Tag Archives: libraries

National Library Week

Barbara Vey -- April 15th, 2013

I love celebrations and this week is one of my favorites….National Library Week. Like many of you, some of my fondest memories are from libraries. There was always something about the smell of all those books. So many to choose from and just imagining all those people who enjoyed them before me was mind-boggling.

All across the US, libraries in schools, campuses and communities will be celebrating National Library Week, a time to highlight the value of libraries, librarians and library workers. The National Honorary Chair this year is Caroline Kennedy and the theme this year is Community Matters.

,According to the American Library Association:

Libraries today are more than repositories for books and other resources. Often the heart of their communities, campuses or schools, libraries are deeply committed to the places where their patrons live, work and study. Libraries are trusted places where everyone in the community can gather to reconnect and reengage with each other to enrich and shape the community and address local issues.

Librarians work with elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large to discover what their communities needs are and meet them. Whether through offering e-books and technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or those to support early literacy, librarians listen to the community they serve, and they respond.

“Service to the community has always been the focus of the library,” said [name and title of the spokesperson]. “While this aspect has never changed, libraries have grown and evolved in how they provide for the needs of every member of their community.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

Libraries now offer so much more than just checking out books. You can borrow e-readers, iPads, there’s tutoring for adults, book clubs, author visits, movie nights, teen events, classes and taxes done. During the celebration week, some libraries will be offering coffee and cookies, poetry contests for kids, photography contests and one library will have a Food for Fines day.

What does your library have planned? What’s your favorite thing to do at the library?

Bottom Line: “If I was a book, I would like to be a library book, so I would be taken home by all different sorts of kids.” ~ Cornelia Funke

Monday Giveaways

From Cecily White: Cecily White, author of PROPHECY GIRL, will be giving away a 7 inch Kindle Fire on April 19th, 2013. Just share a SPOILER-FREE favorite or random quote from PROPHECY GIRL on Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr. Get all the info here.

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Pole Dancing at the Library

Barbara Vey -- January 21st, 2013

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I really have to thank joysann for posting this on Facebook the other day. As many of you know, joysann works at a library, so this has special meaning for her.,

The Huffington Post reported that libraries have been trying new ways to get patrons into their libraries, but this one is a doozy, even in my book. Pole dancing classes!

Magic Mike Moves

The public library is in Scotland and according to the Huffington Post, “The event will take place on “Love Your Library Day,” and is described as “pole fitness.” Local musicians will also be performing that day.”

My library never has a pole dancing day. The most excitement we get is from Chuckles the clown and he actually scares me more than entertains me. Maybe there could be a Magic Mike Day where male dancers can give fitness lessons. I’m sure they’d have a packed house.

Any other suggestions to get people into libraries?

Bottom Line: I tried pole dancing on a party bus once…it wasn’t pretty.

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Libraries, Luncheons & Conventions, Oh my!

Barbara Vey -- April 6th, 2012

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Logo designed by Andy Bernier

Next week is a big deal for our small community. On Monday, I’ll be hosting a library event for South Milwaukee Library that will feature four authors, Marjorie M. Liu, Dianna Love, Trish Milburn and Debbie Kaufman. Since the library is expecting a big turnout, they have moved the event to Tri City Bank, 2115 10th Avenue South Milwaukee because they have a bigger meeting room. There will be a panel discussion, Q&A period and book signing. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.

Tuesday is my big day. The first annual Barbara Vey Reader Appreciation Luncheon. We don’t often get a lot of authors to come to our area, so it’s a big deal that 35 authors will be here to meet, greet, eat lunch with and sign books for eager readers. The response has been amazing and 252 people have signed up for this first time event. Not bad considering that it will be held during the day on a Tuesday. All proceeds from the raffles will benefit local libraries.

Everyone around here is very excited and I’m still getting emails and letters asking for tickets even though sales stopped March 31st. It does my heart good to know that people get this stimulated by books and authors.

HEATHER GRAHAM’S NIGHT OF THE STARS GANGSTER CAFE TALENT QUEST

On Wednesday I’ll be off to Chicago for the RT Booklovers Convention. This is always a treat and is especially so this year because it’s so close. Thousands come to meet authors, visit friends, buy books and party. Of all the conferences I go to, this one excels at keeping the readers entertained by the variety of parties including a 1920s theme, Scottish Kilt, Intergalactic, cocktail parties and many more. There will be a special teen day, graphic novels signing and ebook signing along with the gigantic book signing by hundreds of authors. Definitely something for everyone.

A very busy week coming up, so I’ll be blogging daily with lots of pictures and video. Be sure to stop by often to catch up with what’s going on.

Will you be at any of the events? Or do you have other fun things planned for the week?

Bottom Line: The Reader Luncheon is dedicated to my mom, so I hope I make her proud.

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