Anna Deavere Smith - Let Me Down Easy

Some people may recognize Anna Deaveare Smith from her roles on “Nurse Jackie” and “The West Wing,” but I know her as the extraordinary author of one of my favorite books, Letters to a Young Artist: Straight-up Advice on Making a Life in the Arts-For Actors, Performers, Writers, and Artists of Every Kind.  Published back in 2006, the book was recommended to me by somebody who knew I was a struggling artist, about to move to Los Angeles, and just at the beginning of my library degree.  I’d always been someone that enjoyed having one foot inside the creative door, while the other was firmly planted in the academic, so Smith’s approach to the arts was exactly the kind of voice I knew I could learn from and respect, not just because she is a distinguished professor from NYU who has received countless awards and degrees, but because like me, she wants to entertain while educating people about the social problems of our times.  Her book has been by my side ever since, the tattered cover and highlighted passages with handwritten notes, a reminder of this often challenging and confusing journey into becoming “The Stand-Up Librarian.” 

Through her words, she encourages me to continue on the often difficult path of artistry via an academic approach, with chapters like ‘Presence,’ ‘Discipline,’ ‘The Man,’ and ‘Procrastination.’  Today I am fascinated by the chapter ‘Failure,’ as it seems in trying to be both artist and librarian, I am having a tough time finding employment in the library field.  Smith says, “First of all, there is no failure if you’re trying hard.  Truly.  Second, if there is failure, we can learn from it.  Sometimes we try very hard and we fail, at least by our own standards.  We may have made mistakes, and the ‘failure’ shows these mistakes in the light of day; our failures illuminate new ways of doing things.”  Thanks to Smith’s words, I now see that I have not failed but instead found hundreds of new ways of doing things - I only wish they would help me pay my rent!

In Let Me Down Easy, Smith’s new one-woman show that I had the opportunity to see last night at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, CA, she “explores the state of medical care and the availability and efficacy of medical insurance in modern-day America.”  To create the show, Smith interviewed 320 people over three continents, 20 of which she performs in the show.  Smith becomes celebrities like Lance Armstrong, Eve Ensler, and Lauren Hutton, in addition to the former governor of Texas, Ann Richards, and Heavyweight Champion Boxer Michael Bentt.  Smith is brilliant as she morphs from one character to the next, with only the slight nod of her head and the removal of a jacket or ring.  Let Me Down Easy is yet another shining example of why Anna Deavere Smith is not only an artist and academic to watch and read, but a resilient and inspiring woman we can all learn from and admire.

Let Me Down Easy runs at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica thru July 31^st, followed by an encore presentation at Berkeley Rep August 10 – September 4^th.

To get tickets to the show:

http://www.thebroadstage.com/show_info.php?show_id=6

For information on Anna Deavere Smith:

http://www.annadeaveresmithworks.org/

For a library copy of Letters to a Young Artist:

http://www.worldcat.org/

***A special thanks to David Kessler at The Broad Stage!

Meredith Interviews Author Christopher Rice About the WeHo LibraryPark

Stand-up Librarian Meredith Myers interviews Author Christopher Rice about the West Hollywood LibraryPark at a fundraising event for the new library.  They discuss his role on the Board of Directors, the importance of libraries, the extensive LGBT collection (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered), and his latest book.  LibraryPark Campaign Manager LouAnne Greenwald explains how easy it is to make a donation to this state-of-the-art library.

For the past several months, I have been working as a volunteer with the West Hollywood Library Fund to help raise money for the new LibraryPark opening in the fall.  “More than just a place to check out books, LibraryPark will be completed in the fall of 2011 with an expanded and improved West Hollywood Park and a state-of-the-art library, as well as flexible cultural and civic space for educational and cultural presentations, public meetings, special collections, exhibits and programs,” states the website.  Well, I just want to state that THIS is the future of libraries, people, so let’s all get on board to show our support.

At a recent fundraising event, held at the Sunset Marquis, where I was once again begging for money for a library even though I didn’t have money for my rent, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Author Christopher Rice, who is not only on the Board of Directors for the LibraryPark, but the son of my all-time favorite author, Anne Rice.  Not to be overshadowed by his mother, Christopher is an exceptional writer in his own right that I have enjoyed since 2000 with the release of his debut novel A Density of Souls, where one of his main characters ironically happened to be named Meredith.  Over the past ten years, Christopher has had one bestselling book after another, and with his latest book, (which he kept mostly quiet about when I pressed him), will no doubt be another.  While I have nothing but admiration for Christopher as a writer, it was his passion for libraries and his quick wit that impressed me most in meeting him.  So when he releases that book, BUY IT! 

But let’s get back to the library and how you can donate!  Donations can be made in any amount but for only $150, you can get your name on a bookcase!  How cool is that?  Why not buy a bookcase for the friend who has everything?  Heck, buy a study room, a whole floor, why not the theater (I’ll come perform for free!  If I was already working there that would be a given – hint hint HR dept – another perk in hiring ME!)  Seriously, this is a great opportunity to support the community of West Hollywood and literacy, so please donate what you can. 

To make a donation, click here:

https://weholibraryfund.org/donate

For more information about the WeHo LibraryPark:

http://weholibraryfund.org/

And finally, for information on Author Christopher Rice:

http://www.christopherricebooks.com/

Storytime with Stand-Up Librarian

In the first episode of “Storytime with Stand-Up Librarian Meredith Myers,” Meredith reads an important story about employment to the children at the Meredith Myers Library.

The book featured in the video is called Overcoming Barriers to Employment: 127 Great Tips for Putting Red Flags Behind You by Ron and Caryl Krannich, and can be found in the stacks listed under the call number 658.339 K89-23.

***Although inspired in part by true incidents, the following video is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event, even though the actress looks a lot like Meredith Myers.  In reality, Meredith Myers is the ultimate professional and takes her job as a librarian very seriously, so any future employers should not let this video effect their decision to hire her. The only thing she is guilty of is having a sense of humor during tough economic times. To all the PETA people: ABSOLUTELY NO STUFFED ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE READING OF THIS STORY! And yes, parts of this disclaimer was pulled from the "Law & Order" TV show.

