes

To see the entire poem, click here

currently reading: A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel (required)

A Day Off

Labor Day occurs on the first Monday in September and was first celebrated in the United States on September 5, 1882. The date was deliberately selected to fall between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

The holiday was suggested by Peter J. McGuire, a New York City carpenter and a founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and by Matthew Maguire, a Paterson, New Jersey machinist.
They strongly believed that American workers should have a holiday similar to those of other countries.

The first celebration was observed only in New York City with a parade of about 10,000 workers. The idea spread quickly and in 1894, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a national holiday.

Also observed on this date:

Mexico : Presidental Message Day/Opening of congress
Michigan : Mackinac Bridge Walk Day
Puerto Rico : Labor Day
Tanzania : Heroes' Day
Namibia, South Africa : Settlers' Day
Canada, Guam, Virgin Islands : Labor Day


Currently reading: Reference & Information Services in the 21st Century.

No Lock Down for Grandma

City Won’t Seek Jail for It’s Perfectly Normal Protester

A standoff of more than a year ended August 29 in Lewiston, Maine, when city officials decided not to pursue further action against JoAn Karkos, who has refused to return the Lewiston Public Library’s copy of the youth sex-education book It’s Perfectly Normal that she borrowed in the summer of 2007 to keep it out of circulation. Karkos had defied an August 27 district court order to return the book and pay a $100 fine and was threatened with jail time if she did not return the book by 4 p.m. August 29.

“We feel there’s little to be gained,” by seeking imprisonment, library Director Rick Speer told American Libraries. “It would help her be a martyr and may bring public sentiment to her side.” He noted, however, that because of the case, the community expressed its support for the library on the issues of theft and censorship.

Karkos’s efforts also failed to make the title unavailable for borrowing in Lewiston. An August 29 city press release noted: “The library now has four copies of the same book, all donated by others, instead of the one that existed, [and Karkos’s] right to use the public library has been suspended and will remain so until such time that she complies with the order.”


http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2008/august2008/nojailforkarkos.cfm

Grandma Could Face Jail Time

Grandma Refuses to Return Library Book, Could Face Jail Time
The Book Titled 'It's Perfectly Normal' Is Frequently Protested
By SARAH NETTER


A concerned grandmother would rather go to jail than let neighborhood kids read about sex in a library book.
She may get her wish.

Officials in Lewiston, Maine, have told JoAn Karkos that she could face jail time if she does not, by this afternoon, return the library book "It's Perfectly Normal."
Karkos has had the book checked out of the Lewiston Public Library for more than a year in hopes of preventing children from reading it. Aimed at 9- to 12-year-olds, the book discusses puberty, sexual health and the emotions surrounding a child's newfound sexual awareness.

Her protest is not the first of its kind. From Texas to Colorado, people concerned about the book's frank images and language have staged protests to get it pulled off shelves at libraries and schools.
Karkos heard about the book from a newsletter put out by the American Life League, a national anti-abortion rights group, that included copies of pictures from the book with the nudity censored.

"I was horrified, just by the newsletter," she said.
After finding the book at the library, Karkos -- a mother of two grown children and grandmother to two young boys -- checked it out and read it. She said it teaches children that their bodies are like a "plaything."
"This is a sex initiation book," she said.

Karkos would prefer that children in the age group targeted by "It's Perfectly Normal" receive gender-specific information at school about their changing bodies. There's no reason, she said, that they need to know about sexually transmitted diseases, abortion or birth control.

Karkos even went so far as to send a check for $20.95 to the library, the cost of the book plus tax. When the check was returned along with a copy of library procedures, she mailed it back.
Karkos tried bringing her protest before city officials, saying the book violated city ordinances on obscenity. Her objection was overruled.

The book has gone out 48 times in 13 years and one person has a problem with it," he said. Parents, he said, have thanked library staff for stocking the book. The check Karkos mailed back to the library remains there, uncashed. "Our books aren't for sale," Speer said.

"It's Perfectly Normal" ranked No. 9 on the American Library Association's 2007 compilation of most frequently challenged books. Speer said it nabbed the top spot a few years ago. The book also ranked No. 15 on the association's Top 100 challenged books from 1990 to 2000.



Currently reading: Yes We can, YA Bio of Barack Obama



See full story....


Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

Very Well Said

"It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company?"

