When You Reach Me

Wow. That was my reaction to the book I started – and finished – reading last night. Wow.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

It’s a tale of friendship. It’s a tale of mystery. It’s a tale of impossibilities made possible.


Miranda and Sal have been the best of friends since they first met as babies. Now, at the beginning of the 1978-1979 school year, they are in sixth grade. Miranda is hurt when Sal says he no longer wants to be around her. This is the beginning of her world turning upside down. Over the next few months Miranda befriends new people, helps her mom practice for the quiz game show The $20,000 Pyramid and discusses time travel with another sixth grader (after he sees her much-loved, much-read tattered copy of A Wrinkle in Time). And…she begins to receive mysterious notes – that predict the future.

Told in first person as Miranda contemplates how to write the letter asked of her, she tells the story leading up to the request…and her deliberation about fulfilling it.

Miranda’s mixture of maturity and innocence enhances the realness of her character.

When You Reach Me overflows with the WOW factor. It is a story that sticks to you. I honestly think I dreamt of it last night. I know I woke up thinking about it! At first, I was intrigued by the book because of the central element of A Wrinkle in Time – a book that I also adored as a child (I also owned a much-read, much-loved tattered copy. I think I even lost the cover). Thanks to When You Reach Me, I now see that beautiful tale in a new light.


As of right now, I’m hoping for a Newbery nod for this one.

Now go…read this book!

Curiouser and Curiouser

Curiouser and Curiouser

That would be the perfect way to describe what my experience was with the audiobook of Alice's Adventures in Wonder Land by Lewis Carroll, narrated by Davina Porter.

The reason?

There are three discs to the book. This afternoon, while picking up lunch, I changed from disc two to disc three…which promptly began to play the same exact thing as disc one.

Can we say annoying?

So, that is going to (hopefully) be fixed. Until then, time for another audiobook.

In other annoying ventures, the hubby and I went to the theater Saturday night and saw the latest Harry Potter movie. I was less than impressed. While I can understand cutting parts of the book out in order to make the movie less than 4 hours long…the whole “Who is the Half Blood Prince?” plot was practically non-existent. I think the phrase Half Blood Prince was mentioned maybe three times in the movie. Bah. Humbug.

Waiting on Wednesday

Wow…it’s Wednesday again already. How did that happen?

This week’s Waiting on Wednesday is not necessarily book related. It is partially, but not in the more traditional sense. Why is that, you ask? Because this Wednesday I am waiting (impatiently) for the big screen adaptation of my favorite children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, which is coming to theaters on October 16, 2009.

Watch the trailer here.

A few plot summaries from imdb.com:

Young, mischievous Max is sent to bed without his supper, but when his bedroom turns in to a magical jungle landscape filled with strange creatures, he embarks on a wild imaginary adventure.

***

An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

The movie is directed by Spike Jonze.

Is it October yet?

Curses!

Last night I finished the debut novel (and award winner) A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce.

When their father dies, it is up to sisters Charlotte and Rosie Miller to save the woolen mill – and the livelihoods of their village. Long plagued by rumors of a curse, the mill’s history is filled with misfortunes. No previous miller has had a son live to inherit the mill. The buildings appear in constant disrepair – regardless of the improvements made upon them. Charlotte and Rosie encounter more of the same.

As one tragic circumstance after another seems to befall the Millers, they agree to help from a stranger who calls himself Jack Spinner. Is this mysterious and magical man really there to help them, or is he just another part of the infamous curse?

This is a Rumpelstiltskin type tale set during the Industrial Age. Knowing the basis of the original tale, I could guess what might happen in the story…but I was still surprised when it did! Charlotte and Rosie’s characters are well written, and their strength makes the story more realistic. This is a delightfully written story. I can understand why it won an award! The author did a great job of taking a well known fairytale and making it her own.

I'm on fire!

I finished it! Yay! All 47 discs of The Firey Cross by Diana Gabaldon have been listened to, and the set has been returned to the library.

