Romance? Yeah, right.

Let me start out by saying: I don't want you to think that we here at the library just make fun of what patrons check out.

Because we really don't. That often.

The thing is, we have regulars. People who are in several times a week and who place holds all the time. We get to know these people. Or, at least, their book and movie preferences.

Sometimes when we get our delivery of items from other libraries in the county and are pulling them out, we try to guess which piece is for which patron.

A huge book on motorcycles? Gotta be for John. Three more Nora Roberts novels? Either Mary or Sue. A brand new movie that is circulating for the first time? Rob. (How does he do it? He always gets things first!)

(*sidenote: names are changed...just in case.)

 And then we have our romance novel-readers. Three regular ladies who we know exclusively get books with pictures of long-haired, bare-chested men holding onto a rope on a ship or bending a corseted women back in what looks like a pretty uncomfortable embrace.

Not my thing. Not my thing at all.

The most I read of these books is their back covers. And why would I only read them to myself when I have coworkers to entertain?

Dramatic readings from the back covers of romance novels can be a truly amusing pastime  I feel that public speaking and theater classes I have taken in the past have helped prepare me for this.

Usually I start off in a low, dangerous tone as I describe the lord or duke who is rich, handsome, and devil-may-care. I move on to the innocent peasant girl whose beauty is only surpassed by her spunk. My tone turns incredulous as the summary goes on to describe a possible romance between these two unlikely and attractive characters. WILL THEY FIND TRUE LOVE?

*rolls eyes*

Source

How to Check Out a Book at the Library

Sure, you've done it before. But have you done it correctly?

Step 1: Pick out your book. Pick out a mystery, a graphic novel, a memoir, a book of poetry. Browse the stacks until you find just the perfect read. Ask your friendly librarian for suggestions if you find yourself whining that everything you pick out is boring.

Step 2: Pick out another book. What if the first book isn't quite what you thought it would be? Or you read the first book too quickly? Honestly, it's just foolishness to leave the library with a single book. Be smart and get a back-up.

Step 3: Go to the circulation desk. Be mindful of those around you. Don't cut anyone else off. And it's nice to offer your spot to a harried mother with seven children hanging off her. Other than that, wait in line for your turn. Or, if your library is dying because no one wants to read anymore, step right up and enjoy the great service of three librarians all wanting to socialize and thank you for still coming. Haha...

Step 4: Present your library card. Don't be surprised that you are asked for it. If you're a patron of excellence, you have your card in your hand right away. Don't be the person who doesn't have your card...or your driver's license...wait, you're driving without a license AND without a library card? Good luck out there, man.

Step 5: Don't forget your receipt! It's given to you for a reason. Don't lose it and then feign innocence when you return items late (I mean "if"). And don't take your receipt, look at it, and then ask when your items are due. What do you think I'm handing you exactly?

Step 6: Walk out the door with your FREE books! And don't forget to come back now, you hear?

I mean, you'll have to. To return them.

What Do YOU Know?

Here's something annoying:

people attempting to discuss something they haven't read.

Why people will try to enter into a dialogue with someone about something they have only heard other people's opinions on....well, it's beyond me.

Specifically, it bothers me when people pass judgment on a book without having read it. I'll tell you what I think of the book, but I'm not going to really respect their opinion. Because they really can't have an informed opinion on something they haven't read.

Recently, this has happened to me talking to people about books such as The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Twilight. A few people have been sort of shocked that I would be into a book such as The Hunger Games, since children are forced to kill each other. I can almost feel them getting a little high and mighty, like, I would never read such trash!

Okay, sure, think that. But I can't really have a discussion with you if that's all you know about the books. Or if that's all you think they're about. I can try to tell you my opinion, but I always suggest you read the books. Plenty of people's minds have been changed this way. Out of the dozens of people I've talked to who've read The Hunger Games, I've only talked to three who didn't like it. And to them I say, hey, you gave it a try but it wasn't for you? Great. Tell me why, so I can understand.

But when people try to talk confidently about something they've never read, I know they're just regurgitating other people's opinions. Take Harry Potter, for instance. Some people have just heard so many times that there's something wrong with these books because of the "magic" they contain that they practically back away in fear if I mention them. Seriously? Have you looked into it yourself?

There was this one guy I was trying to talk to and he had all these opinions on why Twilight was stupid. I also happen to believe Twilight is stupid (I tend not to use this word...). However, I have read all four books and have specific reasons why I think this. This guy hadn't read any of them, and his reasons for dissing the series weren't grounded in anything. It was obvious he didn't know what he was talking about.

So what kind of discussion is that? One person has read the book and one person hasn't? It's not a discussion at all.

