Save Ohio Libraries - Week 2

There isn’t much to say today. We sit. We wait. We still don’t know our fate.

I, for one, would like to challenge the politicians to stop finger pointing and get some actual work accomplished. Today they voted on–and accepted - a seven day extension on the budget…then started discussion about the possibility of extending that an additional seven days. (See an article here.)

*sigh*

So we sit and we wait.

And of course, we read books while we do.

Save Ohio Libraries - with a little bit of luck...

I’d like to think that many are on our side in the fight to save Ohio libraries. From the outpouring of support not only through out the state, but from those in other locations, it certainly seems so. Just this morning it was pointed out to me that even Perez Hilton makes mention of the plight on his website. Way to go, Perez!

Someone must be sending us a bit of luck. I say this because of a discovery in this morning’s book deliveries. As the wonderful ladies at the circulation desk were checking in materials, a pressed four-leaf clover fell out of one of the books. How about that for a sign of luck?

Where do we currently stand in this fight against unfair budget slashing? The latest word is that the powers that be cannot agree on the budget. Most are citing the slot machine portion as reason for the disagreement. Whatever the reason, let’s hope that reason prevails, and they do not decimate Ohio’s libraryland.

As I am typing this, I received a message that the state Senate is going to pass a seven day interim budget. This is, I think, a step in the right direction.

Save Ohio Libraries - Weekend update, vol. 2

It’s Sunday night, and the word is that the powers that be in Columbus can’t decide on a budget. This could be good or it could be bad. The waiting game may be extended beyond the original June 30 deadline.

*sigh*

In order to get my mind off of work and the financial woes of late, my husband and I went to see a couple of movies this weekend. Those were just the breaks I needed. For several blessed hours I did not contemplate whether my career will be at a sudden standstill within a few short months. (btw…we both really enjoyed the movies we saw: Transformers 2 and Star Trek).

As you can imagine, there is a dark cloud hanging over my head. A week ago, this kept me from sleeping. I’ve gone beyond the sleeplessness into the “let’s take a long nap” mode.

I also find my self daydreaming of schemes that may bring books and programs to children that need them, should this budget be passed and our funding so drastically cut.

I’ve been urged to apply for jobs in different fields. As I said to the husband…I need a few days to mourn this loss before I can do that. Regardless, I will be making sure my resume is up to date….just in case.

I’ve heard others talk of finding a different job. Granted, to do so may very well require moving to another state, something that is not easily done.

So, I sit and wait, just as I have done for nearly a week. Just as the thousands of public library employees and millions of library patrons across Ohio are doing. What more can we do?

Save Ohio Libraries - Weekend update.

It’s Saturday. I’m at work today, making up the 6 hours I took off on Thursday in order to attend the Columbus rally.

There’s a subdued feeling throughout the library today. We are waiting to hear the fates of our beloved library.

It doesn’t sound good. We’ve heard from some politicians that, while they support the library, they will vote for the proposed cuts. There seems to be little interest in passing a temporary budget to allow for extra time to work out a fairer budget.

Libraries are not the only service on the budgetary chopping block. Other social services will also be hit hard. MRDD, nursing homes, passport programs (assisted home care), mental health programs, drug and alcohol programs…all vital social services.

Gov. Strickland has stated that his proposed budget is in line with his plans to bring more jobs to Ohio. How? By ensuring that thousands of workers across the state will be forced to file unemployment? That many may have to resort to government aid programs, such as welfare and food stamps? How does that help the failing Ohio economy?

I’m disappointed and disgusted by Gov. Strickland’s proposed budget and by his response to the outcries of upset citizens.

Save Ohio Libraries - Friday afternoon edition

I get mail at work sometimes. Usually it is yet another catalog or library related junk mail.

Today I received a handmade card from a patron. It was a thank you card. As always happens when a parent or child expresses their thanks for the work I do, the message brought tears of joy to my eyes. This is why I love my job.