While I enjoyed this continuation of Jamie and Clare’s story, there were times that I found it a bit tedious. Don’t get me wrong. I still love the characters and the plot. It just felt that some scenes were drawn out, and the flow wasn’t as flawless as the previous books.

That being said, I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. I put it on hold, and hope it will arrive early next week. Until then, I am listening to another audiobook narrated by the very talented Davina Porter - Alice's Adventures In Wonder Land by Lewis Carroll.

In other fun news, in about 30 minutes my husband and me are going to see the latest Harry Potter movie. I can’t wait!

Just say it...

Say the Word by Jeannine Garsee

Shawna seems to be the perfect teenaged daughter. Great grades. Planning to become a doctor. But, Shawna sees herself as three people in one. Perfect Shawna, who always does the right thing and what is asked of her. Pathetic Shawna, who doesn’t stand up for herself and what she wants. Evil Shawna, who whips out the mean spirited zingers at just the right time.

When her mother dies, Shawna must face the realities of the last ten years – her mother leaving the family and moving to NYC with her lesbian lover, Fran; her father’s selfish and controlling personality; her feelings for Fran and her sons. In her struggle to find herself, Shawna must make her three parts one whole person.

This is a compelling book. I started it at dinner on Wednesday and had it finished by bedtime. The characters and their reactions are real. The story is compelling. Well written, the tale stops short of going over the top with the action and plot twists. This will be one I’ll pass along to others.

There are several heavy topics in this novel: homosexuality, depression, and abuse top the list. This is a great read for high school aged teens.



Other books I’ve been reading…

Both of these are written for adults:

Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
I’ve decided to return this book unfinished. I did make it more than halfway to through it, but the writer’s style – which reminds me of a senior or college term paper – annoys me.

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander series)
I’m on the last disc of this audiobook! Yay! More on the story once I am completely finished.

Money…or the lack thereof…

The Ohio budget has been passed. While the news concerning libraries isn’t nearly as devastating as we had anticipated, it is still rather dire. Our budget will decrease by a further 11 %. Remember…this is in addition to the 20% we have already suffered this year.

So…we are still waiting, though, this time not to hear what the budget cuts will be, but rather to hear how the budget will directly affect libraries.

I’ve been out of state for most of the past week, and not able to easily access the internet while I was away. News I’ve heard today is that one local library - a smaller one – has laid off five employees and will be reducing their hours of operation. I fear this will be very common news over the next couple of months.

Waiting on Wednesday

This Wednesday I am waiting (impatiently) for the latest Georgia Nicholson book by Louise Rennison. Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me? is due to hit bookshelves on October 6, 2009. I’ve heard it is the last in the series.

While I didn’t love the previous tale as much as I have the rest of the series, I’m still looking forward to reading more of Georgia’s hilarious misadventures…and seeing who she ends up with as her one and only. Robbie the Sex God? Masimo the Italian Dreamboat? Dave the Laugh?

I'd post a synopsis, but there isn't one available yet.

Destination: ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois

(This is a modified version of the notes I am passing along to the library administrators and the board)

Friday

During the wee hours of the morning on July 10, I boarded a train bound to Chicago. Upon arriving to my destination later that day, I spent the afternoon getting settled in my hotel and figuring out where I needed to be and when.

From 5-7 that evening, I attended a lovely reception hosted by Holiday House, where I was able to view several of their newest publications and to network with others in the library field.

Saturday

Saturday brought the real beginning of the busy weekend. Bright and early I, along with L, caught the shuttle bus to the McCormick Place. Over the weekend I spent many hours shuttling from one place to the next. Once we arrived at the McCormick place, we both went to registration to receive our badge holders and conference materials. After a quick stop at the Internet Café to check my email, I then visited “The Stacks” (as the vendor area is called) for a quick perusal of the goodies offered, before returning to my room to finish viewing DVDs before my meeting.

I had a meeting at another hotel at 1:30. As became a theme of sorts over the weekend, the shuttles were running long and behind. Since I had to go from my hotel to the McCormick Place to catch the shuttle bus to the meeting hotel, I left early. It took nearly two hours before I arrived at the Palmer House! Once there, I attended the meeting for the 2010 Carnegie Medal committee, where we learned more about our committee work, viewed several past winners and discussed the videos. From what we’ve been told, there will be a lot of DVD viewing going on later this year, as items finally arrive for our consideration.

After another shuttle bus experience, I arrived back at the hotel in time to get ready and taxi, along with L, to a dinner at the Navy Pier hosted by BWI. This was an excellent opportunity to talk with various BWI employees – and other librarians – about the services we utilize. The view from the restaurant was lovely as well!

Sunday

Sunday brought another day of non-stop running around. I left my room early in order to attend the Young Adult Coffee Klatch. This event allows librarians to meet and speak with several YA authors in a short period of time. Additionally, during the event is the presentation of the William C. Morris Award, given to a debut YA author. The author, Elizabeth C. Bunce, gave a delightful speech eliciting much laughter and applause from the audience. There were nearly 40 YA authors in attendance at this event, and we had about four minutes with each one. The ones I was able to meet include: Elizabeth C. Bunce (sweet – only had about 2 minutes to talk), Patricia Wrede (interesting. The first author to sit at our table), Jacqueline Woodson (very cool. Talked a bit about music, which makes since since that is central to her Newbery Honor book), Silas House (seemed nice. I need to look for his book. Has a great Appalachian accent), Simone Elkeles (seemed edgy and cool), Janet Lee Carey (weird is the best way to describe her), Lisa Greenwald (seemed nice. Not sure that her book is my type), Stephen Bloom (didn’t seem to fit with the other authors - but I do want to read his book) and Kristina Springer (seems fun, as does her book).

After this event, I raced to the session on evaluating audiobooks for children and teens. This topic was presented by the first Odyssey Committee. I enjoyed hearing about their learning experiences while on the committee…and delighted to find out that notes, the PowerPoint and even an audio recording of the session would be available online, especially as I had to leave this session early in order to make it to the PR Swap and Shop before heading to the (free) EBSCO luncheon.

The PR Swap and Shop is an excellent service, allowing for libraries throughout the country to showcase their wonderful PR ideas and for librarians to pick up some great new ideas for programming and promoting the library. I picked up several items to share with others in our library…and even let someone record me saying a few words about the Swap and Shop.

The EBSCO luncheon was an opportunity to learn what is new with the database company. They began with information on how the recession that is unfortunately affecting public libraries ability to afford many of the database products they once purchased is also affecting the companies that provide those services. Due to this, they have repackaged and rearranged several of their products in order to make more affordable databases available to those who need them. After this introduction, they began showcasing their new databases and the changes that have been made.

Again, I had to leave this event early in order to make it to another event. And, yet again, I had to shuttle from one location to another.

The afternoon was spent at the Pura Belpré Celebracíon, which is a delightful event that highlights the importance of Hispanic children’s literature. The winners and honors of the Pura Belpré award are presented their medals and give speeches. The event concluded with entertainment provided by a local troop of Mexican dancing youth and with the whole crowd holding hands and singing De Colores. This was one of my favorite programs last year, and I was ecstatic to attend yet again.

My evening was the highlight of the whole trip. L and I attended the Newbery/Caldecott awards banquet. All of the award winners who spoke that evening were superb. Caldecott winner Beth Krommes was heartwarming as she described her reaction to the news of her win, including jumping and dancing around the house with her young daughters. Newbery winner Neil Gaiman’s speech was mostly hilarious – namely his reaction to hearing the good news, with a touch of sorrow when mentioning his father’s recent passing. And, as I later heard, he was posting on Twitter (photos even!) during the event! Ashley Bryan, the winner of the Laura Ingles Wilder award gave an energetic and dynamic speech, all the more impressive when learning he was just hours from his 86th birthday. What a wonderful way to end a day!

Monday

Monday was a tiring day.

