Saturday, April 27, 2019

‘Brief’ catalog records, rehabilitated

Chromebook displaying a book's library catalog record
This item’s catalog record includes a summary and identifies grade-level interest

One of the ways I utilize my training in library technical services is to augment “brief” catalog records. A “brief” catalog record contains only the bare minimum of information about an item in a library. Maybe it includes the item’s name, the name of the author, the ISBN, and the assigned call number, maybe the name of the publisher and the date of publication.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

SRCSA library’s ‘Scholar Dollar Store’

Scholar Dollar store merchandise on library counter. In background, a large box labeled 'COST: FIVE SCHOLAR DOLLARS PER POSTER.' Leaning against it are two colorful portfolios of bookmarks, each labeled, 'COST: ONE ROCK STAR EACH.' More bookmarks are lying fanned-out on counter-top. There is a jar of black pencils, with a sign on holder sticking up out of it, saying 'Narwhal Pencils cost 1 Scholar Dollar.' There is also a tin box of multi-colored pencils, propped at an angle upright on a book-stand

Check out the new and improved “Scholar Dollar Store,” which I operate out of the library at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts. Appreciation to School for the Arts Community Organization, which provided available wares. In so many ways, this organization supports and enhances our school, and providing merchandise for the Scholar Dollar store is one of those myriad ways. Posters cost five “Rock Stars” or “Scholar Dollars” apiece, and pencils and bookmarks each cost one. Among store highlights, school-logo “Narwhal” pencils are especially popular.

Monday, April 15, 2019

National Poetry Month in SRCSA library

Laminated collage-sign, color prints from various book covers arranged against yellow background. Along top edge, above words that read 'National Poetry Month,' are images from Rebound by  Kwame Alexander, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, a portrait of Shel Silverstein, and a blue pocket with white paper sticking out of it. Words on the pocket read, 'Poem in Your Pocket.' Along lower edge of sign, below the central lettering, are images from The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, I've Lost My Hippopotamus by Jack Prelutsky, Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes, and Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

This collage, featuring print-outs from the cover-art for various books of poetry, is part of a display honoring National Poetry Month in SRCSA library. With it, I put out books of poetry from the library collection. We serve a Kindergarten through eighth-grade population, so my hope is that there is something for all ages represented among the images and books.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Book-cleaning rags from old towel

Stack of folded green terry-cloth rags on library counter

“Greener” tools for book care in the library: this stack of book-cleaning rags were repurposed from an old towel. I cut the towel into smaller pieces, and bound the raw edges with my Serger. Now they’re ready to embark on their new life, used for cleaning books.

SR libraries Friends sale, last day is today

Pile of books on counter-top, arranged covers face-up

Made some great finds in children's books during the spring book sale, hosted by Friends of the Santa Rosa Libraries at the Veterans Memorial Building (1351 Maple Ave. in Santa Rosa). Here's a photo showing a few of the selections that I brought back with me. If you haven't yet had a chance to visit the Friends spring book sale, it continues today (Monday, April 8) from 2 to 6 p.m. Today is "Bag Day;" for $5 per bag, you can stuff a bag full of books. Proceeds benefit Santa Rosa libraries in the Sonoma County Library system.

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Measure Y supports book-repair class, makes me better librarian

Bag of book repair supplies on library counter. Items in clear plastic bag include a pair of knitting needles, strip of labels on printer-feed paper, and roll of tape. Behind the bag on counter is a jar of paint-brushes and, to the right is a box of supplies that include a pica pole, scissors, and sheets of colored-dot labels.

In honor of National Library Week, which begins today, here’s appreciation to Sonoma County Library and supporters of Measure Y. That investment by voters helped to support a recent book-mending class, which will enhance my ability to provide great customer service at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts. Here’s a bag of book-mending supplies that I brought back from the class; I’ve already put them to use in SRCSA library.

Teen Poetry Slam at Rohnert Park library

Promotional graphic for Teen Poetry Slam with teen poet Estrella Pacheco. Image of microphone to the right of text, with a circular cut-out of Estrella's face below and to left in image

Here’s something that our middle-school students might be interested in: a Teen Poetry Slam at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library. “This Sonoma County-wide event is open to performers between the ages of 13-19, and Sonoma County teens will also serve as the emcees, judges, and scorekeepers.” The order of events includes an open mic at 3 p.m., a performance by featured teen poet Estrella Pacheco at 3:30 p.m., and the Poetry Slam at 4 p.m. Sign-ups for the open mic will be taken at the door. To compete in the Poetry Slam, email temerson@sonomalibrary.org.