Who Knew?

Today is National Biographer’s Day!

 

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National Biographer’s Day commemorates the anniversary of the first meeting of Samuel Johnson and his biographer James Boswell in London, England on May 16, 1763, and honors all biographers.

A biography is a written account of another person’s life.

Famous poet, essayist, literary critic, editor and lexicographer, Johnson was also a biographer. According to Johnson, the best biographers were those who ate, drank and “lived in social intercourse” with those about whom they wrote. If that were true, his best biography would be An Account of the Life of Mr. Richard Savage, Son of the earl Rivers which was published in 1744.

Applying this same rule, Scots-born James Boswell met his friend Samuel Johnson at a bookshop near Covent Garden. Nearly 30 years later he published The Life of Johnson, which became the most celebrated English biography.

Adapted from http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-biographers-day-may-16/

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. It complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Father’s Day and Siblings Day.

In the United States, celebration of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century.

It was in 1905 when Mother’s Day was finally introduced successfully by Anna Jarvis. She started a dedicated letter writing campaign to declare an official Mother’s Day. Through Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, the first Mother’s Day was observed on May 10, 1908.

This day, to honor Anna Jarvis’s mother grew into a National Observance until in 1911 every state participated. Soon it was spreading internationally and on May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday to be held on the second Sunday of May.

 

 

 

Mom and me, w-a-a-a-y back in sepia, black and white photo times…

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Happy Mother’s Day, Mom 🙂

Happy Star Wars Day!

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A Bit about BookCrossing

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Several years ago, my mom found a book with a curious label in it.  The label said it was a “BookCrossing” book.  My mom doesn’t have a computer, so I registered the book and I was off and running. I think this idea is so cool.

Each book has a unique BCID (BookCrossing ID).  By entering that number at http://www.bookcrossing.com/ you can see where the book has been – and then you can track where it goes.  If you’re familiar with Where’s George? for dollar bills, this is similar.

Many other Little Free Libraries are connected with BookCrossing and I thought it would be fun to have my Greenbriar Little Free Library #33664 play along, too.

In addition to randomly finding books, you can also go hunting for them at http://www.bookcrossing.com/hunt

 

This video is a great short explanation:

 

 

The Greenbriar Little Free Library #33664 is an official BookCrossing Zone.

Our Little Free Library on the Front Page of our Local Newspaper!

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Hooray!  I’m not sure if we’re getting any more readers from this but we’re definitely getting more book donations.

 

Right now, we’re getting an average of 5 new books donated each day – faster than I can keep up with stamping and adding BookCrossing bookplates.

 

I have started reading up on starting a Geocache nearby, as well.  Want to know more?

 

 

It’s all good!

 

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Tartan Day: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Scotland – ABC News

I have my Black Watch tartan ready to go to wear at the parade in New York this weekend…

 

 

Don’t be surprised if you see people decked out in tartan this weekend. Today, April 6, the United States is celebrating National Tartan Day. The day is intended to recognize the contributions of Scottish Americans to the U.S.

Here’s a look at five things you didn’t know about Scotland…
Read the whole article at: Tartan Day: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Scotland – ABC News

NATIONAL TARTAN DAY – April 6th

tartan-day
NATIONAL TARTAN DAY

 

April 6 is National Tartan Day. This is an official national holiday.

National Tartan Day honors all the Scottish heritage that flows through this nation.

From its earliest beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for that freedom as much as any American.  It was in their blood.

It was 400 years before they had declared –“For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.”  – from the Declaration of Arbroath

It might be surprising to know that of the 13 governors in the newly established United States, 9 where Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence.

Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent. Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 43 Presidents who have taken office, 33 have been of Scottish descent.

Those with Scottish blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artist, skilled leaders and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Check local civic websites for parades, ceremonies and events.  Wear your tartan and use #NationalTartanDay to post on social media.

Black Watch tartan

Black Watch tartan

HISTORY

On March 20, 1998, the United States Senate passed Resolution 155 that designated April 6th of each year as National Tartan Day to recognize Scottish Americans and their achievements and contributions to the United States.

On March 9, 2005, the House passed Resolution 41 and by Presidential Proclamation, it was signed by President George W. Bush on April 4, 2008.

On this day in 1320, Scot’s signed the Declaration of Arbroath, formally declaring their independence from England.

For more information visit www.americanscottishfoundation.com.

 


Adapted from: NATIONAL TARTAN DAY – April 6th | National Day Calendar

NATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARIAN DAY – April 4 

I spent many years helping the school librarian in my son’s elementary school.

They do fantastic things!

April 4th is National School Librarian Day.  It is set aside to honor all school librarians.

School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized, helping our children find the resources they need to keep learning and are dedicated to creating an environment they can learn in every day of the year.  All of this hard work often goes unappreciated.

The school librarians aid our youth in many ways, and their patience sets an example for our children on a daily basis.

Read the entire article here: NATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARIAN DAY – April 4 | National Day Calendar

Beverly Cleary on turning 100: Kids today ‘don’t have the freedom’ I had – The Washington Post

The Greenbriar Little Free Library currently has a few Beverly Cleary books – but they don’t stick around long!

 

Beverly Cleary doesn’t really want to talk about turning 100. “Go ahead and fuss,” she says of the big day, April 12. “Everyone else is.”

Across the country, people are delving into Cleary nostalgia, with celebrations and new editions of her books with introductions by the likes of Amy Poehler and Judy Blume. Kids and adults are being asked to “Drop Everything and Read” to commemorate Cleary’s contribution to children’s literature.

But the beloved children’s author has something far more low-key in mind f

Read the entire article here: Beverly Cleary on turning 100: Kids today ‘don’t have the freedom’ I had – The Washington Post

The New Shelf is IN!

 

The new shelf is in.

We continue to get book donations – many thanks to all who have donated!  One of my piano students brought a bag of children’s books to his last lesson 🙂

Greenbriar Little Free Library #33664

https://www.facebook.com/GreenbriarLittleFreeLibrary/

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