Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

If you put in the words "October," and "Robert Frost" in the search queue on this blog this poem would come up multiple times. As I've said several years (I'm sure), I've shared this before, but this is my go-to fall poem. I read it every October, and am reminded of a very much younger blustering me trying to recite this before my 11th grade English class. Happy fall. "October" O hushed October morning mild, Thy leaves have ripened to the fall; Tomorrow’s wind, if it be wild, Should waste them all. The crows above the forest call; Tomorrow they may form and go. O hushed October morning mild, Begin the hours of this day slow. Make the day seem to us less brief. Hearts not averse to being beguiled, Beguile us in the way you know. Release one leaf at break of day; At noon release another leaf; One from our trees, one far away. Retard the sun with...

10. Don't be surprised if you see lots of comfortable shoes with all kinds of outfits. Librarians are about practicality. 9. At some point during the week you will hear discussion of the latest book or comic book/graphic novel turned into movie, opinions about the actors selected, and who really should have been cast. 8. You will see a few too many programs on whatever the latest craze in libraries is in the current year...STEM or Makerspaces ring a bell? 7. You can play a sort of Where's Waldo that includes: one librarian wearing some kind of kitchy library swag, i.e. due date slip scarves or socks; a librarian wearing an ironic cat sweater; a few famous authors, an endless sea of characters wearing glasses. 6.  You and your friends play "Shoulder Bag Show-off." Winner points out the most shoulder bags touting a specific library name, or a book seller. Double points if the bag displays "famous" mascots like Penworthy Bear, or the Baker & Taylo...

I am flummoxed with life these days. And equally flummoxed at how everything seems to happen all at once. After 3 years of going after the Board about getting our building renovated and an addition done--a failed project started by the Director before me--we are so close, though I am learning this is an annoyingly long process with LOTS of stops and starts. We are in the hellish limbo of them meeting our budget, so we can post it for construction bids--we are hoping to do this in October. But, then again, we were hoping to do this in September, so who knows? Just received notice from one of my staff that his last day is in a month. Normally fall is slow for us, but with the building project, a Library Renewal Levy on the November ballot (and the speaking engagements that go with that!), and the planning of our centennial activities for 2017, and all my "normal," I feel like I'm "drowning, and someone hands you a baby." (Jim Gaffigan) On top of the work st...

Just found this draft of a blog that I typed up back in February. I was going to delete it, but even just reading the damn thing made me school girl happy and blushy, so thought I would share it. I hope this slice of cheese brings a smile to your face, or makes you believe in love again, or whatever.  Valentines Day officially ended nearly a half an hour ago, and yet I can't stop thinking about how different this year was; how completely, ridiculously happy-in-love I am. ChicagoBoy and I have been on a trajectory that is harder to navigate than a damn star chart, even my closest friends have a hard time remembering the whens and the for how-longs of this complicated thing. But the last few months have been nothing but awesome, lots of firsts, and lots of growing and sharing and blah blah blah...until this: we're officially a couple. Like we've been for 3+ years, but "official" in public ways that seem to matter to everyone but us. And yet, when you share this...

If you need to be reminded why you became a Librarian, or why libraries are amazing places, and still so relevant in the 21st century, watch this and be inspired.  “If you are a dreamer come in If you are a dreamer a wisher a liar A hoper a pray-er a magic-bean-buyer If youre a pretender com sit by my fire For we have some flax golden tales to spin Come in! Come in!” --Shel Silverstein

I read an interview with Kevin Costner when I was something like 15 years old, and still think about his quote, which I paraphrase here, "People in America are so afraid of failure that they don't even try."   I took this quote to heart because I was afraid of so many things at 15, and as many others are, I was so scared of missing out on the rest of my life. I've reminded myself of this quote as I've gone snorkeling--I'm scared of the ocean; as I applied for jobs I felt were outside of my reach--they were, and I didn't get the jobs, but I got the interview and the experience; as I took on the role as Library Director with minimal experience; as I opened my heart and trusted ChicagoBoy. Each day is rife with opportunities for our own personal greatness, not by achieving at everything we seek out to do, but rather for being brave enough to try. I loved this video so much. Thanks, J.K. Rowling.