Member: MikeMcQueen

Hi Mike!
I've been away from LibraryThing for a while, so please accept my apologies for the delay in replying to your email. I would be pleased to network with you! I should be around more on the site now...life has finally slowed down a bit for me.
Regards,
James O'Neal
Extension Services Librarian
Middle Georgia Regional Library
Macon, Georgia

posted by Ui_Niall at 10:13 am (EST) on Jul 7, 2009

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your friend request. It has been challenging for me to relate to students who don't automatically love learning and reading the way I did, and as much as I hate to admit it, I probably have a tougher time reaching reluctant-reading boys than girls. Your website has been particularly insightful for me, and I thank you for sharing it. What I wouldn't give to visit your library during the school year! I will be in your neck of the woods in late December and early January, but your school will no doubt be closed for the holidays. Too bad for me!

Katy Balma

posted by Miz_Bazzle at 11:20 am (EST) on Jun 29, 2009

Hi, Mike.

I am so sorry to be so long in responding. I haven't been on LT in quite a while because I have been busy with my site and also with moving, a fire, etc. But I am delighted to accept your invitation and look forward to chatting with you.

I just checked out your web site, and I like it very much. I plan to feature it in my editor's letter this next Sunday. It's a superb idea. How did you come up with it, and how is it going? What do YOU like to read?

Lauren

posted by BiblioBuffet at 11:27 pm (EST) on Jun 9, 2009

Hi!
Thanks for asking,
sure. We share the same challenges...

kruiser

Juha Manninen
special librarian
Turku City Library/mobile library
Amiraalistonkatu 6
20100 TURKU
FINLAND

posted by kruiser at 7:48 am (EST) on Jun 5, 2009

Sorry for the delay in response but I haven't added any books to my library lately. I have many co-workers recommend the "Getting Boys to Read" website so thanks for the resource and keep up the good work!

Jayme

posted by jaymeyocum at 12:49 pm (EST) on Jun 1, 2009

Hello! Love your site. I mostly work with grownups, but I can see your efforts creating lots of lifelong library lovers.

Ms. Paulinot

posted by PauliNot at 5:34 pm (EST) on May 31, 2009

Hi Mike.
Yes, we can network....
If you have the time....?
I can see, you have A LOT of friends already.
Anyone from Denmark?
Regards, Vibeke

posted by vibo at 7:18 am (EST) on May 27, 2009

Hi Mike! Thanks for the add! I haven't been on this site for a while, so I apologize! I've been reading fast and furiously while promoting my first novel and editing my second so it's been crazy!

Hope all is well -

Jeannine
J.R. Reardon
author, CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS

posted by jrreardon at 9:05 pm (EST) on May 13, 2009

Hi Mike, Thanks for sharing your link. I don't have a son, but i have nephews so will be sure to share the link.

Regards, Katie

posted by khs at 11:00 am (EST) on May 13, 2009

Hi Mike,

Just getting back on here after quite a while. Checked our your site - great stuff! I'm thrilled to see librarians working to dispel the image of libraries and librarians as quiet, stodgy and intimidating. We definitely need to work to make libraries more vital and accessible to all users.

Kate

posted by katydid-it at 9:43 am (EST) on May 6, 2009

Hey Mike. I'm using wordpress with the Thesis theme as of last week. I like Wordpress a lot, and I love Thesis, but I'm not a techie at all. Thesis is a lifesaver there. My friend Clinton Watson runs our huge zine collection here in Salt Lake and he swears by drupal for their online catalog.

thanks for the kind words. Let me know what you decide. How was Nome, by the way? I want to move to Alaska--my wife does not. The End.

posted by Josh_Hanagarne at 6:36 pm (EST) on May 3, 2009

Very cool, Mike. Let me know if I can help you with anything. I'm Josh Hanagarne on facebook and over on www.worldsstrongstlibrarian.com

You are doing something very worthwhile. Sorry about those hammertoes:)

posted by Josh_Hanagarne at 7:53 pm (EST) on Apr 24, 2009

You've got a great site. I'd love to contribute something.

