What a great summer!!

Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart is a great book. It's a true story about two young girls from Iowa who spend one summer in New York and land the job of their dreams at Tiffany. I love these real life stories and learning how people really lived in 1945 which include stories of their daily living, of what they wore, how they spent their money and war time rations. During that summer they were able to be part of some historical moments in American history. They attended the Eisenhower hero parade, accidental crashing of a war plane into the Empire State building and celebrated VJ DAy in Times Square. Not to mention dealing with important and famous customers who shopped at Tiffany.

What I enjoyed the most of this book is the naievete of the girls and how the author didn't try to hide it. Their upbringing was very vital in how they survived in the big city. This is something people don't undestand today.

Hey that's mine!

Library Patron etiquette:
Please don't take paper from other printers. Come and ask me for it. The other computer user will get upset with you. Just come up and ask for it, I don't bite. Thank you. ( I have had patrons walk an extra 2 feet to another computer and take their paper rather than walk to the reference desk and ask me for it.)

Guilty pleasures

Obsession, Deceit and Really Dark Chocolate by Kyra Davis is another great example of fun, witty mystery writing. This is the third in a series of books about Sophie Katz, novice sleuth. Through no fault of her own she gets mixed up in murders and has to solve them. With the help of her on again, off again love interest Anatoly, they are able to work together to solve mysteries.

The premise of the series is cutesy, but Davis' writing is very witty and entertaining. She made me laugh out loud on several occasions. But her storylines are getting a bit boring and are nicely knit at the end and you are left with a piece of the storyline for the upcoming book. Which is nice, but at the same time, she could stop making it seem like Sophie is accidental drawn into solving murders. After three consecutive murders happening to a close friend or family member, she should just team up with Anatoly already and start a private detective team. That way Davis doesn't have to think of new ways in which Sophie inadvertently finds herself solving a crime. Just a thought. But I love these books and can't wait for the next one.

Jane on PBS

TV News:
I have to admit I was a late bloomer when it came to Jane Austen. I didn't get into her books until I started my Graduate Studies. But now I am a fan. So I am very excited about PBS showing all her book adaptations. Here is a blurb from their website:

"Presented for the first time on US television, the classic season kicks off with The Complete Jane Austen, featuring adaptations of all six Austen novels and a new biopic of her life."

Check out the TV listings and times here.

Kids!

Atonement (2007) starring Keira Knightly and James McAvoy.

This film was not what I had expected, it turned out to be a love story and tragic drama. Due to jealousy and misconstrued circumstances Robbie is sent to prison. The love affair placed on hold and his life will never be the same.

The film itself is very moving and the cinematography is breath taking. You can actually feel their emotions and the tones of the characters by the scenery behind them. I really recommend this film.

Dizzy. Nauseous.

Cloverfield (2008)
Saw it and loved it. When I'm determined to see a movie, I avoid all the hype so that it won't ruin it for me. So if you are like that, keep reading.

The film is about how a group of friends try to survive a monster attack on Manhattan. I enjoyed it because it was filmed from their perspective. So you only know what they know. You are not in the president's office and know exactly what is happening and what the government is going to do about it, etc. I like films that give you the perspective of everyday people. The only downside is that the film was done like it was recorded using a camcorder. So you get very dizzy and nauseated. I had to keep my eyes closed for most of the film. But overall the film was good. But if you like films that have a nice and tidy ending, I don't recommend it.

Learning new words

New Word for the Day:
Fisicoculturismo
Spanish word meaning body building.

Just when I thought I could figure anything out from what people ask for, I get a curve ball. Initially I thought she wanted something to do with physical anatomy. But no, just muscles. You learn something new everyday. That is such a cool word and sounds fancy, not like body building in English. This sounds scientific.

Pet Peeve #8

People who wait until the day before to get their material.

Why do people wait until the last minute to come and get their book, video, newspaper article, microfiche or research until the day before they need it? And it's not just students, we also get teachers who come in here and say:

1.Do you have To Kill a Mockingbird, I know why the caged bird sings, The Pearl, Angela's Ashes, Grapes of Wrath, etc.. ?(and any other school required reading that everyone else in your class came before you and took!!)
2.But you had tons of copies of it last time I was here you had it.
3.But I need it tomorrow!!!
4.Can't you check again?
5.Is there another library that has it. (Of course there isn't one nearby or they are 20 min away from closing).
6.Can you check to see if you have anything in the back? (What the?! We are not a retail store who receives a new shipment everyday and who are too lazy to put them out!!)
7. What I am supposed to do now?
8. Why don't you have them?
9. Um...(they remain standing infront of you. For a long time, I guess waiting for me to say, "Nah! Just kidding. Here it is!)

...and my most annoying favorite
10. This is ridiculous. Why don't you have the material I need? I need to speak to a manager. (continuous cursing and profanity being muttered under their breath.)

Sorry for the inconvenience

Patron Story:
I just had an encounter with one of our regular complainers. This patron comes to the library regularly and always finds something to complain about. If it's not the computers it's the kids are too loud, or his book wasn't in or someone was talking to loudly. Today it had to do with the bathrooms. In his defense I agree with what his complaint was (our bathrooms being out of order and our staff didn't help direct him to a working facility), but the way he went about it is what really got to me. Instead of just stating the facts he demanded to see the supervisor. I am the only one available, so he grills me on my title. Then tells me that if we don't rectify the problem he will go to our Board of Supervisor and maybe even embarrass her in front of her counsel meeting and complain about our poor regard for our patrons. But like the professional that I am, I apologized profusely and assured him that we will try to accommodate our patrons and hope that he will not feel the need to take it so far. He is not a wacko who just threatens. He is a wacko who has followed through in the past and we have heard it from the top. We all know who he is and try to avoid him. But it was my turn today. Go figure.

Movie Review
"JUNO" is a great movie! I recommend everyone to go see this movie. The humor and feeling of it is very much like "Little Miss Sunshine". Nuff said.

I. Am. Addicted.

I am addicted to blogs. Again. I had quit my habit about six months ago and actually being productive at work. But then I discovered this wonderful new thing called RSS feed and Google Reader. Wow! It's this cool new thing where you save all your favorite blogs with an RSS feed to your account. So instead of going to each individual blog to see if new entries have been added, you just sign into your account and see them all in one screen. I initially started collecting professional blogs dealing with libraries and librarianship. But then I found funny blogs dealing with libraries. From these blogs I found that they too have links to other blogs that are hilarious. So now I read blogs everyday with varied topics. It's awesome! I have been very disapointed when I see that a newly discovered blog does not have an RSS feed. "Natural/Artificial" I am looking in your direction! It's fun to read about other people's likes and book reviews.


