Ruby Galvez, RL

Is it time for college? Then, it's time for "the talk" about dormitories, college friends, making ends meet, and being considerate of others. This part of the journey may seem small, but it matters. You're helping them build a home within their means—one measured step at a time. 1.  Roommate Coordination Will your student be living with others? Sharing some items—like a mini fridge, printer, or TV—can cut down on expenses. It also teaches collaboration and compromise, which college life will demand plenty of. 2. Storage Under the Bed Measure the clearance under the bed (or look it up online). That will determine whether low bins, drawers, or even duffel bags can fit. If there’s little room, it may be best to plan on soft, collapsible storage that can slide out of sight. 3. Luggage and Bags Hard-sided suitcases take up space. If your child won’t need them, bring them back home. If they must stay, consider duffel bags that fold flat or fit under the bed. Sit do...

  Lifelong learning is a journey that shapes who we are and who we become. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about embracing curiosity, the desire to grow, and the drive to understand the world better. For children, this journey begins with reading. Teaching kids to read isn’t just about helping them understand words on a page—it’s about unlocking a lifetime of possibilities. The Foundation of Learning       Reading is the key to all learning. When a child learns to read, they don’t just grasp language—they unlock the ability to explore any subject, from science to history to art. It’s a tool that helps them understand complex ideas, fuels their imagination, and gives them the confidence to tackle challenges. Reading is the doorway to knowledge, and by teaching kids to read, we give them the tools to explore the world with curiosity and independence. Reading Builds Confidence        As kids become better readers, they gain confidence...

When your child heads off to college, it’s more than just a move—it’s a transition into a new season of life. And as exciting as that sounds, preparing for dorm living can quickly become overwhelming, especially when the budget is already tight. Before you buy a single thing, pause and gather the information that can help you make every dollar count. Many families rush into buying items they think they need, only to realize later that the dorm already had a version of it—or worse, there’s no space for it at all. Understanding the dorm room’s actual layout and what’s already provided will save you stress, money, and return shipping fees. Start with the Basics Room Dimensions Most college housing websites list room measurements by dorm and layout. These numbers may not be perfect, but they can help you sketch out a rough floor plan. A simple hand-drawn rectangle with some measurements can help you visualize how things might fit. Closet Space (Hanging + Floor) Is there space ...

 I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t.  Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...