It’s me, hi.
I would like to start blogging again. Like I haven’t said that before, right? I realize I have a problem though. Instead of hopping on here and jotting down quick thoughts and reflections, I’ve turned blogging into writing research papers. I’m not even joking.
Part of this is my own fault (I’m the problem, it’s me). I get super interested in a topic, start researching and reading, decide I want to write about it, and then agonize for months about how to frame it, what to include, what to cite, what to add, what to ask. Let alone the time to actually sit and write. In my drafts folder are blog posts called “Is storytime a performance? The Performer vs. The Inner Child” and “Playification and Schoolification and the Role of the Children’s Librarian.”
On top of that I feel an enormous pressure to “get it right.” I’ve lost faith that what I write will be viewed as learning in progress.
And I think what I’ve come to realize is that if I am ever going to get back into blogging I need to take it back old school. I used to have a LiveJournal in college. A place to share my thoughts and ramblings about life. I didn’t think too much about what I wrote before I wrote it. It was just a place to process.
I’d like to find a way to do that here. Maybe it means really short posts sharing something I’ve recently read or a question I’m pondering. Maybe it means taking those big huge topics and breaking them down into chunks I don’t have to spend hours writing. Mostly I want to embrace the role of learning in public. To be brave enough to share my questions and accountable enough to myself to dedicate the time to reflecting.
So dear readers, the ones who still follow along here at Jbrary and have left me countless thoughtful comments over the years, what do you say?
POR FAVOR! We would LOVE to hear your thoughts! Quick notes are fabulous. Jbrary remains such an important resource for children’s librarians globally; anything you have to say will be so appreciated. No perfection required!
Thanks for thinking of it, bringing it to us, and letting us encourage you. You are beloved no matter what you decide.
Jeez, Liza, way to make a children’s librarian cry! Thank you so much for these kind and encouraging words. I really at am a loss. I am so grateful for this community of readers.
I say do it. We are our own worst critics. Shut it down and light it up!
I think it’s a great idea.
Go for it! I enjoy your writings. It’s a mental break for me.
Please, please, please! Keep writing. I understand where you’re coming from but what I love most about the things I have read from you over the years is that it’s real. Keep it real and just write what comes!
Thank you for seeing the efforts behind my authenticity when writing. It’s definitely something I value highly. Keeping it real will be no problem 🙂
As a brand new parent child mother goose teacher your blogs were my go-to for learning songs and rhymes. I could always count on them for the tune and tempo. Your words inspired me. Now that I am a little more seasoned I still go back to your blogs for reminders and ideas. Not once did I look any deeper than ‘this is my favourite resource’. Your ideas & energy inspire those of us who are learning alongside you. Blog what/how you want, and know we are with you.
Deb
Thank you so much, Deb! It means a lot to know you are here with me. I love hearing how people use Jbrary in different ways.
I totally agree with Liza and couldn’t have said it better! I can’t tell you the number of times I refer to your blog & videos over the course of the year–it’s a lot! Thank you for providing such a valuable resource for children’s librarians!
Thank you, Karen! Hopefully I’ll pump some new energy into this thing so it remains a valuable resource.
Quick thoughts, short posts, rambles and reflections — I am delighted to hear what is on your mind. Please do start blogging again — we await your thoughts.
As someone who has never been able to get more than a day or two into NaNoWriMo because I get too stuck in my head with thoughts, plans, edits, and research – I hear you.
As someone who was once looking for Storytime thougts and ideas – I hope you will post short ideas and questions sometimes. Reading the comments on posts has been an education itself over the years, thanks to the community you’ve grown.
And as wonderful as well-written, well-researched posts are, sometimes reading the question posts are just as helpful. Something to make me think about how I approach a question or program.
Take care, and remember – we’re all learning – even those of us who’ve been doing the Storytime thing for years.
Sandra, this comment was wonderful to read. I have noticed how thoughtful people are in the comments section, something that doesn’t always happen! People share so many insights and ask so many good questions. One idea I have is to find a better way to share those comments, maybe in follow up blog posts. I am lucky to be in this community of learners.
I would say that your taking that approach also allows us the opportunity to comment more informally with less pressure to say something extremely insightful.
