5 Picture Books I Get Nostalgic Over

Welcome back to Snaps, Macs, and Actual Books!

5 Picture Books I Get Nostalgic Over 

Source: Carissa Rogers

For those who aren't aware, November is a popular month for reading and writing with month long celebrations like National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo, for short) and National Picture Book Month (or NPBM, for short). 

For the sake of this post, I'm focusing on NPBM. While it might seem self-explanatory, this month dedicated to picture books because they are just as important as a college textbook is. Picture books are typically the first books a child's exposed to; it's the start of literacy journey! For more information, visit the link that will take you to their website.

Believe me when I say how hard it was to narrow the number of my favorite picture books down to only six. So, without anymore delay, here they are....

1. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch 

Source: Amazon

I chose this book because...  

As a child, I loved this book because I thought it was cute; but the more I read it over the years, I realized just how it accurately describes what it means to be a parent: the struggles and joys and everything else in-between and the realization and understanding when the child becomes a parent themselves. 

Why it's memorable:  

It's a (not-so) subtle reminder of how much I must appreciate all the things, big to small, my parents do for me. Within in the next ten years, I will most likely be in their place being a parent myself. They set and continue to set a good example for me.

2. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes 

Source: Amazon

I chose this book because...

If you can recall from my post about how books changed my life, I disclosed that growing up I felt a little weird and different from the rest of my peers. I subconsciously connected and identified with Chrysanthemum. She felt shunned by her peers because of her name, but with the help of her teacher, she realize that she loved her name, no matter what anyone said. For me, it was finding others who loved books and reading as much as I did.

Why it's memorable:

It's a reminder that there are people out there who are going to pick on you and try to tear you down, telling you can't do it. The ones we need to listen to are the Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle's of the world who tell us to have faith and self-confidence in yourself. It's an empowering message. 

3. Elephant and Piggie books - specifically We Are In A Book - by Mo Willems 

Source: Amazon

I chose this book because... 

The obvious reason why I chose this book is that it's about, well, a book, but that's not my only reason. What's different is that it engages the readers by speaking about them [the reader] directly. Combine that with the cheeky humor and unlikely best friends Gerald and Piggie, and you get a fantastically unique book about the truth about books and reading.

Why it's memorable:

Well, as a big fan of books and reading, this is hands-down a must-read. It's the unique and direct approach to include and address the reader's importance in this story and reading in general. The ultimate meaning behind this book is telling us is that while the story might end, it stays with a person forever.  

4. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst 

Source: Amazon

I chose this book because... 

It's a refreshing pleasure to read about a "real" boy, and by that, I mean honest and isn't afraid to show the metaphorical warts. And who wouldn't be mad when nothing seems to be going right, when one bad thing happens right after another? Viorst perfect described what's like to be a kid who's having a day with the odds not in their favor.

Why it's memorable:

I would consider this book to be a timeless "must-read". Bad days happen to us all, days when the world is seemingly against use, no matter the age; that's why it's timeless. I highly recommend to anyone having a bad day to sit down and read this book; that's why it's a must-read". Because just like Alexander, you'll learn to appreciate life in a different way that you might not have before.

5. Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Source: Amazon

I chose this book because... 

How could I have a list of picture books and not include at least one Dr. Seuss classic? But there's more to the reason why I chose this particular Dr. Seuss classic. This book describes what the future looks like: personal success, potential, setbacks, and how to overcome those obstacles. Dr. Seuss uses this book to tell the young minds, from preschool to high school and beyond, that future isn't always pretty, but believe in yourself and your capability and you'll go far.  

Why it's memorable:

It's focused on the future and telling the young minds that they have what it takes to be successful inside them. This is extremely important. Why? It's those young minds who will be leading the next generation. Continually nurture their minds now, and the results are sure to be world-changing.

Did I miss your favorite picture book? Let me know in the comments!

Stay tuned for my next post! 

Books Changed My Life, and They Can Change Yours, Too

Welcome back to Snaps, Macs, and Actual Books!