Zora Neale Hurston

My Nine

I met someone, last Saturday at the library (berry). Being a newly single person, and looking to change my single status, this is exciting. It’s not everyday I meet someone fairly interesting.

We spent 4 ½ hours together, getting to know each other. We both live in the Bronx, actually his building is across the street from the berry. We talked about the latest books and movies, we read and saw. He recently read Batman and Wolverine (graphic novels) and is into horror movies. I informed him that I was not a horror movie fan; however I did recommend a few movies he should check out. I also told him I recently saw Hancock, we both liked it. We played a card game during our time together; I think he let me win. I also introduced him to my new favorite computer game, “Type or Die.” He did not do as well as I did.

We talked about our backgrounds, and all the other initial meeting stuff. He is originally from Georgia, and recently relocated to the Bronx, four years ago. He prefers Georgia to the Bronx. His dad is from the Dominican Republic and his mom is from Panama.

He introduced me to his older sister; she is 3 years older than him. She didn’t seem to o friendly, sisters usually don’t like girls interested in their brothers.
No one is “good enough” for their brothers. She doesn’t know how fabulous I am, yet!

He said he was going to call me “Miss Librarian.” I like that

I told him I would be going on vacation, for one week. He asked when was my first day back and he said he would come back to see me upon my return.

Sure enough on Monday afternoon, he came in to see me. A man who keeps his word.

He asked about my vacation, (asked questions, he’s interested) and I told him I had a good time in Orlando. I told him I did not visit Disneyland, he asked why?

He also told me some of the movies I recommended had come in, and he checked them out. “Freddy Kruger was not that scary,” he said. He had never seen any of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies.

He bought Gatorade and asked if I would like some, a sharer, sweet, he brought a gift already.

The pro column on the pro and con list is quickly filling up.

He came in on Tuesday, I was leaving early to attend a meeting at another branch, and I told him I would see him later on during the week.

The one and only con, he’s nine years old.

This Is Not A Political Blog!

I am not a political analyst nor do I play one on TV! Nor am I beating you all over the head with my political belief, party, candidate, (Change) etc.

However, I do like free things, as most of you know. Here’s one, a free Obama button.

MoveOn's giving them away totally free--no strings attached, and I wanted to share the opportunity with you.

Click this link to get a free Obama button:
http://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?id=-9986560-7OwTPPx&rc=manual_forward.manual_forward


Currently reading: Trading Dreams At Midnight, by Diane Mckinney-Whetstone.

How NOT to Multi-task

First, a few quick reasons not to multi-task:

1. Multi-tasking is less efficient, due to the need to switch gears for each new task, and the switch back again.
2. Multi-tasking is more complicated, and thus more prone to stress and errors.
3. Multi-tasking can be crazy, and in this already chaotic world, we need to reign in the terror and find a little oasis of sanity and calm.

Here are some tips on how NOT to multi-task:
1. First set up to-do lists for different contexts (i.e. calls, computer, errands, home,
waiting- for, etc.) depending on your situation.

2. Have a capture tool (such as a notebook) for instant notes on what needs to be done.

3. Have a physical and email inbox (as few inboxes as possible) so that all incoming stuff is
gathered together in one place (one for paper stuff, one for digital).

4. Plan your day in blocks, with open blocks in between for urgent stuff that comes up. You
might try one-hour blocks, or half-hour blocks, depending on what works for you. Or try
this: 40 minute blocks, with 20 minutes in between them for miscellaneous tasks.


5. First thing in the morning, work on your Most Important Task. Don’t do anything else
until this is done. Give yourself a short break, and then start on your next Most Important
Task. If you can get 2-3 of these done in the morning, the rest of the day is gravy.

6. When you are working on a task in a time block, turn off all other distractions. Shut off
email, and the Internet if possible. Shut off your cell phone. Try not to answer your phone
if possible. Focus on that one task, and try to get it done without worrying about other
stuff.

7. If you feel the urge to check your email or switch to another task, stop yourself. Breathe
deeply. Re-focus yourself. Get back to the task other inboxes at regular and pre-
determined intervals.


Brought to you by:
http://zenhabits.net/2007/02/how-not-to-multitask-work-simpler

My Best of the Web!

You may know this already, but I spend a considerable amount of time web surfing! At night, of course, never while I’m at work.

Often I come across some useful and quirky websites, and this information I feel the need to share.

