#library stuff

[onebluebookworm]

We are all aware that libraries across the United States are under attack. Thanks to groups like Moms for Liberty and other outspoken “concerned citizens,” there has been actual legislative action at multiple levels of government to limit what libraries can do and provide to their communities. Even in the places where there hasn’t been that kind of action, those same concerned citizens have mounted acts of intimidation to instill fear and block access...In light of this, I’ve heard many iterations of the same question: how can we help? What do libraries and library staff need right now?

[nitewrighter]

[discussing collection development with my supervisor] "I know we like the idea of having a wide variety of books but the truth is... you're going to be ordering so much Captain Underpants. Just so much. We have fifteen copies of--what is this--Revenge of the Talking Toilets--in the system and look at this--all checked out. One missing. None of these are on the shelves right now. We need more. It's just so much Captain Underpants."

[whathehe11]

This is a friendly reminder that libraries exist and that they have more than just books.

Now, some libraries have more services than others but even the most basic libraries will have shelves upon shelves of dvd, cd, books, games, etc… that you can borrow and use for free(!!!)

Some more bougie libraries will also have other awesome stuff.

For example, I once went to a library with a recording booth with a good quality mic, they had a green screen room, cameras that could be borrowed, computers with the Adobe suite to do editing, as well as a plethora of other resources and help from librarians.

Another thing, ask what your local librarians can do. They often are really good at researching and also might be able to borrow things from other libraries as well.

Also, once you get a library card you can sign up for Libby that has a ton of books and audio books (again) for free.

Personally I just borrowed the 4th series of doctor who and have been watching the episodes and extra content on the dvds. I’m having a blast!

[canwriteitbetterthanueverfeltit]

iiiiiiit's MIMIC TIME

[africanmorning]

Working at a library is such a wild experience because you'll regularly run into two incredibly different extremes of patrons.

Patron 1: "Oh priestess of the books, I am but a lowly worm in your holy presence. I loathe to take the space within your eyesight, though I must."

Me: "Oh, don't worry about it. How can I help you?"

Patron 1: "But it pains me greatly to divert you from thy divine tasks."

Me: "I am literally paid to help you here. That is literally my job."

Patron 2: *Banging a spoon on a pot* "I PAY TAXES!! SUCK MY DICK!!!”

[conservethis]

SOMETIMES A BOOK IS TOO BIG!! THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES!

😤😤😤

[jambearie]

Library resource! I just found this nonprofit that is giving out free Libby cards to those in the US :) anyone can apply but it's especially great for those with sucky/no Libby or looking for more queer selections~

[sinisterexaggerator]

Shin Hati, is that you?

[affixjoy]

Got my tshirt from @queerliblib today and I can’t WAIT to wear it!!

[chromanticore]

At my local library and they finally started circulating pride stuff.

[bookwormally]

I downplayed talking about the D&D program I run for middle schoolers at my job by joking about using buzzwords to sell it to people not in the know. I laughed at myself trotting out "imaginative play," "teamwork building," "core math skills," and scheduling it at hours when most people are off work so parents or older siblings could give rides on my summer report. It was amazing how just using specific words got me nominated for the state summer library showcase.

But now as I sit and write my answers and use the same "buzzwordy" terms, I really just am so passionate about this. The library gave me books upon books to read as a kid when my parents never could have afforded them. They had a pair of hissing cockroaches on the desk in children's one day when I visited. Many librarians over the years listened to me, talked to me about my favorite books. They made recommendations that I loved.

I love my job. Every day I am making the community I work in a little bit brighter. Whether as it's a pretty queer looking librarian (who can and will mention her wife with a smile), getting excited with a kid who's checking out a favorite picture book or graphic novel or (god bless them for tolerating me) the Trials of Apollo books, or running our D&D Club, I hope kids get the same feeling.

It matters to me that I'm making my program easier for working parents to get their kids to. It matters to me that kids see other pronouns, that they see adults or their peers with other identities and experiences. It matters to me that they look at me and my team and feel comfortable to say that they use she/they or want to play a girl character despite being a 'typical' middle school boy.

Yes, it's all very mainstream and I cannot change the world in big strokes. But I care about this so damn much. I hope the kids have fun and remember to be playful and kind when they're adults too.

[a-s-levynn]

Ticket scalping is bad enough these days that even the concert ticket que situations get mentioneded in the yearly librarian associations report 😂👍

[canwriteitbetterthanueverfeltit]

Please please please look at this crystal light craft that made out of cut up and lightly painted glue sticks

[sonicenvy]

one of my favorite library kid encounters this weekend was a with a little Greek three-year-old named Andromeda. She and her mom came up to get her beads for SRP, and, as is pretty common, they start telling me about what they've been reading. Friends, this child and her mother have been reading the Odyssey in Greek together. The mom and the kid chat back and forth in Greek together about the Odyssey while picking beads (and counting them in Greek), translating bits and pieces for me as they go along.

Apparently, Andromeda's favorite character in the Odyssey is Penelope, which, uh, girl I see u!!!!! Obsessed with the vibes of this toddler who read the Odyssey in Greek with her mom FIVE times this summer because that's her favorite book! GOOD! FOR! HER!

Additionally the mom was like, "yeah we also read the Iliad this summer."

no notes. impeccable. there are days when i love our kids so much y'all.

[africanmorning]

Keep seeing Barbie stuff everywhere, and I don't know much about it, but I will NOT miss this opportunity to say that my library has tons of Barbie movies available for checkout and yours probably does too.

[cel-aerion]

I'm here playing the "Amanda the Adventurer 2" demo, and my main thought so far is how much I want some of this stuff in the library where I work.