News Stories
Speaking of great blogs, I am addicted to LISnews . They discuss an interesting article about a man who commited suicide in a library and how the patrons reacted. The event is a tragedy and I hope non of our patrons feel the need to end their lives. But the blog entry is interesting because it talks about how one patrons reacted to the event. Here is the blog and here is the news report about the event.

No, your children are not cute.

Pet Peeve #7: Thinking your child is so cute he/she can do whatever they want in the library.

Allowing your child to run in the library at top speed while you stand by and beam proudly, is not ok. I don't care if they just learned how to run. If you don't stop them I will. If you enjoy the little rantings, gurgling and general yapping coming from your child, don't assume everyone else does too. From where we stand it's just annoying and may lead to yelling. So stop that! Oh and we don't think it's cute when children yell, scream, cry or throw themselves on the floor because they don't want to leave the library. We don't take it as a compliment. Obviously your child does this everywhere you go and does not particularly apply to the abundance of books that makes them not want to leave. So drag them out if you have to because we don't want to hear it. Thank you.

Pet Peeve #6

College students who don't know how to use the catalog. Come on kids! We have made it easier for you. It's no longer a card catalog but actually searchable on a web based computer. You should be able to figure it out. I have had college students come to the reference desk with lists of books they want me to look up. Hence, they have the title, author, and date of publication. All the key ingredients to locate the books on their own. No, I will not hold your hand and look them up for you. You are in college go do it yourself!

It's raining it's pouring..um not so much

Just when I thought we would be getting some much needed rain, it shows up to tease us, but then disappears. I was hoping to have a nice, rainy quiet Saturday at the Library but no such luck. It's only cloudy and not even below 60 degrees! So the library is packed. As a result it's swarming with demanding tutors who want to claim our study rooms as their own.



One of our newer picky tutors is here today. Not that I'm targeting her but she has a tendency of staying after closing time, forcing us to escort her out with her tutee and parents in tow. So I'm on the look out.



LOST

I'm so happy!!! Lost is coming back on ABC January 31, 2008 @ 8pm. I can't wait. I was afraid that due to the writer's strike they were going to push the premiere back. But no, it's almost here!! Here is a quick synopsis to catch you up.

Reviews

Book Review:

Passion, betrayal and killer highlights by Kyra Davis was another entertaining book. It's pretty much the same as her previous novel. Most of her characters are fun to read about, but Sophie's sister Leah is tremendously annoying. I just feel like ripping her hair out whenever she speaks. Sophie appears to be a bit of a push over when it comes to her friends and family. It would be a better book if it didn't have so much Leah in it.

Movie Review:

Dr. Shivago is a very overrated movie. I finally forced myself to watch it and i seriously had to force myself to finish it. I think the main problem I have with it is the women's hair. it's hard for me to get into a historical romance taking place during the Russian Revolution when all the women have modern 1960's puffy hair. I received my BA in history and know for a fact that the women of the Bolshevik revolution did not have hair dressers to ensure that coif. Apart from the hair, the characters were not like able at all. Zhivago himself seemed needy and always trying to find himself. his demeanor was also played out like the 1960's hippy trying to finding meaning in life. Everyone raves about it being a great love story, but I just couldn't stand it. He was just a selfish and self serving.

Slow Friday:

The Friday after Christmas and before New Years is very slow. So here is my reference log for the day:

10-11am

1. I'd like to reserve a computer?
2. How can I reserve a computer?
3. Can I make a computer reservation?
4. The computer is frozen.
5. Can I get a computer reservation?
6. The computer doesn't want to work.
7. Can I get a study room?
8. Computer?
9. Can you help me find a book. It doesn't come up in your catalog?
10. I have a computer reservation at 11am. Where is it?
11. Can I get a computer reservation?

12-1pm

1. Can I have my library back?
2. Can you help me find this title in Spanish?
3. Can you help me find it?
4. Can you help me find a book on knitting in Spanish?
5. Can I have my pin number?
6. What happened to your foot?
7. Here is a gift for you for Christmas for being so nice. :)
8. I already used the computer on the express, so you can delete my reservation for 12:30 in case someone needs to use it. (how nice)
9. (Wow! Real ref question)I'm doing research on a couple and they listed their intention to marry back in 1934. Does that mean they got married within that year? If so, where can I find that record? I'm calling from Oregon.
10. Do you check out books here?
11. Can I reserve a computer here?
12. Where's the bathroom?
13. Me: Is this your child? Can you please stop him from running around the stacks and calling out for "mama"? Thank you.
14. They sent me from the front, I'm looking for computer programs for children. (me: to learn how to use the computer?) No, programs to help teach my child about letters and numbers. (me: sorry we don't have that here. We have books to teach you how to work the programs, to teach children to use them.) So you don't have program disks we can take home and practice letters and stuff? (No, we have Leap Frog (c) programs you can use here at the library).
15. Can I get a study room?
16. How can I use the Wi-Fi?
17. me:I'm sorry but you can't use your cell phone here.
18. me: Ma'am please stop your child from yelling and running through the stacks.
19. Can I make another computer reservation?

2-3pm

1. Can I check to see if I have anything late?
2. Do you have "Forrest Gump" on dvd?
3. Do you have "Harry Potter" books?
4. Do you have legal forms here?
5. How can I get a library card?
6. Is there somewhere I can enlarge a page?
7. Can I get a computer?
8. Can I have a computer?
9. Can I cancel my reservation?
10. I am looking for a "High Noon" on dvd.
11. Do you have "How to win friends and influence people'?
12. I'd like to cancel my reservation.
13. Can I make a reservation? I just got my number from the front. (me: no sorry. You need your card to make reservation.)
14. Do you have a book or anything on "Mario"? (me: like mario brothers? The video game?) Yes, anything like that.
15. Do you have "Goosebumps" videos?
16. Can I reserve a computer?
17. Do you have the movie "On Dangerous Ground"?
18. Can I make a reservation?
19. Can I make a reservation for a 15 min computer?
20. Can you tell me which computer I am on again?
    

Book Review:

Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi is another great collection of stories from Iran. In this book she recounts stories of women and their experiences. It is a graphic novel that allows you to connect with the characters of her life.

Library Stuff:

Now it seems our profession is attacking another website other than wikipedia. Read all about Yahoo answers here. I myself use it once in a while. Of course I follow up on the answer and don't take it as face value, but that's just me.

Patron Stories:

I approached two teens at the express computer when I noticed they have signed on for a second time, while there is another patron waiting.

Me: Would you please sign off? There is a person waiting for the computer and this is your second session.

