Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 04-17-19

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Dear Reader,

My simple solution to good health is to bake an apple pie. Remember the old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Okay, you may be smiling, thinking 'Suzanne, I don't think an apple pie is what the doctor was referring to,' and you may be right. But still, I disagree. Not only does eating a slice of apple pie let me check one of the daily fruit requirements off my list, the experience of making the apple pie is guaranteed therapy.

Because making my kind of apple pie, isn't as simple as opening a can of apple pie filling and dumping it into a crust. Nope, to make a real good apple pie, you have to put some time into the preparation. Peeling the apples, cutting each one into thin slices, and finally mixing in the spices. It's the extra time that I spend on preparing the fresh apples that allows me to check-out of all the other things going on in my life. It's the absolute best and tastiest therapy and it works every time.

And the "apple" must not have fallen far from the tree, because a couple of weeks ago my grown-up son with three children of his own, sent me a text, "Mom, remember the apple pie you used to make all the time when I was a kid? Can you send me that recipe today? I think I need to make an apple pie."

Take a peek at the recipe. Tattered, torn, and stained, it's still the best therapy to be found.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-16-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
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Dear Reader,

Truth Unchanging is today's guest author's newest release. Please welcome Becky Thompson to the book club. Becky's debut book was Hope Unfolding and she is known to millions from her blog that reaches a global audience, BeckyThompson.com (formerly Scissortail SILK). A recent transplant to Los Angeles, Becky lives with her husband, Jared, and their three young children.

Take it away, Becky Thompson. Thanks for visiting the book club.

Before I tell you anything else, you need to know that I'm not the mom who has everything ready the night before an event. There are moms like that, you know. I've seen them in movies. Morning comes and their children come downstairs in clothes carefully selected the night before to find breakfast made and placed on the kitchen table and school lunches packed on the counter. Those mommas manage their time well. They're geniuses, really.

I'm not that mom. I'm the momma still in her bathrobe, pouring the very last of the milk into the cereal bowl and digging through the clean clothes praying there's a pair of pants for her second-grader to wear to school. I'm the mom who four out of five days a week sends her kid to school without a lunchbox and promises to drop it off in the office at least fifteen minutes before he's supposed to be eating. I'm the one the school secretaries know by name. That's me.

Now that you know my mom-erisms, I can tell you about a recent parent/teacher conference we had for our son. Of course, my husband attended this conference for us, because I was too busy to go. But he says it went something like this,

"Mr. Thompson, your son is a wonderful student. He's a hard worker. He's excelling in nearly every subject. He's well-above grade level in many areas, but he does need to work on one thing in particular. Time management. He just seems to misallocate his time, even when he knows how long he has to complete his assignments. I'll find him reading from his library book instead of staying on task."

My husband told the teacher he understood, and said we'd talk to our son about the importance of managing his time more wisely in the future.

I was shocked. This is one of the first real corrections my son has ever received in school. He's a great kid, and I wanted his teacher to know that we take all areas where he can improve seriously, and we planned to address this issue.

So, I sat down to write her an email, but I got distracted. I decided that I'd just drop a note off at the school the next day with my son's daily lunchbox delivery. After all, I want her to know that we value time-management in our home. For some reason, I don't think I'm going to be able to convince her. And that, dear reader, is what they call irony.

Apples don't fall far from trees, do they? Bless teachers everywhere who don't only work with dozens of children, but who also have to work with just as many parents. The ones who are and aren't always the best managers of their time.

Can you relate? What kind of parent are you? I'd love to find out. Email me at Info@BeckyThompson.com

-- Becky Thompson

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-15-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
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Dear Reader,

What a celebration! Check and see if you were a winner from last week's National Library Week Celebration.

Some final notes from librarians...

PhilisAnn B., King County Library System: "Hi, Suzanne. Thank you for always helping libraries and the staff who work in them celebrate National Library Week! It is gratifying to read such supportive notes from your readers."

And one last (tasty) note from librarian Scott C., Bennett Martin Public Library:

"One of the things I'm proudest of in recent years is connecting readers with authors they've never sampled. A colleague and I started the 'Just Desserts' mystery fiction discussion group in 2006, in which all participating members read the same mystery/thriller/suspense title, then gather once-a-month to discuss it In keeping with the theme of the group, we also share fresh-made desserts with fellow group members. The social elements--the sharing of similar 'likes' with a group of fellow mystery fans--make for a regular event that is often the highlight of many members' entire months. Thanks for supporting libraries!"

