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

I'm a strong BLACK WOMAN... with a new piercing!

Hello good people. After the head rushing success of last week’s blog (over 500 views!), I decided I needed to get personal. This blog is more of a testament to me, the strong, independent opinionated librarian you all are learning to love.

Well... something like that.  

What brought this on? This week I did an Earth shattering thing for a newly graduated Black professional of 46… I got a Monroe piercing. Yes… 

How radical. It was my way of celebrating my harrowing journey of 7 years of graduate school. Yes. Seven. And no… I don’t have a PhD. What I do have are two Masters degrees. Two hard fought Masters degrees, motivated by one conversation I had before I even made it in to graduate school… 

*fade into story mode*

A well meaning upper-middle classed white female Archaeologist/professor denied my request to write a letter of recommendation for me to get into the Anthropology program. Her reason was that I wasn’t dedicated enough to make it in graduate school. She based her opinion on the fact that I chose to miss class because I had to work. From that day on, I was determined that by hell or high waters, I would prove her wrong.

*exit story mode*

My graduate school years were anything but easy. I was divorced, moved to another city, my father died, I got re-married, got divorced again, and moved to a third city… all while trudging along the path to graduation. Every day of my life for the last ten years, I’ve had class of some kind. I’ve worked part time, full time, danced professionally, hustling several “gigs” at once… all with one goal in mind; graduation.

So… fast forward to 2016… After much gnashing of teeth and crying of tears, I was finally given the green light. Masters of Science in Anthropology and Masters of Library Science. Ms. Archaeologist said I wasn’t dedicated enough to get one, and here I am with TWO Masters degrees. (Take that naysaying professor). And it was here that I was faced with the scariest reality of my life.

I AM A 46 YEAR OLD PART-TIME LIBRARIAN WITH NO INSURANCE.

My dream of being scooped up upon graduation has not manifested.  Like many other newly graduated professionals, I am watching all my job prospects dissolve... leaving me with... me. 

My promise to myself was that when I graduated, I would celebrate with a Monroe piercing, something I’ve always wanted. Unfortunately, faced with the task of entering the tight and demanding job market, I was afraid of how it would hinder me professionally. What doors would be closed because of my natural hair, multiple piercings (I already have a nose ring and several earrings… and a defunct tongue piercing…) and tattoos. EGAD. But then… the silence of employers made me realize one very important lesson. No matter who hires me, I have to be true to me.

The real truth is this. I’m bad arse. Period. I have a Masters degree in Anthropology AND one in Library Science. I have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. (How many Black women can say that?) I’ve already taught hundreds of Black children who have grown to be wonderful successful members of society. I’ve conducted unique and groundbreaking research here in New Orleans and I help young college students every day to be successful through research and technology. So. I’ve earned the right to be me. To do me. No one has to approve me. I can make my own way.

So. That’s what I’m doing. This piercing was my way of reclaiming my soul. This piercing solidifies my worth as a Black professional who can define my own terms. If no one hires me, screw them. I know how to create my own roads. I spent 7 years learning to be a bad arse. I’m ready to show the world me. I hope the world is ready!

So... Here's a video for those that requested to see me in person. I was in "going to bed" mode and made this video to see if it works. It was the most genuine take I've done, so you get the raw and uncut, wild fro "Afro Librarian". I hope you can hear me... Please leave comments etc (Be nice... or I'll find you... cuz I'm a researcher) letting me know about the sound quality etc of the video. 

Til next time, 

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian

All Jokes Aside: How are there no consequences for Melania Trump's plagiarism?

SPECIAL EDITION

I woke up this morning to a news story that blew my afro back. Melania Trump, a woman who may very well be our next First Lady, stole significant portions of her speech from none other than, First Lady, Michelle Obama. Yes, a section of Melania Trump's speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention, was, according to Brad Plumer of Vox.com, "virtually identical to a passage from Michelle Obama's convention speech in 2008". (See what I did there? I gave credit to the actual writer of that phrase... because... integrity.)

*Pause*

CNN FaceBook Post

https://www.facebook.com/cnn/photos/a.369810096508.159795.5550296508/10155056623656509/?type=3&theater

Yes. Pause. Because I need a minute to wrap my mind around all that is implicated by Mrs. Trump's actions. I am a reference and instruction librarian at a local community college. Believe me, I get the whole "I need help writing my speech" dilemma. You can't figure out the right words, you're stuck on specific details, you know WHAT you want to say, but not HOW to say it... then you see it! Already written perfectly...Eureka! The answer to all your problems!

"I'll just add their words to my speech!"

 *cue lights from heaven and angels singing* 

But the cold hard truth is that what you just did and what Melania Trump did was plagiarism, taking someone else's work and passing it off as your own. In an academic setting, plagiarism can get a student kicked out of school, get a professor fired, and ruin his/her reputation for life. Don't believe me? Ithenticate.com is a service that helps prevent plagiarism (for a small fee). They list 5 consequences of plagiarism as

1. Destroyed student reputation
2. Destroyed professional reputation
3. Destroyed academic reputation
4. Legal Repercussions
5. Monetary Repercussions

Interestingly enough, none of these consequences seem to be happening to Melania Trump or her staff of writers. CNN.com just posted 46 minutes ago, "No one to be fired after Melania Trump speech plagiarism episode."

