Deep cleaning the libraries

Deep cleaning the library

The books shelved by size on the bookshelf

The photo and article linked above shows how clean the Suffolk libraries are getting.

One librarian goes in to deal with returns and to check on things. The deep cleaners go in to make sure that the library is ready when patrons are able to go back.

The librarian found that the deep cleaners cleaned the books all right. And sorted them by size. Perfect!

The returning librarians will have a lot of work on their hands putting every book back in its place. At least they know everything was cleaned.

Why You Shouldn’t Censor Your Teen’s Reading

Why you shouldn’t censor your teen’s reading

The above linked article goes along with my previous post about book bans and the newly proposed law that would imprison librarians for allowing children to read “inappropriate” books.

The article above talks about not censoring what your child is reading, but if the book is controversial, or if you feel your child can’t handle the topic, read along with your child and allow them to ask questions and discuss the parts of the book that are uncomfortable.

Also, it talks about the books that parents tend to find are “inappropriate.” These books are usually things that the parents don’t feel comfortable discussing at all, let alone with their child. This is understandable, but the parent/child line of communications should be open, or the child will learn to be uncomfortable about the same topics as the parent.

Library vs Movies

Library vs movies

According to the above linked article, in 2019, more people used the library than went to the movies. I can believe it. Movies are expensive and are a one trick pony. Libraries are free, and have some amazing things to offer. There are many programs available. People can check out books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, etc. Plus it’s a quiet place to read or study, and it’s warm and dry. There are even computers for use, and copiers for a fee. At the movies, you get to spend a fortune to watch a movie. Let’s keep it up, 2020!

Book Ban Bill

Book ban Bill

Missouri has a bill that was proposed to ban books from minors in public libraries.  The generalized term “Inappropriate” gives a lot of wiggle room to people who want to ban certain books.  The librarians can be imprisoned for allowing certain books to be given to children, but the bill isn’t specific enough.  A parent can complain because the book goes against their religion, etc.  I hope this bill doesn’t pass.  I understand that certain books shouldn’t be in the hands of children, but the librarian shouldn’t be policing what the child is checking out.  The parent should be.  

In the old days of video rental, there was a lock on children’s cards until they reached a certain age.  Maybe library cards can do something similar?  

Top Checkouts of 2019 – NYPL

NYPL Top Checkouts of 2019

The above linked article talks about the most checked out books in the NYPL system in 2019. They are all wonderful books and I look forward to reading those that I haven’t read yet.

Top 10 Books Systemwide

  1. Becomingby Michelle Obama
  2. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
  3. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
  4. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
  5. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
  6. Pachinkoby Min Jin Lee
  7. Circeby Madeline Miller
  8. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
  9. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startupby John Carreyrou
  10. Milkmanby Anna Burns

Top 10 Books in the Bronx

  1. Becomingby Michelle Obama
  2. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
  3. Ambush by James Patterson and James O. Born
  4. The Chef by James Patterson
  5. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
  6. Liar Liar by James Patterson and Candice Fox
  7. The 18th Abduction by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
  8. Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci
  9. Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson
  10. The House Next Door by ​James Patterson, Tim Arnold, Max DiLallo, and Susan DiLallo

Top 10 Books in Manhattan

  1. Becomingby Michelle Obama
  2. Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
  3. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
  4. Circeby Madeline Miller
  5. Pachinkoby Min Jin Lee
  6. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startupby John Carreyrou
  7. Milkmanby Anna Burns
  8. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
  9. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
  10. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Top 10 Books in Staten Island

  1. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
  2. Ambush by James Patterson and James O. Born
  3. The Reckoning by John Grisham
  4. Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson
  5. Liar Liar by James Patterson and Candice Fox
  6. The Chef by James Patterson
  7. Turning Point by Danielle Steel
  8. The House Next Door by ​James Patterson, Tim Arnold, Max DiLallo, and Susan DiLallo
  9. Unsolved, Book 2 by James Patterson and David Ellis
  10. Juror No. 3 by James Patterson and Nancy Allen