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.
Monday, March 31, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
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.
Monday, March 17, 2008
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.
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.
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