L and I both woke early and headed to the McCormick Place. After waiting in line for The Stacks to open (and being amazed at the long line of people waiting in line to meet and get an autograph from Neil Gaiman), we hit up several of the vendors for information…and a few goodies. We then attended the ALSC awards and member meeting. At this program several awards and grants are given and acknowledged, including the Carnegie, Geisel and Siebert awards and scholarship and programming grants. The ALSC President then gives a “year in review” type of talk before opening the floor to the members. The meeting ended with a memorial for Kathy Krasniewicz and Kate McClelland, two ALSC members who died in a tragic traffic accident on their way to the Denver airport after the ALA Midwinter Meeting this past January.

After the ALSC meeting, I briefly attended the session And the good news is…. This session was about the impact of Summer Reading Programs on the reading abilities of children (i.e. Do children who participate in SRPs maintain reading abilities over the summer?). I left this session early in order to find lunch before rushing to my planned afternoon activities. Well, and I was starting to fall asleep. I am not a fan of overly academic type sessions. Just give me a handout of the research perimeters and tell me about the results.

Unfortunately, fates had different plans, as the food court in the McCormick Place had pretty much ran out of food. This required attempting to find a restaurant near on of the hotels…which meant taking a shuttle bus yet again. I left the McCormick place around 2:30. Due to the lovely long waits for the buses, I was not able to return until after 5…and even missed the tail end of the session I had wanted to attend.

An hour later, I returned to my hotel room and packed my backs, preparing for my early morning departure to the train station and the return home.

Tuesday

Now, here I am sitting on an east bound train, heading for Detroit. The weekend was a whirlwind of activities and learning experiences. I look forward to sharing the ideas I’ve gathered with my fellow staff members, and thank the library for the opportunity to and support in attending the ALA Annual Conference.

all my bags are packed...

I'm ready to go. Tomorrow morning I'll take a train from Detroit to Chicago so I can attend the American Library Association's Annual Conference.

I plan to have fun, get lots of swag (I need to replentish my stock of Post-It Notes and pens), get a lot of ARCs and learn lots of new and exciting things about my profession. It is going to be a long weekend packed full of meetings, receptions, dinners, sessions and more.

While there I'll be checking on the news about Ohio's budget. Nearly ten days after they were suppose to make the final decision, we are still waiting to hear what is going to happen. Here's hoping that I'll return to work hearing good news!


Here is a few Tuning in on Thursday videos:

Lynda Murray from Ohio Library Council





This last one isn't about the importance of libraries, or about the Ohio budget, but rather one of the many FREE programs and presentations provided by the local library.

Waiting on Wednesday

How about a book related WoW?

This week I am waiting for the next book in Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. Dreamfever is due to hit shelves on August 18.

Product Description
(From Amazon.com)

He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister’s murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac’s every thought—and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V’lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister’s diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac’s greatest enemy delivers a final challenge...

It’s an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth—about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons…and about the world she thought she knew. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Why I am waiting for the book?
I loved the previous three books in this series (and most of the books in her previous published Highlander series). The end of the previous book - Faefever - left the reader hanging and wanting to know more of MacKayla’s fate.

Save Ohio Libraries – Week 3 – Waiting on Wednesday edition

It’s Wednesday…and we are still waiting to hear what is going to be the fate of public libraries in Ohio. Yesterday the governor signed a second interim budget. They are still arguing over slot machines. In other words, SSDD.

I’ve another item to add to yesterday’s list of things I find interesting. The Ohio Library Council has on their website a wonderful section of job postings. The OLC Jobline is actually how I found my first position at my current library. Usually there are about a dozen or so postings for library jobs throughout the state. Currently there are two. Both are director positions and were posted before Gov. Strickland’s original budget announcement.

