Laughter is the best medicine. It’s better to laugh than to cry. These common sayings have stuck around for decades because they’re true. Humans love to laugh. We tell jokes, play pranks, read the Sunday comics, and seek out humor in the form of films, television shows, and comedy acts. Sometimes, we even read really, really funny books.   Humor is an actual section at the bookstore, and has its own Dewey Decimal classification at the library and a best sellers category in The New York Times . As adults, I think we too often view reading as a very serious activity. Sure, we could read The Fountainhead or a Ulysses S. Grant biography and do some heavy thinking, but we could also read any number of laugh-out-loud books and still feel properly nourished in our brains and in our souls.   When looking for a great book to tickle your funny bone, the obvious place to start is with comedians and other celebrities who earn a living by being funny. It shouldn’t surprise us that these masters of comedy would also be able to craft incredible essay compilations or memoirs, with stories that are at times silly and at other times so pointedly honest that you can’t…Read More »

When it comes to reading choices, too often we hand down judgments about what others choose to spend their time consuming. We use phrases like guilty pleasure, trash (usually reserved for romance novels of the Harlequin variety), and light, which of course implies the opposite of Literary, with Literary being the highest level of reading one can do, or at least fiction reading. Why can’t we stop with the judgement and instead start to get better acquainted with all those genres we bad mouth?   For many years, and even still to this day, graphic novels and comic books have been talked down by academics and critics who see them as lesser quality books. Well-meaning parents have tried to turn their children away from comics, believing they’re not “real books.” In fact, educators and researchers have proven that comic books come with plenty of benefits for young readers. The storylines and character development in graphic novels and comics can be just as layered and rich as those in chapter books. While many consider comics purely a visual medium, they do contain text; a lot of text, in many cases! And let’s also not forget that knowing how to read pictures, including understanding facial emotions and sequencing, is…Read More »

Readers, it’s time to take a trip to the stars this spring! Space has always captivated us. From the first moon landing to the Mars Rover, we have been left awestruck by the incredible expanse of stars, planets, and galaxies so immense and distant they almost exceed comprehension.   Lately, the Library has had astronomy on the brain given this year’s pick for Long Island Reads, a yearly program during which Nassau and Suffolk come together to read the same book, often a story that directly relates to Long Island. Long Island Reads culminates in a special, free event that includes a talk from the author. This year’s selection, Spaceman is the true story of Long Island’s own Mike Massimino, who grew up in Nassau County and went on to become an astronaut. Although Long Island Reads is officially over this year, you can still read or listen to Spaceman anytime (and you should, because I’ve heard it’s a great book!).   In keeping with the theme of space exploration, we have some exciting space-related programs and events planned for the upcoming weeks. If you’re interested in learning about the wonders of the universe, join us on Monday, April 23rd from 7:00-8:30 for Astronomy for Everyone: Size and Scale…Read More »

Here’s a dose of 90’s nostalgia for you, readers. I recently watched an old episode of the sitcom Mad About You. Though it had been years since I watched its original airing, this particular episode, titled Virtual Reality, had always stuck out in my mind because of its forward-thinking novelty. In the episode, Paul and Jamie Buchman bicker over the prospect of investing in a cutting-edge technology: virtual reality. The program, which Paul continually argues is “not a video game” so as to legitimize it as an investment, allows the Buchmans to indulge in some fantasies, including a back rub from model Christie Brinkley for Paul and the ultimate wife fantasy for Jamie: her husband apologizing in a loop for an error in judgement.   Now, as far as I know, the virtual reality systems available for the average consumer today do not include the ability to have a conversation and interact with a real supermodel. However, VR and AR have progressed in leaps and bounds during the last decade, especially in terms of the visual landscape users have access to and their abilities to interact realistically and seamlessly.   If you’re confused about the differences between virtual reality and…Read More »

