Warming Up Winter with a Beach Read
Curling up under a blanket on my couch while 30 degree winds swirl outside my window is probably not the typical way to enjoy Elin Hilderbrand’s Here’s to Us. Her beautiful imagery of Nantucket in June makes me want to be outside, in the sun and on a lounge chair. Alas, that was not to be, and since I am so behind on my summer reading list (what month is it again?!), I took the opportunity to get caught up.
Inspire Someone Today!
I am inspired by the man tucked away at a desk in the corner studying for his aviation license. I am inspired by the woman learning a new language. I am inspired by the child getting help with their reading skills from a Reading Buddy at their local CLP branch. Last year, nearly three million people visited the Library in the effort to learn something new, make their lives better or to be part of something bigger than themselves. Simply, to be inspired.
Read Between the Gap…
This month, I was invited to attend the Masterclass in Children’s Literature, hosted by We Need Diverse Books. This class, organized by Kwame Alexander (The Crossover) and Jacqueline Woodson (Brown … Continued
Let’s Talk About Race
Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester was not only an eye-opener, but a moving account of how we can bring up the discussion of race among children. With children being teased in school because of the color of their skin, and even adults being singled out for being a minority, it’s important that we all dig deep inside to understand that our differences shouldn’t set us apart, but bring us together.
Innovation Week: What’s a Synthesizer?
Good news for lovers of electronic music: starting in mid-January, library users will be able to check out a number of music gadgets from the Music, Film & Audio Department at CLP – Main. Included in this new pilot collection will be synthesizers (both analog and digital), effects pedals, sequencers, portable recording devices and more. Our ultimate goal is to lower barriers to musical exploration by placing electronic music gadgets and gear into the hands of anyone who would like to innovate, create, invent and learn.
Innovation Week: Sharing the Delights of Old Books
In the Collection, Preservation & Access Department, we are delighted daily by the craftsmanship and the intricate details of the art of bookbinding. But all these delights have been confined to our little attic lab. So how can we share them with you, our patrons? Recently, CP&A applied for and was awarded a 2016 Innovation Grant with the goal to create an online and in-person exhibit that shares some elements of historic bookbinding found in CLP’s collection.
Innovation Week: Play and Learn with Virtual Reality in the Library!
For my Innovation Grant, Virtual Discover, I was able to purchase virtual reality equipment to help introduce patrons and staff to its magic. I wanted to offer a new and exciting tool for learning and developing skills, exploring places like our solar system and oceans, and getting people excited for the future.
Innovation Week: Catalyzing Innovation
As library workers, we like to talk about Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh as a space where new ideas are born. Every book, every program, every learning experience has the potential to spark someone’s imagination and create something new. We’re proud to be a platform for your creativity and efforts to keep learning.
Things To Be Thankful For – Library Edition
I always get a little introspective this time of year (in between helpings of mashed potatoes and stuffing). So, here are just a few reasons why I am so thankful for the Library.
Seven Thousand Miles
As a child of the eighties and nineties I assumed that others like myself were enjoying a similar childhood. Perhaps my neighbors weren’t making trips to see their great-grandparents in Kentucky, perhaps they weren’t playing Skip-It, or rollerblading down hills, but without a doubt they were experiencing a childhood. In the bubble of my mind and the shelter of my childhood, this experience was being had by all. It was not.