Patron: I'm already signed off, I'm just sitting here (with a smirk while his friend snickers in the background.)

Me: If you get up from there so she can use it that would be great.

P: Yea that would be great. (As he is getting up.)

(I ignore his comment and go back to the desk. They stand/lean on the computer station next to the one he was on while he talks to his other buddy on the computer. Now I am getting upset. We don't allow people to loiter by the computers.)

I walk over to them very calmly. They don't notice I'm heading towards them and very loudly say:

Me: Excuse me, guys?! You cannot stand here and chat. If you would like to continue your conversation you need to go to another part of the library. You can go sit down on one of those desks.

Neither of them expected me to approach them again. They were in shock and just stared at each other. They quietly walked to the desk. LOL

Another story: Two girls come up to the desk for a computer reservation. Our policy is that you cannot make an appointment w/out your card. If you don't have it the circ desk gives it to you once, after that you must have you card. This young lady had her number on an old crumpled post it.

Patron: Can I get a computer? I just got my number up front.

Me: You just got this? (as I handle the post it.)

P: Yes.

M: Ok, the next computer is not available until 3pm is that ok? (As I look up her account to check for a note as to when she received this number.)

P: yea, that's ok.

M: I'm sorry. But it shows here that you received you number on the 21st. You need to go back up there and get a new library card if you have lost it. I can't make you a reservation.

P: Yea? Ok.

Ha! Try to pull a fast one on me will ya?! (I told you it was slow day. lol)

How Lame am I?

How pathetic is it that I RSS my own blog? LOL I have a Google reader account where I catch up on all my favorite blogs and I just added my own. Is that lame?

I don't want to come back!!

I just came back after a winter's break of 5 days. And the place is just as I had left it. Same old rude patrons that demand "the internet", cell phone shouting, computer hogging, smelly, rude people who don't know the meaning of good will towards men. ARGH! Doesn't anybody have anything better to do than to go to the library the day after Christmas? Go to the mall and torture those people with your returns and you fighting over the After-Christmas-Sales. Yes, I'm bitter.

Book Review:

Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi is the follow up to her first book that documented her childhood in Iran. This second book continues her story as she experiences life away from home in Austria. She encounters different cultures, people and ideas that shape her life.

I recommend her book for the sole experience of learning about a political refuge's ordeals in Europe. Living in Southern Cali I only have experience as a Mexican immigrant. So it was interesting to read about the refugees in Europe. Satrapi's tales are at times entertaining but you can't help but feel her loneliness and unhappiness because she is away from her family. Go out and pick up this book. You will learn a lot about Iran's culture and religious atmosphere.

Creepy customer

Patron Stories

I'm trying to sit perfectly still. Sssshhh. One of the new creepy guys (picture is not the actual image) has shown up. Last time he was here he was yelling obscenities in the Resource Center. The time after that he tried to join a private meeting we were having with our higher ups, to make sure he wasn't "missing anything". He is now using one of our Internet computers with his headphones on with the volume full blast. I would normally approach a patron that is doing that, where I can hear the sound, I ask them to turn it down. But not today. I'm hoping he doesn't see me and try to engage me into conversation/argument. I'm sitting here praying for the last 30 minutes to pass so that he leaves. Don't. Make. A. Move. Ssshhhh....please leave quietly.

Fun New Book

Sex, Murder and a Double Latte by Kyra Davis is a very fun book to read. The characters make you laugh out loud and allow to get lost in their plot.

Sophie Katz is a novelist who ends up being stalked by a murderer who is mimicking his victim's art. So she is trying to find out who is trying to kill her by reliving her own storyline. Sophie, Mary Ann and Dena are three of most oddest friends I have seen in a while, but they compliment each other. Sophie meets a mysterious Russian, Anatoly, who steals her heart. Their relationship is turbulent and fascinating.

I recommend this book based on the suspense and romance.

Persepolis

by Marjane Satrapi is a great graphic novel. I learned about this book in library school and never got around to read it. But I recently found out that the film based on this book will be released in the US this month. So I decided to read it before it came out.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! It's an autobiographical graphic novel about a young girl living in Iran during the fall of the Shah and rise of the Islamic revolution. You get Marjane's 11 year old point of view and how world changing events affect her and her family. Along with her life story, you get a history lesson of Iran and what turmoils it has gone through. I feel that I have more understanding towards Iran and it's people just by reading this book. It's a great experience all around and you will be a better person for having read it.

Another book

Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper is a book I finished reading a long time ago and just forgot to review. I picked up this book because I had enjoyed Tropper's other works of fiction filled with his humor. This one, not so much.

The story of Zack, as his life changes, is documented in this book. Its premise is that this book gives a guy's point of view of the complications of love. It's true. It does give you the guy's point of view of why he cheats and leads his fiance on. This aspect of the book was interesting. It wasn't just black and white where he was just a d*** who didn't care about the women around him. His cancer scare makes him human and easy to relate it.

This book was a little on the serious side. His "How to Talk to a Widower" which made me cry, ironically had more humor in it. I do recommend this author but not necessarily this book. So pick up his other works first and you'll enjoy his stance on life.

p.s. I didn't get the book cover. It makes it look like a menopausal book.

What exactly do you need?!

Patron Etiquette:
Be specific. When you come up to the desk don't ask broad questions that deal with a slew of material. Don't ask, "Where is your law area?" If you do be prepared to answer my questions to help me narrow it down for you. Or else I will just send you to the 340's and you'll have to sort it out.

Our library has the Chicano Resource Center. Please narrow your topic down! Asking for books on Chicanos will not give you a good source. You will be directed to all of the 10 bookcases. Good luck finding what you need! Do you want the history, culture, political activism, leaders and in what states? Don't continue answering with "Just anything on Chicanos" over and over again, when I am trying to decipher what you really need. Don't be surprised if you get a look of "Are you stupid?" from your librarian. You don't go to your nearest Pep Boys and ask, "Where are your things for cars?" and not specify. They would give you an even meaner look and gestures.

I have all the time in the world!

Patron Etiquette:
When coming up to the reference desk please have your library cards ready. If all you want is a computer reservation have it handy. Don't waste my time and those standing in line behind you while you rummage through your nap sack, backpack, baby bag, your cargo pant's pockets nor your little sister's wallet (who you have to hunt down on the other side of the library, because she has it) for your library card. You know you need it. Don't act surprise when we ask you for it. Thanks!


Christmas came early
My computer is finally fixed!!!! About a month ago I had a virus show up on my computer and it slowly died. Our IT department gave me the runaround for a month about getting it fixed. I finally contacted the IT manager and CC'd my boss. Sure enough I got a response the next day and is now fixed. I feel like a little girl with a new toy. But now I have to re-assign my book marks and RSS feeds. Oh well.