National Library Week Winners:

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie winners, librarians Tess C., Public Services Librarian, Lane Public Library; Paulette B., Elm Grove Public Library and Judy B. , Library and Information Services, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

Winners for the daily National Library Week giveaways:

"Keep Calm and Ask a Librarian" buttons: Debbie G.

"Shh, I'm Reading" Socks: Fahra D., Delano Branch Library

"Book Nerd" Pop Socket: Cori D., Derby Public Library

"When life gives you lemonade, read in the shade" canvas tote:
Elisa G., Bronx Library Center; Joyce K., Vila Maria College Library and Yvonne C., Enid Public Library

Colorful Book Note Cards: Kate T., Calvert Library

Chocolate Chip Cookie winners, I'll be baking this coming weekend. I'll let you know when your cookies are on the way. Get ready to dunk! And be sure to send me a photo, when they arrive. I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-12-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
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Dear Reader,

Readers love their libraries--and their librarians!

Is there a limit to the number of emails your inbox can handle in an hour? Ping, ping, ping, ping, ping...in celebration of National Library Week my inbox has been flooded with emails from readers--and librarians. What a treat! And what a compliment for all of the talented and hardworking librarians everywhere..

Today's National Library Week giveaway for librarians is a 20-pack of notecards adorned with colorful stacks of books. To enter, click here.

Readers Sending Thanks to Librarians...

Hi Suzanne, I want to recommend The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne. It is a nonfiction book about a six foot seven young man with Tourette's, a librarian, who learned to keep his tics under control through weight lifting. The library staff loved him because he was good at 'lurking' near the computers when kids were using them, checking on them to see if they were behaving online. His height was enough to ensure their good behavior. This is one of my favorite books. Happy Library Week to all those dedicated people who help us every day!" -- Linda F.

"I'm not a librarian, just a very grateful patron of my little library. I don't have to own a computer or buy a book, cd, or DVD. I am offered book discussion groups (which I find interesting and educational), as well as many other enjoyable programs. It is also a rewarding place to volunteer (used book sales ,etc.). And last (but not least!), helpful and cheerful librarians! I appreciate this opportunity to say thank you. -- Mary B. (Cary Area Public Library)

Librarians share what they love about their job...

"I am an elementary school librarian and have worked for my district for the past 22 years. Wow! I have seen so many changes. One thing I am so excited to incorporate is Read and Ride! When my elementary students come back from April vacation, they will see two recumbent exercise bicycles set up in the library. With their teacher's permission, students can come down to the library, hop on a bike and read while they ride! Exercise for the mind and body! Wish I could say this was my great idea but alas, it is not. I got the idea from a colleague in another local district." -- Katrina W., Elementary School Librarian, Greenwich Central Schools

"I've been a school librarian for 30 yrs. I survey my entering freshman class every year about different things to gauge their library experience in elementary and middle school. When I get to the question about reading--print vs. electronic...Print Always Wins. So as much as we want to believe that teens love all things digital, their reading preference is still print." -- Maria M.

"I've been an Outreach librarian for 10 plus years. The eBook has not replaced books for us and I really don't see a total replacement happening. Although there is one change, in that occasionally on our home visits we have to assist with helping a 90-year-old woman download books onto her Nook. She can't see to read standard 10 pt. large print, but can read on her devise with 14 pt., with a little help from her librarian to get the book there." -- Sharon

What a celebration. I'll announce the April Chocolate Chip Cookie librarian winners and the winners of the daily drawings next week.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Have a great weekend.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-11-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

"When life gives you lemonade, read in the shade" is the caption on the beautiful canvas tote bags I'm giving away to librarians today in celebration of National Library Week.

To enter the giveaway, click here.

Readers ask, Librarians reply:

(Q.) Do librarians have any pet peeves that we, as patrons, might keep in mind when we visit the library?

(A.) It would help librarians if patrons would not apologize, or feel embarrassed to ask questions. We have heard it all, there are very few things left to shock us, and we are happy to help. Also, please be willing to try. So many people start with statements like 'I can't use a computer' or 'It never works right; I am hopeless.' If you start in a negative frame of mind, it will be harder for me to help you, and it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. No one starts off knowing everything. -- Erica H., Reference Librarian, Lee County Library System

(A.) The only library pet peeve I have is The Little Free Public Library. I love them, I use them regularly, and I hate to be a nit picker...but they are not libraries. Libraries are libraries because of librarians. Those beautiful boxes full of books are fabulous Little Free Book Boxes. A collection of books does not a Library make! But that's just my opinion. -- Arielle L.