I think that maybe you feel you morphed it into more stringent expectations, but now that you have aired this, seems like you can take different approaches on different topic. Just start out by saying, here’s a quick idea. . . Or something i read that gives me pause . . .
We are grateful for it all!
Wow, Saroj, I never thought of it from a reader’s perspective before but I totally get what you are saying. I mean I never comment on things if I think I’m going to look less than polished. Hopefully this is a win-win for everyone.
I think that sounds like a fabulous idea! Please do it. Soon! And DO NOT worry about “getting it right.” We love you just the way you are and like you, we are always learning too!
Isn’t there a saying for that? “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi.
Oh, and let’s not forget, “He who laughs most learns best.” – John Cleese 🙂
GO FOR IT……
Love the quotations, Kelly! I guess now that I’ve put this out there, “soon” isn’t so far away. I better get writing!
I’ve only been a reader for the past 8 months or so, but my first Babytime and Storytime programs got off to a great start thanks to this blog. If keeping it going is what you really want, I’d be thrilled.
Your thoughts, reading or storybook suggestions, things you’ve tried in your programs that have gone well (or not!) would all be welcome. You could ask us to share our thoughts or things that have worked for us. From what I’ve read in other comments, there is no pressure here for you to stick to a specific schedule or only write in-depth content.
We’re behind you whatever you decide!
Thank you, Emily, and thank you for visiting Jbrary despite my lack of posts in the past year. I will definitely be taking your suggestion to post questions and ask for people to share in the comments. You all have blown me away with how much you are willing to contribute.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I think by showing your learning process and acknowledging you’re still learning new things, it normalizes the learning process for us. I tend to feel pressure to perfect things in one go (which is not realistic and I need to remind myself that). So you are being a trailblazer in normalizing that perfection is not the most important thing. Rather, it’s to have a beginner’s mind that allows us to be open and curious.
Recovering perfectionist right here! I love that last sentence you wrote – I am going to write that down and save it for later reference. Thank you, Crystal, for sharing your wisdom.
I say yay! We love your work!
Hi
I love your ideas, songs etc. I say do whatever is easiest for you. Your work is practical and fun.
See! I can’t even bring myself to write ANYTHING!
Anytime you (or anyone) takes the time to think and share thoughtful information or musings…it is a gift, and we all benefit from the learning and the sharing. The beauty of life is in the imperfections, so bring it on! Thank you for all you’ve done and given over the years. Whatever you choose to do going forward is valued and appreciated!
You are right – I always feel like the writing of other people is a gift I get to experience because it adds value to my life and allows me to think of things in a different way. Thank you for your kind words!
Breaking the big topics into small chunks would be great! Some of us have little time to absorb big topics, but small pieces would be so helpful. Our Library is turning toward specific early learning as in Baby skills with Baby Club and Kindergarten Club–teaching parents and children.
Ways to nurture both and give kids a boost when they are really young to help them succeed in school. Any Thoughts?
I am hearing from a bunch of you that small chunks is better. The clubs sound like an interesting idea -I’d be down to learn more about!
I think your thoughts, ramblings and reflections would be more inspiring that any I would come up on my own so I would definitely enjoy them!
I second/third/… the comments above, and want to offer some perspective from the outside looking in to help motivate you to posting wondering-type posts: as much as I’ve always loved your content, I also always read the comments attached to each post. There’s much wisdom and good ideas to be had from your Dear Readers, too!
You are so right! I think I have the best blog commenters in the word. You all teach me so much and I love seeing the community that is built in these exchanges. I am thinking of ways to better highlight the comments people leave because they are invaluable.
I say, “Go for it!” You are amazing. Believe it or not, I’m sure your followers, including me, process exactly the same way, or a way that very similar to yours.
Happy New Year!
