2019 Readers' Advisory Service Award Winner Announcement and Come See Them Present for ARRT

One of my favorite things about being on the Steering Committee of the Adult Reading Round Table is that we created and sponsor an award for RA Service here in Illinois through the Illinois Library Association. This week all of the annual winners were announced here.

Below I am proud to feature this year's winner, the Popular Materials Department at Ela Area Public Library District. 

Click here for details 
and to register

You can get all of the links and read the press release below; however, before you do that, I also want to invite you to Ela Area Public Library District on 8/27/19 for the second ARRT Program of the year-- Earworms for Bookworms. Details here.

One of the listed reasons Ela won this award [below] is because of their podcast, Three Books. But that is not the only reason. What is so inspiring about this team [and they truly are a team because I have been there and seen it myself] is that they knew their RA Service was being overshadowed when their department started also doing passports, and yet, people wanted RA Service too. Instead of throwing up their hands, they went out and did something about it....without sacrificing service to any patrons or overtaxing staff in the process.

Details and links are all below.

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Readers' Advisory Service Award

Popular Materials Department at Ela Area Public Library District

About the award »

Press Release » [and below]

Illinois Library Association 33 W. Grand Ave., Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60654-6799

Press Release

Phone: 312.644.1896 Fax: 312.644.1899
Email: ila@ila.org

The Popular Materials Department at the Ela Area Public Library is the recipient of the Illinois Library Association Readers’ Advisory Service Award. The award,presented by the Adult Reading Round Table, recognizes excellence in the planning,development and delivery of readers’ advisory service to adults and teens. The award is sponsored by the Adult Reading Round Table.

Ela’s Popular Materials Department was selected as this year’s winner in recognition of their innovative efforts to promote Readers’ Advisory in ways that are inclusive and impactful. With initiatives such as the Three Books Podcast, Ask Me What I’m Reading, Ela Book Buzz, Teen Margin Project, and Great Read Out, the Popular MaterialsDepartment has made readers’ advisory a central focus and more than doubled theirreach over the past two years.

These efforts are even more remarkable when you consider the challenge the Popular Materials department faced in the recent past. Due to a large volume of passports being processed at the Popular Materials Desk, staff were spending up to 50% of their time on passports. This was preventing other users from accessing the desk, and it was difficultfor staff to focus on or promote readers’ advisory. As the library worked on makingpassport processing more manageable, staff began brainstorm ideas to ensure thatpatrons’ readers’ advisory needs were met.

Highlights of the resulting readers’ advisory initiatives include:

Three Books Podcast

This monthly podcast is hosted by staff members Christen Wiser and Becca Boland and features staff recommendations as well as guests including genre experts, authors, andlocal readers. One review of the podcast on iTunes states, “Three Books has become one of my most-anticipated podcasts. I love hearing the conversations about books almostas much as I love reading!”

Ela Book Buzz
This event featured book promotions and giveaways led by staff from across the library. Alexis Neumann, an attendee of event, states, “Book Buzz was an incredible one nightprogram in which various staff members of the library spoke on their favorite booksthey read within the past year. Hearing each person’s review and what they lovedabout the books made me incredibly eager to read each and every one.”

“Ask Me What I’m Reading”
Initiatives such as Book Clip Signage, Reading Stands, and Pins/Buttons highlight that staff are available and eager to provide reading suggestions, with a goal of encouragingmore casual readers’ advisory interactions.

Teen Margin Project
This program encouraged teens to write their thoughts, feelings, and reflections in the margins of the book before returning it to the library. Other readers could then reflect and add their thoughts, which created a discussion between readers.

Great Read Out
Library patrons were welcomed to the library after hours on the first day of summer to enjoy some ice cream and read together as a community.
Executive Director Matt Womack applauds the work of the Popular Materials staff as both inspiring to staff and a big hit with patrons. Assistant Director Erica Christiansonadds, “From engaging patrons through direct and indirect methods, to empoweringand involving staff in RA activities, the Popular Materials Department has usedinnovative methods to make our Library a more welcoming place for all readers.”

The Readers’ Advisory Service Award will be presented at the Awards Luncheon to beheld on Tuesday, October 22, during the 2019 Illinois Library Association Annual Conference in Tinley Park.
For further information, contact the Illinois Library Association.

Take the Time for Training and Listen to Two Podcast Episodes This Week

Today I wanted to point out 2 recent podcast episodes that everyone who reads this blog should take some time to listen to in the next few days.  One is very specific and the other is broad, and full disclosure, while neither episode features me, I have appeared on past episodes of both.