Always save your work!!

It always amazes me how people are surprised when the computer knocks them out once their session is over. They are angry that the computer didn't realize they hadn't printed their work yet. That they forgot to save it before their time was up. Yes, Once the computer kicks you off your session you loose your work. We don't save all of your work in some magical drive. If only the computers warned you of how much time you had left so that you had time to save or print it. Oh wait! It DOES!!! It warns you at 15 min. 10 min. 5 min. BEFORE it kicks you off. So don't come crying to me when you loose your work. You're the dumb ass that didn't pay attention.

I WORK FOR PEANUTS
On a lighter note. I have this patron that comes in almost every other day. He requests movies, books and has general questions. He's a very nice man. He always gratefully acknowledges my work. I recently helped him with some articles and he was very gratefully that he gave me a hug. So every time he comes in whether he needs my help or not, he says hello. It's nice to get a happy greeting from someone once in a while. Today he brought me a snack of peanuts for my break. :) What a clean ole man.

Reference Rant

Ms. Volunteer called again today. She calls every week to keep us on the phone for 10 minutes asking for volunteer opportunities in the City area. She goes on and on, describing her lonely life and how she plans on moving to the country until we cut her off.

Today she called to have me look up the reason for which Hulk Hulgan and his wife Linda are getting a divorce. After reading TMZ.com I describe to her that they just decided to quit and their kids are grown. She said, "Just because their kids are grown?" "
"Yes. That is all it states", I answer.
"But that makes any sense. Why would they just give up if their kids are grown? Why do you suppose that is?"
I said, "I have no idea that is all it says."
"Ok, thank you." click!

LOL, I got off easy today.

Gift ideas

In case you are wondering what to get me for my birthday or Christmas here are some helpful websites:

The Unshelved Store. A comic strip that takes place in a library and is mainly funny for librarians. Check it out.
http://www.unshelved.com/store.aspx

Turner Classic Movies Channel website as some awesome collections of films. I am a movie buff, so you can never go wrong here.
http://www.tcm.com/2007/giftguide/index.jsp

This one needs no introduction or explanation:
http://www.beatles.com/

HAPPY SHOPPING!! (for me. hehehe)

Hey Baby What's your sign?

I found a very cute article on LISNews on pick up lines that work on librarians. Here are my favorite:

• So is it true public librarians let anyone in?



• Didn't I see you on the cover of American Libraries?



• So when's the last time you were "on the desk"?



• Want to come back to my room and play cataloger? I brought my own Dewey.



• I'll make you scream LC subject headings.



• Damn... you're stacked better than the LOC!!

BOOK REVIEWS

Guide to Elegance by Geneviaeve Antoine-Dariaux is a very cute book that dictates how one can become an elegant lady. Ms. Antoine-Dariaux was a fashion consultant for one of the great fashion houses of Paris. The original release of this book was in 1964, so a lot of the material is a bit outdated and no longer used. I for one, am going to try and bring elegance back. :) Some handy tips that I found interesting were:

• Girls of 14 years or younger should not carry umbrellas.
• The only jewelry to be worn during the day are wrist watches, studded earrings (not dangly) and at the most two rings on your hands. Preferably on your ring finger and your wedding ring counts as one.
• Wrist watches should only be worn before 5pm. Your evening attire should not include one.
• Your wardrobe does not have to be plentiful nor expensive to be elegant. It must contain the basic items of a wool skirt, nicely fitted suit, little black dress, nice coat, sturdy black purse and shoes.
• Elegant ladies are not seen in public doing the following things: picking their teeth, scratching their heads, nor grooming at the table after a meal.
• Pearls go with everything, anything and anytime.
• Alligator shoes and handbags are more of a daytime attire.
• When posing for photographs make sure and smile. Don't place hands on hips. When posing at the beach lying down pose on your side, not flat like a pancake.
• And a cool historic fact: Wedges were invented in Paris during WWII due to the lack of leather for shoes.

Hope you can use this! :)

Rushed patron

Patron Stories

Setting: Me at the ref. desk 10am, right when the library opened.

Patron: EXCUSE ME!! (rushing towards me) This computer says it's reserved for 11am and i tried signing in but it won't let me because it's reserved for this hour (10am)! But it's a lie because it says it is reserved for 11am and I....

Me: Which computer is it and I'll check the reservation?

P: Comp 15

Me: Yes, in fact it is reserved for 10am. But there are several computers (like 10 of them!!) available you could go on which are not reserved at this time.

P: Ok, but my complaint is that the screen was misleading saying it was available for until 11am. I wouldn't have wasted my time on it I am in a hurry!!!

Me: I'm sorry about that. I will email our IT dept.

(If she was in such a hurry she could have just jumped on another computer w/out wasting her time talking to me and complaining about it! She wasted more time with me than just signing onto another computer. What a yutz!)

Don't bring your baggage to the library

Things I am not!

As a librarian I have to fulfill a lot of roles. I am an information professional, computer expert, researcher extraordinaire and confidant of information. But people confuse me with other types of people that I am not and are not included in my job description. Which are the following:
1. A babysitter: Don't leave your children at the library unattended. I am not here to keep track if your child was here and if in fact they came here right after school. I don't keep track if they have completed their homework and I will not give you information on whether they used the computer or not. So stop asking.
2. A receptionist: Because I work in a large library, private tutors like to use our facilities and study rooms. We are not associated with the tutors. So if you show up and ask us where Mr. So and So is, we don't know. We will not page someone over the intercom to see if he is here. If you use one of our study rooms, I will not "watch out" for your student/tutee and let them know you are in "your office". I am not your receptionist.
4. A mind-reader: Ask me what you want. Don't just hand me your library card or homework assignment for me to decipher your request. ASK ME!!! I cannot read your mind.


Patron Etiquette:

Just because you are a "pet-parent" and you treat your pet like a child does not mean you can bring them into the library. Unless it is helping you move around your pet is not welcomed in the library. If your dog is in a sweater and in a stroller does not make it OK for you to bring him in. I don't care if he wants to go on the Internet!!

BOOK REVIEWS

Across A Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande



This book deals with the problems a family has to go through when the father leaves for the United States and leaves the rest in Mexico. It is a very sad story that brings the reality of immigration to life.







The book talks about the life experiences of Juana Garcia and Adelina Vazquez, who have to battle to survive life along the border. I recommend this book.



Becoming Americana by Lara Rios
I had picked up this book because I went to see the author speak. I was hoping it was going to be a light and fun chicalit book, but it was a very serious. It wasn't funny where you laugh at the protagonist's screwy adventures but more of a social critique of losing one's identity.

