Happy Fall, HVLA-ers! As we get further in to this unusual school year, HVLA has a few resources and upcoming events to planned to connect with colleagues, reflect on practice, and share ideas! We hope you’ll join us on Discord to share ideas and touch base in an informal setting. We’re also really looking forward to our Fall Meeting on October 20 from 5-6 PM. Editor-at-large for The Daily Beast, Molly Jong-Fast will be speaking to us on the topic of Teaching Media Literacy in the New Abnormal.
We also want to officially introduce you to our new board members. Please read below to get to know them a bit better.
Gwen Kaplan- Treasurer
Which book protagonist would make the worst roommate? Joe Hardy. Not only does his “impetuous” nature lead to the frequent ransacking of his domicile, but I also fear that he might eat all of the leftover pizza I save for breakfasts.
Best book you read this summer? Most fun? “Shadowshaper” by Daniel Jose Older. Most interesting? “The Real David Espinoza,” by Fred Acevedo. But there were so many others!
What do you wish you knew more about? Neuroscience
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a chance of medaling in? I prefer to rack up participation trophies in trying new activities I might not win, while savoring the inspiration I get from watching the true medalists. Unless “daydreaming” could be measured – I dream with persistence and enthusiasm.
Favorite ice cream flavor? Cinnamon
Megan Westman- Secretary
Which book protagonist would make the worst roommate? I would never want to live with Bitty from Check, Please. Our baking and cleaning tendencies are too alike; I think we would clash over trying to fill the same role! 🙂
What’s your favorite bit of useless trivia? All pandas born at the National Zoo are technically Chinese property and return to China once they reach a certain age, despite being born in the US! I’m a former DC resident and I know way too much about “panda diplomacy.” Deep dive, it’s fascinating.
If you weren’t a librarian, what would you be doing? Pastry chef, environmental activist, dramaturg, who knows!
What do you wish you knew more about? Musical improvisation!
What do you love about being a school librarian? So so many things, all wrapped up in the fact that I get to help students know that they are seen and valued every day.
Favorite ice cream flavor?Oatmeal Lace from Ample Hills in BK!
Natasha Goldberg- Vice President
Which book protagonist would make the worst roommate? The murderer in Tana French’s roommate drama, The Likeness
Best book you read this summer? Prairie Lotus (I’m a Little House buff)
If you weren’t a librarian, what would you be doing? Cocktail pianist or filmmaker
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you have a chance of medaling in? Eating copious amounts of breakfast cereal
What do you love about being a school librarian? Every day feels like Christmas. (I’m actually Jewish, but you get what I mean, right? All that giving. All that getting. And twinkle lights. I always have twinkle lights.)
Favorite ice cream flavor? Haagen Dazs Mint Chip