Apologies yet again for being absent. My New Year's Resolution is to review every book I read and post them on here. I'm trying to read my way through the Carnegie long list and I'm currently on Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. E-audio and audio books are helping me to get through the very long list of books and After the Snow on audio book was chilling and atmospheric (I actually shivered whilst listening to it!).

Before I post my latest book reviews I must talk about the library Unconference. I had the pleasure of attending on Saturday at the new Bollingbroke School in London. I do have to say that the murals downstairs were delightful and made what could have been an imposing space, into something charming and charismatic. I could have stared at those pictures for hours!

Despite the snow at least a third of the attendees made it, some even venturing from Wales (brave people). It was the ideal opportunity to discuss important issues surrounding libraries and these ranged from e-books, to attracting teenagers to libraries, and even archiving YP literature. The sessions were all interesting, although I may have spoken out a little too much, I do get a bit enthusiastic!! Networking was definitely my word of the day, not only with other library professionals, but also the publishers who bought some wonderful goodies with them.

It was a good mixture of public and school library staff and this made the workshops much more interesting. I came away with fresh ideas, new acquaintances, proof copies of new books and the reminder of how much libraries can help children and young adults.

I really hope another Unconference occurs in the future, but for now I feel inspired and reminded that I can really make a difference.