Out of the mouths of babes!

On Wednesday mornings I lead two "Transition to Twos" storytimes, back-to-back. And that means I just can't help but smile all morning long! Last Wednesday was no exception...but the cutest story happened behind the scenes. I have had this particular little guy since he was in my baby class over 1 year ago. He is delightful because he narrates his life. For example, when he is getting into a chair he says, "I am getting into a chair." When he is walking, he says "I am walking." Last week I gave each toddler two shakers and while the music was playing I encouraged them to jump with their shakers. This little guy was jumping and leaning a bit so that his grandfather reached out to steady him so he wouldn't topple over. The cutest story began as they sat back down. An older patron came into the library using a cane. My little guy noticed him and asked, "Grandpa, what's that?" "That's a cane. It helps that man walk." To which my little guy responded, "I want a cane!" Perfect - what every toddler needs as they, too, need help walking: a cane! My job makes me smile:)

Tips for Tweeters...

I have been tweeting for about one year but aside from the initial "here's how you tweet, Mom" introductory lesson from my older daughter I have not really dug down deep into the art of tweet. So last week I picked up "The Twitter Book" by Tim O'Reilly and Sarah Milstein and worked my way through the real scoop on tweeting. Some of the most valuable tips had to do with websites that exist to help the Twitter user. For example, you can use this website to find people and organizations that interest you. If you want to track current trends then go here. Of course, as this book explains, you can simply follow @TweetingTrends to watch for the latest! Of particular interest to me, as a phone Twitter user, is the star feature. This allows me to mark it as something I want to come back to later when I have more time. The tweet is captured on a favorite list and I usually read it later on my laptop. Recommendation for the day? Borrow "The Twitter Book" from your local library - Happy Tweeting!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss-style!

The library hills are alive...with Dr. Seussness, in all of his glory! Here is my display in honor of him at the Middletown Public Library.

To Read or Not to Read?

One of the greatest ironies of library school, in my opinion, is that during those years of classes with homework, projects, collaboration and readings, there is very little time left to devote to keeping abreast of current literature. It becomes a matter of skipping sleep or skimming the required weekly readings, neither of which are valid avenues to success! I scramble to find time to read the latest juvenile fiction that all the kids at the library are putting on hold. This year's Newbery winner? Caldecott award? Not yet read. Taken home, put on the nightstand, carried from room to room or even left in the car, in hopes of filling that elusive "free" moment. It seems that in our field reading time should be built into the curriculum. Shouldn't we have an answer for the fourth grader who seeks us out at the circ desk, timidly asking us for a suggestion for her school project on historical fiction? Shouldn't we be ready for the parent who demands a review of the popular series her son wants to read? "Is it too old for him? Tell me about the content." We want to read...we just can't seem to find the time!

Drooling Over Design

The project due this week for class is "Memo to an Architect." We are challenged to re-design the school library of our mentor librarian. While researching on the internet I found so many beautiful library settings! Check out these designs! It's hard to keep reality in mind when our project allows unlimited space and unlimited funds. Of course we must look beyond the furniture and finishes to create an identity that speaks to the school population and community needs. What do I need now? More time to complete such a daunting task!

Rock Star!

Before last week's "Transitions to Twos" storytime one toddler who has been with me since "Babies with Books" walked up to me and said, "Hi, Miss Terri!" During the past 1 1/2 years she has hardly said a word! Taken aback, I greeted her enthusiastically and asked her a question to which she replied, "Hi, Miss Terri!" She said it several more times and then storytime began. After storytime her mother sought me out and said, "You know, Terri, you are a rock star to these toddlers! Everytime we turn the corner on the street of the library Megan calls out from the back seat 'Miss Terri, Miss Terri!'" Now that was a cool moment!