Read the book and get back to me.

A Night in the World for Books

Well, THAT was fun.

Guess what I got to do? Give out free books!

I know, I know - "Laura," you say, "You give out free books every day! You're a librarian, which is the best job in the universe. Thank you for your dedication, by the way."

To this I say, you're welcome. Also, sure I give out free books, but people have to return them. On Monday I gave out 20 copies of one of my current favorite books, The Hunger Games. For keeps!

April 23 was World Book Night, and I was beyond thrilled to participate. Months ago I heard that WBN was going to happen for the first time in this country, in addition to taking place in the U.K. and Ireland. Hopefully it will keep spreading! I was accepted as a "giver" after filling out an application online after hearing about it on http://www.hypable.com/.

Thousands of givers gave out books on Monday. We got to choose from a list of 30 books. (For a complete list, click here.) I had to pick my top three choices, and I chose The Hunger Games all three times. Luckily that didn't count against me and I got it. :)

I received a box with all the books along with some bookmarks and an awesome pin. WBN's purpose is to share the love of reading...especially with non-readers. The kinds of people who wouldn't typically pick up a book. So though I was going to be handing them out in the library, I wanted to give them to people who weren't there for books. I know you may think of people just coming to the library for books, but many many people come to study/use computers/use copy machine/tutoring/movies/etc. So I looked for those people.

So here's who I gave books to!

• 4 high school girls working on a school project
• 1 teacher to use in his classroom
• 7 ladies using the community room for a craft program
• 1 girl at the library to be tutored
• 2 ladies knitting
• 2 men only picking out movies
• 1 partridge in a pear tree (not really...)

Then it was 9 pm. The library closed and I had 3 books left. I failed!

Not quite.

• I stopped by my gym and gave the remaining 3 books to the guys working there. Success!

Truly a special day to be a part of. I heard some great stories of people giving books out all over the country. Just google "World Book Night 2012" to read more. I'll definitely be applying again next year, though I might trying reaching out beyond the library.

It was like Halloween, only with books! If you're interested, stay tuned next year and definitely give it a try. Worth it.

Avengers and Other Librarians

I'm always looking for a good librarian blog. I already follow a few greats, and I just found another one. It's called Librarian Avengers, and here's an excerpt:

Ok, sure. We’ve all got our little preconceived notions about who librarians are and what they do.
Many people think of librarians as diminutive civil servants, scuttling about “Sssh-ing” people and stamping things. Well, think again buster.

Librarians have degrees. They go to graduate school for Information Science and become masters of data systems and human/computer interaction. Librarians can catalog anything from an onion to a dog’s ear. They could catalog you.

Librarians wield unfathomable power. With a flip of the wrist they can hide your dissertation behind piles of old Field and Stream magazines. They can find data for your term paper that you never knew existed. They may even point you toward new and appropriate subject headings.

People become librarians because they know too much. Their knowledge extends beyond mere categories. They cannot be confined to disciplines. Librarians are all-knowing and all-seeing. They bring order to chaos. They bring wisdom and culture to the masses. They preserve every aspect of human knowledge. Librarians rule. And they will kick the crap out of anyone who says otherwise.

Pure awesomeness.

Other library-related blogs I like to keep an eye on are:

A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette: "Chairs, Pushing In - Librarians should militantly enforce the 'pushing in' of recently vacated public chairs in their libraries. As you make your rounds through the library, forcefully bump the chairs against the tables as a passive aggressive warning of your quiet rage for any future potential violators."

GreenBeanTeenQueen: A YA librarian's thoughts on book and movie news, library-related issues, teen programming, etc.

Librarian in Black: Ridiculously knowledgeable librarian who informs me of the big library issues. Wouldn't ever want to get on her bad side.

Love the Liberry: Spells library the irritating way some people still pronounce it, but gives intriguing true stories from the front lines like "Books and Bonbons - Two middle aged women were at the reference desk. The first woman requested a Charlaine Harris book. The second woman chimed in to say that she should request the whole series. The first woman said-I like reading them in order. Ordering all of them at once is like having too many bonbons at the same time."

Unshelved: Library comic strips. Need I say more?

Happy Friday!

In My Own Little Corner

This might sound a little silly, but I need a place to read.

A place sort of like, um, a library.

Well, I already WORK at the library! I can't go there and read for fun! People would probably start asking me for help at the computers!

It's the romantic side of me, I guess, that wishes for a cozy nook somewhere special to just read and read. Usually I read during my lunch break at work and in the evening right before I go to sleep. Unless it's a really good book I can't put down, in which case I carry it around with me and devour every chance I get. But I'd like a different place.

I've thought about Starbucks, but then I'd have to buy something. And I want to go somewhere without feeling an obligation to buy anything. It's things like this that remind me of how great libraries are! Where else can I loiter around and read in a comfy chair, in a special place other than my apartment?

I don't know what I'm going to do. I especially need a good reading spot because the next book I have to read for book club is The Count of Monte Cristo. I'm excited about reading it, but it's going to take more concentration than usual. So I want to be somewhere where I can be focused.

Wanted: Reading spot. Must be quiet(ish). Cozy. Free. Must be populated enough so I can people-watch. People-watching is an absolutely must.

After the Beep

I'm kind of over answering machines.

While calling library patrons the other day to let them know they had books available to pick up (that they had placed on hold), I realized how stupid answering machines are.

When I call a house and nobody's home, I get one of four things (unless the number has been disconnected):

1. A typical answering machine.
"Hi, you've reached Bob. I can't come to the phone right now, but please leave your name and number and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks, and have a nice day." Do we really not know what to do yet when we hear an answering machine? Oh no, a beep, what should I say?! Please. Everyone says the same thing, and it's annoying to sit through fifteen of the exact same messages in a row. Just say your name, so I know I called the right place! ...I know this isn't realistic. We all have to be polite and say the same thing on our machines. It just gets old, okay?

2. A creative answering machine.
I use the term "creative" here loosely. Pretty sure I've never heard a GOOD answering machine message. But I have heard some different ones. Of course there's the cutesy one where the little kid garbles her words. Classic. Then there's some crotchety old man who says "you know what to do," or gives some random reason he can't come to the phone. There're the ones where everyone in the family speaks. The strangest one was where I heard parents and their daughter yelling at each other before the father saying they can't come to the phone because they're all at a family counseling session. I would not make that up.

3. No answering machine.
How do you not have an answering machine? It's not like phones are a new invention, here. How long does it take to set one up and record a typical message?

4. Full or nonworking answering machine.
Really? You're that busy your machine is full? Or you're that lazy that you can't be bothered to empty it? Better yet, "the person you are calling has a voicemail box that has not been set up yet. Goodbye!" Wait - what? Now what am I supposed to do?

I think to avoid the whole mess we should just leave texts as messages. Or send an email! Talking on the phone is so awkward anyway. Leaving messages is just ten times worse.

What's There to Like?

There are those who are chronic "likers."
Either you are one, or you know one.

It's all well and good to "like" things on Facebook. But what about "liking" something just for the sake of liking it?

Here are two status updates for your consideration:

Laura loves puppies. *like*

Laura needs a ride to the airport. Help! *like*

See the difference here? In the first scenario, you like the status because you also love puppies! Yay for common ground and bonding through your shared interest of puppies!

In the second scenario, you have abused the like button. How does liking this status help? You like and then you move on. No comment, no help, nothing.

Laura made granola. *like*

Laura needs a good recipe for granola. *like*

Wait - what? Why are you rubbing my status in my face? I can't find a good recipe for granola and you like that? How about a suggestion?

Beyond the non-helpful, there's just the plain sadistic.

Laura is wearing a Disney Princess bandaid because she cut her finger. *like* (minor injury, cute bandaid)

Laura broke her toe kicking a library book across the floor. *like*

This may seem tricky, because the situation might seem funny, but the end result is a broken toe! Sympathize!

You don't have to "like" something to prove you read it. I know it's easy to use, but that doesn't mean you have to.


Think about it.

Midnight M&Ms

Well, last Thursday night, my brother and I were where all the loyal fans of Harry Potter were...the midnight premiere of Deathly Hallows, Part 2!

I'd never been to any midnight movie premiere before, so I did a lot of online research (Googling...) to find out things like how early to get there, what to wear, etc.

I thought a lot more people would dress up than actually did...I'm glad I just went with the simple scar on the forehead. It was fun to see how other fans really got into it. Lots of them at least had some kind of wand to brandish. Although I could've done some hunting for an appropriate stick, I decided I didn't need anything else to lug around.

So we got there a little after 9pm, and got to be first in line for the regular 2D movie. (There were already lines for IMAX and 3D.) Right after we got there, it seems like everyone else came, and in a couple minutes a huge line stretched behind us out the door and around the theater. My brother and I just sat there reading the final book (our own copies..), very smug at our sweet location.

After about an hour, we were allowed to actually enter the theater. Where we sat for another two hours. I was kept informed about the time, because excited fans kept yelling out things like, "Only one hour left!" and I had to check where I was in the book and try to read faster.

Finally, it began. I waited until the first louder part came in the movie to open my bag of M&Ms (didja wonder when they were going to show up?). From the first minute, I was completely engrossed in this, the final Harry Potter movie!

