“I Hate Librarians.”

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Harry Brake

When I was attending the AASL Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. and had a chance to see the Independent Movie, The Librarians.

As luck would have it, the movie had a little delayed start/technical issue and thanks to some colleagues, I had appointments with various book companies that allowed me to obtain books to bring back to many different individuals in my own state of Delaware. For that- 100% grateful – and I wondered when I would be able to get a chance to see the film that had my friends and

also contained polarizing views, coming from many that do not understand what librarians and libraries do to represent democracy. Amanda Jones is one of the most optimistic, positive leaders and librarians I have ever met. She epitomizes what librarianship is, and how this can be passed down to youth to be librarians of tomorrow. This means being researchers, guides, mentors and community leaders in the future.

Carolyn Foote never waivered when we were revamping our policy on challenged material, and patiently gave me example after example to work into a policy. That is the type of librarian she is!

Yet, fate would present itself in timely fashion. In Washington D.C. – January 22nd, 2025, at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center – and guess what? I did not hesitate.

On a very cold night, but very warm in anticipation, I found my way from DE to D.C. and settled in. There is SO much I could say but I am so very proud of my friends who are and have been on the front line for so so long – and some basic tenets as you watch this film yourself.

The claim that pornography exists in the library and is curated by librarians to be in the library AND that librarians groom students in inappropriate ways – rubbish. If you have doubts, please be willing to talk about things that concern you – topics that concern you- and please talk to HUNDREDS of students that have experienced (thanks to a supportive school district) a school library that contains so many points of view; they can have the freedom to choose what they want – age and view appropriate – (the former exists IF you have a certified librarian to discern those topics) .

Individuals taking excerpts from books that offend them – and not taking in a whole context of a book- there is a huge difference and fits the argument for one side and not all sides.

If there are books in the library I do not like (there are plenty that do not interest me or that I like) – and yet – I have to respect the fact that others DO like those books – certainly not books that promote pornography – PLLLLLEASE – that offends me on a personal level (and professional) for the time I trained to be an Information Science graduate student- and that was, and never will be, part of the curriculum. I strive every day to be a resource for what patrons, of all ages, viewpoints, backgrounds need – that is what a librarian profession does if you look at the training librarians are required to work through.

Simply stated, parents always have and still do have more control of what they want their children to read – librarians never have and never will take that right away. That has never been the case in our history.

Book Burning in Tennessee- 2022. “According to Tyler Salinas, a photographer who was present at the bonfire, there was one counter-protester, who held up copies of Fahrenheit 451 and On the Origin of Species, and threw a book into the fire that he said was the Bible.”

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/feb/04/book-burning-harry-potter-twilight-us-pastor-tennessee

It is far easier to state that books are deemed inappropriate without reading them, (REALLY reading them) without talking to individuals who are trained to choose books that fit a variety of individuals that can benefit from something else someone else might not. But having discussion is amazing – but pulling books without that discussion- is just pulling books without having a full picture without a discussion about concerns first- and yet- this makes sense to so many people- I am STILL scratching my head over this.

What is dangerous with book banning and asking African American books and selections to be pulled, asking the fire of God to consume others- I have to stand back and ask the reason why pertinent books that have something specific to say about history, a history that is showing it self to be a country that if you have a different view- then you are to be made an example of and pulled out of the public view, a view we know as democracy.

I think the hardest line to swallow was at the 33:42 of the Librarians. ” I Hate Librarians”. When I went to Tampa Bay’s AASL convention, in a period that book banning was at its height, I felt a little nervous about my safety with so much hatred being directed towards librarians. Yet, the work that librarians do, they are the firewalls of democracy and a reason so many people deserve to have the right to different viewpoints. I do know, from my training, age-appropriate material is part of being a librarian. It is disheartening to think others without that professional training think they do know better than the trained professionals, a trained profession we chose to support as a basis of what our country stands for.

What I have learned over the last five years is that leaving youth out of these conversations, leaving youth out of the issues that impact them and in their schools, leaving youth out of school libraries, it is easy to see this is the worst mistake any organization can make, I say this after seeing what youth can do when given a voice, when given countless opportunities to grow, when given just a chance. It is everything. So much happens out of a library, clubs, organizations, and community ideas that become a reality – if you have a school library. if you don’t, you never realize what you don’t have. Hence, librarians and libraries mean more than what you do not know.

