Watch the Superbowl? Yeah, me neither. Also, Valentine’s Day Contest!

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Hey Friends!

Didn’t expect me to post this early in the week, did ya? I’ve got bunches going on this week and thought I’d better get something up just in case I couldn’t do it later. So how about that Superbowl, huh? Lights going out in the middle of the game? Seriously, New Orleans. As my friend Jovon put it, “you had a year to prepare”. I just felt bad about the random guy who was in the bathroom when that side of stadium powered out – you try washing your hands in pitch black, it ain’t easy.

Getting back to the topic at hand, the real reason why we watch the Superbowl when we don’t care about either team: the commercials. (Sorry guys, if the Broncos aren’t playing, I really don’t care.) In case you didn’t catch the Superbowl or missed this commercial, Oreo had a lovely little ad. By “lovely”, I mean “super rad awesome because it happened in the library”. BEHOLD!

Thank you Oreos for making libraries a place where people can read, hang out, and get into brawls over creme-filled cookies. So awesome! So bold! So BRASH! Yes, I will milk my last name for all it’s worth. Speaking of milk, they had it all wrong – it’s the milk you dip the cookies in that’s the best part.

So Valentine’s day is coming up and Brash Sidekick Katy linked me to Librarian Wardrobe’s Annual Valentine’s Day Crush Contest. The Librarian Wardrobe blog wants to “feature some crushworthy librarians…This doesn’t have to be a romantic crush, it could just be someone you admire professionally or fashionably. Someone who is doing really exciting things, or someone you wouldn’t mind reading some Byron with.”

This is more for my librarian friends than anyone; as part of the their rules, “anyone nominated has to be in the library profession, and all nominations must come from others in the library sciences. You *must* explain why you are crushing on this person or your nomination will be ignored. Please only nominate a person once, but you can make multiple nominations for different individuals.” However, they have a part where you can just say you’re a library nerd at the end of the questionnaire. It actually says other, but that’s what I would put. You’ll also get to write questions for them to ask me should I win and get interviewed!

Feel free to nominate me, I just threw this up here for a laugh and making my blog a little more interactive when I can. Don’t forget to subscribe both on here and on Facebook, I can always use more fans!

…Oh hey look, another poll!

That’s all for this week kids, stay safe and classy!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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This Week on the BL: Great Library Scenes in Film

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Hey friends!

I know, I know – it’s Friday and you’ve all been patiently waiting for another dose of the Brash Librarian. It’s been a hard week, lots of book stamping in archives and schoolwork. Now it’s time to relax. Maybe a movie? I know Warm Bodies came out today, and you all know how much I love my zombie movies. Like…alot. My Brash sidekick Katy can vouch for that. Speaking of which, Katy came to see me at work today! She’s been hard at work at her librarian job in West Palm, and she drove up to see her family and friends. AND SHE BROUGHT YUMMY FOOD!!! Amish friendship bread is the good stuff.

Back to movies though! So Katy sent me a great page on 16 of the greatest library moments in film and I had a blast reading through them. Low and behold, look what came up:

I want a giant marble X in my library. I’ll take the German hottie and bumbling colleague as well. Just try and stop me, Nazis.

The library in Alexandretta made the list! Because X marks the spot, that’s why.

Others include some great film gems, check them out! I think there’s one about some guys who bust ghosts or something. (Dylan, Nigel, Grant…I’m looking at you here.)

That’s all I got this week, hope you all have fun over the weekend! For those of you who are local, I recommend the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. I’ll be there tomorrow, maybe I’ll see you there?

Coming up next week: …I don’t know, I’m just kinda winging next week. You know, being BRASH and whatnot.

Stay safe and study/work/play/activity hard!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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Unusual Librarians Who Rock Returns! Really, really, Unusual…

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

SURPRISE!!!

You guys almost thought I wasn’t going to post this week, didn’t you? Take that, naysayers and Debbie Doubters.

This episode of ULWR is brought to you by The Edinburgh Evening News and my Brash Sidekick, Katy. The Evening news just reported on a pole dancing class at the Mayfield Library in Scotland to help kick off and promote Love Your Library Day on February 2nd. Read the article here!

Yes, you heard me right. Pole dance instructor Nikki Clark will offer a free, 90-minute pole fitness session on the day at Mayfield Library and is encouraging anyone over 16 who is keen to get fit and have some fun to take part. While not a librarian herself, Clark is a mother of two and said, “The library is a fantastic place – there’s not many places now where kids can go that is free and get books and use the computer. Anything we can do to support that can only be a good thing.”

