October 5-October 11—Banned Books Week! “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.”― Isaac Asimov Isaac Asimov was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the “Big Three” science fiction writers. While I have never read any of his books that I am aware of, I love and…
“There’s More to the Story”Celebrating National Library WeekApril 23-29, 2023 Why celebrate libraries? Not because I retired as a teacher-librarian at the end of last school year. Not because I love libraries. But maybe loving libraries is a great reason to celebrate. Overall, we can observe and recognize our libraries because they hold many stories…
Happy New Year! This year, I’m focusing on a specific and unique ‘word’ instead of my usual resolutions. Actually, I gave up on resolutions a few years ago. I never kept them! While one’s word for the year can be a verb or a noun, I chose the action word, “empowered.” Little did I know,…
Spring and the month of April remains to be one of my favorite seasons. During this season, the weather turns warmer, grass and trees turn to green, flowers bloom, and birds sing. But, I also celebrate because it’s Poetry Month! As a young child, I loved writing poems. My teacher exposed me to all genres…
To commemorate and recognize the contributions of African American people, Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week (initially Negro History Week) in 1926. Known as the Father of Black History, Carter G. Woodson felt that in order for Blacks to participate intelligently in the affairs of our country, they should know their past. In 1976,…
Children’s Book Week is an annual celebration of reading and children’s books. It is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is celebrating its 101st anniversary. Schools, libraries, and bookstores participate in all 50 states. Motto for 2020: Read. Dream. Share. For Readers: Join in on the fun and…
School has begun! This is an opportune time to encourage young people to go to the library (virtually), choose a good book, and explore new worlds. Most libraries provide eBooks, audiobooks, and some have implemented curbside pick-up. Also, in September, public libraries throughout the US, promote “Library Card Sign-up Month.” Go online to your county…
As reported in an article, “How a North Carolina Summer Camp Started Christmas in July” written by Maria Carter (7/13/17), the legend of “Christmas in July” began in 1933 at the Keystone Summer Camp for girls, located at Brevard, N. C. Two days, July 24 and 25, were dedicated to this special celebration. Original decorations…
I scream, you scream! We all scream for ice cream! Today, I’d like to lighten the mood from my normal blog posts because during the month of July, we celebrate National Ice Cream Day. It was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Furthermore, July 8 was National Ice Cream Sundae Day. And, the 3rd…
Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, dates back to June 19, 1865, when the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that slaves were free due to the war having ended. Remarkably, this was two and a half years after the official January 1, 1863…