by Daisy Porter-Reynoldshttps://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1438503116
128 pages
Reviewed by Rae C.
Porter-Reynolds just joined SLPL, so, of course, I had to read her book- even though I do not work in youth services! (I do read a lot of business books though, and anything with the words "cut costs" interests me!)
Much of the book centers on Porter-Reynolds experience streamlining storytime programming, and it is very thorough. This book could easily serve as a template and step by step guide for any multi-branch library.
I enjoyed her assessments of staff, especially her "green, yellow, and red" characterizations, based on traffic light colors. Greens are mostly younger librarians, eager to try new things, that haven't become entrenched in possibly outdated patterns and modes of doing things. The Yellows will sometimes be with you, and sometimes not, depending on the project. Yellows can turn green, or turn red. Reds are against you. They want things to remain the same, or view any change as challenging or competition. Likely they have a history of resisting changes, and viewing change pessimistically.
I also enjoyed reading all of her illustrative vignettes, especially stories of streamlining storytime while San Jose was going through bankruptcy and the library system was challenged.
Porter-Reynolds is a true leader, and I think she will be an invigorating burst of new energy to St. Louis, while also being observant and respectful of treasured traditions and elders.
It's a fast read, and not academically dense. Very practical manual. Highly recommend to anyone working in a library!
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