No. Like for real. 

The Republican National Convention is not English 101... This is an event which serves as the precursor to choosing the man or woman who will lead our country for the next four years. Mrs. Trump didn't open the door to get the mail and find the RNC at her door demanding she give a speech. No. There was a TEAM of people whose charge it was to make her and Donald Trump look good. And not one of those people will suffer any consequences. 

But more importantly, if they don't care about stealing someone's work on national television, where everyone can see them... what does that say about their character? their leadership? their integrity? Or even just their common sense?

Although I see no legal consequences for Melania Trump's transgression, the Internet has provided an onslaught of comic relief during this difficult time. Difficult, because we are shown, yet again, that the United States' leaders are not even held to the academic standards of a 5th grader. Melania Trump's plagiarized speech was disrespectful, dishonest and dishonorable. But the Internet will not let Mrs. Trump slide! For that, I am grateful. 

Thanks Internet for the unlimited supply of meme-ry! (Yes, I made that word up... I do that  sometimes). Keep on dragging, America. You're making me proud!

Til next time, 

Peace and Light

Afro Librarian

Sources for this blog:

Krieg, Gregory, Bradner, Eric, & Scott, Eugene. No one to be fired after Melania Trump speech plagiarism episode. CNN Politics. CNN, 19 July, 2016. Web. 19 July, 2016.

Six consequences of plagiarism. Ithenticate, 2015. Web. 19 July, 2016. 

Photo Credit: The Bright Light from Heaven. By Indy Kethdy https://www.flickr.com/photos/indykethdy/5208804978

Children's Books: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Hey wonderful people! Welcome back! It's me, the Afro Librarian. Yes, I'm African-American. But the "afro" in the Afro Librarian refers to my big fro. Yup, my fro is finally SUBSTANTIAL, and I wanted to give honor to God... and to my fro. ;) Hence:

THE AFRO LIBRARIAN!!!!

Just wanted to clear that up. 

So... One of the many things I do in my spare time is babysit. I love it cuz kids are funny! Whew. I mean, there's nothing like a seven year old criticizing your driving AND your sense of direction as though she'd been driving for 47 years.

 "Mama Shukrani", this is not the right way to our class!" 

Exactly. THAT'S the face that greeted me when I looked in the rear view mirror. 7 year old got me out here questioning my life choices... because she was right.  

But I bring up this wonderful child because she. is. BRILLIANT! When I met her at the tender age of 4, she had a book in her hand. As an educator, I know this is a major factor in why she's so brilliant. When her mother found out she was pregnant, she read to her from that day on... and now the child has picked up the torch and is running with it. 

I can't begin to emphasize the importance of surrounding children with books, books and more books. (But this nifty meme I got from http://www.bellavidabyletty.com/benefits-reading-purpose/ can.)

I especially agree with the next to the last one, "Makes you looks sexy". Nothing is as sexy as a man reading a book. Pidd. ("Period", for my Ebonic-free readers).

But wait... I'm talking bout the kids right... sorry... I digress.

Those of you with children will be glad to know that reading to your children also has its benefits. 

• It helps develop your child's imagination
• It increases your child's vocabulary 
• It enhances their concentration and focus
• It calms and relaxes them at bedtime

Reading is also a good way to bond with you children, so let me give you a nifty link to help you buy books for beautiful Black and Brown babies. I ran up on this wonderful resource and thought this would be the perfect place to share.

Black Children's Books and Videos
http://www.blackchildbooks.com/

BlackChildBooks.com features a comprehensive collection of black oriented children's books sold by Amazon.com (but not through its independent sellers). The site organizes almost all of the African-American-oriented children's books scattered on Amazon.com.

Hope you enjoy the list! Now go out there and buy you some books for the babies!!!

Til next time,

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian

I'm Coming Out!!!

First and for most, I'd like to introduce you to my page! Welcome and thanks for joining me!




Let me tell you a couple things about myself, then we can go from there. I am a 46 year old newly graduated librarian who works at a community college as an adjunct. I love helping people get their lives together, introducing new technology to my students, and talking about current events. I figured I need a platform to share my ideas, my rants, my insight to people of color! I mean, there aren't a WHOLE lot of African American librarians out there... I feel like I need to represent!

Look at me like the Harriet Tubman of the academic world. I'm outcheer rescuing souls! LOL Follow me and I'll set you free.



That's me... calling you to get in the car so we can get outta dodge! LOL But seriously...

I will cover all sorts of things in my blog... Book reviews, bibliographic tutorials, general academic rants, all in an effort to make life a little easier from a reference point of view. My approach is to speak regular 'ol English and to bring good information for all to share.



So... with that being said, let's see what this baby does!

Til next time,

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian.