I’m sure you probably felt the same way but, boy, was this summer busy! So far, fall is forecasting a similar frenzy. But I’m a bit more optimistic that I’ll inch closer to some semblance of work/life balance without Summer Reading looming overhead. Though, to be honest, it’s still there because I’m already in the midst of planning next year’s Summer Reading. Out of sight, but certainly not out of mind…

As you may have noticed, I took a break from blogging to take care of myself for a little while. I’m back now and thinking about the best way to use this platform now that my job has changed. Even though it has almost been a year since the switch, I’m definitely still learning my new job. I think that’s a good thing. Soon, I’ll buckle down and type up some write-ups of programs I’ve done these past few months.

Though I haven’t been active here, I’ve actually been writing and reading a ton:

• Medal on My Mind is back up and running. Now that I’m not on Rainbow List, I’ve joined the team as a contributor. Please join the conversation by commenting or guest posting if you’re as invested in the Stonewall Book Award as we are. There are so many great books this year.
• I wrote a post about Caldecott-eligible comics over on The Horn Book‘s Calling Caldecott blog. There will be a Part Two, so be on the lookout for that in December or January.
• I’m participating in a Mock Caldecott committee with other Oregon librarians. We’re much smaller than the RealCommittee, but it’s been a great experience thus far. I can’t wait to share what we pick!
• And, of course, I continue to review for both Kirkus and School Library Journal. I saw one of my reviews quoted on the back of a published book for the first time. I can’t tell you which book, but I can tell you that teenage me is so happy to check that dream off his list.

In other library news, I was recently appointed as co-chair of the Notable Children’s Digital Media committee. I’ve been on this committee as a regular member since 2017, and I’m excited to continue on for another year in this new leadership role. If you haven’t seen it, check out our inaugural list of high quality digital media for children.

In non-library news, I moved into a new house! I’ve been riding my bike a ton around the neighborhood, which is close to some beautiful bike paths. In September, some friends and I biked the rim of Crater Lake—arguably one of the most beautiful bike paths ever. That trek is one of the highlights of my life, second only to that time my mom and I bravely climbed Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. I did another brave thing recently and joined the local Gay Men’s Chorus—my first ever choir experience!

And… that’s about it! All in all, Eugene is finally starting to feel like home. It’s a really great feeling to want to stick around in a place for a while.