Summer Is...

(http://www.keloland.com/weather/)

Summer is hot!

This summer is also dry. How can we have 41% or more humidity and still face drought conditions?

In spite of that, summer is also flowers...

(copyright 2012 Jane Heitman Healy)

and produce...

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/krossbow/4896048130/sizes/m/ by F Delventhal)

and Shakespeare in the park...
(and here's Falls Park, the old mill, before the play.)

(copyright 2012, Jane Heitman Healy)

Summer is upcoming concerts in various parks around town....
First up at Music Monday at McKennan Park on July 16 is the Crabgrass Crew.

and vacation...


and, of course, reading!

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/2449070766/in/photostream/ by brewbooks) This is someone else's stack, but you can keep track of my current reading by viewing the Shelfari widget on the right side of the screen.

What defines your summer this year? Do post a comment and let me know!

To E-Read, or Not To E-Read

(photo by Rin Zebramädchen, Creative Commons 2.0, http://www.flickr.com/photos/zebramaedchen/4208666959/)

Is that the question? I am one of those people who likes books. Having favorite books around me is like being surrounded by friends. However, books do not equal reading. Like many of you, I read all the time--newspapers in print and online, magazines in print and online, and books, until recently, in print only.

(photo by April Younglove, Creative Commons 2.0, http://www.flickr.com/photos/aprily/2631023481/)

Friends and coworkers got e-readers as gifts. I did not covet them but saw them as convenient gizmos. Besides, the array of choices is overwhelming, and as soon as you buy one, a newer, better model is released. How can you keep up?

This is the 21st Century, though, and we are well into it. Recently, I ran into a great deal and took the e-reader plunge. My local library offers downloadable books, so I'm off and reading. What I discovered is that author, blogger, librarian, and Cengage executive Stephen Abram is right. I credit him with coining the phrase "format agnostic," meaning that the format in which we read doesn't matter, as long as we can read. He was writing about this at least as far back as 2004.

With my first ebook, the story captured me, and I was as hooked in that format as I would have been in traditional print. When I finished that book, I looked online for reviews to see if other readers had similar reactions to the book. I learned then about an advantage to ereading that I hadn't considered--no back jacket flap to give away key plot points! Several reviewers had been disappointed because their print covers gave away too much in advance.

I see the main advantage of an ereader as its ability to hold many books, making it a good choice for travel, as opposed to lugging several print volumes. On the down side, print books never need to be recharged or turned off during flight take off and landing.

How about you? Are you reading print and e? Are you format agnostic, enjoying a good story however it appears?

(photo by Morten Oddvik, Creative Commons 2.0, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mortsan/5127797721/sizes/z/in/photostream/)

Summer Reading

(photo by Enokson, http://www.flickr.com/photos/vblibrary/4664379322/)

The calendar is still a few days away from summer, and where I live, the temps have been more like spring, but as soon as school's out, everyone thinks "SUMMER!" In my world, that means "SUMMER READING!"

Libraries across the country collaborate on themes and materials, with posters by famous book illustrators, to offer summer reading programs for all ages. This year's theme is "One World, Many Stories." Prizes and special events abound to celebrate reading. See what your library has to offer!

(photo by Cloned Milkmen, http://www.flickr.com/photos/clonedmilkmen/5111779335/)

I have written about what to read, but this year I'm more interested in how. Print? Downloadable electronic books? Downloadable audio? Audio discs? Reading on the computer? New devices and programs make all of this possible. As one librarian said, "If it gets people to read, I'm all for it!"

Should we care in what format people (especially kids) are reading as long as they are reading? Stephen Abram, library futurist and trend follower, uses the term "format agnostic."

I do most of my professional reading on the computer. I don't own any fancy portable electronic devices--yet--so my fiction reading is old fashioned paperback or hardcover. Sometimes an ereader would be handy--for reading what a librarian friend calls "sternum crushers" in bed or for easy travel toting.

(photo by Liz Henry, http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizhenry/116516993/)

Here are some summer reading suggestions:
For kids: Nick's Picks
For kids and teens: from Horn Book
For adults: Seth's picks, fiction & nonfiction and Beach Reads

What are you reading in which format on which device? Why do you choose the format you do? In any case, happy reading!