Let's start broad. Back in June at ALA Annual, I brought together two of my favorite library people, Steve Thomas from the Circulating Ideas podcast and Danielle Borasky, Vice President of NoveList,* and today Steve released their interview here:

Click here or use the embedded audio link below

Steve chats with Danielle Borasky, Vice President of NoveList, about her path to librarianship, the differences between working at a vendor vs. working in a library, the importance of books and reading, and some powerful features in NoveList.

As Vice President of NoveList, Danielle Borasky leads a team working to help readers find their next favorite book. For the last 20 years, NoveList has developed innovative solutions for connecting readers, books, and libraries. Prior to her current role, Danielle was the Director of Sales & Marketing for NoveList. And before NoveList, she worked in several different kinds of libraries including public, academic, and special libraries. Even though she has worked in many different settings, she always feels most at home when browsing the stacks with a pile of books in hand.

Even if your library does not subscribe to NoveList, there is much you can learn about the basics of RA by listening to this podcast.

Now to the more specific episode. Ela Area [IL] Public Library's Three Books podcast:

Episode 14 - Booksgiving 2018! Three Books is Ela Area Public Library’s podcast series where our hosts, Becca and Christen, chat about three popular/favorite books. We have invited staff from all over the Library to share what they are giving this holiday season.

I love a couple of things about this episode:

1. Staff from all over the library were invited on to talk about the books they are gifting to others and why. You get a variety of opinions and also multiple examples of different ways to book talk. In other words, as a training tool, this episode both gives you. some interesting titles you might not find other places AND provides examples of different ways to book talk. As I always say, book talking is an art. There is no correct way to do it, but you have to work to craft your own style.
2. This is NOT a best list of their favorite books. It is specifically about gift giving. I have posted about this before here. Libraries are missing out on an opportunity to make gift guides for our patrons. We should be making lists of great gift books so that patrons can browse our collections, get their hands on the books to look them over, and then go buy them at the store of their choice. Again click here for more details on how and why you should make an annual gift guide. Also see this post where a library took up my Call to Action and made their own, and it was a teeny tiny library.
3. Because this is not a "best" list in the same way all of the other best lists we are being inundated with are, the suggestions here are different. Listening will help you come up with some fresh and satisfying suggestions for your patrons. And your patrons will love that you gave them a suggestion they didn't hear somewhere else. It will enhance your value to your community.
4. And this is the thing I love about every episode of this podcast-- Anytime a book is mentioned on the podcast, they buy a physical copy to add to an actual "THREE BOOKS PODCAST SHELF" in the library. I love this so much. This way patrons who listen to the podcast, which mentions books that are shelved all over their building, can come in to one place and find everything they heard about- shelved together. Talk about patron service. They have children's, teen, adult, fiction, nonfiction, audio, graphic novels, etc..... all in one place. It's a permanent display that showcases the breadth of the library's holdings and bonus, all of the titles were chosen with care by the guests of the podcast. Many voices, representing diverse reading tastes working together to make one display....I love this so much. 

I will be at Ela Area Public Library later this week to do some targeted staff training too. I can't wait to see the shelf for myself. Last time I was there, it was to record the very first episode of the podcast, so they didn't have the collection yet.

So there's your assignment for the week. Give these two episodes a listen. It will take you just over 2 hours in total, and the result will be an excellent continuing education experience. Don't tell me you don't have the time or the money for training [because many of you do this]. This is quick, easy, and 100% free. It is also guaranteed to help you help a patron immediately.

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*More full disclosure, I am a proud contract employee for NoveList and provide content for the database. Currently I am focusing on themed lists of book discussion books.

An Archive of My Past Podcast Appearances

So today I am visiting my friend and colleague, Becca Boland, the Assistant Head of Popular Materials/Teen Librarian at the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich, IL. They are starting a library podcast and I am going to be one of their early guests. 

Many of you don’t know this about me, but I worked in radio in a previous life. I began working at a college station as a high school senior and went on to work my way up through my college radio station, all the way to Program Director. I even spent the Summer of 1995 as an Intern at what was, at the time, one the most popular radio station in Chicago. I really considered going into radio as a career, but ultimately it was not to be [my choice].

However, one good side effect of that radio experience, is that I know what I am doing when people ask me to record podcasts with them. In fact, every time I have done a podcast, the host has said they were surprised I was so good.  Ha. It’s my secret super power.

