Ann is a librarian in a high school library at Hiram, Maine. As a typical school library, their type of books just depend on the teachers need. For Anne, the best way to entice the younger generation to be attracted in reading books is to listen to their wants and needs and buying books that are of interest to these students. Read more of Anne's interview...
Where is your library and how can I access your website?
Hiram, Maine (south western part of Maine near the White Mountains of New Hampshire)
What sets your library apart from others?
Our little library is pretty typical as far as high school libraries go. I find that the changes in technology without an increase in library budget has created libraries that are struggling to keep up with teens that tech savvy.
I know you’ve seen hundreds of books this year, Ann. What are the most noteworthy books you have read recently?
I have read allot of new fiction for teens hoping to generate more reading among the students. My plan seems to be working and circulation of new titles is up. The female students like the Ellen Hopkins series of books, Sarah Dessen, and Jodi Piccoult. The male students still generate to true stories of adventure and survival in the wilderness type books. Also graphic novels are popular in the last couple years, especially the ones that are Manga type books.
With so many things you can do at your library, which ones seem to be the most popular?
I keep busy in teaching research skills in finding the best possible materials/resources for each various topics for students/staff.
Do you book speakers via Skype? If so, how would someone interested in speaking, reach out to you?
email is best
There are organizations that are promoting independent authors books, are you open to displaying these in your library Ann?
yes to an extent.... I don't have much room at this time
How many books would you say you purchase in your library every year?
about 60 to 100
Where do you buy your books? Ingram? Amazon? Overdrive?
Follett
What type of books are you searching for?
depends on teacher requests and needs each year change
What kind of books do you wish publishers would make more available?
I can find what I need usually.
Ann, do you think there is a need for more works in both English and Español to serve the Latin market? If so, in which genre?
we only have one student who is Hispanic and ESL, so needs are not great in this area at our school.
What are you doing personally to entice the younger generation to read more?
Buying books that of interest, listening to students and their wants and needs.
Do you offer eBooks at your library? Who supplies you with them?
yes, Maine InfoNet Library
The book industry was shaken by the economy. How was your library affected?
cut 1/3 of my budget
With so much distracting people today, and with the affects of the recession, Ann, how do you get more and more people to come into the library instead of staying home playing video games?
Since we are a school library, I have a captive audience :)
Jeff Rivera is the award-winning author of "Forever My Lady"