(photo by US Mission Canada, http://www.flickr.com/photos/us_mission_canada/5537780170/)

John Adams and his Books

Tired of rancorous political rhetoric? Me, too, but it gives me comfort to know that it’s nothing new. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson held such angry differences of opinion that they did not speak or correspond for years, making up only after they had both retired.

John Adams, born October 30, 1735, served as the second President, Vice President under George Washington, diplomat to France, and founding father of the United States. Adams, known for sounding strong opinions, did not shy away from controversy.

We learned this and more about him at “John Adams Unbound” hosted by Watertown Regional Library. Watertown Regional was one of only 20 public libraries in the country to host this traveling panel exhibit. Over 700 people took advantage of this free step into history.

Our guide, Raynette, pointed out the main points of each panel. Among the highlights:

Adams was not a natural scholar, but his father and a good teacher helped him appreciate the knowledge contained in books. A Harvard graduate, John Adams continued his education throughout his life by collecting and reading books. Named a diplomat to France with no knowledge of French, he set sail with books. By the time he reached that country, he was able to communicate in their language.

Adams used his books! When his family collected leaves while out walking, they put them in his books to be pressed. Library curators discovered them there hundreds of years later.



The marginalia in his books reveal insights into his personality and opinions. Many of his books contain notes in his handwriting. Some of these notes led to correspondence with the books’ authors, including Mary Wallstonecraft, author of Historical and Moral View of the French Revolution.



Adams willed his collection of 3,000 volumes to the town of Quincy, Massachusetts. The library had several homes in Quincy before landing permanently at the Boston Public Library.



John Adams’ life attests to the power of books. He said, “I find that a great deal of thought and care, as well as money, are necessary to assemble an ample and well chosen assortment of books.” Today’s libraries contain books, magazines, newspapers, online resources, DVDs, CDs, and other materials as well as offering meeting spaces and free programs. John Adams would approve public support of these community institutions!

What’s your favorite thing about libraries? Or John Adams?

Celebrate International Literacy Day

(Jack's Storytime, artist Gregory Jackson, sculpture at Siouxland Library Main, downtown Sioux Falls)

Being successful in life is difficult if you can't read. Never mind the enjoyment of curling up with a good novel or the sense of victory in conquering a new word. Think about being unable to read instructions, employment applications, forms, signs, food labels, and other everyday survival postings.

Literate people have more earning power, and literate countries are more advanced. They have better economic stability and better health. The United Nations declared September 8 as International Literacy Day to draw attention to the need for the ability to read.
This literacy infographic is from United Nations Human Development 2007-2008. A list of countries' literacy rates, according to the United Nations Development Programme 2009, is found here.

Yet even here in the United States, we find people unable to read or unable to read well enough to function well in society. Efforts abound to teach children and adults how to read through special school and after school programs and literacy programs sponsored by literacy councils and libraries.

How can you promote literacy?
-Read! Let yourself be seen reading at home and in public!
-Read aloud to others.
-Volunteer in a classroom, local library, or senior facility to read or assist with reading.
-Join your local literacy council and participate.
-Tutor someone learning to read.
-See ProLiteracy for more ways to promote literacy.

Victor Hugo wrote, "“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” What kind of reading sparks are flying around you today?

(Summer Distractions II by arist Lee Leuning, sculpture at Siouxland Library Main, downtown Sioux Falls)

Graphic Novels: Beyond Comic Books

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/playfullibrarian/3269942771/ by playfulllibrarian)


Being in the reading & writing business, I couldn't avoid graphic novels. I looked at the popular manga, the superhero, and other types. But actually read one?

Then a review led me to read Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush, by Luis Alberto Urrea. This graphic novel adaptation of one of his magical realism stories is illustrated by Christopher Cardinale. The art depicts the narrator's home town, boyish pranks, and the results of Mr. Mendoza's paintbrush. Mr. Mendoza used his paintbrush to keep the villagers in line, and finally, to step out of town mysteriously himself. The combination of art and story help us see and feel the village, the time, and the culture. (With respect to copyright, I'm not posting art here, but click the links to see samples.)

