Since I have been home, the library has been a saving grace for me. Unsure when I may uproot myself and move again, I didn't want to collect more books for my personal library. Recently in Broward County, there have been talks about consolidating libraries due ot budget cuts. The two libraries closest to my house are on school grounds, so this would be a detriment to the facilities of the schools. Originally, I resumed using library services when I learned that I could borrow DVDs and CDs without paying rental charges.It nearly broke my heart when I walked into the lobby of the library attached to the middle school which I am an alumnae and saw this:

I stood beside a pair of local library regulars and filled out the petition and requisition cards for the County Commission. I am a book lover, a former student, and a supporter of my community. With crime rates increasing among the youth, libraries provide places children can go after school and keep themselves out of trouble. Plenty of tables are available for homework as well as free computers with internet access providing free information. Granted, books are becoming increasingly less expensive with online booksellers and retail stores providing frequent shopper and membership, but the thought of libraries closing just makes me sad. As taxpayers, our money supports these programs, so we should fight to keep resources available to our community.

After mulltiple trips to the libraries by my house, I've been bit by the reading bug. I also credit this to my gal pal, Christy, whom in an effort to be more writerly, keeps a very regimented schedule of tasks and activities to improve herself as a writer.I really look up to her gumption and ability to balance it with a full-time occupation. Though I know I shouldn't compare myself to my peers, especially my friends, but I honestly aspire to be dedicated to my craft like her. So, to tie the library visit to writing, below is my current reading list.

• Blogging for Dummies 2nd Edition by Susannah Gardner
• The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Student (Revised & Updated) by Tom Kealey
• Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Salary by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett
• How I Write: The Secret Lives of Authors edited by Dan Crowe with Philip Oltermann

While sorting and cleaning out boxes from my pre-Japan days, I found a bunch a books from when I attended UF. Many of them were writing related, so I am excited to dive back into those as well. Many of my books were geared toward theory in relation to writing and electronic mediums, so it reignited my desire to study about electronic spaces and creative writing. It pains me to think that my senior project was lost in a computer crash, however, I think I can re-educate myself and create a far better project.

What non-fiction books have you read lately?

I highly recommend Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher. She's one sassy but classy lady. While watching the Tony Awards, Carrie Fisher presented an award and she announced that her performance of Wishful Drinking was joining the Fall 2009 Season in New York City. I would love to see her live, telling her story in her own colorful words. For our generation, she is an iconic individual.