Happy Library Lovers Month to one and all! Every day is a good day to appreciate our public library, but this month in particular is all about showing our library some love. You might remember that last year our incredible patrons helped us to create a beautiful paper heart made up with the things they loved about the library.  Some wrote that they loved our programs, others loved our massive DVD collection, and some patrons even gave our hardworking staff a few shout-outs (right back at ya!).   This year, we wanted to show you what we love about the Levittown Public Library. You may have already noticed on our Facebook page photos of staff members showcasing what they love about the library. Amy loves the Round Room in the Teen Area, Stacey is loving our new Eatery, Dipti loves our DVD collection, and Joe loves our Innovation Station. Keep checking our Facebook page to see what else our staff loves–you might even be surprised to discover something new about the library! Feel free to share what YOU love about the library through social media and add #I<3LPL or #LibraryLoversMonth.   Don’t worry, though: the heart is back! This time…Read More »

Happy (belated) New Year! As we celebrate the blank slate of a brand new year, I wish all of you good health, lots of happiness, and plenty of great books to read! Reading challenges, which we’ve discussed in previous posts, have become popular with bibliophiles looking to discover new types of books and stretch their reading muscles. Some challenges include Popsugar Reading Challenge ,  Goodreads Challenge , and Book Riot’s 2018 Read Harder Challenge .   For the first time, we’ve decided to make our own 2018 Levittown Public Library Reading Challenge! Some of the tasks included can be found on other lists, while others are more specific to a library setting. In addition to participating for the fun of discovering new books, your participation can also enter you into a contest to win a $25 gift card! As long as you have a Levittown Public Library card, all you have to do is read at least five different books meeting your choice of the challenge criteria. Don’t want to read a book written 100 years ago? Can’t find a book you like that has a bird on the cover? Not a problem! You can skip the ones that don’t work for you and focus on the types of books that pique your interest.   Brochures with…Read More »

The sweet smells of frosting and candy filled the air at the Levittown Public Library on December 5th, as dozens of local families participated in the Library’s third annual Gingerbread House Making program.  This popular event began in 2015 with an idea from Children’s Librarian Maryanne Linehan, as a fun family program. It would be relatively simple: Levittown School District residents would be able to register up to six family members or friends and collectively they would build and decorate their own gingerbread houses to bring home in time for the holidays. The enthusiasm expressed by the previous years’ attendants has led to bigger and better events last year and this year.   From the start, Children’s Department Head, Geraldine Farmer-Morrison, made it a goal to accommodate as many families as possible. This soon became a more daunting task, as the community’s interest was immediate and enthusiastic; registration began at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28th and all allotted slots for both of the one-hour sessions were quickly filled, as well as the waiting lists. Thanks to a coordinated effort by several other Levittown Public Library departments, other rooms and spaces were opened up for the event, additional gingerbread houses…Read More »

I tried to find some eloquent quotes about cookies to start this post, but really the best statement comes from the cookie expert himself: Yes, we all want cookies, Cookie Monster! What other sweet treat comes in as many varieties as the simple (or not so simple) cookie?  Just in time for the holidays, we can celebrate these delicious morsels of goodness on National Cookie Day, December 4th.  You can keep the cookie spirit alive by attending our Notable Noshes Holiday Cookie Swap , December 20th at 7 p.m. Enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and festive music while sharing recipes of your favorite cookies.     We all have our cookie preferences.  I, for instance, do not love sugar cookies.  I’ve spent years trying, mostly because holiday sugar cookies are so darn pretty.  They look like they should be delicious, but I find myself always wanting a different taste–usually chocolate.  So, it’s no surprise that my favorite cookie is a classic chocolate chip cookie.  Flat and crispy, soft and chewy; either will do.  Double chocolate chunk is even better! While I am open to trying new cookie recipes, I have had the most baking success, believe it or not, with the recipe found on the back…Read More »

Children’s librarians around the country are excited for November, not just because it brings us closer to turkey and cranberry sauce, but because we get to talk about our favorite topic: picture books! November is Picture Book Month, a time to celebrate some of our most beloved books and the role they play in fostering generations of readers.   One of the best things to come from my transition into children’s librarianship has been my reintroduction to children’s books.  We grow and move on to more “adult” reading, but the books we read with our families when we were just beginning to understand words and concepts are the books that truly have the greatest impact on how we understand the world.  They teach us the basics, like colors, numbers, opposites, and the seasons.  But they also teach us more complex lessons that broaden and deepen as we grow: fear, friendship, grief, and love.  Philosophers and poets spend lifetimes expounding on the very same questions of existence that well-crafted picture books explain in 32 pages of text and images.  It’s incredible when you think about it.   Picture books have inherent nostalgia.  They remind us of our own childhoods, and for…Read More »

Thank you to all who made our first LevitCon such a success!