(Q.) What do you love about your job as a librarian?

(A.) ...teaching a student how to do their own research and watching that 'Aha!' moment when it connects what they learn in the library, works at school, but also works in their everyday lives. -- Joey M., Merced College

(A.) Thanks for the shout-out to librarians! One of the things that I love about this job is that I get to see children grow up over the years. Children coming to story time, or trailing after their parents in the stacks, change right before our eyes. Those happy little faces mature into poised young adults studying for AP exams or doing research papers. It is a wonderful...to meet great families and watch them grow! -- Bridget B., Monmouth County Library

(A.) It makes me smile when a child walks into my library smiling, because they finished a book and loved it and they want another book just like that one! -- Lauralee F.

Thanks to all the librarians who are taking the time to email. Remember, if you're a librarian and you send me an email this week, you'll be entered in my Librarian Chocolate Chip Giveaway: Suzanne@DearReader.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise this title deserves your attention:

(Fiction)
DRAGON CLAIMED by Donna Grant

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 04-10-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Two "funnies" from a reader to celebrate National Library Week.

What is the tallest building in the world? The library, because it has the most stories.

What do you get when you cross a librarian and a lawyer? All the information in the world, but you can't understand a word of it. (Reader's online source: jokes4us)

It's National Library Week. Giveaways every day for librarians and I'm baking for librarians, too.
.
Today's giveaway for librarians is a "Book Nerd" Pop Socket

To enter the giveaway, click here.

Thanks to all the librarians who are taking the time to email. Remember, if you're a librarian and send me an email this week, you'll be entered in my Librarian Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway. Email Suzanne@DearReader.com.

"Hi Suzanne! I am a high school librarian. The very best part of my job is helping a student who tells me they hate to read, find that hook book--the book that makes them want to read. I LOVE it when they take a book, bring it back two days later because they already finished it, burst into the library proclaiming it was the best book ever, and can I help them find another one? Best.Job.Ever!" -- Janet K., Library Media Specialist, Dover High School

"For a number of years I worked as a children's librarian and every year we had a contest called 'Stump the Library' where the children tried to come up with legitimate questions that we couldn't answer. It was fun and we were almost never stumped (although sometimes time ran out on us). We also played a weekly game called Calendar Clue, wherein I would post a hint each day leading to one answer, the hints getting gradually easier, and the student who got the answer first always got a small prize." -- Maryann C.

"As a reader who checks out material in California, books no longer stink of nicotine." -- Theadora G.

"I have been a librarian at three different libraries over eight years. In that short time I have seen a lot of changes. One trend is that DVD's check out more than books. People love to have access to free entertainment. At my current library we just implemented a new collection called 'Lucky Day Video' meaning that we get many copies of really new movies that, if they are on the shelf, it is your 'lucky day'! We still have the copies that patrons must put on hold and wait for their turn, but having new videos available for walk-in traffic has gotten huge attention by our walk-in public. Another awesome change is the checking out of ephemera. One such item that our library checks out to the public, that I am super proud to have started, is ukuleles! We have four ukes to check out just like books. I also teach beginning ukulele lessons, four times a year at my library, and we have a ukulele club that meets once a month! Change is sometimes hard, but can turn out to be so rewarding!" -- Jennifer G., Technical Services Manager, Rolling Hills Consolidated Library

To enter today's giveaway for librarians, a "Book Nerd" Pop Socket, click here.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-09-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's National Library Week. Giveaways every day for librarians and I'm baking for librarians, too.
.
Today's giveaway for librarians is (very cute) "Shh, I'm Reading Socks." (To see a photo of today's giveaway, click here.)

To enter, click here. 

Librarians are ready to answer your questions. Readers, email your questions to: Suzanne@DearReader.com

Librarians--share with readers what makes you smile when you think about your job? How has your library has changed over the years? How does your library interact with the community?