I say I will read whatever you decide to do. I have been an assistant teacher in a private preschool in NYC since 2022. It was a career change for me. In 2019 I was asked to work three days a week in a class and the other two in the school’s library (more than 4, 000 picture books.) My mother was a cataloguer and one of the founders of our small town’s public library, so having spent my childhood and youth in a library, I said yes to the offer. (Foolish girl). I am blessed to work in a Reggio Emilia inspired school so there is lots of tolerance for “creating.” I would NEVER have gotten from there to here had I not found your writing, videos, etc. And I certainly never would have been able to “create” a baby book class. You’ve never steered me wrong so I say I follow you whatever you decide. Trust yourself. That voice has brought you here and will continue to lead you. Wishing you a creative, joyful, wonderful 2023.
Thank you so much, Rosemary! Thank you for encouraging me to follow my voice and for sharing your career path. Creative and joyful are two very excellent adjectives I am hoping for this blog in 2023.
I would love nothing more than for you to start blogging again! Please!
I say yes! Happy New Year!!
Oh yes, please do!! I love reading your thoughts, ideas and suggestions and I have sorely missed you for inspiration! It is really helpful to read others in the field reflecting on our practice as early childhood librarians. Go for it!!
I’d LOVE to hear from you! Short or long, rambling or haiku, it would all be welcome and loved. It can be a dissertation one day and three words another, however the spirit moves you. Happy New Year!
This is great! May I add a second POR FAVOR! Thanks for coming back! I love your posts. I always recommend your work to new programmers and look for inspiration myself. I think we all learn together. Happy New Year!
Go for it. I would love to hear your observations, thoughts, ideas. You are an inspiration and I have been working with children for 30+ years!
I say, I’ve missed you! My dad used to call this “spit-balling” ( Just throw it out there and see what happens, so to speak. ) You’re friends, we are friends, after all, would welcome it, I’m sure.
You know what’s funny – I had written a line like “spit my thoughts onto the page” and then deleted it because it didn’t sound quite right. I think I was misremembering spitballing, LOL! Thank you, Carolyn!
I’ve referred to this blog and website weekly for years – and I love the community that you’ve created here. I’m completely eager to read anything posted as well as the thoughtful comments that you inspire. Thank you so much for coming back again and again to keep this dialogue around our work going. Short format posts are just fine with me. I’ve just reactivated my Feedly account after moving away from Twitter and Facebook in order to be more intentional about whose voices I want to hear. Jbrary is at the absolute top of that list!
Wow, thanks, Emily! I quit Twitter and Facebook years ago because it became they were bad for my mental health. Honoured to be at the top of your Feedly list!
I’d love to see your “learning in progress,” or musings, processes and recommendations in general again. I frequently check back and am always hopeful you will return, too! Your insight is appreciated and valued.
Reflections and seedling ideas are wonderful ways for us to learn. Perhaps leaving your posts open-ended with questions to be answered (by yourself or others) could be a pathway to leaving the unknown open to future exploration… just a thought.
I really like the idea of including open ended questions, especially since there is such an active comments section here. I’ll try that for sure. Also, you can subscribe to the blog by email – there is a box in the top right corner. That way you get emailed every time there is a new post. Thought I’d mention it in case you wanted an easier to way to stay up-to-date with new posts.
Please jump back in the pool. Your voice is missed more than you can imagine. I’ve been wondering if you will have a list of favorites this year? Always one of my favorite posts.
Hi Nora, I will have a 2022 favourite storytime picture books post coming soon! I am waiting to get my hands on a few more books before I write it all up. Please let me know if you have any favs I should include.
Would love to hear your thoughts. I know that pressure to “get it right”. You’ll be great.
I love this Lindsey! Jbrary is my favorite go-to for ideas, tips and creative thoughts. I would be so happy to read your blog.
Yes! Please start again, and try not to put yourself under pressure.
Yippee!!
Go for it! Those article/topic titles sound super interesting. Don’t be afraid to let your thoughts out, in their unpolished, imperfect glory. Embrace the messiness of life and start your conversations. You don’t have to do all the research on your own.
So true! I am often pointed to other resources by people in the comments.
I have gotten so much valuable information from Jbrary ! I appreciate the honesty of your posts on what works and what doesn’t work. As someone that is still learning and figuring things out I would love even short posts of your thoughts.
Thank you !
This is a great idea. I think it would open more dialog and networking amongst participates. Hence – learning!
I would love it! We all love what you do and have helped all of us! I look forward to reading your entries!
