Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Launching a New Library Program by Natasha Goldberg

This past year, as strapping men and women in hard hats frequently traversed our library's 
grand staircase in pursuit of a 38,000 square foot addition to our marvelous school, the librarians decided (wisely, we thought) to lay low.  No matter how many beautiful articles Laura Bishop might pen about the value of school-wide reads, 2017 didn't seem like the right moment to dream big in terms of our library program. Nevertheless, our eyes glistened (with excitement? tears?) when the charismatic Head of Middle School Humanities approached us with the idea of launching a new type of summer reading program for our middle schoolers (grades 4-7).

Upon their return to school, Chapin’s middle school students will be clustering to discuss a common theme (kindness) as it appeared in the books they chose to read over the summer.  The hope?  To give seventh graders in their last year of middle school the chance to be leaders in mixed-age discussions while reinforcing two cherished community norms (reading + kindness!)

As I sit at home awaiting my own participation in these "Choose Kind" breakout sessions, I thought it might be -- well, kind, really --  to briefly share what I learned from getting this not-quite-Book-Day program off the ground.

      Never be anything short of super-enthusiastic about a new community program, no matter how ill-timed it seems.  Negative chatter is the bane of any school.  I indulged in it briefly and got called out on it by a beloved colleague. Until then, I didn’t realize how desperately administration members relied on me as a standard-bearer of positivity.  Lesson learned.

     Put most everything else aside -- and by that, I mean all those nagging everyday tasks -- recataloging and weeding come to mind -- and focus on the new program instead.  In the end, you’ll never be remembered for your perfect collection….but a new program?  Yes.  Or, at least -- hopefully.

     Set up a time for the kids to physically interact with books that support the new program.  In my case, it was hosting a book tasting of books that met the “Choose Kind” criteria. This was in the final days of school (no small scheduling feat given all the end-of-year activities) but the girls were so eager to mingle and write their shortlist on a homespun bookmark.  In the end, I was able to guilt most of my colleagues into giving up 15 minutes of their classes that final week so that the girls could each choose a book appropriate to their personality and reading level.

     Keep reading this blog and attending HVLA’s wonderful meetings.  It’s a great way to force yourself to dream big and stay open.  And the post-meeting social always reassures me that no, I’m not going crazy, our job really is that complicated.

Hope to see you all at our next event! 


Natasha Goldberg, Middle School Librarian, Chapin

Monday, August 7, 2017

Summer Reads for Work

Summer is not just a time to catch up on reading for pleasure, but also gives librarians a chance to read books specifically for work.  The HVLA Board asked members to share a book read, to read, or in the process of being read for work over the summer.  

It's interesting to note that there is crossover between some of the summer books being read for pleasure (previously posted) and for work.  It's clear that work and pleasure aren't mutually exclusive for many HVLA librarians!

Below are the book covers (in alphabetical order):

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Summer (Fun) Reads - the scoop from librarians

Summertime can be ideal for catching up on reading for pleasure, especially for HVLA members, who often don't have time during the school year.  The HVLA board asked the HVLA community to share a book read, currently being read, or to be read during this summer.  

Here's what HVLA members are reading (in alphabetical order):


Maria said, "I am reading Zinn's People's History for a book club through the Human Rights Pen Pal group that matches incarcerated folks with people on the outside. I thought the graphic novel might be a good way to supplement it."


Constance said, "Gorgeous writing, makes you see and feel what our forests were like in a world before mass industry, electricity, and clear-cutting."


Susan said, "Loved Wolf Hollow."


Sarah said, "Starred, but controversial - Loved it!"


Angela said, "I think of this book as The Monuments Men, but for librarians. Can't wait to read it."


Hanna said, "Highly recommended by my colleagues."


An HVLA member said, "It was a very original first person narrative. I couldn't put it down."



Patricia said, "It's a mash up of science, historical fiction, horror, and feminism set during the Victorian era."


Michael said, "Recommended by a close friend. The intertwining of a memoir and a true crime case together made for a richer book about the two of them than if they were a stand alone."



Jennifer said, "I'm a big fan of the author and and also enjoying reading memoirs."



 Gili said, "I chose Stevenson's book because I had heard his quote, 'The opposite of poverty is not wealth. In too many places, the opposite of poverty is justice.' After hearing this, I knew I had to learn more from this brilliant, articulate lawyer fighting for justice."


Gili said, "So many layers and such an original storyline. I'm perpetually in awe of women graphic novelists. I can't wait for the second one to come out in October!"


Laura read The Other Einstein.


Cheryl said, "Saw it on NetGalley, was drawn to the cover and description, and publishers were promoting it at ALA. It's set in NYC housing projects (Harlem). Protagonist is an African-American boy whose passion is building with Legos. It feels like an authentic picture of life in an under-served community, and I love the motif of architecture throughout."


Christine said, "This book was recommended to me and is absolutely one of the best YA Fantasy books I have read in a really long time. The concept is so original and different from anything else out there. The character development and world-building are spectacular- I can't wait for the next one!"


Lisa said, "It came highly recommended by a friend and I have a deep need to know the world can swerve and rediscover its humanity."


Megan said, "It's a novella so it's a quick read. It's AMAZING!! Will be a great book for discussion."


Eve said, "Adam Haslett is a terrific writer of realistic fiction--the kind that probes people's psyches. It's the second book of his that I've read. In Union Atlantic, he delves into the not-so-ethical world of finance, but don't worry if you're not an expert in this field....the drama between the characters will carry you through."


Stacy said, "I loved the first one. This one is just as good!"


Mary said, "Because I love her books--she's dark and funny at the same time, and she never disappoints. Some people characterize this and a few of her other books as 'crime,' but it still reads like a regular novel. Great characters."


Elizabeth said, "I chose tribute in prose and verse to Alexie's artistic, abusive, extraordinary mother Lillian Cox Alexie because of my affection and respect for the author's other works, including the YA The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and the picture book Thunder Boy Jr. It's also a great read for those interested in Native identity, mental illness, the effects of the American colonization and cycles of abuse."


Laura read The Zookeeper's Wife.