Lemon Aid

Have you ever found yourself wondering what it might be like to volunteer at the library? That’s not a rhetorical question. I can see that you’re a bit caught off guard, so I’ll go ahead and answer for you. “Most definitely, Mr. Scandling!”

Well, let me spread the good news. Bremen Public Library has a program specifically designed for students in grades 5-12. Launched in May 2016, the Young Adult Volunteers have contributed over 200 hours and are making a difference in the community. Individuals just like you! And with a new session about to begin (March through May), now is the perfect time to dip a toe in to the water and check out what’s happening behind the scenes.

So what type of opportunities exist? I have the answer to that, as well! Please bear with me as I rattle off just a few of the many activities you might find yourself a part of: helping with events, preparing crafts, writing book reviews, putting together videos, gathering materials for displays, shelf reading, dusting. Dusting?! Yes, even dusting!

The point is, we have a lot to offer, with incredible benefits. I can see your eyes lighting up now. Indeed, there are benefits. Earning community service hours, building up job experience, enhancing the good ol’ college application, helping others.

There’s more, much more, but the next step is yours. It’s as simple as filling out an application of interest. Then we’ll have a ‘sit down’ and talk about the details. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

This musing brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Book Review

Dream Factory by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

Ella and Luke are hired as character actors in the Magic Kingdom while there’s a strike. Ella fits the shoe (she plays Cinderella), while Luke can barely make the Dale (the chipmunk) head stay on. From the beginning, somewhere deep in their minds, there was a spark. They just didn’t fully realize it. Life, as it were, kept conspiring against them. Ella wasn’t ready to move on with her life after a loss, coupled with her parents moving. Luke wasn’t ready to grow up and work for the family behind a desk. Through these circumstances, they took refuge in the others company. But coming together wouldn’t be simple. A character named Foulfellow, some keys, and a double date, all play a role in this unexpected journey. Will the tale end in happily ever after?

This was probably one of my favorite books. I loved how it had two points of view in the same situation. It was an easy read and very interesting.

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

This review is brought to you courtesy of YA volunteer, Keely.

Click here to see if this book is currently available for check-out. 

Bullwinkle

You may be asking yourself, “Who is that moose in the YA department?” That would be Bullwinkle. Bullwinkle is sort of the unofficial mascot who serves as the greeter outside of my office. He’s rather new at the position, having only recently displaced Captain America (of the cardboard variety). It was time for a changing of the guard, so to speak, and I really liked the moxie displayed during our interview process. You didn’t think he got the job without an interview, did you?

Bullwinkle at his greeter post.

In any case, I’d like to officially welcome Bullwinkle on board and invite my young adult friends to stop by and visit him. While here, poke your head in and give me a holler. Perhaps we haven’t had the opportunity to chat before, and I thoroughly enjoy making new friends. YA programs and services are built on feedback and community input. Let me know what books you’d like to see in our collection, the types of events your friends have been clamoring for, or perhaps you’ve been mulling over volunteer participation. Even if it’s just to say “hey,” don’t be shy!

Oh, and if Bullwinkle happens to be absent, try not to be alarmed. These days he has a penchant for roaming the building. My assumption is that this is being done on his lunch hour. Otherwise, an open call for mascot interviews will soon be underway.

This musing brought to you by YA Librarian, Chris.

Getting to Know ... Araceli

Say hello to Araceli Jimenez! She has been a member of our YA Volunteer Team since August and has completed 12 volunteer hours to date.

A 17-year-old junior, Araceli is hoping to attend Ohio State to become a dermatologist. She says one topic she could talk about for an hour is skin care. She shared an interesting fact: "I love watching make-up tutorial videos, but hate doing my make-up."

FAVORITE BOOK GENRES:  Non-fiction, realistic fiction, autobiographies
FAVORITE TV SHOWS:  Friends, Superstore, New Girl
AN INVENTION SHE WOULD UNINVENT:  Porta-Potty
ROLE MODEL: Michelle Obama
HAPPY PLACE: Her bed
SPIRIT ANIMAL: Emma Stone
DESERTED ISLAND COMPANION:  Best friend Maisy
FAVORITE QUOTE:  "You are a perishable item. Live accordingly."