Just to make this a little more interesting, let’s look at the salary portion of the Ida Rupp Public Library director position…

Salary Range:$60,000

Yes. $60,000. Now, granted, that is a bit negotiable. Let’s look at what this position entails:

The Ida Rupp Public Library of Port Clinton, Ohio is seeking an innovative and dynamic leader, who is committed to outstanding customer and community service. The library system serves a population of 20,000 with an 18,000 square foot main library, and one full-service branch library. Ida Rupp has a 2009 operating budget of over $800,000, annual circulation of 267,000 items, a patron base of 14,000, and thirty employees (13 FTE).

The Ida Rupp Public Library Board will select a candidate with a vision for the future, leadership skills, strong interpersonal skills, experience meeting the challenges of a diverse community, strong skills in developing community relations, and the ability to work with a dedicated staff committed to providing excellent service. Experience with and/or interest in actively leading an operating levy campaign is essential.

Port Clinton is a wonderful community on the shores of Lake Erie. The library's branch, the Erie Islands Library, serves as both a school and a public library and is located on beautiful South Bass Island, accessible by plane and ferry.

Qualified candidates will have an MLS from an ALA accredited institution and a minimum of five years of professional administrative experience in a public library. Excellent benefits. Salary is negotiable from $60,000 based on experience.

Granted, this is a smaller library; however, $60,000 is a far cry from the supposed $100,000+ that library directors in Ohio make. Also, if the director can only hope to make around $60,000, what are the clerks, pages and other library employees making?

Not a whole heck of a lot, I bet.

Just to point out a few other things...the position requires a Master degree and a minimum of five years of professional public library administrative experience. One can imagine that the qualified applicant would have many more years of progressive library experience. Usually one does not start in administration once they hold a MLS degree.

But, we library workers are just rolling in the salaried dough, right?

Save Ohio Libraries - Week 3 - Tuesday

Things I find interesting…

• Due to the proposed budget cuts, the only librarian in the state on the Newbery committee could end up the only unemployed member of the Newbery committee.

• Recently, a senator came to the library to speak with the public about the proposed budget. He says he is a library supporter and a library user. BUT…he said if it comes down to it, he will vote for Gov. Strickland’s budget plan. From what I hear, yesterday he was at the library checking out materials. I must wonder…where is he going to get those materials when the library closes?

• Gov. Strickland basically keeps calling the other powers that be in Columbus a bunch of babies who are stalling until they get their way. Gee…I seem to think that some of comments from Gov. Strickland make him seem be the baby of the group. He has been vocal about his unwillingness to truly work with others to revise the budget in a way that will be fair and balanced. While being so vocal, he has managed to insult not only his fellow politicians, but also library employees throughout the state. Good job! I can almost visualize him having a temper tantrum because he isn’t getting his way.

• Voting Ohio residents have shown time and again that they are against legalized gambling. Granted, I don’t quite agree. But, the majority rules when it comes to voting. Yet, Gov. Strickland does not want to let the public vote on the slot machine issue. Why? Especially when that is what many other politicians are calling for? Let the people have their say in the matter.

This isn’t the time to play the Republican vs. Democrat game, but some don’t seem to get that. I think they all need to go stand in the corner for a time out.

Catching Fire

You may envy me a little. Why? Because, thanks to my connections (i.e. someone on the Newbery committee), I was able to read Catching Fire – the sequel to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The book isn’t due out until September, so this was an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy for those unfamiliar).

Wow. What a story. I was actually quite upset when I finished reading the book. Why? Since it hasn’t been officially released yet, I have to wait even longer to read the next in the series!

The book begins shortly after the ending of the previous one. Katniss and Peeta have returned home to District 12, living lives richer than they ever imagined. As they prepare to go on another victory tour of the various districts, the leader – President Snow – pays Katniss a surprise visit. He warns her to watch what she does in the public, as there are rumblings of uprisings…all because of her defiant act at the Hunger Games. If she can’t make everyone believe that she is really madly in love with Peeta, then those she love may very well come to harm.

I won’t give away more of the tale. There is even more adventure and plot twists than the first book. This is a wonderful example of a sequel living up to the first book in a series.

