Evaluating literature and disrupting ‘single stories’

Among my studies this week, authors Tschida, Ryan, and Tichnor (2014) cited two important contributions to the practice of building diverse library collections.

Outsider perspectives in ‘diverse’ books

Citing the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, the American Library Association, and J.C. McNair; educators Tschida, Ryan, and Ticknor state that “authors and illustrators representing diverse races, classes, religions, sexualities, abilities, and other areas of marginalization” are, when they are published at all, “routinely left out of classrooms” (2014, p. 28).

UUA Common Read in UUCSR library

The Unitarian Universalist Association has chosen its Common Read for 2023-2024, and you can find a copy in the lending library, Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Santa Rosa.

First-chapter Friday : School for Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani

Each Friday that school is in session, I share the link to a read-aloud preview of a book from SRCSA library. The “First-chapter Friday” selection for Aug. 25, 2023 is The School for Good and Evil, by Soman Chainani.

Readers’ advisory as evolving practice

An idea that stood out for me this week for my studies in librarianship was the evolving practice of readers’ advisory (RA) to focus on the reader.

First-chapter Friday : Amari and the Night Brothers, by B. B. Alston

Each Friday I share the link to a read-aloud preview of a book from SRCSA library. The “First-chapter Friday” selection for Aug. 18, 2023 is Amari and the Night Brothers, by B. B. Alston.

‘Library contract’ for students to check out books

Here is a video that was recorded one year ago, but it is relevant again as we enter a new school year. As part of getting ready for a new year in SRCSA library, I’ll be collecting responses for the “library contract.” Parents and guardians will acknowledge that their child is responsible for the books they check out. Parents and guardians will also acknowledge that they are responsible for discussing with their child, those books that seem a good fit for them.
https://youtu.be/9vIW9d5Qdc4

UCM, LIS 5400 : Introductions

I am taking graduate courses in Library and Information Science through the online program at University of Central Missouri. For Fall 2023, I am taking LIS 5400, “Children’s and Young Adult Literature.” I created this video to introduce myself to classmates.

Netflix drama ‘Heartstopper’ affirms importance of libraries

At The Mary Sue, D.R. Medlen discusses Isaac, a character on the Netflix drama “Heartstopper,” as Isaac explores his identity. “As a bookworm, it’s only natural that when Isaac is at a loss, he heads to his school library for answers. But what if Isaac had no library to go to? What would this shy, bookish kid do if he had questions that he couldn’t ask anyone else?”

Free school supplies at Sonoma County Library

The 2023-2024 school year is almost here, and Sonoma County Library is offering free school supplies to students going into Kindergarten through 12th grade. Shop for school supplies with the library’s Otto Bucks and use art supplies to decorate your backpack. One backpack and set of school supplies per student — first come, first served — while supplies last. Check the library’s calendar of events for dates, times, and library-branch locations.

https://events.sonomalibrary.org/events/upcoming?keywords=money%20smart