You may have taken various tests/quizzes to figure out your personality type/s (Enneagram, Myers Briggs, etc). Have you ever considered what your reader personality type is? I recently found this list of reader personality types from Author Janie Crouch’s Facebook page.
I posted it in our staff lounge and I have enjoyed reading my coworker’s responses. I tend to be C, D, F, H. I am also part A, as I sometimes read the last sentence first and also part I, as I sometimes cannot remember if I have read a book or not – ha! This would be a fun book club discussion question or to talk about with friends if you are a C!
What’s your reader personality type?
A: Reads the last chapter first
B: Decides to DNF (did not finish) within the first two chapters
C: Texts friends to squee about the book they’re reading
D: Searches for spoilers
E: Only reads series in order
F: Buys books based on cover alone
G: Refuses to DNF (did not finish)
H: Has a TBR (to be read) mountain but still buys or borrows more books
I: Never remembers book titles
Staff Responses
Juliana:
F: I buy/borrow/read books based on cover alone and advise patrons to do the same! If something looks interesting to you, check it out! Not always a win but always fun.
H: My TBR only grows, like never, ever shrinks. It is very hard for me to leave the library empty-handed.
I: I’m pretty bad about remembering book titles (and worse with movies!). I’m always like, “What was that book I read two months ago? Something, something witches? Or something like that?”
Hannah:
B, E, and H. Also, I. I might not remember titles or authors’ names, haha, but I can still find the book with enough random details!
Mary:
B: As a working mama, I simply don’t have the time to finish a book that I’m not completely obsessed with by chapter 2!
F: As a library worker I rarely actually purchase books but boy does that “reserve” button have me in a chokehold.
H: I won’t even pretend that monkey isn’t on my back.
When it comes to “Page to Screen” movies, like many people, I almost always prefer to read the book before seeing the film. Occasionally I’ve done the opposite – watched the movie first and then decided to read the book it’s based on. When I’ve done this in the past, I’ve found myself bored out of my mind because I knew too much. But what I’d like to present today is an argument for when it is very much OK to watch the movie first.
There are times, if a text is dense or challenging, when watching the film first can offer grounding footwork for when you read the book. They taught us this in high school. I remember watching several versions of Romeo & Juliet, for example, in order to boost our reading comprehension of the play.
This month, the BPL Book Club readMrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. When I spoke with our book club host Debbie about her reading experience, she offered advice to start with the audiobook for the same reason – to boost reading comprehension. Debbie said she let the audio version of Mrs. Dalloway wash over her, and only after finishing the recording did she pick up the actual book and read. She said by letting it wash over her first she got a better sense of the book and what to expect of setting, characters, themes and plot, etc. I’m more of a visual learner, so I find watching a film works better for me than an audiobook, but it’s essentially the same idea, priming oneself for clarity and comprehension.
To stick with the Virginia Woolf theme, this month I decided to give To the Lighthouse another try. I’d been inspired to pick it up a few years ago after I finished reading the memoir All the Lives We Ever Lived: Seeking Solace in Virginia Woolfby Katharine Smyth.
I must admit, even with an English degree under my belt, I felt intimidated to read a Virginia Woolf novel. I read several of her essays in school, but when it came to To the Lighthouse, I never finished it. I recall reading the first few pages, putting it down and not picking it up again.
I did find myself occasionally still wondering about the novel and if James eventually got to sail to the lighthouse. I felt driven to at least borrow the film. I thought of what Debbie said about Mrs. Dalloway and decided to let the movie wash over me. Little by little the scenes progressed, and I began to be able to distinguish between the characters.
It’s a family of 10, plus various house guests, and it was the sheer amount of characters that had given me fits during my failed reading experience, trying to decipher who was talking and figure out who’s who and what’s going on. But the film made all of this clear. I fell in love with Mrs. Ramsey (like everyone else at the beach house) and felt involved in the various relationships and tensions. Once I’d settled into the film, it felt not only familial but familiar, like I wanted to live inside their lives longer than the two hour run time.
After watching the film I became curious again about the book and of the impact watching the movie might have had on me. What if I tried to read it again? I decided to borrow it once more. Now that I’d seen Mrs. Ramsay’s shawl and Lily Briscoe’s easel and James yearning at the window.
If you know who is at the gate when it slams shut, who is painting in the yard, who walks around with a book under his arm, who has a yellow mustache, and who is sitting across from who at the table, you have much more brain space to languish in the lengthy interior monologues, follow the stream of consciousness of the characters, and relish in the craft of the novel. It truly is a marvel.