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/66621323@N00/3365849376/ Michael Morrow)

Here are some things I've learned about graphic novels:
-The average reader is 30! This isn't just kid stuff.
-Most of them are NOT full of violence and sex. They have good, solid storylines.
-Some of them are about superheroes, but most are not.
-The vocabulary is twice the level of the average kids' book.
(Thanks to Jasmine Rockwell, South Dakota State Library, whose blog about YA books is here.)

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/dainec/182486761/ by Aine D)

Kids do love them, and yes, it is REAL reading. For the most part, I still prefer the traditional book, but graphic novels such as Mr. Mendoza's Paintbrush are works of art.

What's your opinion of graphic novels? Have you tried them? Which ones would you recommend?

How to Choose What to Read Next

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanksalot/2715407049/ CC http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en)

A few posts ago, I wrote about summer reading. There’s still time! I hope you’ve had a chance to read something really good, the kind of book that makes you read more slowly at the end to make it last, the kind of book you clutch to your chest when you’re done as if hugging an old friend.

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/missrogue/457911556/ CC http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en)

Next comes the chore of deciding what to read next. Donald Latumahina gives some suggestions in this blog post.

I use Amazon, too, but use other sources more. In my line of work, I see reviews for books in library blogs, magazines, and newsletters. I keep a paper file and a computer file of titles that look promising. My main method of finding good books is one he didn’t mention—recommendations from friends. Why do the books friends suggest sound so much more appealing than those standing at attention on my shelf waiting to be read? I keep track of what I read on Shelfari.com, another place to get suggestions.

(photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/yodelanecdotal/2452348317/ CC http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en)

Sometimes I’ll go on a binge and read everything by one author or stay with the same genre title after title. More often, I’ll mix it up—historical fiction, contemporary, mystery, non-fiction—enjoying the variety.

How do you choose what to read next? How do you find (as Latumahina says) "interesting books"? Remember this: Friends don’t let friends read bad books! Thanks to all you friends who share good books and good book titles with me.

Whatcha Reading this Summer?

(photo www.flickr.com/photos/komunews/3567108623/ by KOMUnews)

Summer has just begun according to the calendar. Remember the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer?

So far mine have been only hazy! Still, it's time for summer reading, vacation reading, beach reading--whatever you want to call it.

So far, my summer reading plan is to read new novels I have on hold at the library as they come in interspersed with books friends loaned to me months ago. One new book is Sandra Dallas' newest, Whiter Than Snow. Billed as a story of a deadly avalanche in a turn-of-the-century Colorado mining town, it is really the story of the townfolks' lives and how tragedy causes them to cast aside grudges and prejudices. This isn't my favorite book by Dallas (Tallgrass is), but it's worth the while.

One of the books loaned to me is Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts. This interview tells more about the book and Letts. Though some extreme coincidences propel the plot, this mystery of a California veterinarian seeking his birth mother in Oklahoma leads to vengeance, danger, and love, making this a fast, entertaining read.

Across the country, official library Summer Reading programs are underway for all ages. This year's Collaborative Summer Library Program theme for kids is "Make a Splash! Read!, for teens is "Make Waves at Your Library," and for adults is "Water Your Mind--Read!"

What books are watering your mind this summer? Let me know books you recommend!

PS Notice the title of the book in the introductory photo? It's become a contemporary classic. Look for it at the library or bookstore, no matter what your age is.

What Book Chose You?

photo by Becky Meyer

Carmen Agra Deedy, a master storyteller and award-winning author, held her audience of upper elementary school boys and girls rapt as she told a scary, funny story from her Cuban heritage--one of the Juan Bobo stories. One boy laughed so hard he rolled on the floor next to Carmen's chair. Kids (and adults), whose usual attention spans max out at 10 minutes, sat captivated by the story for 45. No batteries, videos, flashing lights or noises other than Carmen's voice held our attention at the Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival. Such is the power of story.

At the luncheon, Carmen told her personal story. We laughed and cried as she told how her older sister, needing to be rid of 6-year-old Carmen for awhile, shoved her into the public library for the first time. Carmen was not a reader. The library lady interrogated Carmen, unsure whether this little Cuban girl transplanted to Georgia could be entrusted with the library's books. The library lady gave stern directions to the children's room and strict orders about what to do there. She told properly terrified Carmen that the right book would choose her. What did that mean? Carmen wondered.

Carmen entered the room and ran her fingers along the spines of the books on the shelves. One book was not flush on the shelf, and when Carmen tried to right it, it fell onto the floor. Is this the book? The one that's choosing me?

Turns out it was. Charlotte's Web, usually not checked out to those so young, grabbed Carmen's heart, mind, and imagination. She was hooked on reading, stories, and libraries. (Hear Carmen tell her growing up stories in her recording, Growing Up Cuban.)

November is National Family Literacy Month. Enjoy reading and telling stories with family and friends! And tell me, what book chose you?

Read All About It!

Join UNESCO and the International Reading Association in celebrating International Literacy Day on September 8.

How can you celebrate? READ!
*cereal boxes
*street signs
*billboards
*emails
*novels
*technical manuals
*graphic novels
*magazines
*clothing labels
*store ads
*textbooks
Read anything at all!

Model reading. Let others see you read!
Read aloud to
*your child
*your spouse
*your teacher
*your friend
*your dog, cat, fish or other pet
*passersby
*yourself!

Be thankful that you can read. Here are some facts from a statement by the International Reading Association:
*It is estimated that nearly 860 million of the world's adults do not know how to read or write.
*85% of juvenile offenders [in the U.S.] have reading problems.
*American business spends $60 billion each year on employee training, much of that for remedial reading, writing, and mathematics.
*Africa, as a continent, has a literacy rate of less than 60%.

Which countries are the most literate? The least? Where does the U.S fit in? See the answers and related information in this UK Guardian article from March 9, 2009.

How will you celebrate?

Reading is Good

photo by the San Jose Library

Few people would disagree with the title of this post. But have you ever stopped to think about why you think reading is good?

Reading is far from the passive endeavor it appears to be. Reading of all kinds--long, short, print, online, fiction, non-fiction--develops the imagination, critical thinking, and memory.

The National Endowment for the Arts conducted a study with surprising results about the lives of readers vs. non-readers. Dana Gioia, head of the endowment, explains in a video here.

Do your civic duty and read, and encourage others to do the same!

For what other reasons do you think reading is good?

Summer Reading for Young People

photo © Chibi for openphoto.net CC:Attribution-ShareAlike

Can you stand more on summer reading? (I just started The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls, by the way.) "ShelfTalker," a blog I read regularly, is by 2 women who run independent children's bookstores. One of them wrote about the dismal state of student's summer reading lists. Most of the lists she saw were classic titles by dead white men. So she asked her readers what books they would include on a summer reading list for young people. Click here for the result. Even if you are more young at heart than young, you might like to try some of these.

As for classics, yes, there's a reason they are classics. Two classics that I loved as a young person were Heidi and Black Beauty--both by dead white women. What classics did you love as a young person?

More Summer Reading

Most newspapers have drastically reduced their book sections, so I was pleased to see our local paper feature summer reading recommendations. These are especially interesting because the books are recommended by local professionals in a variety of fields, not just librarians, book sellers, or reviewers. Many of them were titles I didn't know. Click here for the list and find some potential new favorites.

What are you reading this summer?

The Transformative Power of Reading

Luis Soriano, a teacher from La Gloria, Columbia, packs his two burros with books to lend to villagers in the area. His "biblioburros" are much awaited and open doors to both the outside world and the world within. He has witnessed the "transformative power of reading" as a teacher and as a lender of books. Paul Coehlo's books are the most popular, but people read a vast array of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He started the project himself. It has grown into a 4,800 volume collection thanks to donors. He has suffered physical injury and threats. Yet he continues because he knows that books and reading change people's lives. Read the New York Times story about Soriano here.



His story reminds me of author Margriet Ruurs' award-winning book for children, My Librarian is a Camel. Its text and photos show the unusual ways children receive books around the world. It also shows children's eagerness to read. See more about the book here.

We take for granted our ability to read and our access to print and online materials. Give thanks for the ways reading enriches our lives!