Without My Computer

On Friday morning, I accidently spilled my morning cappuccino on my laptop and thus began an unplanned holiday from technology.

At first I thought being without my emails, Facebook and Twitter accounts would be fun, but then I realized that I didn't have Google Maps to get directions (yep, I am one of the few in Los Angeles without a GPS, so I went on a sightseeing tour of Brentwood just trying to get to my valet job so I could then spend the whole day driving in circles again!)  I also couldn't look up movie times, so I ended up at a 'Mommie & Me' screening of "Bad Teacher" - wow, talk about a scary movie...and I am not talking about Justin Timberlake's acting.  The baby carriages lining the aisles should have been the giveaway that I was in the wrong theatre but nope.  Like an idiot, it took me a whole fifteen minutes to wonder why the lights were still on and every woman in the room had a baby strapped to her chest.  It is enough to hear the babies screaming but to have to see them as well?  Talk about 3D effects.  Breastfeeding live should not be an extra charge for us single folks!

I also went to the beach, and wore what I thought was a sexy bathing suit with funky cutouts in a bright yellow cheetah print.  One guy seemed into it, until I heard, "Wow, that girl is whiter than I am!"  I went home with no self-esteem and a wicked sunburn resembling a spider web across my stomach.  Thanks Victoria's Secret, maybe you should show that in your catalogue!

The only perk of being without my computer was that I couldn't apply for jobs, which also meant I couldn't be rejected for them either!  Score!  Nope, think again.  I am here at the library checking  my emails for the first time in days and San Franscico Public Library had no problem kicking me while I was down, 'While we have never met you, we don't think so," or something like that.

Being without my computer however, has reminded me of how important libraries are.  If they are open, that is, which they weren't on Sunday and Monday when I actually needed them.  Seriously, where can you use a computer if you don't have a desk job to go to?  The library is the only place!  And yeah sure, they are really slow and usually have a creepy guy drooling at you while you try to write on your librarian blog for the first time in an actual library, but look at the positives.  They are free.  Well, for another six minutes.  The timer at the top of my screen is counting down and then I will be kicked off and can't come back since I already used my two hour time limit for the day.  So this is it. The first time I will  not spell check or include cute photos or font that fits with the theme of the post.  I have no video.  I have just my words.

Thank you library.  For reminding me of the so many things you offer us for free each day.  Although I really would suggest some antibacterial lotion for computer number 14 - that guy was REALLY taking advantage of some of the library's free services!

The Stand-Up Librarian is Born

In Part 4 of "Meredith Hires Herself," Meredith and Meredith discuss their partnership and the mission of StandUpLibrarian.com. Meredith performs her library comedy material for the first time.

***Although inspired in part by true incidents, the following video is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event, even though the actresses look a lot like Meredith Myers and say they are numerous times. The Meredith Myers on stage, however, is the real Meredith Myers. In reality, Meredith Myers is the ultimate professional and takes her job as a librarian very seriously, so any future employers should not let this video effect their decision to hire her. The only thing she is guilty of is having a sense of humor during tough economic times. And yes, parts of this disclaimer was pulled from the "Law & Order" TV show.

For the entire month of June, in celebration of StandUpLibrarian.com being one year old, I have been posting fictional videos of me “hiring myself,” which feature two different Merediths (the librarian and the comedian), being interviewed about their positions with StandUpLibrarian.com.  The video series was always intended to be a spoof of reality TV shows that have over-the-top personalities talking straight to the camera about the people they either work for or are friends with, for the sole purpose of sharing “private” information.  Everyone should know by now that this information is then edited to be even more controversial by the producers of the show, in the hopes of creating some kind of storyline so the viewers continue to tune in. 

It was an idea I had a while ago to incorporate my love of acting and my need to find humor in an economic situation that has prevented me from finding work in a field I have absolute passion for, in a position where I have the necessary qualifications.  Of course, the videos were always going to be risky, since comedy is often subjective, and me playing myself could become confusing to people, especially to those who don’t really know me or perhaps want to hire me.  Is she bipolar?  A drunk?  Or worse. Not funny?  As an artist, I can’t always explain everything all the time, nor do I want to.  For example, in this fourth episode, I purposely edit the comedian character to seem cynical about the library field because most comedians do mock things.  How do you think jokes are born?  However, towards the end of the video, I replay that same clip in its entirety to show that not everything or everyone is what they seem.  After all, editors are the true talent of reality shows.

It has always been my mission with StandUpLibrarian.com to entertain, while educating people about libraries and their importance.  At the same time, I’ve also been trying to show the diversity of the librarians themselves.  Not all librarians wear glasses, nor are they conservative, or look like your grandmother.  Some of us curse, make bad jokes, and even enjoy a glass of wine once in awhile.  So what.  At the end of the day, we are all distinct individuals bringing varied and unique experiences and skills to the reference desk, with the commitment to share information and our love for libraries. 

Unfortunately for me, (and many others), I have been having a heck of a time getting to that paid reference desk due to our poor economy.  So do you think I am going to just sit around, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for it to turn around?  Hell no!  All of us have a responsibility to do what we can RIGHT NOW, or else there won’t be a job, or a library, tomorrow.  So, this blog is MY reference desk.  As is the comedy stage, my You Tube channel, or anywhere I else I choose to go and share information.  Just because I am not speaking to you from behind a reference desk in a library, does not make me any less qualified than those that are.  I say this because I feel like I had to.  Many times I wonder if those looking to hire me come on here and misunderstand my intentions, so let me make it perfectly clear…I may tell jokes but I do not view my six years studying to be a librarian in order to work with other librarians I absolutely admire, the punch line of my jokes.  Enough said.

PJ Walsh "Over There Comedy Is His Best Weapon"

On Thursday night, I had the opportunity to support my friend, Comedian PJ Walsh, at the opening of his one-man show "Over There, Comedy is His Best Weapon," here in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Fringe Festival.

