What is LOVE? Love is the best feeling when given freely and purely. The first love we feel is from those who surround us, our parents, grandparents, and family. A parent's love is deep and unconditional offering support and protection. It's a powerful bond providing us with a sense of safety and worthiness. Even if … Continue reading What is Love
Online Dating
I've made it a practice to not edit or delete my posts. But for this topic, I need to edit because of the wonderful updates that are necessary! ~Updated 02/29/2020 I have had some of the most amazing experiences over the last few years of my career. The most satisfying is being an outreach librarian (serving … Continue reading Online Dating
New Year. New You.
In August 2016, my personal and professional life changed forever and I decided it was time to be brave and live my truth, even if it meant living it alone. I'd be lying if I said since then I sleep well, eat right, and get up smiling every day. Instead, I choose to step out … Continue reading New Year. New You.
Outside the Box
Recently, I had the honor of speaking at the American Library Association's annual conference, held at McCormick Place in Chicago, with my colleagues Ben Bahl, David Kelsey, and Sarah Yale. Our presentation "Outreach: Outside the Box" dealt with how librarians bring services into communities - outside of the library building "the box". Each of us … Continue reading Outside the Box
Choose Love.
Choose love. That sounds simple enough. Reflect on this. Do we choose love? I think love has more than one meaning. Different images come to mind with different types of love. The love of a parent. The love of a spouse. The love of a friend. The love of a child. The love of a … Continue reading Choose Love.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Dementia doesn't know age, race, or any other of our differences. It doesn't care if it's your Mom, your best friend, or your spouse. And though most cases happen to those those 65 and older, there are about 5% of cases that can occur earlier. Do you know someone with dementia? There are many … Continue reading Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Time to Reflect
Today marks 150 days since I returned from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Congress in Columbus, Ohio. I keep replaying my drive home and the evening of my arrival in my mind. My life has not been the same since, as my personal life has changed drastically. I spend time with my amazing … Continue reading Time to Reflect
Speed Networking: Making Professional Contacts
Speed networking is a fairly new concept that developed after the trending 'speed dating' of the late 1990's. The idea behind speed dating is to spend a few minutes with someone to see if you click. If you do, you share information for a future date. What is speed networking? It's an opportunity to connect with people in your … Continue reading Speed Networking: Making Professional Contacts
Libraries as Community Centers
Libraries are... When you hear the word library, what images come to mind? Books. Movies. Music. Magazines. Computers. Children storytime. A Learning Center. Fun family programs, like Comicopolis @ the White Oak Library. A cool place to read a newspaper in the summer. A warm place to attend a craft class in the winter. In the beginning of each year, … Continue reading Libraries as Community Centers
Got the customer service blues?
Do you have the customer service blues? Or, work with someone who does? Do you dread unlocking the doors in the morning for customers? Do you breathe a sigh of relief when a customer walks away without encountering a problem? Do you find yourself hoping the next customer doesn't ask questions? Are you judging people … Continue reading Got the customer service blues?
Changes, choices, check lists
When I was a children librarian, a series of books came out called "Choose Your Own Adventure" by R.A. Montgomery. The purpose of the books is to allow reluctant readers the freedom to choose their adventure. I believe he created more than readers, he gave kids the knowledge that they have freedom to make choices. … Continue reading Changes, choices, check lists
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is a phrase I often hear in my profession. It's a basic belief that you can take advantage of opportunities, formally and informally, and to learn at any age. Lifelong learning is both for professional and personal fulfillment, to improve yourself, your knowledge, and your skills. Libraries offer the perfect venue for these … Continue reading Lifelong Learning
The Elevator Speech
Whenever I think of an elevator speech, I think of the elevator at my library. The library is two floors - main floor and lower level. When I take the elevator, I ask patrons to press "5th floor". People usually respond by hesitating, laughing, or they look confused. The best response was from a man … Continue reading The Elevator Speech
Teamwork
Teamwork is commonly defined as the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient. Most people cringe when they hear the word, teamwork. Why? Because they have been part of a bad team experience. In a perfect world everyone would be used to working together for a common purpose. A true … Continue reading Teamwork
Partnerships: A Marketing Opportunity
Marketing is a vast world. For the purpose of this article, marketing is how we communicate what we do and build that message with others. There are many different types of marketing and ways of reaching our customers: in-person marketing, email marketing, paper marketing, social media and website marketing, etc. One of the many ways we … Continue reading Partnerships: A Marketing Opportunity
You landed an interview. Now what?
Each interview process is different - depending on the industry, depending on the employer. You prepared a cover letter, a resume, and possibly more to get to the interview part of the application process. If you haven't already done so, it's time to investigate the company. Learn as much as you can and prepare to … Continue reading You landed an interview. Now what?
Mental Health & Library Patrons
If you have read any of my posts, you know I believe in librarians. Above all, we are here to provide a service to the people in our communities. We assist in finding resources for educational or entertainment purposes and are committed to bringing technology and new research to our patrons. We respect privacy, freedom … Continue reading Mental Health & Library Patrons
Be Beautiful
Thinking about 2015 and looking forward to 2016. After completing my masters degree in December 2014, I decided to make 2015 a year to figure out how I could utilize my experiences to help others. I started by offering to help more people - resume assistance and volunteering. I also wanted to start writing again. … Continue reading Be Beautiful
When inspiration strikes
Whether you are a writer, a painter, or a librarian - there is nothing like that spark of inspiration. If you are privileged enough to attend conferences in your field, the part that is most fun is when an idea strikes you and you think "Oh! Yes! I can...." One of the best parts of … Continue reading When inspiration strikes
Own your library card
Lately I have been speaking to a lot of senior citizen groups. I was reluctant to state my obvious message - but I said it anyway. If a library appears on your property tax bill, like it does in my town, you are paying for library services and materials. So I ask, if you are … Continue reading Own your library card