Tag Archives: Libraries

Swooning for Libraries

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The very first time I saw a Little Free Library, I think I sort of swooned. That’s how much I love those little lending libraries on a stick.

To be honest, I swoon over just about every library–big, cavernous libraries and small, cozy ones. I like them modern or musty, downtown or hometown. I’ve had a love affair with libraries since I was a wee little girl.

Like when everybody else sang along to Seventy-Six Trombones in The Music Man, I knew every word to Marian the Librarian.

*Sigh*

I do so love my libraries. And I tell you why over at my Muffin post today. I hope you’ll take a look–oh! And you’ll also get to see a Little Free Library.

*Swoon*

(P.S. I’m off again for a few days to visit the parents, but I promise to catch up with you all when I get back. Or maybe you could leave good news in a comment? That’s always fun!)

The Awesomeness of A to Zoo

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ImageToday I checked my Things To Do List and there it was: Library. Wheee! I love to go to the library!

So, off I went to pick up my books at my local branch. Plus, I had a little library business in mind. Namely, A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books. Happily, my favorite library had a copy of this reference book on hand. Unhappily, I couldn’t check it out. So I had a little sit down to peruse the fairy tales section.

I do so enjoy fairy tales, and many of my manuscripts deal with fairy tales. But working, working, working on a manuscript only to find out that Betty Boopsidoo has written the exact same story (and had it published)…well, that I do not enjoy so much.

So when I heard about this awesome reference book, listing authors, illustrators, and a (very) brief synopsis of just about every children’s book published out there, I knew it was worth a trip to the library to make a couple notes.

And so I opened the (very) fat book and started writing. But do you have any idea how many books are out there about fairy tales? I don’t know, either, but I can tell you that it’s a lot. Quite a lot.

So I made copies of the pertinent pages. I mean, I love the library and all that, but I could’ve been there all day.

P.S. If you click on A to Zoo here, you’ll find yourself in WorldCat, which, once you type in your zip code, will let you know what library near you carries this awesome reference book. But be prepared. Bring plenty of change, and maybe smelling salts. You are not going to believe how many children’s books there are out there!

Finding a LOT of Keepers at the Library!

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One of my favorite places in the world is the library for lots and lots of reasons. But mostly because I can go there and browse among row after row of books and bring home pile after pile of books. All for free!

Which is kinda important for me. I read A LOT of books. Especially children’s books. And one of my favorite online places to hang out is a Fuse #8 Production, which is Elizabeth Bird’s blog at School Library Journal. She’s always going on and on about libraries and books. It’s a win-win for me.

April 12th was Library Appreciation Day and you might have read quite a few posts across the blogosphere about libraries…but I think I’ll declare this Library Bloggers Appreciation Day-with Fuse #8 at the top of the list!

(P.S. You can sign up for the School Library Journal newsletter and catch up on what kids are reading. Plus, you’ll find a lot of cool blogs to investigate over at Fuse #8- all about children’s reading, writing, and such. The more you know, the better writer you’ll be!)