Lupe is trying to fit in at UCLA by not standing out as a Latina. While trying to fend for herself in the slums of East LA, she encounters friends that are willing to help her and family that is holding her back. I recommend this book even though it's a bit melodramatic when it comes to its description of barrio life.

Oh! What tangled webs we weave...

In "The Quickie" James Patterson (or should I say Michael Ledwidge) really tops himself. This is a great suspenseful drama that takes you on some twists and turns. Just when you thought you had it figured out, bam! It turns on you.

Lauren Stillwell is trapped in a marriage that is leading to nowhere. She accidentally finds her husband having an affair and reciprocates by having a "quickie" with a co-worker. Her life becomes very, very complicated after that event. Not just because of her marital repercussions of adultery but something more sinister. I really don't want to give away more of the story but it's totally worth picking up. Every chapter has new revelations and twists. You won't be able to put it down.

Research

Whatever happened to good ole fashion note taking? When I was in school (which wasn't that long ago) I did not want to lug around all my books I was using for research. So having to deal with a reference book was no big deal. Because I took notes. I deal with patrons everyday who think it's the end of the world if the book they need is reference. Mostly because we don't have copiers, our patrons freak out and give me an attitude. "What?! I can't check this out? But it's for my assignment!"

Well then sit down and start taking some notes!!

Here are some tips:

1. While doing research refer to the index and find the material you are looking for faster.
2. When writing down a relevant quote make sure and write down the bibliographic information prior to jotting down the note ( you don't want to lose a good source just because you forgot the name of the book. It gets confusing especially when you have five books on your desk):

Ricardo Flores Magon and the Liberal Party (1967). Ward, Albro. University of Michigan Publishing
"The liberal party was part of the revolution that took place in the 1960's in Mexico...."p. 67

3. After writing the note, make sure and jot down the page number.

See how easy that was?! The time it took you to argue with me about checking out the reference material you could have jotted down several pertinent quotes for your research.

MLIS

Some people still ask me, "Why do you need a Master's to be a librarian?" Other than the fact that you need to know your way around Dewey and the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, it also gives you a sense of professionalism when dealing with serious issues. Working as a librarian, I can easily see how someone who does not have the professionalism of a Master's degree totally screw with our profession. I mean, I have had the urge so many times just tell people "No." Just tell them "No" for no particular reason. Just so that they can go away. When they ask do you have a book on [fill in the blank], NO! Or make fun of them for mispronouncing a word like "Morse" and pronouncing it "Moresy", asking for the "Moresy code". Yea, I talk about it later, but not to their face. Because we are a profession we have a Code of Ethics we follow and the Library Bill of Rights we adhere to. I know I hold back from being rude because I am a professional and as such, not be rude nor deny information because of my own personal beliefs.

Pet Peeve # 5 - Don't conduct your own reference interview.

While waiting in line and the librarian is busy helping the people ahead of you, please fight the urge to intervene. We don't need your opinion of which topics I should be searching under and asking the patron what their paper is about. Please don't assume that the patron is waiting for your opinion on the subject and hoping that you think the book was great. WE don't care. We don't care that your dad had the same condition and that herbal teas is the best way to go. Stop it! Not everyone cares to hear your take on a topic. Keep it to yourself.

Midnight by Dean Koontz

Was a really great book. I listened to it on my way from work at night and it was "escury!" The book is about a megalomaniac who is trying to take over a small town. I don't really want to spoil the book, but you get a great feeling of urgency and the desperation of those who are not converted to follow.

I love the way Koontz write because all of his books I have read take place within a couple of days or a 24 hour period.

The book came first

The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper was briefly a TV show on NBC. I had no idea until I started reading it that this was the case. I saw the first episode of the show and didn't really like it. The book was somewhat entertaining and I mainly kept reading it because I wanted to see how it concluded, not so much that I was interested in the story.

Joe Goffman left his small town to become a writer. His book became a best seller and he was shunned by his hometown. The book was a work of fiction but is filled with descriptions of real people from his town in which he portrayed them in a very negative light. Due to his father having a heart attack he has to go back home and face the music.

My Evil co-workers

Yes. Evil. Why oh why are you weeding so much? There is no need for you to weed the 800's and gut it dry! Leave us please some poetry, some sonatas, some shakespeare! PLEASE! If you don't like books, don't be a librarian! Don't take it out on our small collection.

Are you looking for A Long Day's Journey Into Night? Sorry, it's gone! How about some classic Emerson? Nope try another library. OH! It hurts just thinking about it. (sigh) Stop the madness!



Patron Stories:

An aide tells me a patron is using his cell phone to listen to music in the computer room. He won't turn it off. I ask him to please turn it off. He says, "I have come before and if I can't afford to get earphones for the computer, someone else has told me it's ok to lower it so I can hear it softly. How is that different from using my cell phone softly?" Me: I'm not sure who you spoke to, but that is not our policy. If you don't have earphones you can't listen to the sounds from the computer you must turn it off. Patron: I see how it is. Fine.
(p.s. if you can afford a cell phone you can afford $5 earphones if you want to listen to music at the library so badly! )

Patron (thinking): hmm? The librarian just came up to me and asked me not to use the cell phone in here. Let me talk even louder and walk to the echoing hallway that resonates all over the building. That will be better right?
Me: Can you please get off the cell phone or go outside. (ARGH!! The hallway is not outside!!!!)

Intresting Ref Questions

Patron: You don't have banned books here right?
Me: Yes, we actually have a lot of them. Which one are you looking for?
Patron: Well it's a movie. About Christopher Columbus.
Me: So you want a movie about Christopher Columbus?
Patron: Yes, but I don't remember the name of it.
(WHA?! How? Huh? What does that have to do with banned books?)

My day

Situation: Emergency door is opened. Alarm goes off. Librarian 2nd in Command is walking by. He pauses. Looks around to see if anybody saw him notice it. Doesn't see anybody. Walks away. Alarm is still blaring.

My Reference Log

A Wednesday afternoon two hour stint at the reference desk:

1. Can I have a computer?


2. Do you have Hawaiian music?


3. Can I order some movies?


4. Can I get a computer?


5. Can I get a study room?


6. Can I get a computer?


7. Can we both sit at the computer?


8. What computer was that again?


9. Where can I sign up for a computer?


10. Why can't we share a computer?


11. Let me speak to a manager.


12. I'll go find another computer somewhere else! (after speaking to manager)


13. (Phone) Can I talk to the CRC? What are their hours?


