The Librarians and the fight for free speech

It isn’t often that I anticipate a film’s release as much as I’ve looked forward to the opening of The Librarians. This documentary, which made its debut at Sundance, presents the fight against censorship and book banning, as fought by librarians. Opening at select theaters domestically, as well as in Ireland and the UK, as … Continue reading The Librarians and the fight for free speech

“Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin

If you could have anything, what would you want? Since making the decision to retire I’ve had some intense moments of panic. How do I walk away from a career that brought me much professional satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging to a community? Will the absence of students and colleagues from my everyday … Continue reading “Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin

Another peek into the annex – Ruth Franklin’s The Many Lives of Anne Frank

It’s been about 80 years since Anne Frank died, yet her brief life remains an inspiration to people around the globe. While her assertion that “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart,” at times rings as nothing but naively innocent, her ability to hold onto to this optimistic … Continue reading Another peek into the annex – Ruth Franklin’s The Many Lives of Anne Frank

My last desktop calendar

Earlier this month, my new desktop calendar was delivered. Yes, I still appreciate a paper calendar on my desk at work. There’s a wonderful ritual, to me, in tearing off the sullied top page and enjoying a fresh start each month. Disposing of the doodles, notes and reminders to reveal a clean slate, always leaves … Continue reading My last desktop calendar

For lost girls looking to be found

Although I read a lot of books (I’m on my 11th of this new year already), it isn’t often that I find one which speaks to whom I was as a young teen and whom I am now strive to be as a school librarian. Katie Van Heidrich’s memoir, The In-Between, told in verse, manages to … Continue reading For lost girls looking to be found

Rex Ogle is my spirit animal

When I first encountered the book Free Lunch, I never imagined the slim volume relating the author’s experiences as a sixth grade student in Texas would revive so many of my own elementary feelings, if not experiences. In the work, published in 2019 and awarded the ALA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction medal, Ogle shares … Continue reading Rex Ogle is my spirit animal