Books Changed My Life, And They Can Change Yours, Too

Source: Melissa Curtis

I want to start this post off with a little story. It's the story of how my love for reading bloomed. 

In second or third grade, it was discovered that I had trouble reading; I wasn't up to the reading level with my other peers. My mom sent me to a local academic learning center for a summer to help improve my reading skills. It worked, to say the least, if you would talk to my family and friends. 

That summer was a turning point in my life and I didn't even realize it at the time. That summer is when I developed an addiction to books and reading and all they can give me.

You might be wondering, "Well, that's nice, but what's that got to do with marketing college libraries through the use of photography, design, and creative writing?" And I impulsively want to simply say that it doesn't, but that would be a lie.

Wait, what? 

Here's why. In my Advertising and Promotion class, I learned that one of three factors to keep in mind when specifying a target market are behavioral variables, specifically the consumer's past experience with the product or brand. While my goal isn't to specify a target audience, I want to tell about my past experience with reading and books and how they changed my life and how they can change yours, too.

Books gave (and continue to give) me... 

Me An Escape

Source: milena mihaylova

I didn't realize how much of an escape books and reading gave me until about middle school when the cliques form and the opinions of your peers matter (more than than they should). Loving books and reading as much as I did, I felt my peers thought I was weird for choosing a book over a basketball or volleyball. Where else do I turn to during that awkward phase? To my books for an escape from a reality where I felt like an outcast.

New Perspectives And Insights

Source: Gabriel Kronisch

There's no good way to explain this one except for this way. With reading many books from a variety of genres and even those that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself, there comes a sense of seeing the world in a different way. It's almost as if you wake up and the world you once knew is completely different and you almost don't recognize it. You're given new perspectives and insights with each book you read.

Hope

 

Source: Taymaz Valley

Let's face it. The world definitely has its problems. Some days I wonder if there's any hope left in the world. There is. Books have hope and can inspire. An obvious example of the quite depressing divorce rate makes me wonder, "Is there no love left in this world?" Where do I turn to? Books. Even though it may not be real or sometimes, realistic, the stories inspire the possibility of that kind of love existing. And it's that notion of possibility that helps me and many others and not just with the idea of love.  

A Way To Connect

Source: Didriks

Referencing the dreaded middle school years when I felt like an outcast for loving reading, I found the silver-lining. Actually, it was more like I discovered that my love for books and reading gave me a way to connect with others loved reading and books as much as I did. No longer did I feel like an outcast.  

To sum it up:

Without books and realizing how much they've impacted my life, I wouldn't be working in the Rod Library at the circulation desk and (eventually) becoming a public relations student assistant for them. 

Without books, my life would be completely different.

How have books impacted your life? Which books have impacted your life?

Let me know in the comments below!

Stay tuned for next week's post! 

6 Banned Books I Will Read To My Kids Someday

Welcome back to Snaps, Macs, and Actual Books!

6 Banned Books I Will Read To My Kids Someday

Source: Melissa Curtis

Growing up, I kept hearing about Banned Books Week, but I never fully understood what it was about until middle school. Back then, I had a hard time grasping why certain books would be banned because, to me, books are magical in how they let you escape reality for a little while and immerse yourself in another world. Still today, I don't understand some the reasons books are banned; some reasons are just plain ridiculous as you will see in a short bit.

I, Melissa Curtis, stand up for the right to read. I stand firm and proud in my freedom to read. So, with that said, here are six banned books I will read to my kids someday.

1.  Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park 

Source: Melissa Curtis

You can click on the title to learn about what the series is about. 

I don't know how I got started on these, but I'm glad I did. I love these books because I could identify with Junie and she made me laugh out loud many times.

Why It's Banned/Challenged: "mouthiness and bad spelling."

My Thoughts: She's a first grader, for goodness' sake; who isn't bad at spelling and a little mouthy at that age? You're probably lying if you think you weren't. Heck, I'm almost 21 years old and I still have trouble spelling sometimes and can be a little mouthy. It's her "bad spelling" and "mouthiness" that makes her so relatable and identifiable to her audience. 

2. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Source: Melissa Curtis

You can click the title to learn about what this book is about.

