Your College Library... It's kinda like heaven. Here's why.

The end of August is upon us. It’s the time when the sad truth haunts us in our sleep, gets blasted on the radio and is the fodder of commercials on tv. Summer is over and it’s now time to get back to school. In honor of this vainglorious season, I’d like to give you some tips on what resources you can find at your university/college library.

1. Text Books
   
   

Textbooks. Anyone who attends college knows the soul violation that is known as "buying books". A class textbook can run anywhere from $25 to $300. This does not include additional workbooks or supplementary readings that may run hundreds of dollars. Fortunately, the college library is a place that can give a little relief. Many libraries have a reserve section of textbooks just for students. Although you can't use the book for the entire semester, you can borrow the book for a short amount of time to read chapters, take notes, or do homework. The best way to take advantage of this service is to use your phone to take pictures of the pages, or scan the chapters you need and save them to a jump drive until you can get your own book.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please. Although it may seem like a good idea at the time, don't steal the library copy, or cut/remove chapters out of the book. Think about it, there are at least 25 other people in your class who need the book like you do. If the library has a copy, everyone wins. If the copy is stolen, one person has a temporary solution, but everyone after you (sometimes for years after you) suffers. Once the book is gone, most of the time, there's no money to replace it.

2. Computers and Printers and Scanners
   Most college students are sent on the road to higher learning with the essentials, new sheets, fluffy pillows, a microwave and a laptop. But they forget the REAL essentials... a scanner and a printer. Luckily the college library knows this. Most colleges provide several printers for those last minute print jobs. You may even have money allotted just for printing, which usually is accessed by using your student ID. Your campus library also provides hand held scanners or stand alone scanners, (the new version of a copy machine). The great thing about a scanner is that it allows you to copy material and save it to a jump drive, giving you access to your books, assignments and notes from any computer! Yay!!!! *This is a good time to mention, your student ID is a gold mine! Many business will give you a discount if you have a student ID, you can usually buy food on campus, get supplies from the bookstore and other useful things with your student ID. You might even get discount at city attractions such as museums and other exhibits! (Cool!)

3. Reference Librarian
   

   
   

   
   
   The hardest part about college is writing papers. Period. Everyone hates writing papers? Why? Because of the dreaded CITATIONS. (Booooo and hiss) Yup. APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and Chicago/Turabian style are all ways to make students feel inadequate and just plain dumb. But there's good news! Your college library has a reference librarian whose magical powers include in-text citations, work cited pages and bibliographies! She (or he) can show you websites, books and tutorials to make you a master of your writing destiny! And it's all free!
   
   
   
4. Books, books, books and more! Well... duh! LOL But really. People forget the college library has books of all genres, not just the ones related to school. Your college library can be a source for relaxation too. Most college libraries offer a variety of classic and new release movies and music for when you need a break from studying. These rentals are generally included in your library privileges and can be rented using your student ID. The library is also a good place to find the newest popular fiction, magazines and even comic books.
5. Study Rooms
   Your college library usually will have late hours and special rooms so you and your classmates can work on projects, study for tests... or do like I used to do... waste hours laughing at each other. Study rooms will be your best friend during exams. Trust me on this one.
6. Coffee…
   It may seem like a small thing, but 95% of college students would fail if it weren’t for coffee. Ok. I made that up… but I bet it’s true. Many libraries have opted for the learning commons model, which combines a computer lab, a coffee shop and a study area all in one. Students are given a more relaxed environment to meet with friends, grab a snack,  complete an assignment or relax in between classes.
   

8. Virtual help
   Today’s college library has joined the digital age. The library’s website allows you to conduct research, reserve books, watch tutorials and contact a librarian all from the comfort of your home, work or phone. Many libraries have “text a librarian”, a feature that allows you to ask a question by sending a text. Many libraries have a YouTube channel which is home to tours of the library, tutorials on all kinds of things from how to check out a book to how to site your paper using MLA. The library also allows free access to databases and Inter-library loans. This allows students access to information and resources from all over the U.S. And if your library doesn’t have what you need, they can order it for you from another university.
   

Your college library is an invaluable resource. The better you know your library the more you’ll get from your college academic experience.