It was super fun to sit in a theater full of fans who really appreciated all that this story is. We all cheered when our favorite lines from the book popped up, and quietly whispered things like "Wait, did this happen in the book?" And there's nothing like hearing absolute silence from the fans as we all watched the deaths most of us knew were coming, before listening to the quiet sniffling begin. I was alternately crying and giggling as I got sucked into the emotion of the story, as well as laughing at how pathetic we all sounded. Those were great moments, though. We all love the story and the characters, and we're all sad that it's ending.

If you've seen any movie that was made from a book you love, you understand that it's not going to be the same. There were some parts I wish hadn't been changed, added, or removed. But on the whole, I thought this was an excellent movie.

We dried our tears, I tied up my M&M bag, and everyone slowly filed out to the parking lot. Where I couldn't budge the car from its spot for 45 minutes. Which gave me more time to both reflect on the movie and listen to my eyes yelling at me. Why are we still open...? Shut up, guys. It was totally worth it.

Harry Potter

Sometimes, you read that book.

You know, the one you can't put down. The one you can't stop thinking about. The one you want to talk about. discuss, and quote.

I've always loved books. Duh. I've always loved the feeling of being completely sucked in and immersed in another world, living through the characters and following the author through the story.

I read a lot of books. But one time, about 10 years ago ( no WAY, has it really been that long?), I read that book.

I had put off reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for a while. I had heard of it. And I had heard of the book or two following it. But I ignored the initial hype. I knew some people thought it was evil; I knew other people were obsessed with it. It had something to do with magic. Witches. Wizards. And some kid with a lightning bolt scar.

But one day, for some reason or another, I picked it up. And read. And read. And read. I finished the first book, read the second, the third, the fourth, and then waited eagerly for each following book to be released so I could devour those as well.

When I finished the final book outside in my hammock a few years ago, I was crying. Because this series that Jo Rowling had created was truly magical. I understood the characters; I loved them. I felt I knew how Harry would react in a certain situation, what Luna would say. I KNEW there was more to Snape than first met the eye. And Hermione belonged with Ron all along.

Beyond the experience of reading the books was the involvement in the larger fan world. Everyone wants to be involved with something bigger than themselves; the world of Harry Potter was no exception. Fan sites were created, podcasts recorded. Strangers became best friends and kids found ways to express their love of the books in creative ways.

When people were saying that books were dying, the first Harry Potter book was published. And kids discovered that reading was not just for school. Not just for work. Reading was cool again.

One by one, the movies came out. Dan, Rupert, and Emma brought characters to life that had only existed in our imaginations. Fans flocked to see these movies, the most dedicated fans I've ever seen. The movies have been different than the books, of course. But they have brought the story to the big screen, reaching more and more people and always pointing them towards the books.

And through it all, Jo Rowling has been the hero of it all. The most beloved author of our time, the one who gave us Harry. Books, the magic of reading, always at the center of this phenomenon.

I have never been to a midnight premier of a movie before. But next Thursday at midnight I'll be lined up with fans wearing glasses and scars, ready to watch the final movie based on the Harry Potter books. I'll be there because these books have been a big part of my childhood, and I want to see these movies through.

The books have been written. The movies are almost all released. But the magical world of Harry Potter will continue to spark the imaginations of generations to come.

And I'm proud to say, I'm part of it.

Hammock Reading. Without Bugs.

I love being outside. Don't get me wrong, here.

But it has always been hard for me to sit in the grass and read. Sitting in the grass can just be so...irritating. Back when I was in college, other students would study outside. But I never lasted more than a couple minute.

Bugs. Tickly grass. Wind. People walking by. It was all just too distracting.

So I admit it. I don't really like to read outside. Unless I can control my surroundings a bit more.

We have a hammock that we hang outside in a couple trees, and that isn't too bad! It's suspended above the ground so the grass isn't an issue, and those intrusive bugs that like to crawl up your shorts can't get to you. Ha! Take that, stupid bugs. Find somebody else's leg to climb up!

I remember reading the last Harry Potter book in that hammock. I didn't budge for hours. I didn't have to, since I had some necessities with me.

Phone. Water. More books. Pillow. Food.

Something you should know about me and going somewhere to read: I have to be all set up. Once I'm cozy with my book, I don't like to have to go anywhere. I like to surround myself with anything else I might possibly need.

This is especially important in a hammock all the way in the corner of our backyard. It's kind of an event getting in and out of it. The sharp rocks underneath on an incline make for an exciting adventure.

