Tuesday's Theory: Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

Today is "World Read Aloud Day."  Take your favorite picture book and celebrate with The Storybook Mom, Meredith Sinclair. 

Where:  The Book Cellar, 4637 N. Lincoln Avenue
When:  7:30 p.m. TONIGHT
Why:    Your admission of $15.00 goes to literacy advocacy nonprofit LitWorld.

Fanciful Friday: Reusable Totes

Carry your books (and everything else) in these affordable reusable totes:

Forever 21 $1.50

Mossimo Supply Co. Gingham Tote at  Target $12.99

Alphabet Letter Tote Bag (available in multiple letters) at Urban Outfitters $20.00

Tuesday's Theory: Being a Reading Mentor Will Improve A Child's Life and Your Own.

Mentoring Programs focused on Reading are a proven success. I have personally participated in two different programs: H.O.S.T.S. and W.I.T.S. I encourage everyone who is able to research whether the local schools have a reading mentoring program and explore whether you would be able to participate. It is amazing how a child with as little as an additional hour of reading each week can increase as much as three reading levels in one school year! Most reading programs are held over the lunch hour, "the power lunch."

Here are a couple of websites that I think explain the programs well and give great tips for establishing your own program.

Everybody Wins: Power Lunch Reading Mentor Information Guide

Teen Trend Setters: HS Students Mentoring Elementary Students

H.O.S.T.S. Example

No programs where you are located?  Think about starting one!!!  It is a wonderful way to involve an entire community.  High school students taking study hall, retired individuals looking to do something meaningful, and professionals needing to escape the office for 45 minutes to 1 hour can all participate and bring success to a student's life!

Fanciful Friday: Covered Notebooks from The Pleated Poppy

We made it to Friday!!!! I always have so many expectations for the weekend. I love to make lists of activities to enjoy and tasks to accomplish. What better way to keep those lists of goals than in these cute covered notebooks! Aren't they darling? Lindsey Cheney sells them on her website The Pleated Poppy.  Let me tell you, Lindsey's shop and blog are both AMAZING.  You can access both the blog and the shop through the link (www.thepleatedpoppy.com).

Tuesday's Theory: Voting Is Important

It's a big day here in the Windy City.  That's right, it's Election Day!  Hopefully, every Chicago resident will be exercising their right to vote for their favorite mayoral and aldermanic candidate.  Think about bringing a book along with you because there may be a wait.  Tuesday's theory?  Voting is important.  If you do not vote, you cannot complain.

Fanciful Friday: Postcup

Do you keep special cards and postcards sent by loved ones?  I do.  I love to go through my box of cards and re-read the messages.  Wouldn't it be fabulous to read one of those great cards over breakfast in the morning or while drinking tea on a rainy night?  I absolutely LOVE Bailey Doesn't Bark's take on the postcard.  They are calling it the Postcup™ and it is darling!  You write your own message on the mug with the special pen that is included and then bake the mug according to the directions (very simple) so that the message becomes permanent!  Perfect for "the person who has everything else." 

Tuesday's Theory: The Controversy Over the Legal Administration of Stieg Larsson's Literary Property

Tuesday's Theory is very simple.  Execute a valid will to make your wishes known.  Without a will, you very well may leave your loved ones in heated conflict and controversy.  In Stieg Larsson's case, the controversy over the legal administration of his literary property is one of momentous proportions taking place on an international stage.  Apparently, after spending approximately 32 years with Eva Gabrielsson, Larsson made no valid legal provisions for her in the event of his death (according to one source, Larsson did execute a will, but it is not valid under Swedish law).  According to www.stieglarsson.com, Swedish law does not recognize common law marriages and Larsson's estate was inherited by his father and brother rather than his girlfriend of 32 years.  Currently, Gabrielsson and Larsson's relatives are disputing not only the administration of Larsson's estate but also the publication of a partly finished fourth manuscript in the Millennium Series.  Apparently, Gabrielsson possesses the script as it is stored on the laptop computer the couple shared.  Whether the world will ever know what adventures Lisbeth Salander would encounter in the fourth book is a mystery.  Perhaps the publication of the manuscript was just not meant to be.  The sad reality is that Larsson's wishes are also unknown and what he intended may never be realized.

It should be noted that the official website for Stieg Larsson maintained by Random House is http://stieglarsson.net

Fanciful Friday: Stacked Paperback Wallpaper

Tracey Kendall's bookish paper is so darling!  Order a roll from Anthropologie's website.

Tuesday's Theory: You are Never Too Old to Send a Valentine

During the third century, Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men hoping to create a better army made up of men free of wives and children.  According to one legend, Valentine, a priest, continued to marry young lovers in secret and was put to death for his actions.

Another legend tells the tale of an imprisoned Christian by the name of Valentine who signed his love letters with the words "From your Valentine."