Til next time,

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian.

The Afro Librarian Goes On Vacation!!!

Hey good people! I know it's been a while, but don't worry, I'm baaaaaack! My good good friend Elaine, allowed me to tag along with her and her family on a wonderful cruise excursion. It was the bee's kneesiest trip I've ever taken! Let me pause *pause* and take a moment to thank you personally Elaine for allowing me to celebrate my graduation sailing the seven seas! (or as rude people keep pointing out, "the Gulf of Mexico").

Last week, I sailed Carnival Cruise to Mexico where I visited Cozumel and Progreso. The cruise was filled with families gathering for celebrations and fanfair, couples and social groups of all sorts. I on the other hand was pretty much a loaner, which gave me a lot of time to reflect. There's something about being surrounded by water with only a man made contraption between you and death to make you stop and think... 

I began to see this trip as a spiritual journey, connecting me to my ancestors in a way I never imagined before. As an African American, it is probable that my ancestors at some point were surrounded by water also. As I sat on the deck, writing in my journal, I was mesmerized by the sheer beauty and power of the ocean. At the same time, my heart was heavy because I imagined the stress, grief and terror my ancestors endured on their journey from the African coast to the Americas. I said a prayer for the unrested spirits of millions of enslaved Africans that endured the middle passage, and gave thanks that I was able to appreciate the vast beauty of the Ocean.

Don't get me wrong. I didn't spend the entire trip in deep meditation. Nope. I AM the Afro Librarian, and being such, I had to have a unique librarian experience. Leave it to me to run into not one, but TWO infamous literary characters while galavanting around the ship.

Yes. You see it! That's the cat in the hat. (Try to contain your jealousy!) Turns out, there was a whole group of them, as that was the the theme of the night! Who knew???

I guess it's only right for me to sing Carnival Cruises' praises, in case any of you are on the line for trying a cruise. I say... do it. Do it!!!! The best part of the cruise for me were the excursions. When the ship landed in Cozemel, I opted for a getaway that had a purpose other than getting drunk and laying on the beach (although... that was done too. *Wink wink*)

Carnival had the social awareness to provide a tour of Cozumel city that went off the beaten path. The anthropologist in me was SOOOOOO geeked. LOL. We visited a church, an orphanage and part of our fees went as a donation to help the Cuidad de Angeles (City of Angels). Of course I found myself in the library... This is the library built for the children at Cuidad de Angeles.

This place was the real deal! So much good work going on there! (Check them out and send em a donation!)

Ciudad de Angeles

The next stop was Progreso. This place reminded me so much of Dakar, Senegal, it was scary. The architecture, the landscape, the weather...even the style of dress. I had to shake my head a couple of times looking at faces that looked like they could be my relatives. But nope... they were Mexican. (Yes, there are Black Mexicans. I saw them with my own two eyes!) 

I was blessed to visit the Mayan ruins... Anyone who knows anything about anthropology, knows you can't pass archaeology without knowing the Mayan ruins. So I HAD to go... 

I feel like I checked of yet another thing off my bucket list. Yay!!!!! 

I left the Triumph (the name of my ship) feeling blessed and refreshed. I can't wait to do this again. If you think you want to take a cruise, but aren't sure... Do it. It's like having 7 vacations in one. Unlimited food, inexpensive drinks, beaches, sunshine, music, movies and even a sauna and steam room. You can't beat it. Just stay away from the "night club"... Unless you are 18-23. LOL They took over! 

Anywho.... Until next time! 

Peace and Light, 

The Afro Librarian

It Goes DOWN at the Public Library!

Hello good people! It's Friday!!!! I would like to give a shout out to Katrina Guidry, fashionista extraodinaire from New Orleans. I was running errands yesterday and I ran into her. She called me "The Natural Librarian"... I was looking all confused, then I remembered, "That's ME!!! The Afro Librarian"!!!! She let me know this thing is working! Yay!!!!! (Hugs Katrina!)

