I found an interesting article about the importance of reading to your young child in a recent edition of Publishers Weekly. It’s a great reminder for parents…
Author Archive
Why Doctors and Librarians Make Great Partners
April 20, 2019Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done In Less Time
April 17, 2019
The good news is that there is always hope for changing a “bad” habit. The bad news is that it is going to take a lot of self discipline. Author Brian Tracey explains his theory of “eating a frog” as tackling the task with the highest priority (a.k.a., the one you least want to to do). He speaks from experience, having turned his life around from a series of dead end jobs to become a successful sales manager. Tracey’s first point is to prioritize your tasks, and to dive into the one with the highest priority first. I am optimistic that by reading this book, I will be able to change this very unhelpful habit of procrastination, and be able to manage my time (and life) more effectively. Stay tuned…
State of America’s Libraries 2019
April 14, 2019The April 2019 issue of American Libraries Magazine includes some interesting tidbits in an article concerning the state of our libraries. In fact, one listing of data jumped out as I was reading it, since the heading proclaimed: “Public libraries strengthen local economies,” listing how we as librarians accomplish this impressive fact. Here are a few examples given: first, by providing technology training (84% of libraries do so), by aiding patrons with the completion of government online forms (97%), as well as supplying online health resources (77%) and offering programs on health topics. Perhaps we as public librarians need to become better cheerleaders for self-promotion…
Sweeping Up the Heart
April 10, 2019
A sweet new novel by Kevin Henkes finds its two main characters both annoyed by their parent(s). Amelia’s mom is dead, and her dad definitely does NOT understand her. Mr. Albright(ironically, just the opposite) does not readily express his feelings, either. Thank goodness she has Mrs. O’Brien, her neighbor, a grandmotherly figure who keeps house for her and her dad. Casey’s parent’s are getting divorced and he is thoroughly disgusted by them both. Fortunately, his Aunt Louise is a steady caring figure in his life. The two become friends and help each other to navigate in a seemingly uncaring world. I would recommend it for 4th grade and up.
The Kinship of Secrets
April 3, 2019
Calvin and Najin Cho decide to emigrate to the United States from South Korea in 1948. They take their older daughter with them and leave their infant girl behind with Najin’s parents and brother, planning to return once settled in America. But war breaks out in Korea, and Najin’s family must leave their home to find safety from the fighting. The Chos cannot save enough to return to Korea, but never forget their daughter, Inja. Eugenia Kim skillfully contrasts the struggle of the Chos in America with the hardships of 1950s Korea. I found this to be a very heartwarming novel, with a fascinating window into Korean culture.
