Living the Good Life

 Street lit/urban fiction and LGBTQ books should be integrated with the rest of the collection for three reasons: inclusion, privacy, and general interest.  An LGBTQ supporter once stated that they all just want to feel included and accepted. By integrating the books, the libraries are adhering to that request! Having a separate section would subconsciously send the message that they are different.  Integrating the books give the patrons anonymity and a sense of privacy. If they want to peruse a specific book, they are not standing under a large sign broadcast what they are reading. Having them in the regular shelves alleviates any concerns about being seen or judged.  From what I understand, Street lit/Urban Fiction, is mostly written by and for people of color and tells of different aspects of city life. African Americans are not the only ones to appreciate the difficulty of growing up poor and living with drug addicted friends and family. Their books are of interest to everybody. Th

  Author: Christopher Paolini Title: Brisinger Genre : Young Adult Publication : 2008 Number of Pages : 748 of the actual story, 763 with pronunciations, glossary, etc.  Geographical Setting : Alagaesia, a large continent of various terrain Time Period: It is late fall of 7999 when Eragon finds the egg.  Series : Book 3 of the Inheritance Cycle Plot Summary :       Dragon Riders were at one time known as the peacekeepers of the land. They ensured that elves, dragons, dwarves, and humans coexisted nicely. One Rider, Galbatorix, had a dragon who was killed in battle. When his elders said they were not able to give him a replacement dragon, he went crazy and vowed revenge on all Riders. He stole a dragon and forced him to serve him using black magic. He convinced thirteen others to become traitors, and together, calling themselves the Forsworn, overthrew the Riders. Galbatorix became the evil King of Alagaesia. Elves and Dwarves went into hiding and the land was in upheaval.      Eragon

      As librarians, part of our job is to encourage reading among all ages, no matter what format. Graphic novels and YA books do have a tendency to be considered to be more for a younger crowd. Some things, however, should be considered ageless. In order to promote adult graphic novels, we shelve them near our adult movies. It is an open area, not hidden. There is a seating area near there as well, which serves as subliminal encouragement to sit and peruse a few titles.      When thinking of YA books that adults enjoy, the two series that immediately come to mind are the Harry Potter series, as well as the Eragon series. Dragons, magic, wizards.... what's not to love! Displays are a great way to catch the patron's eye. Also, we do book discussions and adult activities such as diamond art that have those characters.       Most importantly, the best way is patron engagement. If a patron is checking out, we can say - "Wow, that's one of my favorites" or "What

  Author: Debbie Nathan Title: Sybli Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Disorder  Genre : Non-fiction Publication Date: 2011 Number of Pages : 297 Geographic Setting: New York  Time Period: 1950's  Series : N/A Plot Summary: Research  is done to uncover the facts of Shirley Mason (Sybil) and her multiple personalities. John Jay College had an archive of Flora Shreiber's papers (the author of the book Sybil).  Nathan reviews those and then tracked down friends and relatives of Sybil, her psychiatrist, and the author of Sybil. Between multiple interviews, photos, records, tapes and diaries, Nathan discovers that the story is false. Sybil's psychiatrist "made extravagant, sadistic use of habit forming, mind bending drugs." According to the records, she used everything from psychedelics to Pentothal, even electroshock therapy to induce the personalities.  Subject headings : Multiple Personality Disorder, Adventist, Psychiatry

 The Reader Advisory Matrix for A Walk In the Woods by Bill Bryson 1.) Where is the book on the narrative continuum?      Highly narrative (reads like fiction) 2. What is the subject of the book?      Hiking the Appalachian Trail 3.) What type of book is it?      A travel memoir 4.) Articulate Appeal:      What is the pacing of the book? Fairly quick, but easy to follow      Describe the characters in the book: There are two main characters. The first is Bill Bryson, a middle aged man of 44, with an ambitious goal of thru-hiking the A.T. His companion is Katz, an old friend he hadn't seen in 25 years that arrives for this endeavor quite overweight and out of shape.      How does the story feel? Lighthearted and funny     What is the intent of the author? The author wants to reveal his adventures and enlighten the reader to the trials and tribulations along the trail.      What is the focus of the story? Building bonds of friendship and teaching personal perseverance.     Does t

 Author : J.R.R. Tolkien Title: The Hobbit Genre: Fantasy Publication Date : 1937 Number of Pages : 305 Geographical Setting : Middle Earth, set "north west of the old world, east of the sea".  Time Period : 2941- 2942 of the Third Age. It is said to take place 60 years prior to the Lord of the Rings.  Series : Although it IS a stand along book, it was written as a prequel to the Lord of the Rings.  Plot Summary:      Bilbo Baggins, a well-to-do respectable Hobbit, was contentedly blowing smoke rings outside when the wizard Gandalf arrived. Upon being invited to join him on an adventure, Bilbo promptly turned him down. He enjoyed the warmth and security of his hobbit hole. As he departed, Gandalf made a mark on the door, and the very next morning, thirteen dwarves arrived at tea time. Tales were told of the terrible dragon Smaug, and how he was responsible for the destruction of the entire dwarf community and stole their valuables and kept them for himself. The dwarves were