Like all legends, we cannot know how much, if any, of a story is true.  What we do know is that the tradition of celebrating love and romance through the month of February is long standing.  Valentine's greetings go back as far as the Middle Ages.  The oldest known Valentine card is on display in the British Museum.  According to the Greeting Card Association, approximately one billion Valentine's cards are purchased each year.

Most Americans remember classroom Valentine's parties complete with sweets, games, and, of course, exchanging Valentine cards.  After classroom parties, anonymous Valentines were sent to crushes, signed Valentines were exchanged with first loves, and then with spouses.  Besides those mentioned, the only Valentines received after primary education, are probably from a close relative wishing you a special day.

What I propose for Tuesday's theory is that we toss out the notion that Valentines are only to be sent to a lover, but rather embrace sending a Valentine to all those you care deeply.  First, everyone loves receiving something other than a bill in the mail.  Second, greeting card companies have plenty of non-romantic Valentines to offer (if you are not interested in getting in touch with your elementary self and making your own).  Third, it truly is better to give than it is to receive.  I guarantee YOU will feel the love when you drop your cards at the post.

Readings for Black History Month

Just found this article in the Herald & Review (Central Illinois):  Readings for Black History Month.  Journalist Allen Pierleoni suggests we celebrate Black History Month with a good book.  The Book Keeper thinks that is a fantastic idea.  In addition to his suggestions, I would recommend the following fiction books:  The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and Beloved also by Toni Morrison. 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I hope your Black History Month reading list helps bring light to your life.  Happy Reading.

Fanciful Friday: The Most Stylish Way to Get the Morning Paper

Order yours today:  Kate Spade's Journal Newspaper Clutch

What the Book Keeper is Reading: Matchbook Magazine

"Matchbook seeks to inspire women around the globe to design a life they adore."

Well that statement of purpose certainly caught the Book Keeper's attention.  The inaugural issue is definitely worth browsing.  I am already looking forward to February's issue.

Matchbook Magazine

An Appropriate Selection for Today's Windy City Weather

 

I hope everyone is staying safe & warm!  Grab a hot drink and a good book and enjoy your snowy day.

Tuesday's Theory: A Cute Calendar will Help Keep You On Time

Today's technology practically demands a person to keep their busy schedule using computer software.  No matter which event reminder you have already committed yourself to, you DO have room in your life for a cute desk or pocket calendar.  It WILL brighten your day!  Here are a few of my favorites:

Stuck in a cubicle?  I LOVE Linda & Harriet's Letterpress 2011 Calendar.
P.S.  Greer, located in Old Town, carries Linda & Harriet products!

Countdown to Friday in style with the Tiffany 1837 Perpetual Calendar:

Design your own planner at Snapfish.

Happy Planning!!!

Fanciful Friday: Postcards from Penguin

Every book keeper needs this collection of postcards.  Each postcard features a different iconic Penguin book jacket.  A tribute to Allen Lane's design mantra, these famous covers will make the perfect stationary to send from one book lover to another or as a little piece of art (and history) to frame and decorate your home library.  A perfect gift for the book keeper who has everything else!

Postcards from Penguin

Visual Thinking

I recently took a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry (in Hyde Park) to visit the exhibit, "Jim Henson's Fantastic World."  While this post has nothing to do with books per se, I found Henson's process of "visual thinking" fascinating and directly related to social and academic education.  Henson's most famous creations and his original songs continue to teach generations of children the fundamentals of reading.  Sadly, the exhibit left the Windy City on January 23.  However, if you have the opportunity to see the exhibit in another location, I would highly recommend it.  Where else could you expect to come face-to-face with Kermit, Bert, and Ernie?

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition: Jim Henson's Fantastic World

L-O-V-E

Happy Valentine's Day!  I have to admit I love the cheesy displays of classic love stories in the windows of the book stores on State Street.  I am always encouraged to re-read The Notebook , Pride & Prejudice, and The Time Traveler's Wife.  What love stories can you read over and over again?

Happy 2011!!!

The Book Keeper's New Year's resolution is to blog at least twice per month without fail.  In my first year of blogging, I allowed the wedding season and holiday seasons to interfere with blogging.  In 2011, I will try to be a better Book Keeper.  Presently, I am reading the sensational Steig Larsson series, so you can be sure that a post on that topic will be coming soon!  The other New Year's resolution I would like to make as "the Book Keeper" is to read more outside of my L rides each day.

Here's to a great year of reading!  Happy New Year!

Beyond Books: Blogs are in the Library too!

I am so excited about this new blog, Craftily Ever After, I found through a friend's blog. Today, Jessica is offering a Free Valentine's Day Subway Art Print. How nice!!! I cannot wait to get mine and put it up for V-Day!

Craftily Ever After: Free Valentine's Day Subway Art Printable