Are you trying to build your reading list? Here are titles of great books that will make you cry, laugh and keep you engaged until the very last page.

Books can stretch your imagination to its limits, thus allowing you to travel through time and space. Image courtesy of Flickr.

Fight Club – Chuck Palahniuk

While critics believe that Palahniuk had written better stories than Fight Club, this novel actually helped him steal the spotlight. Among all the other great books to read, “Fight Club” is the only novel that inspired a despondent generation to push back. Even ADHD sufferers will keep turning this book’s pages as it narrates a story of anti-consumerism, revolt and the need to go back to zero. Indeed, nobody stirs emotions better than Palahniuk.

Rules of Attraction – Brett Easton Ellis

Every compilation of great books includes at least one of Bret Easton Ellis’s works. “Rules of Attraction” features powerful elements such as drugs, violence, 80s music and lots of run-on sentences. But the book also gives readers more to work with, like a semi-coherent plot, allusions and different narrators. The plot revolves around self-absorbed, horrible people who are trying to quit smoking, get laid or do other superficial things. The gist – no one cares anymore.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Diaz

“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” made it to the list of great books to read because of its authenticity and unparalleled craftsmanship. It narrates the life of a Dominican-American family, their never-ending struggles in the Dominican Republic and the series of curses that followed them to America. In this novel, Diaz impressively blended Dominican history with elements of humor, sex, death love and revolutions. He also made use of existing pop references along a very refreshing writing style.

Good Omens – Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

If you’re looking for great books that will make you laugh until you get stomach cramps, “Good Omens” is your safest bet. It is about Adam, a young boy, who just so happens to be the Antichrist that will set the Apocalypse in motion. It also explores the character of an unconventional angel, an “unintentional” demon and a group of people who are trying to fight against The Apocalypse’s Four Horsemen. This brilliant novel showcases Pratchett’s hilarious antics and Gaiman’s exquisite writing style.

These four great books to read highlight the remarkable talent of the world’s most creative and talented writers. Whether you’re into novels with dark plots, inspiring characters or side-splitting storylines, this short reading list will have something in store for you.

Emergencies appear in many forms and not everyone has the resources at their disposal to cover them. Sometimes, people have to turn to cash loans from Plain Green Loans. Emergency loans can be useful for instances such as these:

Dental Care

Dental emergencies can be expensive. Dentists usually expect to be paid after the time of the service. A root canal or tooth extraction can easily go into the thousand dollar range. Braces can range in the several thousands of dollars as well. A consumer simply cannot suffer through major oral issues. They may need emergency cash in order to get the care they need.

Major Medical Emergencies

Medical problems are all too common of an emergency for the average American, especially those who are uninsured. Even the insured have to deal with co-pays and meet deductibles. Many times, hospitals or physicians will require a certain percentage of payment up front.

In other cases, a consumer may be short on cash and need a prescription drug as soon as possible. For such, an emergency loan may be needed to make that payment or pay for medicine. There is no reason to put health at risk due to a cash shortage.

Automobile Issues

A major automobile issue such as an accident may arise at any time. If an engine or transmission repair is needed on a vehicle. the cost is quite expensive. Most mechanics require payment in advance before they start the repairs. An emergency loan is a great resource to meet this need if you do not have the cash on hand.

Family Emergencies

Sadly, family emergencies such as illness or funerals can be quite expensive. Airline tickets purchased on short notice tend to be very pricey. If a family member needs to fly across the country to attend a funeral or reach a family member who is gravely ill, an emergency loan can help them make those arrangements quickly and get them to where they need to be.

Emergencies happen even to people who think they are well-prepared. Emergency loans can provide funds to any consumer who needs to get back on the road as soon as possible.

Emergency (Photo credit: kayaker1204)

]]> http://www.worldlibraries.org/how-to-use-emergency-loans-the-ultimate-guide/feed/ 0 http://www.worldlibraries.org/the-importance-of-summer-reading-programs-for-children/ http://www.worldlibraries.org/the-importance-of-summer-reading-programs-for-children/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:22:42 +0000 admin http://www.worldlibraries.org/?p=132 Summer is a time that is filled with fun in the sun, relaxing at the beach and enjoying the great outdoors. It is also a time that is commonly associated with children tossing books to the side, and choosing other activities over snuggling up with a good book.

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American public libraries are trying to make an effort to change children’s perceptions of the summer season by offering summer reading programs. Summer reading programs are filled with activities, prizes for reading books, and enjoying the company of other like-minded children.

Summer reading programs show children that summer fun can still be mixed with a good book. The following are benefits children can receive by having their local library offer a summer reading program.

