Whether or not we are willing to admit it, most of us have Googled our names to see what hits we would get. The results can range from comical to downright humbling. Few of us, however, have been so bold as the young boy who recently stopped by the library. His mother found him on the computer catalog diligently reviewing his results. When she asked him what subject he was … [Read more...] about Delusions of Grandeur
Life as a Librarian
The Ultimate Compliment
During storytime one morning, I overheard two parents discussing various ideas on how to deal with uncooperative or disobedient children. One parent said, "When my son is uncooperative, I just tell him we won't go to … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Compliment
How Funny Was It?
Having conversations with children is one of the best aspects of this job. The following conversation is a terrific example of why this is so. A child I recognized as one I had helped select picture books about police officers was back again, so I asked him how he liked the books. Referring to Sherman Crunchley, he said, and I quote, … [Read more...] about How Funny Was It?
Cramming for the GED
I saw a sign years ago that I would like to put up at the library. It states "Poor Planning on Your Part Does Not Constitute an Emergency on Our Part." Such a sign would have been handy the other day when a patron came in requesting, as she put it, books about reading, math, social sciences, and biology. As my assistant worked to find books fitting this very generic … [Read more...] about Cramming for the GED
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
For good reason, library policy states that only parents or legal guardians can sign for library cards for children. I have met many well-meaning grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others to whom I've had to recite this policy. As an extra precaution, we ask not "Are you the child's mother?" but "What is your relationship to the child?" When someone does claim legal … [Read more...] about Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!