This got me thinking about the podcasts [and radio shows] I have been on. I have said a lot of good things that can help many of you, but they are scattered all over the place. So today, I present to you 1 list of all of my audio appearances. In the future I will add more to this archive as they come up, and I will also put this link at the top of my Recent and Upcoming Presentations page for easy retrieval.

Here we go....

Becky’s Podcast [and Radio] Appearance Archive:

• Circulating Ideas
• Episode 20- Best Books of 2012 [I talk about horror]
• Episode 53- All about me and what I do
• Episode 111.2- ALA Annual 2017 Day 2 mini-podcast
• Episode 120- Some horror but mostly about indie publishing and genre- reviewing it, respecting it, and staying in genre shape even when you don't personally like the genre yourself
• Get Booked
• Episode 4: Haunted by Horror where Amanda Nelson and I suggest horror books to people who wrote in
• Booked
• Episode 351- Interviews from StokerCon 2017 where Nancy Holder, then me, then F Paul Wilson are interviewed on the Queen Mary
• Three Books: Produced by the Ela Area Public Library 
• Episode 1: The Horror!- I talk about my favorite horror titles and why we NEED horror.
• All About Books a production of NET, Nebraska’s Public TV and Radio
• Link to my appearance
• Wisconsin Public Radio
• I have appeared on different Halloween shows for the network. Use this link to pull them all up. In some, I had to take calls and make suggestions right on the spot!

ARRT Summer Program: Earworms for Book Worms Podcasting in Libraries and Bridging the Physical Virtual Divide

Click here to register

Today I am at Ela Area Library in Lake Zurich, IL to meet with the head of Popular Materials about an upcoming project.

As a reminder, that very department was recently announced as the 2019 recipient of the ARRT sponsored ILA Award for RA Service.

Since I am here, I figured it was a good chance to accomplish two things for all of you out there.

The first is for all the Northern IL people. I want to remind you that next week, ARRT is hosting a program on podcasting entitled "Earworms for Bookworms: Podcasting in Libraries." This program will be taking place at the Ela Area Public Library and features the staff from Popular Materials who produce the Three Books Podcast and representatives from Des Plaines Public Library who do the Miner Recs podcast.

ARRT is specifically using local libraries who do smaller podcasts on purpose. Notice we did not bring in national experts. The focus here is on these libraries and why they decided to do a podcast, how they make it work with very little technical help, experience, or fancy equipment. And, if you come in person, you will get a tour of the "studio" where Three Books is recorded. I put it in quotes because the studio is one of their rooms that patrons can also use. They book it just like a patron and if you have listened, they make a very solid product on their own.

Although I will be unable to make this program, I am super excited about it because I feel like it will give everyone who attends the practical advice and information to decide, one, if a podcast is something that may be worth their time, two help them decide if it could it work for their community, and three, how to begin with little to no experience or funding.

Both libraries see their audience as their patrons too. It's another way to connect with the community. These are not podcasts with grand designs to become national phenomenon. They see it as a different way to serve their patrons. And they have found that a podcast has 100% been worth the time and the effort.

Sign up and come learn about podcasting from practical, no previous experience people who have managed to find success in the format.

The second reason for this post is that I have talked about the Three Books podcast before as one of my favorite local library podcasts because they not only have a podcast, but they have made the commitment to bridge the physical virtual divide by buying a copy of every single book that is mentioned to put on display. This means they have created a display of books that has no boundaries; if a guest mentions it, the books are together in one display. And their guests talk about everything and anything!

For example, when I am on and mention a horror book, it can end up next to a children's book that another guest mentioned, as this picture of the display taken today shows:

One of the things not enough of us do at the library is create displays that illustrate the breadth of our holdings to patrons.  We are so focused on having kids books in one area and adults in another. Fiction on one display and nonfiction on another. And god forbid if you put some graphic novels or audio with "regular" books. We spend too much time and engird trying to keep the books and formats from mixing. WHY?!?!?!

I am over it. We complain that the public doesn't understand everything we offer. Well, maybe they don't because we don't let them see it. We should show them more often. We should have more displays that cater to any and all patrons IN ONE PLACE. Seriously people, this is not as big a deal as we think. No one will go to library jail. And our patrons will be happier.

Here is a picture of the current Three Books display:

And here is a close up of 2 very different books, next to each other to also showcase the spine sticker and call number. And yes, they have copies of these two books in their "proper" library sections too. These are extra copies, but on a display together. I would argue that this is the only library with these 2 books on the same display. Same for the first example. And it is wonderful! 