Yes please! I’m all for quick thoughts and spontaneous rambles (which is what my unplanned blogging tends to look like).
I think that is a great idea. I don’t have time to read long blogs anyway. But a place to jump on, read a short blurb and either comment or digest the information would be beneficial.
Hi!
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! I say go for it. One thing I’ve learned working in the library field is that you can never satisfy everyone. Another thing I’ve realized is that we put so much pressure on ourselves to be absolutely perfect, when it’s really just ok to just be ourselves. I’m looking forward to your blogs and I hope to be able to follow the same advice I’m giving you this year…to just be ok with being human and being myself….because that’s what’s authentic and realistic.
Cheers in the New Year!
I hear you, Maggie. Cheers to being our authentic selves!
Dear Linsdey,
I think you hit the nail on the proverbial head. Just Do It!, should be your new mantra.
Writing shorter blogs about public learning is a wonderful idea. Librarians are actually human (for real) and can express their ideas, feelings, etc. in a public place and leave it open for comments. It takes a bold person to do this and be open for the not so kind comments. But I think your followers are mostly library, child oriented folks who will love whatever you write. I know I enjoy hearing all the good and even the fails about storytimes and working with kids. Real life makes for great writing, so get going and Just Do It!!! (:
Thank you for your kind words, Debbie! It’s okay with me if people don’t love what I write or agree with me on every single point. That’s just part of life. It’s like you said – I just need to take the leap and do it.
I am very excited to read that you are considering blogging again! I found your posts after you stopped blogging and went through all of your archived writings with gusto. I applaud your commitment to the field and as I left the middle school library environment and moved into the early reader community your posts were really vital to my understanding of this population. I would love to read and converse with you and others in the field. Congratulations.
It’s so cool for me to hear from people like you, Debra, who read my posts long after they were written. There are many that need updating! I’m glad they helped in your transition.
Dear Lindsey, it’s a fantastic idea, go for it! I love your posts, thoughts, videos, songs, books lists …
Yes! Please blog again! You have share so much valuable knowledge !
Thank you!
Please do start blogging again! I’ve always found your posts so thoughtful and interesting, and I would love to read the posts and the conversation around topics like those that you shared above.
Yes! Your quick thoughts give us permission to process too! I love hearing your ideas and learning from comments as well! This is a beautiful space to meet and learn!
Keep blogging
I love love love it. Love the learning in public lens, love the topics you mentioned, love the embracing of process.
Yay!! I love your songs and ideas!
Lindsay, as a new youth services librarian, I’ve been so grateful for your posts!
In the few professional conferences I’ve been lucky enough to be able to attend, I feel like the most valuable time has actually been in the hallways between sessions & at lunch – time to talk with fellow librarians about things we’ve been pondering, or wanting to try, or things that have gone really well or badly. That’s where I find the most inspiration – hearing from other librarians!
I agree! It’s about those times when you can have genuine connections with others and exchange thoughts. I hope that is something I’ll be able to foster on the blog too. Welcome to the field – I think it’s the best job in the world 🙂
Yes please! Your posts always feel like they are coming from a friend anyway. More of that!
Thanks, Michelle! That really means a lot to me.
I say write whatever you are thinking about and I will love to read it. It will give me ideas and we can all share ideas back!
Yes, I used to love when this happened back when YS blogs first started. It really felt like a community. Thank you for continuing to share on Early Literacy Librarian!
Yes! As a new Children’s Librarian I value you so much!! I literally use something I learned from Jbrary everyday! Also, as Librarians we value lifelong learning and who are we if we cannot learn together.
Thank you for all you do!!
Welcome to the best job in the world, Amy! I think you hit the nail on the head – I would like to do more learning together. I hope Jbrary continues to be useful to you throughout the years.
So glad you are coming back. I love your book recommendations and use your suggestions for my Blog page. Take care and keep up this important work.
I’ve always enjoyed and appreciated your posts so I hope you’ll find a way back to them. Perhaps you can start by setting a manageable goal and limit for yourself, ie: one post a week with no more than 3 paragraphs…. or something like that just to get you up and runnning again. You can revise as you move forward.