Keep Reading Skills Up to Par

Educational experts estimate that for every month a child is out of school they lose the equivalency of a month of teaching. Summer reading programs offer students a chance to keep up with their reading comprehension and increase vocabulary skills, all while enjoying the summer vacation.

Offer a Chance to Socialize with Other Children

Once summer vacation starts, many children miss out on the ability to socialize with children their own age. Summer reading program activities such as guest speakers, summer games and contests give children the opportunity to meet new people and develop friendships, or just hang out with friends from school.

Opens the Door to New Experiences

Most summer reading programs focus on a theme or event. This theme or event carries throughout the entire summer, and all activities revolve around it. Children are exposed to new experiences by taking part in this children’s reading program.

In addition to new experiences, children have the opportunity to learn about new things they might not have encountered in school or at home. Many libraries will invite guest speakers to their library, offer video presentations, and even have field trips that allow children to learn and explore new things.

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Encourages Children to Read

Children are reluctant readers. Children would rather play a video game, or watch a movie than pick up a book. Summer reading programs encourage children to pick up a book by offering great incentives for reading.

Summer reading program incentives such as prizes, exclusive parties, and contests encourage children to read as many books as they can. The best part is as the end of the program children can look back and see how many books they have read. This can develop a sense of pride in their reading skills, and encourage children to continue to read even after the summer program.

Summer vacation can still be about having fun, hanging out with friends, and experiencing new things. However, instead of spending time at the beach or at a summer camp, children can do this by taking part in the local library’s summer reading program.

Book bloggers are book enthusiasts that take time out of their day to write detailed reviews about the books they read. Librarians can form relationships with these virtual book reviewers. The relationship can help them determine what books should be considered for a library’s book collection.

The following is a look at how librarians can benefit from forming an alliance or sorts with a variety of book reviewers.

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Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Books

Publishers are quick to offer top book reviewers the chance to preview books before they hit the market. Librarians are able to use the reviews provided by book reviewers to determine what books are popular, and what books should be considered for addition to a library’s collection.

Author Interviews

Many book lovers like to get a better understanding of their favorite authors, but are unable to because the author doesn’t stop for a book tour in their city. Book bloggers are often given the chance to interview their favorite authors, and post those interviews for the world to see. Librarians can use these interviews to offer library patrons a chance to get to know their favorite authors.

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Provide an Inside Look at the Public’s Reaction to Books

Libraries often leave the decisions regarding which books to order for a library’s collection to a single person. This can be difficult as that single person is unable to determine exactly what the public will or won’t like about a book. Forming an alliance with popular book bloggers gives librarians a chance to see the public’s reaction to certain books.

Book bloggers often leave their blogs or forums open to public comments. Librarians can read those comments and use the reactions to reviews to judge whether a book is a good fit for their particular library system or not.

Libraries that have formed a relationship with book reviewers and bloggers are able to get the inside scoop on the latest books, offer insight into favorite authors, and even judge how the public might react to a specific book or series. This information can help libraries by generating interest in new books and authors, or helping librarians make a decision if a book should be added to the public library’s collection.

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Library fees have long been used as a source of income for many cash-strapped library systems. However, as more and more people are facing tough economic times, both library patrons and the library system are contesting the concept of implementing a fine for overdue books.

Some libraries have met the public’s demand and eliminated the overdue book fee, while others continue to operate on a system that has worked for years. Here is a look at some of the supporting arguments for why a library overdue book fee should or should not be implemented.

For the Fine: It Helps Keep Materials Flowing from Patron to Patron

Library fine supporters believe that implementing a library fee for overdue materials encourages people to return books and movies on time. When the materials are returned on time, they can go to other patrons who are waiting to read or watch the materials. It is argued that no library fee would not entice people to return materials quickly, and could cause wait times for books and movies to increase dramatically.

Against the Fine: Tax Money Goes to the Library, so Why Pay

Most public library systems were established using taxpayer money. Library patrons who are against the library fine believe that because their tax money went to establishing the library, there is no reason they should be fined for returning a book a few days late.

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For the Fine: Helps Develop a Budget for New Materials

Libraries are facing extreme budget cuts. Supporters of the overdue book fine argue that implementing the fine gives libraries a way to generate a form of income. Even though it might be a few cents a day, the money can quickly add up and can be used to purchase new books, movies and other materials for the library collection.

Against the Fine: Collecting the Money is Tough

Library resources are already stretched to the limit. Patrons against the fine argue that those precious resources are being used to collect the library fines. Many libraries will issue warnings, send letters through the mail, and even take library patrons to court if a fine has not been paid. This whole process can sometimes cost the library more money than what they would get from the fines.

The argument regarding whether a library should or should not implement an overdue book fine is one that will continue as long as there is a public library system. Libraries must make the decision to fine for overdue materials based on the interest of the public and the entire library system.

