Trends in borrowing

Just a quick note, It has been a few weeks since an update on any library activities - that's not because I haven't done anything - rather that I have been doing to much.

All the Summer Reading Challenge stuff is almost ready to launch, are you ready to Get in the Game? Along with the joy of reading, and of course the thrill of the competition (I know you don't have to be the best - but you cant help wanting to win can you!) There will also be some Board of Studies afternoons in December - that's board games and snacks in the libraries after school (Homework is on hold, but the tutor will be there if you have a mean teacher who has given you some) . As well as after Christmas we have a heap of holiday activities all in the sporty theme to go with the Summer Reading Challenge (not that I normally accessorize).

In the theme of reading, I was hanging out with a group (45) of childrens' and youth librarians on Thursday and we discussed what you and your friends are reading. That's right we do talk about you amongst ourselves (hope that doesn't sound too creepy). Did you know that there has been a state wide drop of 13% in kids and teens reading non-fiction (that's information books for you non library types) and a gigantic 43% increase in teen books being borrowed! What's so amazing is that traditionally librarians have said 'those teens don't read' and scarily some still think that (they arn't childrens' or youth librarians though).

So in accordance with this trend and many other little things I've noticed about our reading community at Ashfield, I am planning on merging (read mash-up) the kids and adults non-fiction (info books) together and expanding the teen area a bit further. Now of course you do get a say, so if you think its a horrifically catastrophic mistake feel free to email me and say so alexanderm@ashfield.nsw.gov.au.no.spam.

Something else I probably should tell you is that the Council will be advertising shortly for people aged between 12-24 to join a youth council advisory thingy. So if you are (or know) someone who is passionate about our community start thinking about joining. It wont actually be called the youth council advisory thingy, but you will know it when you see it (and I will point it out here anyway).

Oh, and next week we have Mike who will be spending some time with us at the library for work experience, so he will be featuring here soon!

Ok, that's enough procrastination, I have an essay to finish.
Have fun.

PS. Did you know JK Rowling has a new book coming out soon?