Calling all Comic Con fans! The Levittown Public Library will be hosting our own version of Comic Con, LevitCon, on Saturday, October 21st from 11:00-4:00.  Anyone familiar with Comic Con knows the ins and outs of this type of event; maybe you just attended New York Comic Con for the first, fourth, or tenth time!  For everyone else less familiar, LevitCon will be a day of celebrating fandoms, geek culture, and of course, comic book culture. This is an event for everyone; you do not have to live in Levittown or have a Levittown Public Library card to participate.  So, bring your friends and family!     There are many Comic Con fans on staff at the LPL.  Their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm are sure to make this an incredible day for our community!  We have a packed list of events, and a full schedule can be found below. We will have special activities throughout the building, including opportunities for ALL AGES to participate in the fun.  A major component of  any “con” is cosplay, which is basically dressing up and pretending to be a character from a comic book, manga, anime, movie, or TV show.  All interested attendees are welcome to…Read More »

Readers, it was a busy summer and it’s shaping up to be a busy fall! Every so often I share with you the books I’ve read in the hope that you will discover new titles or find your way back to the library and back to books if you’ve been in a reading dry spell.  I also want to highlight the idea of reading communities.  When you read a great book or a terrible book, what’s the first thing you want to do?  Talk about it with someone!  Reading communities are the people in your life you go to when you want to talk books: friends, classmates, book club members.  If you’re looking for a reading community, consider registering for any of the book discussions hosted by the Levittown Public Library, like  Page Turners (led by our reference librarians) and Adult Book Discussion with Fran Cohen.  You can always leave me a comment or two (or three or four), if you also loved a book that I loved, or maybe you loved a book that I hated.  I want to hear from you! And I’m always open to book recommendations.  For now, let’s talk about the good, the bad, and…Read More »

Are you between the ages of 18 and 26?  Looking for something fun and different to do after work or school? The obvious answer, of course, is to come to the library!  Okay, so maybe it’s not the most obvious way to spend a couple of hours, but the library can actually be a great place to unwind, make something cool, play a game, and hang out with new or old friends.   You’re probably thinking, Why should I (GASP!) leave my house and come to the (DOUBLE GASP!)  library when I can stream anything I want from home? Well, first of all that’s not exactly true.  Not everything can be streamed and surely there are many people who do not have access to every single streaming service.  Secondly, doesn’t it getting a little old, a little blah, after a while? Also, I happen to have what I call “Netflix Attachment Disorder.”  In other words: I spend a ridiculous amount of time browsing through Netflix, only to turn my television off or watch yet another episode of The Office for the 100th time or start some random romcom, usually starring Meg Ryan, Drew Barrymore, or Jennifer Aniston.  If this has…Read More »

Levittowners are generally well-versed in the origin story of their neighborhood.  We know the story of William Levitt, a WWII veteran who saw in the vast potato fields of Long Island the promise of a booming housing industry, catering to the returning hordes of young soldiers who were eager to put down roots in their own plots of land.  We’ve heard how Levitt and his sons turned the building of houses into a mass industry, churning out compact homes complete with appliances and able to be rented for as little as $65 a month.   Over the years, these homes have changed shape and size, with cosmetic enhancements far ahead of William Levitt’s time; our school classrooms have added iMacs and SMART Boards; and our fashion trends have certainly changed many times over.  More importantly, our community has changed.  When Levittown made its debut in 1947, we were a community of one color.  Today, we are a mix of many backgrounds and faiths.  It is this diversity that is the greatest indicator of our progress as a community and the spirit of who we are today: open, welcoming, and forward-thinking.     To celebrate 70 years of Levittown, the LPL…Read More »

There’s an image we’ve become familiar with, a sight likely seen on a daily basis with some variation: people walking with a ubiquitous cord (usually Apple white) twining down their front, buds stuck in their ears.  Sometimes it’s old-school headphones and sometimes there’s no cord.  Regardless, when we’re on the move, we’re likely to be on the move while listening to something.  What was once assumed to be music or even audiobooks are no longer givens.  Instead, podcasts are becoming the new norm.   Podcast listenership has steadily grown each month , thanks to the introduction of an increasing number of new podcasts that seem to cover every niche of popular culture and general knowledge, from self-help to  murder mysteries to the making of The Oprah Winfrey Show.     So, what are podcasts? They’re similar to old-fashioned radio programs, except instead of gathering around a vintage Emerson, we listen through the Internet.  A great example is This American Life from NPR.  In fact, NPR is to thank for the surge in podcast popularity over the past few years.  Back in 2014, Serial premiered, a spinoff of This American Life in which host/journalist Sarah Koenig traced the murder of teenager Hae Min Lee and the trial and conviction of her accused…Read More »

It’s that time of year again: Summer Reading! For the third year in a row, the LPL will be hosting a Summer Reading Kick-Off on Saturday, June 10th.  Join us outside the library at Veterans Memorial Park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for games, raffles, music, entertainment, and of course, to join our summer reading clubs for all ages.  This year’s theme, “Build a Better World,” incorporates construction, engineering, architecture, environmentalism, kindness, and giving.  In this spirit, let’s explore some of the ways summer reading builds a better YOU.   No More “Summer Slide!”   This is a big deal for children and parents.  The school year ends and most kids spend the next two and a half months running through sprinklers, playing video games, and eating popsicles.  Practicing long division? Not likely.  Vocabulary flashcards?  I doubt those are getting packed for road trips to the Grand Canyon.  Studies have shown that summer slide, when students forget what they’ve learned between school years, is real and can be prevented by, drum roll please…SUMMER READING! Scholastic recommends that reading as little as six books during the summer can prevent struggling readers from regressing.  Even reading something out loud every day, whether it’s a magazine article, a book, or even the back of a cereal box, makes a difference….Read More »

Coping with stress is never easy. Some of us can manage life’s curve balls better than others.  Regardless, we all need to find our own ways to declutter our brains, especially when daily stresses start to pile up.  Meditation has consistently been named by researchers as one of the most effective (and obviously natural) methods for reducing anxiety and stress.  Health and wellness experts, as per this report from NBC News , have found meditation to be helpful in fostering resilience, improving attention, and mitigating aggressive tendencies.     Of course, for most of us a big issue is the lack of free time in our days; twenty-four hours is almost never enough to get through our daily to-do lists.  So, how can you possible manage to find the time to meditate when the problem is not having enough time? Meditation specialists say that all we need is a quick, five minute meditation to improve our day; turn off the television or podcast a few minutes early, and there’s that little bit of time just for yourself. May is National Meditation Month and a great time to get into the practice of mindfulness and meditation.   Meditation has been referred to as a “ state of thoughtless awareness .” It’s not…Read More »

Faithful readers, you have my sincerest apologies.  This post is arriving on your screens far later than I intended; we are quickly nearing the midway point of 2017 and a month away from the official start of summer reading! For those of you participating in a reading challenge, whether it’s one of your own creation or a formal challenge by an outside institution, such as the popular PopSugar Reading Challenge , I would love to hear about your progress.   As for me, my year of reading has been eclectic, with a mix of children’s, young adult, and adult books, including two celebrity memoirs. That’s right, I said celebrity memoirs; I’m not ashamed! (Read more about my unabashed love of guilty pleasure reading here ).  Below is my latest list of reads, which will hopefully spark your reading curiosity.   Pax: Sara Pennypacker Sara Pennypacker’s latest is a book about war, done with deep empathy and reverence for humanity, childhood, and the bond between child and animal. War has infiltrated the home front. Specific details about the war, including location and time period, are kept unspecified; a smart choice that makes the story timely at any moment in history. Pre-teen Peter has been separated from his beloved…Read More »