Pole instructor Nikki Clark demonstrating her skill as she browses the library’s newest best sellers. I’m getting my Scottish library card tomorrow.

There will also be arts, crafts, video games and something for everyone coming up. While pole dancing might be a little risque for your library, don’t be afraid to try new things! Start up a new program, bring in something a little different or unorthodox. Heck, even try having book club at your favorite bar! BE BRASH! If somebody complains, tell them to come see me!

(Brash Librarian assumes no liability for shenanigans incurred.)

Speaking of fun and different! If you are near the Gainesville area, come check out the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire this weekend (January 26-27th) and next weekend (February 2-3rd) at the Alachua County Fairgrounds! There will be jousting! Combat! Magic! Comedy! Horses! Knights! Maidens! Wizards! Turkey legs! Mead! Don’t forget the Bookaneer will also be singing with the wenches!

Don’t forget! Subscribe here and to the Brash Librarian Facebook page, or just add me personally if you’re feeling bold. Now get out there and be Brash!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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I Swear, the books I find…A New Segment!

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

HEY FRIENDS!

Firstly, let me thank those you participated in my most recent posting’s poll as to whether or not I should do Brash vlog posts. While most weren’t opposed to it, my Brash Sidekick Katy made note that many of my fans may be at work or some other place where audio is less convenient. Librarians can’t just blare audio in the library or put on headphones and shut out patrons, now can they? As such, I’ve decided to make it an occasion item. Now to figure out what my first one will be on…

Anyway, I was out for my friend Grant’s birthday a week or so ago when our mutual friend Troy showed up for the birthday fun. Upon his arrival, he shook my hand and said:

“Mr. Brash Librarian! Keep writing those blogs, good sir! When’s the next one?”

I know I’ve mentioned people reading my blog in the past, but I still can’t get over the fact that people actually READ the stuff that I write. I thoroughly enjoy knowing I inspire and help and entertain so many people. Did I mention that have fans around the world now? I have fans in Brazil and Hungary now. HUNGARY! I thought it was cool just having fans from out of state. (That’s right, I’m looking at you, msnoseinabook! I’m calling people out today.)

If I ever start slacking behind on the blog, just remind me how much you guys love the nonsense that I right and my pride will churn out a new post the next day. Speaking of new posts, it’s time for a new segment! Working in the archives really gives me a wonderful opportunity to see plenty of old books…when you look through as many books as I do, you’re bound to run into some funny ones. I post them on my personal Facebook page, but I’ve yet to post them to here or to the official Brash Librarian Facebook page. Time to fix that.

Don’t worry, Unusual Librarians isn’t going away, it’ll make a return in the coming weeks. Now then, enjoy these literary archive gems!

Mr. Doolittle As Possible. Sounds legit.

This guy REALLY wanted to know Roger’s middle name.

This was from a book on aerial forestry photography.

We found this in a book. Bank of America wouldn’t take it.

Should the lead warrior for the poor be a Crook? Maybe Robin Hood had it right.

Why is the book on heroic Korean people published in China?

HA! If this was truly the master techniques for writing papers, then it shouldn’t need a second edition. Eat that, Bogardus

I hope you enjoyed these guys as much as I did. Don’t forget to join my Brash Facebook page and feel free to add me personally as well. Stay classy, my little Brashies! (That works, right?)

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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New Years Resolutions, Continued

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Oh, hello there!

As promised, here I am delivering another post. As part of my New Years Resolutions, I want to post more often. I often don’t post as often as I want because I enjoy writing my elaborate, elegant, expatiated, other adjectives that start with e, etc posts and I realize that not settling for shorter posts now and then has made me into a lazy bones. I’d like to post around once a week, be it just a funny pic or something actually important and/or lengthy. My brash sidekick Katy often sends me little nuggets of literary gold that I don’t put up because I feel like it’s not enough to warrant an entire post. No longer! Little blurbs here and there can be enough to keep my head in the game while I put together the longer stuff.

…So yeah, it’s a quarter past midnight, that’s all I got for tonight. I’ve been helping the Bookaneer with a Velma costume, I’ve had a glass of warm milk, and I’m ready for bed. More to come next week!

Stay classy,

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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New Year, New Classes, New Ideas!

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Happy New Year, kids!