I had been worried that watching the film was a mistake, that I’d experience boredom trying to read the book, but it was just the boost I needed. I discovered I was able to sink deeply into the prose and instead of boredom, I was completely absorbed. The film turned out to be the catalyst that made me want to try to read the book again, to be able to venture further into the interiority of the characters and spend more time with the Ramsey’s on the Isle of Skye.
May this be the permission slip you needed to inspire you to do the same.
By Public Service Associate & Content Coordinator Hannah
I knew I wanted to write a Women’s History Month post, but I didn’t know how to go about it. After all, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the vast accomplishments of women throughout history and the ongoing contributions we make. It’s a time to acknowledge the resilience, creativity, and courage of individual women and the communities that empower them. It’s also a moment to honor and encourage women to support one another on our journeys whether on a grand scale or in quieter, more personal ways. So, with all that in mind, I turned to the library, a natural source of inspiration, and it came through.
While inventorying a section of the Library’s Fiction collection, I came across Isadora by Amelia Gray, and it immediately reminded me of an image I’d long held: a dancer on the beach, paired with a quote I’ve saved in my journal: “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” Though I knew little about Isadora Duncan at the time, her words have resonated with me for years. Gray’s writing is lyrical and introspective, diving deep into Duncan’s inner world as she grapples with trauma, art, and her place in life. Isadora is less about her legacy as the “mother of modern dance” and more about her experience as a grieving mother. The portrayal is unflinching and vivid, capturing both Duncan’s artistic brilliance and the chaos of her personal life with deep sympathy. This reading has inspired me to add Isadora Duncan’s autobiography,My Life, to my to-be-read pile.
Photo credit: @shirleykite via @tkiramadden
Around the same time, a reader’s advisory newsletter popped up in my inbox with the subject “Memoirs of Girlhood.” With perfect timing, it led me to T Kira Madden’s memoir, Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls. Madden’s voice is raw and powerful as she delves into the loneliness of being “other”—the daughter of a Chinese Hawaiian mother and a Jewish father. She boldly recounts her experiences with abuse, trust, and the skewed perceptions of sex, dating, and power—subjects that are as universal as they are uniquely hers.
Madden’s story transcends fatherlessness, shining a light on the strength and unity of the women who shaped her, while challenging traditional roles and expectations. As someone close in age, who has also spent time in Miami, I found it especially poignant to reflect on the contrast between our lives. While place names and locations were familiar to me, they represented a profound, emotionally charged history for her. This memoir is both a eulogy and a love letter to the complicated relationships that shape us and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of telling our own stories and, perhaps even more importantly, of listening to those of others.
While checking in returned library materials, Juliana and I began discussing Pamela Anderson’s new lifestyle cookbook, I Love You: Recipes from the Heart. As a longtime fan, I’ve watched Pamela evolve through different eras of her life, so indulge me for a moment. As C.J. Parker on Baywatch, she was known for her looks, athleticism, and undeniable charisma. But beyond that, I’ve always believed her character’s kindness was genuinely heartfelt.
Pamela’s relationships, particularly her marriages to Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, thrust her into a period of intense media scrutiny. Her physical image was amplified in tabloids, movies, and pop culture, often overshadowing her true self. However, throughout it all, she’s remained a fierce advocate for animal welfare, fighting against animal cruelty, particularly concerning fur, and supporting the conservation of endangered species. Her journey serves as a reminder that women are multifaceted and resilient.
This brings us back to the book. Pamela has faced her past head-on, sharing her story through a Netflix documentary and memoir, Love, Pamela, which brought her makeup-free face back into the public eye. I, for one, am glad she’s regained control over her narrative, embraced a grounded life back home in Canada, and is sharing her healing journey and inspirational endeavors. No one is perfect, but we can use creativity and passion to educate and inspire others—whether by learning from women’s stories, supporting their causes, or embracing our own multifaceted identities.