Every year, librarians from Nassau Library System (a consortium that includes the LPL) and the Public Libraries of Suffolk County come together to select a book for Long Island Reads , a special (and FREE!) event that focuses on books set on Long Island and/or written by Long Island authors.  It’s a great chance for readers from around the Island to get together and discuss a fantastic book; think of it as a massive book club meeting that includes the author!  This year’s pick is Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson.  Larson, a master of the nonfiction narrative (previous publications include: In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin and The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America), is also a native Long Islander, born and raised in Freeport.  He will be speaking and signing books on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at the Hillwood Recital Hall at C.W. Post, Long Island University in Brookville, NY, beginning at 2:00 p.m.   Tickets, which are free for the taking, are now available online.   Of course, if you want to be a part of Long Island Reads, you should probably read Dead Wake.  If you haven’t read it yet, there’s still time!  Not only is…Read More »

The Levittown Public Library is excited to celebrate the recent accomplishment of librarian Nancy Evans. Nancy, who is a stellar member of our Young Adult department, was recently announced as a “Mover & Shaker” by Library Journal magazine.  I realize that this award doesn’t have the name recognition of the GRAMMY awards or the Pulitzer Prize, but take my word for it: this is a really, really big deal! Library Journal is a force in our field of work, and to be named a Mover & Shaker signifies that you are a library professional making a real impact on your community.  Nancy was singled out as an advocate based on Strong Girls School, an empowering program she developed for middle school and high school girls.  A “how-to” manual on the program will be published later this year.     To celebrate Nancy’s accomplishment, we will be holding a reception in her honor just before the start of the Teen Advisory Board meeting on Friday, April 7, 2017 from 3:30- 4:30 p.m. in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2.  The event is open to the public, and we welcome all of our patrons to join us in this celebration.   I spoke with Nancy about this exciting news….Read More »

You wouldn’t know it looking at the thermostat, but spring is right around the corner, or so they tell us.  When you and your family (or let’s face it, just you) are cleaning out your closets, cabinets, drawers, and garages, think twice before tossing out your “junk.”  I’ve compiled a brief list of “spring cleaning crafts:” projects you can accomplish using household items that would otherwise end up in the garbage.  The timing is perfect, as March is National Craft Month.  We’re also getting into the recycling spirit here at the LPL; throughout the month, our social media accounts will offer glimpses into the different ways the library is going green and helping to “build a better world” (SHAMELESS PLUG FOR OUR SUMMER READING PROGRAM, KICKING OFF ON JUNE 10th!!! THE AWESOME THEME IS “BUILD A BETTER WORLD”). If your projects turn out amazing, or you’re already a crafting maven, consider buying a table at the Levittown Library Foundation Craft Fair on Saturday, May 13th.  Otherwise, stop by and see the incredible work done by our vendors…maybe one or more of these projects will be on sale!   Turn an old sweater into…a purse! I’m in love with this idea!  Grab a sweater you haven’t worn…Read More »

For weeks, we’ve been celebrating Library Lovers’ Month and sharing some of the many reasons to love the library . I know that so many of you in our community are willing to show your appreciation for the library.  Just look at the incredible heart you created, filled with your gratitude for the LPL; and it’s still growing! If you’ve caught the library love bug, it’s time to show your appreciation in a bigger way.     I know it’s a little gauche to discuss money, but here’s the truth: Libraries need money!  We cannot provide all of the services, materials, and programs we want–and you need–at the highest level of quality without adequate aid from the state government.  You might not be aware that Governor Cuomo has proposed a $4M cut in general state aid for libraries and a $5M cut in state aid for library construction.  These cuts would mean that library funding is falling significantly short of the amount authorized in State Education Law:   New York State Education Law requires Library Aid for FY 2017-2018 to be $102.6M. Total state funding in the FY2016-17 enacted budget was $95.6M, placing library aid at 2006 funding levels. More than $111M in statutory State Library Aid has been…Read More »

