Quotes

Nearly all quotes become quotes because they are there to have an effect on someone, and that effect could change somebody’s life, or help them in a way that they didn’t realize. -Amy Packham

The reason one writes isn’t the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say. –F. Scott Fitzgerald

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. -Henry David Thoreau

Interview a Librarian

In my opinion, one of the best parts about summer is reading. And where better to get books (DO NOT SAY AMAZON) than the library?

As a follow-up to my last blog, I asked my local librarian aide, Carol Christiansen, a few questions.

1. What is the best part about working at a library?

The best part about working at a library is being around all those books, of course!  I love books, and so do most of the people who come in to the library.  So I have something in common with just about every person that walks through the door.  I also love reading to kids.  There is nothing more enjoyable than having 10-20 little faces entranced in a story and piping in randomly with their own opinions, thoughts, or predictions.  We were reading “Froggy Gets Dressed” and when it got to the part where Froggy forgot his underwear, a little boy jumped up and yelled out, “I’M wearing underwear!”  Priceless.

2. What are your 3 favorite books?

Adults:  Pillars of the Earth (Follett), One Thousand White Women, Shantaram, When Bad Things Happen to Good People  (Okay, that’s four.  I told you it was hard.)

Kids:  The Lorax (Seuss), Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big (Berke Breathed), The Giving Tree (Silverstein)  (Actually, ALL of Shel Silversteins books.)

Teens:  The Book Thief (Markus Zusak), The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (Sherman Alexie)

3. What do you wish kids would NOT do in the library?

Play on the computer!!  This drives me absolutely crazy.  When I show them a good book, they just look at me like I am from Mars.  I wish kids would have to “earn” computer time by reading.

4.  What do you wish adults would NOT do in the library?

Talk on their cell phones.  I mean, really.

5.  Why is a library important?

A Library is important because it provides so many things to many different people at no or very little cost.  Each person that walks through the door is using the library to meet their personal needs.  Access to information, books, language learning, internet access, children’s programs, a quiet place to study, magazines, newspapers, research materials, printing boarding passes, looking for directions, adult programs, DVDs, travel information, and the list goes on and on.  It is a hub, a center of the community, and the first place people will go when they don’t know where to start.

Thanks Carol!

As for the rest of you, get yourself to a library and show your support! In many towns, they’ve had to close.