Save Ohio Libraries - Week 3 - Monday Madness

Ahh…any weekend – especially a holiday one – can be very relaxing after a stress filled workweek. This past weekend was just that. I enjoyed a weekend back home, camping on the family property, soaking up nature (and reading a great book).

Saturday was completely computer free. Sunday was nearly so. Both days were spent away from the news – especially about the Ohio budget and its effects on public libraries.

Alas, as always happens, the weekend ended and I am back in my office at the library.

There hasn’t been a lot of budget buzz around the library today. That doesn’t mean that the governor hasn’t found a way to insult us once again.

In a nearly hidden article found on this page (right side of the page - below the two photos), Gov. Strickland had a few remarks about Ohio libraries. Most notably, he recommended that the employees reduce their salaries in order to fill the budget gap.

Let’s think that over a bit.

The article mentions that the director of a local public library makes over $115,000 a year. Nice. I wonder how long that director has been there, what type of experience he has, etc. But…that’s just one employee with an undoubtedly high wage. How about the librarians on staff? The people who work the circulation desk? The employees who shelve books? Basically, how about everyone else?

A librarian position often requires a graduate degree - usually a Master in Library and Information Science, or its equivalent from an American Libraries Association accredited program. However, a librarian with a freshly minted MLIS diploma would be very lucky to find a full time job, let alone one that pays a salary in the mid-$30,000 range. I should know…I’ve read enough job descriptions.

Circulation clerks, pages and the like are often lucky to make $10. Many work at minimum wage. Ever thought about how hard it is to live on $7.25 an hour (the current minimum wage in Ohio)? How about raising a family on that wage? I’d like to see Gov. Strickland try.

Save Ohio Libraries – Week 2 - TGIF edition

It’s Friday. That means it has been two weeks since Governor Strickland made the announcement about his budget proposal. We are still waiting to hear the outcome.
This is difficult for so many. I’ve heard many stories throughout the state. Newer employees who may not be eligible for unemployment. Employees who were just diagnosed with cancer. Employees whose families rely on them for health insurance. Employees who have a very sick spouse or child. Employees who just bought homes. The stories are many.

A new poll has shown that Gov. Strickland’s approval rating has decreased. And that is a surprise?

A coworker and I are going to Chicago next week for the ALA Annual Conference. Both of us are involved in committee work which requires us to attend this conference. On the one hand, both of us are excited about the upcoming trip. I know I am looking forward to attending several awards ceremonies! On the other hand, it’s hard to be excited about a trip that we are paying for upfront when we don’t know if when we come back we will have layoffs and branch closures. *sigh* But…we are committed to having fun while in Chicago while hobnobbing with leaders in libraryland and all things book. Here’s hoping that we get some good news before we go to Chicago…and that I don’t need to take my resume with me.

I read books...

As promised, here's the info on the other two books I finished recently.

The Nation by Terry Pratchett

Click here for a video of the author talking about the book.

After spending time alone on a distant island as part of the ritual of manhood, Mau is returning to his own – The Nation.

Ermintrude – or as she decides to be called, Daphne – is on the British ship Sweet Judy, traveling through the Pacific to meet with her father, who was recently appointed governor of a chain of islands.

Then the wave hit.

Mau is the only survivor of his tribe.

Daphne is the only survivor on the ship.

Can the two work together and rebuild The Nation, despite their vast differences?

This compelling story is a tale of duty. Of what it really means to be an adult. Of survival.
I really enjoyed this book. Pratchett does a wonderful job of developing strong characters and plots. It is understandable why this book has won so many awards. To name a few:

• ALA Best Books for Young Adults : 2009,
• ALA Notable Children's Books : 2009,
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards : 2009,
• Capitol Choices (Washington, D.C.: Capitol Choices List) : 2009,
• Michael L. Printz Honor : 2009

Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer by JT Petty

Clemency’s family is a poor, but loving one. They spend their evenings telling stories, one of which saves Clemency’s life when she is attacked by a bad fairy. Remembering the tale of Peter Pan, Clemency yells out her disbelief in fairies. This works, but not until several other fairies – both good and bad – have been killed by her disbelief.