The message (name abbreviated):

I just wanted to tell you how much K and I enjoyed coming to storytime with you. Weeks later K is still singing your songs and asking when I have a day off to come again. Thank you so much for giving my daughter this wonderful memory and for the wonderful job you do!

I remember this family. Mom was at the tail end of her maternity leave and would bring her 2 year old to Toddler Tales – along with her infant son.

My heart soared when I read the note. It is one of those things that just make my day.

But within moments of reading it, my mood changed from bliss to anger. The reason for my anger? There is a very good chance that we may not be able to provide the programs like the one that obviously impacted K’s little world. Children across the state will not have the opportunity to come to the library and bond with their parents over music and books. They will lose a perfect – and free – opportunity to learn the important literacy skills needed before they start school.

This angers me and it saddens me. Gov. Strickland’s recent letter – a lovely example of sidestepping, imesho – and the general tone I have felt from other sources I’ve read this afternoon has left me feeling down.

Our cries are loud. Our message is clear. Please save Ohio libraries. Keep them funded correctly so our doors will be open for K and all the other children in Ohio who love their library.

Save Ohio Libraries - Friday morning edition

I’m at the library for a full work day. Yesterday’s rally in Columbus was uplifting, just as the continual outpouring of support across the state – and even in other places.

Not even remotely uplifting are the recent comments by Gov. Strickland claiming that the library community exaggerating the devastating effects from his proposed budget. Sadly this is not true. There are smaller libraries that will be forced to close their doors completely. There are larger libraries that will be forced to drastically reduce hours of operation and close branch locations. This is not an exaggeration, but the truth. The Ohio library community as we know it cannot survive such a decrease in funding.

Today I am wearing a red shirt in support of Ohio public libraries. When I come to work on Monday, I plan to wear a red shirt yet again to show my support. Red – for my love of books and all they encompass. Red – for my love of learning. Red – for my love of the library.

A video plea

Jan does a great job getting the point across.

Save Ohio Libraries - Rally in Columbus

It was hot and humid, but we were there. As the sun beat down upon us, library supporters from throughout the state gathered at the capitol building to show just how much we love our libraries.


There were speakers. Librarians. Mothers. Fathers. Library Friends. Teenagers. Children. Adults. Anyone who felt compelled could speak, and many of us did (myself included).

(photo taken by greg)

People arrived by car, by foot, by bicycle. Children rode in strollers, holding their own signs. It was a sea of red shirts, and an ocean of signs.

The crowd was smaller than some anticipated. With rallies taking place throughout the state, and considering the short amount of time from first posting about the rally to it actually happening (about 36 hours I think), it wasn’t all to surprising. There was still a crowd of a few hundred.

We thanked the legislatures and the General Assembly for supporting our cause. We waved at the person working high up in a building across the street who noted the rally on Facebook. We cheered and we hollered. We showed our love for Ohio public libraries.

I wasn’t planning to speak, but did so at the encouragement of my coworkers.

Nervous, I approached the steps. I knew what I wanted to say. By the end, my passion for public libraries took control of my words.

(photo taken by greg)

I can’t recall word for word, but here is the jist:

I work in a library, but I am here today not as a library employee, but as a library patron and lifelong library user. Some of my fondest childhood memories are centered around the library. Walking with my grandma to the bookmobile. Riding my bike to the bookmobile. Lying about my youngest sister’s age so she could ride the city bus free and we could go to the library in our hometown of Wheeling.

I lived in Michigan for a few years. Unless you live, work or go to school in the city of Detroit, you must pay $100 for a library card. I believe – but am not certain – that to do genealogy or local history research you must pay. (Note: This is true.). But I can get a library card in Cleveland, Warren, Youngstown, Dayton, Toledo, Lima…anywhere in the state for free. That is just one of the many things that makes Ohio libraries the best in the nation.