The staff will address both the podcast and the shelf in their presentation next week, but I can tell you that they now know that there are people who have never heard the podcast but LOVE the Three Books display. They are constantly checking it for reading ideas. So way to go Ela. The shelf alone makes the podcast worth their time. No question. 

So, if you are reading this post today and are thinking, "I will never do a podcast. This post is useless to me," I am here to tell you you are wrong on the second point. Whether or not you podcast, you can learn from the Three Books example. Find a way to create displays, in central locations at the library, especially near the entrance, where you can display items from all over the building. Where you can welcome all patrons with something that says, "Oh, they have something for me." 

That attitude and willingness to welcome all is why Ela Area Library's Popular Materials Department is now an award winning department, not because they podcast.

But if you are available August 27th, spend the $10 and come to the program to see it for yourself.

June is Audio Books Month for Listen to This Podcast All About It

Now that we are back in the swing of a regular blogging schedule post-ALA, I didn't want to forget my annual reminder that June is Audio Books month.

Yes, I know the month is about to end. But as readers here on the blog know, I love audio books all year long. I post about audio book resources and note which books I have read in audio in my reviews, including commentary on the narration, all year long.  Click here to access all of my posts tagged "Audio Books" in reverse chronological order.

Also before I get to the meat of this post, I also know that many of you encounter the attitude among your co-workers and patrons that audio books don't count as "reading." I am here to tell you that opinion is completely wrong and there is no agree too disagree on this one. I explain myself in this post, but quickly, you are consuming the story in both instances. Also not allowing audio to count as reading is very ableist. We all take information into our brains in different ways. For some there is an obvious reason [poor eye sight, dyslexia], but for others, it is simply a better way for them to receive information.

For example, for me, fantasy and mysteries work better in audio. For fantasy it is because I get bored of all the details when reading and skim, but skimming all of the details of the world means I end up not liking the story as much. Fantasy is all about world building. However, when I listen I love being told the details and letting them wash over me. For mysteries, I don't enjoy solving the mystery along with the investigator, so again, the details that the author is required to have so that readers could solve the mystery, annoy me. But tell me a mystery story, and I am hooked.

Also, as a professional reader, I can read twice as many books by including audio. I read while I am doing dishes, laundry, exercising, driving, etc.... Anywhere I couldn't read a book, I am reading via audio.

Enough about that.

Today I wanted to point you to a brand new episode of one of my favorite library podcasts, Three Books from the Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich, IL. I have talked about why I love this podcast here, but the main reason is that they bridge the physical virtual divide with this podcast by purchasing a copy of every book that is mentioned so that the virtually accessed podcast is also a physical collection of books, graphic novels, audio, etc...

For Audio Book month they have Heather Booth, the Booklist Audio Editor talking all things audio, reviews, and libraries. Click here for details or see below for the basics.

Now go find an audio book to listen to.

Click here to access podcast and show notes

SHOW NOTES

Three Books is Ela Area Public Library’s podcast series where our hosts, Becca and Christen, chat about three popular/favorite books. Booklist’s Audiobook Editor and all around amazing librarian Heather Booth talks about book creation as an ecosystem, being read to and how that has fed into her experience and passion for audiobooks, and more. 

00:00:34                   Meet Heather Booth             
00:03:57                   Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia
00:11:06                   Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas by Lillian and Russell Hoban
00:19:11                   Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett (narrated by John Lee)
00:32:03                   Heather’s reviews for Booklist
00:36:17                   Favorite Audiobook Narrators
00:38:41                   Recommending Audiobooks
00:54:52                   Bookish Quote

Show notes can be found at: eapl.org/threebooks

Three Books Social Media:
Email: threebookspodcast@gmail.com
Twitter - @threebookspod

RA for All Road Show Visit Ela Area [IL] Public Library

Today I am headed Northwest to Lake Zurich, IL to work with the popular materials staff of the Ela Area Public Library.

I will be speaking to a group that ranges from experts to novices. This is very common for me. What I like about these programs is that I can come and get everyone on the same page and begin the process of working together. Then after I leave, the leaders will be able to easily keep the RA ball rolling in the right direction.

My program is only for the morning as the library will remain open and other staff will help cover the desks that will be left empty during the training.

As always, the slides and links can be accessed by all.

