Summer Break

I've completed two years of French language classes, and a class on French culture through film. Now I'm hoping to read books in French, start learning Italian while driving back and forth to work each day, make plans for traveling to France and Italy, and just have time to do the things I enjoy. Also, I am working in my gardens while spending time outdoors. I have started to bake a very good crusty peasant bread in a dutch oven, which is very easy to make. It's delicious!

Things On a Stick 2010 #1 Twitter

I have set up my Twitter account, and have been spending much time checking on new interests and make new acquaintances. I like being able to connect with people who have the same interests as me, and who can respond instantly to a story, etc. There is so much to check into, it is hard to refrain from spending all of my time on Twitter. I don't use my email as much because it is easier to check into things on my Twitter account. What fun!

I finished my first semester of Conversational French. I love it even though it takes a lot of time and effort. I was very nervous at first about having to speak in class and wondered if I could keep up with students. It turns out that I have a fantastic teacher who seems to bring out the best in everyone. I am on break right now so I may have time to write again soon. I am so glad that I tried this class. Now I have so many interesting things to look into that involve French. I have also met many new people, too. Au revoir!

New Learning Oppourtunities

I am enrolled in my French class, which will begin in September. It will meet two times per week later in the day after work. I am feeling a little nervous about taking a college class again and speaking in another language. Sometimes I can hardly express myself in English. I also came across another class which may be interesting to Library workers. It will begin in January 2010, and it is called the ALA-Library Support Staff Certification Project or ALA-LSSCP. There is a Website for it if anyone is interested in learning more about it. The idea is to help Library staff to continue to improve their skills through this program. I plan to read more about it as the program gets started and tested over time.

Back to Learning

I haven't written for quite awhile since I have been doing only my library work, and not doing exciting things like I did with 23 Things on a Stick. My new challenge now will be to take a language class this Fall. The class that best fit my schedule will be French. I took a few years of it in High School, which was many many years ago. It should be interesting. I would have liked to have taken Italian since I visited Italy, and am half Italian, but it was not available. I also visited in France on that trip, and did enjoy it. I feel that taking any class will give me better skills in my library work. I will keep you posted.

Library Stimulus Money

I received an email stating that libraries will be able to apply for money from President Obama's stimulus plan. This is great news since library use has increased in these difficult economic times. One article stated that the future of libraries had looked pretty bleak because of new technologies replacing the need for libraries, but the loss of jobs and money has changed the situation. People are using the library to search for jobs on the Internet, and to use other services which are free such as checking out DVDs, games, and not to be forgotten: books. People are actually going to the library several times per week, the article stated. It has become a place to visit, just to get out of the house. This may be a light at the end of the tunnel for library funding. I don't know how quickly this funding will be available, but hopefully it will be soon enough to help libraries to improve services, modernize buildings, add new materials, and to hire sufficient staff after past budget cuts. Libraries are a part of America that should remain in our communities for the free use of our citizens. Read this article: