Week 16 Prompt

Reading has always been a part of my life.  When I was in elementary school, I did not care very much for reading, mainly because I saw it as a chore because my mom would want us to read a lot over the summer, and I just wanted to play outside rather than read inside.  As I got older, I started to become more aware of what kind of books I was interested in.  It was probably around high school when I started to spend more time reading than hanging with friends or going out.  I remember taking an Adolescent Literature class in college and it was probably my favorite class because I got the chance to read more literature and discuss about it with my classmates.  As I got older, I began to understand how there are other ways of reading, like using audiobooks and ebooks.  I do not know if I will ever use any of these since I prefer the physical material, but I do know I will never stop reading.  As I get older, I may not be able to read as much as I have been able to now, but I know I will continue to read more novels and search for other novels I may enjoy, either from the library or bookstores.  I really hope people will continue to interact with books and not let technology take away the pleasure of reading a good book.  I do not think technology will completely take over since there are people who prefer physical materials than using technology.  There will be plenty of new materials in the future, and I hope to broaden my horizons more and challenge myself to read books that I may feel uncomfortable or am not very knowledgeable about.  I will continue to read many books and explore many new worlds.

Week 15 Prompt

There are many ways a library can market their collections.  One way that I know is to have displays all around the library.  These can be certain genres, certain series, etc.  There are many ways a library can display their collections, even creating little bookmarks on the books that can also tell if they are available in ebook or audiobooks, or even if someone has recommended it.  Another way I can think of is using online tools, like Pinterest or Facebook.  These sites are very popular for people to use, and if more people see them, the more likely they will visit the library.  Also, the library's newsletter, or even the community's newsletter is a good way to spread the word.  At my library, they have monthly newsletters that talk about the library, upcoming programs, and future events.  Technology is becoming the norm for people to use, and if more people use these specific sites, they can become more aware of what is around the community. 

Week 14 Prompt

Libraries separate their books so patrons can find them easily.  But what about LGBTQ and African American novels?  Should they be separated into categories.  I believe they should not be separated for these reasons:
1. Creates segregation problems, especially with the AA books. 
"The publishing industry rather notoriously would not publish books by or about black people until the 1990s, unless those books were deemed of sufficient interest to white readers. Prior to the 1990s it was kind of hard for black readers to find these “accepted” black writers (outside of Black History Month), because there weren’t many of them, and because their works were mixed in with the mainstream. So black readers had to rely on word-of-mouth — which, pre-internet, was actually kind of limiting" (Geer, 2010).
Back then, finding AA books was pretty hard, but now, everyone has a right to publish their works, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, etc. 
2. Creates labeling issues, especially the LGBTQ books. 
"Gay characters can't be relegated to some dark corner of the shelf that you need a map to find and an ID to check out. To do so is basically saying to the gay kids, 'There's something dirty about you'" (2016).  This is especially true for young adults who are trying to discover their identity.  If they see these books are separated from the others, they may feel ashamed and embarrassed to be looking at that spot.  Libraries are a place where everyone should have a right to read whatever they wish and not fear of being judged. 
"Individuals who do not identify as straight are most affected by the attacks made on books that present their perspective; but all “LGBTQ kids” have essentially the same needs, rights, and aspirations as anyone else.  In the end, we all have the same rights under the First Amendment to read about and explore the issues that interest us or are meaningful to us – regardless of whether we are straight or gay" (2016).
3. It is just plain wrong.
I think the only time these books should be separated is for display purposes only, but overall, they should be shelved with the other books.  True, there are censorship and religious issues with these books, but that should not violate a person's right to read these books.  If it is something you do not want to read, then do not read them, but do not violate other people's rights just because you do not agree with them.  The library is a neutral place for everyone, regardless of gender, race, religious, etc. 

Resources:
Geer, J.  (2010).  Don't Put My Book in the African American Section.  Retrieved April 14, 2016 from http://nkjemisin.com/2010/05/dont-put-my-book-in-the-african-american-section/
LGBTQ Right to Read Resource Guide.  Retrieved April 14, 2016 from http://ncac.org/resource/krrp-lgbtq-content-right-to-read-resource

Week 13 Prompt

Young Adult Literature and Graphic Novels are becoming popular for teens and young adults, but there are a few people who believe these two genres are considered useless and only for teens.  They are not what adults should be reading since they are "too old" for those kinds of books.  I believe there should not be an age limit when a person can read a book or not.  I may be an adult, yet I still continue to read picture books and young adult novels.  Maybe because they are what can bring back my memories as a child.  But mostly it is because there are books I can relate to, mainly in the young adult section.  Young adult novels are novels many teens can relate to because they deal with real teenage issues, like identity, sense of belonging, self confidence, etc.  Some of the time, it is because I just need an outlet, or someplace to get away from the "adult issues" in life and to just let my mind wander for a while.  I had just finished Leila Sales's novel,  This Song will Save Your Life and it was about a teenage girl who has trouble fitting in at school, but she discovers her talent in DJing and soon she makes friend who like her for her.  I can relate to this because I had trouble making friends in high school, but I found my passion in Show Choir and I was able to make friends. 
I think libraries should keep their young adult and graphic novels because they are materials people can relate to if they take the time to find them and to not worry about what others think when they read a book not considered for their age.  Books shouldn't have an age limit on them.  That is not why they were written.  They were written so everyone can enjoy them, regardless of age.