Book lovers, there’s a new free online resource for keeping track of reading lists—all-time favorites, to-read, inspirational titles, any and all the reading lists one could dream up—and that is the new social network Pinterest. Authors, readers, publishers, libraries, and bookstores of all varieties have been giving the site a chance, but is this self-proclaimed “virtual pinboard” for you?
People and companies are using it to organize and show off their favorite things—not just book-related items, but literary-minded folks will find good company—on digital bulletin boards by uploading photos and graphics directly from their computers and smartphones and by “pinning” (the verb form derived from the website’s name) images and graphics they like from websites. Any user can have an unlimited number of boards, and each board can have an unlimited number of pins. Bookworms have definitely found a home there—“Books Worth Reading” is one of the most common board themes.
Queens Library is using Pinterest to browse book covers people have uploaded onto Pinterest, discover great finds from “pins” (the noun formed from the website) from others in the community, and share what we’re reading now, some of our all-time favorite reads, our summer reading recommendations, and more. If you’re a member, follow us! If you’d like to learn more about creating an account on, and making the most of, Pinterest, check out our Pinterest Tutorial, created by our staff—just for you!
Think Pinterest isn’t for you? That’s OK. We’ll still offer the more traditional form of our staff picks posted online and in our libraries.
As always, we’d love to hear more from you. What do you think of Pinterest? What do you think about using social networks to find out more about authors, reading, libraries, and more? Let us know by leaving a comment. Thanks for reading!
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The excitement still continues for those who participated in this years Green Resources fair. Held at the Broadway Library on Saturday July 21, this fair attracted over 300 participants. There were various vendors and many fun activities to take part in. The Environmental Assistants from various branches showed children how to make upcycled crafts. Children were able to identify leaves, paint rocks, and make miniature pencil holders out of plastic bottles! One vendor in particular showed people how to make their own composting! Another showed people how to fix flat tires, while one special vendor showed people how to make their own tea bags. There were raffles and giveaways. A few of the prizes offered were, a tee shirt, a cloth tote bag, and a child's mountain bike. Everyone walked away with a Greening Library tote bag, and a choice of a basil, parsley, cabbage, pimento pepper or begonia plant. Many people walked away looking forward to attending another Green Resources fair.
Children at The Woodside library created their very own eco-friendly envelopes. Using old magazines and NYC transit maps, glue, scissors, and a sticky label, the children made envelopes of various colors and sizes. The children used sample cut outs as guides,which resulted in a fun and easy activity. Every envelope had a personal touch to it. Even parents started to join in once they saw how nice the envelopes turned out. If there is interest in learning how to make envelops simply leave a comment under this post and a member of our team will contact you.
Astoria Library holds a weekly Summer Reading Program; children from the age 5 and up are welcome to join. (The summer reading program requires you to sign up with Mrs. Sofia, so we may would be able to know what reading level you’re at). Books are picked out according to reading level, while the children are assigned to a group according to their reading level. One of the books read was The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen, (donated by the Read & Seed Club). The children read a book about how an imaginary garden came to be with just Theo’s love and the help of Poppa. The children later on answered a questionnaire, so we know that they not only just read, but they are able to apprehend what they read.
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Erik’s Reptile Edventure came to Steinway library this week and put on an amazing interactive performance for the kids. Erik, the Reptile Ranger, came in with different creatures including: two different kinds of snakes, toads, a snapping turtle, a lizard and even an endangered alligator! The kids loved being able to learn about these different types of critters AND being able to touch some of them. One brave girl, had the opportunity to feed the alligator a dead mouse! This program was definitely enjoyed by all and we can’t wait for Erik and his reptiles to visit us again!
On Friday June 15th, Stephanie Huffaker visited the Woodside Library to show us all how to make her wonderful and eco friendly bracelets. This fun craft included regular bangles, tape, a needle, clear thread, Plastic bags of various colors and LOTS OF PATIENCE! Not only were the bracelets beautiful but they projected a conscious effort in helping to make our world a greener place. Are you aware that plastic bags take approximately 20 to 1000 years to breakdown? They simply sit in landfills or end up killing over 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles. It’s our job as consumers to ensure that this doesn't continue. Simply reuse your bags, by turning it into something as simple and fun as a bracelet!