25 Gifts for Librarians under $25

Looking for a gift for a book lover, librarian or yourself? Try one of these items under $25.

Book Bag Shopper $11.99

Library Card Yellow Socks $10

 World of Books Puzzle $23

Reading Journal $6.50

Sexy Librarian Soy Candle $18

Unshelved Card Catalog USB $20

Vintage Penguin Colors Book Earrings $20

DIY Book Folding Pattern: Read $4.45

Card Catalog Notecards $20

Fabric Library Card Ornament $12.50

Secret Garden Book Soap $7

Glasses Ring $6.35

ThumbThingy Book Buddies $3.49+

Olde Book Pillow Classics $25 each

Secret Compartment Bookshelf Box $14.50

Personalized Book Stamp $22

 Zipper Bookmark $9

Novel Teas $12.50

The Book Lover's Page a Day Calendar 2017 $15

Book Shaped Saucer & Stackable Cup $14

Curled Up with a Good Book Tote Bag $20

 Love Between the Lines: An Adult Coloring Book for Book Lovers $11

Librarian Pin $10

 Book Nerd Ornament $10

 LuminoLite Rechargeable LED Reading Light $17

3 Unbiased Election Websites to Recommend to Patrons

Are you or your patrons struggling with locating neutral information about election candidates? This was a question posed on Facebook recently, and the librarian community stepped up with three great suggestions. We thought we'd cover them here today so this information isn't lost in the black hole of the internet.

Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia call themselves the Encyclopedia of American Politics. We found them really easy to navigate and learn of general information about the candidates on your ballot. If you click on their names, you'll be redirected to a very comprehensive report on where they stand on the major issues, their campaign trail, and the polls. You won't find quick answers here on where they stand, but they are unbiased. 

They also provide all of the local measures and if you click on them, you'll be redirected to a page which provides an overview, background, who supports and who oppose and their reasoning why, campaign finance and more.

Vote Smart

Vote Smart's website is a little bit confusing in the beginning. You must type in a candidate's name or your zip code BEFORE you can click on the category folders. And the zip code might have too many district. Even when I provided my exact address, the list of candidates included people who weren't on the ballot. So, it is better to search for specific people on this website.

The categories are really helpful. They include the bio info, their votes, their positions, ratings, speeches, and funding. Vote Smart is a supporter of the Political Courage Test, which asks candidates to provide voters with their positions on key issues. Most candidates refuse to take this test, so Project Vote Smart has taken the time to research the presidential and congressional candidates' likely responses, based on their public statements and voting records. For those who don't want a comprehensive read, this section provides a simple yes or no to each key issue.

Vote 411

Vote 411 provides full election information from the League of Women Voters. Not only can you learn about your candidates, but they also provide the answers to all aspects of the voting process:

• Absentee ballot information
• Ballot measure information (where applicable)
• Early voting options (where applicable)
• Election dates
• Factual data on candidates in various federal, state and local races
• General information on such topics as how to watch debates with a critical eye
• ID requirements
• Polling place locations
• Registration deadlines
• Voter qualifications
• Voter registration forms
• Voting machines

While they do provide a personalized ballot, showing you who are the candidates that are running for office and where they stand on issues, we have found that they don't always provide more info than people's names. So, double check for your district before you recommend this website. Editor Note: We are unable to find any personalized ballots at this time, so we're now thinking that perhaps this part of the website is currently down. Hopefully, it'll be back up soon and provides more information than candidate names.

And there you have it -- in less than 5 minutes, three great and neutral websites that'll arm your patrons with the knowledge they're seeking. Happy voting, everyone!

Much Needed Laughter: Unshelved

Today we're highlighting a very special library webcomic: Unshelved.

For those of you who already know about it, you're lucky!

For those of you who haven't yet been introduced, this article is for you.

Unshelved is set in a library, following library staff as they go about their daily lives. It is created by Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes, who truly understand librarianship. (Gene, which is his pen name, actually works/worked in a library, and it shows!)

As we all know, there is a lot of humor to be had when working with the public and figuring out whatever our library mission is in this day and age of change. I follow them on Facebook and had their comics set to be first in my newsfeed so I was sure to have my daily laugh.

Unfortunately, after fifteen years in the business, it was decided that this year will be their last year creating new Unshelved comics. They are in the process of making their 12th and final collection, called Overdue. If you would like to buy a copy, make sure to jump on over to their Kickstarter campaign and do so before Friday, November 4th. They have long since met their goal, but they will not be printing many extra copies. They are also offering lots of other goodies like the signed editions or the complete Unshelved ebook collection.