9-10:30 am: RA for All: Readers Advisory belongs in every library, no matter its budget. The implementation of this vital service is the responsibility of every staff member-- from pages to directors, from those behind the scenes to the ones on the front lines. This program will remove the mystery behind providing great RA service. Using her “Ten Rules of Basic RA Service” as a guide, Becky Spratford will use your own love of your favorite books to show you how to help any patron find their next great read. It's not as hard as you think. But more importantly, you will learn why a staff that can harness the power of sharing a great read will become a stronger team and improve service to all patrons.

• Follows my 10 Rules of Basic RA Service

15 Minute Break

10:45 am-12 pm: Booktalking Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town: Booktalking is at the heart of what we do with patrons each and every day at the public library. Whether we are sharing books informally at the services desk, presenting a prepared list of books, or posting information online, talking about books is something we do each and every day. It is a core service, but it is also hard to teach. Booktalking is more of an art than a skill, but with the right guidance and some practice, it can go a long way toward engaging your patrons and re-energizing your staff. Join experienced Readers’ Advisory Becky Spratford as she shares the secret behind delivering great book talks, giving you tips and tricks you can begin using right away to hone your own skills. Rediscover the power and joy that comes from sharing books with patrons.

• Slide Access

This is my last in person appearance for 2018. But 2019 is filling up quickly. Currently I am booking April for my earliest in person appearances that require a flight, but February has a bit of space if I can drive. And don't ask about May. I cannot possibly be anywhere else in May. I have already turned down 2 fabulous offers for May 2019 because I can only be in one place at a time.

Reading At The Desk: Yes, We Do That Here-- A Guest Post by Christen Wiser from Ela Area [IL] Public Library

While attending the Library Love Fest Adult Book Buzz yesterday [link to the video will be here], people in the chat were talking about how to write a policy that allows staff to read at the desk.

That made me think of my colleague, Christen Wiser, and the work she has done on this front. I offered to connect her to people with questions and quickly realized that there are many of you who are starting to tackle this issue.

While Christen never wrote an official policy, below is her argument for why they allow reading at the desk at her library and how they make it an active part of their award winning RA service. I am sharing  her "essay" with her permission and passing on her hope that it can help you make the argument for staff being able to read at the desk at your library a reality. 

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Reading at the desk: Yes, we do that here.

My name is Christen Wiser. I’m the head of Popular Materials at Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich, IL. I lead a combined information and readers services desk that primarily serves adults and teens. It is staffed by part time information desk assistants and a small group of librarians. A few years ago, we were facing a conundrum. We process passports at the Info Desk. The applicant load overwhelmed the desk, choking out other services. We worked with the State Department and the Illinois Library Association to encourage other libraries to offer passport services in Illinois to relieve the pressure on our desk. It worked! Huzzah!

But a different issue emerged. The traffic at the desk slowed down. Now we actually had time for readers’ advisory! But patrons who always associated us with passports didn’t realize they could ask us for books...so they didn’t. The desk needed a rebrand and we needed to retrain our community -- and our staff -- to this new reality.

We started with training staff. We hosted Becky Spatford for sessions of RA for All and Booktalking Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town. Fantastic! Staff were on board. But we still needed to get patrons to associate our desk with books. And my staff still needed something to do on desk during slow periods. I’m not a fan of creating busy work. It’s work to create more work. That has to be some form of managerial torture. But I really struggled with a solution.

How do our values get in the way of problem solving? How did this lead to reading on the desk? The breakthrough came after I attended ​Elevate Illinois Libraries Leadership Program​ in 2018. Dr. Adam Goodman asked us a question, which formed a kernel for me. I don’t remember his exact words, but to paraphrase: How do our values get in the way of solving problems?

My problem involved solving the pacing issue at my desk. I valued always looking available and welcoming at the desk. Reading at the desk felt opposite to that. It sent, I felt, a negative message. It didn’t look good to taxpayers and stakeholders. Staff would ignore patrons or look too busy to help. This wasn’t an optimal use of their time. All the arguments. You’ve heard them. You’ve argued them. So have I. But asking that one question really flipped this philosophy on its head and I began to regard reading at the desk as a solution. Here are a few ways my perspective changed.

Modeling behavior
As I said, my desk needed to rebrand. We wanted patrons to know what we do and how we can help them. A book in hand suggests...we can help with books! Plus, we want our patrons to read. We know they come into the library for many reasons: to use a study room, print documents, scan photos, attend storytime, etc. But libraries are still a book forward institution and we believe reading is a pleasure and a right. Let’s model that behavior to every person who comes through the door.

