Comments on: Business or Pleasure?

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:44:13 +0000

I struggle with this, too! Sometimes on a slow day I’ll read a book, and I always feel guilty. But so much of my “just for fun” reading turns into book talks and recommendations to students, which results in higher circulation. I have the feeling that the more I read, the more they read!

By: mona

mona — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:02:36 +0000

I am new to the public library scene, and in the past 20 months I have read more books than I have in the past five to seven years. both in YA and Adult. While I do enjoy most of the books I read, I feel it’s an unspoken obligation to my new position. In this way, the job never ends. And I am inpatient towards those outside libraries to think all I do is “just” read books all day.

By: Linda Braun

Linda Braun — Sun, 17 May 2009 12:22:33 +0000

I started thinking about the ideas in this post in terms of how, as librarians, we present the concept of reading to teens. In my mind, if we can help teens understand the idea that reading should very rarely be considered a heinous forced activity, and instead know that even reading about “school” related topics can be interesting and useful. Then reluctant readers might become more interested readers. Gaining insight into the world can come from reading Gossip Girl, Body Drama, Grace After Midnight, True to the Game, or Wolverine.

Of course, this means that the reading teens are assigned in classrooms needs to be related to topics in which teens are interested. It also means that librarians and others have to be willing to see the reading that teens choose to do as something that might be “fun” and informative.

By: Elaine Marie Alphin

Elaine Marie Alphin — Sun, 17 May 2009 08:29:11 +0000

I’m an author, and I know that reading makes me a better writer. But I suspect that, regardless of our work, reading makes us all better people. Reading stretches our interests and our tolerance. It introduces us to new ideas as well as new friends. And it ignites our passions – by which I mean the positions, events and ideals we feel passionate about. Reading is a life choice that keeps us growing instead of leaving us standing still.
Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post!

By: Elaine Marie Alphin

Elaine Marie Alphin — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:28:42 +0000

By: Molly

Molly — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:21:58 +0000

so true and well said. Regarding Oscar Wao – I had a telephone reference call for material on Trujillo (of the DR) and after going through all these sources, I had to slip in an “you know, a fiction source I just read about Trujillo is Junot Diaz’ book…..”etc etc etc. We had such a good conversation, and I loved being able to share that book with her.

By: mk Eagle

mk Eagle — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:21:25 +0000

Hi Anne–I hope I didn’t come across as bashing classroom teachers!

Your wording is really important–we make time for the things that are important to us. I’ve certainly been guilty of claiming I don’t have time for something, but really all that means is that I’ve chosen to allocate my time differently.

By: Anne Shealy

Anne Shealy — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:51:27 +0000

I’m a teacher who has on many occasions felt the way that teacher felt. However, I’ve recently made time in my life for more reading – don’t know where the time came from, maybe it’s just hormones. I blame everything on hormones. But, the more reading I do, the better teacher I become. Yes, it makes it easier for me give book talks on YA lit, but it also shows the kids that I’m a life-long reader and learner. I also learn so much from what I read, and I try to share that with kids. I let them know that I’m a life-long learner which means that I’m a life-long reader. It’s what we do.