Summer Reading Program

Summer is almost here and most libraries around the country have started their sign-ups for summer reading programs. I love that my library not only has a program specifically designed for the various children’s age groups, but teens and adults as well.

Last year we got some super cool eco-friendly water bottles for signing up and though we aren’t getting anything special this year, I am glad that they changed the adult prizes so that people are more likely to win something now. Whereas the teens and kids always get something for reading, the adults only get a chance.

Our theme this year is Novel Destinations. And though I generally don’t read travel related books, I think I might just have to pick out one to try, even if its not a requirement of the program. It’s programs like this that make me step outside of my usual reading habits to try something new and I think its generally a good thing.

Do you have any favorite travel related books?

Book Reviews

A while back I used to write short reviews of books I had read and why I did or didn’t like them. I don’t do it anymore and I sometimes wish that I had at least kept up with them even if I didn’t post them.

As a Librarian, knowing why I liked or didn’t like a book and what it’s characteristics are is really helpful when trying to recommend books to patrons. But since I really don’t do a lot of readers advisory work, I haven’t kept up with it.

And as a writer, I stopped posting critiques of other writers work because, well, when I don’t particularly like a book, I can be a bit harsh. To be honest, I am simply baffled sometimes at the things that get published and what becomes popular. But the reality is that we all have different tastes. What I think is trash someone might see as one of the best books of the last year and what they think is trash might be my favorite book of the year. So, I stepped away from writing reviews because I didn’t want to spread negativity. And to post only positive reviews seemed a bit silly.

I’m am, however, contemplating starting up my personal database of reviews again to help me at work for when I do get people who want recommendations. They won’t be shared, of course, but I think it’ll help me be a better Librarian and will encourage me to look at books with a critical eye again. Something which I also found very useful as a writer, because it also help me look more critically at my own work.