Freshman English in high school is when I read this book. And I absolutely fell in love with all the characters, especially Scout and her innocence. 

Why It's Banned: "racially and sexually-charged themes are inappropriate for young readers," according to Kenya Downs with PBS.

My Thoughts: I can understand why this book is banned, but that doesn't mean I agree with it. This book shows controversial issues through the eyes of an innocent child who realizes the world and life—and some of the people in it—aren't fair. For those of us who can grasp, they realize that cowards are the people who know the truth and don't speak up about it. It's a must-read for all ages. 

3.  And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Source: Melissa Curtis

You can click on the title to find more about this book.

I loved this book! It didn't hit me what this actually meant until someone told. I didn't think there was anything wrong with a two dads raising a child. 

Why It's Banned: "AntiFamily, Homosexuality, and Political Viewpoint."

My Thoughts: How can a book about a family be "antifamily"? If it's because there is two dads, there needs to be a better reason than that. The world is changing; there are non-traditional families now. I don't think that's going to change anytime soon. It's for this reason why this book needs to be read. It shows and exposes kids to non-traditional and/or different relationships and families than they are probably used to.

4.  Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

Source: Amazon Books

You can click on the title to find more about this book.

If I had to choose a book to sum up my childhood, this would be the book. I could read and read this book over and over again and always find something I didn't find all the other times I read it.

Why It's Banned: "talking animals are considered an 'insult to god'," according to Buzzfeed's List of "14 Classic Children’s Books That Have Been Banned In America." 

My Thoughts: It's similar to my opinion about Junie B. Jones. Talking animals? What's wrong with that? The audience are typically kids, and kids typically used to talking animals in literature and movies. They don't mind that. But people are allowed to believe what they believe, and I can respect that.

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Source: Amazon Books

You can click on the title to learn more about this book. 

When I read this book in seventh grade, I didn't fully appreciate this book or maybe I couldn't fully grasp what Lowry wanted to get across. It wasn't until after I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins that I finally picked up on what the book was trying to tell me.

Why It's Banned: "'violence' and claims that the book is 'Unsuited to [the] Age Group'—or in other words that it’s too dark for children," according to Ben Blatt of Slate, a daily online magazine.

My Thoughts: This is was the first of many dystopian books that I've read. It showed there are imperfections in a seemingly perfect and orderly society. I don't disagree with the claim of violence, but "it's too dark for children"? It's introducing us to a kind society we might see in the future, if it doesn't already exist. 

 6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Source: Amazon Books

You can click on the title to learn more about this book.

Coincidentally, I also read this book in seventh grade. Unlike The Giver, I got what Hinton was hinting at (no pun intended). What really drove the meaning home was the fact my class did a real-life remake of the trial from the book. 

Why It's Banned: "drugs, violence and that old standby 'unchristian values,'" according to Joanna Robinson from Pajiba. 

My Thoughts: The first two reasons don't surprise me one bit. Because there are drugs and violence in the book. "Unchristian values" is a bit more tricky because when it comes to matters of faith, people have the right to believe what they believe. Despite what people think of this book, it's an another must-read because it exposes kids to the many injustices in this world and an emerging's teen experience with the old-age battle between the "haves" and "have nots". 

Do you agree? Did you see any of your favorite banned books? 

If I missed any, please comment with the book title and author, reason why, and your thoughts!

Stay tuned for next week's post! 

5 Ways College Libraries Can Use Instagram

Connecting Instagram and College Libraries

Source: Wokandapix - Pixabay

In today's fast-paced world, we don't have the time to read long, text-heavy articles anymore. It's the era of infographics, images, videos, or anything that can be seen and/or read in under two minutes. This is why it's so vital and important to be utilizing the photography and short videography social media tool: Instagram.

One place that needs to adapt to the ever-changing digital world are college libraries. And college libraries have discovered the power of Instagram to show off that they are still here and always will be. 

Here are seven unique ways college libraries can use Instagram to help market themselves. 