Building a community around books
My staff want to work. They want to keep occupied. They are curious and intelligent and want mental stimulation. It’s difficult in their position, because the majority of them are part time assistants without additional duties like collection development, committee work, or programming. If a patron isn’t standing in front of them or on the phone, then they don’t have a lot else to do. And have you ever noticed how the culture sours when it’s slow? That’s usually when the drama and gossip starts. I’m just saying! Allowing them to read at the desk was a decision to work with staff rather than against them. I prefer flow to resistance. They want to read at the desk without feeling like they have to look over their shoulder to see if I’m coming. I want that too. Having a positive focus, such as a good book, really improves morale because it minimizes the perils of ennui.

I can’t control the flow of patrons into the library. But I can allow staff to occupy slow periods by picking up a book or a magazine or newspaper. It invites patrons to ask them questions or start a conversation around the book. I love when I hear, “Oh! I read that book last week. Tell me what you think of it? Have you also read...?” Reading on the desk helps us build relationships with our community around books! And it helps staff to learn more about books, which leads into my next point.

Professional Development
It is surprising to me that in an institution where we expect staff to be knowledgeable about popular culture, even make it a requirement on job descriptions and review documentation, that we do not make space for this kind of professional development during work hours. Libraries provide CPR training, sexual harassment training, fire drills, etc. during work hours. We wouldn’t dream of making them do that unpaid. But we question whether or not we should allow staff to read at the desk. What will the taxpayers think? What will the board think? But we don’t question whether staff should consume popular materials, as required for their positions, at home and unpaid. Explain to me the ethics there. Yes, those of us who are credentialed librarians “expected that” when we signed up for this profession, but it still doesn’t make it ethical. In these litigious times, I truly believe libraries need to take a serious look at this issue. When it comes to unpaid work, courts will inevitably favor the employee.

As employers, libraries need to change the view on reading at work...as not work. When staff read at the desk, it is not a waste of tax dollars. They are doing the job they are paid to do while meeting the requirements of their positions. Reading at the desk gives them the opportunity to create depth and breadth for their readers’ advisory skills. If a patron or stakeholder raises concerns, it is perfectly appropriate to state that reading is a requirement of the position. When they say, “it must be nice to have a job where you can read all day.” Yes, yes, it is. But I have to say, these comments are far and few between. In fact, I’ve never heard them spoken to someone actively reading.

Setting Expectations
I don’t want to sidestep one more concern about reading at the desk. I felt it myself. Concerns about staff accidentally ignoring patrons or looking too busy are both valid. But they are not insurmountable. There is a simple solution, one that we should employ as managers regularly. I spent time with staff laying out expectations. For this to be successful, we have to be aware of the patrons entering our space. We have to look *and be* available. Proactive customer service is one of our standards that we literally have framed and mounted in our staff hallway. The RUSA guidelines for providing excellent reference service doesn’t fly out the window because we’re at a cliffhanger. A bookmark is a handy tool for these moments. Patrons come first. Period. Laying out the expectation along with some behavioral coaching is something we need to do regularly with our public desk staff regardless. In this case, training is a simple solution to making sure staff and patrons are happy.

In addition to training, we created an “Ask me what I’m reading” campaign for our desk staff to help bolster this expectation. Staff were provided with signage, pins, and bookmarks inviting patrons to engage them while they read. It’s a concept that we’ve seen out in library land and bookstores. And patrons do ask!

In summary, allowing reading at the desk created a positive solution to a challenging situation. It helped our desk build community and foster a joy of reading for themselves and for our patrons. Reading at the desk allowed them to hone their required advisory skills. And it channeled restless energy into positive outlet during downtimes at the desks. The concerns that are raised about reading at the desk have fairly simple solutions and is truly a positive use of tax dollars and staff time.

Library Reads: July 2016

I already had a post today, but I don’t want to forget to post this so that every list stays accessible with one click on the Library Reads tag.

This is also your monthly reminder to use that tag to access the huge store of backlist titles that all make great suggestions to patrons hungry for a good read. And, you have the annotation at your finger tips so you can book talk it too.

July 2016 LibraryReads List

Dark Matter:
A Novel

by Blake Crouch

Published:7/26/2016 by Crown
ISBN: 9781101904220

“Once on the fast-track to academic stardom, Jason Dessen finds his quiet family life and career upended when a stranger kidnaps him. Suddenly Jason’s idle “what-ifs” become panicked “what-nows,” as the humble quantum physics professor from a small Chicago college gets to explore the roads not taken with a mind-bending invention that opens doors to other worlds. This fun science fiction thriller is also a thoughtful page-turner with heart that should appeal to fans of Harlan Coben.”