There is so much to say and so much that is not said, and so much that is said without merit. Now, more than ever is the continual need for a realistic push back on more accurate depictions of what literacy is and what is means to our world today. Not politicized. Not censoring freedoms that have always been who we are as a country.

I am so very grateful for amazing students, individuals and institutions that realize there are so many different points of view and libraries have the opportunity to represent many points of view and allow for different interpretations. You might not agree with what all books have to say or what they say, I am a librarian, and I certainly do not connect with many age appropriate books in our library. However, what librarians are trained to do, to protect the many diverse viewpoints that individuals look for, representing diverse viewpoints, and representing all individuals- not just viewpoints – I find to my personal liking. In making many steps in the right direction thanks to youth being involved- they are now becoming citizens of the world and have a wider view of many diverse viewpoints.

I have learned over the last few years that divisiveness is the most popular movement in today’s world, but also have seen the lasting impacts on youth, and it has been anything but positive for them. I am grateful that there are individuals I know as friends, as represented in The Librarians, that push back when needed for everyone.

It was therapeutic to hear the audience that night, in the theatre, to some of the statements made in the film. While much of this film was threatening, devastating, and tragic, the greatest feeling was that of courage, hope, and perseverance. Heck, that is what a librarian is all about!

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Patterns of Context

Posted on February 7, 2026 by Harry Brake

I like when you realize so many things from something you didn’t expect to realize – for me it happens usually through reading. Take a look at the latest review and experience I had with Jason Reynold’s Miles Morales Suspended

When I first stumbled across Jason Reynolds, I realized, it wasn’t the mere fact of seeing him that was a draw. It was hearing him. Jason speaks from his experiences and from his heart like few do, within seconds of his first words. It draws you in and hold you in a place where we each found ourselves and identified ourselves as the one true self. Over time you begin to realize that context matters. Few people are able to tie so many concepts, ideas, and possibilities together unless the context of your experiences, are able to from patterns. The more context you have, the more patterns and the more realizations you are able to make.

Saying this, so many students never have been taught or exposed to a volume of contexts in reading to be able to see those patterns. The more the better. In Miles Morales Suspended, just fr the title, many will brush this off as simply a graphic novel and embracing the idea of SpiderMan. Yet, after being exposed to years of literature, books, recently the movie The Librarians, and of course over the years Jason Reynolds himself, receiving context and creating context is important. Seeing the issue of banned books, you might not realize it, but pushing back on this is vital for others to grow and form context to their experiences.

Not realizing or seeing the pattern or intentions of individuals pushing away words or books can be dangerous to a society, limiting, crippling even. As the pages progress in Miles Morales Suspended, you being to see the results of absences created intentionally, holes in the wood so to speak, when banning and removal of books becomes a norm. This should never be, and those that have experienced seeing patterns in context, thanks to someone reinforcing reading, reading of all kinds, good, bad, reading they agreed with, reading they do not agree with, simply words, they are the heroes that helped patterns of context form. They are heroes and sages, guides even, to letting each one of us contemplate, think deeper and truly consider the world around us.

This all sounds so deep and really, when it comes down to it, it is not. Just reading something, and being able to pull something out of that reading you didn’t expect- unless it has happened to you, it’s pretty exhilarating. Which is why the various contexts around us are so important to experience. We need encourages of context patterning like Jason Reynolds, librarians, the movie The Librarians, access to vocational education, access to finding out who we can be, and it is all important to experience. it is even more important to continue to have the freedom to experience and notice the patterns of context that can be available to you.

“All that from one graphic novel?” Absolutely. Well done AGAIN Jason Reynolds!

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S O S in Veggie patrol. :)

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Harry Brake

“Hello friends

I hope you like fresh veggies ~ because here we go again! 🤗

Just like back in November, this is a very short notice.  There will be a tractor trailer of produce containing tomatoes and such in Seaford tomorrow morning at 10:30. 

You are needed to be at Grace Church on Atlanta Road, which is only about a block north of Route 20 (across from Meaddowbridge Apts) Please take as many cases of produce as you can get out to the people you serve & your neighbors & your family who will enjoy it!

The donor wants people to get this food out into the community and you are  a key part of our community!  

A sincere thank you!  “

The above message SEEMED innocent enough, but – based on our Kamikaze tractor trailer experience in November- ironically that seemed like it just happened less than a month ago when I received this message Tuesday night. However, the fact and fear that all that food would NOT go- crazy how that affected me into flight mode to reach as many people as possible. I have realized to appreciate and go extra lengths when it comes to food waste since I learned to appreciate food and what you havem and what you can do with it, after returning from living in Mexico – one of the many traits I was lucky enough to learn while there.