As Head Librarian and Comedian at StandUpLibrarian.com, it is my job to share information that is both hilarious, while educational, and PJ Walsh has always been a funny guy so seeing him perform stand-up comedy is a given.  However, with this one-man show, Walsh DANCES!  And I don't mean the idiotic electric slide, I mean full-on Riverdance and a Windmill!  And as someone who once did a dance show and attempted to breakdance for "Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo" star Lucinda Dickey, Walsh is awesome!  And then he followed that up with like 20 push ups during the military portion of the show.  Walsh is a maniac (and obviously extremely fit in his white t-shirt...)

But don't just go for the dance moves, the hilarity of his stories, or the heartfelt emotions he shares about losing his friends to war, go because Walsh is living life to the fullest and will inspire you to do the same.  "Over There, Comedy Is His Best Weapon" but right here, it is his TALENT!

For more information about  show dates in Los Angeles and other cities, please visit:

http://overtheresoloshow.com/

**A picture of PJ and I back when he used to open for Larry the Cable Guy.

Go the F**k to Sleep by Adam Mansbach, read by Samuel L. Jackson

Now this is my kind of bedtime story! And to the screaming toddler that lives next door, this blog entry is dedicated to you...GO THE F**K TO SLEEP!!!!!!!

Your Friendly Stand-Up Librarian,
Meredith

*And to anyone thinking of hiring of me, of course I love all children, even the ones who should GO THE F**K TO SLEEP. 

Meredith's First Day!

Have you ever wanted to do something so bad that you got tired of just sitting by the phone waiting for the opportunity to present itself?  Yeah, I didn’t get a call back about “The Amazing Race” either.  Well, anyway, that is how I am feeling about being unemployed in the library field right now.  In my mind, I have done everything I am supposed to in order to get hired, not to mention a whole lot more if you count the hours I spend doing this blog.  You think “Keeping up with the Kar-whatever their names are” is crazy, you should see my life!  I sometimes do my hair curly and straight, and I don’t own those expensive hairpieces or weaves, so you know that takes time.

Anyway, the point is, why should I have to wait for an actual “job offer” to go be a librarian and share information?  After all, the library is free to everyone, so if college kids can drag his or her laptops into the library to study and make out, and parents can drop off their toddlers for free babysitting at story time, why can’t I set up my own reference desk and do my job as a library professional just out of the goodness in my heart?  Sure, I’ll leave the crazies and perverts for the paid professionals to handle, but I think this is very ambitious and entrepreneurial of me, don’t you?  Fine, you’ve got a point.  There’s always going to be people who see it as intrusive or annoying to the staff librarians, but tomatoes, potatoes, people, you can’t please everybody all the time since we all see things differently.  Besides, if I can’t even quote Gershwin correctly, you think I have time to explain this?  I say, “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” (located in the stacks around the 780’s), and just get to the video...

In Part 3 of "Meredith Hires Herself," Meredith sends Meredith to the local public library and has her set up her own reference desk in an effort to help patrons.

Although inspired in part by true incidents, the following video is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event, even though the actresses look a lot like Meredith Myers and say they are numerous times. In reality, Meredith Myers is the ultimate professional and takes her job as a librarian very seriously and would never just go set up a fake reference desk and film library patrons without them knowing, so any future employers should not let this video effect their decision to hire her. The only thing she is guilty of is having a sense of humor during tough economic times. And yes, parts of this disclaimer was pulled from the "Law & Order" TV show.

The Meredith Myers Library

It is no secret that I have been very anxious over the past several years to be involved in the library field at some level, which is why I have spent countless hours being an intern and volunteer at various libraries across the country, in anticipation of one day having a paid position on staff.  In hiring myself, it makes complete sense to now open the doors of the Meredith Myers Library!  I mean, who doesn’t want their own library!?!  I am so excited at the thought of using my own personal library to encourage more people to read.  Sure, the mailman seemed about as excited as I was to see that cable bill, but I know he will be back.  After all, it’s his job, so he has too!  And you know what, plummer man?  You are going to read too.  Like a book on how to correctly fix a sink.  

So in Part 2 of "Meredith Hires Herself," Meredith and Meredith discuss the new Meredith Myers Library and what sets this library apart from other libraries…for starters, we have an executive chef!

Although inspired in part by true incidents, the following video is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event, even though the actresses look a lot like Meredith Myers and say they are numerous times. In reality, Meredith Myers is the ultimate professional and takes her job as a librarian very seriously and would never steal office supplies, so any future employers should not let this video affect their decision to hire her. The only thing she is guilty of is having a sense of humor during tough economic times. And yes, parts of this disclaimer was pulled from the "Law & Order" TV show.

Happy One Year Anniversary StandUpLibrarian.com!

So today is the one year anniversary of me creating this blog.  Wow, has it been a year already?  Jeez, who knew?  I DID.  It was a very looooong year, people.  So to celebrate, I decided to hire myself. Yep, that's right, I have a job.  Meredith is working for Meredith.  Sure, I will certainly still explore other offers when the boss isn't looking but please don't tell her.  I really need this job.  Anyway, here's the first video with Meredith and Meredith discussing the new Head Librarian position with StandUpLibrarian.com.  ***A big shout out to my followers who continue to support me after this year of confusion and frustration...

-MM

Although inspired in part by true incidents, the following video is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event, even though the actresses look a lot like Meredith Myers and say they are numerous times.  In reality, Meredith Myers is the ultimate professional and takes her job as a librarian very seriously, so any future employers should not let this video affect their decision to hire her.  The only thing she is guilty of is having a sense of humor during tough economic times.  And y

es, parts of this disclaimer was pulled from the “Law & Order” TV show.

Nathan Larson's The Dewey Decimal System

It was 2001, and I was working at a public relations firm in New York City, where most of my accounts were music-related, with one being an independent label called Artemis Records, started by the legendary Danny Goldberg.  In working with this label over the next few years, I got to know Goldberg and began listening to the various artists signed to the label, my favorite being the music of Nathan Larson.  With a background as a rocker in the band Shudder to Think to his solo album Jealous God to eventually composing award-winning music scores for Boys Don’t Cry, The Messenger, Choke, and countless other films, Nathan has proven he is nothing but genius when it comes to writing and producing music.  

