Ruby Galvez, RL

Building a home library from scratch is not only achievable but also a gratifying project that can evolve with you over time. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy corner filled with your favorite novels or a comprehensive collection spanning multiple genres, here's how you can start your very own home library:  1. Define Your Space - Choose the Right Spot: Your library doesn't need a dedicated room (although that's a bonus!). A quiet corner, an underused closet, or even a wide hallway can work. The key is finding a space where you can store your books and enjoy reading them. - Consider Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Natural light is ideal for daytime reading, but ensure you have quality lamps or overhead lights for evening sessions.  2. Plan Your Shelves - Shelving Options: You don’t have to break the bank with custom shelving. Bookcases from thrift stores, flea markets, or affordable furniture stores can work perfectly. Remember to secure tall shelves to the wall for...

 From Our Shelves to Yours: The Art of Donating Books As a librarian who has the joy and responsibility of curating and processing donated books, I've seen firsthand the incredible journey books go through when they're given a second life. Donating your paperbacks to the library isn't just about passing on a book; it's about sharing a piece of literary treasure with your community. Here's an inside look at why donating is a brilliant idea and how you can help make every donation count.  A New Chapter for Your Books When you donate books to us, you're not just clearing out your space; you're giving these stories and knowledge a chance to spark joy, inspiration, and learning in others. Every book donated is a potential new favorite for someone and a valuable addition to our library's diversity.  Eco-Friendly and Community-Oriented By choosing to donate, you're also making an eco-friendly choice. Books that might otherwise be forgotten or discarded get ...

Ah, the life of a librarian! While many might imagine it's all about leisurely reading behind a desk and shushing noisy visitors, the reality is far from it. Being a librarian involves a slew of behind-the-scenes tasks that can be quite tedious but are essential to keeping the library running smoothly. Today, let's shine a light on the five most tedious tasks every librarian faces, celebrating the unsung heroes of the quiet aisles.   1. Cataloging and Classification    Imagine trying to organize a giant, never-ending jigsaw puzzle where pieces keep changing shapes. That's cataloging and classification for you. Each book, magazine, and digital resource must be meticulously categorized by subject, author, title, and a myriad of other criteria. It's a task that requires precision and attention to detail, ensuring that visitors can find exactly what they're looking for among thousands of items.   2. Shelving and Re-shelving   Shelving might seem straightforwar...

Deciding whether to collocate materials instead of strictly adhering to traditional classification systems depends on the specific needs and goals of your library and its users. Both approaches have their merits, and often, the most effective library management strategy involves a blend of the two. Here's a closer look at the considerations:  Benefits of Classification Systems   1. Consistency and Universality: Classification systems like the Dewey Decimal System or the Library of Congress Classification provide a consistent and universally recognized framework. This can be particularly helpful for users familiar with these systems, facilitating their search for materials across different libraries.   2. Detailed Organization: These systems allow for detailed organization of materials down to very specific topics, making it easier for users to find highly specialized resources.   3. Educational Value: Learning to navigate these classification sy...

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters  Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Libraries are accessible to everyone... and we mean EVERYONE! Hey there! I'm a librarian, and if there's one thing I know, it's that libraries are not just about books anymore. They're about people – all kinds of people. And in 2024, our job is to make sure we're keeping up with what everyone needs, even as those needs keep changing. So, how do we do that? Let's dive in.   Getting to Know You   First up, we need to really understand who's using the library. This means looking beyond just the numbers and getting to know the community. What languages do they speak? What kind of information are they looking for? Do they need places to study, meet, or even just hang out? The more we know, the better we can be at making the library a welcoming place for everyone.   Technology is Our Friend   These days, almost everyone uses some form of technology, whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops. As librarians, we're jumping on this tech train too. We'r...

The keyboard has nearly replaced the pen in how we communicate and learn. Don't you agree? This shift to digital has many perks, like speed and ease of use, but it's worth pausing to consider what we might lose as handwriting takes a backseat, especially for kids in their learning years. The move away from teaching kids to write by hand could have deeper effects than we might think, touching on everything from brain development to how well they learn and even their emotional well-being. First off, writing by hand isn't just about forming letters on a page; it's a complex brain exercise. When kids practice handwriting, they're not just learning to write; they're firing up parts of their brain that deal with thinking, memory, and language in a way that tapping on a keyboard just doesn't match. Studies have shown that writing something down by hand helps kids remember it better and understand it more deeply than if they type it out. This might be because the ac...

Offer your patrons several reading choices for Lent. Here is a list of notable books that delve into the passion of Christ, each offering a unique perspective on this profound subject: 1. "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die" by John Piper    - Synopsis: This book offers fifty clear reasons why Jesus Christ underwent the suffering of the cross, according to the Bible. John Piper delves into the theological and spiritual implications of Christ's Passion, aiming to deepen the reader's appreciation and understanding of Christ's sacrifice. 2. "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Anne Catherine Emmerich    - Synopsis: Based on the visions of the German mystic, Anne Catherine Emmerich, this book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Emmerich's vivid descriptions bring to life the sufferings of Christ in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. 3. "Je...

Brainstorming is a dynamic and flexible tool that can be applied to library management. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the brainstorming process, libraries can tap into a wealth of ideas that pave the way for innovative services, enhanced user experience, and efficient operations.  The structured approach to brainstorming, from idea generation to selection, ensures that libraries can systematically explore and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of their communities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, libraries can remain vital centers for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Librarians don't need to do it alone. After all, patrons are also the ones who would benefit from improvements in the library. Hence, tapping them for ideas is a good call.  Topics for Library Management Brainstorming Improving User Engagement: A library looking to increase patron visits might brainstorm ideas leading to initiatives like a community bo...