Over the course of Tuesday night, and through Wednesday morning, I talked texted, and messaged more people than i ever had from my past, present and future, and crossed my fingers. Wednesday came, I waited until I came to school and sent out a message to faculty, and then hoped for the best as this time I would not be unloading due to being in school.

During the day, i was able to touch base with past SGA officer Indya and found out she indeed had been able to get there to help make sure food did not go to waste and it seemed there had been a WHOLE field of people over three to four hours of people, waiting and showing up. Amazing.

After school I thought I’d go ahead and drop by Grace Church to see how they made out since I lived right around the corner. As I pulled up I saw stacks and stack of- couldn’t be- but yes it was- HUNDREDS of cucumbers. I was shocked.

Over the next few hours, thanks to neighbors and friends ans social media posts, cars appeared ut of nowherem vans, trucks, and those individuals knowing others who could benefit from so much. The coordinators of Merry Lane showed up and took their overstacked share to share with needy individuals – (amazing!) – It was prettry amazing compared to when I first arrive and so so many stacks and on top of that, Franks Parks from Century 21 Home Team Realty also came to load the remainder and graciously took manhy to his office location, where more could be picked up.

While he left and I was waiting for a few more people to give the stacks away I had in my truck, over 7 more vehicles stopped and I directed them to Eskridge Highway where the stacks had been taken for individuals to pick up.

Two hours later, I would find myself still pushing out the extra from Frank’s location to vehicles showing up there, and it felt good to see how social media had been used to advance the needs of so many, in such a short amountof time, faced with so many numbers and stacks of food to move.

In looking at was is possible, when faced with what seemed like an impossible number of food stacks to get away, it was SHOCKING to see what is possible when faced with the impossible, and when you have faith and deternination to make things move forward. I see this everyday in my students when we dream up ideas and they show they have the energy to make anythng possible, and it is even more exhilerating to see how a community, can cme together and make positive change.

ANYTHING is possible when alike minded individuals want to make things better around them for each other. Thanks to everyone who made this a success story, and (gulp) hang on until the next event occurs again 🙂

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Feeling Christmas, When You Are Not? Part I

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Harry Brake

One of the largest sentiments I have heard from SO MANY students, this year, in getting together with them before the beginning of break, as well as over Christmas Break, is how down and depressed many are due to feeling as if Christmas is not Christmas. I have heard this over and over and honestly, CAN YOU BLAME THEM when so much is happening that seems to push back against the feeling Christmas, TRUE Christmas, is supposed to be about? We have politics of course, world events, economic uncertainty, stress and climate challenges occurring all around us, as well as simply a feeling of materialism trying to push aside the real reason for the holiday.

Some of these above factors are something we face year after year after year, BUT, some have intensified this year. Yet, I digress. Let me share with you two experiences that I did not connect to the holidays at first, that seem definitely unrelated, and yet, hit what we need to do, I feel, to get through those feelings.

My first example started a few months ago, maybe three or so, when I student came up to me in the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center, and asked for a book, The Summer I Turned Pretty. I almost coughed with hilarity as the title made me absolutely laugh and of course a bad joke emanated where I asked, “What about the summer I turned ugly?” – (sounds like a horror film)- blank stare back from the student. She was not impressed with that bad joke and knew what she wanted. I looked into it, as as we are known to do, we went after her request quickly, and in a few days had this in her hand. I WAS curious though, because at the mention of this title, her friends around her came alive- and this was a BIG DEAL, but to me, the average not into romance stories guy, I was not as excited about this title as obviously her and her friends were. Often I ask students where they hear of their requests, and the most popular response has been Booktalk and I have to tell you, I am always impressed as it brings patrons into the school library AND it brings them back when I am able to get their requests for them.

It kept bugging me that day, knowing this was a series on Amazon Prime and finally, I thought, okay, okay OKAY, let me see what the buzz is about.

A few years, MANY years, I read a book titled Beach Music- by Pat Conroy – it just slammed into me and became one of my all time favorite books. The rhythm of the writing, the setting, it just always has remained there. I state this because from the first day of seeing the above mentioned series suggested, it dug into me. It hooked me, I was addicted to watching it to the end. The first weekend I thought I would try it out, I burned through episode 1 and 2- and DESPITE the romance not being my favorite genre, being present throughout I was transfixed. I loved the setting (despite it being a luxurious home I wished I was at 100%) – the characters and they way they played out- among the adults- I was simply stuck.

