LibrarianBeat

Interview with Ariel Schrag

2011-10-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

After the extremely long hiatus of LibrarianBeat, Sarah ordered me to write something. She was serious and even gave me publishing privileges on this site. I sat for a while and then I thought about how much I love Ariel Schrag and how others should, too. So I emailed Ms. Schrag and played the Librarian Card, requesting an interview. It's easy to get people to do what you want when you preface the request with "I'm a librarian".

LB: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. To be honest, I was a bit surprised at how easily you agreed to answer these questions for LibrarianBeat. I didn’t even have to offer you money. Are you always so kind and easygoing or do you just love librarians?

AS: I don’t usually do email interviews – they’re so impersonal, and I get bored of typing out the same answers over and over. But for some reason I felt different this time. I do love librarians. My ex-girlfriend is a librarian. The Library is cozy, special place (or should be).

LB: How often do you get librarian fan letters? Were you even aware that you are loved by librarians, not just lesbians? Have you ever thought of dedicating a whole comic to librarians?

AS: I once had lunch with a large group of librarians. It was after a reading I did at a library. We ate chinese food and it was lovely. I do feel loved by librarians, as well as by lesbians, though sometimes hated by lesbians, too. I only really need one lesbian anyway... to love me for me. She could be bisexual too, that would be OK. She could be non-identified. That’s cool. By dedicating do you mean writing “For all the librarians of the world” at the beginning of a book, or do you mean writing a whole book about librarians? No to both.

LB: Librarians love cats and we all have at least one. In fact, we all are given one upon graduation from library school. Do you happen to have any cats? If so, feel free to send us a picture of your cat(s).

AS: No cats. I have a dead pit bull.

LB: Your books (Awkward and Definition, Potential and Likewise) are all about your teenage years in high school. Do you currently read Young Adult books? Have any favorite YA authors or titles, new or old?

AS: I just read “The Difference Between You and Me” by Madeleine George, which I thought was great and very sweet. I also liked Hunger Games.

LB: I looked you up on Goodreads, not because I am a stalker, but because I’m a librarian and I like to research. It looks like you have great taste in books and we share similar interests in subjects. How easy is it to become friends with you in real life?

AS: It helps if we live in the same city. I live in Brooklyn, you?

LB: If you could pick any writer or artist to collaborate with on a book, a comic, a screenplay, anything really, who would it be with and what would you do? They could be living or dead.

AS: Oh god Susan Sontag. We would write a comic about her life and work together.

LB: Was it any different writing lesbian adult drama for The L Word than it was writing lesbian teen drama in your comics?

AS: Very different. I think for obvious reasons.

LB: How was it touring with Sister Spit? I first got introduced to you when you stopped in Ann Arbor a couple years ago. Would you ever tour with them again?

AS: It was great! We are pack animals. Meant to travel in a brood and hunt for meat and sleep together. Sister Spit was one of the happiest months of my life.

LB: Your book Potential is being made into a movie. What’s it like seeing something you wrote as a teenager come to life on the big screen all these years later?

AS: Well, I have yet to see it on the big screen, but I imagine it will be very exciting.

LB: Do you have any secrets you’d like to spill to our librarian readership before we end this interview?

AS: Nah. But thank you!

2011-10-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

2010-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we here at Librarian Beat need to take a break from looking at pictures of cute YA authors to do things like plan summer reading, read every YA book published in 2009 (Thumbs Up! award committee represent!), meet cute boys...

Feb 2010....click for big!

2010-01-25T11:16:00.001-08:00

This Just In: Bookworms Cuter Than Jocks!

2009-08-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

One loyal Librarian Beat reporter recently had the chance to sit down with Jayne Williams, author of Slow Fat Triathlete and Shape Up with the Slow Fat Triathlete. After biking 40 miles into a headwind, we got down to business and asked Jayne the burning question on Librarian Beat readers' minds: which field has the cutest boys - publishing or sports?

Jayne says, "Oooh, excellent question. I have to say that triathlon has the athletic builds, but my heart beats faster for nerds with cool glasses."

There you have it: Nerds are irresistible. As if you didn't know that already.

2009-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

CONTEST

2009-04-06T12:40:00.001-07:00

Today is Monday!

Comment with your most amusing patron stories from the week! The author of my favorite gets a prize which may or may not come from a bag of things I found while cleaning out the furnace room (library storage areas have the COOLEST STUFF hiding in them...)

-Sarahjeanne
Editor In Chief

Reader Poll!

2009-03-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

POLL:

Who would you rather marry, Almanzo Wilder or Gilbert Blythe? Discuss in the comments!

Kate Beaton Interview!

2009-03-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

In our never ending quest for fame and fortune, LibrarianBeat has started harassing other actually famous people. Here's our interview with internet sensation Kate Beaton! (http://www.katebeaton.com)

LB: Kate Beaton you are an internet sensation. How exactly did that happen, and how would you modify the steps you took to becoming an internet sensation if you were a fake magazine for librarians?

KB: It happened by chance, actually. I worked at the same museum as Emily Horne from A Softer World, and after launching a website, she put a link up there. A Softer World is a pretty popular comic, so that made a big difference as far as having a lot of people see your work right away goes. After that, I guess because people liked it, I got more and more referrals and basically it spread through word of mouth. I have no advice as to how one does this at all.

LB: Do you ever read YA books even though you are no longer a Young Adult? Who is the cutest Young Adult author?

KB: Hasn't everyone read Harry Potter? It is an absolute delight. Also I am happy to have read Coraline before word escaped that it was to be made into a super hip movie. And cutest YA author hmmm I don't know... I believe I read a lot of R.L. Stein Fear Street as an early teen, but there is hardly anything cute about that.

LB: When I describe your comics to people, I say that you make exactly the jokes I'd make if I thought to make them. How are you so funny?

KB: I think it is just a matter of being in really tune with your personal sense of humour. Everyone has one. If you write humour in a general sense, or for other people, or copy someone else's style, it may not work out as well as writing something that you yourself find funny.

LB: What is most awesome about librarians, do you think?

KB: The fact that some of my good friends are librarians now that we are all settling in to the job world! They will make good ones, I think. I was a librarian once, or at least technically, an archivist assistant for a museum library and archives. You get to work around books all day, what could be better?

LB: Does being famous on the internet help you to meet cute nerdy boys?

KB: It brings them around now and then. To be honest doing this work has led me to meet many of the most talented and nicest people I have known, and that is a great plus.

LB: Based on the comics and other projects that you two do, I think you, Lucy Knisley, and myself should be best friends. How can an average person become friends with an internet or regular celebrity? With James Kennedy, we just had to buy him lunch. Are you all so easy?

KB: I met Lucy in Chicago once! She is a wonderful lady. It isn't hard to become friends with any internet personality, but just like anyone else you'd probably have to meet them a couple times first.

LB: Do you have a cat? If not, do you WISH you did?

KB: I don't have a cat but my roommates have a cat named Wednesday and she is perhaps the best cat there is, except maybe sometimes she could be more affectionate. But she sure is cute.

LB: Will you doodle us a sassy librarian?

KB: Gimme a minute

LB: Anything else our loyal readers should know about you?

KB: I'm a sucker for Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby is the funniest book.

Upcoming Interviews!

2009-02-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

Famous authors are pounding down the door to get into Librarian Beat! Well, practically. More like giving in to our pleading, but whatever. We’ve got two fabulous ladies lined up for upcoming interviews, so post your burning questions in the comments!

First, we’ve got Jayne Williams, author of Slow Fat Triathlete and Shape Up with the Slow Fat Triathlete. We’ll be joining her for a Spring Training weekend and getting the inside scoop on what makes this author and athlete tick! In the meantime, check out this Unshelved comic strip that features her first book: http://www.unshelved.com/archive.aspx?strip=20070923.

Second, we’ve got Jen Lancaster, author of the hilarious memoirs Bitter Is the New Black, Bright Lights, Big Ass, and Such a Pretty Fat. Her new book, Pretty in Plaid, will be released in May. If you just can’t wait until our interview is posted, check out her entertaining blog at http://www.jennsylvania.com/.

Ask Marian

2009-02-22T07:12:00.001-08:00

Got questions? Email our resident advice columnist at askmarian@gmail.com!

Dear Marian,

I recently scored my first job as a librarian. I love it, but I can’t believe how my co-workers dress! Dowdy shoes, no make-up, and holiday sweaters! These people wear buns without irony. I really think they are hurting the image of librarians. I dress well but I’m just outnumbered! How can I suggest that they update their looks without being mean?

Signed,
So Trendy, but You Look So Hideous

Dear STYLiSH,
True story – I showed up for my first day of work at the library wearing black leather pointy-toed stiletto boots with a 3 inch heel. I looked hot. I looked stylish. By the end of the day I looked like someone had broken my toes with the way I was hobbling around. As we were closing up, another librarian looked at me and said, “First day, huh? You’ll learn.”

The point is, STYLiSH, that there is something to be said for functionality. We’re on the go all day, so we do have to be comfortable. That being said, nothing makes me shudder like a festive holiday sweater. That’s not function; that’s just ugly.

The thing you have to understand, though, is that your sweater-wearing co-workers are still making an effort. Chances are high that when old Sally looked in the mirror this morning while putting on her coordinating shamrock earrings that picked up the green sparkles from her St. Patrick’s day vest just so, she took a step back to say to herself, “Daaaaang, girl, you look hot.”

You’ve got different styles, and that’s ok. If your co-workers show any interest in updating their looks, by all means bust out the fashion magazines and go to town. But if you bring up the fact that you think they could use a makeover, well, be prepared to stop being thought of as the fashionable one and start being thought of as the insensitive little snot.

Hot/Not

2009-02-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Checking out what's hot and what's not in the library/book world and the world at large...

HOT	NOT
Holding hair back with a pencil	Bobby pinned buns
Cardigans	Hooligans
Government support of libraries	Governor's elimination of History, Art and Libraries department
Homemade snacks in the breakroom	Leaving an unwanted bag of McDonald's croutons in the breakroom
Office 2003	Office 2000
Email due date notices	Stamped due dates on cards
Hybrids	Hummers

February Interview

2009-02-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Loyal Readers,

For this month I have scored an interview with KATE BEATON, the darling of the internet comics world. Got questions you've been dying to ask her? Let me know!

It turns out that the key to good journalism is to put interesting people on the cover of your publication AND THEN ask them for interviews!

If you haven't heard of Kate Beaton (you've been on the internet, right?) check out her insanely witty stuff at http://www.katebeaton.com. DO IT NOW!

Your EIC,

Sarahjeanne

February DOUBLE ISSUE

2009-02-02T12:41:00.001-08:00

Ask Marian

2009-01-30T18:33:00.000-08:00

Got Questions? Got Problems? Librarian Beat's advice columnist has the answers.

Dear Marian,

There’s a cute dad who brings his son to my storytime. He’s been coming for about two months and he usually hangs around after storytime is over and we chat a little, but that’s it. How can I tell if he’s single? How can I tell if he’s interested? He’s friendly and nice and sometimes I think he’s interested in me, but then I wonder if he’s just being polite. Last week he touched my arm when he was laughing at something I said – does that mean he likes me? I’m going nuts! Please help.

Signed,
Not Understanding The Signs

Dear NUTS,

Ah, the cute maybe-single dad, the bane of many young librarians’ existence. First, NUTS, I’m going to assume that you’ve checked for a wedding ring. Lack of a ring doesn’t guarantee single status these days, but it’s a good place to start. (And, seriously, married guys, slap on a ring or mention your wife early in the conversation and save us single girls a lot of unnecessary obsessing and confusion, will you?)

Now, some less-scrupulous advice columnists might suggest looking up your love interest’s library record and checking for women at the same address or with the same last name. I’m afraid that’s just not cool, NUTS. You’re going to have to put on your big-girl panties and tackle this one head-on.

That’s right, NUTS, you’re going to have to ask him. Now, we’re not talking a profession of your undying love here, but the next time you’re wrapping up your post-storytime chat try saying, “I’ve got to get back to the desk, but would you like to continue this conversation over coffee sometime?” We can’t guarantee he’ll say yes, but any reasonable man will be flattered by such an invite. Plus, you’ll spare yourself another two months of chatting amongst the puppets and big books while overanalyzing every gesture he makes. From what you’ve said it sounds like he may be interested, but there’s only one sure way to find out. Be casual, be cute, and be ready to put the image of the meek librarian to bed.

