Tuesday, June 14, 2011

My first library program, graduation from grad school, plus a book review!

Me (as Amy Pond) in the TARDIS
Oh, my poor blog. I've neglected you - again. I promise, I have a good excuse. I just graduated with my Masters in Library Science! The final push in the semester and all the grad events has kept me away from my blog. I have been reading, though, and I'll share my latest review in just a moment, but first let me take the opportunity to gush about the awesomeness of library school and libraries in general.

I have never enjoyed school as much as I have loved the last two years of grad school. It was amazing to spend time with classmates and professors who are all passionate about the things that I'm passionate about. I have no idea why it took me so long to discover this career path, but I feel like I've finally found my niche. I've also discovered a few things about myself: when it comes to librarianship, I am truly excited about programming.
Teens making TARDIS keys, eating fish custard, and discoving their Time Lord names
My dear friend, Lauren (a former classmate and current teen librarian), and I had the opportunity to put on a Doctor Who program for the teens at a local library. It was awesome! We had over 20 teens and tweens (from 4th grade to seniors in high school) participate and we had nothing but glowing responses to the program.
Doctor Who Cubees
Captain Jack Harkness Intergalactic NERF Training
We had a library-wide scavenger hunt, several crafts, Nerf target practice, and food all related to the awesomeness of Doctor Who (if you don't know about the Doctor, it's time to learn - you won't be sorry!). Lauren and I even built our own TARDIS. This was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had in a work-type environment. From that point, I was hooked on programming. I've volunteered at several other library programs, but I'm really looking forward to designing my own.

Teens create their own Journal of Impossible Things
Ok, so back to book my book review. I recently read Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews for one of my book groups. Savannah Blues has it's good points and bad. Andrews does a great job of describing Savannah and it's surrounding areas; I felt like I got to really experience Weezie's Southern home. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like I got to know the characters as much as I would have liked. I got to know Weezie best through her profession as a picker. I found the picker world fascinating, but I couldn't get attached to the characters.

Another issue I had with the story was the quick resolution of conflicts (particularly the last one - nothing really seemed resolved there) and the vast number of conflicts. I'd list them, but I don't want include spoilers here - just know that there are many and they are diverse.

All in all, Savannah Blues is a decent summer/beach read, but don't choose this book if you really want to dig in to something.  (*****)


Thanks for sticking with me! Hopefully I won't neglect you anymore :)  Oh, and support your libraries!!!

2 comments:

  1. I'm working on a Doctor Who program too! Though the program is geared towards an older crowd!

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  2. Doctor Who programs are awesome for any age! Have fun!!

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