I’ve been thinking about setting a goal. Maybe once every 2 – 3 weeks to start? I need something to keep me accountable. Thank you for your suggestion.
Yes, please!!
I say I miss your voice – in any format.
I am not looking for definitive answers, just ways to think and process and share.
Please share your thoughts, as messy as they might be. I miss your posts and insights.
Happy New Year.
Aww, Elizabeth, thank you! It is a special feeling to know you’ve been missed.
Yes please! I love smaller reads and opinion a lot. Don’t worry about getting it right every time, write what you believe. Because honestly, if I wanted to learn more, I’d do my own research or ask you more questions to clarify. I love starting points!
Great point! That’s exactly what I want to do – provide starting points. I think a lot of fruitful discussions can happen locally by discussing topics with co-workers once a blog post has sparked an interest.
Please continue to share your thoughts in however you feel works for you. Whether a thoroughly researched topic or just a quick thought about something you’re reading, researching, or whatever. I love reading what you’ve written; so please keep writing.
Thank you, Corinne! It’s good to know people are open to different types of content.
Look forward to ANYTHING you have to share! Go for it!
do it….looking forward to more posts
Go for it.
I think we all say “DO IT!”
I’d love to see your posts and whatnot again.
Oh Lindsey, this post makes me and my 60+ draft blog post backlog feel seen! I hope we’ll be able to rediscover the joy of writing this new year. Maybe we could get energized by some sort of blog hop? I know I’ve heard Melissa and Katie say they miss blogging, too!
If there is a blog hop I am TOTALLY THERE. Also, you need to give yourself huge props for continuing to blog over the past few years whenever everyone else slowed down. Just the other day I had co-workers talking about your Bricks and Books club. Keep me in the loop if there’s any blog chatter. This is getting me very excited!
I very much would love to read your thoughts and learnings and process. I just retired, but I want to know what is new and fresh and you my dear fit that description. Perfection is not expected and reading even the titles of your blog drafts gets my brain going. Please grace us with your inner mind, and don’t think it needs to be academic.
Me? New and fresh? I’ll take it, haha! Congratulations in your retirement – I know you will be missed in your community but I am looking forward to all the new stories you will cook up for young readers. Miss you!
That happened to me at points when I was writing Tiny Tips especially near the end when the blog and I were retiring. During the same time, I was getting active as a blogger and then blog admin for our state association’s youth services blog where I was doing shorter, info and link packed posts. I found myself getting super pumped and super active with the shorter pieces and just pushing info I thought our state youth people could use. Now I am a maniac blogger again on that blog. Sooooo, go for it I say! Your thoughts and content are respected and awaited – short or long. And even peeling back bits of cover on topics helps everyone open up their thinking, reflection and understanding.
Marge, thank you for sharing your experience. It is helpful to hear that blogging can come and go and return with even greater force. Could you share the state association’s youth services blog? I need to make sure I am following it!
Youth Services Shout-out blog from the Wisconsin Library Association https://yssevents.blogspot.com/
Yes, please share your insights with us again!
Welcome back! Hı from Türkiye
I have the same exact worries and I think it took a lot of courage and vulnerability to put yourself out there for us to read. Please keep blogging! I will read with an open mind and be thankful for your thoughts and ideas to mull over.
This comment means a lot. You really get it. Knowing I have open minded people reading this blog empowers me to keep writing. I hope you do too!
Hi There,
I’ve only come across you and dip into your YouTube playlists every now and then as a playgroup leader – thank you.
I love the idea of some well though out responses to some of your ponderings HOWEVER in reality I might read something like that once a year.
I’m much more like to ready some pithy one paragraph insights regularly.
As with projects like this, people often tell me to start small…
Good luck with it all!
Thanks, Tiffany! Seems like a lot of you have more time for short and sweet blog posts. It’s also great to learn about people outside of libraries who read my blog – thanks for following along!
I love your story time ideas, songs, fingerplays etc. I teach Pre-K and have incorporated many of your ideas into my story time. I would love ideas that link a specific read aloud book with a song/fingerplay, and a story response activity that can be done as a group at story time.
Hi Julie, that’s a great idea for a post. I’ve written before about Storytime Flow and I could provide more examples of that.
