Owl Visits the Library

Since I used to work at this library many years ago, I had to share this story and the amazing photos. Birds used to smack into those huge windows all the time when I worked at Orem Public Library, so I can tell you this is not a hoax. My old boss told me one of their workers noticed it one day when he came into work and it quickly became big news. Even the mayor got on a lift so he could examine it up close. My old boss said they never did find a body so they are hopeful the owl survived his mishap. You've got to see the pictures for yourself to believe it.

http://saltzworks.blogspot.com/2009/04/wowie-owl-imprint.html

Librarian's with Hidden Talents

Anyone who loves books knows that yesterday was the big day when the Caldecott and Newbery award winners were announced. The winner of the Newbery Award was When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and the winner of the Caldecott Award was The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Every year, when the winner is announced, one of my librarian coworkers likes to create some fun treat to celebrate the winning book and share it with all of us. She's been doing this for years and the whole staff now looks forward to seeing what outrageously fantastic creation she will come up with next. Here is her masterpiece for this year.


















I really feel that my coworker has missed her true calling in life. She should devote her life only to making fantastic artwork out of cheese in the future. Just look at that adorable mouse!

I'm beginning to realize that most librarians harbor amazing secret talents that the world knows nothing about. They are like superheros hiding their greatness beneath a mild mannered librarian facade. But when no one is looking--watch out--their cheese lion and mouse collage will make your jaw drop. It tastes even better than it looks too.

One librarian on our staff recently created a book display featuring only books about monsters under the bed. She not only created a little bed, but sewed all the adorable furry monsters underneath the bed herself. This display is one of the ones we constantly have to wipe little fingerprints off of because it is so popular. And don't even get me started on the display featuring books about the upcoming winter Olympics. All the events in this display are being performed by very detailed little pipe cleaner people created by one of our MLS college student volunteers. Soon she will join the ranks of thousand of other librarian superheros ready to change the world of literature one pipe cleaner person at a time.

How Exciting!

My book has been purchased by the library I work at and today it was entered into the catalog and made available for holds. Best of all, someone actually put a hold on it today! My first hold. *sniff sniff* Excuse me a moment while I grab a tissue.

Dizzy With Delight

There is nothing more exciting than having the next book come out in a series you have been following for years. It's like Christmas, your birthday, and the prom all mixed into one. Here are a few books I'm dying to get my hands on!

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner - I have been waiting to find out what happens next in this fabulous series for a very long time. I might lose it if this book doesn't wrap everything up this time. I can't wait another two years for the next one.

Bartimaeus Trilogy #4 by Jonathan Stroud - There is no title listed for this one yet. I really thought number three was going to be the end of this series so it is a nice surprise to realize there will be more. I can't imagine what will come next. I'm dying to find out!

Sammy Keyes and the Wedding Crashers by Wendelin Van Draanen - What mess will Sammy get herself into this time? Will she receive her first kiss? Can't wait to find out.

Moon and Sun Book #3 by Holly Lisle - If her life is anything like mine these days it will probably be a while before she finishes this book, but I'm patiently waiting for that time to come. Hopefully soon.

Black Heart of Jamaica by Julia Golding - I really didn't expect to like the Cat Royal series as much as I do. A couple librarian's that work with me love the series and got me started on it. It drives me crazy that people in the UK have already read it and I have to wait. So rude!

Firecat's Dream by Isobelle Carmody - Read the first two books in the series and loved them. It has been almost two years and still no sign of the third book. *sigh*

As an author myself, I really do understand that these things take lots of time, especially if you have--oh say--a life? But it's so hard to wait all the same.

The Life of a Librarian

Today I help a little boy find some books on a certain topic he was really excited to learn more about. He was actually bouncing up and down while I searched for his books then hugged them to his chest with the biggest grin and widest eyes I'd ever seen on a happy little face. He was practically skipping as he went to check out his books. What was this thrilling subject that had him so excited?

The Digestive System.

Yep. That's right. His mom told me he's been obsessed with learning about the subject ever since his dad had to go to the hospital to get his gall bladder removed. Hey, whatever makes him happy, eh?

Christmas for the Rich

Here it is. A Christmas list for those who already have everything, so what the heck, they might as well blow a few more million dollars on useless stuff. (I would not be one of these people, and I probably never will be. Even if I were, I’d be building a school in Africa instead of buying this stuff.) Extravagance at its worst. It just gives you the warm fuzzies all over, doesn’t it?

Teddy Bear with Fur Made of Gold Thread – $84,000.00
http://most-expensive.net/teddy-bear

14kt Gold Playstation 3 with Matching Gold Controllers - $4,999 Just scroll down the page to see photos of this must have stocking stuffer.

http://www.computer-choppers.com/

Snow White’s Talking Mirror Security System – This mirror won’t tell you that you are the fairest of them all, but it will tell you if someone is breaking into your home. It will also tell you when your Jacuzzi is at the perfect temperature. If you can afford to buy one after purchasing this, that is. It’s so expensive you have to contact them personally before they will actually quote a price.

http://themeaddicts.com/pages/mirror.html

Talking Animatronic Cat – The list price for this beauty is $18,125.00. However, this is your lucky day because it is on sale for $2,500.00. Rush delivery is available for Christmas.

http://www.animalmakers.com/store/products/Animatronic-Cat-in-Seated-Position.html

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cie0-d57iCg

A realistic swimming animatronic dolphin, however, will cost you a cool $45,500.00. You might as well get the real thing and save yourself a few thousand.

http://www.animalmakers.com/store/products/Animatronic-Dolphin.html

Working Mermaid Suit – You’ll be the talk of any costume party you show up to in this. Pool parties also an option since this is waterproof. $9,500.00.

http://www.animalmakers.com/store/products/Mermaid-Special-Effects-Suit.html

Real Suit of Armor – Neiman Marcus puts the price for this at $20,000. OUCH!

http://www.gizmag.com/go/3316/picture/6661/

And for Fido We Have Luxury Doghouses – $5,000.00 to $7,000.00. My dog will not be getting one of these this year. She can sleep in the dog kennel if she’s feeling the need for privacy.

http://www.gizmag.com/go/6266/picture/27935/

Eating in Darkness

A coworker told me about these restaurants that make you eat in pitch blackness so that your sense of taste is enhanced. The waiters are either blind or wear night vision goggles that allow them to see in the dark and lead you to your table. I would love to try eating in one of these places. It sounds like a lot of fun. Visiting the restroom might be difficult. Click on the link below to learn more.

http://travel.spotcoolstuff.com/unusual-restaurants-eating-in-the-dark

So who wants to go with me?