Happy New Year

Happy New Year to one and all. Great readings to all!! Last year had its challenges. Here is to a brand new year.
I may be a retired librarian, but I sure visit the public libraries in my area. I have more time to read and watch DVDs. So, I go to our branch library to search for books or to pick up books that I have reserved.
Please know your public library website address.
Then, you can search for books and other materials from your home computer. Even if you do not have a lot of time insert some reading time for yourself. I have been there also.
Also I visit another nearby town library that has wonderful collection of English DVDs. I also belong to a book discussion group at that library.
Please get into the public library habit. My husband and I have been going to our local branch library for thirty-two years. Of course, our sons when they were younger went with us. So whether you are old or young, the public library has something for you. Check it out!!!

Christmas Cards

I love Christmas cards. Since I was a little girl I have loved these special cards. Now, I especially love it because many of my family and friends live in different parts of the United States. This is my husband and I's way to catch up and reconnect with family and friends. This year I wrote notes in a lot of my cards. For about six years I wrote a newsletter. This year since I am retired I decided to see if I could write notes included in my Christmas cards. I succeeded and had my cards out by December 10th.
This year I decided to decorate with Christmas cards we received. I strung up red ribbon, tartan ribbon and green yarn in the hallway and the living room. In my china closet I found green and red smaller spring clothespins and I hung up the beautiful Christmas cards we received. They look so beautiful.
Christmas is a special season. A Merry Christmas season to all from Linda's Library Corner.

In December our local reading council has a Winterfest. It is a fundraiser for the reading council. This year I made and donated 4 baskets. One of the baskets was a Teacher’s Toolkit. I came up with this idea when I was remembering that a library volunteer called me a MacGyver librarian. That day I had wore a skirt that I ripped the lace ruffle at the skirt‘s hem. I did not have a needle and thread to sew it and I was going to a dinner after school. In my desk I found my fishing line, a needle and scotch tape. I was able to sew the ruffle back on my skirt and go to the ball Oops! Wrong story. I went to the dinner. Then, the volunteer called me a MacGyver librarian? Who or what is MacGyver? MacGyver was a TV series in the eighties and early nineties. MacGyver, the title character, was a resourceful secret agent. He solved his countless problems with his trusty Swiss Army knife and duct tape. The following is a teacher’s toolkit for those situations when a teacher or librarian had to come up with solutions very quickly. This toolkit would make a great gift for a new teacher or a holiday present for a teacher.

Teacher’s Toolkit

4 Glue Sticks
Masking Tape
Duct Tape
Fishing Line for displaying students’ work and decorating
White thread
Sewing needles to use with fishing line
Various sizes of Suction Cups
Super Sticky Apple shaped post it notes
Various post it notes
3 rolls of Magic Scotch Tape
1 Plastic Ruler
Wooden clip clothespins
Rubber Bands
Wedge erasers
Thumb Tacks
Push pins
Hole Punch
Scissors
Yarn in red, blue, green and white skeins
Green plastic (Toolkit/ Treasure Chest)