I am a sharer, some may say I over share!

The websites:

http://www.nextag.com

Comparison shopping on everything from airfare to video gaming systems.

http://www.howcast.com/

How to videos on swaddling a baby or applying lipstick perfectly, it’s all here for free.

http://psychcentral.com/

When your BFF is not available, therapy without the co-pay and the couch.

http://www.concreteloop.com/

Black celebrity gossip.

http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/

The name says it all.

http://www.hulu.com/
Who needs a DVR, TV on the internet.

http://mobaganda.com/
Electronic invitations. Mobaganda in, evite out!


http://www.urbandictionary.com/

Street lingo, to stay hip, and who does not want to be hip.
My personal favorite, Mouse potato - Someone who spends all their time on the computer surfing the net or playing games. Similar to couch potato.

Happy surfing.

STEP AWAY FROM COMPUTER

If you’re like me and you send countless emails with URL (Uniform Resource Locator) links, and they are annoyingly long then you will find this link both practical and clever. A friend introduced this to me.

By entering in a URL in the text field below, the site will create a tiny URL that will not break in email postings and never expires.

For example, this blog's long address is http://nextlibrarian.blogspot.com/, in a tiny url it’s http://tinyurl.com/6287kv . Isn’t that cool?

I know I need to step away from the internet. I know.


Currently reading: Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks, and Gangstas in the Public Library by Don Borchert. Hilarious…

The Power of the Pen!

Due to the fierce letter writing “Save our Six Day Service” campaign, last night the City Council adopted the FY09 Budget.

Funding for libraries was partially restored. The NYPLs were able to get an 8% cut (or $11.5 million) lowered to only 3% ($4.3 million).

With this budget, libraries will continue to be open for at least six days with an average of 52 hours per week (32% higher than last year), with 10 facilities scheduled for seven-day service.

Forget The Books, Check Out Your Librarian!

An article, by the management guru Peter Drucker stated, the value of librarians:

“The general library is just a store, although librarians can and do make a difference.

Information only becomes knowledge in the hands of someone who knows what to do with it.”

To where the knowledge in libraries lives - in the librarians

Thank you, Mr. Drucker.

School Is Out!

I provide access to resources,

I am here to inform, educate, enlighten and entertain you kiddies,

and....

Books are just the beginning.

The expertise of a librarian, at your fingertips!

"All the convenience of the Internet with the expertise of a librarian!”

That’s how one happy Library patron described NYPL’s celebrated telephone and online reference services, now with an easier-to-remember phone number:
917-ASK-NYPL (917-275-6975).

And excitingly, for the first time, the Library will offer a 24/7 chat service, making live help available all day, every day in English and Spanish.

There is astonishing variety in what our expert librarians and specialists are asked and what they can answer — even in live chat sessions.

BPL African American Heritage Center

African American Heritage Center to open at Brooklyn Public Libary
NY Daily News


Lots of African-American newsmakers and historic figures have taken up residence at the Macon branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, which reopens Thursday after a $2 million renovation. See full article here

That’s Hot

Queens College “One of 25 Hottest Schools in America” says 2008 Kaplan/Newsweek College Guide.

Hottest for First-Generation Students
Queens College (City University of New York),
Queens, N.Y.

Although its families are becoming more affluent, Queens College (QC) remains a likely choice for students whose parents never went to college (38 percent of the student body). Its most celebrated recent fictional graduate is Ugly Betty—Betty Suarez—the working-class character played by America Ferrera on the ABC comedy.The school's biggest claim to fame is the several generations of lawyers, doctors and other professionals who could not afford the Ivies and say Queens changed their lives. It's still a bargain with tuition of $4,000. It looks nothing like the big city campuses of Manhattan. It has 77 acres of rolling lawns and a tree-lined Quad. To see the entire or not, go to http://www.newsweek.com/id/32225/page/1.

QC also houses the Louis Armstrong Archives in the Rosenthal Library, Room 332 which has been open to the public since 1994.After Lucille Armstrong passed away in 1983, the Armstrong house in Corona, Queens, was discovered to be filled with Louis’s personal belongings. As a result of this discovery, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, which manages Louis’s estate, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs chose Queens College to be caretakers of this treasure trove.

