2008

Book Clubs

Even though I really love to read, I’ve never been part of a sustained, organized book club. One of my favorite elements of college was the discussion sections for my English classes. I enjoy thinking about aspects of a text, analyzing them, and also getting to hear what others thought. Of my friends who’ve been part of book clubs, the general consensus seems to be, that after the first meeting or so, no one usually ends up reading the book, and the get-togethers become more haphazard and purely social affairs (which can also be fun, but deviate from the original goal.)

I’ve thought about trying to start a book club at the library. Do you think that students would want to participate, or are they too entrenched in their own studies, to want to pick up additional reading? Do you think library staff, or other faculty and staff from the Northeastern community would be interested? And how narrow of a book club topic yields the best inquiry?

iPod Addiction

Yesterday morning while getting off the commuter rail on the way to work, I did my usual routine of taking out my iPod and starting a favorite song.  However, when I took it out and pressed play– nothing happened.  I realized my battery was dead… and freaked out.  Easy fix though, right?  Just bring it home after work and charge it.  But, that would involve being without it for an entire day.  An entire back-from-a-week-and-a-half-off day.  I knew then what I never wanted to admit– I am addicted to my iPod. It never used to be this way.  I was probably the only one on the planet without an iPod, certainly the only one out of my friends.  I thought, “I’ll never get one.  I’ll never cave to society’s popular gadgets.”  But, when my other cheap-o mp3 player bit the dust, I decided it was time for a change.  Something a little more innovative, a little more durable– a little more like an iPod.  So I went for it and let me tell you: it was the best $150 I’ve ever spent.  Not only did I get an iPod, but I got the brand new 3rd generation nano.  Gasp. I listen to it on the way to work.  I listen to it at my desk.  Occasionally you can see me listening to it walking around the stacks while searching for media booking items.  Of course I listen to it on the way home from work and let’s not forget before I fall asleep at night.  I even got it a little protective case so it doesn’t get scratched.  I may even name it someday, but I don’t know if I want to go there, yet.  I am in love with this thing. Well, rest assure, the first thing I did yesterday when I got home was charge it so that it would be ready for today.  As a closing note,  I thought I would share with you all what I am currently listening to:  Gretchen Wilson- her album, Here for the Party (and I promise- this is the only country music on my iPod!) ~Tricia 🙂

Back at Snell

After a week in (not so) sunny California with my family, I’m back here in snowy Boston and in Snell Library. The break was good. It was nice to be able to walk outside without a coat on. It’s good to be back here though too. Next week the semester will start and things will get crazy but for now it’s still quiet. (I’m currently typing this at the Circulation Desk because there are no patrons to help.) Soon we’ll all be running around like headless chickens but for now I can enjoy the peace and quiet.