14. Is this where I make a computer reservation?


15. Can I have a computer?


16. How do you spell "cirrhosis"?


17. Can I get a study room?


18. Can I get a computer?


19. Can I get a computer?


20. You can't use your cell phone in here.


21. You can't eat that in here.


22. Please keep it down you are very loud.


23. Can you restart my computer?


24. When is your next computer reservation?


25. That's your earliest one?


26. What computer did you say I had?


27. Where are your "Halo" books?


28. Where are your scary stories? Like Goosebump?


29. Can i have a computer?


30. Can you help me find this book in the shelves?


31. Can I get my ID back?


32. 
    
    

Patrons

Patron etiquette:
When you see an Information Professional such as myself speaking to somebody else, don't just come up and interrupt asking if you can ask me a question. I am busy! Yea, you are not the only person in the library! People standing in front of you in line got there first even if you think you are the most important person to your self, you're not for the rest of us. K. Thanks.

Patron: Can I check to see if someone I am looking for is here or has used a computer. Me: No, sorry. We can't give out that kind of information.
P: Oh really?
Me: Yes.
P: Well can I ask you if you've seen this girl? She is about 5 feet tall, with dark hair and "morenita" complexion.Me: (pause) are you serious?
P: Yea.Me: There are a lot people that fit your description here (In East Los Angeles!!! And you are talking to one of them dumbass!). Sorry.
Same patron later on.
P: Can I make a computer reservation?
Me: Sure. The next one is at 12:30. Is that ok?
P: Sure. Is that for half hour or a full hour?
Me: Full hour.
P:What time do you open?
Me: 10am
P: Why are your reservations in increments of 30 minutes? Like 11:30, 12:30...?
Me: Because not everyone shows up at 10am to use a computer. They come in later on and use it from 10:30 till 11:30 and the person after them uses it from 11:30 to 12:30 and so on.
P: wow that is weird.
(Really?!?! Is it really that weird? This is an adult I'm talking to, right?)

New FAV blogs

Thanks to OEDB's poll, "Top 25 Librarian Blogger", I have found my new favorite blog. A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette is full of sarcasm and dry humor covering clever topics such as "Being the Kick-ass Librarian", "Dressing for a library interview" and other helpful tips like "Being a Whistler". I guess those of you who are not librarians and might get the jokes, but if imagine your local librarian following these guidelines it is very humorous. I particularly enjoy the topic of being territorial in which peeing is the solution to marking your territory. Good reading. :)

Here's some patron etiquette:

When using a public computer at the library always take handy wipes with you. The person who might have been using it before you could have had a cold and sneezed their snot all over the place w/out covering their mouth. I've seen it happen folks.

TV

I have a new favorite show. Mad Men on AMC is an awesome show that deals with the world of advertising men on Madison Avenue NY in the early 1960's. I love the dress and the background settings. Even though it's full of racial, sexist and other non-pc talk, the storyline is awesome. The development of these characters is enthralling. I can't wait for the mid-60's cus I know some of the housewives will be declaring their Independence. Though it looks like they are really trying to hard to shock the audience by showing a lot of shots of pregnant women smoking/drinking, people driving w/out their seat belts or drunk and people drinking all the time. At first this last part I thought was an exaggeration, but I spoke to one of my co-workers and she says it's all true. It just so happens that she was a secretary for an ad firm on Madison Avenue NY in the 1960's and it was exactly like that. With the ass pinching and 3 martini lunches. Yup that was real.

Duck.Duck.GOOSE!!

So I decide to have my lunch outside today. My library is located by a nice park with a lake and I had never taken advantage of having this park nearby. I grabbed my sandwich and headed for the park. There are very few benches under some shade but I was able to find one by lake. As soon as I sat down, a flock of ducks headed my way. I guess they are used to having people feed them, but I was determined not to encourage this kind of behaviour. So I refrained from giving them any food. They slowly realized it and moved on. As I sat there, there was this one duck that would not leave. He kept waiting for me to drop something. He was like a dog waiting for my every move. He even chased a napkin I had tossed to the trashcan, but was not able to reach it. He is a beautiful black duck with luminescent feathers that change from green to purple to blue when the sun hits them. Here he is standing by my legs waiting to snatch my napkin. The little punk got to so impatient that he started nibbling at my shoe!

He did not give up! Never even flinched when I tried to shoo him away with my foot. Instead he brought reinforcements...
Stupid goose started circling me. I hurriedly ate my lunch and bolted out of there! LOL! I did not want to become another LA duck mauling statistic. This was almost as bad as my "squirrel incident" at The Huntington. It was a bad experience. I don't want to talk about. lol

Oh Cuba!

Loving Che by Ana Menedez is a wonderful novel of family, political romanticism and love. I really recommend this book to everybody. It deals with family separation after the Cuban revolution and how one woman tries to find the truth to the past. The ideals of the revolutions are given a human face and the treatment of the Cuban people after the revolution is very well described. You can feel the desperation of the people who escaped it and remained.






Patron Stories: No Shoes No Service
Me: Sir, can you put your shoes back on please.
Patron: Oh no, I don't have any shoes. You see I have a foot fungus that bothers my foot.(Pointing to the foot.)
Me: (Looking at him like he's a moron.) Yes, that is why we want you to put some shoes on. We have small children that crawl on the carpet and we don't want them to get your fungus.
Me: Oh? Ok. I'll be leaving anyway.

My Cuba streak continues

In Cuba I was a German Shepherd by Ana Menendez started off good, but then lost me. The book mainly deals with the dislocation of the Cuban families and how they adjusted to their new life in the US. Menendez uses stories that jump from one character to another, which makes it hard to follow. She also uses symbolism which I don't like. The symbolism is overly used and make the stories seem convoluted. I like the first couple of stories that deal with old men and their jokes, but after that she looses me.

I'm reading two other books that have to do with Cuba and it's people so stay tuned.

STOP FORWARDING!!!!

Forwarded emails irk me!! I have this old co-worker whose only form of communicating with people is by forwarding stupid jokes, chain mails and pictures of fat naked women. I HATE THAT!!! I never read her emails and have deleted her from my address book hoping that she will get filtered out. She gets sent to my junk mail but I still get them. Then not only do I get it from her but she sends them to another old co-worker who later sends me the same email again!! I have no problem deleting them w/out reading them, but what I really hate is that they don't even have the courtesy to BCC everyone instead of having all the people they forward it to see everybody else's email. I don't know her friends, so I don't want them having my email address. It's no surprise I get a lot of junk mail. Ok, so I have told her "Stop sending me this crap!!!" But still does. Can anybody help?

Book vs. Movie

In my experience all books that have been made into movies are generally better than the movie production. There is one exception, Devil's Advocate the movie was way better than the book. But yesterday I went to see The Nanny Diary and it sucked. They changed so many aspects of the book that were critical to the story and what the author intended to convey. Three main things were changed that I think made the movie bad. 1) Nanny was raised by her single, bitter mother who wanted her strive for excellence. This ruined it because in the book Nanny has to deal with her close family who she goes to for advice and encouragement. Her role model is her grandmother who supports her in her decisions but also makes her think why she takes on nanny positions. 2) In the movie they make it seem like she came upon becoming a nanny by accident. In the book she has had years experience with being a nanny and uses all her past experiences on know how to deal with Grayden and the X's. Being a Nanny is how she worked while going through college. 3) Her school status. One of the main conflicts of the book is the fact that she is in her senior year at NYU and while she has to deal with the control freak, boss from hell Mrs. X she also has to finish her senior thesis on time. This element of the book would have made the movie more interesting. At the end of the book the Mrs. X's of the Upper East Side are summarized as a force to be reckoned with and the cycle of nannies continue. So all in all, I don't recommend this movie. The book wasn't all that as it is, but the movie was worse.

How to talk to a widower

by Jonathan Topper was a very sad book. Because of the death of his wife, Doug has to learn how to deal with his stepson and moving on. There were times in the book where I really wanted to cry. Just the fact of how much he loved his wife and how quickly she was taken from him was the sad part. Once he started dealing with real life it became humorous. His family and friends were wacky that you had to laugh out loud. I recommend this book.

My Day

This was my day of questions in a 4 hour reference day:
Can I Pre order new releases advertised on our poster.
Computer reservation.
Where’s computer 8?
Is there a computer class here today?
Is your catalog working?
Can I reserve a PC?
Can I have more paper?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a library card?
Where can I get the new releases?
I ordered 300 a month ago and haven’t received it.
Why is myspace blocked?
Can I make a PC reservation?
The computer won’t let me log in.
Can I reserve a computer?
Can I place a movie on hold?
Reserve a computer.
Reserve a computer.
Reserve a computer.
Where can I make copies?
Can I have paper for computer?
Can I reserve a computer?
Can I reserve a computer?
I’m looking for this book that I had checked out before and I don’t see it anymore. It was in row 8.
Can you print directions for me?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
Is that computer taken?
Where are your plays?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
“”
“”
Where are your books on neurology?
Can I get my ID back?
Can I get a computer?
Can I get a computer?
"Hey kid! Don’t ride your scooter in here."
"Sorry, there can only be one person per computer."(x10)
"Please turn off your cell phone. "(x10)
Can I use the computer if I owe $15?
Can I use the computer if I don’t have my computer card?
I need an article published in the newspaper the date my son was born.
I need to find an article in the LA times that has to do with Patagonia and was printed a couple of months ago.
Can I get a computer?
Can I drop off a book I checked out from Montebello here?
Which computer was it I reserved?
Where is it?

Who's ready for autumn?!

I AM!!! I am so tired of the 100 degree weather. I'm tired of dressing cool to get to work and then putting on a sweater to deal with the AC. I crave scarfs, sweaters, boots and coats, the cool wind blowing in my hair and fresh smell of rain. Autumn, hurry up and get here!!

Austenland

With a book dedication like this I could not resist this book:

"For Collin Firth

You're a really great guy, but I'm married, so I think we should just be friends."

Austenland by Shannon Hale was very entertaining and funny. Like the main character Jane I too love the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and fell in love with Collin Firth because of it. The writing of this novel was very similar to that of Jane Austen which made it more interesting to read. Though I have not read all of Miss Austen's books, the book is an easy read.

Jane, a graphic design artist is obsessed with finding her Mr. Darcy and in the process has gone through several relations that have scarred her for life. Her great-(rich)aunt leaves her an unusual gift in her last Will and Testament which takes Jane to a surreal Austenland. I know there are many of you Austen lovers out there, so I recommend this book to you. You will not regret it.

My Patrons

I have regular patrons that annoy me so much that I gave them a nickname. The first is Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum. They are a married couple that always come in and cause trouble. I have been yelled at by them at least once since I've been working here with their irrational demands and complaints. They complete each other because they cannot comprehend how the world doesn't revolve around them.

The next couple is Heckle & Jeckle. They are a pair of "Emo" friends that always come in with their loud iPods, and snotty attitude. They gather at a computer with other friends and cause a raucous. They have a wanna be mohawk and tight jeans . They are rude and obnoxious when approached about their loudness and continue to ignore the rules of the library.

Then there's Uncle Fester and Igor this is another married couple that come in and think they own the place. After being yelled at by Fester they no longer come and ask questions at the desk when I'm here. I think he is embarassed about how he made an ass of himself.

So those are my patrons. Ahh! The joy of librarianship.

Oh Manny, Manny, Manny

The Manny by Holly Peterson was "eh!". It was too unrealistic and boring. The book is about a working mom who in an effort to help her 9 year old son deal with his absent father, who is always working, she hires a male nanny = A Manny. Throughout the book Peterson touches on Jamie's marriage and how it is falling apart. So you pretty much know where this story goes.

I think this is more of a fairytale. If you work hard and raise wonderful children, you can hire a great father figure for your children and fall in love giving you the strength to leave your dead marriage and the man who doesn't respect you. BORING!! The writing was long and drawn out where she didn't get to the point. Especially the parts about Jamie's career changing job. I was just not buying it. So, I don't really recommend this book.

Dreaming in Cuban

Dreaming in Cuban by Christina Garcia was a very good novel about a family and how they coped after the Revolution. Story jumps from the different points of view of the family members through three generations. After Castro takes over Cuba, the del Pino family is split between following El Lider or have Cuba the way it used to be. The eldest daughter leaves with her family to the USA and her father later follows. The remaining members of the family, Abuela Celia, Felicia and her three children experience the hardships of rations and censorship.

I really enjoyed this book because the author did a great job of portraying the passion between the two sides of the Revolution in one family. I really rooted for each character and their individual feelings. One thing that really stood out to me is how miserable the lives of all the female characters were. With no exception, they were all unhappily married, crazy, dealing with cheating husbands, abuse, self loathing, deranged mother's in law, lost loves, abandonment issues and paranoia. It makes me think that the author went out of her way to ensure that the reader knew how much a Cuban woman suffers. But it was fascinating to read about their experiences. I recommend this book to anyone. It's not as filled with "spiritual symbolism" and the like, like Sandra Cisneros or Isabel Allende and I think that is why I liked it.