There might have been more…but that is what I remember. Sorry, kids. No DVD sales of my political speaking debut.

I have photos – lots of them. But will not post all of them. Instead I have shared those that I feel are the best of the crop. Unless noted, these were taken by me.

Save Ohio Libraries, Wednesday night edition.

Tomorrow, two of my fellow staff members and me will be heading to the state capitol so we can join in the rally for Ohio libraries. To do this we are taking leave time from work. Two of us will also be in a bit of a hurry to return home. We have to cover public service desks in the evening. But it is important enough to us to get up much earlier than usual (at least in my case. There’s a reason I am rarely at work before 8:30 a.m.) and to take leave time from our jobs in order to make the 3 hour trek to Columbus.

My bag is packed, and ready to go. Knitting for the drive. Camera for the rally. Chocolate for mental health. Yup. I’m ready. My red shirt is in the dryer. I will be there to not only as a representative of the employees at my library, but, more importantly, as a library patron and a lifelong user of libraries.

Click here for a pdf of the Columbus rally flyer.

Waiting on Wednesday -The Save Ohio Libraries Edition

It’s Wednesday, which means I should do a Waiting on Wednesday.

I am waiting…to hear if libraries across Ohio will be forced to close. The outpouring of support from communities across the state gives me a little hope that the outcome will be a happier one.

Today – while working hard at figuring out our branch program offerings for this fall (so far 210 programs at 5 branches over 4 months…and it isn’t complete yet!), I have been posting links on Facebook. The links are mostly for news articles about what will happen to local libraries if this budget is passed. Over and over again, library directors and other administrators are saying the same two key words: Massive layoffs. Widespread closures.

Forty-some percent of Ohio libraries are lucky enough to have property tax incomes to supplement what they receive from the state budget. However, that does not mean they are safe. Quite the contrary. While my library has a levy, all it means is that perhaps Main could stay open with a reduced staff, but there would still be a layoff of around 50%. employees (This is my guesstimation from conversations with various library employees). This is in an area already heavily hit with high unemployment rates.

I’ll continue to wait this Wednesday for next Wednesday, for by then I will know more certainly if the library will be turning off the lights for the last time.

Welcome to tonight’s edition of Save Ohio Libraries!

I did a little bit of math tonight. In June and July we are offering around 140 children’s programs system wide. Storytimes. Crafts. Animals. Clowns. Movies. And a lot more.

One hundred forty programs over just two months.

But, come this fall, when we really beef up our program offerings, what may be offered instead is the following sign.



If this happens, we can then call and leave messages thanking the elected officials who are trying to make it happen.

A funny thing that has been going around the various websites and through emails today has been a doctored up READ poster. Ohio’s “education” governor posed for one of those lovely READ posters (see the original here). Those of us in libraryland prefer this one:



On OPLINlist – a listserv for Ohio’s libraryland – someone shared a post of kudos to all those who are working towards this effort. I would like to share a list of my own.

• Kudos to our director who personally delivered a sign to at least one branch location on Monday, and who is working hard this week – not as much with moving into a house in our area (instead of an hour away) - but with trying to keep the library doors open.
• Kudos to our tech staff members who set up these wonderful kiosks throughout our system. The kiosks are set up so patrons can email politicians in Columbus with just a few keystrokes and clicks of the mouse.

• Kudos to Sheetz for donating the kiosks (though it was done before the budget crisis was known, it is still awesome – and timely!).
• Kudos to the local businesses that are getting the word out by displaying and distributing flyers.
• Kudos to the staff for making sure every patron knows what is going on.
• Kudos to the patrons, friends and family of library employees and everyone else who have contacted their politicians, posted on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, message boards and done so much more to make sure our voices are heard.

And, on that note, I am going to attempt to sleep more than I did last night.

Save Ohio Libraries

I want to be sleeping right now.

Instead, I was tossing and turning in bed. My mind wouldn’t keep quiet, constantly drafting letters, blog posts, etc.

