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On the December Library page: A new face checks in at library; Book Review
11/24/2014 4:15:41 PM
By Mary Kate Koch
Splash Contributor
As a child and into high school and college, roaming the aisles of the local library was Shardé Mills' happy place. Mills is turning her happy place into her workplace as the newly hired adult and reference services position at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.
"It was actually a little funny," Mills said. "As a child, whenever my brother and I would get in trouble, he would be sent to his room without TV or video games, and I was sent to my room and not allowed to read. I was that kind of kid."
According to Library Director Pamela Mogen, Mills was the first choice for the position out of a field of six candidates because of her experience, skills and enthusiasm.
Mills completed her graduate degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington's Information School. During her time in graduate school, Mills also completed a summer internship at the Seattle Public Library and worked for two years at the Suzzallo and Allen Libraries. Throughout this past year, Mills has worked at the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia College, teaching information literacy skills and collecting resources for the community.
Becoming a librarian was always a career path on Mills' mind because of its dedication to helping people access information, promoting education and community involvement. Mills emphasized that she especially enjoyed library events encouraging community involvement, particularly craft and movie nights.
"I believe the library plays a critical role in any community, mostly functioning as a community center that provides sought after resources and opportunities for community engagement," Mills said. "The library is a wonderful place where anyone can gather for any number of reasons. Not only that, it provides access to resources, technology, and information that are essential for enhancing people's lives."
Mills is most looking forward to getting to know the Liberty Lake community when she starts her new position. Although she has enjoyed the research and instruction aspects of working at academic libraries, Mills is excited to engage in the more creative side of being a librarian. Mogen stated that Mills will gradually take over the duties of former librarian Dan Pringle, including reader's advisory, the information desk, programming, collection development and community outreach.
A Spokane native, Mills was particularly glad to find an open position in Liberty Lake.
"I grew up in Spokane, but have been living on the west side of the state for a few years and it felt like it was time to come home," Mills said. "Also, growing up in Spokane, I have always heard great things about Liberty Lake. Everyone seems to really enjoy living there. The library is specifically for the people of Liberty Lake, which means there is a real opportunity to provide services tailored to the interests, tastes and needs of the people who use and depend on the library."
An official start date at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library has not been set for Mills. According to Mogen, Mills will start either the first or second week of December.
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‘Hour of Code' comes to library during Computer Education Week
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Ages 5 to 105 can take part in one of two sessions on Dec. 8 or Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission.
Watch for details on the library's Facebook page or in the library newsletter.
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Book Review: Great Christmas ideas for your tween or teen
By Melanie Boerner
Liberty Lake Municipal Library
Consider the following selections when shopping for a present for an older child or youth.
"Wonder"
By R.J. Palacio
For tweens (grades 4-7)
August "Auggie" Pullman was born with a rare facial anomaly and has been home schooled all his life because of it, until now. Auggie is starting fifth grade and wants to be treated like everyone else, but knows he won't. Told from several different perspectives, the story of Auggie's first year in a mainstream school is sad, funny and touching… and no one is the same after it.
A book that will resonate with readers and teach a lesson in humility and kindness, "Wonder" is a gem of a novel. Auggie is an endearing character who just wants to be accepted, with the same likes and dislikes of many 10-year-old boys. While Palacio writes with conviction and purpose, educating readers on the effects of bullying, it's not a blatant or irritating lesson. You feel for her characters and hold a vested interest in them throughout the story. Every child, teen and adult should read this novel!
"Leviathan"
By Scott Westerfeld with illustrations by Keith Thompson
For young adults (grades 7 and up)
In an alternate history, Europe is heading towards a World War. The Austro-Hungarians, with their Clanker war machines, are feuding with the British Darwinists and their fabricated animal weaponry. The story follows Aleksandar Ferdinand, the newly orphaned prince of Austro-Hungary, who is on the run and in hiding from his own subjects determined to take his throne. Deryn Sharp, who has just joined the British Air Service and is praying no one finds out she's a girl, and the prince cross paths and find themselves aboard the airship Leviathan, where they learn the line between ally and enemy is very blurred.
Steampunk is part of a growing niche in the sci-fi genre and this novel is a great addition to the culture. A great read for both boys and girls, it has a little history, a little romance and a lot of adventure. The end leaves you wanting more, which is good since "Leviathan" is the first in a trilogy. Thompson's beautiful illustrations lend well to Westerfeld's unique imaginary world.
Melanie Boerner is children's and youth services librarian at the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.
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