While we had never met, nor worked together during our experiences with Artemis, it seems odd, yet somehow fitting, that ten years later Nathan and I would cross paths, however, not at a music event, but at book festival.  With Nathan a new author, and me a librarian - career fields we both probably never pictured for ourselves in 2001.  Another example that anything can happen in this journey called life if you are open to what opportunities it offers us.

With the release of his new book, The Dewey Decimal System, Nathan can now add published author to his long list of credits, and having read it, I have no doubt he will be exceptionally successful at it.  Plus, debuting a book featuring a lead character living in the main branch of the New York Public Library is a smart way to get me into doing PR again since here I am talking about it.

So for my first-ever post about a book on this blog, I hope you will enjoy this interview with rocker/film composer/author Nathan Larson and The Dewey Decimal System, as we discuss his love for the New York Public Library, the importance of supporting all libraries, his experiences in writing, and his latest project, doing the musical score for the film adaptation of Judy Blume’s Tiger Eyes, directed by her son, Lawrence Blume.

For more information on Nathan Larson:
http://nathanlarson.net/

To purchase The Dewey Decimal System:
http://www.akashicbooks.com/deweydecimalsystem.htm

*And FYI, you have no idea how much great footage I have with Nathan as we talked about everything from Warren Zevon & Carl Hiaasen to the children’s and YA books of our youth to his numerous other projects in the works.  Perhaps I will share more at a later date but I know I only have your attention for so long.  I tell you, it never gets old to see how the love of books brings people together!

A Letter to My Mom on Mother's Day...

Dear Mom,

Happy Mother’s Day! Sorry, I am still an unemployed librarian. I know you are spending today thinking back to exactly one year ago, when we were together and celebrating my graduation with that Masters degree. I really wanted to put a library job offer letter in with your Mother’s Day card this year, but I guess you are going to have to settle for my promise that I won’t resort to stripping to pay the rent, regardless of how tough things have gotten. You have been nothing but my biggest supporter in my efforts to become a librarian and I cannot thank you enough for proofreading all of those term papers or for advising me not to call people idiots or morons on this blog in case someone might misunderstand my humor and use that against me in a job interview. I am so grateful for that advice, especially since sometimes I actually listen to it. I know being my mother is not easy. I think every mother wants to know that their children are happy and making a living at something they love. Thankfully, you still have my brother, and since he works with a successful comedian, hopefully that brings you joy and front-row tickets this Mother’s Day. Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to give you lame discounts at the restaurants I happen to be working at, on account of not being able to get jobs I’ve spent years training and educating myself for. Sadly, you will not be getting 50% off your dinner today. I had to quit because there was just no organization in the server side stand even after dividing up all the spoons and condiments via the Dewey Decimal system. I thought I was being helpful but my idiot manager thought it was annoying and suggested we part ways. Also, don’t expect any free books from me attending the ALA National Conference. I am so broke that I will not be able to make the trip to New Orleans in June. I know, I know, that means no beignets, as well. I don’t know what to say, paying my own way all these years in the hopes of networking myself into a job has apparently been pointless. And to think of the hundreds of people who said my business cards were so clever but never called or emailed. Bring out the violins, right? Anyway, the good news is that I still have this blog and apparently since posting my TCM/Robert Osborne interview last week, I am up to seven followers - this is huge! Oopps, I take that back. Someone just dropped off.  Probably because I used the word 'idiot.' I should have listened to you, mom. 

Happy Mother’s Day to the strongest woman I know…because being my mom is one tough job!

Love,
Meredith

P.S. The reason your picture is not on here is because I remembered how mean some people (idiots) can be to me online. Why some people (morons) can’t just spend their time writing a fake letter to their mom is a bigger mystery than me not being employed by now. I will never bring you into that world, mom, even though you brought me into one with no library jobs. Thanks again. 

Meredith Attends the TCM Classic Film Festival 2011

"HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD" 

written by Meredith Myers

START the picture with the actual street sign: HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD. In the gutter lie dead leaves, a Hooters receipt, burnt matches and a coupon for five dollars off Starline Tours. It is early morning.

CAMERA leaves the sign and MOVES WEST, the grey asphalt of the street filling the screen.

Over the scene we now hear…

WOMAN’S VOICE

Yes, this is Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. It’s about ten o’clock in the morning but that doesn’t stop the tourists from getting their picture taken in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with a lackluster version of Michael Jackson. Oh, who am I kidding, I may need to use my Lady Gaga Halloween costume to make some extra cash, so I guess I better not make fun. Times are tough for librarians, you know.

SLOW DISSOLVE TO:

EXT.  WEST HOLLYWOOD

It is a crisp sunny day. The voice continues speaking as CAMERA PANS toward a SMALL APARTMENT BUILDING, an ugly structure where the landlord obviously doesn’t do repairs. CAMERA MOVES TOWARD AN OPEN WINDOW, where we look in on MEREDITH MYERS’ APARTMENT. A striking redhead, Meredith Myers, is sitting at her desk, wearing nothing but a baseball t-shirt with Vonnegut #5 on the back. She is probably wearing underwear but this isn’t that kind of film. In front of her is a laptop computer, MacBook Pro. Beside her, on the floor, is a stack of resumes and library job applications, where in ink the words ‘No response’ is written on most of them. Myers is typing.

INT.  MEREDITH’S APT

It is a one-room affair, filled with entirely too many fabulous clothes for a person who doesn’t have a job to go to. The walls are decorated with vintage hats that probably look ridiculous when worn with pajamas. A poster-sized image of Myrna Loy and William Powell from “The Thin Man” hangs on one wall, while a Batgirl Librarian poster that reads ‘Librarians Are Heroes Every Day!’ on another.

MEREDITH

I can’t believe I graduated with my Masters degree a year ago and I still don’t have a Librarian job. Boy, this economy is a real bummer. If I have to work one more server job, I am going to…

FLASH OF OPRAH MAGAZINE ON THE BED

MEREDITH (CONT.)