The good news is that their archive of comics will still be available online, even if you miss the Kickstarter campaign. Their Facebook page will still be active, showing classic comics from 15 years of humor. I highly recommend checking them out!

And don't forget to stop by their store, where you can buy cool stuff like a USB drive in the shape of a card catalog drawer or t-shirts.

Unshelved, you will be missed. No one has understood libraries like you. Thank you, Ambaum and Barnes, for over a decade of laughs!

Ready to Go! Book Display: Classics Reimagined

Welcome to our series, "Ready to Go!" Book Display. Once a month we'll highlight the latest or greatest for every age group (Adults, Teens, and Children) that you can promote within your library or order for your collection. This month we are focusing on classic books that have been reimagined.

Adult

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith (Mar 2009)

A mysterious plague has fallen about the quiet English village of Meryton - and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennett is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire (1995)

Set in an Oz where morose Wizard battles suicidal thoughts, the story of the green-skinned Elphaba, otherwise known as the Wicked Witch of the West, profiles her as an animal rights activist striving to avenge her dear sister's death.

Longbourn by Jo Baker (Oct 2013)

A reimagining of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" from the perspectives of its below-stairs servants captures the drama of the Bennett household from the viewpoint of Sarah, an orphaned housemaid.

Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope (Oct 2013)

The Austen Project pairs six bestselling contemporary authors with Jane Austen's six complete works: Sense & Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Persuasion and Mansfield Park. Taking these well-loved stories as their base, each author will write their own unique take on Jane Austen's novels.



Teen

Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (Aug 2016)

When Elinor Dashwood's father dies, her family's finances are crippled. After the Dashwoods move to a cottage in Devonshire, Elinor's sister Marianne is torn between the handsome John Willoughby and the older Colonel Brandon. Meanwhile, Elinor's romantic hopes with Edward Ferrars are hindered due to his prior engagement. Both Elinor and Marianne strive for love while the circumstances in their lives constantly change. Other titles in this series includes: Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, The Scarlet Letter, Pride & Prejudice, Les Miserables, and Emma.

Splintered by A.G. Howard (Jan 2013)

A descendant of the inspiration for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, sixteen-year-old Alyssa Gardner fears she is mentally ill like her mother until she finds that Wonderland is real and, if she passes a series of tests to fix Alice's mistakes, she may save her family from their curse.

Beowulf adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds (Mar 2007)

A graphic retelling of a Scandinavian warrior named Beowulf who, after defeating great evils, meets his match in the death-dragon of the deep. Hinds has written other retellings including: The Odyssey, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth.

Great by Sara Benincasa (Apr 2014)

In this contemporary retelling of The Great Gatsby, seventeen-year-old Naomi Rye becomes entangled in the drama of a Hamptons social circle and a tragedy that shakes the summer community.

The Wrath & The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh (May 2015)

In this reimagining of The Arabian Nights, Shahrzad plans to avenge the death of her dearest friend by volunteering to marry the murderous boy-king of Khorasan but discovers not all is as it seems within the palace.

Messenger: The Legend of Joan of Arc by Tony Lee (Sept 2015)

A graphic novel retelling of the story of Joan of Arc, who inspired and led French armies to fight for freedom against the British, only to be captured and executed when she was nineteen years old.

The Fall by Bethany Griffin (Oct 2014)

A retelling of Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Fall of the House of Usher' in which Madeline and her twin brother, Roderick, suffer from the Usher family illness but she hears the House talking to her, filling her dreams, controlling her actions, and ensuring she never leaves the property.

Kids

BabyLit Primers: Little Women by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver (Sept 2016)

These board books introduce the youngest readers to classic literature.

Other titles in this series includes: Pride & Prejudice, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Jungle Book, Moby Dick, Alice in Wonderland, Sense & Sensibility, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Les Miserables, Sherlock Holmes in the Hound of Baskervilles, Don Quixote, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Odyssey, Emma, The Secret Garden, Romeo & Juliet, Wuthering Heights, Jabberwocky, Anna Karenina, A Christmas Carol, Treasure Island, and Dracula.

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Richard Unglik (May 2016)

Reimagine one of Sherlock Holmes' most popular mysteries using the beloved Playmobil characters and figurines.

Macbeth #killingit by William Shakespeare and Courtney Carbone (Jan 2016)

William Shakespeare's tragedy told in the style of texts, tweets, and status posts. Other books in the OMG Shakespeare series include: A Midsummer Night #nofilter, srsly Hamlet, and YOLO Juliet. There's another series called OMG Classics that currently includes Scrooge #worstgiftever and Darcy Swipes Left.

Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog by Ralph Hardy (May 2016)

Retells the epic tale of Odysseus, the ancient Greek hero who encounters witches and other obstacles on his journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, told from the point of view of the steadfast companion who never gives up home of his master's safe return.

Please Share, Aphrodite! by Joan Holub and Leslie Patricelli (Sept 2015)

An illustrated, easy-to-read board book retelling of the Greek myth of The Judgment of Paris, in which Aphrodite, awarded a candy apple, hurts the feelings of Hera and Athena with her gloating. Other books in the Mini Myths series include: Play Nice, Hercules!, Be Patient, Pandora!, Don't Get Lost, Odysseys!, Brush Your Hair, Medusa!, Good Job, Athena!, Be Careful, Icarus! and Make a Wish, Midas!



Library Halloween: Costumes for the Last-Minute Librarian

Halloween, how do we love thee? Of course, when you're programming, weeding, ordering, organizing, doing statistics, and everything else in our daily lives, holidays can sneak up on you. In the interest of making this holiday fun without adding any extra stress, we present a variety of inexpensive, book-themed costume choices for the Last Minute Librarian, some of which cost no money at all!

Zombie Librarian

It's our very own Kat!

Zombie Librarian (or, a zombie version of whatever random costume you have) - you need some face paint, fake blood, and talcum powder. Wear your already-ripped-and-stained librarian clothes, add some dirt and/or fake blood, and put talcum powder in your hair. There's a quick makeup tutorial here, which Kat wrote while working at the Lawrence Library in Pepperell, MA. (Note: Be careful wearing this one in the kids' room! It can be a little scary for little guys.)

Cat in the Hat

  

via thedomesticdiva

Cat in the Hat - you need a black sweatsuit, a floppy hat, and a long piece of felt that you can tie into a bow tie. Add white or blue gloves and a little facepaint for a black nose and whiskers, and you're all set! 

Where's Waldo?

via Buzzfeed

Where's Waldo - Waldo is easy as pie! You'll need a red and white striped shirt and hat, blue jeans, and glasses. Adding his accessories (binoculars, a cane, a camera, etc.) can be fun, and you might already have them! Waldo's girlfriend Wenda is similar - instead of jeans, you'll want a jean skirt and red and white striped stockings.

Junie B. Jones

This one is from a school's Read Across America day!

Junie B. Jones - Much like Fancy Nancy, all you have to do here is wear a lot of loud patterns and colors at once, and tie a big, floppy bow on your head. Glasses are helpful but not mandatory. Sassy attitude is mandatory.

Fancy Nancy

It's Kat, again.

Fancy Nancy - This one is super easy. Put all your fancy clothes on at once! Bonus points for feather boas, fancy sunglasses, and any thing with lace, sparkles, or rhinestones.

Ms. Frizzle

via Twigsofthebranches

Ms. Frizzle - Everyone's favorite teacher. This one is especially fun because you can pick any topic there is, and Ms. Frizzle has probably taught about it. Cut out some felt shapes and stick them to an existing dress (and shoes), and put some in your hair. Special kudos for adding Liz the lizard.

If You Give A Mouse a Cookie

via ECYD

If You Give a Mouse A Cookie - overalls, a gray shirt, and a big, paper cookie! Mouse ears (which appear homemade here, and look fabulous) and a pink mouse nose with black whiskers complete the look.

I Spy

via tpcraft

I Spy - What a fun idea! Stick some stuff to the front of your shirt, and a list of what's there to the back! I love that the boy in the photos also has a book and a magnifying glass.

Olaf

via eastcoastmommy

Olaf - Because everyone has been Elsa by now.

The Paper Bag Princess

via scissorsandthread

The Paper Bag Princess - You could make the dress out of a large paper lawn bag, or a roll of brown butcher paper. The crown would be the same, but painted gold. (Pro tip: If wearing this to work, you'll want to wear something underneath it.)

Lady MacBeth

via xovain.com

Lady MacBeth - for the adult librarians out there! Put on a long nightgown, mess up your hair, carry a candle, and have (fake) blood on your hands, face, and nightgown. (If you're feeling adventurous, you could have a dagger, too.) If anyone bothers you, you're allowed to tell them, "Out! Out!"

Superman/Clark Kent

via http://cultmontreal.com - this was a ComicCon cosplay

Superman/Clark Kent - for the gentlemen out there. Wear your usual button-down white shirt, but have a Superman t-shirt underneath. You can either show it to people when they ask where your costume is, or keep it partially unbuttoned with your tie thrown over your shoulder to show that you're transitioning between the two. (Glasses a must for Clark Kent.)

Of course, we'd love to see what other ideas you come up with! Please let us know (and show us pictures!) in the comments here, on our Facebook page or on Twitter.