The Librarian’s Christmas Tree
Posted on 30. Dec, 2009 by Andrea Berstler in All Current Posts, Latest Posts: Andrea Berstler
Librarian's Christmas Tree
This whole library tree idea has been floating around for some time. We found a few examples on the Internet. In fact, our Main Branch in Exton, PA created a similar tree in the local mall, which is where we got the idea. We did tweak it a bit for our lobby – here are some instructions:
Start with some books – actually, start with lots of books. We used adult non-fiction books because they are all of similar size (height, depth and width). Most of the books we used were donated titles. We selected them for their cover colors (red, green, white, gold). For once – it was good to judge a book by its cover.
Lay out your first row – placing the books end to end in a gentle circle. Each layer needs to be made of books that are the same depth so your tree does not tilt to one side. the next row should be staggered – like laying bricks. For the third row, we chose to make that layer of books open – this added a Pine Tree feel. You don’t have to do this – but if you do, you need to make sure the open books are also about the same height. For every 2 or 3 rows, the book in the back will have to be turned 90 degrees so that the rows begin to get every so much smaller as the tree goes up. Don’t rush this – it seems to happen on its own.
After approx 12 rows, we place a set of boards across the tree to tie the sides together. We used old wood shelves, but any strong board or even heavy duty cardboard would do.
We placed a second set of boards under the first vertical row of books. This row has 2 titles with the spine out and then one with the pages out. The “backward” book is fanned open to help support the rows above it.
After some additional horizonal books, we used a round piece of cardboard and some old VHS cases for the second set of vertical titles. Then topped the tree with small Books on Tape cases and a bow.
The whole tree is just under 6 feet tall. We forgot to count the items used – but best guess is around 250. We put the restraints around it because the tree’s exsistance created a need in people both young and old to see if they might be able to pull one book from the tree – sort of a monsterous Janga puzzle. It has received numerous comments and we are already wondering how we can top this next year.
Happy New Year!
Feeling like you are a Mile High
Posted on 30. Dec, 2009 by Andrea Berstler in All Current Posts, Annual Conference, Latest Posts: Andrea Berstler
Earlier this month I was privileged to spend 3 days in Denver. I can say that the air is dry, the mountains are stunning and the folks at the Crowne Plaza are warm and welcoming and are looking forward to seeing you all next October.
Denver is the site for the 2010 Joint Conference for ARSL (that’s us) and ABOS (Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services). It’s been a few years since we held a joint conference with our sister organization, but we are already hard at work, planning the upcoming conference.
Mark you calendars now- that’s right, set aside what you are doing while you browse this blog, get out your calendar, blackberry, Iphone or that scrap of paper you use to note dates and write this down – October 14 – 16, 2010.
Just a few previews – to help you decide to join us.
The location is the very lovely Crowne Plaza Hotel near the Denver International Airport. The hotel and conference center has a wonderful, open lobby, well lit conference facilities and warm, comfortable guest rooms. Speaking of rooms, the daily conference rate for the hotel is $99 (plus tax) per person per night and is available 3 days before and after the conference, in case you want to stay and explore Denver a little more. You can begin making your hotel reservations now – just make sure you mention the Library Conference when you call. A link for online reservations will be on our website soon.
We can let you know that two of the keynote speakers are Dr. Lorraine Roy, past president of ALA; and Pat Wagner, from Pattern Research. We are very excited to have these leaders in the library world as part of the activities.
The Conference Committee is hard at work preparing an exciting, interesting, fun-filled yet educational conference. We plan to begin accepting proposals for workshops beginning in February, so watch for that notice.
We are also hard at work organizing 2 preconference workshops, a welcome mixer and dine arounds, small evening excursions, an author lunch, a magic show and other fun events so you can chat with old friends, make new ones and enjoy the Denver Area.