Arranging, preserving, and cataloguing the contents of the Armstrong House took three years. Today, the Louis Armstrong Archives is the first stop for hundreds of researchers from all over the world. Besides individuals doing personal or academic research, hundreds of record companies, publishers, and TV/film productions have used material from the Archives.

A few famous or infamous Queens College graduates: Comediennes/Actors, Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, Musicians, Carole King, Paul Simon, Marvin Hamlisch, writer, Susan Isaacs, Pulitzer Prize winners Richard Ofshe, Dorothy Rabinowitz, and Lloyd Schwartz . TV Anchor Mary Murphy, Scholar Nellie Y. McKay, former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, and The View's host, Joy Behar.

Survey Says

One-Fifth of Americans Have Never Used E-mail

via Switched by Will Safer on 5/19/08


Do you know anyone who isn't spending time online, sending e-mail, reading blogs and reviews or just shopping for the best deal?

Apparently, plenty of people are still not using the Internet, whether for communication or anything else, according to a new survey issued by Parks Associates.

According to the analyst firm, one-fifth of U.S. households have never used e-mail and 18 percent have no Internet access at all. That's 20 million households that are somehow able to get by without Internet access, a number that reveals a very real digital divide.According to Parks' research director John Barrett, "Nearly one out of three household heads has never used a computer to create a document."

Does this surprise you? Barrett points out that those who are not using computers or going online won't likely be doing either anytime soon. The survey found that only seven percent of the 20 million "unconnected" homes plan to subscribe to an Internet service within the next 12 months. Age and economic status do play a small role, but more important is the overall attitude of those who are not connected that these tools would offer no significant benefit to their lives on a daily basis. [Source: News.com]

The Pen Is Mightier...

The higher ups are threatening to terminate Saturday, or six day service at our local libraries. As a newly employed librarian-in-training, I would like to remain that way.

So people get your pens out and write to the Mayor, the borough president and your council person. Please use this form letter, or write your own.


I use the (branch your frequent) library, exclusively.
Thank you for increasing funding to open my library six full days a week. Having six day library service is important to me, because (state your reasons).

Please maintain funding for The New York Public Library to keep all libraries open six full days a week! Libraries are essential to New Yorkers and should remain open more.

Sincerely,

Tax Paying Concerned Citizen.
Address & Email Address

A POEM FOR THE DAY

I, TOO
I, too sing America.
I am the darker brother,
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare say to me,"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed
I, too am America.

Langston Hughes

Today the library celebrated Shel Silverstein and his poetry. The Children’s Librarian asked the each staff member to read a favorite poem to the kids. I choose this langston Hughes poems introduced me by y 5th grade teacher, Ms. Braithwaite who was very fond of the Harlem Renaissance poets and it was then I learned to appreciate Langston Hughes too.

Currently reading: The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes

TAKING A MOMENT

My three month anniversary of my employment with the NY Public Library, Tremont Branch, as a Librarian Trainee is fast approaching, its May 12th.

I absolutely love, (love does even convey) my job.

After 10 months of working with at an independent bookstore, this is a piece of cake, a walk in a park, a dream and all of those other clichés.

I work in a clean, newly remodeled building.
The Tremont Branch is on the corner of Washington Avenue and East 176th, one block south of East Tremont Avenue and has served its patrons since 1905. The brick building is one of the 65 libraries erected with funds given to New York City by Andrew Carnegie.

I have all of the latest magazines and books, right at my fingertips, for free, located on the main floor of the library along with the reference, adult, and young adult collections.

The second floor is devoted to an expansive children's room and a large programming room, (with a TV & DVD/VCR). I spend several hours a week there, that’s my reading time.

My boss, Mrs. Pugh, the supervising librarian is extremely supportive and very knowledgeable. She also attended library school while working full time, so she knows.

I learn at least one new thing, each day. Today I learned where Goth culture originated (Germany). Two teenagers were doing a report.

Oh yeah, I get to help people, who really appreciate and need my help. I showed a patron, how to type his resume in one of the Microsoft templates. He was delighted and thanked me for being “very helpful.”

Often, I take a moment and say thank you for a great job, in a good location and a pleasant boss.

Currently reading: Foundations of Library Science study sheet for my final exam on Thursday.

SMART, FUNNY & IRREVERENT!

I read Newsweek magazine and Maria Shriver described, Barack Obama’s wife, Michele Obama, as smart funny and irreverent.

I thought, "that sounds like me." I could be definitely described that way.