So, here I sit at a laptop talking to people on Facebook. About what? The Ohio libraries budget crisis.

Some of my fondest childhood memories involve libraries.

• Going with my grandma…and then later, riding my bike alone…to meet the bookmobile.
• Spending homeroom and lunch at the library.
• Memorizing my first Dewey Decimal classification number (133s. Ghost stories. I think I was in 3rd grade).
• Volunteering in the Local History room at my town’s public library.
• Lying about my youngest sister’s age so she could ride the bus for free and go with me to the public library.
• Checking out a book at lunchtime and finishing it by the end of 8th period.

Libraries – whether the bookmobile, the public library or a school library – were always an essential part of my childhood.

Later, after getting my undergrad degree, I fell in to a library job. I never considered working at the library, which is ridiculous considering my love of all things book. But once I started working there I realized that this is where I was meant to be. The public library. Helping others find the joy in that institution that I have always felt.

The library has always been a safe haven for me. It has been a kind of paradise, for where else could I even attempt to quench my insatiable thirst for reading?

And now I am faced with not only losing my livelihood, but also the source that feeds one of my greatest passions – books.

Let’s say I read 8 books a month. This doesn’t even really take into account the picture books that cross my desk! Eight books a month for a year…that’s 96 books a year. Let’s guess each book costs $20. Even paperbacks now cost a pretty penny!! But, we are talking newly released books. The paperbacks won’t be available for ages. So…$20 times 96:

$1920

Yes…I would have to spend nearly $2000 to get a year’s worth of reading. And that is a conservative number! One that doesn’t take into account the DVDs, CDs, magazines, and CD Roms that I check out throughout the year.


I’m just one person. Just one of millions of library users who may be left out in the cold come July 1.

Save Ohio Libraries

What. A. Day.

Honestly, what can I say? I would love to post another of my (imesho) wonderful book reviews, etc., but, as you can imagine, I have more pressing matters on my mind.

Things like…will I have a job after next week?

Granted, many closures won’t be overnight. But to those who use the library everyday – whether as an employer or as a patron – it will.

Imagine – no more storytimes for children.

Imagine – no more bookmobile or homebound services.

Imagine – no more community meeting rooms available for tutoring, little league registrations, Girl Scout meetings and more.

Imagine – no more running to the library to borrow that book your child needs for school tomorrow.

Imagine – no more public library.

It’s what may very well happen if the current budget proposal passes.

From a message sent by the Ohio Library Council:

With some 70% of the state's 251 public libraries relying solely on the PLF to fund their operations, the reduction in funding will mean that many will close completely, close branches, or drastically cut hours and services.

This afternoon I had a meeting at our smallest branch, and finished out the day there. Our director stopped by to drop off a sign to post at the library. He told us that there is just no saying what they will have to do. After crunching some numbers, they realized that even laying off everyone at all five branches AND in our mobile library services department it wouldn’t be enough to cover the budget deficit.

What makes this worse is that we actually have a levy that passed just a couple of years ago. What about all of the libraries throughout the state that couldn’t pass a needed levy? The libraries that rely nearly completely on state funding?

A woman stopped into the branch today. She was almost speechless over the news. Since losing her job she has used library resources nearly everyday: Newspapers to look at the want ads. The internet to search for employment opportunities. The computers to print out resumes and cover letters. This is not an unusual situation.

From the website Save Ohio Libraries:

Below are the e-mail addresses for the Conference Committee. They will be the ones determining the final budget. They need to hear from everyone state-wide!