When you email me your thoughts, you'll be entered in my Librarian Chocolate Chip Cookie Drawing. Get ready to dunk and munch! I'm ready to bake for you. You can reach me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com

Book Club Readers Ask:

"Suzanne, my question for librarians. What do you think our future can hold? Will the Library contain our 'books' that will be represented by colorful, thin paper denoting the cover and then we scan them onto our phone or tablet? Could it be we walk in and connect to a super catalog computer? Will our libraries continue to be brick and mortar buildings, and contain our beloved paper books and be a museum?" -- Angel P.

"As an 'older' reader who is sometimes technically challenged, I'd like to ask a librarian if there are any books that can help define some of the newer terms I seem to be reading everyday. I get pretty frustrated reading about new updates that are just a string of letters (to my eyes anyway). I don't think I've worded this very well but I'd still like some help. I think libraries were and still are essential to communities. Thanks so much for always recognizing their importance." Sincerely, -- Maryann C.

"I'm curious whether libraries are not being visited as much these days because we all have access to internet for info?" -- Denise L.

If you're a librarian can you help these readers out? Send your email to: Suzanne@DearReader.com

Librarian Leanne M. replied to questions from Monday's column:

(Q.) How your job has changed over the years?

(A.) We were just having this discussion with a new employee the other day. She thought she would be spending more time helping people find books and instead is finding herself in almost a social worker role. Even though we live in a small community, we still have people with mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and homelessness issues. Often our time is spent trying to help folks in finding resources."

(Q.) What do you enjoy most about being a librarian?

(A.) The people I work with, our supportive community, the opportunity to make a difference, being able to bring quality programming to our patrons and residents.

(A.) Do you have a patron pet peeve, or something we (patrons) could perhaps do to better assist you?

(A.) Entitled people. I have one at the copier right now.

(Q.) What will the future library look like--only electronic books?

(A.) Oh no! We see our library being used more for meeting/study rooms, programming, concerts, remote workers space, etc. Thank you for the opportunity to sound off.

It's a week of celebrating National Library Week, including giveaways for librarians. Tell readers about your job and how libraries have changed, or answer questions posed by readers. When you do, you'll be entered in my Librarian Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway. Email me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com

And enter the giveaway for "Shh, I'm Reading Socks," click here.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 04-08-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

"Keep Calm and Ask a Librarian" We're celebrating National Library Week at the book club this week and every day librarians have a chance to win. Today's giveaway--10 "Keep Calm and Ask a Librarian" buttons. (To see a photo of today's giveaway, click here.] To enter the giveaway, click here.

Readers would love to hear from librarians this week. Predictions about how will libraries be changing in the future. Any library pet peeves? Things we as patrons might keep in mind when we visit the library? Or take a walk down memory lane sharing some memorable moments in your career so far. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts and when you do, I'll enter your name in the Librarian Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway. Email me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com

"Dear Suzanne, I'm the director at a community college library. My favorite work has been to beautify the space, add librarians, and switch our focus from processing books to instructing people. We work hard here to teach critical thinking about the materials these students experience in the world and in their research projects. We let them know about the wealth of resources we buy everyday that can inform and instruct them for life. But that's what we've always done--it's just the scale has ramped up... We've more than doubled the number of students we reach each year.

Books won't go away. Everyone loves the feel of it...the maturity of the 'technology of the book.' But we have added different forms of books such as audio books; we've connected our users with the statewide digital collection. We have the largest DVD collection in the area, and subscribe to a streaming Video service. Yet we virtually eliminated the reference collection. In fact, our newest library instructor is putting together a 'petting zoo' for books and journals and reference books and all the types of items we grew up with but have made the transition to digital or online access. How else will kids know what an index is? Abstract? Page numbers?!" -- Micaela A., Butler Community College

"I think you will see libraries much more involved in offering programs geared to meeting the needs of community members--almost like they did when public libraries first began in the U.S. Exercise and health-care programs, cooking classes, and many other types of programs that patrons need and want, will be found in libraries. Some paper books will still be around, but it will be more of a patron-driven collection rather than a 'collection-building' one. Electronic media will continue to increase in popularity except in children's departments, where research shows that physical books are needed by children to build the skills needed for success in our modern world." -- Karen H., Marion Public Library

It's a celebration and a thank you to librarians this week. I'm baking for librarians. When you share your thoughts with our readers, I'll enter your name in the librarian Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway. (I bake some mighty good cookies!) Email me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

** AUTHORBUZZ **

DRAGON CLAIMED (Fiction) by Donna Grant

I'm delighted to share the newest Dark King book with you. Join me on an emotional journey as the heroine, Gemma, confronts her past and the family who went missing with the help of a determined Dragon King, Cinaed, as they learn the real villain responsible--and a love so strong, so true that not even magic can stop it.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on DRAGON CLAIMED to read more and to email author Donna Grant, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-05-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Ask a librarian.