What a crazy year 2012 was! I’m trying to remember everything that happened:

  • I ran three 5k marathons (and lost 35 pounds!)
  • I flew an airplane AND landed it! I was freaking out.
  • Had some amazing classes, especially Storytelling with Dr. Koontz
  • I became a trivia host at my favorite hangout, the Midnight
  • I STARTED THE BRASH LIBRARIAN! WHEE!
  • I started working for the University of Florida library system
  • My friend Caitlin moved in with me – best roommate ever, period.
  • I’ve traveled here, there and yonder in the name of libraries. Whether I’m telling children about living in Ecuador or helping renovate the Bronson library, I’m always on the move to help others and being a literary champion!
  • I’ve made so many new friends this year that have been amazing! Katy, Crissy, Zach, Heather, Jesse, other Jesse, Barrett, Ken, other Ken, Rachel, Jessica, Coty, Carroll, Adam, Mel, Stephen, Liz, Ryan, Roy and countless others. I of course can’t forget my super crew – Dylan, Grant, Dave, Troy, Jovon, Ashley, Nigel, Upuli, Billy, Will…best friends a man could ask for.
  • I finally got to perform with my friend Meredith Myers, the Stand-Up Librarian in a comedy show!
  • I went to the Hollywood Studios for the first time since I was a kid with Jovon, Bryan and Molly – oh, childhood, memories!
  • I went to Busch Gardens for the first time with Heather. I can’t wait to go back!

Granted, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but such is life. I’m here to have a good time and lead the way to education and awesomeness! I can’t stop for the humdrum things that happen, I’ve got too many people relying on me!

Speaking of relying on me, my main New Years resolution is to post more frequently. I owe you guys more Unusual Librarians Who Rock, more diverse content and I owe it to you more often! I’d like to try and put something out every week or every other week. I’d also like to try vlogging – does anyone actually want to see my mug talking to you every week? Can I get a consensus?

Expect more tomorrow!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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Finals! Gingerbread Men! Zombies! Um, wait…what?

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

HEY FRIENDS!

So finals are over, winter break has started, and I have returned to the land of the living. Time to catch up!

Speaking of living, let’s talk about the non-living. You know, zombies. I had the pleasure of running in the Run for Your Lives 5K Zombie Marathon. With my friends Dave, Heather and The Bookaneer, we ran through a harrowing gauntlet while being hunted by zombies. As it turns out, our friend Carroll was a zombie! The rules are simple: each person runs with three flags around their waist, and the zombies try to rip them off as you run. You make across the finish line with at least one flag left? You live. You lose all three? You turn into a zombie. As I was still recovering from a cold, my lungs couldn’t take the constant running from zombies. I eventually lost my flags, but Dave managed to keep TWO!! I was super impressed!

“I didn’t know librarians ran marathons! I thought they just stayed in the stacks all day!”

NO, silly voice in my head! Have you learned nothing reading my blog? Librarians are some of the baddest people out there!

Left to right: The Brash Librarian, The Bookaneer, Dave and Heather with our racing medals! The red/black color scheme was intentional, I swear.

Our team was red and black, and we looked super-wicked-mad-awesome! We’re considering another race or two coming up in February…perhaps a few of you nearby Florida folks will join us?

M-M-Moving On!

As long as we’re moving along, do you know who else moves along quickly? The Gingerbread Man! I was hanging out with The Bookaneer when I get a call from Meredith Myers, The Stand-Up Librarian. She was doing a holiday special and needed a gingerbread man…as a ginger and a man, she asked if I’d like to be involved in her holiday show. I’ve been meaning to work with Meredith since I met her at the Florida Library Association conference back in April, so I was thrilled to work with her. Check out her Gingerbread man video and some pics from our show at The Venue Theatre in Pinellas Park! Not to toot our horns too much, but we even got mentioned in American Libraries Magazine (at the bottom but still awesome!). Also, a mad wicked shout out to my friend Amy for driving up to see the show! She’s amazing, thank you Amy! 🙂

I’m reading Tila Tequila’s book. Quite shocking, indeed!

Dancing during our Gingerbread Man number!

My friend Amy managed to make it up for the show. Thank you so much, Amy!

To thank me for my time, Meredith made me a book stocking! Don’t forget, Meredith makes skirts, purses, hats, stockings and more with literally any pattern your inner bookworm could possibly ask for. Take a look here!

 
I cant thank Meredith enough for showing me a rocking good time! My inner actor hasn’t performed in ages and it was nice to be performing for a group and making them happy. But wait, there’s more! She took me to get the best grouper sandwich I’ve ever had and Candy Kitchen – loaded with all the yummy goodness of today and yesteryear. I had the pleasure of eating “The Big Mouthful”: a bar of vanilla ice cream wrapped in brownie, dipped in chocolate and covered in crushed nuts and sprinkles. This this was literally the size of a brick. And I destroyed that monster.