I went back to school – and one of my amazing students who dives into my need to do tasks were bantering about me watching this and jumping and I was asked- “Are you Team Jeremy or Team Conrad. Yes, a purely social media, tean question and yet here I was answering “Team Jeremy of course!” – and I was met with a look and return response of disbelief. Well, I knew it had to do with something I was missing, in the last season I had not committed to yet. So I cooled off watching it, for some reason, I did not run back to the last season to see why, and to be honest, I was a bit worried that the turn of events opposite of what I stated, would turn against me. So I waited, weeks, months, and finally, December the week of break, I committed to watching the rest. Why? I have no idea, but something inside said it is time.

Well, OKAY. I might have been a bit premature in claiming Team Jeremy, in fact, I was, Kind of. No spoilers but the reasons Team jeremy did what he did, many do in relationships, due to a lack of communication. Especially with the influence of social media today- a BAD replacement for general, good old fashioned communication that needs to take place between people. Sorry, that is my adult self – and I am 100% Team Conrad – in looking back, which we have the luxury to do in situations like these.

Misconceptions and realizations-

  1. Adults should listen to teens more, and take a genuine interest in what interests them more to be able to have a shared dialogue with them. From an adult point of view- it keeps adults younger in many ways 🙂
  2. I love the fact that a percentage of people think YA literature is for YA only – on so many levels YA reading is captivating and valuable to adults as well. https://thisdadreads.wordpress.com/2023/02/06/5-misconceptions-about-ya/
  3. Despite the rich life being depicted in The Summer I Turned Pretty, I have to tell you this. This can be a reality for many if they have the right mind set meaning, NO, money is not everything as we see quite quickly, the individuals that have the most money in this setting often have the most problems. It is EASY to see not everyone has the life that these teens have to be able to make brash decisions and yet, we see on many occasions despite the money they come from, money is still a barrier on countless occasions. I like that. That fact is, I also like that the type of life you want to have does come as a result of decisions made, paths taken, and what you decide to act on. I do like that and take much of that away from this. So No, the ideal location of cousins I ultimately LOVE, and see it as a beacon of what can be, to many

WHAT does this have to do with my original thought of the reaction of teens I am reconnecting with from high school, now coming back in college, disenchanted from this holiday? As this particular series ended, it ended with it being Christmas, and the end you see the main characters (remember, no spoilers) with photos of their Christmas together- and with other family members but mainly a holiday because they are happy with the person they want to be with.

Despite the fact that so much doom and gloom continues to fight for a space in our life, we – each of us, owe it to each other, to our friends, to our family to push back against all the negative and keep the things that brighten our lives as the focus of this and every holiday. I LOVE, LOVE getting together with family and LOVE the fact that e haver a tradition of bringing back students together on their breaks and reconnecting on a somewhat regular basis to stay in touch.

Despite what is occuring, it is VITAL those connections we made stay connections, so we can support each other, laugh at the events that unfold as each of us move into different parts of our lives, but still strengthen the fact that literacy, in book form, in video form, in keeping our mind open to new genres literacy, as well as emphasizing the fact that school libraries and public libraries, can be places where we reenergize, where we push each other forward, encourage each other, and provide havens and shelter against the onslaught of negativity that swirls around us ona. daily basis.

I remain on a platform where I do not see youth represented enough at tables of discussion where there should have been place settings for them all along. Especially in a world that feels tbe best way is the quick, not think it through and not worry about the true facts and though and communicate way to get things done. However, involving youth with many generations of individuals along the way provides a much wider picture of what can be, what is, and what can be developed when we WORK TOGETHER, and not encourage divisiveness. This works best for me when I can have the opportunity to show a school library is a place where many individuals from all interests, not necessarily books, can come together and design a brighter future.

It is ironic that the one suggested book/show a student was looking for months ago, turned up coming to a conclusion before Christmas and carrying alot of the holiday spirit I was looking for, the connections I wanted to find, I was not finding in the world around us. All that from the request of one student and that says alot. It holds the promise of what we all have to gan from discovering each other’s interests and keeping an open mind to the very things we would immediately deem, not interested in.

I did mention two examples presented themselves, so stay tuned tomorrow for that second example. But also remember, it truly is a fact that the holidays are what we make them, and we can recreate the possibility that comes out of them with just a little shifting of our mindset. In this case, I owe, as I often do, to the optimism of a student who was interested in something I deemed outside of my sphere of interest. Yet it had everything to do with what we hope to find around Christmas!