Elizabeth Eastin, Rogers Memorial Library, Southampton, NY

The Woman in Cabin 10

by Ruth Ware

Published: 7/19/2016 by Gallery/Scout Press
ISBN: 9781501132933

“An intruder in the middle of the night leaves Lo Blacklock feeling vulnerable. Trying to shake off her fears, she hopes her big break of covering the maiden voyage of the luxury cruise ship, the Aurora, will help. The first night of the voyage changes everything. What did she really see in the water and who was the woman in the cabin next door? The claustrophobic feeling of being on a ship and the twists and turns of who, and what, to believe keep you on the edge of your seat. Count on this being one of the hot reads this summer!”

Joseph Jones, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH

The Last One:
A Novel

by Alexandra Oliva

Published: 7/12/2016 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9781101965085

“The Last One tells the story of twelve contestants who are sent to the wilderness in a Survivor-like reality show. But while they’re away, the world changes completely and what is real and what is not begins to blur. It’s post-apocalyptic literary fiction at it’s best. With a fast pace and a wry sense of humor, this is the kind of book that will appeal to readers of literary fiction and genre fiction alike. It points out the absurdity of reality television without feeling condescending. As the readers wake up to the realities of a new world, it becomes difficult to put down.”

Leah White, Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, IL

Among the Wicked: A Kate Burkholder Novel

by Linda Castillo

Published: 7/12/2016 by Minotaur Books
ISBN: 9781250061577

“In the small Amish locale of Painters Mill, police chief Kate Burkholder decides to take an undercover assignment in a community where the death of a young girl was reported. Her long time love, Agent John Tomasetti, is reluctant with her decision because of the lack of communication he will have with her. Burkholder begins to unfold the true horrors on the local farm and unearths the dangers the town officials suspected. She finds herself trapped in a life threatening cat and mouse game. This ongoing series is a true gem and a personal favorite.”

KC Davis, Fairfield Woods Branch Library, Fairfield, CT

The Unseen World: A Novel

by Liz Moore

Published: 7/26/2016 by W.W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 9780393241686

“The Unseen World is a compelling read with vibrant, finely constructed characters. Moore intertwines a complex coming of age story with the science of cryptology and the history of artificial intelligence, while simultaneously exploring the meaning of love, loss and belonging. The core of the novel explores the relationship between Ada and her scientist father David. When a tragedy upends their routine lives, Ada embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will eventually lead her to new truths. Elements of mystery and suspense keep you turning the pages in this multi-layered gem of a book.”

Janie Hermann, Princeton Public Library, Princeton, NJ

Truly Madly Guilty

by Liane Moriarty

Published: 7/26/2016 by Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250069795

“A typical afternoon barbecue among friends becomes something much bigger when one pivotal moment of inattention leads to repercussions for all in attendance. In trademark Moriarty style, the story flashes back and forth between the day of the barbecue and two months later, slowly revealing the events of the day and its consequences, creating a delicious momentum for the reader as the tension builds and the pieces fall into place. Moriarty has another sure-fire winner with this look at the complexities of friendship, marriage, and familial relationships.”

Halle Eisenman, Beaufort County Library, Hilton Head, SC

All Is Not Forgotten: A Novel

by Wendy Walker

Published: 7/12/2016 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250097910

“A dark, twisty, intricately-plotted psychological thriller about a teen girl, assaulted after a party, as she tries to regain her memories of the event after taking a controversial drug that erases traumatic memories. Walker’s many plot and character threads are carefully placed, and she weaves them all together into a satisfying, shattering conclusion. I’m betting we’ll be seeing this title in a LOT of beach bags over the summer.”

Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, Roeland Park, KS

The Hopefuls: A Novel

by Jennifer Close
Published: 7/19/2016 by Knopf
ISBN: 9781101875612

“When Beth and Matt, an aspiring politician, move from NYC to DC, Beth initially hates it. But things start to turn around for her when they befriend another “transplant” couple, Ashleigh and Jimmy. Beth’s loyalty is tested when she is forced to admit to herself that Matt is just not quite as attractive, magnetic or charismatic as his rival-friend, Jimmy…..who harbors similar political aspirations. The Hopefuls is on point in its descriptions of young marriage, career ambition, and complicated friendships. The characters are completely compelling. I was overdue for a great read and this was it!”