SO GOOD.

On a heavier note, I wish to take a moment to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims of the most recent shootings and their families. Far too often, we lose those near and dear to our hearts – you will all be in my thoughts this holiday season.

The rest of you will be in my thoughts regardless, because I love you all! Happy holidays from the Brashest Librarian out there!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Hello Again!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Turkey Day – or Katanaka, if you’re a ninja celebrating your ninja heritage (according to Dr. McNinja). I got to spend my turkey weekends with many good friends! Jessica, Dave, Melissa, Zach, Barrett, Adam, Jesse and many more. I made my specialty Tres Leches cake for dessert and watched Bunraku (thank you Nigel for introducing me to this gem!). And Jessica had a tiny kitten to play with!

Look at that sleepy kitty!

So how about that Black Friday and Cyber Monday, right? Anybody get any good shopping done? I really didn’t have any big-ticket items I was looking for, so I didn’t do the whole “5am beat people through the Best Buy door” thing like usual. No, I went against the grain and went out around 3pm on Friday. Holy crap, it looked like zombies had broken through the barricade at Target. Items and boxes strewn everywhere, a leftover shoe, a puddle of red that could only be strawberry jam or blood. Okay, I made that last one up. I was relatively happy and frugal, but I found some good deals – primarily a totally awesome hoodie to wear when the archives are cold (which is usually) and the Sean Connery 007 collection for $8. SCORE!

Meanwhile at the mall, t-shirts were only $10 at one of my favorite stores and Skyrim for the Xbox 360 was only $29 new at Gamestop. Firstly, SCORE! Even used, Skyrim is like $45. Merry Christmas to me, whee! Secondly, let the record show that I’m a video game nerd, and proud of it. Got some t-shirts as gifts for people and other items, overall a good and inexpensive shopping trip. I’m actually making most of my gifts this year! I’d tell you what they are, but their intended recipients read my blog so I can’t tell you just yet. Boo, I know.
More to come! In the meantime, I have finals to slay. Then I shall celebrate by slaying dragons in Skyrim. Stay safe out there this holiday season, kids!
Gobble-gobble,
Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

 

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Why I do what I do.

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Happy Monday, everyone!

So one of my dear friends (and one of my first blog followers) recently sent me an email. I don’t get to see her as much as I’d like, but we stay in touch on Facebook. With her permission, this is what she sent me a week or so ago:

“Just wanted to say thanks. I sent my brother one of your blog posts about library science a few months ago. Now that he has finally decided he’s ready to pull himself out of the hole of monotony and depression he’s been stuck in, he looked into it again. One of his new roommates got his bachelor’s degree in library science, so he also has a lot of knowledge there. My brother has realized it could be a really good fit for him and he said he was actually getting excited about it when talking to his roommate. And that is a really big deal for him.
So thanks for putting to info out there. I’m very happy that you love what you are doing and love to share it with others.”

I’ll admit, I was fairly stunned. STUNNED. Most people who know me will tell you that I’m rarely left speechless. A near-death experience, finishing an amazing book, the horribly re-cut ending of Return of the Jedi, trying Nutella for the first time – it’s something that literally made me sit in silence for a good minute or two. No really, and I’m the guy who can never be quiet. I am honored that I could help somebody like this. This blog is meant to pull younger kids into library science and break the usual librarian stereotypes in an entertaining way; I never thought that my random posts of lunacy could actually assist or inspire people to this degree.

To the person referenced in this letter…I know how you feel. When I quit acting, I wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I was unemployed, depressed, and with no idea what to do with my life or career. I was lucky enough to fall into library science thanks to my friends and family. If my torch helped you through the darkness, then I have done my job to pay it forward as the Brash Librarian. Just as I have inspired you, you have inspired me to keep helping others out there who might share similar circumstances.

What an inspiring post for a Monday! Now let’s get out there and carpe diem! Scratch that…CARPE D’ENTIRE WEEK!

Stay awesome, my friends!

 

Justin Brasher, The Brash Librarian

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Happy Halloween from the Brash Librarian!

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian

Happy Halloween, friends!

Have fun out there, be safe, and be sure to get your costumes on. I know the Bookaneer wore her Velma outfit from Scooby-Doo to the library today. Jinkies!

I took a day off from being The Brash Librarian to be Superman!

Enjoy yourselves and have a SUPER evening trick-or-treating!

 

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian,

(Superman)

 

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