DESIGN ideas from #txlchat Concept and implementation

Storify from #TXLCHAT

Get over it already!

I hit a wall...not with the bookmobile, not due to black ice, but one of those conceptual "I'm stuck" walls in the last couple weeks. In my head (and surely the voices of others) I know "get over it already" should be the rational message...but for oh so many reasons, successfully managing my "reno situation" is causing me more angst than satisfaction despite the unique (and temporary) opportunities that really do exist.

I truly believe "angels will appear" when you need them...and likewise in my professional world, I'm always open to "here's your sign"...and oh so many messages have come my way (solicited and not so much).   There will be moments, new walls, and lots more signs, but in the spirit of season I share some inspirational nuggets that are helping me manage trying to embed a library space/presence/program in and through 6 buildings.  Who knows, maybe you, too, have encountered some walls and the inspiration will be the gift that keeps on giving....


1.  If everyone's thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking  saw this on Twitter....I've always prided myself on thinking OUT of the box...when I lack mojo it's usually because I have landed back into a box that is stifling, status quo, or stagnant....goodbye, box.

2.  Perspectives from Dave Lankes--where ARE we going?   Lankes NEVER ceases to get me thinking...and again, the timing was perfect....I have to stop looking for answers and start asking the questions....thanks, Dave.   (with props to @philshapiro for pointing it out!)  

3.  Mom's words...when lamenting my "out of sorts" attitude....she suggested that maybe I need to make my "headquarters" nicer.... (she struggles with the details of many things due to alzheimers BUT this was SPOT ON!)....so, got a few kids to help me reorganize our very small library space at PGEAST (grade 7 bldng), decorate for season, declutter the extra stuff, and rebranding it the NOOK... more to come from NOOK EAST!

4.  Nick and the Elf on the Shelf...I was sharing with my lunch club (3 kids)what we could NOT do this year like we 've done on the past because of space (programs, holiday sale, etc etc), Nick said, "No reason we still can't have fun, right Mrs. K?"     Yup.  Fun matters. Kids matter.  And the Elf will return for the season along with a spirit of magic that can happen ANYWHERE.

Kids wrote 100s of cards to soldiers

5.  "It's too bad you care...you will have to try harder not to give a shit"   advice from a colleague....surely one option, but not my style.  I care. A lot. I'm passionate about leading in and through the school library and will continue to explore high impact ways to do just that.  




I haven't solved all the dilemma's, nor do I plan to, but I have found some much needed mojo to come back out of the box, hide an elf, and empower great things from my happy headquarters.