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Attracting attention to the American public library system when people are so obsessed and driven by smartphones, iPads and iPods, and the Internet, can be difficult, but not impossible. Many libraries are able to create a renewed interest in their library system by offering a diverse multimedia collection.

Library multimedia selections can include a variety of the following items:

• DVDs or Blu-ray DVDs
• Downloadable music
• Video games for Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo
• E-Books

Offering these materials allows the library system to attract the attention of members of the public who might not otherwise visit a library. The following is a quick look at some of the reasons why diverse multimedia collections attract new people to the library.

Providing Entertainment During Tough Economic Times

Before TVs, DVDs and the Internet, people used to entertain themselves by sitting down and diving into a good book. The entertainment options never ran out because the public library systems would offer these people with hundreds of books to read.

Technology changed what people use for entertainment, and the library must change with the times. Providing a variety of multimedia selections for library patrons allows people to depend upon the public library system for entertainment, just as they used to before technology.

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Attracting a Younger, Hipper Generation to the Library

Some children are reluctant to read. After all, there are hundreds of new video games and TV shows just waiting for them. Public libraries hope by offering video games, computer games and the latest DVDs, they can attract the attention of a younger generation that has been fairly reluctant to pick up a book and read.

The belief is that children will want to use the library to borrow a movie or video game, but while they are at the library they might slowly adapt to exploring the thousands of books and reading materials in the building. The multimedia collection is almost used as bait to attract children to the library system. Once in the library, librarians will use colorful displays, contest, and other resources to attract children’s attention to the books.

There is a general belief that the public is not as interested in the American public library system as it was 10, 20 or even 40 years ago. Offering diverse multimedia collections might just be the key to renewing the public’s interest in the library.

Budget restrictions, book topic controversies, popularity of a specific book title, and current trends must all be assessed and taken into account before a book is added to a library’s existing collection. The following is a brief look at how libraries can start the process of determining what books and other materials should be added to a library’s collection.

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Develop a Full Picture of the Average Library Patron

Libraries are extremely diverse meeting grounds for people of all sexes, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. This melting pot of beliefs, customs and interests can make it difficult for libraries to fully meet the demands of every single library patron, as there are so many different wants and needs.

Libraries that are trying to successfully meet the demands of their patrons must fully understand who exactly is visiting and using the resources provided by the library. A full picture of who is visiting the library can be drawn by collecting information from the patrons.

Some examples of how libraries have collected patron information include:

• In-library surveys filled out by patrons who visited the library.
• Online surveys sent to all registered library cardholders.
• General profiles on library card applications.
• Using the general census to determine the area’s population demographics.

Taking the information provided by these surveys and applications, a library can develop a better understanding of who uses the library and what resources they need to meet their literary needs.

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Assessing a Book Title for Possible Addition to a Library’s Collection

There is no right or wrong way to assess whether a book title is a good addition to a library’s existing book collection. Librarians can narrow down which titles might be good additions to a collection by asking a few simple questions. These questions include:

• Is there a demand for the topic or material provided by the book?
• How many copies of the title does the library already own?
• Have existing library patrons asked for the book?
• Is the book a part of a series that is already popular with library patrons?
• Is the book written by a well-known author?
• Is there room in the budget to purchase a copy?
• Have other books that are similar to this title or topic been popular among library patrons?

The answers to these questions can help librarians assess if a book title should or should not be considered for addition to a library’s collection.

Filling a library’s shelves with books that people want to read is extremely difficult. Libraries that have taken the time to assess who visits the library, and if a book is a good addition to the library’s collection have found success with filling the shelves with thousands of books people want to read.

Building From the Ground Up

Although the infrastructure in developing countries has made enormous progress in the last few decades, they still have a long way to go. For example, as of 2012, many developing countries have easy access to cell phones but Internet access is not nearly so ubiquitous. This means that physical libraries are still immensely important because…

1. They provide self-sufficiency: All developing nations have the facilities to buy, or produce, some computer equipment, but there are still many people without it — most commonly poor and rural people. However, while these men, women, and children cannot produce computers — or WiFi routers — they can make books.

1. They help preserve local traditions: Because they can make books, people from these rural villages can preserve their culture, their history, and their unique story telling. Communities that have physical libraries are able to offer their children — and adults — the opportunity to contribute to something tangible and important.

1. They allow access to information: One thing that does carry over from developed to developing nations is the mantra, “education leads to more opportunities, and thus a better life.” While it’s true that MIT and the UN have done their best to help education in the developing world through their $100 laptops that are powered by a hand or foot crank, paraphrasing Bill Gate’s famous criticism — what good will a computer do without internet access? Word processing maybe, but, as long as internet access remains elusive, to get information they still need a good library.