Keep writing–long or short! So many of us learn a lot as you do and I’m much older than you. You are authentic and open and we enjoy hearing from you. 🙂
I say go for it!! I have enjoyed all of your blogs, and have benefitted tremendously from all the songs and stories. Please continue in any manner that is meaningful to you 🙂
Go for it! Positive and thoughtful discussion is so important and helpful. We are ALL learning. I respect your bravery and openness and hope you will continue the online forum. Thank you for everything you have shared so far!
There is definitely a certain amount of bravery that goes into sharing opinions online these days. Thank you for the acknowledgement and encouragement!
YES! Please drop your ideas and pondering back into the blog. I too suffer from the “it has to be perfect” issue and I become blocked by my own brain. It would be a great practice for many of us to share and question without judgement. I have loved following you and welcome the opportunity to learn and share and ponder with you.
Thank you, Bonnie! Sharing and questioning without judgement is what I am aiming for. So happy to have you along with me.
Go for it! A blog is a place for pondering, and Jbrary has such a wonderful following that it can be a platform for the collection and dissemination of knowledge from a wide number of people. Not all of us have the luxury of time to research and write papers–some of us don’t even have the time to read them. Snippets, ponderings, and random musings can be just as thought-provoking as a rigorous thesis, while also being more accessible.
How I wish I had time to write research papers! Sometimes I think I need to go back and get another degree, but I agree that sharing smaller snippets has the potential to be just as effective.
Yes, please! Your topic of “Is storytime a performance?” really resonated with me. Our goal in story times is to engage with families, but there are days that it feels like we are there for entertainment value only. Your blogs and songs have been so vital to my career. I now share jbrary with expectant parents that don’t know what to sing/do with their babies. Really love your work!
I really do want to write about that topic at some point. I think a lot of us feel the same way! Thank you for following along and for sharing Jbrary with families. That makes my heart happy.
I say YES! I miss your blogs and am intrigued by your topics. Go back to the old school, with sharing your thoughts (seems like they will generate more thoughts and discussion than research will, maybe?). I miss you! Miss your book recommendations too, with your posts.
Thanks, Janice! I do want to get back into sharing book recommendations. I am working on the 2022 Favourite Storytime Picture Books post as we speak.
Yes, 100%
I would love to read your ramblings!
I’m agreed with you. It’s a great idea to be in touch , to share experiences, even to have fun and much more.
Yes!
I like blogs because they can be an inspiration point. Whether it be fact, opinion or pondering, it is great to hear and find new thoughts. Honestly, I get excited when I see something in my inbox from Jbrary. This blog has given me so many ideas and really helped me to grow in my job. I am glad you found the courage to do the blog and I hope you find the courage to post your thoughts. I really do find value in reading them. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for these kind words, Sara! Hearing that you get excited to see a post gives me the motivation to keep blogging. Thinking of the blog as a starting point or point of inspiration is one of the ways I’m hoping to keep at it rather than get overwhelmed with the scope of my ideas.
You, Dana & this website are a huge reason why my Babies & Books programs are so successful. I wish I lived closer to meet you both in person. I credit you both and this website alot in my program. Please keep doing you.
Thank you, April! I’m so glad Jbrary has contributed to your success. One of the things I love about blogging is the ability to “meet” people who live so far away.
I agree 100% April! No question about it,
I am glad you shared this because you are not alone. The knowing in your head what you want on paper versus actually trusting that vision to translate through the fingertips and onto the page.
It’s OK to be imperfect -I’ve followed you and Dana’s blog for a while and it has provided me with invaluable advise and ways on how to handle story times. I want to say ‘Thank You’ both for what you do . Be it brief or longer, keep creating and I will be here for it.
Thank you so much! I feel seen by your words and I am so glad you are along for the ride.
You do you! As you’ve seen from the many people who’ve already commented, the library community greatly values your thoughts and input in its many forms. So you can go for shorter posts if that’s what works for you. Take breaks. Ask for input or help. We’ll be happy no matter what!
Thanks, Melissa! I really appreciate this encouragement.