Amy Lapointe, Amherst Town Library, Amherst, NH

Siracusa

by Delia Ephron

Published: 7/12/2016 by blue Rider Press
ISBN: 9780399165214
“Michael and Lizzie are vacationing with another couple and their daughter, named Snow. As the story unfolds, the reader is introduced to infidelities. Ephron does a tremendous job in exposing the frailties of relationships and it feels like being intimate with other people’s problems but without the guilt. Engaging and tough to put down. Great summer read!”

Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, Azusa, CA

Nine Women, One Dress: A Novel

by Jane L. Rosen

Published: 7/12/2016 by Doubleday
ISBN: 9780385541404

“Nine Women, One Dress sends the reader on a journey with many characters and the little black dress of the season. From the soon-retiring dress designer and the first-time runway model, to the retail salespeople and an actor, this book relates how the dress touches and, often profoundly, changes the lives of all. Even though there were many characters in this book, the author immersed the reader into their lives. Romance, humor, and irony spark the plot as the dress travels from one life to another. A charming read!”

Kristin Fields, Farnhamville Public Library, Farnhamville, IA

Three Books Podcast, Featuring Me....Again

Back at the beginning of the month, I visited Ela Area Public Library to do a morning training and after lunch I got together with Becca and Christen to do another episode of Three Books. 

I was their first guest ever, but this time I came back to continue their conversation about gifting books from episode 14. We also talked about my best books of 2018 and I even previewed 3 books coming early in 2019 that I am excited about. 

You can listen here or below and access the show notes here. Also, those of you who know me in real life, yes I am sounding a little hoarse on the recording, but I had just given my second half day presentation that week before appearing. 

Thanks for having me on again. And kudos to Becca for the humors episode title. 

Episode 15: Becky With the Good Recs 

Happy Halloween: Celebrate with Me in Your Ears and the History of Horror Fiction

This is a cross post with RA for All Horror in honor of Halloween and the conclusion of 31 Days of Horror.

Happy Halloween! It is finally here. [I lived through another horror blog-a-thon.]

Today I relax and rejoice in the holiday that makes you all want to give horror books and readers the attention they deserve. Now if only you did that all year long. [Hint, hint-- you should, and this blog is the place here I give you the tools to do that.]

But since I have your full attention for 1 more day I wanted to point you to 3 things you can do to celebrate the holiday and brush up on your horror RA skills all at the same time.

The first two involve your ears. I have recent appearances on 2 podcasts where I talk about horror and other library related things.

The first is a brand new podcast called Three Books produced by the Ela Area Public Library. Christen and Becca are bringing book people in to talk about their three favorite books and more. Since they were launching in October and because I've known Becca for years, they asked me to come in and be their first guest. You can click here to listen and subscribe. We talk about my current horror favorites, why the world NEEDS horror, and more.

The second is my 4th [!] appearance on Circulating Ideas:

Circulating Ideas facilitates conversations about the innovative people & ideas allowing libraries to thrive in the 21st century. Brought to you with support from the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science and listeners like you.

In Episode 120, which dropped today,  Steve and I talk about the the current state of horror, but also about the importance of libraries including self published/small press titles in their collections and how to stay on top of genre trends easily, even if you don't like the genre yourself.

After a month of reading my words, I am giving you a chance to learn from me in a different way. If you listen to both of these podcasts, you will quickly get a general overview of what is MOST IMPORTANT about horror right now [at least from the library worker perspective].

I have also added these two new appearances to my podcast appearance archive which is always available on the general blog's About Me page and that blog's Recent Presentations page.

And now, the third thing you need to do to both celebrate Halloween AND brush up on your RA skills-- today also marks the launch of much larger scale project, one that beginning today will be published every month, for free. One that all of you have to read:

Click here for the first chapter

Brian Keene and Cemetery Dance are going on an adventure to produce a definitive history of horror from the beginning of humanity to the present and all of us get to read it for free.

In this first chapter, Keene clearly notes the people [including myself] who have done more academic work on this topic, but he also knows as one of the top horror writers of our time and as a life long fan himself, no one has ever given the genre the respect it deserves. He is going to write the definitive history of one of the oldest and most popular genres in literature and I implore you to follow along.

I promise you will learn about horror, obviously, but you will also learn about readers, why people are drawn to any story, You will learn about writers, why stories are told in a certain way. And, you will learn to put that information together in a way that allows you to connect with your patrons better, no matter what genres they prefer.

Plus, all of the semicolons will be in the correct places [read the chapter and you will get the joke.]

Now go forth and celebrate Halloween.