• Lists

    15 Middle Grade Books About Friendship

    You couldn’t pay me enough to go back in time to middle school. I just remember feeling so awkward all the time! I was by no means a popular kid, but I had a small friend group that I spent time with in class and on the weekends. Today, I…

  • Lists

    Top Ten Tuesday: Contemporary Romance Set at Christmas

    Top Ten Tuesday

    With a wider-theme for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday, set in…., I decided to focus on books set at Christmas and since I’ve already shared books for kids and teens, I decided to take a closer look at contemporary romances. So, if you’re a fan of Hallmark movies during the…

  • Lifestyle

    Black Friday Deals Start Now!

    black friday header

    I’m getting a jump start on Black Friday! Partially because I’m so excited to participate as a business owner and partially because I know that on Friday I’ll be busy with family and unable to spend time on this post! So, Black Friday deals start now and run until November…

  • Lists

    Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons I’m Thankful for Books

    Top Ten Tuesday

    Thanksgiving is just a few days away and while I’m not in charge of the BIG dinner, I do have family over on Friday for what we’ve affectionately named “Fiesta Friday” and yes, we have a massive taco bar with all the toppings you could ever ask for! And since…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Gardens (2023 update)

    flower garden

    I know, gardening is typically a spring storytime theme, but there are so many great gardening books for kids, that I couldn’t resist doing a quick update for this lesson plan! I offered a few more nonfiction books than I usually do because they’re so cool! Especially the Smithsonian/DK Publishing…

  • Lists

    18 Realistic Fiction Graphic Novels for Tweens

    pens and markers

    Graphic novels are some of the most popular books in my library! I love that kids are finding books that they love and want to read. And what’s great is that graphic novels span genres from fantasy to science fiction, from realistic fiction to biographies and nonfiction, there’s something for…

  • Lifestyle

    Director’s Thoughts – 11/15/2023

    piggy bank

    Since I’m in the throes of budget season, I’ve thought about little else for the past few months other than our library’s budget. So for today’s director’s thoughts – 11/15/2023, let’s learn about public library funding. I live and work in Pennsylvania, so most of this information pertains to public…

  • Lists

    Top Ten Tuesday: Mainstream Authors I Haven’t Read

    Top Ten Tuesday

    This was the easiest Top Ten Tuesday theme I think I’ve ever done! I’m not one for reading a lot of the mainstream authors that you’ll find on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Usually, it’s because there’s such a long holds list at the library, and by the…

  • Lists

    2023 Picture Book Gift Guide

    gift guide header

    Whether it’s the most wonderful or stressful time of the year, I’ve got you covered you with a list of great picture book gift ideas in this year’s 2023 Picture Book Gift Guide! With 30 picture book titles ranging from silly read alouds to poignant titles that will tug at…

  • Activities

    Storytime Theme: Pirates (2023 update)

    pirate flag

    I’m continuing to update storytime themes before we head into the new year with brand-new themes. This week we’re looking at Pirates! Don’t walk the plank and miss these great stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! With more recently published books, you can’t go wrong with these fun pirate-y titles. And…