I need a reading vacation. One where I find a cozy spot and motor through a pile of books while ignoring the world.

It's that point of the year where I can't decide if I want to be a loaf who does nothing or someone who fills our calendar with all of the holiday fun.

So far, the holiday fun is winning. Having a kid who enjoys doing stuff tips the scale. I took a look at our calendar and, aside from the last weekend of the year, we have at least one event or party already filling each weekend. There's some holiday travel, two parties, and two dance performances. Somewhere in there, we'll need to get a tree and decorate. And kiddo is ending the year going to a week of gymnastics camp.

We are in the mad dash to 2026. I'm not sure if I'm ready for the another new year. 

I'm currently chilling in my hotel room, listening to podcasts, and sipping coffee. In a few hours, I will catch my flight home. I spent the past few days at a conference full of amazing library marketers. Even with *everything* libraries have hanging over them, this was a joyous conference. I can't wait to come back next year.

Here's what else made me happy:

• My hotel room came with an unexpected view of the Gateway Arch
• I worked ahead before I left so I'm not coming home to a scary to-do list
• Having an impromptu outdoor brunch with my family
• Kiddo saying "I have an idea!" a lot during her playdate
• PJs all day
• The Husband scrolled my website and was impressed with my CV
• FAA restrictions didn't hit my flights
• Attendees stayed for my entire presentation despite it being the last one of the day and the room becoming super hot...
• ... and they asked lots of good questions!
• Taking walks around the Arch to stretch my legs during breaks
• Kiddo "feeding" real acorns to a squirrel statue

I read a lot of books with my kiddo. Kid Reads is a biweekly look at what we've enjoyed recently. ​

On Friday, my colleague hosted our library's webinar on how not to get scammed. There are a lot of people out there trying to get your money. They are persistent and they are not going away. In fact, in the middle of the webinar, I got one of those "Hello" texts from an unknown number that is the start of many catfishing scams. 

At this point, my personal policy is to not respond to or pick up any text message or phone call if the number is not already in my phone. If it's real, they'll leave a voicemail or try contacting me another way.

But that is just the first line of defense. Here are some other things you can do:

• Slow down, breathe, and think - Most scams rush you into action because they want to scare you into a response before you can think logically.
• ​Check the sender - Look closely at the full email address or number. Google the number or message - many scam numbers are listed online because the same message is sent to so many people.
• Ask a second party - Show the message to a family member, friend, or librarian to get their reaction. Uninvolved parties who aren't emotionally connected have an easier time identifying scams.
• Get others involved - Scammers tell you to keep things secret because they don't want others to prevent you from acting.
• Notice sketchy payments - Gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers are all red flags.
• Don’t share personal info -  No real company asks for passwords or SSNs by text or email.
• Never give remote access - Scammers may ask to “fix” your computer or bank issue - don’t let them.
• Use strong, unique passwords - A password manager can help. (And update passwords regularly!)
• Turn on two-step or biometric verification - It blocks access even if someone gets your password.
• Don’t overshare online - Details like birthdays, schools, or pets’ names can help scammers guess passwords or create a sense of trust with you.
• Trust your gut - If something feels off, stop before you do anything.
• Report it - File scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What do you do to prevent yourself from being scammed?

I fly out to a work conference next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed the FAA's decision to limit flights doesn't impact me too greatly. So far, so good...

Here's what made me smile this week:

• Tuesday night's election results
• Family dinner out with an extremely helpful waiter...
• ... and kiddo eating lo mein with one chopstick
• Setting up a book display was quicker than planned
• Visiting my old workplace and talking with colleagues who were still there
• Splurging for a cup of coffee from Starbucks
• Brilliant fall foliage
• Kiddo making art inspired by the Super Moon
• Surprising kiddo as her class mystery reader
• Starting a new fun group chat with my besties

A Soul of Blood and Ask
Jennifer L. Armentrout

So it turns out this book is a retelling of the first book from the male lead's point of view. It should feel like a money grab. Weirdly, it's my favorite book in the series. Since I know the world, the pacing is tighter. Even though I know what is going to happen, seeing things from a different perspective is bringing new motivations and scenes to light.

*Books shared here are affiliate links for Bookshop.org

It’s Election Day!

While today might not be a national presidential election, there is still going to be a lot of information coming out. Whether you want to keep up with everything, or just check in with the races  and issues that matter to you, I have a few recommendations.

1. Remember: Early results aren’t final
Election night numbers are unofficial. Mail-in and provisional ballots often get counted later. Wait for official certification before assuming the outcome is set.

2. Check your sources
Stick with official election offices or well-known news outlets. Be cautious with posts that don’t list an author, date, or original source.

3. Watch out for AI-generated content
Artificial intelligence tools are now used to write news updates, social posts, and fake articles. Look for clear bylines, publication details, and corrections policies. If something feels “off” - odd phrasing, mismatched images, or overly dramatic tone - double-check it elsewhere before sharing.

4. Don’t take social media at face value
If a story sounds shocking or too perfect, verify it before you repost. Search for the same info on a reputable site or check your state’s election office.

5. Watch for updates
It’s normal for numbers to change as ballots are processed. (I repeat - THIS IS NORMAL!) Follow official dashboards or state election pages, not just cable news chyrons or social media flurries.

6. Be patient - and kind
Democracy takes time. Accurate counts matter more than fast ones, and it’s okay to log off and check back later.

To help you find what you need, here are a few places to check out.

• BallotReady  - Nonpartisan guide that shows every candidate and referendum on your ballot, with summaries of their positions and experience.
• Ballotopedia - Funded as a nonprofit, Ballotpedia is the digital encyclopedia of American politics, and the nation’s premier resource for unbiased information on elections, politics, and policy.
• Vote411.org - From the League of Women Voters, Vote 411 provides personalized ballot information and polling place details.
• AP Politics: Elections Results - The Associated Press has a long-standing, transparent process for calling races.

Finally, if there are elections in your area, go vote! Do it for democracy! Do it because you have *thoughts*! Do it for the donuts! Whatever your reasons, it's important to participate.

Your voice matters. Use it.

We've got family in town, so I'm skipping the intro to get you straight to the Wrap. It's a bit of a short one this week (because life), but I hope you find at least one thing to enjoy.

I'm eating a lunch of leftovers from the Indian place we ordered from last night. It makes me absurdly happy how yummy they are. The perfect warming meal on a cold, blustery day.

Here's what else made me smile this week:

• Lots of students saying hello to me on the way to a class
• The leaves are changing color and they're pretty this year
• Had a quiet morning to myself
• New boots!
• Kiddo adored her first football game
• Being able to grab and go lunch from the grocery store across from work
• Kiddo got kudos on her dental hygiene from the dentist
• Did kiss and ride at school for the first time
• The artistic "you've been boo-ed" signs going up in our hall