Library for All

Library for All: "To reach those who have little or no access to books, we are building a digital library and educational platform, designed for low bandwidth environments." First stop: Haiti.

I have signed up to be an Ambassador for this noteworthy nonprofit (what I mean to say is--in all seriousness--the coolest cause ever), and am in the process of becoming a reader in the fundraiser, Read-A-Thon. I have actively sought monies for running in 5K events before (namely, MS, BITM, and Mental Health), but I never thought of reading for a cause.****

****Did I mention this is the coolest cause ever? It is.

More to come, as I continue this discovery, and get my fundraising page up-and-running. Er, reading. Once I do, you will find it here: Melodie Ashley's Read-A-Thon Fundraising Page. Thanks in advance for any donations, and for all you do to help improve the lives of others.

What a Librarian Looks Like...

THIS is what a librarian looks like.

The Heretic's Daughter

And, speaking of female authors, I'm currently reading this gem for the Third Friday Book Discussion at Mohave County Library, Lake Havasu City.

Books by Women

I overheard a male patron tell his wife, "I think I'm going to get this book."
She looked down at the book in his hand, and said, "Are you sure? You never like female writers."
He responded, "You're right. There just aren't any good books by women. I better get a different one."
She agreed.

I refrained from offering a list of amazing women writers because, sometimes (often), people simply don't want such advice. My mother would quote Robert Heinlein, "Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig."

When I returned home from work that day, THIS was in my feed: The top 50 books by women authors to read for #ReadWomen2014, as recommended by Flavorwire's Michelle Dean, January 29, 2014.

I am considering the creation of a similar bibliography. Perhaps I will seek my Director's permission to kindly share the list with patrons... right after I finish reading all the books on Michelle Dean's list....

#ReadWomen2014

Monday Holiday

It's so nice to have the extra day off for a Monday holiday, such as MLK or President's Day. Yet, with that extra day, there is always the consideration of what awaits us come Tuesday morning....

 

#BookDrop #SaveOlivia

The Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the U.S.

In 2010, Caroline Stanley wrote an article for Flavorwire, listing the top ten "most beautiful public libraries in the U.S." Complete with pictures. I've only been to one of those, that being in my home town of Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, I didn't get any photographs of it because I wasn't a tourist back then.*

