Sarah the Librarian

... is to do something for the kids. Today CRPL is having the grand opening celebration for our Bridge Facility (it's bridging the time between the devastating June 2008 flood and the day when we're able to move back downtown, whether that's in our old building or a new one), and we are being overrun (in a very good way) with little children. We're hosting 4 programs with Clifford and Iowa Public Television's Dan Wardell (our children's librarians describe him as a preschooler's rock star). I was walking around after the first program got out and I can't believe they fit all those kids and parents into the programming space. Following the first Clifford and Dan Wardell show there was a big ribbon cutting ceremony and announcement of a generous gift from Archer Daniels Midland (their headquarters are in town). Of course there were refreshments. Then there will be more Clifford and Dan Wardell all afternoon. So far, the Grand Opening has been a s...

This summer I tried to resurrect this blog with a fun little game that was going around library blogs at the time. For one week librarians would detail what they did every day at work. Ever since the flooding that displaced us last June, anyone at my library doing that project would have been interesting reading. Unfortunately, things were so crazy and busy that I couldn't finish the first week I started. I have a feeling that this week will pose similar challenges, but it's an exciting week, definitely one worth recording. After spending the last six months crammed into a handful of small mall storefronts, we're moving into a significantly larger space in the mall, what used to be an Osco drug store. Finally, we will have room to take more of the donations our patrons have been dying to give us. Finally, the youth and adult collections will be in the same room. Finally, we'll get a real break room where more than one person can take a break at a time. Finally...

I know this is a little late, but I already posted my New Year's resolution on my personal blog, completely neglecting to make any mention of reading goals for the year.  Why wouldn't someone in a profession like mine, where, among other things, you help patrons find books to read,  make some sort of reading goals the next year.  The Seattle Public Library has a few suggestions for those of you looking to make reading resolutions for 2009 . Personally, I'm going to try to finish a few of the numerous series I've started in previous years, only to get distracted before finding out how they end.  Now I can finally find out what happens to that golden compass and whether or not Harry Dresden is allowed to continue keeping the forces of magic in check, among others.

Sorry it's been so long. Part of the reason I've been updating so infrequently here, is because I have another blog (mainly for book reviews) where I occasionally post things that would probably work better here. So for now, I'm going to keep book reviews over there, and try to put everything else library-related here. New site for the day is Reading Trails . I love grouping books together, so I'm really having to restrain myself to keep from staying up all night posting as many trails as possible. If you decide to join, feel free to friend me .

On October 11, 2008 from 4-8 PM, come down to Bottleworks Loft Condominiums (905 Third Street SE) in downtown Cedar Rapids to Boogie for Books. This is a fundraiser to help the Cedar Rapids Public Library rebuild from the catastrophic flooding this June. For more information, go to www.BoogieforBooks.com

Today I was back in code enforcement answering phones, so rather than trying to explain all the intricacies of working in a city department dealing primarily in flood reconstruction, here's a list of the calls I answered today, and the things I did between calls to keep busy. We had some more new people in to work today, and apparently the temps who have been working in this office since the flood are apparently being let go, likely so city departments that need to find jobs for their employees have some place to send them. Talked to one of the volunteer coordinators to dispel the myth that flood victims will be fined for not mowing their lawns (I know the city's reputation isn't great, but I can't believe people would think we're that petty). a couple from Czech Village wanted to know if it was worth rebuilding their house because they heard a rumor that their whole neighborhood was going to become a park. Since it sounded like their house wasn't te...