1. The Staff 

It's #NationalBookLoversDay, and while National Library Workers Day falls in April, we HAVE to take this opportunity to celebrate the extensive work our @millsteinlib staff does to encourage a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students! Here are just some of the friendly and welcoming faces you'll see as you walk into Millstein Library! Never be afraid to ask for help!! #H2PG #Librarians #CollegeLibrary #Pitt #Greensburg #Booklover #BookloversDay #H2P #PittIsIt #WestmorelandCounty #Pittsburgh #pgh #Pennsylvania

A photo posted by Pitt-Greensburg (@pittgreensburg) on Aug 9, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

 

People who work in college libraries can seem a little intimidating. A good way to lessen this is to show and/or feature staff members in their workplaces or in their favorite place in the library. Have them say something about why they love what they do or why they love libraries and use a hashtag like #MeetTheStaff or something unique to your library.

2. The Student Workers 

Congrats to our student Diksha for winning Servant Leadership Award! #weloveourstudents #purpleisgold

A photo posted by Rod Library (@rodlibrary) on Apr 13, 2016 at 9:17am PDT

Show off the student employees for their work for the library or their work in the classroom or even their work for their organizations. Or even just feature a student worker who has gone above and beyond in their position.

3. Instagram Challenge 

Create an Instagram Challenge to increase followers or a goal specific and time sensitive to your library and give a incentive like Commerce's Public Library staff jumping into the pool. When the goal or challenge is met, be sure to follow through on the incentive. Come up with a unique hashtag to go with it.

4. Book Face Fridays 

Our attempt at #bookfacefriday may make you want to pull a similar face but we're trying to be better, I promise! 😱 #LRC #learningresourcecentre #doncastercollege #UCLRC #library #librarylife #librariesofinstagram #collegelibrary #universitycentre #highmelton #graphicnovelcharacterdesign #artbooks #artsection #booksfordays #literature

A photo posted by Doncaster College LRC (@doncastercollegelrc) on Jul 15, 2016 at 6:16am PDT

For those are not aware what BookFace is, it is taking book covers and adding a human element to finish the book cover didn't include. This is something fun and light to do to keep the social media presence alive and upbeat and unique.

5. Fav Library Spots Photo Contest

My sister is heading back to school next week, and that made me think of my favorite place: the library! I'm happy to have graduated last year, but so many blissful days were spent amongst the shelves studying and reading. :) *** #fbf #flashbackfriday #library #collegelibrary #books #happy #bookworm #booklover #geeky #geekygirl #geekstagram #bookholic #book #bookaddict #read #reading #friday

A photo posted by Katy Rochelle (@katyrochelle) on Aug 26, 2016 at 6:23pm PDT

Create a photo contest challenging students to show off their favorite spot to study, hangout, or to maybe catch a few z's in between classes and a short explanation why they love it. The students send their photos and explanations, without names, and which ever picture gets the most "likes" earns a prize. A way to track posts is through a hashtag.

Stay tuned for next week's post! 

Who, What & Why I'm Blogging

Welcome to Snaps, Macs, and Actual Books!

Source: @SnapsMacsBooks

Hello, readers and welcome to my blog dedicated to marketing college libraries, inspiring reading, books, and libraries, and connecting photography and design in college libraries and their public relation committees.

Hello, it's me...

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Melissa Curtis. I am a junior at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Currently, I am majoring in Interactive Digital Studies, with an emphasis on Digital Advertising and Digital Imaging, and Art minor with an emphasis on photography. Outside of my studies, I work at Rod Library as a Building Monitor and a Public Relations Student Assistant. 

In my free time, I can be seen with a nose in a book. I also enjoy all kinds of photography and using different types of cameras. If I am not taking pictures or reading, I am most likely writing or designing. 

I know about... 

A list of my skills and experience:

• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat 

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, etc.) 

• Social Media 

• Writing (professional and creative) 

• Photography 

• Interpersonal communication 

• Leadership 

• Public speaking 

Or long story short: I am dedicated designer, writer, and photographer interested in doing public relations and communications for a college library because I want to advocate, promote, and inspire reading and books.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you come back soon!