posted by upson at 9:34 am (EST) on Apr 19, 2009

It's funny, because I've always loved to read. I don't ever remember not loving books. My younger sister was the one not as interested in reading.

posted by paperclypse at 11:36 am (EST) on Apr 6, 2009

Hey Mike, Cool Haircut! it's nice to know another LTer who has a barbershop in the garage. It's nice to able to get a cut at some odd hours right? haha anyway, read you later!

posted by TrailOfLeaves at 7:36 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2009

Hi Mike,

Your website is AMAZING! Will definitely share with my coworkers and other librarians in the area.

posted by katec9999 at 1:57 pm (EST) on Apr 3, 2009

Hi Mike - I checked out your site. Cool. I'm a librarian, too.

posted by twogerbils at 12:17 pm (EST) on Mar 31, 2009

Really interesting blog that I'll share with colleagues. It's clear you have great passion for this subject. Keep fighting the good fight.

posted by susanthaler at 8:19 am (EST) on Mar 29, 2009

Your work encouraging boys to read is truly admirable. I must decline your request to network, but thanks. Too many interests/responsibilities to add anything extra.

posted by ranabooks at 3:07 pm (EST) on Mar 28, 2009

Just a quick hello. I admire the work you're doing with reading. I grew up in the Bronx NY and we went to the library to stay warm and off the streets. We did a little reading. I guess it eventually took. Reading helped me, especially when I dropped out of high school! I evntually went back and now I support our local library. Keep up the good work. Carmelo

posted by cbellia at 10:31 pm (EST) on Mar 26, 2009

Sure.

posted by sws53 at 11:23 am (EST) on Mar 26, 2009

how r u

plez right back

posted by perkydakota at 10:33 am (EST) on Mar 24, 2009

Thanks for contacting me. I really like your website and you have some great insight. I'm currently at work and haven't had much time to read everything but I am interested in diving in to more of your blogs. Getting boys to read is something I am passionate about as well and have attended some conferences on the matter. The biggest trend I am finding with boys right now is the diary/journal format(especially ones with funny illustrations as well). It is perfect for short attention spans. Our boys can't get enough of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. Are you having that same experience?

posted by wonderlust at 3:01 pm (EST) on Mar 23, 2009

Hi Mike,

Thanks for adding me to your LibraryThing connections.

Regards,
Patricia

posted by pkim at 11:00 am (EST) on Mar 23, 2009

Thank you for the invite but I am unable to participate to the degree I would like with current groups.

posted by visuallibrarian at 8:54 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2009

mike, i'd seen this on twitter and used it in an interview

posted by plasticspam at 6:33 pm (EST) on Mar 16, 2009

Hey, took me a while to get back to you - we've been having a rather hectic week at my library (our library fish died AGAIN, among other things). Anyways, I took a look at your website and was quite impressed - great organization and looks like it will be quite helpful. I've done a few things to get more boys interested in reading at our library - adding a graphic novel section for younger readers and trying to do some more hands-on activities, but I'm always looking for more ideas!
Jennifer

posted by JeanLittleLibrary at 9:52 am (EST) on Mar 16, 2009

Thanks for your note. Are you on Jacketflap? It's a great networking site for librarians, authors and illustrators.
All the best,
Kate

posted by kconcannon at 6:45 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2009

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the message. I am particularly impressed that you only have one book in your personal library. I guess that makes for easy retrieval.
Bezzalina

posted by bezzalina at 12:17 am (EST) on Mar 15, 2009

Hi Mike,

I can't say I was much of a reader early on either. Occasionally, I burn through a series of books but rarely did I like anything recommended to me.

I do have some interaction with youth patrons during my weekly reference shift but, I'm afraid I won't be much use as I'm a systems librarian, spending most of my time interacting with computers. Still, I'll help if I can. I do try and insure the books I do collection management for include some titles for those who might be like a younger version of me. For instance, I recently acquired The Manga Guide To Databases for the library thinking, I would have read that when I was young.

