Japan's Bullet Train Library

The Japanese city of Akishima, Tokyo converted a decommissioned bullet train (Shinkansen) locomotive into a children’s library in order to make a trip to the library exciting for young readers. What a fun children's library. Watch the video (in Japanese, 2:40).... Japan Probe, June 27; DailyMotion, June 26



akishima library train

Chicago Book Bike -- Drama with Happy Ending

I've covered Chicago's Book Bike before. Apparently there was some recent controversy, which has been resolved. The park where Jason distributed free books was concerned about who would vouch for him and the Chicago Public Library came to the rescue. See the article in the Chicago news. See more on the Book Bike Blog.

Big Read - 5th Year

The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will give $1M in grants to 75 non-profits including libraries to hold Big Read projects. The Big Read brings communities together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 31 selections from United States and world literature. See IMLS announcement or the NEA's Big Read website.

Search the book selections by title, author, theme, or poet. How many have you read?

Libraries are for Everyone - Ramona Poster

Beverly Cleary's Ramona is a very special character. This year, the American Library Association is adding a special "Libraries are for EVERYONE!" poster featuring Ramona reading on a rug in the library. With original artwork by Tracy Dockray, the poster features many of Cleary’s most beloved characters at the library. A Ramona book mark is also available through ALA Graphics.

Reading, PA -- Librarian Destination :)

How fun.
Destination: Reading, PA....
Read or listen to Prairie Home Companion special about a reference librarian's retreat.

New Spice. Study Like a Scholar, Scholar - video

Fun academic library video, "New Spice. Study Like a Scholar, Scholar" asks: "Do you want to be a scholar? Then study at the Harold B. Lee Library. Do your research here, study here, and be a scholar!" This is from the Brigham Young University Library.



The above is a spoof of the new-yet-spicey Old Spice commercials.

Why the Library Should Affect Your College Choice

US News and World Report carried an article on why parents and their children should evaluate the college library before applying to colleges and universities. Jeff Greer's article, "4 Reasons Why the Library Should Affect Your College Choice" points out that the college library is essentially a student's home-away-from-home. Questions to consider:

1. What is the staff like? Chat with a reference desk staffer or two.

2. How much does the library system and its librarians interact and work with faculty? Find out what, if any, types of collaboration professors have with the libraries.

3. What's the atmosphere like? Walk into the library and go about your normal business. Some campuses have multiple libraries—one of which is likely to be more of a social environment than the other quieter, more serious locales. Test them all out.

4. Check the library system website and digital resources.

The Librarian Song

This Joe Uveges-When Freedom Calls concert video is from 2007, but it is worth listening to again. A high school librarian is considering showing this to students when they return to school in the fall. It is funny, yet gets the point across about what librarians do -- they show you how to find information so you can do it yourself from then on.

Annual Report Poster - GLOG

Thousand Oaks, CA - Redwood Middle School teacher librarian Susan Heraper created an annual report poster using GLOGSTER -- an online tool. See below. Also, check out "Education" posters category.