Hot/Not

2009-01-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Checking out what's hot and what's not in the library/book world and the world at large...

HOT	NOT
Knitting	Cross Stitch
PlayAways	Books On Tape
Daily Newspaper Delivery	3 Day-A-Week Delivery
RSS Feeds	Paper Memos
Alex Award Winner Pools	Super Bowl Pools
Librarian Beat	Library Journal
Denver	Detroit

February Horoscopes

2009-01-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

Librarian Beat's in-house astrologer lets you know what to expect this month.

Aries: (March 21 – April 19) You are full of big ideas this month, but certain stodgy coworkers are determined to block your efforts. Never forget that you are a brilliant visionary, and overcoming your opposition in ways that are both thorough and diplomatic is merely one extra step on your way to greatness. And while you’re taking those steps, don’t forget a pair of fantastic boots to make your climb all the better!

Taurus: (April 20 – May 20) That stubborn will of yours could get you in trouble if you’re not careful this month. Try to be a little more flexible with your friends and coworkers. A new whirlwind romance might be just around the corner, if only you can forget your rule about only dating someone without a Masters.

Gemini: (May 21 – June 21) Your sympathetic nature will make patrons and coworkers flock to you with their problems this month. Don’t be afraid to dole out a little advice, but remember to keep some emotional distance. You especially don’t want that creepy patron to get too attached, or you’ll never get rid of him.

Cancer: (June 22 – July 22) Those notorious crab claws of yours never like to let anything go, but it’s time to discard some things from your life this month. Try weeding your collection of those shabby 70s paperbacks and tossing a few high school fashion choices. If something isn’t serving your awesome self this month, it’s time to say goodbye. And why hang on to an unfulfilling old romance when there’s a hot new cataloger to meet in tech services?

Leo: (July 23 – August 22) We know how you tend to roar when censorship is suggested, but you might want to try a little self-censoring this month. Your coworker doesn’t need to hear that Stacy and Clinton would throw up their hands in horror over her work wardrobe, and sharing every criticism you have of your director won’t win you any favors when promotions become available.

Virgo: (August 23 – September 22) Expect to do some traveling this month: perhaps on an exciting spur-of-the-moment destination date, or maybe to an out of state professional conference. Wherever you’re going, be sure to pack wisely and keep your wits about you during happy hour.

Libra: (September 23 – October 22) As Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and aesthetic, you are always at the height of fashion whether giving a presentation to city council, or just hanging out at book club. And somebody new is going to be paying attention to you this month. Beauty tip: Mixing more than two argyle items in one outfit is only for experts!

Scorpio: (October 23 – November 21) A rare fit of temper could leave you wanting to tear your hair out this month, but try to just let it go. Yes you spent years of your life and dug yourself deep into debt to become a librarian, all because of your love of literature and a burning desire to serve the community, but some days you’re still going to have to deal with lunatics and direct people to the bathroom. You may as well just get used to it.

Sagittarius: (November 22 – December 21) You are one adventurous librarian, and it shows this month in everything from you outfit choices to you additions to the collection! Make that crazy spirit work for your career by taking on challenges your coworkers are too nervous to attempt. Organizing a poetry slam for teen patrons? You can do it. Getting your coworkers to play Rock Band during a staff meeting? Easy! You can do anything you put your mind to this month.

Capricorn: (December 22 – January 19) Hardworking Capricorn might need a break this month. Everyone knows you’re the go-to librarian when something important needs to get done, but let yourself loosen up and have a little fun as well! Try chatting with your reference desk partner during lulls, surf the web on your break, and consider a night out with your book club. You deserve it, and work will still be there tomorrow!

Aquarius: (January 20 – February 18) The stars are aligning for you this month! You are one glamorous bibliophile, and you know that any librarian who believes nobody makes passes at girls who wear glasses simply doesn’t have the right frames. Work that star power while it’s at its peak, and toss a wink at that sexy single parent who comes to story time.

