Blog
Welcome to Librarian on the Go's blog page! Here you will find photos, reflections, and additional information nuggets from past events.
For any further inquiries, please contact Librarian on the Go directly.
April 30, 2025
The results from the Quill & Ink Poetry Contest are in! Congratulations to the winners: Callum Wright (7), Amelia Gallego (13), and Rose Betancourt (16). Read their poems in the La Jolla Light.
I would be remiss if I did not share some honorable mentions with you.
The first is called "History" by Veda Samprada Mommaneni (12). She lives in India and authored this poem as part of her humanities class:
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People talk about not repeating mistakes
But how do we not if there are so many problems to face?
That’s when history comes into play, when we time travel
So many secrets and places and times to unravel
Some people made history through money and inherited fame
Others rose to the surface because of what they overcame
But humanity has taken far too many blows
In the blink of an eye, old friends battled, became foes
We haven’t been seeing what matters in our world today
We have forgotten that we are all humans, at the end of the day
So how can we fix this prominent issue?
Well, the answer is simple, yet long overdue!
The answer is history, that string of stories
With it’s ups and downs and tragedies and glories
Etched into stone, our history cannot be changed
But that doesn’t apply to our future, for that can be reshaped!
Our future is influenced by those who act
Make dreams into realities and fantasy into fact
So now it’s your time to make your mark
Be the one to bring our world into the light from within the dark!
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There is a healing and pragmatic quality to her work here that exudes truth. Kids can be so wise!
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This next honorably mentioned poem called "Goodbye" was co-authored by best friends Zoya Ansari (10) and Charley Glenn (11) from Torrey Pines Elementary School. Anyone who has ever moved away from their best friend can appreciate the hardship that this poem speaks to:
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You've been with me all my life
Helped me through day and night
always there by my side even through difficult times
You are my light in the dark
You are my happy when I'm sad
always good never bad
You are my sunshine through the rain
You give me love through all the pain
You are my bestie
love you so much
This is so tough
Goodbye. ​
April 2, 2025
For the Love of Music and Art
The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library has asked Librarian on the Go to lead a new monthly program!
Called "Creative Storytime with Ms. Katia," each program will celebrate art, music, and reading through a fun and interactive storytime. Creative Storytime will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Athenaeum. Geared to ages 2-5, the storytime lasts for thirty minutes; children can stay and play for a half-hour following the reading while caregivers learn about the Athenaeum's extensive collection and take in the art on display. I am a huge fan of the Murals of La Jolla coloring sheets which are available in the Children's Area!
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The collection of children's books is delightful. Encased in glass, you will find first edition prints of Caldecott Award winners such as "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. During the storytime on April 2, I read picture books about Van Gogh and told attendees all about the special relationship he had with his brother Theo. About twenty people attended including my own sons as it was spring break for many local schools.
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the nation's precious membership libraries!
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December 1, 2024
Literary Luau
Librarian on the Go celebrated its 1-year anniversary with a literary luau at the Balboa Park Ballroom in October.
Author Deena Shakir donated copies of her new book "Leena Mo, CEO" to create a storywalk at the event, with all proceeds of the book going to the Save Our Children organization. Friends and family in attendance enjoyed snacks and refreshments like POG while taking in a riveting hula performance by the Huapala Sweetheart Dancers.
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This party was my way of thanking you all for supporting this entrepreneurial journey. A year ago, I set out to show that children's librarian services can be applied in new and creative ways. It is wonderful to realize there is place for this work outside of traditional walls! In the last year, Librarian on the Go has been contracted by numerous organizations to provide a range of services, from story times to librarian shifts, outreach support, Spanish translation, and more.
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Mahalo!
January 15, 2025
A Book and A Ballerina
City Ballet of San Diego's "A Book and a Ballerina" program is on pointe!
Recently, the education outreach program captivated young children and caregivers at the Mission Valley branch of San Diego Public Library. Since its inception, "A Book and A Ballerina" has graced every library in the city. The thirty-minute program includes a read-aloud, talk from a real ballerina, and mini dance lesson.
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"Can you tell us about your foot care?" "When did you know you wanted to be a professional dancer?" These are some of the questions ballerinas like Sarah Knutson get asked. In an effort to keep the recurring program fresh and exciting, the books read and costume worn change based on the upcoming ballet.
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"A Book and A Ballerina" can also be brought to San Diego schools, such as Dewey Elementary in Point Loma. What a thrill to give not one but hundreds of students an up-close look at the world of classical ballet. "Thank you for visiting our school in January. I truly appreciate you and Marcella and the positive impact it has had on our students," said the school librarian, adding, "I loved seeing the curiosity and joy the Book and Ballerina brought to them."
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As City Ballet's Outreach Librarian, I look forward to seeing "A Book and A Ballerina" reach new heights!
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