Smart is defined as mentally alert, bright knowledgeable.
Sounds familiar.
I access and disseminate knowledge daily, 90% (yes 90) of it is in my head, the other 10%, I get from the internet.

Irreverent means lacking proper respect or seriousness, Me, again.
My friend Diane and I would talk about the man in Austria who locked his daughter in the basement for 24 years.
My only question “did he allow her to celebrate Christmas?”

Merriam-Webster, defines funny, as affording light mirth and laughter: amusing seeking or intended to amuse, that’s definitely me.
Knock, knock, who’s there? C’s. C’s Who? C’s the day. lol

At the end article, Shriver also described her husband the same way.!.

Currently reading: The Complete Persepolis

MY NEW BFFs

OMG! Do I love Gossip Girl? The novels, and now the show.

Gossip Girl is a series of novels written for teenagers, (and women over 30) by Cecily von Ziegesar. Gossip Girl is also the narrator, and the title of the first novel in the series.

It has also been adapted into a TV series airing on The CW. GG airs tonight after a hiatus due to the writer’s strike.

This series revolves around a group of teenagers, three of whom live on the Upper East Side in, Manhattan.

I like to think of myself as trendy and hip, although not as cool as the Goosip Girls and boys.

The show allows me to live vicariously through rich privileged Upper East Side teenagers. I think of it as an entrance to a world of the over-the-top rich spoiled superficial tweens and teensagers.

“The show mocks our superficial fantasies while satisfying them, allowing us to partake in the over-the-top pleasures of the irresponsible superrich without anxiety or guilt or moralizing.” NY Mag. Yes, that’s it.

Gossip Girl is the 2008 version of Sex in The City, which was the
1990’s version of The Golden Girls, BFFs.

Currently reading: Cross by James Patterson

PRIZE WINNERs (BOOKS, of course).

Pulitzers Prize Winners
Fiction: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
History: What Hath God Wrought: the Transformation of America, 1815-1848, by Daniel Walker Howe
Biography: Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father, by John Matteson
Poetry: Time and Materials, by Robert Hass and
Failure, by Philip Schultz
General Nonfiction: The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945, by Saul Friedlander

2008 Book Sense Book of the Year Awards
Fiction: A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
Nonfiction: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, by Barbara Kingsolver, with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver
Children's Literature: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick
Children's Illustrated: Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity, by Mo Willems


PS I have not read ANY of them. I do plan to read Knuffle Bunny, I believe it's one the the Summer Reading Selections.

IGoogle, Do You?

On Monday, April 14th, I attended a tutorial class, Introduction to iGoogle, at the Science Industry Business Library (SIBL) in Manhattan. This introductory course was offered to New York Public Library employees, through the Office of Staff Development. Six other NYPL employees attended the class which was scheduled from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. I had never heard of iGoogle before taking this class. What is it, you’re wondering? I’m glad you asked. iGoogle formerly Google Personalized Homepage, is a service of Google, it is a customizable homepage much like MyAOL, and MyYahoo. It was originally launched in May 2005. iGoogle was renamed and expanded on April 30, 2007. It was actually kind of cool, I learned how to retrieve and set up my own self-designated page, I was able to choose and organize content such as: headlines from BBC, CNN, Fox News, the New York Times, and other news, weather forecasts throughout the United States, a handy tool I’ll need at my next cocktail party I’m sure. I also added world clocks, movie show times, a wine lovers information page, a blog and other helpful or useless information. You can use an email you have previously set up, or you could set up a Gmail account. In my next class I will l learn how to use the IGoogle Docs feature.
Ask me how many times, am I going to remember to check my iGoogle page.


Currently reading: The 5 Second Rule & Other Myths About Germs (scary)!

LONG LIVE THE LIBRARY

I read an article today on the CUNY Library Science listserv.

The article stated, that the CIA Fact book currently lists the United States ranked 21st in the world in literacy. Literacy is defined (well at least in this article) as the ability to read and write on a fourth grade level.

21st? Kazakhstan, (thank you Sasha Baron Cohen), Tajikistan and Cuba ranked higher than the United States.

As a person, born in the United States, perhaps I take most things for granted, especially being able to read and write.

Could this be? A basic education is free in most places, God Bless America.

This motivated me, to try an experiment for a day.

I pretended I was illiterate. I thought this would be easy. I got on the train, and I grabbed a copy of the AM NY as I always do. Oh, but wait! I cannot read, so I threw away the newspaper.

I listened to my MP3 player. Then I had this thought, how will I know what stop to get off the train as I cannot read. No problem, I can just listen for the announcement, better turn my music down. Thank goodness the announcements were clear. I arrived at my destination.

At work, no need to check my email, as I cannot read. How did I get this job, if I was unable to read the application?

I continued with the experiment.

Now what will I do? I read/looked at the latest issue of People Magazine only to gaze at the pictures. Enough!

Experiment over, it lasted all of 90 minutes and I was unable to do it.

How do people do it all of their lives, I will never know. Long live the library and give me a book to READ.



Happily able to read: The 5 Second Rule & Other Myths About Germs. (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing).

STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Library’s computers were down for the entire day.
The library was a ghost town. The Branch Librarian made signs stating the network was down, and posted them on the door, and on the computers.
Some of the patrons did not even bother to enter; they just read the notice and turned around.

Amazing!

Does anyone come to the library to read a book anymore?

When the network is down, it also affects the circulation desk.
Patrons returning and checking out books it have to be manually entered, the clerks used the old white index cards with the lines and the date stamp, that fit into the brown envelope on the inside of the book.

Wow! I have not seen those index cards, since I was a kid, and most of the newer books do not even have the slots on the inside of the book.

However, the computer at the information desk still provided internet access.

Currently Reading: Emails and Listserv postings.

TOP TEN GIRL BOOKS

Everyone has a top ten list; therefore I felt a need to create a Top Ten Girl Book reading list. After all, what kind of Librarian would I be without a favorite book list? I get to read books very often, and when I do they tend to fall into one of three genres fiction, chick lit (bad fiction), and short stories. Here are a few titles that I've already read, and sometimes reread. Most of them feature girls and their issues, mothers, sons, and lovers, girls empowering themselves, and girls buying shoes.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner Two sisters, Maggie and Rose and their tumultuous relationship. I think it reminded me of me and my sister. It made me cry, and the movie was almost as good as the book.

Family by J. California Cooper Story of a slave woman and her “family”, Always, Peaches and Plum. Narrated by Clora, a spirit, mother of Always. Historical, somewhat, decent story.

The Way of White Folks by Langston Hughes Entertaining short stories by my favorite poet. What’s not to love?

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston a love classic story, Jennie finds love with husband number three, Teacake. Ahh Teacake. No it’s did not make me cry.

Breath Eyes Memory by Edwidge Danticat I read this book when it was first published, BEFORE Oprah said to read it. Sophie leaves Haiti to come to the US to live with a mother she does not really know. A mother and daughter and their relationship it made me cry. Is there a theme here?

Sula by Toni Morrison Nel and Sula’s friendship, there’s nothing like a good girlfriend in your corner, or not. Just recently reread a few weeks ago, enjoyed it a second time.

Sugar by Bernice McFadden This book reminded me of Sula. Sugar came to town and Pearl befriends her, even though none of the other women will.

A Piece of Mine by J. California Cooper written in plain language, just stories all women.

Harem by Dora Levy Mossanen Takes place in 14th century Persia, story of 3 women, Rebekah, Gold Dust (yes that’s her name), and Raven. Great imagery, I felt like I was in the harem in Persia.

The Blacker the Berry by Wallace Thurman although written by a man written during the Harlem Renaissance, its Emma Lou’s story. This is truly a story of the “black sheep” of the family. Sad. No it didn’t make me cry, almost, loved it read it twice.

That's all.

ALL FOOLS DAY

Tuesday, April fool’s Day, sometimes called All Fools Day is one of the most light hearted days of the year.
The origins of April Fools’ Day were provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event.
April fool, Joseph Boskin, totally made this up.

The exact origins are still unknown.