Let me know if I can help,
-Kevin

posted by KeFre at 4:02 pm (EST) on Mar 14, 2009

Mike,
Thanks for writing. How do you have time for all this! I see you twitter as well. Who are you following? Our continuation school has only our reject books. Do you have a budget? A group of teacher librarians are here at my HS working on Web 2.0 staff development. What are you doing working on a Sat.?

posted by kpowell at 2:02 pm (EST) on Mar 14, 2009

Thanks for introducing yourself and sharing the work you are doing with teenage literacy. I passed on your website to my colleagues. I really think that teenage boys do read; I see them reading all the time while they are in my library. It has to be on their own terms and by their own choice. Telling a teenager to read a book, no matter what it is, is the surest way to make sure he will never open it.

Thanks again and Good Luck!

posted by quilted_kat at 9:33 am (EST) on Mar 14, 2009

You have an ingenious program for engaging your students! Yes, I'm glad to network with your library. Jane

posted by kronelibrary at 11:32 am (EST) on Mar 13, 2009

What a wonderful concept! I was a voracious reader as a kid, but my brother wouldn't even sit through a chapter... My mom tried everything she could to get him to read, but to no avail. I salute your program- I'm sure you're going to make a difference! And (as you already know) reading as a boy will change their lives as they become men. Good luck!

posted by PirateColey at 10:56 am (EST) on Mar 13, 2009

Thanks for the heads up! Right now I am just finishing my master's thesis and will be looking for jobs in May... keep a young, professional, european educated librarian in mind!

posted by kristincedar at 6:23 am (EST) on Mar 13, 2009

Oops! I forgot to tell you my name. It's Kim. :-)

posted by kherrington at 8:03 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

Hi Mike,

I am in my second year as a junior high (grades 7-8) librarian.

I don't really network on LibraryThing. I only use it as a place to inventory the books that I own and/or read for personal pleasure. I really don't put very many work-related books here. However, that doesn't mean I can't start networking here.

I have looked at your site and plan to share it with the other librarians in my school district. Keep up the good work! I look forward to hearing more from you.

posted by kherrington at 8:03 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

Hi Mike,

I am forwarding your info to the librarian at my local teeny-tiny library. His mindset about kids and libraries is very similar to yours -- whatever gets kids off the streets and into the library is a good thing, and if they read, so much the better.

I don't network here at librarything.com; I use it to keep track of what I read each year. Thus I have several accounts: kmkat2008, kmkat2009, kmkat2009dnf (that's for books I started but did not finish; I have finally decided life is too short and there are too many good books out there to read stupid ones).

I wish you and your students all the good luck and good books (and all the other books, too, if that's what someone wants to read) in the world. Your students are lucky to have you.

Kathy

posted by kmkat at 4:04 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

Hi Mike,
Thanks for contacting me. I work at a town library, in The Netherlands. Your website looks great and indeed deals with an important issue. It's nice to hear you became to like reading and books.
Slowly libraries are changing, while society changes a lot faster. There's a lot to be done.
Stefanie.

posted by vandergoes at 4:02 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

I enjoyed looking at your blog. I've bookmarked it on my Deliciou page.

posted by librarianlou at 3:30 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

Sure, sounds great! I will definitly check it out, thanks:)

posted by julyso at 3:01 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

Hi Mike,

That sounds great! I love what you are doing for kids. AND, you're in Denver and I'm in the Springs!

I just followed you on Twitter, btw.

Cheers,

Virginia

posted by vfranklyn at 1:51 pm (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

I used to work in the children's section of my public library-- I wish you'dbeen around twenty years ago!

posted by jmp3613 at 10:32 am (EST) on Mar 12, 2009

Great idea for a website, Mike. The challenge to get boys interested in reading seems to be a common one. As you can see in my library profile, I've added quite a few "Childhood Favourites", most of which are good reads for boys. I'll be checking out your site in the future.

posted by trevorlockhart at 8:41 pm (EST) on Mar 11, 2009

Hi, I don't really network on Library Thing I mostly use LT for inventory purposes. I use Goodreads where I post my reviews and network there. I think that getting boys to read is quite a challenge and a wonderful one.

