It's Vacation - Time to Read and Leave!

In 5 hours, I am leaving for vacation.  So, obviously, the thing to do is write a blog post. BWAAHAHAHA!  Well, it is if your name is Sandy. 

I had my second set of summer library hours this week and actually met a community student who came in to exchange some books.  We had a lovely chat.  I hope I get to see some more kiddos like her over the next two weeks. 

One of the components of the summer program is to keep a reflection log.  For this week, one of the biggest AHA's that I reflected upon was the differences in collections.  I know in my last post I indicated that I saw come new titles I was putting down for my library.  But the other part of the equation is what is "missing" in this foreign library.  The books that I instinctively reach for when someone asks for a title that is checked out and I know just the thing to recommend or that book that I just know would perfectly fit the interest and reading level of a kiddo. It doesn't mean the collection is bad.  It just means it isn't mine.  It also means that I really know my collection a lot better than I give myself credit for sometimes. 

But enough reflecting.  Now I am engaging in my typical pre-vacation sleeplessness.  The night before I never sleep.  I am just too darned excited about the trip.  This year's trip is a bit different because I am traveling out of the country without my husband or son.  I am, however, traveling with my brother, sister-in-law, 13 yr. old nephew, 10 yr. old niece, 5 yr. old nephew and 1 yr. old niece and my thirty something cousin.  So I definitely won't be alone!  My brother and his lovely wife are renewing their wedding vows on the beach in Turks and Caicos.  While the whole gang will be arriving together, Aunt Sandy is returning home solo next Wednesday night.

I've packed light - only 4 pair of shoes and 3 camera lenses for this trip. I've loaded the IPOD with music, TED talks and podcasts for plane and beach. I've written the "in case the plane crashes" letters for the husband and son (not kidding!) I've also packed 3 books for the beach.  Books I intend to read and leave. 

I am not a big fan of ebooks.  I like the aesthetic of turning pages and dogearring them to mark my spot. I know it isn't fashionable to say that but it's my vacation so I can say what I want.  I like books.  When I travel, I buy books, read them and leave them behind when I am finished.  I like to imagine that someone finds the book, picks it up and begins to read.  Someone who maybe didn't have reading on their mind before seeing that book lying there.  Sometimes I bring the book home.  If I really loved it or if I know I want to pass it on to someone else.  But mostly, leaving the books behind is a win-win because that is guaranteed room for souvenirs. 

So, enjoy your week.  I will be "on island time, man" and share some pictures next week (hopefully).