Pisces: (February 19 - March 20) Everyone knows you’re a great listener, whether you’re conducting a reference interview or taking in all the staff gossip. You are the master of information in more ways than one. But while you’re keeping everyone else’s secrets this month, be sure to keep your own as well! Nobody needs to know about your crush on the library IT guy until you decide it’s time.

(ed. note: Anyone else humming that Weird Al song now? No? Just me? Okay. )

Man of the Month

2009-01-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

It’s not often you get to meet the whole family on the first date, but that’s exactly what happened on my date with James Kennedy last Saturday. Okay, so it was less a date and more a book signing attended by dozens of other people, but it was magical just the same.

After a lively performance, the adorable author allowed a group of Librarian Beat reporters to join him for lunch. He held open doors, listened attentively as we discussed our cats and our profession, and shared hilarious stories of his own. His polite manners, three piece suit , and Hugh Grantish good looks solidify his spot as Librarian Beat’s first Man of the Month.

A few days later, he answered our interview questions via Facebook message.

LB: I'm so glad you had fun at the lunch, and that you find us amusing and not creepy for putting you on the fake cover of our fake magazine. Don't forget us when you are inevitably rich and famous!

Speaking of the fake magazine, if you have a minute can you give us quick answers to the following ridiculous questions? It can only be good for your career, I promise.

LB: Librarianism: sexy profession, or sexiest profession?

JK: Draw your own conclusions. I've put my money where my mouth is: I'm married to one.

LB: How can a sassy and single librarian find an adorable YA author of her own?

JK: I understand they're available by mail order, like Sea Monkeys.

LB: Have you ever met John and Hank Green? Can you introduce us to them?

JK: Next year, the ALA plans to move all YA authors into one big dormitory in Miami. If I bump into John or Hank in the community bathroom, I'll see what I can do.

(ed. note: Let's all just take a moment to think about that, shall we?)
LB: Do you think women who wear reading glasses combine the best of both worlds and are thus irresistible?

JK: "Both worlds"? I've figured out that one of those worlds is astigmatism; what's the other?

LB: Would you be willing to read me a bedtime story?

JK: Sure! (I'll even throw in another story the next morning.)

(ed. note: James Kennedy! Stop flirting with me! Just kidding, keep going...)

LB: Do you need a personal assistant?

JK: Absolutely. Could you do all my Facebooking for me?

LB: What are your feelings about the Oxford comma?

JK: My feeling is that I just had to Wikipedia "oxford comma" to find out what it was.

LB: What's your sign?

JK: Pisces! What's more, I share my birthday with Yuri Gargarin, Amerigo Vespucci, Bobby Fischer, and Kato Kaelin. March 9, represent!

LB: What is your favorite:
Color?

JK: Blue.

Flavor of Ice Cream?

JK: Peppermint.

Thing to do on a rainy Sunday?

JK: Write.

Dance move?

JK: . . . it's complicated.
LB: What super-power would you choose?

JK: Super subtlety.

LB: Do you sing in the shower, if so, what?

JK: I try to imitate Bollywood musicals in fake Hindi.
LB: Coke or Pepsi?

JK: Coke.

And there you have it. Librarian Beat's very first Man of the Month!

Interview Questions

2009-01-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

We here at LibrarianBeat strive to bring you the highest quality swooning fangirl materials available. This Saturday a few of us will have an opportunity to meet and talk to our Man of the Month (and centerfold) James Kennedy! What burning questions do you have for this hunky (albeit married) YA author? Here's what I've got to work with so far:

1) Librarianism: sexy profession, or sexiest profession?
2) How can a sassy and single librarian find an adorable YA author of her own?
3) Have you ever met John and Hank Green? Can you introduce us to them?

Okay ladies, WHAT ELSE ARE YOU DYING TO KNOW?

2009-01-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

While gushing about Mo Willems to a co-worker today, I realized I sounded like my pre-teen self talking about Leonardo DiCaprio and an idea was born:

A magazine for librarians,Tiger Beat style, with posters and interviews for the fangirl (or boy) that still lives within each of us.

YA authors tend to be a charming sort of nerdy-hot, so of course the first cover would contain a bunch of them. Oh, John and Hank Green! SWOON! This was thrown together today (um, on my breaks, of course) and makes me laugh. If only it existed for real.

How far can we take this fake magazine?