No. I’m not going to drown my problems away in another ‘Living Your Best Life’ article, O.

FLASH OF TCM ON THE TV

The logo TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL April 28 – May 1, 2011 is displayed brightly in blue on the screen. As the logo fades, a distinguished gentleman in a suit, ROBERT OSBORNE, begins to talk but the TV is on mute.

MEREDITH (CONT.)

Wait a minute. I like classic movies! Well, you wouldn’t know it based on the D I got in that film history class back in college but hopefully they won’t require tests to attend. What I wouldn’t give to talk with Robert Osborne about “Desk Set” with Katherine Hepburn. I bet just a few words from Robert would be just the motivation I need not to give up on being a librarian! Plus if that Ben Mackiewicz is around, we could talk baseball films!

FLASH OF MEREDITH AND BEN AT A BASEBALL GAME

MEREDITH (CONT.)

OK, slow it down slugger, you don’t want to come across as a stalker to these people. Besides, this is no longer a voice-over, so now you are talking to yourself and there is no one in the room. Maybe this behavior is why people haven’t hired you!

FLASH OF LIBRARIAN RIPPING UP RESUME

MEREDITH (V.O.)

Fine, I am back in my head. But no, I don’t believe that is the reason. The right job opportunity will come. Someone WILL hire me. I mean, look at the six people that read my blog! That has to mean something.

DISSOLVE TO:

For photos taken at the TCM Classic Film Festival, “Like” StandUpLibrarian on FB: http://www.facebook.com/StandUpLibrarian

For more information about the TCM Classic Film Festival, visit: http://www.tcm.com/festival/

***I will be doing a separate Blog Post about the "To Kill a Mockingbird" screening, featuring appearances by Gregory Peck's family and Mary Badham (Scout).

Meredith Visits Whistler Public Library & Wins Olympic Gold in Librarian Skiing

I am a huge fan of the Winter Olympics, so when I was back in FL finishing up my last semester of library school in February of 2010, I would sit in front of the TV, writing papers while admiring the mad skills of snowboarder Shaun White and the pure heat of speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno. However, the ladies really stepped up on the ski slopes, with Lindsey Vonn and Julia Mancuso each getting medals too, which made me wonder if I could ever have a shot at the Olympics on skis. Was it really that hard?

One year later, and I am getting my chance at Whistler Mountain. Braving the exact course the women’s ski team took, I carefully slide down Wild Card, then cut across Jimmy’s Joker to Franz’s Run, where I proceed to fall for the first time all day. Oh well, Lindsey and Julie fell too but they got back up and won medals! Thankfully, the Whistler Public Library was nearby so I could conduct some additional research and hopefully pick up some tips before trying to compete in 2014. Then again, getting a library job would be like winning the gold medal, with a lot less injuries…Enjoy the video!!!!

For more information:
http://www.whistlerlibrary.ca/

Meredith is Interviewed By The Gatekeepers Post

This week, I did an interview with Jeff Riveria, Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Gatekeepers Post, a website "For the New Generation of Book Publishing Professionals." Check it out below...
-MM

THE GATEKEEPERS POST: AN INTERVIEW WITH LIBRARIAN BLOGGER, MEREDITH

Today we interviewed Meredith of Stand-Up Librarian, a blog that offers an inside look into the life of a librarian. Whether you’re a librarian yourself or just looking to find out more about libraries, Meredith offers us an insider’s view into what books are popular right now and what eBooks mean for our future.

What are the popular book genres that are frequently being checked out at the library?

I think popularity varies on the type and location of the library.  Last year when I was back in Florida, finishing my Masters degree, I was working at a public library in a small beach town, where the majority of patrons were retirees or snowbirds in town for the winter season.  The most popular genre by far was Romance.  A big favorite for teens in any library is Manga and Fantasy.  Do you have Bleach?  Twilight?  Harry Potter?  Then again, just as many adults are checking out those last two titles for themselves!

As a librarian, do people ever recommend books to you? What type of books do you enjoy?

People always love to recommend books to fellow book lovers, or anybody that will listen.  When I work the reference desk, I can’t help but to develop a dialogue with patrons who have a real excitement about reading and sharing their favorite titles.  Even as a librarian, I’ve never pretended to be an expert on the entire library collection, so I am always genuinely interested in hearing what others find interesting.  I never would have gotten hooked on Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series if patrons hadn’t kept requesting them all the time and insisting I read them!

For pleasure reading, my favorite genre would probably be Historical Thrillers, which is a sub-genre formed from combining Historical Fiction with Thrillers.  Or maybe it is Historical Adventure Thrillers, who can keep up with genres these days?  Steve Berry is my favorite in this area, since I crave adventure, travel, and history.  Berry is great with this, plus I like how at the end of each book, he provides the reader with an explanation of where he fictionalized the history in the story.  I wish more films did this.  I also live for the latest by Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston, who write what is called Techno-Thrillers, and often feature the exotic and eccentric Agent Aloysius X. L. Pendergast, investigating mysterious museum artifacts.  If you can’t make it to your local Natural History Museum, pick up The Relic or Cabinet of Curiosities and I promise it will feel like you are there!

In the Inspirational genre, my favorite book of all time is The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, which I have in several versions: audio on my iPod, electronic copy on my Kindle, paperback with highlighted pages and notes, and the graphic novel, released last year.  I am also known to give it as a gift to friends.  I think we all need to be reminded that the journey to attaining the dream is sometimes more important than the dream itself!

As eBook sales continue to grow, how do you feel about the future of libraries?

I’ll be the first to admit that I have a Kindle and a subscription to Netflix, but I mostly use my Kindle when I travel, and my Netflix for requesting hard to find films.  Having these modern conveniences, however, doesn’t stop me from going to the public library to check out books or borrow DVDs for free!  I think the library has a big future, especially if people continue to use it.  With technological advances comes information overload, and the only people to help you weed through it, are information specialists, also called librarians.  For that reason alone, libraries and librarians aren’t going anywhere.