With the unwilling help of a hobgoblin, Clemency travels around the world trying to right the harm she caused.

This thin children’s novel is a quick read. I enjoyed the humor of the story enough that I’ve put the next two books on hold.

Always reading...

During this time of uncertainty, I’ve been reading. Of course, very little keeps me from picking up a book.

What I’ve finished recently:

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

I saw this on someone’s Waiting on Wednesday list and it sounded pretty decent. It’s a retelling of Sleeping Beauty.

When spoiled Princess Talia of Euphoria pricks her finger on a spindle just before her sixteenth birthday, the whole kingdom falls into a deep sleep. The rest of the world forgets the kingdom even existed.

Three hundred years later, Jack is unhappily on a tour of Europe. When he and a his friend sneak away from their group in search of a beach, they end up discovering Euphoria...and Jack ends up kissing the beautiful princess. This, of course, causes all sorts of trouble.

Jack and Talia fly back to Florida, where Talia tries to make Jack fall in love with her, and to learn how to fit in. Will they live happily ever after?


Peach Fuzz. Volume 1 by Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges

This is a children’s graphic novel about a little girl named Amanda and her new pet – a ferret who she names Peach.

Peach is ferret royalty. She is full of spunk. Amanda is a typical little girl with a new pet – not sure how to take care of it.

I adore Peach. She really makes the story fun. Amanda – and her mother’s – behavior, however, is a bit deplorable at times. I’d give this to someone who has a love of ferrets…but it won’t make my top books of the year list.

I’ve also finished two other books, both of which I’ve greatly enjoyed. But…those will have to wait. The titles are:

• The Nation by Terry Pratchett
• Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer by JT Petty

Save Ohio Libraries – Week 2 – Thursday

Bleh.

That’s the overall feeling around the library today. The rainy weather isn’t helping to lift our spirits. Also not helping? The press conference today in which Governor Strickland basically said he is sticking to his guns on the budget.

During his briefing, Strickland rejected recent editorial criticism questioning his leadership on the budget because he refused to consider tax increases to help bail the state out of $3.2 billion in red ink.

"I did something that is unprecedented by submitting a completely new budget framework," he said, referring to his plan for $2.4 billion in budget cuts. "I wasn't required to do that."

Well, pin a rose on your nose. Are you also proud of the fact that your proposed budget would devastate the public library system throughout the state? That it also has major cuts to social services and organizations, all which will lead to a lower quality of care, education and the very lives of many citizens of Ohio? So you submitted a completely new budget framework. Color me unimpressed.

Bleh.

For those who might be interested, here is the press conference from June 19, in which Gov. Strickland announced his budget proposal.

Save Ohio Libraries - Week 2 - Tuning in on Thursday

Save Ohio Libraries - Week 2 - Waiting on Wednesday

It’s quieting down in libraryland. While we still fear the possible loss of the wonderful institution that is Ohio public libraries – and of our jobs – we have been lulled into a quieter resistance. Perhaps it is because we are tired and because the outrage felt when we were first told of Governor Strickland’s proposal has morphed into a feeling of mourning.

There is a subdued feeling at my library. I expect it is the same throughout the state. It’s hard to plan fun and exciting programs for the fall when you aren’t sure if the library will even be opened, let alone have the staff available for those programs!

Then there are the books and materials. For the past 10 days we have had an order ready to be placed. Yesterday it was decided to place the order – but only get the materials for our Main location. Even then, the list was reduced to the absolute “must haves”. The reason for the order change? We don’t know what branches – if any – will be open in two months.

I urge others to let their voices be heard. Have your children write to Governor Strickland and to your politicians in Columbus…and even your local media. Go to saveohiolibraries.com and post why you need your local library. Tell others to do the same. Let our voices ring, least our budgetary plight be forgotten or ignored.

So...it is Wednesday, and I am still waiting. What will the outcome be?