I love the idea of Little Free Libraries! My community is putting up a covered school bus stop and I am going to ask if we can build in a LFL.

I use Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

They have millions of images and a good search tool

I too went from education to librarianship. Like you, I find the two very relatable. I have been teaching at Fresno State for years as an adjunct professor. I first started working at a library to augment my income, but found that I enjoyed my library days more than my teaching days, so I have gone full time at the library and no longer teach. I…[Read more]

@maggierogers Thank you Maggie.

I love the idea of creating an autobiography of sorts by answering questions. Simple questions can trigger great memories. I lost my mother a few month ago, and quite often, I think of a question I want to ask, and then realize that opportunity is gone. How I wish she had participated in something like Storyworth or StoryCorps to keep her memories…[Read more]

I am encouraged to see libraries offering adulting classes. Check out what these libraries are doing https://medium.com/everylibrary/learning-to-adult-at-the-library-41403654efbf.

Also, ALA has a book on Teaching Life Skills at the Library , albeit expensive: https://alastore.ala.org/lifeskills

Great topic! The discussion group that I lead at my library spent quite a bit of time discussing the need for high schools to offer, and perhaps require, classes on life skills. Because of budget restraints, these classes have been removed from schools, as well as vocational classes that would teach a skill and employment readiness. I wonder if…[Read more]

Library by mail is a system wide program for all Mendocino County Libraries.

I don’t know why not. It would take so doing to get cars (or bikes) and delivery staff, but it would be a great service.

Regarding your comment about libraries needing to be accessible, our library has just started a new program for our shut-ins. It is called “Library by Mail. Patrons can request items using the online catalog, or by phone, and their selections are packaged in a reusable canvas bag and mailed directly to them – for free. The checkout due dates are l…[Read more]

@matilda Not exactly. We have a dog program, but the dog just hangs out while the children listen to an animal themed story. We then do an animal themed craft. We call it Paws and Tales.

I love your statement ” we should stray away from old conventional notions of strict binaries of learning.” It is so true. So many people don’t do well with the ‘traditional’ methods of learning. Yesterday, while on a walk, I saw a teacher with his entire 5th grade class sitting around a creek. They were collecting frog eggs to take back to the…[Read more]

@matilda Congratulations on having that done! I bet it feel great to have that behind you!

What stands out to me is the amount of community involvement. Since the plan so directly affects them, it is obvious to include them in making decisions. The library I work at recently created a 5 year strategic plan and was on the team of 7 members made up of library employees, friends volunteers, Advisory Board member, and one County…[Read more]

@michael Thank you for checking in on us. I am doing ok trying to balance work and school. I feel lucky that I am working in a library so all the material I am studying I can apply to my job.

Yes! A space just for STEM would have huge benefits.

I agree that starting on common ground really helps a relationship build. It is a tactic I use when at a large event with people I don’t know, like a conference. I can be as simple as, “I see you have a Starbucks coffee. Isn’t it great to start the day with a nice cup of coffee.” Then boom, you are sharing stories. Or, in the very least, starting to talk.