Next week we'll be celebrating National Library Week. Readers can pose questions for librarians, librarians can share their ideas about how libraries will be changing in the future, and I hope some librarians will take a walk down memory lane, sharing some of their quaint memories. Email questions, predictions and memories to me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com

Here's a cute one. It's a song you never forget. Retired librarian Judy H. from Glendale CA Public Library remembers...:

"I am a former public librarian retired for many years. A long time ago when libraries still used card catalogs I encountered two grown men standing inside a circle formed by a series of file cabinets alphabetically arranged. The men were scanning the cabinets, softly singing, 'ABCD EFG HI JK LMNOP....' (I guess they should have brought their kids.)"

"Hi Suzanne, I am new to the online book club. I have always wanted to join a book club because it is on my 'bucket list.' I love to read books, especially one that I can hold. Do you think libraries will ever have a 'Book GPS' so that it will locate the book for the patrons possible on a phone app, or maybe a kiosk they can use in the building?" -- Margaret M.

Tune in for the National Library Week Celebration. There will be daily giveaways, and if you're a librarian and you answer a reader's question, share a 'you'll never forget moment' or your thoughts about libraries in the future, you'll automatically be entered in my Librarian Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway. I'm ready to bake for librarians!

A Rare Opportunity...

There's a Teen Book Club offered in my line-up of reading genres, but I don't write the Dear Reader column for that one. Instead teens write for teens. Right now there are several openings for a teens to write the columns before the daily teen read. Many of our long time writers are heading off to college, so if you know a teen who loves to write, and they'd like to explore their talents, please let them know about this unique opportunity. Not only will they gain valuable writing experience, it will be an asset on a college application. I wish I would have had this opportunity when I was a teenager.

How does a young person become a writer? Simply start writing. To inquire about this writing opportunity, contact Susan at Teen@DearReader.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 04-04-19

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Monday's "I'm amazing!" column, reader replies...

"Hi Suzanne, I do think you're amazing for what it's worth for doing the daily book club newsletter, and I am sure there are other things that you do that are equally amazing. I was wondering if your hesitancy at admitting your amazingness is because of your gender? I don't mean to sound sexist but there are some, maybe many men who would boast about their awesomeness, even how amazing they are. I think women are sometimes by society and/or their mothers [taught] to downplay their successes whereas the men I know, aren't trained that way. I know it is a double standard and it is sad that our society is laid out that way. Would you say differently if you were a man? Would you be more boastful or proud? Just some food for thought. I had to write about this as it caught my attention..." -- Gregg H.

"As always, I enjoyed your column today. I want to share my amazing philosophy with you. I have just turned 70 and feel so fortunate to have reached that age with a wonderful family, nice friends, good health, and a comfortable, fulfilling life. Therefore, every day I tell myself 'I am amazing! I can't help it!'" -- Gail G.

"Dear Suzanne, My granddaughter tells me I am amazing quite often and it warms my heart that she feels that way, but like you, I find it hard to think of myself as an amazing person. I am a caregiver for my husband, mother and father and I just look at it as payback for all the love and help they give me, and have given me in the past. My parents have always been in my corner even if they didn't totally approve of my actions (those teen years!). My husband thanks me everyday for all I do for him. If that makes me amazing, I'll take it! Your friend," -- Barbara D.

"Good morning Suzanne, Isn't it sad that most of us are uncomfortable complimenting ourselves? I think that sometimes we need to give kudos to ourselves, as well as to others. I love your column, whether it makes me laugh or ponder on the subject of the day. Keep up the good work. Thanks," -- Paula K.

Have a question? Ask a librarian. Next week (April 7-13) is National Library Week, and we'll be celebrating at the book club with special giveaways and of course some of my homemade chocolate chip cookies for librarians. If you have a question you'd like to ask a librarian, email it to me and I'll ask our librarian book club readers to respond in next week's column. If you're a librarian, reading today's column, I'm curious, how your job has changed over the years? Email me, Suzanne@DearReader.com

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise this title deserves your attention:

(Fiction) THE YEAR MARJORIE MOORE LEARNED TO LIVE by Christie Grotheim

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader