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What do you mean, the library promotes ADULT reading?

In my previous job, I never figured out how to suitably explain my duties. People understood the "reference librarian" part, but their eyes would narrow ever so slightly when I added that other responsibilities included "selecting adult DVDs". See? Whatever you just thought, they...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-21-2010
Where have all the phone booths gone?

Belonging to four different book clubs isn't a sane lifestyle choice for everyone, but I find it empowering. Along with obvious socialization benefits comes the potential for quadruple rewards in the "wouldn't have picked it on my own" department. Completing all the assigned books and...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-14-2010
Safety in numbers for Tiger pursuit

Today is adult book club day for July ( The White Tiger ). We'll have to see how the 7:00 discussion at the library goes, but the 2:00 Star Co. session could be accurately rated as a love fest for Aravind Adiga's memorable story of modern India. I first encountered the Tiger back in 2008 and...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 07-06-2010
Shortlisted in the stacks

Following up on last week's admission that not all my book advice is golden, I resorted to my favorite source of literary expertise: co-workers. I polled library staffers, requesting names of books they've recommended and later heard described as someone's new favorite, "best book ever"...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 06-29-2010
Gambling on the perfect book

For someone who's not a big risk-taker, I venture possible rejection and failure on a daily basis. I can't decide which is the more serious gamble--recommending books to total strangers, or assuring friends and family that I have just the title for them. People near and dear to you generally...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 06-22-2010
Technological scene-stealing at the library

Here's one for the life-is-unjust archive. Library staffers devoted an entire week (and then some) to applying thousands of RFID tags in our books, DVDs, and CDs--and what is our reward? We are constantly upstaged by four square devices with touch screens, flashing lights, and multiple-item checkout...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 06-14-2010
Crying fowl at the box office

Do we agree that "cult classic film" is frequently euphemistic for "awful movie"? And that dreadful flicks can be wonderfully entertaining? Take Plan Nine from Outer Space , so uproariously unfortunate that my family felt we had to own it on DVD. If you haven't added that one...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 06-07-2010
Sense and Similarities

Certain phrases always catch my eye as I'm scanning book reviews: "debut author", "projected series", "only die-hard fans", "shortlisted", for example. This spring, "beach read" has been much in evidence. That's a loaded term, isn't it? Sure...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 05-31-2010
Poolside books: the other economic indicator

Our vacation is just winding down. During this time, my husband and I have been hauling around two sorts of baggage. There's the bulky but uncomplicated variety encompassing scuba equipment (his) and heels for Formal Night (mine), also the cumbersome should-we-be-taking-a-vacation-in-this-economy...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 05-24-2010
Vintage is the new old

Because three co-workers and I celebrate a "palindrome birthday" this year, we decided to be thrilled about the milestone and splash out with a dessert buffet. Amid the crumbs and frosting, one colleague declared that none of us look our age. Our library staff is noted for the qualities demonstrated...

Posted to Reader's Exchange (Weblog) by Linda Sappenfield on 05-08-2010

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