I recently purchased Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water by Vicki Valosik as a gift. While I may be more of a floater myself, it’s a perfect read for Women’s History Month, as it shines a spotlight on the often overlooked or belittled contributions of women like Annette Kellerman and Esther Williams. I was captivated by how Valosik dives into the historical struggles and triumphs of women in the water, while also sharing her own journey to become a master of artistic swimming. These women not only helped shape the development of swimming as a sport but also advocated for water access, education, functional swimwear, and safety, leaving a lasting impact. (Have you heard of wartime swimming?) Their achievements emphasize the vital role women have played in shaping sports and demonstrate their far-reaching influence in saving lives and inspiring future generations.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Plant Ecologist, Educator, and Writer, 2022 MacArthur Fellow, Syracuse, NY
One of my Personalized Picks patrons mentioned she was looking for more books like Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book exemplifies the themes of Women’s History Month through Kimmerer’s profound contributions as a scientist, educator, and author. In Braiding Sweetgrass, she beautifully intertwines Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, offering a powerful narrative about the interconnectedness of nature and culture. Kimmerer’s reflections highlight the nurturing roles that women play—not only in our communities but also with the natural world. Her writing is a celebration of women’s wisdom and the essential role we play in shaping a sustainable future.
Last but not least, in our nonfiction collection I’ve often noticed a striking book cover featuring a woman with an eye patch, so I finally picked it up! A Private War: Marie Colvin and Other Tales of Heroes, Scoundrels, and Renegadesby Marie Brenner tells the story of the courageous war correspondent who gave her life reporting from conflict zones. Colvin focused on the human cost of war, especially the experiences of women and children, and her mission was to document “humanity in extremis,” ensuring the stories of war’s most vulnerable were heard. Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate figures like Colvin and recognize the vital role of women in the media. Our unique perspectives challenge stereotypes, broaden narratives, and authentically reflect the world.
Whether from the worlds of art, literature, sports, activism, or beyond, I hope my journey of letting the library guide me this Women’s History Month inspires you to explore the stories of women. These women have shown us what it means to stand tall in the face of adversity and stay true to oneself. As we honor their achievements, let’s also take a moment to reflect on how we can support and uplift the women in our lives, creating a world where every woman has the space and encouragement to thrive. Thank you!
The Bexley Public Library and the Ohio State University are celebrating the accomplishments of our pilot partnership Bigger Than Me: My Story, My Culture. We want to invite you to see the amazing results and honor our young authors and their work on their first self-published books at our showcase celebration on Sunday March 23rd at 3 p.m. in the Bexley Public Library auditorium.
I adore this time of year. The release of Oscar nominations makes it completely appropriate to stay home cuddled on the couch night after night watching movies. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, so for the month of February, I consider movies my homework.
The scent of burning parchment fills your lungs as you gasp back to reality. You find yourself sprawled along the gilded marble floor of the Grand Library, where every book, every manuscript, every whispered secret bound in ink and paper – the sum of all human knowledge – lives. As your blurry, doubled vision begins to right itself, you notice the flicker of golden chandeliers that illuminate this grand hall is now being drowned by the rising inferno that engulfs the shelves around you. The once mighty shelves that always stood like sentinels, now crumble to embers, taking all the wisdom they once contained and turning it to ash before you.
January is a perfect time to set up new systems. Last January I decided to start a Reading Journal. I was interested in more than keeping a list. I’ve kept a reading list for years, and it didn’t feel like enough anymore. I read lots of books and spend lots of my time reading, and in 2024 I noticed that while my year end totals were admirable, I wasn’t retaining much of what I read. I couldn’t spout out plots or tell you spoilers. I rarely ever remembered the endings. I wanted to be able to have something to say about a book a month or year after I’d read it or at least have the journal to refer back to. Ultimately, I wanted the time I invested in reading to count for more.
As we head into this new year, let’s revisit some of our favorite children’s classics from the past ten decades. Many Newbery Medal and Caldecott Medal & Honor books are available for checkout at BPL, even though the original stories may be from the early to mid 1900s. The Newbery Medal has been awarded by the American Library Association since 1922, and Caldecott Medal& Honor books have been recognized since 1938. You can find the complete list of Caldecott award honorees and recipients here.
I learned something while compiling this year’s list of favorites — I found that most of us here on staff at the library don’t read the most popular new titles. For example, we didn’t read James (except for Jen), The Martyr, The Women, or All Fours. I, for example, didn’t even read Intermezzo yet, and I am a (big) Sally Rooney fan. These titles will likely be on our TBR 2025 lists for when some of the hype falls away and we can get these items in our hands. What you will find below are some of 2024’s titles that we enjoyed and were able to snag off the new shelf in good time.
If you’re looking for heartwarming films this holiday season, start your search on Kanopy! This digital resource is available to you for free with your library card! Kanopy features thousands of movies, from classic cinema and indie film to international films and top documentaries and also plenty of holiday-themed films to celebrate the season.