Besides, isn’t there something wonderful about physically being at the library, walking through the stacks, randomly selecting items that catch your interest, whether it be from the display table out front, or by having an interaction with another patron who insists you pick up her favorite book?  Just last week, I was at my local public library, with no real reason other than I felt frustrated about my job search, and wanting inspiration from the numerous opportunities that fill the shelves.  The library is the one place where dreams always come true, since it is a place where knowledge and information is free to everyone.  Thanks to Goldie Hawn, Jane Fonda, and Carol Burnett, I left that library, not only with their books in my arms, but also with the reassurance that everyone encounters obstacles, I’m just grateful the library is there offering us solutions and an escape to laugh about it.

What were some of your favorite books this past year?

I was a huge fan of Snooki’s A Shore Thing and Barbra Streisand’s My Passion For Design was just beautiful, but should have been called My Passion For…Overspending.  Seriously though, I just finished reading Possessed: The Life of Joan Crawford by Donald Spoto, which I quite enjoyed, as it offered the perspective of Joan as a hardworking actress dedicated to her craft, as opposed to just a psychotic monster, showcased so famously in “Mommie Dearest.”  I think teens will totally enjoy How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous by Georgia Bragg, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley, released just last month, featuring the gross and gory details of how historical figures like Mozart, Napoleon, and our own George Washington, experienced painful and disgusting deaths, mostly because of the idiotic medicine practices of the time.  A great picture book for any adult trying to get over a bad breakup is Why He’s My Ex by Krishna Devine and Jessica G. Hill, where dolls are dressed up and put them in real life dating situations that took a turn for the worse.  A book sure to make anybody actually feel happy about sitting at home on a Friday night!  Last, and surely not least, is Marilyn Johnson’s This Book Is Overdue!: How Librarians and Cyberians Can Save Us All, a book which speaks to the importance of librarians and their necessity in the world.  I not only enjoyed reading this on the eve of my graduation last year, after meeting Marilyn at a library conference, but I’ve also chosen to dedicate my life to being one of libraries’ advocates.  I developed my blog a few weeks later.

Meredith Myers recently graduated with her Masters degree in Library and Information Sciences from the University of South Florida. Her mission with StandUpLibrarian.com is to educate, while entertaining people about libraries and their necessity.  She has been performing stand-up comedy since 2002, after checking out a comedy book from her local library.

http://www.StandUpLibrarian.com
http://www.facebook.com/StandUpLibrarian
https://twitter.com/StandUpLibraryN

Written by admin at The Gatekeepers Post.

"The Road Not Taken": Celebrate National Poetry Month This April!

With April being National Poetry Month, it seemed a great time to talk poetry, since it is an area of the library that most patrons rarely visit. My favorite poem is “The Road Not Taken,” by Robert Frost, published in 1916. I fell in love with it in my 6th grade English class (not in 1916!), where each student had to pick a poem to read in front of the class and explain what we thought it meant. I can’t recall exactly what I said, but I do remember being comfortable performing the poem to a roomful of people. I also doubt I memorized it…and I probably spoke entirely too loud…I’m almost positive I made it theatrical, to the point of sending me right into detention. Now looking back, it is quite funny how my life has become like that poem (although just for the record, no job has detention, they either put you on suspension or just say “You’re fired.”)

Here I am “ages and ages hence” on something called the Internet, telling you weekly stories that the path I have taken in life has been filled with the ups and downs of career confusion and job dysfunction, regardless of my ambition, talent, and passion. Being an individualist and artist, I probably chose the road “less traveled by” (no wonder the Los Angeles traffic is so bad – we are all on the same road!) I’m still deciding whether it “has made all the difference” (I’m only in my thirties, people, I hope my life isn’t over yet!) Obviously, the poem speaks to the idea of looking at one’s life with regret or satisfaction, which I think everybody does at some point, but that is a whole other blog post. At the end of the day, I am just thankful to Frost and the millions of talented poets out there, who in a few choice words are able to develop a story with heartfelt emotion and numerous interpretations, to inspire generations of people for decades.

Below is Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” in its entirety, along with some poetry recommendations that you can find at your local library…

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;



Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,



And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.



I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

- “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost (1874 – 1963)

Topics to search at your library: poetry, poets, how to write poetry, tons of books in the 811 section!

1. Phenomenal woman: four poems celebrating women / Maya Angelou. 811.54 ANGELOU
2. The poetry of Maya Angelou / Maya Angelou. 811.54 ANGELOU
3. Collected poems, 1922-1938 / E.E. Cummings. 811.52 CUMMINGS
4. American poetry. The twentieth century. 811.508 AMERICAN
5. Beauty is convulsive: the passion of Frida Kahlo / Carole Maso. 811.54 MASO
6. The Penelopeia / Jane Rawlings; illustrations by Heather Hurst 811.6 RAWLINGS
7. American poetry: the nineteenth century. 811.308 AMERICAN
8. The collected poems of Langston Hughes / Arnold Rampersad, editor; David Roessel, associate editor. 811.52 HUGHES
9. The collected tales and poems of Edgar Allan Poe. 818.309 POE
10. The unabridged Edgar Allan Poe / illustrated by Suzanne Clee. 813.3 POE
11. The poetry of Robert Frost / edited by Edward Connery Lathem. 811 FROST
12. Selected poems / Emily Dickinson. 811.4 DICKINSON
13. The Brownings, letters and poetry. Selected and with an introd. by Christopher Ricks. Illus. by Barnett I. Plotkin. 821 BROWNING
14. Sonnets from the Portuguese / Elizabeth Barrett Browning; illustrations by Fred A. Mayer. 821 BROWNING
15. Eight American poets: Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Lowell, John Berryman, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Allen Ginsberg, James Merrill : an anthology / edited by Joel Conarroe. 811.508 EIGHT
16. The works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge / with an introduction by Martin Corner, and bibliography. 821 COLERIDGE
17. British poetry and prose. 820.8 LIEDER v.1
18. The Faber book of 20th century women's poetry / edited by Fleur Adcock. 821.91 FABER
19. Suzy Zeus gets organized / Maggie Robbins. 811.6 ROBBINS
20. Urban nature: poems about wildlife in the city / edited by Laure-Anne Bosselaar. 811.5408 URBAN
21. A Heckuva job : more of the Bush administration in rhyme / Calvin Trillin. 811.54 TRILLIN
22. Poetry after 9/11: an anthology of New York poets811.60358 POETRY
23. The discovery of poetry: a field guide to reading and writing poems / Frances Mayes. 808.1 MAYES
24. The Norton anthology of modern poetry, edited by Richard Ellmann and Robert O'Clair. 821.08 ELLMAN
25. The selected poems of Nikki Giovanni. 811.54 GIOVANNI
26. The language of life: a festival of poets / Bill Moyers811.5409 MOYERS
27. The other Mozart: poems by / Sharon Chmielarz. 811.54 CHMIELARZ
28. The healing power of creative mourning: poems / by Jan Yager...[et al.] 808.81 HEALING
29. Dylan Thomas [sound recording] CD BOOK 821.912 THOMAS
30. The radiation sonnets: for my love, in sickness and in health / by Jane Yolen 811.54 YOLEN
31. Ancient acid flashes back: poems / Adrian C. Louis. 811.54 LOUIS
32. Black out loud; an anthology of modern poems by Black Americans. Drawings by Alvin Hollingsworth 811.08 ADOFF
33. Lights, camera, poetry! : American movie poems the first hundred years / edited by Jason Shinder. 811 LIGHTS
34. All the rage / William Logan. 811.509 LOGAN