I'm currently reading the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson series. It's a good choice for boys I think.

posted by writerlibrarian at 5:11 pm (EST) on Mar 11, 2009

Hi Mike,
Thanks for pinging me! I checked out your website - quickly - and will go back and spend some time perusing all the great stuff I saw there. You are doing some amazing things!

I loved to read as a child but had no plans to become a librarian then. Back in the day I wanted to be an archaeologist or a vet. I've always loved literature, writing and reading but librarianship didn't come about until I went to work at a university library in Pennsylvania (my home town is Indiana, PA) and fell in love with the whole atmosphere. I work in a corporate library and have since I got my MLS - right now I manage a one-person "virtual library" for a defense contractor. Everything is electronic, but I get my "book fix" from my collection at home, browing used bookstores, and finding out about people like you.

How cool that you didn't like to read and now you are getting boys to read. I can't wait to spend some "quality" time on your website.

Pat

posted by OzzieJello at 12:25 pm (EST) on Mar 11, 2009

Oh, and I like the "no shushing" policy. I'm in a school library and we've been trying to change the perception (within reason) of this place as "stuffy" and uninviting.

posted by jamreid at 11:13 am (EST) on Mar 11, 2009

Mike:

Thank you for looking me up. I really enjoyed looking at the GBTR website.

I actually enjoyed reading as a kid, but can understand the pressure that some guys are under as they get to high school. I have several nephews in that age range and try to encourage them to keep at it and I'm always looking for stuff that is a "good fit"

Not to underscore the point, but male librarians are still a little unique, so I would appreciate any suggestions/professional advice you might be able to provide.

Have a great week!

posted by jamreid at 11:10 am (EST) on Mar 11, 2009

Very interesting website - I'll enjoy dropping in. Are you going to add any more books?

posted by Goldengrove at 6:53 am (EST) on Mar 10, 2009

What are the problems in getting minority boys to read? I guess that they are the same with all boys -- it's nerdy, it's not cool. In some parts of the African-American community, there is a disturbing perception that scholarship and academic excellence is somehow a betrayal of one's race. I remember classmates telling me I was "acting white" because I like to read. I like it that the NBA and NFL stars are involved in literacy programs to help combat this scourge on our community. At the library where I work, some families are African-American, but most are Hispanic and English is their second language. I notice that parents will ask what are good books for boys in a certain grade level. They want to encourage their children to read, but they don't know how. I try to explain that our library doesn't organize books by grade level. Even if it did, a child may read above or below his/her grade level. I always start by asking a boy/girl/teen about their hobbies and recommend books based upon their tastes, not their grade level. Usually this is difficult because a child will profess no interest in anything. What they really mean is that they have an interest, but it has not been nurtured into a hobby or a passion. So, my recommendation for getting any boy/girl/teen to read is to find the interest and nurture it into a passion. If their interests happen to lie in horror, that's all the better because I can easily recommend my favorites. Even if they only want to read graphic novels, I try to use that as a bridge to literature because several fiction novels are being published now as graphic novels. Besides that, graphic novels are great for struggling readers or visually-oriented people.

posted by harambeegirl at 11:13 pm (EST) on Mar 7, 2009

Mike, I also posted this comment on the video book report blog. I have to thank you because you have given me a great idea. I think I'll do this with my teens and post their video book reviews on the teen blog.