Patron Stories

I was told I "ROCK" today. Yes, that's right. I ROCK! I think that is the best compliment I have received since I became a librarian. I always post the ridiculousness of my patrons but today I wanted to give me a pat on the back. I had a patron that could not print out a document from his thumb drive. I thought it was because we don't have the program that he used to create it. But he insisted that he created in Word. He was so baffled and confused that he brought out his laptop and I walked him through it. Of course the problem was that he created it in with the new Vista Word program. Yea. If you save it with the Vista program these older computers (i.e. those created before 2007) cannot read the file. How convenient for Microsoft. So I figured out how to save it as a Word 1997-2003 document. He was able to save it to his thumb drive and we were able to print it. TA DA!!! And that is why I ROCK.

Ok, this rant is back to my discussion of "Family Place" libraries. Our library has been set up with the idea that if we bring toys to the library it will encourage young families to come and read while their little ones play. So kids of all ages come play, be loud, run and yell in the library. And we are not allowed to say anything because it's a "Family Place". Our superiors have given us research to help us understand why they do this. They claim that once children go on to Middle and High School they lose interest in the library because they no longer have the same attention lavished on them when they were kids through storytime, summer reading programs and games. Well duh! How about instead of creating more areas of play for kids, we fund more programs for adults and young adults? Of course kids are going to lose interest in something that has lost interest in them once they are adults? It's like having your first 4 years of grammar school be filled with nothing but games, puppies and prizes. Then when you hit middle school, BAM! You are expected to sit still for long periods of time just listening to someone lecture. There would be more school drop outs if that was the case.

I'm just saying, I don't agree with the whole "Family Place" concept of a way to keep children interested in the library once they become adults.

Two books I finished reading just because.

Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee and Flip Flopped by Jill Smolinski are two books I struggled with in order to finish them. First off, Free Food was too long. There was no point in having all that detail about so many characters. The main character, Casey, is a Korean girl newly graduated from Princeton. She attended with a full scholarship and now has to deal with the real world and due to her poor background she doesn't have the same privileges her rich classmates have. I was fascinated by this story because I always wondered how people adjusted to that kind of life. The idea of coming from a poor family and background and then being sent to an Ivy League school where you know everyone is richer than you is something I always wondered about. I knew of classmates who went on to Ivy League schools and never knew what happened after that, so I've always wondered.

Casey has a difficult time adjusting to being on her own in New York after her father kicks her out for acting superior. She goes through several relationships and deals with her mentor's overbearing need to help her. I got bored through the middle of this book, but I had to finish it. I just couldn't let it go.

Flip Flopped was a fun read. The main character (I can't even remember her name) was funny and made you cheer for her. Th title of this book was right on to described her state of mind. She flip-flopped from one extreme to the other when it came to her life. After having caught her husband cheating on her, she is trying to go through divorce proceedings, but she has second thoughts all through the book. I really hated Kam (I remember his name, darn it!) because I don't care how the island people of Hawaii are, he was just lazy and irresponsible and I refuse to believe that a whole group of people are like that. I mainly finished the book, though I lost interest in it half way through, was because I wanted to make sure she stuck it to him in the end with the divorce. It was very anti-climactic, so I was not too happy with it.

My List

I just finished reading The Next thing on My List by Jill Smolinski, which is a great book about meeting your goals and facing the challenges of life.

June Parker is determined to complete the items on a dead girl's list before her 25th birthday. Her ambition and motivation helps her have a better life and understand the people around her. I relate to this character because I use lists all my life to help me get things in order, from my education, love life and career goals, I have relied on lists to keep me focused. I think they are the reason for which I have accomplished what I have so far. I really recommend for you to read this book. Though it has some serious undertones the characters are funny and relate-able.

Are libraries selling out?

Yes! In order to compete with the Barnes and Nobles of the world the public library has changed its rules. Specifically to my library we now have a "Family Place" which is an area that has toys, chairs and child development books in a section of the children's area. The idea is that parents with small children can still come to the library and read up on what information they may need. What really sucks about this is that it's not like the kids sit quietly with their toys while their parents read on the side. No. Parents bring their kids just to play. Like it was Chuck e Cheese or something. Kids get together and play with each other, throw toys, yell and fight with each other while their parents sit and talk very loudly, not taking into consideration that in fact they are in a library. I'm sorry, but a library should be quiet. A library is one of the last places remaining that you can sit and quietly relax with your research or book. You can't even relax in the movie theatres anymore, with all the cell phones, babies crying and loud talking. So library administrators, Stop It!! Bad administrators!! How would you like it if I came into your board rooms and said everyone is allowed to bring their kids to your meetings and provide loud battery operated toys? Lets see how productive your meetings will be.

Men's Guide to the Women's Restroom

By Jo Barrett was not what I expected. The story is about a woman who has just gone through a divorce and is trying to get her life back on track by going back home to Austin, Texas. She tries to move on with her friends and new boyfriend who she thinks might be the real thing. Her understanding of the women's bathroom as an inner sactum inspires her to write a book for men, so that they understand why we go to the bathroom in groups. (I don't do that. Only when drunk. tee hee )

I guess I expected something more from the male point of view and why they are so confused as to why we travel in herds to the restroom. The character's personality was fun and at times made me lol. I kinda recommend this book if you want something fun and light to read. It didn't leave me wanting me more.

Has this ever happened to you?

When people find out that I am a librarian, they treat me differently. Like I'm supposed to know everything. You know like when some insecure guy comes upon a boxer and tries to trick him into a fight to prove that he is just as good as the boxer. Yea. People do that to me. They ask me question and try to stump me. Why? I do not know. What they don't understand is that I don't know everything, I just know where to find everything. I don't claim to be the smartest person in the world and know every fact at the drop of a hat. But if you ask me for some information and I research it for you. Don't question me. "I did the research!" So don't question me. If you weren't going to take my answers at face value then don't ask me to look up stuff you!!!

Heaven. I'm in heaven.

I never understood when people described chocolate as a comfort food. That every time they ate it, it made them happy and relaxed. I don't like chocolate. I'll eat it once in a while but I don't crave it like some other people. I prefer something more salty and crunchy than sweet and gooey. So I was recently pleased with my new discovery. A Diablito. On an excursion I took with my in-laws to try a new place where they have "tortas ahogadas" I came upon this concoction called a Diablito. It mainly consists of crushed ice, like a snow cone. But it's the toppings that make it magic. It's a mixture of tamarindo, chamoy, chile, salt and lemon. This is was the only place I knew that had them. So I had 2 before I left. Today I find out there is place close to where I work that sells them. YEAY!! One of our library pages went out and got me one for lunch. MMmmmmm comfort food. I was in heaven the full 10 min it took me to eat it. It was so comforting that I was able to block out the people around me. Tan!Tan!