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News Flash – Newsies Jr., Night One, is NOT Your Typical First Night Play – Part 2 Review of Newsies Jr.

Posted on December 15, 2025 by Harry Brake

Looking back days after the this year’s production from WHS, it is easier to see moments in the production that symbolized all that we really yearn for in a holiday- comradary, trust, banding together, and just that human element that makes positive change in light of bad situations that can, and often do, exist around us.

As mentioned in the first part of this reviewed post, there, is MUCH to make the holidays better, if we allow ourselves to be part of that process and seek the positivity to spread among others. There might not be a very apparent Santa Clause, reindeer, or elves presents, but not what you SEE, but what you FEEL brings the true meaning of holidays closer to your heart. That was true in this production as well. Alas, onto the one-liners of Kudos to those who made this year’s production a possiblity:

Kelsey (Pigtails/Olive) – I have to be honest, for the first time of noticing Kelsey in a production, her energy and presence is hard to miss, and she was an integral, visible part of the feel you received from the Newsies Jr., production overall.

Keegan (Romeo/Bill) – A familiar face as you might have seen his brother in former productions and yet, his willingness to play a part (no pun), throw himself into a role, and continue to grow as an actor goes with the tradition of seeing another Morehouse on stage and bringing a sense of dedication to a production.

Jordyn (Specs) – Jordyn always has this smile and sense of positivity outside of the stage and you see this as well on stage, just as you did in Elf and anything she throws herself into; that being said, it was awesome to see her same positivity on stage front and center at various times during ths prodcution.

Rylee (Nancy) – You can sense someone wanting to be part of something and see it in their movements, facial expressions, dedication to lines and plot, the whole bit and well, there you have everything you need to know if you were lucky enough to see Rylee in this production!

Maci (Tommy Boy) – Maci did a great job of representing an initial opposing faction to the newsies and fit right into perfectrly to the plot of this production, who only added to the feeliing of power when a group comes together.

Ruth (Seitz)- I am not sure anyone else could pull off the mundance feeling is was to work for Pulitzer than Ruth, which she did to a “T” and is awesome to see someone, camera-shy like Ruth, take a risk and do the stage, for a return performance- GO Ruth!

Kaleb (Snyder) – It was a riot to see someone zoom across the stage in an overcoat and everyone fleeing from that person in the overcoat and it just worked with Kaleb doing so- and doing so like Speedy Gonzalez!

Emma (Hannah/Aida) – Emma has the energy and ability to be one or another throughout and it is great to be able to see her back on the stage among others making Newsies, Jr. heartfelt, from the stage in the production, to the stage we witnessed this production!

Aolani (Ethel) – It was great to see a high spirited Aolani in her first production and putting herself into two differing parts of the production, which will hopefully lead her to future productions bringing in a new wave of actors for WHS!

Elli (Ensemble) – While among many of the above also were in ensemble, it was hard to not notice a new face in Elli and realize the more new faces we saw, the more rich the ensemble and support for all the characters were with their energy all combined.

Adria (Dorothy) – It was awesome to see Adia again in another production and she has made leaps and bounds with her progress with her walking, all adding to the confidence we saw in her on stage in this production!

Dakota (Ensemble) – It was exciting to see a new face on stage, a familiar face around school, and a spirited member of this cast in many scenes of Newsies, Jr!

Giomari ( Ensemble) – Again, while we saw many new faces we never saw before, Giomari’s energy reinforced how powerful it was when all veteran and new actors/actresses came together as one in this produc tion as Giomari reinforced this!

Mr. Truitt (Theodore Roosevelt) – As always, anytime a cast member/staff member is able to be part of a production, it only enhances the overall feeling and depth of a production, as this was no exception!

Whether you realized it or not, the alumni that comes backs such as Te’Neal, Madison, Tori, and Carly, as well as the endless hours squeezed in around the regular school day from Ms. Workman and Ms Jones are the backbone of any production you see, hear, and feel on any given day. You see the long hours and how it tests the whole cast through the whole process every year and it is amazing to be able to see the ifnal product as a result. Kudos to them all!

There are so many people that attended that help make up the set, the sound, the resources that add and enhance the stage, nourish the cast, and keep them motivated to put on their best in such a short amount of time. THEN going on after the offical days to present to elementary schools is also a HUGE part of this overall production. The elements you can’t see let you take home the feeling and memories of ebery production that often are too difficult to put into words.