The Call to Arms

Therefore, if you have skills that could be helpful — either as a teacher, librarian, or a book binder — please consider volunteering your time to teach those skills. There are great organizations, such as the Peace Corps, that can help you find a community that needs them and facilitates your travel. However, even if you don’t have the skills mentioned above, and want to help build libraries in the developing world, consider donating money to one of the many charitable organizations that fight for this cause. You don’t have to be a multimillion dollar, craps winner either, just donate what you can because every little bit helps!

What do Asian Americans like? What do they eat? Are Asian Americans every thing you assumed and nothing you can’t imagine? Like all other “types” of Americans, Asian Americans are simply people of Asian ethnicity (including but not limited to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, Filipino and Bhutanese) who are born in America. Learn about what differentiates an “Asian” from an “Asian American” in a few simple ways.

1. Asian Americans are born in America.

Very simple, but not many people consciously understand or acknowledge the difference. Someone who is Asian is essentially born and/or from Asia (just as someone from America would be American, someone from France would be French and so on). On the other hand, an Asian American is born in America to parents of Asian descent. Many Asians today are often first or second generation, which is defined as the following:

• First Generation: If someone is a First Generation Asian American, that means their parents immigrated from Asia and they are the first generation in their family to be born in America.
• Second Generation: Someone is a Second Generation Asian American if both they and their parents are born in America.

2. Asian Americans are Asian AND American, not just Asian

Most people assume that if you look Asian, you’re not American. Most of the time out of curiosity, Asians will get asked, “Where are you really from?” which can come off as rude when the person asking is simply trying to figure out the other’s ethnicity. Be sure to avoid asking about someone’s origins in a offensive way, as exemplified below:

“Where are you from?”

“Smalltown, USA”

“No, where are you REALLY from?”

Not only is this rude and offensive, but if you’re trying to ask where someone’s parents are from or what their ethnicity is, the best way to go about it is to simply ask, “What is your ethnicity?”. This not only applies to Asian Americans, but Americans of all types who do not fit the American Anglo-Saxon stereotype.

3. More about the Asian American Culture

Asian Americans have yet to define the perimeters of their own culture. As Americans, they love pop music, the Vampire Diaries, hamburgers, Emma Stone, and Jay-Z, just like any other American. On the other hand, being of Asian descent means that they’re also more likely to be exposed to Asian culture, such as K-Pop, dim sum, using chopsticks, or Buddhism. It’s difficult balancing the two cultures, because they are both a part of Asian Americans being themselves. But with a growing generation of Asian Americans, there is a distinct culture that is beginning to manifest, as exemplified by YouTube sensation David Choi, Knicks’ point guard Jeremy Lin (#Linsanity anyone?), organizations such as the Asian American Resource Workshop, and countless other movements started by Asian Americans for the sole purpose of defining who they are. The number of Asian Americans are increasing, and they are starting to appear in the media now more than ever.

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Libraries have been part of the world’s history for more than a thousand years. First, as private libraries of the rich and learned and then as libraries for academic and/or monastic purposes, the library was a necessary part of saving, as well as gaining, important information and classical thought. These libraries helped preserve civilizations and cultures through the ages.

Although it is thought that the first documented library existed around 700 BC, it wasn’t until almost 1600 AD that one of the first known public library came to be. In Lincolnshire, England, the Francis Trigge library was opened to the community. By the mid 1800s, England’s Parliament made it a law that all cities with a good-sized population were to have a public library.

Public Libraries in the U.S.

Although Colonial America had private and academic libraries, the idea of the public lending library came from Benjamin Franklin. Franklin put together a group of 50 investors who were interested in forming a library. Together they each invested 40 shillings to buy books and sent an order to London. Thus, the Library Company was formed and a subscription library was established, which led the way to the establishment of lending libraries.

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Carnegie

One of Andrew Carnegie’s most famous donations to the American people was the funding of 1,679 libraries that were scattered across America. Costing somewhere to the tune of more than $40 million dollars and taking more than 20 years to complete, these libraries opened to millions of Americans that were suddenly able to read great books and to become engrossed in some of the greatest literature available. These public libraries were free to the community and put in place by Carnegie because of his respect and admiration for books. Completed in 1919, many of these libraries stand today and are still used for education and information in today’s modern world. Now, besides the books that so heavily influenced Carnegie, many of these libraries are modern information centers with computer labs, research centers and even online blogs.

Today, libraries in America have changed and grown with the advancement of technology and the necessary use of computers and Internet for research and learning. However, they still stand as beacons of education, culture and great literature, proving that learning is always important, whether from a multimedia project or a great book.