Oops! Let's Talk About TLA

I almost always have an entry about TLA.  So here goes - a bit late.  TLA was in Dallas this year.  As I live so close to downtown Dallas, I could take the Dallas Street Car to the Omni each day.  It cost me $1 each way.  I believe parking was at least $20 per day at the convention center.  So - YAY!

I enjoyed the sessions but noticed that the author sessions were in these huge rooms, and the library programs and services sessions were in tiny rooms.  There were a couple of sessions I didn't attend because the room was full.  However, there is always the vendor area downstairs.  Everyone was so friendly giving out their pins, pens, books and bags.  Since I rode the street car, I didn't go hunting for books, but they somehow found me anyhow.  Always love that about TLA.

Here is my Wakelet of sessions I attended: https://wakelet.com/wake/G2I5PSCrQ8d_t9B8yrCTG 

Some of my favorite sessions are about what others do in their libraries.  I have always been fascinated by that.  This year the ones that really stuck out in my mind were . . .

Doing it All: Planning your Entire Library Year

Melissa and I went to this one together and even asked Pam if we could have some time at the last meeting to implement some of these techniques and get a head start planning or next year.

Get Teens in their Library Era

I really liked the comparison of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.  Also some great programs!

Are You There, Gen Z?  It's Me, Library

Funny enough, I really liked the faculty and staff programs the best here.  I am always looking for fun staff stuff.

I can't say that I missed presenting.  It was nice to take a break.  However, it was not the break I decided.  It was decided for me when TLA didn't want my proposal, or the one Pam & I submitted.  Of course, that won't stop me from putting in another proposal for next year.  LOL! 

Fifth 6 Weeks Check in

 So this is a bit late, but that is pretty much par for the course.  The end of the fifth 6 weeks was April 3rd.  Here are my usage statistics from February 18 - April 3, 2025.  I found the fact that 4 out of the top 5 check outs were Manga/Graphic Novels.  Only number 5 was a traditional novel.

My circulation statistics were just a few more than last six weeks, and just a few more than the 5th six weeks last year.  I'm not sure if that is good or bad . . . just an observation.

Our databases surged, but that is no surprise.  This is the time for the juniors and their research project.  So I hope they are using the databases I showed them, right?

To be honest, I am just tired.  Tired of promoting all the stuff we have in the library, tired of promoting reading, tired of promoting book check out.  It's been a lot this year, or maybe I am just slowing down.  I know it is also at the end of the year, and next year I will come back energized and ready to promote EVERYTHING the library has to offer.  But right now, I am exhausted.

Don't get me wrong, I still love my job.  I love my students, the library and everything it has to offer.  But sometimes I feel like I am beating people over the head just to use the library.  After being in education for 30 years, I think I am allowed to admit when I am exhausted.

I guess I needed the Fifth 6 Weeks Check in to be more than just our statistics.  Thanks for listening!

Tuesday's Tome - New Dragon City

 

Here is today's Tuesday Tome - New Dragon City by Mari Mancusi

New Dragon City is a gripping dystopian fantasy set in a world scorched by dragons. After a devastating apocalypse, the remnants of humanity are forced to hide underground for half the year—when dragons roam the skies, hunting without mercy. For the other six months, when the dragons hibernate, survivors cautiously emerge to reclaim what's left of their lives.

Three years into this harsh new reality, we meet Noah, a young boy living in a makeshift community in New York City alongside his survivalist father and a small group of survivors. While adults defend their fragile society, children like Noah scavenge for food, supplies—and hope. Noah has grown up believing dragons are the enemy, but everything changes when he discovers a baby dragon caught in a trap and makes the bold decision to save it.

This dragon, who later he finds out is named Asha, forces Noah to reconsider everything he thought he knew—not just about dragons, but about his own family. As he searches for the truth about his mother’s mysterious disappearance, Noah stumbles upon a hidden society where dragons and humans live together in peace, transforming what’s left of Columbia University into a symbol of hope.

Now, Noah and Asha must bridge the divide between their two worlds. Can they convince both humans and dragons that peace is possible?

New Dragon City is a powerful story about survival, empathy, and the courage to challenge old beliefs. With rich world-building and a heartfelt message, it’s a compelling read for fans of dystopian adventures and dragon lore alike.