House

Vernon Sykes
Phone: 614- 466-3100
Fax: 614-719-6944
district44@ohr.state.oh.us

Jay Goyal
Phone: 614-466-5802
Fax: 614-719-3973
district73@ohr.state.oh.us

Ron Amstutz
Phone: 614-466-1474
Fax: 614-719-0003
district03@ohr.state.oh.us

Senate

Dale Miller
Phone: 614-466-5123
SD23@maild.sen.state.oh.us

John Carey
Phone: 614-466-8156
SD17@senate.state.oh.us

Mark Wagoner
Phone: 614-466-8060
SD02@senate.state.oh.us

Save Ohio Libraries

THIS IS SERIOUS!!!
All of the proposed cuts that are listed here take effect on JULY 1 . . . . that is a mere 8 days away!!!!!
THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE!!
If we don't rally around the libraries NOW there won't be any libraries left to rally around!

Youngstown Public Library will have to close all their branches if this happens . . . .
Niles McKinley Memorial Library MIGHT be able to stay open ONE DAY per week . . .
MOST libraries will be forced to close . . .

In these hard economic times libraries have become a big GO TO resource . . . I know how many people we see just in the computer lab where I work . . . what will these people do without our resources? WHAT WILL YOU DO without YOUR library!?!

PLEASE HELP SAVE THE LIBRARIES!

http://www.olc.org/news_story062009.asp


The past Friday afternoon, Governor Strickland held a press conference to outline the many ideas to balance the budget. Among the ideas expressed was a proposal to cut library funding by over 30% during the next two years. This is in addition to the 20% reduction that has already been made this year AND to the collapse of funding Ohio libraries have experienced since 2000. This translates to a loss of over 50% of public library funding for the foreseeable future.

Libraries throughout the state have already been hit hard. Budgets have been slashed. Hours of operation have been reduced. People have lost jobs. Just last week I heard that North Canton Public Library laid off 8 full time employees (on a staff of 55). Unfortunately, this is becoming more common.

Yes…the economic recession has been hitting everyone. Many people are without jobs. Where do those people go to file unemployment and to search for jobs once they cannot afford to have internet access at home? Many use the free internet service provided by the public library.

The public library offers many wonderful services to the community. The public library is more than just a lender of reading materials. It is a community center. A place of continuing education. A place for entertainment. A place for everyone.

Ohio libraries have long been considered some of the best in the nation. If the proposed budget cuts are passed, this will no longer be the case.

How can you help keep this from happening?

Call Governor Strickland's office: 614-466-3555
EMAIL Governor Strickland: governor.strickland@das.state.oh.us

Call your local representative

MAKE SOME NOISE -- let your voice be heard to stop this from happening!

Please pass this on to everyone you know in Ohio. We must take action...and we must do it NOW. This will take effect JULY 1!

More Info:
Library Journal
Ohio Library Council

Waiting on Wednesday

In an attempt to post more regularly, I am going to join in the “Waiting on Wednesday” and “Library Loot” craze. I’ve seen both on other blogs (namely The Magic of Ink). From what I’ve gathered, they were created by the bloggers of Breaking the Spine.

So, without further ado, my first Waiting on Wednesday. Library Loot can wait until later this week.

Wait…am I suppose to pick just one book? Ack! But…but…but there are so many that I can’t wait to get my hands on and sink my bookloving teeth into. Hrmmm….what to choose for this initial post…

Oohers…I know!

The next installment of one of my all-time favorite series: Bloody Jack. The seventh book of the series is: Rapture of the Deep: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Soldier, Sailor, Mermaid, Spy

Amazon.com has September 28, 2009 as the release date. Here is the product description from the site:

On the very day that Jacky Faber is to wed her true love, she is kidnapped by British Naval Intelligence and forced to embark on yet another daring mission—this time to search for sunken Spanish gold. But when Jacky is involved, things don't always go as planned.

Jacky has survived battles on the high seas, the stifling propriety of a Boston finishing school, and even confinement in a dank French prison. But no adventure has quite matched her opportunistic street-urchin desires—until now.

Have I mentioned how much I adore this series? How about how much my sister G and my mom also love this series? Or how at least one coworker and two patrons are now hooked on the series do to my raving about it?