So do you like to read outside? Do you have a book list for the summer? I don't have anything in particular, since I read nonstop all the time. Although I'm definitely reading Harry Potter again before the last movie comes out.

I'll probably read them in the hammock. For old times' sake.

In My Day, a Nook Was the Corner Where You Read a Book

So, remember last week when I said that I got to take home the library Nook so I could learn how to use it?

Well, here are some observations:

1. Nooks are cool. Like, really cool. I felt like I went up 10 whole cool points with a Nook in my hand.

2. Nooks can do cool things. Like read a kids' picture book (in color!) to you. And look up words for you. And download books for you super quick whenever you want.

3. Like all technology, Nooks can get frustrating. Especially the touch screen. Are my fingers that obese that I can't click on exactly what I want? Apparently.

4. I kept comparing Nooks to books. Books don't run out of battery. I don't have to charge my books overnight. My books don't go into "sleep mode" when I put them down for a minute.

In fact, this made me realize how often I get distracted and stare into space thinking about something I read. Books are more forgiving than Nooks. Nooks are like, Fine, you're going to ignore me? See ya, loser.

5. The tapping got repetitive. Initially, when I wanted to turn a page, I slid my finger across the screen because it felt really cool. Then, I got sick of doing that. So I just tapped the corner of the screen. Then, I got sick of that. It must just be because it's an unusual movement for me. But I really missed turning the pages. Turning pages, that I'm used to doing. Also, I kept tapping in slightly the wrong place and bringing up a menu. So that was annoying.

6. I felt like I didn't ever have the whole book in front of me. It was like I was reading one single page apart from any others. Like I didn't have any context. Sure, I could go to any page I wanted at a couple touches of the screen, but I felt like I coudn't sense the book as a whole.

7. I realized that the only reasons I would ever buy a Nook (or other e-reader) would be if:
a. I wanted to maintain those 10 cool points (which means I would have to take my Nook places where people would see me...)
b. I became a world traveler and needed to carry hundreds of books with me in a simple, space-efficient way.
c. Pigs ever flew.

Hey, like I've said before: If people are reading, who cares what they read or how they do it? Not me. If a Nook or Kindle floats your boat, go ahead. I won't judge. But after having one for a weekend, I've pretty much decided that they're not for me.

To me, books are individual. I love the covers, the pages, the smells. I love the hardcovers and the paperbacks. The books I can throw in my purse, the books I can stack by my bed. The books I flip through, the books I read all the way to the end and then read again.

Nooks just can't compete. At least in MY book.

Must...Be....Clean...

As I was writing out a list of my favorite smells, I realized that hand sanitizer made it on the list.

This may seem strange, but I love the superclean smell of hand sanitizer. Maybe it's because my hands touch so many pieces of library material each day. I can actually feel it on my hands when I've touched so many books and CDs and DVDs and talking books that come in from all kinds of people and have been who knows where.

And when I don't have time to wash my hands, it's comforting to be able to grab a quick squirt of hand sanitizer. Ahhh, fresh and clean.

Have you ever seen the tv show Monk? Hilarious. Anyway, Adrian Monk, the detective, has his assistant carry around wipes so after he shakes someone's hand or touches something not-so-clean, he can wipe the germs off. Hmmm. Maybe I need an assistant to carry around hand sanitizer for me.

And those little hand sanitizer stations I keep seeing around in public places? I love them! I use them every time I see them. The automatic ones are especially neat. And the ones with foam...

Things Part 1

Things I enjoy telling library patrons:

1. Library cards are free.

2. Borrowing books/movies/CDs, etc. is free.

3. We have it; it’s right there on the shelf.

4. I love that book! Good choice!

5. Nope – no fine! You returned it just in time.

6. There's no limit to how many items you can check out.

7. Oh, I know which book you're talking about! Here's the title/author/# in the series, etc.

8. You know, we have a program here I think you'll like.

9. Yes, someone did find your wallet/keys/paper left in the copier!

10. The book you've been waiting for is here!

The End

I hate finishing a good book.

I want to get to the end, but I don't want it to end. When I find a good book, like a really good book, like the kind of book I have to carry around everywhere...it's just a shame that it has to end.

NOW what am I going to read, I grumble. Everything else is worthless. I might as well give up reading altogether! Knitting, maybe I should knit....

I savor the last few pages, enjoy the satisfying ending, then close the book and glare at it resentfully. I knew you were too good to be true. I think I finally found a book I can trust, one I can depend on, one I can - dare I say it - LOVE. And you've gone and ruined it. Just like that, you're over. WE'RE over.

So I put the book away. And I have some time to myself, try to prove that I don't NEED a book.

And then, when I least expect it, one finds me again. And I reluctantly fall in love.