My bucket list already included three of the remaining libraries, and I have now added the other six. Check out Stanley's Flavorwire list of The Most Beautiful Libraries in the U.S. Are there any other libraries you might add to the list? I hear San Diego Public Library is looking like a strong contender.

~~~

*Word of Advice: Act like a tourist the next time you visit the family back home. Act like a tourist in your own backyard. Act like a tourist always. There's lots to see.

Mount Charleston Library

Surrounded by evergreens and mountain air, this library is a lovely place to cozy up with a good book. Just a short drive from Las Vegas, one can discover snow in the winter months and cooler temperatures in the blistering summer months. It's the hidden playground only the locals know about. And, just in case the tall pines, fresh breezes, and rising nature weren't enough, they threw in a library for good measure.

 

 http://www.lvccld.org/about/branch_info.cfm?id=22

Mohave County Library, Bullhead City

Once again, I had limited time and didn't manage to properly immerse myself in the stacks for a wholly accurate review. However, I can say this library was a fresh, unexpected surprise. Someone told me the building is the newest of all the public libraries in Mohave County, so that's a definite bonus. The color scheme of orange and green is current and engaging. Overall, the library felt clean and vibrant; and the staff members were all smiling and friendly. The security sits guard at the entrance, protecting the materials with kindness, and greeting all the patrons with a warm air.

 

http://mohavecountylibrary.info/mohave/bullhead.asp

Black Belt Librarian

I completed the Black Belt Librarian training today. I thought it sounded a bit cheesy, but it was actually very informative. So, I'm recommending the book, The Black Belt Librarian, by Warren Graham. Whatever your level of library expertise, this guy can teach you a thing or two. I just wish I already owned the book, and could have gotten it signed. Thanks, Mr. Graham!

 
READ MORE HERE: http://blackbeltlibrarians.com/drupal/

UCSD Geisel Library

Named after the brilliant Theodore Geisel (aka: Dr. Seuss), this library includes a fabulous statue of the man and his famous Cat. The area is surrounded by a thick forest of eucalyptus trees and an unusual piece of house-art in the distance. Does anyone know the story of that hanging house? It's pretty fantastic. UCSD Geisel Library makes me want to go back to school. I wonder if they offer a PhD in Library Science...

http://libraries.ucsd.edu/

San Diego Public Library, Point Loma/Hervey Branch

This location has everything my heart desires. Ocean air, trees, a bagel shop, Thai food, coffee, and, of course, BOOKS. The surrounding grounds are well manicured with exquisite life. It sits amidst the hustle-bustle of the city, so it may get noisier as the day goes on. Yet, we arrived early and enjoyed some sweet morning serenity.

http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/projects/pointloma.shtml

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

The drive up to this library is magnificent. The view from the grounds is stunning. Unfortunately, we were on our way out of town, and didn't have time to spend inside. We really wanted a quick browse, but weren't willing to pay the $21.00 ticket price for such a short stay.

Thousand Oaks Library, Grant R. Brimhall Branch

Unfortunately, this library was closed when we visited, but the outside was still such a treat!

The Children's Library was in a class by itself.

And the adjoining Conejo Creek North Park was like a chunk of heaven. I swear I heard angels singing. And there were white feathers everywhere! I could fully imagine checking out a library book and spending the day reading it at the park. Just add coffee. Ahhh...

http://www.toaks.org/library/

Thousand Oaks Library, Newbury Park Branch

This was a quaint, quiet space. We arrived just before closing, so we didn't get to peruse too much. The brief time we spent gave us a sense of the literary love within. Staff members and patrons were quite kind, and didn't seem too annoyed by our touristy behavior. The surrounding area is lush with green, and a crisp coolness filled the air. This branch is considerably smaller than the Thousand Oaks, Grant R. Brimhall Library, and lacked the adjoining park, yet it is still a lovely space with a nice collection.

http://www.toaks.org/library/

Santa Barbara Public Library

What a beautiful, beautiful library. It's like a fresh breath of springtime. No, really. The self-check machines look like something out of the future. The teen area is separate from the little kids' area (which parents of both age-groups will appreciate). There is a stunning array of fish in a large tank to stimulate the sight sense. The size and magnitude of the collection is pleasantly overwhelming. They sell canvas book-bags for tourists, er, patrons, for around $20. Of course, the money goes back into the beautiful library. Along with this fantastic house of books, visitors may also appreciate the artist gallery, where talent is showcased for the enjoyment of all. There were a few homeless people, as seems to be the case with most (all?) libraries, but even they had an aura of groundedness. Perhaps it's the sunshine, or the ocean air, or the abundance of greenery. What ever it is, I think this may just be one of the best libraries I have ever visited. Did I mention how beautiful it is?

http://sbplibrary.org/

Mohave County Library, LHC

With its 50,000 residents, Lake Havasu City is still considered a small town. However, it is also host to thousands of "Snow Birds" each Winter season. These are the folks who leave their blustery residences behind to fly south for a few months. Many camp out in their RVs; while others own part-time homes here. Upon first entrance, one might consider the library in Havasu to be small and incomparable to those in larger cities. However, actual experience with the library proves otherwise. The new book selection is always current and expansive. Staff members joke that they are the new "Blockbuster." Can I say that? Now that Blockbuster has gone belly-up? At any rate, the selection is superb.

They also have a lot of fun programs. Older patrons appreciate the free computer classes. Teens enjoy the T-Zone (complete with 3 televisions, 3 game consoles, 10 computers, 3 MACs, and, of course, BOOKS). And, in the Kid-Zone, the youngest patrons can attend Story-Time or Sunshine Soup, plus a slew of ongoing activities.** **The Dia de los Muertos celebration was one of my favorites.

This library also has the Book Nook Cafe, where patrons can buy a snack from the vending machine, grab a book, and eat at one of three tables in a quaint atmosphere. Friends of the Library sell hundreds of items in the Book Nook, and some books are as cheap as a quarter! There's also a free magazine and puzzle exchange program, so take one and leave one.

While black-and-white print jobs and copies will cost the patron a "whopping" fifteen cents per page, the free fax machine remains a highly prized aspect of this library. As with most libraries, the Lake Havasu City Library also offers free wifi and computer usage. Just use your library card or ask for a guest pass.

NOTE: Many library users still don't know about the free databases offered. Whether you want to learn a new language, gain homework help, or research your ancestry, check out your local library to see what they have subscribed to. In addition, be sure to check out their availability of E-books.
You just can't beat FREE.
http://mohavecountylibrary.info/mohave/lakehavasu.asp

Summerlin Library, Las Vegas Clark County Library District

I volunteered here for seven months in Circulations, Nov 2012 to July 2013, while I was earning my Masters of Library Science degree from Clarion University (PA). The staff members are all super friendly, and they all love to read. It was a pleasant environment, and got me in better physical shape than I had been, so I am now (mostly) able to keep up with the book drop at my full-time library position in Mohave County, Arizona. Summerlin Library might be described as your neighborhood library. It hosts a variety of fun events, and has a diverse selection of materials. They also showcase local art, sell books for dirt-cheap, and show support for community affairs. It really is the best library in the LV area, in my humble opinion.

http://www.lvccld.org/about/branch_info.cfm?id=8