My friend Wally played a funny prank on one of our fellow co-workers a few years ago when we worked together at the B&N (I won’t get sued, will I?) Astor Place store. We worked with Dave, an over zealous over achiever, competitive I have been working out so much; all of my shirts are tight type guy. Needless to say, Dave did not have many friends at the store.
Wally and Dave were both scheduled to work the first floor information desk, on All Fool’s Day and Dave being the competitive guy he was would try to help every person who walked in. Wally had had enough of Dave, and decided to prank him. Wally told Dave a customer had called and was looking for a particular book, which the customer would be coming in to pick up shortly. Wally told Dave the store was currently out of stock; however the Strand Bookstore had several copies. He suggested to Dave, that he should run out to the Strand, about 4 blocks away and pick up the book. Immediately ever eager Dave quickly dashed out of the door off to the Strand bookstore. Wally called the Strand Bookstore and informed them, that Dave, would soon be in asking for a book, and they should tell him it was an April Fool’s Day joke, which they did. I could only imagine how embarrassed, upset and angry Dave was. A red faced Dave returned to the store and refused to speak to anyone for the rest of the day.
Wally still laughs hysterically when he tells that story, and Dave resigned a few weeks later.

Currently reading or still reading, the Complete Stories by Zora Neale Hurston

GAME DAY

March 28, 2007

On 2 Fridays out of the month, the NYPL sponsors Game Day in the Children’s Room at 4:00 PM. The patrons are invited to play good old fashioned board games. Checkers, Chess, and Connect Four. On this past Friday, the children’s Librarian was scheduled off for the day. So I spent most of the day in the Children’s Room, and facilitated the Game Day Activities.

There were about 10 children, o brought out the games and invited everyone to play. I walked around to ea patron and invited them to play. No takers. One patron, said, “I am playing a game, on the computer.” OK.

I thought to myself, maybe these games are boring. How can Chess and Checkers compete with Sony Playstation and Ninetendo WII, or Nick.com games. I searched the stock room for something a little more exciting, Junior Scrabble. Still no takers.

About 10 minutes later, Vanessa came over and said she would like to play Connect Four, and would I play with her. I said “sure.” We played for a few minutes and of course I won the first 3 matches, I then let her win the next few rounds. We played for about 10 minutes, until it was time for her and her brother to leave.

I think Danielle, (a regular who never brings her library card, and always wants to use the computer) noticed how much fun Vanessa was having so she came over and asked me to play Junior Scrabble with her.

Junior Scrabble is very similar to Adult Scrabble, minus the score card. Shortly after 3 other patrons came over, Juanita (a regular) locked her computer and decided to join us too, and we had a real scrabble game. Some of them did not know how to play, so I explained the rules quickly and because it was the first time, I allowed them to make 2 letter words, and to just add the letter s onto words already on the board.

I suggested the 4 patrons challenge themselves and make “four” letters words, and we could keep score by getting a star for each word. Two more patrons came over and asked could they join in.

I had to remind myself that I was playing with children and to keep my words simple. I excited now because I can make a six letter word. I placed the word “candid.” What’s that, asked Sandra. I told her it means open and honest. I did not take a star as I was the facilitator, right?

When I looked at the clock it was 5:35 (closes at 6) and some of the patrons were leaving. I invited everyone back for the next Game Day, on the 11th of April and I was thinking of a seven letter word.



Currently reading: Short Stories by one of my favorite authors Zora Neale Hurston.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

I am not the Children’s Librarian, I spend at least 15 hours in the children’s room.
During school hours, it’s quiet and there’s no one there. I use the time to familiarize myself with the children’s books, and the sections.

Who am I fooling? I use the time to do homework, and read the weeklyand monthly magazines, library related of course.

On Thursday afternoon, Michael came in. Michael a thirteen year old 8th grader, a tall slender boy with wide brown eyes, asked “Do you believe in Buddha?”
I thought about it for a second, and I said “Well, no. I don’t pray to Buddha, because I am not a Buddhist.”

"Do you have any books about Buddhism," he asked?"
Wow, a kid actually asking for a book I was immediately excited. I then asked if he was doing a report for class.
“No, he said, I’m looking for a religion and my mom told me to go to the library and look it up.”

I ask him, why Buddhism. He said “I don’t know.”

I showed him the DK World Religions book, and directed him to chapter on Buddhism.

Michael asked me, "If I’m a Buddhist, do I have to wear this," as he pointed s to a monk dressed in traditional garb.

“I don’t know, you will have to read the chapter and find out.”

He asked incredulously, “You don’t know, you work in the library.”

I smiled and reminded him “I don’t know everything.”

He thanked me and took the book to the circulation desk .

Currently reading:
Foundations of Library Science, Chapters 8 & 10.

A JEWEL FOR A QUEEN

On a humid July evening, I received a voicemail message from my friend Regina.
A brief message, saying “call me I have news.”

