"What Will You Find?"-Videos from NYPL

Libraries are getting creative with videos about their collections and services. Here are 2 of my favorites from the New York Public Library.

Makes you want to visit doesn't it...

When Life As You Know It Changes

My son enlisted in the Navy yesterday. He leaves 10 weeks from today. He will turn 19 years old 2 weeks later.

I've never been apart from my son for more than 2 weeks. He was born when I was a 22 year old single mother and we've been our own little family unit his entire life. As a parent he has been my priority day and night whether he was physically beside me, with his father, his friends etc... "Where is he?" "Is he eating?" "Is he warm enough?" "Is he happy?" I don't know what will happen when he leaves, when all communication must stop during his 9 weeks at boot camp.

In typical Librarian fashion when a major change happens in my life I turn to books. When I was pregnant I read, What to Expect When You're Expecting. When he was a little boy and liked dressing up as Peter Pan, a pirate or knight and brought home jars full of bugs I read books with titles like, Raising Boys and Boys Should Be Boys. I learned about the sports he played by reading books by coaches of lacrosse, soccer, football, fencing and basketball. When he told me he wanted to leave college and enlist, I researched the branches of the US military. And now that he is leaving our home I might start reading books like, 133 Ways to Avoid Going Cuckoo When the Kids Fly the Nest: A Parent's Guide For Surviving Empty Nest Syndrome.

When I wonder about his future I worry how the life of a soldier will affect him. Will he see combat? Will he retain his individuality? Will he get an education? My son is a wonderful young man, smart and funny, loyal to his friends, compassionate and kind and accepting of all cultures, religions and lifestyles. I'm proud of him and find comfort that he was raised as a child of the modern world.

My family and friends advise me that everything will be ok. My wonderful partner Paul who is also an empty nester with 2 children in college out of state is my comfort as are my parents and friends who I know will surround my son and I with love and support during these final weeks he is home and the first few weeks he is gone.

So on June 1 when I wake up to an empty house without my daily responsibilities of cooking and cleaning for a teenage boy, curling up on the sofa and watching movies together, worrying when he comes home late, walking the dog together, planning family vacations, hearing his laughter in the basement with his friends, and getting giant bear hugs from his 6'7 body, I will remember I raised him right and that he will make a difference in the world.

Thank You for Your Votes!

Hi Readers

Thank you to everyone who voted for Lively Librarian. I was thrilled to be nominated and to be listed as #11 of the top 50 Library blogs nominated.

Please check out the winner Karen Yingling's blog Ms. Yingling Reads and the other great library blog nominees here.

Thanks again and keep reading!

Not the usual Librarian Wardrobe

How cool is this...my picture is featured on the website Librarian Wardrobe (Not always buns and sensible shoes, librarians at various types of libraries have different styles...)

You can see my picture here.

And yes, my outfit is all vintage.

P.S. Thank you Kensey for the photo!

Flash Back Friday #51-Lively Librarian's Vintage Store

Happy Friday readers! A little announcement for Flash Back Friday since it's "flashback" related.

Lively Librarian is selling vintage.

I'm starting with a store on one of my favorite sites, Etsy. My parents are I have purchased some amazing things over the years at resale stores, antique malls, online and at estate sales but it's time to start selling some of the items we just don't need anymore.

The Etsy store will be up shortly but currently you can see images from my Flickr stream on my blog's homepage. Items will include clothes, bags (including Whiting & Davis), hats, gloves and housewares. Besides selling online I will also be selling items directly around Chicago (TBD).

So stay tuned. This is going to be fun.

Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film-A Must See

The winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film was The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios. This charming movie is a little bit Wizard of Oz, a little bit of a fairy tale, a little bit of my childhood fantasy that books are alive all set within the magical settings of New Orleans, the countryside and an amazing library. My favorite part...the woman who visits the library all grey and sad, and walks away with a book in vibrant color. Stunning.

Absolutely one of the most marvelous and touching movies I've ever seen. I'll admit, I sobbed and sobbed at the end. Watch it and share it. "Books are alive when you read them."

And don't forget to vote for my blog, you have until March 6, the badge for Most Fascinating Librarian blog is on my homepage. Thanks!