I. Cannot. Wait. Is it September yet?

Bad bad bad bad girls....

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

Alexis is not what you would call popular. Pink haired and with quite a few outspoken acts of protest, she doesn’t quite fit in with any group at her high school – even the outcasts.

Kasey, Alexis’ little sister is a bit too old to be playing with the dolls she obsessively collects. As strange as that may be, things are about to get even more out there.

Doors open and close without anyone near them. A pot of water boils on the stove – while the burner is off. An air conditioner goes into overdrive, making it cold enough to see one’s breath – but the air conditioner is turned off.

And Kasey is acting, well, a bit crazy.

Can Alexis figure out what is causing her little sister act this way…before someone gets killed?

I. Loved. This. Book. Seriously. Could not put it down. I started reading it at lunch on Saturday and finished it by Sunday afternoon. If I didn’t have work and a need to eat and sleep, I think I would have finished it sooner!

Written in first person (from Alexis’ view), adds to the mystery of the story. You are only getting her perspective, which also adds to the fear she experiences when she realizes that her sister is the cause of the mayhem.

This is a great novel by a debut author, and one that I am highly recommending. Go check it out now!

Envy and Bloodline

Here are my short reviews of two of my most recent reads. I've another to write about, but that will be in a different post. Enjoy!


Envy: a Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen.

The story begins shortly after the point when the previous one, Rumors, ends. Both of the Holland sisters are in mourning: Elizabeth over the death of her lover; Diana over the marriage of hers to another woman. Life isn’t as grand for the newly married Schoonmakers, as Henry pines for Diana and Penelope is determined that he will be completely hers. Will a trip to sunny Florida solve the differences between these high society families?

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book. While it moved slowly at first, the action picked up once the group went to Florida, adding a few surprising twists and turns to the tale. I’m actually looking forward to the publication of the next installment: Splendor.

Bloodline by Katy Moran

Essa has never forgiven his father for leaving him behind in the small border settlement when he was nine. Over the next five years, he becomes part of the village, finding friends and family amongst the inhabitants. When the village is threatened by a rival king, Essa is determined to save those he loves regardless of the secrets he uncovers along the way.

A little bit of history (it is set during the Dark Ages), a lot of action, this is a decent enough tale…just not quite up my alley. I would recommend it to readers who like war stories.

Yet again I have finished several books that I need to write about.

First up – three graphic novels for kids.

Owly: Flying Lessons by Andy Runton

Owly is an adorable, kind little owl. His best friend is a worm (named Wormy). The two live together in a snug little home.

One day they witness a strange creature in the woods. Unable to figure out what it is, they both draw pictures of it and show it to their friend – a Raccoon. The raccoon finds a picture in a book that tells them what the animal is (A flying squirrel)…and what it is afraid of (owls).

Owly and Wormy try to make friends with the flying squirrel, but he is too afraid of Owly. Wormy succeeds in befriending the squirrel…and in getting stuck at the top of a high tree. Can Owly learn to fly and save Wormy? Will he be able to befriend the flying squirrel?

This is an adorable graphic novel and a sweet tale of friendship. The format is mostly wordless, with the characters talking in pictures. Great for kids who struggle to read.


Johnny Boo: The Best Little Ghost in the World! by James Kochalka

Johnny Boo and his pet ghost Squiggle are enjoying an afternoon of fun and showing off their superpowers. When Johnny Boo upsets Squiggle, he makes it up to him by offering ice cream. They must beware, however, of the Ice Cream Monster!

This is another cute graphic novel. A very slim book, it is perfect for beginning readers who are just about ready for chapters. There are six chapters over 36 pages.

Jellaby by Kean Soo

I first met Jellaby a few years ago when I read the Flight graphic shorts anthologies, and was tickled pink when I saw that a full length graphic novel was available.

When ten-year-old outcast Portia meets Jellaby she finds the friend she needs…especially after another classmate sees the purple monster! The two try to help the sweet monster to get to where they think his home may be, in the big city near their home.




I’ve also finished reading two teen novels, but, since it is nearly time to go home from work, those reviews will have to wait until later. The books are:

Bloodline by Katy Moran

Envy: a luxe novel by Anna Godbersen.

book update

As I mentioned, I have read five books recently. All of them have been excellent.

The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
Thirteen-year-old Kyra lives with her family – her three Mothers, her father and her 19 siblings (with two more on the way) in the closed desert community ran by the religious leader of their faith. While she internally questions their ways, she doesn’t fight against them until it is announced by the Prophet that she is to marry…her uncle who is nearly 50 years older than she is.

Kyra struggles with leaving her family, a family full of love for one another, behind forever and following the will of the Prophet.

This was a quick read. I started it at dinner tonight – around 8:40 or so – and finished it within two hours. And that wasn’t even reading for two hours straight.

It was a good read. I thought the story was fairly well written. You do wonder what Kyra is going to do, and understand the factors that are pulling her in her decisions.

I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle
While giving the Valedictorian speech, the dweebish brainiac Denis Cooverman announces his love for the head cheerleader. Much to his – and his best friend’s – surprise, Beth and her two BFFs (i.e. the Trinity) show up at Denis’ impromptu graduation party. What ensues is a graduation night that will never be forgotten.

This book – which has been made into a movie that will be in theaters this summer – reminds me of a novelized version of American Pie, Superbad, and other such films. It. Was. Hilarious. I honestly laughed out loud (and nearly choked on my lunch) while reading this book. Full of action and “OMG I can’t believe what happened next” type of humor, it is sure to be enjoyed by crude teenager in all of us.

This was a book group pick for June.

Shield of Stars by Hilari Bell
Sword of Waters by Hilari Bell
These two books are part of a trilogy. The third in the series will be out this fall. The shield and sword refer to two of three items of legend in the kingdom, all of which have disappeared centuries before the stories take place. Each book has a different item as part of the theme.

Weasel was once a pickpocket. When he is caught trying to pick the pocket of one of the Justices, the Justice takes him home instead of to jail, and trains Weasel to become his clerk. Which is how Weasel finds himself deeply entrenched in a plot to overthrow the current Regent of the kingdom. When Justice Hollis’ plot is uncovered and he is hauled away to prison, Weasel vows to himself to free the man who has treated him so well.

Along the way, Weasel joins up with Arisa – daughter of a smuggler (or so she says to Weasel). The two make their way throughout the countryside in search of the Falcon – a bandit or revolutionary (depending on who you ask).
In a twist of fate, it ends up that Arisa’s mother is actually the Falcon. With her help, Weasel saves Justice Hollis…who becomes the new Regent.

In the second book, a few months have gone by since the uprising. The Falcon is the leader of the military, and possesses the famed Shield of Stars, and she and Arisa now live in the royal castle, as does Justice Hollis and Weasel. Weasel has become friends with the prince…something that the Falcon wants Arisa to do as well. Arisa is having a hard time fitting in with the Court, preferring pants to tight fitting dresses, and fighting with fists to fighting with words. When the Falcon asks her daughter to help search for the Sword of Waters, Arisa enlists her friend Weasel – and the price – to aid in the quest…which all of them think is unlikely to be achieved. Along the way Arisa uncovers a plot…that might involve the person she loves and admires more.

I cannot wait for September…and the release of the next book. This is a great light fantasy series that can be enjoyed by tweens, teens and adults. The characters are well developed, strong in their own ways, but still human.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Mary lives in a frightful future. Many years before, an epidemic went rampant throughout the world. Those infected quickly died…and came back as the undead, craving only the flesh of the living.

Now, Mary lives in a village surrounded by fences. They are perhaps the only people left in the world. Her father disappeared into the forest that surrounds the village…the forest where the Infected dwell. Her mother goes to the fence nearly every day, searching for her husband. Mary and her brother go with her – keeping their mother far enough from the fence so she will not be infected as well.

But, when Mary takes her time with the laundry, her mother goes to the fence alone…and allows herself to be bitten by the rabid undead who strive to get beyond the barriers. Quickly, she is overtaken by the sickness, dying…and coming back Infected…within days.

Mary’s brother casts her from his home – blaming her for their mother’s death. Mary is sent to live with the Sisters – the holy women who rule their village.

A time comes when Mary is forced to leave the village – along with a few other survivors - and she must choose between the man she loves, the man who loves her and her deep desire to find the ocean of her dreams.

This was an excellent book. It was great to read a well written horror book that was not about vampires. It goes on the list of "books to make others read".

A moment for something serious

If you are reading my blog, you more than likely know that I am a librarian at a public library. Which is why this is such an important topic to me.

Nearly everyone has been hit by the depression our economy is currently experiencing, whether with our own jobs or with the jobs of our friends and family. Nearly every type of business is affected by it…including libraries.

Those who are not in the field may not realize that Ohio libraries have consistently been considered the best in the nation. But even the best have issues with funding on good days. As we all know…these are not good days.

Recently I attended a meeting with colleagues from around the state. Of the dozen or so library systems represented, I think my system was the only one that has not encountered layoffs, reduction in hours or branch closings…yet. In fact, one person drove the two or three hours to this meeting (in the library van, even) knowing that his system was going to layoff 15 people that morning…but not sure if he would be one of those left without a job. Thankfully – for him, at least – he received a text message that, while there were layoffs, he still has a job (for now).

This is becoming typical news. The websites that once listed a dozen or two job openings across the state now only list two or three. Some smaller libraries may not make it through, either being absorbed by larger systems or closing completely.

You are probably saying, “So? What’s the big deal? This is happening everywhere.”

And you would be right. It is happening everywhere.

But…statistics are showing that public libraries are busier than ever. People are coming to us to check out more books, movies, magazines, etc. than they have in years. People are coming to us to use our computers and our internet – because they can no longer afford to pay for the ‘net at home. They still have to look for jobs online, or even file unemployment, as so many government departments have closed their local offices.

People are using the public library more than ever. They are realizing that we have many of the resources they need – the information they require in these tough times. They are relying on us to fulfill some of their needs.

But, we can’t afford to be there for them.

So, to end my rant, please remember to support us so we can support you. Times are tough everywhere…even in the safe haven called the public library.

How can you support the library?

• Volunteer – it helps the library and looks great on a resume!
• Join the Friends group
• Give donations (book donations are great – if they are in excellent condition)
• Campaign and vote for levies. Yes, your taxes will rise…but rarely by more than a few dollars.
• Call and ask – “What kind of help can I give you?”

Summertime...and the livin' is...busy

I’ve been a busy bee lately…just not posting about what’s keeping me occupied.

At the library, we are gearing up for Summer Reading (Be Creative @ Your Library). In fact, tomorrow is our first official Summer Reading Program – a kick-off event at one of the branches. We have a fun filled evening planned:

• Steel Drum music by Tropical Breeze – one of the available musical acts from Pan Yard, Inc. in Akron, Ohio. We have hired groups from this company several times in the past four years. They always put on an excellent show.
• Face Painting
• A “Be Creative” Craft – design your own treat bags (cloth bags purchased from Oriental Trading) with fabric markers
• Refreshments – hot dogs, chips, cookies and punch
• Sidewalk Chalk (weather permitting – and right now it doesn’t look like that permission is coming from Mother Nature).
• Prize drawings – six library bags stuffed with lots of fun prizes.

So, if you live in the NE Ohio area and are looking for something to do on June 4, drop me an email for more info.


I’ve been reading a lot lately, too, having finished five books that I need to write about. Maybe by this weekend I’ll finally get around to that post.