February is the month that celebrates presidents, movie stars, groundhogs, and of course love.  We know all about Valentine’s Day, but there’s another, lesser-known celebration of love: Library Lovers’ Month.   Like any great romance or close relationship, you have to get to know that “special someone” before you can really love them. Once you understand what the LPL does for our community, I think you’ll see how easy it is to love the library!   If you are not yet following us on Instagram, now is the time to hit that “follow” button @Levittownpl! Throughout the month of February, we will be posting some of the many reasons to love the Levittown Public Library, including a few surprises along the way.  If you’re in the building, be sure to take a look at our Library Lovers’ display across from the Teen Lounge. Going along with this celebration of library love, I’ve decided to include my own 10 Reasons to Love the LPL:   Our Staff!   Libraries have always been about more than books; they’re about people. The people who walk through our doors and the people like me, who work behind a desk and try our best to…Read More »

One of the most vibrant cultural celebrations is approaching, as billions around the globe prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year.  This is a holiday that is steeped in centuries of tradition and symbolism.  Also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is a time for both grand extravagance–parades, fireworks, parties–and familial closeness, as it is traditional for families to gather for New Year’s Eve dinner.  Gifts of money are often exchanged in red envelopes known as lai see or hongbao.  Red, of course, is considered the luckiest color in Chinese culture and these envelopes are meant to ward off evil spirits.     The Year of the Rooster begins on January 28th. Roosters are those born after the Chinese New Year 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and now, 2017. The lucky hours for roosters are said to be 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., so keep that in mind if you’re a rooster who’s planning to buy a Lottery ticket! If you’re a rooster that’s going on a job interview, tradition tells us that your lucky colors are gold, brown, and yellow.  Other general ways to avoid bad luck this Lunar New Year, according to International…Read More »

Another reading year has come and gone in the blink of an eye, or rather, the quick turn of a page.  I hope all you readers dove into some great books over the year.  Even the clunkers that we get roped into reading are really gifts in disguise; they help us to appreciate the really outstanding books that come our way.  I’m going to share with you my final reads for 2016 (it ended on a high-note, reading wise…yay!) and I hope that you will take the time to leave a comment or two and share some of your standouts from the year.   Prep: Curtis Sittenfeld   If you’re here for adult reading recommendations, savor this one while you can because it is the only adult book that I have read since September.  Although, I have heard many argue that Prep straddles the line between Young Adult and Adult, and I think a solid case can be made for it as a teen book. I had once started it years ago, when it was first published in hardcover.  I’m glad I came back to it. It’s an interesting coming of age story set in the enigmatic world of a New England boarding…Read More »

‘Tis the season of giving! As we approach the holidays, many of us will be thinking about those in need.  The needs may be different– food, shelter, medication, money for rent, a big dose of hope, or even a miracle cure–but our individual ability to help in even a small way exists, regardless of the circumstances.      It’s easy to give in small ways on a daily basis.  During this time of the year, the Salvation Army Red Kettles are stationed throughout our neighborhoods and around the world; a classic sign of the holiday season, on par with wreaths, poinsettias, and the Hershey’s Kisses commercial (a personal, childhood favorite of mine that still holds up).  A dollar one day and a dollar the next adds up.  If you want to take it a step further and actually be the friendly sentry ringing the bell, consider a volunteer position .  There are other, simple ways to spread the spirit of giving.  You can write letters to soldiers through Soldiers’ Angels ; the next time you’re in a supermarket or retail store, offer your coupons to a stranger; if you’re a crocheter, visit the charity listings provided by the Crochet Guild of America , or contact your local hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics to see…Read More »

If you’re out on the road, Feeling lonely and so cold (Sing along if you know the rest!) All you have to do is call my name And I’ll be there on the next train. Where you lead, I will follow Anywhere that you tell me to If you need, you need me to be with you, I will follow where you lead. If this Carole King song brings back memories of Doose’s Market, The Dragonfly Inn, and of course, Luke’s Diner, you are likely a fellow Gilmore Girls fan.  We said goodbye to the quirky town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut nine years ago, assuming the only hijinks and heartbreaks experienced by our beloved fast-talking ladies, Lorelai and Rory, would be the same ones on repeat, continuing on in a syndicated loop.  Netflix thought better, resurrecting this warm-hearted favorite as a series of four two-hour movies, collectively titled Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, following our favorite characters through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall / All you have to do is call…). This new installment will be available to stream beginning the day after Thanksgiving, November 25th, the perfect time to get together with…Read More »