I am sitting in the Mid-City branch of the New Orleans Public Library, using their free wi-fi, writing this weeks edition of the Afro Librarian. Which is so very appropriate, cuz this week I'm discussing the wonderful yet overlooked services of the public library. I'm going to focus mainly on the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL), but you can be sure your local library has something similar. (I mean... you can learn to read Braille or do community yoga at the Chicago Public Library!!! Shutcho mouth!) I got this information from the NOPL website's events page. There are event's for adults, teens and kids! (You can "Google" your public library's website and look for the "events" link on the main page.)
(http://www.nolalibrary.org/events?_submit=&date=&branch=&category=4)



Let me start with the whole reason for this blog... Last week I was at the library to use their color printer (another great service) and I saw a flier for B.Y.O.B Wine and Coloring  hosted every 3rd  Monday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Yes, the Norman Mayer Library (3001 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122) is providing a space and place for adults to unwind, color and get their drank on! Yes... you have to BRING your own wine, but still... how cool is that???!!!

B.Y.O.B. Wine and Coloring

August 15th (and every 3rd Monday)
Norman Mayer Library 

I got so excited! Then I realized, the public library is a wellspring of activities, but people never think of them as a source for information and entertainment. So... I'm here to fix that! Look at all these cool events!

If you know me personally, you know I'm a serious bike rider, so the NOPL Back to School Bike Repair and Safety Workshop really got me in my happy place! It's open to all ages. You can bring your own bike and participate in an hour and a half workshop that teaches basic road safety and basic mechanics and maintenance of your bike! You will leave knowing how to fix a flat tire and your rights as a rider. The link above is for the workshop at the Keller Branch, but if you can't make that one, there are also these...

Saturday, August 13, 2pm @ Alvar Library

913 Alvar St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Saturday August 20, 12pm @ Keller Library and Community Center

4300 S Broad ave, New Orleans, LA 70125

Saturday, August 27, 12pm @ Algiers Regional Library

3014 Holiday Dr, New Olreans, LA 70131

Saturday, August 27, 1pm @ Norman Mayer Library

3001 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122

NOPL also offers computer classes!

Wednesdays 10am - 11am, Saturdays 10am - 11am

Computer Class

East New Orleans Regional Library

Instruction in topics including: Internet surfing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and more! Check our monthly calendar for upcoming classes. No registration required. Every Wednesday & Saturday. (More)

Thursdays 11am - 1pm

Basic Computer Training

Alvar Library

Learn the basics about computers in this class.Every Thursday. (More)

Wednesdays 11am - 12pm

Computer Class

Martin Luther King Library

Learn computer basics in this class. Every Wednesday. (More)

NOPL even offers FREE Notary Public Services! Who knew????

Wednesdays 6pm -7pm, Saturdays 10am - 12pm

Free Notary Public Services

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

Free Notary Public services are offered in the sunroom. Please call 504-821-6633 to confirm availability. Every Wednesday & Saturday. (More)

You can even get free classes to help get your citizenship!!! (Whaaaat????) 

Saturdays 10am - 12pm

Citizenship Class

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

This class assists those who want to become U.S. citizens in preparing for the naturalization test.Every Saturday. (More)

Last on MY list, (but not last on the long list of events and services the New Orleans Public Library offers)... are free conversational language circles. So you can get your "bi-lingual" on! 

Tuesdays 6pm -7pm

Louisiana French Class and Conversation

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

Louisiana French Class and Conversation. Every Tuesday. (More)

Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm

Spanish Conversation Circle

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

Improve your Spanish in this informal, supportive conversation circle. Perfect for shy beginners or those wishing to revive their rusty skills. Sponsored by the Broadmoor Improvement Association. Every Wednesday. (More)

Tuesdays 6pm -7pm

English Conversation Circle

Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center

This group will provide a supportive, relaxed environment for those who want to strengthen their English-speaking skills. Join us for easy conversation and new friendships. Specifically designed for the ESL community. Sponsored by the Broadmoor Improvement Association. Every Tuesday. (More)

I hope this peeks your interest and motivates you to visit your local library's website. They have all kinds of services, workshops and events that are free and open to the public. You can find a million things for you and your family to do and you can encourage your children to value the library at the same time!

Y'all have a great weekend and GO VISIT THE LIBRARY!!!!

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian