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Jobs played a large part in Trump’s (empty) campaign promises. However, his proposed budget plan is just to cut or slash programs and agencies (that you know, employ actual people) including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). I’m willing to bet that Trump does not have much of a grasp on what libraries actually offer. After all, he can purchase all the information, books, and technology he needs/wants. 

So, Mr. President, here’s a little overview, libraries and librarians do a lot more than sit at a desk, hand out books, and shush people (in fact I have actually had a patron shush me before, oops). Libraries are actively trying to help people in their community improve their lives, whether it is by finding them a good book to read, getting them information on a home project they are working on, providing enriching programs for adults and children, or classes on everything from excel to setting up email. 

Libraries also actively try to aid patrons in employment. Where I work, a librarian is in charge of keeping up with local jobs and posting them. Sure it doesn’t sound like a lot, go to indeed.com and print out jobs from our area, but some of those searching for jobs do not have easy access to the internet. Which, is another thing that the library provides. See, while the internet is a wealth of information and opportunities (although not all of the information, but that’s another rant) it is not free and those who most need it to look and apply for jobs cannot always afford to have it in their home. And the internet is important to finding a job in this day and age; even Walmart and Target require online job applications. And those people who need to apply to jobs at Walmart online (even though the job itself involves very little technology skills) aren’t always equipped with a vast array of computer skills and in many cases need a librarian or trained staff member to help them work through the online job application. 

Oh, and if they get a job interview? Many places want to start with a Skype interview now, which again means the person looking for a job needs access to the internet (with a decent internet connection) and a computer with a camera and microphone. We’ve helped patrons set up Skype, showed them how to position the camera, and signed them up for one of our study rooms so they could interview without being interrupted. 

But sure, let’s make America great by getting rid of anything that may actually benefit Americans (especially those who really need it). But hey, we’ll have one kick ass military (to defend a country no one will want to live in or come to anymore - but it might take care of the immigration “problem”). 

Strong women aren’t difficult to come by in the world of comics, but there are a few that sometimes slip under the radar.  We thought that now would be the perfect time to spotlight them!

America Chavez - Young Avengers: Omnibus

–also known as Miss America, made her debut in the limited series Vengeance in 2011 and later in Young Avengers in 2013, adding some diversity to their team as both a Latina woman and a lesbian.  She was born in a parallel universe before coming to ours and wields powers similar to Captain America’s.  She has a solo series slated for a 2017 release.

Batwoman - Batwoman Volume 1: Hydrology

–Kate Kane is not just a counterpart to DC’s Batman in both her wealth and intention, but also an incredible character in her own right, being one of DC’s earliest and most well-known examples of LGBT representation through her relationship with Renee Montoya (aka The Question).  Look for her new series in March!

Buffy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus

–Though not as little-known as some of the others on this list, there is definitely a lack of awareness for Buffy’s presence in comics.  Older issues compiled in this omnibus relay stories of the teenage vampire slayer’s angst-ridden beginnings while more recent arcs such as Season 8, 9 and 10 continue her story where the TV show left off.

Ms. Marvel - Ms. Marvel Omnibus: Volume 1

–Kamala Khan is the most recent incarnation of Ms. Marvel, assuming the identity after discovering that she had the ability to shapeshift.  Being Marvel’s first high-profile Muslim hero and also Pakistani American, she is a very real character even in the sometimes-wacky world of comics.

She-Hulk - She-Hulk: The Complete Collection, Volume 1

–Originally conceived as a cousin to The Hulk (Bruce Banner), Jennifer Walters is an idealistic and empathetic lawyer who was given the power of strength through a blood transfusion.  She is physically the strongest woman in the Marvel universe, and uses both her career and her abilities to maintain justice.

Squirrel Girl - The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Volume 1

We lose ourselves in books, we find ourselves there too (10/?)

Photographed by Natalie Boog [website]

2016’s Top Art

You’ll know it when you see it.

1. photography 2. illustration 

3. doodle 4. comics 5. digital art 6. sketch 7. painting 8. watercolor 9. pixel art