In 2002, Regina and her family moved to Conyers, Georgia, when her family returned from Japan. Her husband, Rodney, who was in the US Military, was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for four years. I know it was four years, because Regina and Rodney adopted twins, Marcus and Alaina and the adoption was finalized when the twins were a few days old, and they moved to Japan a shortly after.

I returned Regina’s call, she told me she was pregnant, and the baby was due the first week in February. It was her “miracle baby.” She called her that, because eleven years earlier, a doctor told her she would never be able to have children.

I don’t know who was more excited, me or her. I asked her was she going to find out the sex of the baby, how was she feeling, and what her family thought. She planned to find out the sex (a girl), the twins and her husband were all eagerly awaiting her arrival.

As the time passed, we talked at least twice a month. She was considered “high risk” because of her age (41) and she had to visit the doctor weekly. She told me, she felt great and had already decided to name the baby Isley. As the months progressed she remained happy and expectant.

In the later part of January, during one of our monthly conversations, she was experiencing Braxton Hicks. She explained to me it was contractions, and Isley could be arriving sooner than expected.

The next phone called I received from Regina, was from her hospital bed, Isley was born on January 30th, via c-section and she was feeling OK, and Isley was beautiful. I told her I would call her when she got home, and I would soon plan to visit to see her, and the family.

I received a call one week later, on February 6th. The caller id, said “Regina,” however a man's voice was on the line and he said, “No, it’s Rodney.” Which was a little odd, however, I just assumed Regina asked him to call me. I extended congrads and asked was everything alright. “We lost Regina today.” I paused for a moment, I think, so my brain could process what I had just heard, then I screamed.

I composed myself and I asked Rodney what happened? He explained that Regina went into Cardiac arrest on her way to her follow-up visit and died on the way to the hospital. I was stunned. I expressed my condolences and asked if there was anything I could do, Rodney said, “just keep me and my family in your prayers.”

Regina and I first met in Greensboro, North Carolina, where I first attended college. She was born in North Carolina and had spent a summer in Brooklyn with relatives. We bonded immediately sharing our New York stories.

I withdrew from school and left Greensboro, after three semesters Regina. We have remained friends since. Although, we did not see each other often; Regina was one of my closet friends and confidants. Our lengthy conversations were just like visits.

When she was in Japan, she would write and tell me when to expect her call. I made sure I never missed her calls.

I think about her and her family often. Her husband recently emailed me, the last pictures he had taken, a picture of the Marcus and Alaina, a picture of Isley and a picture of Regina.

Regina Antoinette Hucks Cain February 9, 1966 – February 6, 2008. Regina, left to mourn 10 year old twins, a one week old baby, a husband, relatives and a friend who will miss her terribly.


Currently Reading:
A Piece of Mine – Stories by J. California Cooper, one story in particular "A Jewel for A Friend" which inspired this entry.

EACH ONE TEACH ONE!

Tonight @ 6:40 PM, is my first mid term in eight years.
I was restless last night, I was dreaming about Boolean Search, quality vs. demand, eBooks and such.
It’s crazy! What have I become? I digress.

It’s amazing how many people come to the library only to use the computers, adults as well as children. The children insist their doing their homework; however, a nine year old regular patron asked me how to spell “wrestle mania.” Can’t imagine what class that’s for.

Today, Maia, an older petite lady, with a pleasant manner and a smile, came in to the library, and asked if I could help her set up an email address. I said, “sure, no problem.” Maia, insisted on using Gmail, so we set up her account.

I explained the basics, signing on, reading and replying. She took copious notes on the small white sheets the library provides. She had about eight of them after we finished.

I was going to show her how to compose an email, however, I figured that might be too advanced and will save that lesson for another day as she is a regular patron.

It’s 1:45 PM, 4 more hours to study.

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

I am so fascinating, that I know you want to hear about my days and nights. So here they are.

No, I'm not wearing green, nor am I Irish.

Everyday we learn something new! Today I learned that the famous Irsh anthem "Danny Boy" is actually a hymn reserved for funerals not St. Patrick's Day. Wow.

I also realized I don't work best under pressure. For years, I always procrastinated and waited to the very last minute to do my school work and today it's kicking my @s&.

So enough of this blogging s*&6 and back to work, on my computer lab class portfolio.