Library Love

Saw this in my FB newsfeed.  One of my friends/relatives posted it and I just had to share it with you all!

The Joy of Books

I love books. 

No, I really, really do. 

I suppose that might seem obvious since I'm a librarian.  And my blog's name rather implies it. 

But you know....some might think that all teachers love teaching.  or their subject matter.  or kids, in general and that isn't always the case, but I digress...

I love the way books smell and the very heft of them in my hands.  I love the way they look on shelves and the magic I feel reading a good one. 

I'm not a technophobe---my masters degree is actually in Instructional Technology----and I'm adding ebooks to my library.  And maybe someday I'll even care to own a Nook or Kindle or whatever myself. 

I assure you ebooks will always be a standby, not a first choice for me unless I'm traveling.  And really, maybe not even then (I'm a beach girl.  Water + Technology = Ugly Mess)

An eReader just doesn't give me the warm fuzzies the way an actual book with actual pages does.

Whatever your preference, I hope you read.  Read what you like.  Read what gives you joy. 

The Joy of Books.

Speaking of which--enjoy the way-too-cool video above.

Read on, Gentle Reader.  Read on.

Mrs. S

meh.

I've had a cold or sinus infection since before we rang in the new year.  I've become accustomed to waking up with crusty eyes and am now always prepared with enough tissue and cough drops to stock a Walgreens.  My morning coffee is especially appreciated as it eases my creaky-froggy throat.  I sound like I'm trying to be Kathleen Turner's stand-in.

With all that said, I've been feeling just meh.  I want to be up and at 'em.  I want to feel filled with the positivity and vigor a new year generally ushers in for me.

Currently I just feel more like hunkering down in a pair of flannel pajamas underneath my oh-so-cozy down comforter and only waking up for a spot of tea and some light reading before napping yet again.

With only one more day left of my sick days for the entire school year, that scenario--however lovely it may be--ain't happenin'.

So---I've made NY resolutions.  One of them involves writing more in this blog.
 *yes, it's a resolution again. quit laughing!*

but more than likely my goals will remain along the lines of dragging my sorry hiney out of bed each morning and functioning at whatever level I can muster throughout the day until I can crawl back under the covers again each night until I am fully recovered from this ick.

meh.

Read on, gentle readers. Read on.
Mrs. S.

Teen Read Week

I'm incredibly late in posting this---life has been rather hectic----but we had an amazing time during our Teen Read Week celebration this year!

Murder mysteries:

 

An author/storyteller visit from Rickey Pittman sharing information, stories and songs about Texas in the time of the Civil War:

An amazing visit from Charlotte Henley at the Ellen Trout Zoo AND the rollout of our One Book, One School selection: Neal Shusterman's The Schwa was Here.  We had several contests, too!

Had a GREAT time---and I can't WAIT until next year.

Read on, Gentle Readers, Read on.

Mrs. S

A sweet gift!

One of my darling new 6th grade reader-girls came by the other morning with a sweet gift.  It really made my day, so I just had to share.

You know, sometimes we as librarians and teachers are not validated for all that we do.  And then there are those moments that just mean the world---when a student or teacher lets you know just how special and important the job of a librarian really is to them. How important books are to them. How important YOU are to them. 

I just had one of those moments.

I booktalked Brenda A. Ferber's book Julia's Kitchen to her class last week.  She read it and loved it (as I knew she would!) and then took the time to actually BAKE a treat and wrap it up with care to deliver especially to me.

Oh, what a beautiful morning!  Oh, what a beautiful day!

Heavens, this made me happy!

Read on, gentle readers. Read on.

Mrs. S

Shoe Lust

Okay, I'll admit it...I'm absolutely ga-ga over my new shoes.

I first heard about them on one of my librarian list-serves (which for some odd reason right now I can READ but not POST on---but that's another story) in a thread on comfy but cute shoes.

I was intrigued, but not convinced. Until now....

Can you say A-MAZING!

Now 1 pair just wasn't enough, so I bought two.

That isn't going to be the end of it, though. No, now I want
MORE,
     MORE,
          MORE!

You gotta try them for yourself---believe me, you will be hooked!  My feet are thanking me everyday.

http://www.alegriashoeshop.com/
:)

Off and running...

The school year is off and running and I'm happy to report that nearly all the students at my campus now have library books in hand.  Had I not had to leave early Thursday and take Friday off due to my own little bundles of joy being under the weather the entire student body would now be bookish.  Or at least able to fake it while holding an actual book.  ;)

Even though we've just barely gotten started, the year has already proven to be quite interesting. Elements of a classic mystery novel abound---
There is a lot of good news too, though....  My principal definitely supports me and the library despite budget and personnel cuts, the teachers at my school are INCREDIBLE to work with, and the students have been amazing.  You know you have a GREAT gig when kids come up to you with a hug and a "thank you for the awesome book" comment.

Our Playaway audio books have flown off the shelves and even the Texana collection has seen some action already in this first week of library use.  Oh, and I can't forget the mention the 4 oh-so-fabulous student assistants I have the last period of the day.  They completely and totally rock.

Yep, all in all, life is good....and nobody loves a good classic mystery novel more than this librarian.  ;)

I'll leave you with the weekly quote posted by our new superintendent:

 "To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them."  --Charles de Montesquie


I love it...and I believe firmly in the power of servant leadership, of listening to and valuing the ideas of others, of letting people voice their opinions without taking offense...of being a professional..of bragging on the amazing feats of those around me...and guess what?
I'm not alone.

Not by a long shot.






This darling image from: http://scrapologie.blogs.com/scrapologie_creating_art_/vintage-images---school-learning/