Finally a Published Writer!

After the press I received in January for wearing that funny hat to the ALA Midwinter library conference, I was approached by ForeWord Reviews to write a column for their magazine. As it has always been a dream of mine to be a published writer, (I spend most of 2004 writing a book that has yet to see publication), I jumped at the opportunity to write a piece which offered my insights and opinions on the fields of librarianship and comedy, much like I do here on the blog. Here is the result of those efforts, I hope you like it...

St. Patrick's Day Book Suggestions

Search Topics: Irish culture, leprechauns, luck, green, Irish writers, Celtic

1. St. Patrick's Day murder : a Lucy Stone mystery / Leslie Meier MYS MEIER
2. St. Patrick of Ireland : a biography / Philip Freeman 921 PATRICK
3. Plum Lucky MYS EVANOVICH OR Plum Lucky CD BK MYS EVANOVICH
4. Pint-sized Ireland : in search of the perfect Guinness / Evan McHugh 647.95415 MCHUGH
5. P. Donleavy's Ireland : in all her sins and in some of her graces 921 DONLEAVY
6. Ireland 914.15 IRELAND
7. Booking passage : we Irish & Americans / Thomas Lynch 305.89162073 LYNCH
8. A book of migrations : some passages in Ireland / Rebecca Solnit 941.5 SOLNIT
9. Ireland and the Irish : portrait of a changing society / John Ardagh 941.5 ARDAGH
10. Passport's illustrated guide to Ireland / [written by Eric and Ruth Bailey]. 914.15 BAILEY
11. I'll know it when I see it : a daughter's search for "home" in Ireland / Alice Carey 921 CAREY
12. Irish gold [text (large print)] / Andrew M. Greeley LP FIC GREELEY OR
13. Ireland--our island home: an aerial tour around Ireland's coastline / Kevin Dwyer 914.15 DWYER
14. Once DVD 1904 DRAMA
15. Fodor’s Ireland 914.15 FODORS 2005
16. Tea and green ribbons : a memoir / Evelyn Doyle 920 DOYLE
17. A secret history of the IRA / Ed Moloney 941.60824 MOLONEY
18. Ireland and Your Irish Ancestry VIDEO 2163 DOCU
19. The rebels of Ireland : the Dublin saga / Edward Rutherfurd FIC RUTHERFURD
20. On Celtic tides : one man's journey around Ireland by sea kayak / Chris Duff 914.1504 DUFF
21. Angela's ashes : a memoir / Frank McCourt 921 McCOURT
22. Our lady of darkness : a novel of ancient Ireland / Peter Tremayne MYS TREMAYNE
23. Home to Ireland [sound recording] : the best of the Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem CD 787 FOLK
24. Fairy and folk tales of Ireland, edited by W. B. Yeats, with a foreword by Kathleen Raine 398.2 YEATS
25. song for Mary : an Irish-American memory / Dennis Smith 921 SMITH
26. 500 best Irish jokes and limericks / illustrated by Doug Anderson 891.62 FIVE
27. Irish magic II : four unforgettable novellas of love and enchantment FIC IRISH SC
28. The Oxford book of Irish short stories / edited by William Trevor FIC OXFORD SC
29. The Commitments VIDEO 1572 COMEDY
30. The Irish in America / edited by Michael Coffey 973 IRISH
31. I love sing-along Irish pub favorites CD 284 FOLK
32. Riverdance the show VIDEO 2813 FINE ARTS
33. The lie of the land : Irish identities / Fintan O'Toole 941.5082 O'TOOLE
34. For the love of Ireland : a literary companion for readers and travelers / edited and with an introduction by Susan Cahill 820.8 FOR
35. Irish rebel : John Devoy and America's fight for Ireland's freedom /941.5081 GOLWAY
36. Irish lighthouses / Sharma Krauskopf. 387.155 KRAUSKOPF
37. Dubliners FIC JOYCE
38. James Joyce 823.912 O'BRIEN
39. Inside Ireland 941.508 DILLON
40. The importance of being Oscar : the wit and wisdom of Oscar Wilde set against his life and times / Mark Nicholls. 921 WILDE
41. A Drinking Life: a memoir 921 HAMILL
42. Ireland and the Irish : portrait of a changing society / John Ardagh 941.5 ARDAGH
43. An Irish country childhood / Marrie Walsh 941.5 WALSH
44. All the best Irish drinking songs [sound recording] CD 149 FOLK
45. Rockne of Notre Dame : the making of a football legend / by Ray Robinson 796.332 ROBINSON
46. 100 years of Notre Dame football / Gene Schoor 796.33 SCHOOR
47. A great feast of light : growing up Irish in the television age / John Doyle 070.92 DOYLE
48. The Gangs of New York VIDEO 6894 DRAMA
49. In the Name of the Father VIDEO 2311 DRAMA
50. August Rush DVD 2011 DRAMA
51. Intermission DVD 0731 DRAMA
52. The Wind that Shakes the Barley DVD 1800 DRAMA
53. Women in Celtic myth : tales of extraordinary women from the ancient Celtic tradition / Moyra Caldecott. 398.2 CALDECOTT
54. Green Linnet records [sound recording] : 25 years of Celtic music CD 524 FOLK
55. Celtic Thunder CD 1009 FOLK
56. Celtic cross stitch : 30 alphabet, animal, and knotwork projects 746.443041 LAWTHER
57. Celtic design. The tree of life / Aidan Meehan 745.4 MEEHAN
58. Celtic love collection [sound recording] CD 786 FOLK
59. On Celtic tides : one man's journey around Ireland by sea kayak /914.1504 DUFF
60. The celtic riddle : an archaeological mystery / Lyn Hamilton MYS HAMILTON
61. The ancient Celts / Barry Cunliffe 936.401 CUNLIFFE
62. Classic Celtic Fairy Tales 398.2089 CLASSIC
63. The Book of Kells : reproductions from the manuscript in Trinity College, Dublin / with a study of the manuscript by Francoise Henry ART BOOK
64. Anam cara : a book of Celtic wisdom / John O'Donohue. 248.089 O'DONOHUE
65. The grail : the Celtic origins of the sacred icon / Jean Markale 809 MARKALE

Meredith Visits The Library of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle!

Abracadabra - you’re hired! Yeah, I wish it were that easy to get a library job because I would be the first person to go out and buy a magic wand (I already own the hat, gloves, and cape.) Well, if there were one place that I could learn such tricks to employment, it would be Hollywood’s legendary Magic Castle, which is a private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, “an organization devoted to the advancement of the ancient art of magic, with the mission to encourage and promote public interest in the art of magic.”

The Castle was originally built as a private home in 1909 and later taken over in 1960 by “Truth or Consequences” writer Milt Larsen to honor his late father, William W. Larsen, Sr, a renowned magician who had long dreamed of building an elegant private club for magicians. On January 2, 1963 at precisely 5pm, Larsen’s dream would come true as the doors to the Magic Castle officially opened, and now, some four decades later, has become the official home to the 5,000 members of the Academy of Magical Arts and their invited guests.

And tonight, I would be one of them!

Exploring the William W. Larsen Memorial Library of Magical Arts, a collection devoted exclusively to magic, is typically off-limits to non-magicians...until now. With Librarian Bill Goodwin as my magical guide, I was instantly levitated into the stacks and found sections of the library devoted to illusion, card tricks, close-up magic, gambling, and my personal favorite, comedy/patter! What about balloon animals, you say? Yes, there is even a section devoted exclusively to just that! According to Goodwin, who does not hold a Masters degree in Library Studies, but is a magician with vast knowledge of the collection, there are about 16,000 books and DVDs total, in addition to several display cases featuring memorabilia from Johnny Carson to the legendary Dante the Magician.

While there is no Dewey Decimal system utilized to organize the library, it doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to this library, as anything you could possibly want magically appears with the help of Goodwin’s sorcery and that incredible database and online catalogue. For example, a book on Houdini, I ask? Like a rabbit out of a hat, a key emerges, and Goodwin is unlocking a secret door to items only special visitors get to see. And there it is, Miracle Mongers and Their Methods – A Complete Expose by Houdini, and inside the cover? His signature from 1921, now that is pretty cool.

Now back to making that job appear, I ask, using what little charm I can muster without being a card-carrying member of the magic community. Could there be a secret contained within the stacks, a spell perhaps, that would enable me the powers to conjure up a job and be hirable in a tough economy? Goodwin smiles, puts his finger to his lips as he escorts me to the door. To this day I have no idea if he was using misdirection to avoid my question, being secretive, or simply shushing me. Ah the trickery of those Magician Librarians!!!

Complete with a strict dress code and invite only status, the Magic Castle is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, hosting five different magic shows in three showrooms, including: the Close-up Gallery, presenting masters of the art of close-up magic in the smallest of the Castle theaters (seating only 22 guests); the Parlour of Prestidigitation, which recreates the Victorian experience of the "parlour" (living room) magician; and finally, the Palace of Mystery, which hosts grand illusion and other stage performers.

In addition to the shows themselves, guests can also enjoy dinner or brunch, cocktails at any of the various bars found in the many hidden corridors of the Castle (I prefer the Owl Bar, where a certain owl will answer questions regarding your future, even if Magician Librarians cannot!), or you can listen to Irma the ghost play your requests on the piano. I like “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police since I may be unemployed but by some miracle I haven’t given up hope that maybe all of these little things I do will one day result in something miraculous!

Now if I could just find that gold coin in my ear I could pay my rent!

http://www.magiccastle.com/

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Meredith Visits a Railroad Library at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum

According to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum website, “The Erwin Welsch Memorial Research Library is a non-circulating research library which focuses on all aspects of railroading with a particular emphasis on railroading in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The library is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of historical, social, economic and technical knowledge of railroading and railroad modeling. The Library collection includes material on model railroading in all scales. In addition, the collection also covers railroads throughout Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. Reference materials include books, periodicals, professional journals, government publications, manuscript materials, maps, engineering drawings, DVDs, videotapes, slides, photographs, and other ephemera. The online catalog contains 831 railroad and model railroad magazine titles, and over 4000 books, 1400 videos and DVDs.”

For more information on the library and museum, please visit:
http://www.sdmrm.org/#/library/4533446593
http://www.sdmrm.org/

And my favorite item in the entire collection? This model train filled with alcohol – now that’s something every library needs!