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They who must not be named

Just a guess: at some point during the past couple of weeks, has anyone at your workplace encouraged you to "think outside the box"? That phrase could become tedious if it weren't such excellent advice. It's not just about inventing entirely new concepts. Sometimes, time-tested solutions...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 09-06-2011
1G mindsets in a 4G world

Amid last Friday's speculations about Hurricane Irene's intentions, a library customer and I applauded the spirit of those valiant New Yorkers. We chuckled at one homeowner's "Good Night, Irene" signboard. I've since wondered how many younger folks got the reference. Though...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 08-30-2011
Please have a doughnut and take me to your leader

Recently, my husband was startled to witness our phone announcing "call from City of Urrrr". A co-worker was attempting to reach me, thus the voice phonetically pronounced "City of RR". We agreed that City of Urr would be a great science fiction novel title. I'm not a frequent...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 08-13-2011
Name calling at its best

To counter envy of acquaintances employed by for-profit companies (and thus eligible for glamorous productivity incentives like Hawaiian vacations and cars) let's reflect on unique perks of working at a nonprofit institution--say, a library. Besides the priceless benefit of learning intriguing facts...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 08-05-2011
It is what it is--perhaps

Did you ever nominate a book for your reading club, then panic when it's chosen? If so, you understand my qualms about Saturday's meeting. Larry Beinhart 's The Librarian seemed an ideal choice when submitted; suddenly I could foresee my taste being questioned. The Librarian is a political...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-29-2011
Out of control

Approaching the reference desk earlier this week, the customer hesitated and did a quick left-and-right visual check before asking, "You're really controlling the whole system from right here, aren't you?" If you're familiar with the ref desk, you may concur that his impression...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-22-2011
A laughing matter, and one that isn't

Not to give away secrets of our cul-de-sac, but I bet ours is not the only House Divided. I refer, naturally, to lawn maintenance. My husband selects the crew cut style, resulting in a sleeker look and ensuring the longest possible interval between sessions. I prefer more of a pixie look, neat but not...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-15-2011
Why the green stuff is so important

Today's shuttle launch coverage echoes back thirty years; the first space shuttle flight headed skyward in April 1981. We know what NASA was doing then, but what about the rest of us? Flashdance didn't screen until 1983, so we weren't sporting leg warmers yet. However, as Lady Diana Spencer's...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-08-2011
Surprising alternative to sand castles*

Earlier this week, a library patron stopped by the reference desk to execute the perfect 30-second book review. He displayed the actual product, cover facing out (good for us visual learners) and swiftly encapsulated its appeal: it's a mystery that he'd recommend even to those who don't favor...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 06-23-2011
Here, mystery novels are the killer apps

Remember your first visit to Round Rock Public Library? If it occurred during the summer, you might have wondered, as some folks do, where the "library for grownups" is. There you are, surrounded by hordes of young folks and their parents, possibly concluding that you wandered into a children's...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 06-09-2011

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