June Update

I've been working hard on my research paper for my LAST graduate class. I just found out I passed my comprehensive exam so now it's just getting this paper done and approved. I feel like I have so much to do but I know it's not all that much when I take it piece by piece. I work on it a limited amount of time because 1. I'm not a morning person, 2. I want to spend time with my toddler, and 3. it drains me lol.

I have read a couple of books though. I read, The Diva Wraps It Up, by Krista Davis. It's like the 5th or 6th book in her 'Domestic Diva mysteries' series. It's set around Christmas time and it has all kinds of Christmas-y things in it like a light decorating contest, a cookie swap, decorating tips, food recipes, and murder..oh wait. I love this series. It's one of my personal favorites and I preorder the books when I see there's a new one coming out. If you're looking for a good read, an easy read, a fun read- lots of laughs and sarcasm with a little bit of 'omg, she's so annoying' but still I love it.

I'm listening to Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck. It's for a book club I'm in and it's slooooow going. Not even past chapter 2. I'm reading on my Kindle, Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Netzer and if I'm being honest the cover drew me to it. It's really pretty.
I also bought The Fault in Our Stars by John Green- because let's face it if I'm going to watch the movie, I'm going to read the book first so I can complain about how the movie fails. Flat Out Love by Jessica Park is the other book I bought (don't judge, I had a giftcard for Amazon- had being the keyword). It sounded interesting from the description so I'm going to give it a go.

I do have a ton of other books on my kindle to read and add more and more books to my 'to be read' list everyday thanks to Tumblr. Speaking of, if you're on Tumblr: follow me at http://mommylibrariantom.tumblr.com/ or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LibrarianTom227

Read on!
M

Interview 4- Bethany

 For my 4th interview I asked Bethany, a youth services coordinator to answer some questions. I met her about 4 years ago when I worked at the local public library where I grew up. She is a great woman, funny, talented and she is AMAZING at what she does. I've seen her perform and interact with children and I follow her Facebook page about her travels on her bike. She's a great person to know and a good friend to have. I hope you enjoy her interview!

 

1. Tell me about yourself.

 I am curious by nature and once I'm interested in a topic I tend to become a bit obsessive while I learn new things.  To date some of this borderline obsessive curiosity has led me into beekeeping and pottery.  I know how to bind books by hand.  You know, sewing them, putting on covers, etc.  I can roller blade like the devil (but no one does that anymore).  I love the outdoors and the sun on my face and I've been known to ride a bike now and then.

   
2. What genre of books do you like best? What draws you to this genre? I read a crazy amount of non-fiction.  In fact most of what I currently have checked out from the library is non-fiction but I do love a nice little teen paranormal novel now and then.  Very occasionally, I enjoy a dip in the adult fiction.  There, I probably enjoy suspense or mystery best.

3. What is your job title? How long have you held this title? Youth Services Coordinator - 4 Years

 

4. What are your hobbies?  For me, hobbies are what keep my mind engaged and active.  Currently, I'm learning pottery.  I truly love it and hope soon to be at a point with it where I am able to sell pottery in addition to the library gig.  I play the ukulele and keep bees.  Also, I maintain a Facebook page for my little vintage bike called Bethany's Bike.  Oh, and I garden.  There may actually be a few other little things but they escape me at the moment.

5. What about your job do you like the most? Least?

 I feel very blessed to have my job.  I believe that it is a gift to be able to go every day to an occupation which you truly enjoy.  I really enjoy seeing the children and interacting with them through storytime or special programs.  The thing I like least is that in my current position, I do not see children on a regular basis.

 

6. For someone thinking about going into Children's Library, what words of wisdom do you have to share?

 The best children's librarians don't take themselves too seriously and are willing to view the world with a childlike perspective.  They know how to be silly.  They also know that these small people are library patrons and deserve the same amount of respect that is given to their adult counterparts.  If they have something to communicate, a good librarian takes the time to listen to them and help them find what they are looking for.

 

7. Who inspires you to do what you do?

 Probably, at the end of the day, my inspiration comes most strongly from our library patrons and my desire for all the children and families at each of our branch libraries to have a positive experience at the public library.

8. Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for asking me participate.  I enjoyed it.  It is a great time to work in public libraries.  The landscape may be changing a bit but libraries are still needed and all the newness adds to the excitement. 

Update on My Life and Reading Adventures

Allie, July 30, 2012

I had my beautiful baby girl after 27 hours of labor on July 30 at 12:12pm. She's doing great and is such a joy! I love being a mommy to her :) I'm still sleep deprived but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Reading..I haven't had time at all to read lately. I'm hoping as we get into a schedule that I will be able to start back up on my reading though. I miss it so much. I had started reading 'The Joy Luck Club' before Allie was born but I wasn't able to finish it or any of the other books I had checked out from the library. I'm hoping this coming week I can go back and get a couple of books to read and to finish 'TJLC' book.

Hope all is well with y'all. Take care!