I think you could encourage more boys to read if, instead of having you give the video book report, have a boy who has read and enjoyed the book give the book report. After all, who are you trying to sell on reading this book, the librarians or the youth? If it's the youth you're after, it needs more of a "coolness" factor.
Advantages of having boy do the book report:
>>> He will have a sense of pride being in an Internet video and will rush to read another book so he can be in another video.
>>> He will tell all of his friends about the video and that will make them not only want to read that book, but also read other books so they can also make videos.
>>> If you make it a contest where only the best get to record, then they will fall over themselves working on their best presentation and creativity skills. Encourage using costumes, props and short skits.
>>> If a youth gave a video book report, it would not focus on how many pages it has or who the author is (which is stuff only librarians care about), but why is it a cool book, what did he learn from reading it and why his friends should read it (which is the stuff kids care about).
>>> Finally, if you have boys do this, don't call it a "Book Report" because it sounds too much like school. Call it a "Book Review" because then they are like journalists submitting for a newspaper or magazine.

posted by harambeegirl at 12:23 am (EST) on Mar 7, 2009

nice site

posted by jimjunior00 at 2:01 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2009

Got it...the book is http://www.powells.com/biblio/71-9780838... "Connecting Books with Boys" by Michael Sullivan. A genuis, really.

posted by heathersblue at 12:52 pm (EST) on Mar 6, 2009

Thanks for your invitation. I'd loved to read as a boy and read with my son now. Don't know what makes me different, but if I have any insights I'll let you know.

posted by Othemts at 11:29 am (EST) on Mar 6, 2009

Nice blog, and a good addition to the field. (My usual link for anyone interested was http://www.guysread.com/).

posted by bfister at 7:38 pm (EST) on Mar 5, 2009

Weber County Library System has 3 locations, one of which is located next door to a SKATEBOARD PARK. Next month our NEW building, the Pleasant Valley Branch Library, will open with an on-site coffee & sandwich shop, plus a bookstore, and a young adult internet bar, whatever the heck that is.

I REALLY like the idea of your library's monthly Pancake Breakfast! What a great idea for the whole family. Also, I wish we had Saturday morning BASKETBALL. Yes, I have a Basketball Jones. Why can't we have HOOPS out in the courtyard for kids and young adults to work off that extra energy, so they will be ready to rest and read in the library? I will notify my library director and alert the library board about new ways to connect with teens.

posted by BobSawatzki at 2:03 am (EST) on Mar 5, 2009

Mike,

My wife is a retired reading specialist who worked in middle schools all her life. She has been very active in the International Reading Association and for the last two years of our careers she worked diligently to develop many workshops on Boys and Books which she has given at the International Convention. We set up the website boysandbooks.org to allow participants access to the materials we were finding on the internet.

Don Smith

posted by donsmith at 11:48 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2009

Hi Mike, having once been a slow to learn, reluctant to read boy myself I very much appreciate what you are trying to do. Keep it up!

p.s. It was getting to pick out books at the library, among other things, that got me excited about reading!

posted by bkalish at 11:21 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2009

Hi Mike, thanks for the contact. I'll check out your site too, sounds like a worthy cause. I'm now following you on Twitter (kurtv) since I'm using that channel mostly for networking with library folk. Looking forward to seeing what you add to your collection here on LT. Cheers.

posted by bluetongue at 7:30 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2009

Glad you are helping children (and boys) to read, that is really great.

posted by bobbyjack at 6:39 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2009

Mike, your library sounds like a great place to visit! The school I work at is on the other end of the spectrum, academically-speaking. It's an inner city exam school that focuses on the liberal arts and college prep. Music and art have one faculty member apiece, and students take four years of Latin. There is no grade inflation. Making the honor roll takes precedence over sports prowess. While this sounds rigid, it doesn't feel rigid; I'm told that the more prestigious exam school across town is a lot less nurturing and more competitive.

Lots of shushing in our library, because many students use it as a place to meet friends during study hall. Our school is huge, 1700 students, and I don't know that your set up could work in our setting. How many students attend your school? What is the name of the book on which you based your library makeover? And how has your makeover affected circulation rates?

Also, on the topic of encouraging teenage boys to read, I'd love to see your list of recommended reads. As I am new to the library profession, and still working on my degree, I am hoping to create my own catalog of recommended reads, of which "boy books" would be a category. Thanks!

posted by fromthecomfychair at 10:43 am (EST) on Mar 2, 2009

Hello :3

posted by budgie_alison at 2:27 am (EST) on Mar 2, 2009