wrapped up in books

This was supposed to be “awards” but I just want to spotlight my favorite bookish blogs. I used some of the categories but also made up my own because I’m a rebel like that.

Best Blog Design

This weekend has definitely made it clear that I prefer a certain type of design. I like blogs with a clean but distinct design and easy to find social media buttons. I don’t like an abundance of pattern or clip art style graphics. I like easy to read fonts and dark text on a light background. It’s confusing when two book blogs I follow have similiar design or use the same theme without customization…I get them mixed up! Of course, I’m no expert on web design. These are just my personal preferences.

I’ve always admired the aesthetics of:

• Anna Reads
• Hello Chelly
• Paper Riot
• Novel Sounds
• Clear Eyes, Full Shelves

Best Weekly Feature

I occasionally participate in The Broke and the Bookish Top Ten Tuesday, but only when I have the time and find the prompt interesting. I do like topical lists, especially in genres that I don’t read, because these actually help with readers’ advisory.

I really love Brittany from Book Addict’s Guide’s weekly feature Book and a Beverage. She introduces a blogger who share’s what they are reading and drinking that week. It’s a great way to discover new blogs and fun to participate.

Most Helpful Reviews

All the blogs I follow have helpful reviews. I don’t like to waste my time on short, noncommital, or wishy-washy reviews. I like details and even some spoilers, because I read reviews to help me better recommend them to other readers at the library.

I love reviews from:

•  Stacked
• Clear Eyes, Full Shelves
• Good Books, Good Wine
• Crunchings and Munchings
• Respiring Thoughts

… and many more! I really miss more regular reviews from The Readventurer and Bunbury in the Stacks, but understand that priorities change.

Instead of using “friendliness” as a standard, I’m going to spotlight blogs that are extremely helpful to me professionally.

Best Blogs for Librarians 

• Stacked

Kelly’s themed booklist, reviews, discussion posts, and interviews with authors are all well-written and extrememly helpful for any librarian working with teens.

• No Flying, No Tights 

I use this blog weekly for work. I buy manga and graphic novels for both the adult and young adult collections, and I would feel lost without this blog.

• YALSA’s The Hub

I’m biased because I write for the Hub, but I think there are great discussion posts happening there. I use the polls to create booklists or get ideas for displays.

• Teen Librarian’s Toolbox 

This blog from a group of YA librarians is full of program ideas, discussion posts, reviews.

• Beth Reads

Beth has great ideas for programs and other library-related content, as well as helpful reviews.

I spent several extra hours this weekend catching up on my feedreader and exploring new blogs who participated in the love-a-thon. I really appreciate the book blogging community, which is such a huge professional asset to me, as well as a great source of commraderie and fun. Cheers to you all!