While I do appreciate the occasional well-researched, more thoughtful, academic piece, I think most people don’t have the time or attention span, and don’t really expect that from a blog. I think breaking things down into small chunks, and just throwing out a question to get people talking is a great idea. But, ultimately, it’s your blog and you should write about whatever you feel moved to write about! Every post may not appeal to every reader, but I am certain anything you would feel moved to write about would be just what someone needed at that time.
I’m also struggling with direction for my own blog, and whether it’s worth the effort to keep it going. I’m tired of writing up storytimes and other programs, it’s gotten really tedious and repetitive, and in general I’m having trouble finding the time, creative energy, and inspiration for it. I got in the game too late, and never really built much of a following, rarely get any comments or feedback, so I feel like I’m just shouting into the void.
Thank you for this advice, Jennifer! I totally relate in terms of finding the creative energy. For what it’s worth, I read every single one of your blog posts! I was thinking of writing a post highlighting other active blogs. I’d also be down for some sort of blog hop if there was a question or topic we all wanted to write about and then link to each other. I want to continue to highlight other blogs on Jbrary and help readers find you.
I’m finding working full-time is really getting in the way of my reading & blogging, LOL! I miss my part-time days, but gotta worry about retirement.
I have spent the past year as part of an early literacy workshop team for our library system. We travel to communities within our system to encourage parents as they guide their children toward literacy. I always point them to jbrary as a valuable resource for them when they are seeking new rhymes, songs, and stories. One of the messages we, as a team, agreed was important for families to hear is that they don’t have to know everything to be good teachers for their children. Positive interactions can be had anywhere, anytime. Playing is one of the most valuable activities we can model for others. So, play intellectually, too! Let’s toss some ideas around, and not worry about catching them all.
Love that framing, Mary! Playing intellectually sounds way more fun that writing blog posts. You are right – time to practice what I preach.
Oh I hope this becomes a thing! Not every blog post can be a full research paper, looking at every angle and citing every source, and they get exhausting to read just as quick as they get exhausting to write! I love occasional in-depth articles about libraries and early literacy but there is DEFINITELY a space needed for quick, personal ideas/updates/thoughts posts!
A lot of people have said that they are too long and too tiring to read too. I never thought of it from that angle, but I’m glad the idea of quick posts is popular.
Yes yes yes keep writing! I started a new story time at my church in September, and love looking here for ideas!
I think whatever you decide, if it comes from an authentic place, we will appreciate it!
I must say I have missed your posts! Please know that your readers are in full support of whatever you decide. This has been a valuable resource when I was a storytime newbie but has also been a jump start for me to explore new things. I often find brainstorming with my fellow J staff librarians in our library system so helpful — a new style of posting may be a great way for the Jbrary community to share.
Thanks, Anne! Based on everyone’s comments it really does feel like a community here.
Hi Lindsey,
First, I love the Taylor Swift reference 🙂
Please keep writing! Be they short, medium sized, or whatever you feel like contributing! It’s so nice to hear from other people working in Public Libraries with youth, and your blog is a never ending source of inspiration for me!!
I was beginning to worry no one got the reference, haha! Thank you for the encouragement and kind words.
Oh, I got that reference, too, as a mom of a Taylor-fan teenager (who am I kidding? I also like her music!). 😉
Today I came here to search for books for a storytime about space (I knew there would be a list here) and was so happy to find out you came back, Lindsey! Jbrary has been my go-to source for all things storytime and children’s programs for YEARS. Thank you so much, Lindsey. It’s great to see you posting again!
Hi Ana! I hope you have been well 🙂 It feels good to be back in the swing of things. I hope you found the space books you were looking for.
Brand-new children’s librarian here! Please keep writing. I am learning so much from you.
Yes, please! I’m sure that I am speaking for many Youth Services Librarians when I say that we would welcome any thoughts, reviews, tips–whatever you have to offer us! Jbrary has been a vital source to me for storytime planning. Thank you!
I would welcome you back. Short is wonderful! I trust you.
Thank you, Maureen!
Go for it!! You are an inspiration to all of us who plan and implement story time. I really liked what you said about learning from an audience!! Short blogs are always welcome here.
Thanks, Donna! The positive encouragement here has helped me jump back into the blogging world.