Remember that preproduction picture of our lone Christmas tree and decorator? Now take a look at what we have?

Amazing, right? But when you think about it, not amazing at all when everyone comes together 🙂

As always, this was an amazing way to usher in the holidays and welcome the spirit of unity that should be at the heart of every thing we do during this season!

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News Flash – Newsies Jr., Night One, is NOT Your Typical First Night Play – Part I Review of Newsies Jr.

Posted on December 6, 2025 by Harry Brake

Why is that you ask? Aside from the bylines that are appearing throughout the production, the mere fact that so many new faces work so well to bring this production together on a first night show? Whew- imagine what Saturday and Sunday will feel like (so yes, you would not want to miss this on the remaining dates of December 6 from 7 PM and on December 7th at 2 PM!

We are going to challenge the challenge and share insights that will be – yes – one sentence long bylines for what you will notice from this production. We have 29 actors to go through and pretty confident we can this over the three days of the production and see what YOU think!

Can that be done? In one line? Of course it can!

Before we jump in, I didn’t notice it as first, but the music playing as you wait in the auditorium for the production to start? FABULOUS – just an unexpected note as I was waiting to see what everyone had been working on the least few months. Now, on with the show!

Cameron (Jack) – Hands down, the accent, the attitude, the swagger, the sass is what you would expect in a Jack Kelly.

Emerson (Katherine) – Make sure you notice how her subtle interactions increase as the production develops and of course, her voice and animated expressions filled with emotion provide the reason we enjoy seeing her on the stage.

Ethan (Davey) – Playing a meek and holding back type of character really worked and rewarded the audience by the end in Ethan’s ability to show and act what it is line coming into your own in a role.

Jaleya (Les)- Her ability to play a much younger version of herself and to combine her talented voice alongside this role helped steal portions of many scenes for a reason.

Tanner (Crutch) – It has been amazing to see his transformation into characters along the way in many musicals to date, but the ability in seeing him come in on his own and develop the ability to express th emotions that come with making difficult decisions is replicated perfectly.

Keaton (Joseph./Oscar) – The ability to play parallel temperaments, multiple characters with personalities that impact the production is an art and Keaton does this very well across the production.

Marleigh (Race) – Her energy, excitement and upbeat positivity are reasons she is going to HOBY this year, as well as one of the spotlights of school spirit when you come to Woodbridge High; Marleigh is full of the energy a production needs, and you see this as well in the production from start to finish.

Seeing Brooke’s familiar face shows there is a definite reason why theatre is lucky enough to have repeat performers through several productions and you see where Brooke accents a plot event here, there and everywhere as she vocalizes and acts through another production while alos representing her Woodbridge FFA and band off stage!

Bella (Maddie Larkin) Bella’s role was one of the many highlights and frame stories happening that not only impact the newsies, but also the media and make a difference in the way the lead is able to keep moving forward to make a change; Bella is a very positive and open-hearted individual and one will see once meeting her this is a great match with the character and the person everyone knows as Bella.

Gabriella (Wiesel) Anyone that knows Gabriella knows that the gruff Wiesel she plays is an opposite to how we know her as she puts her self into this role, the constant barrier between the Newsies petitioning for a better life and the upper management, and does it so well (and with a smile).

Scarlett (Spot Conlon/Buttons) – It is exciting to see someone so talented and able in a production as Scarlett for the FIRST TIME as she is a definite asset to this production while being bold, up front, and not afraid to emphasize the importance of the role she plays, very easy to see this from the start to finish!

Shayla (Hazel) – One of the people your eye falls on all through the production is Shayla due to her energy, excitement and continued commitment to all things drama over a five year period; Shayla’s liong term commitment is evident in the confidence you see and sense in this production.

Leonel (Albert/Pat) – If you are wondering if there is optimism and energy in a character that helps rev the production engine, you will notice this every step of the way in Leonel’s presence all though this production; Leonel helps exude the confidence and talent that the production sends out when everyone joins together as the union the characters are pushing for.

Maya (Buttons/Morris)- Maya is capable of so much as you will see her multiple times throughout this production; her ability is not unrelated in all she sets her mind onto and the moods she is able to swing back and forth from in her characters is one of the priceless moments that helps shape the overall success of this production.

Are there more – Absolutely and these will be worthy of a news line in the next post – BUT – this gives you a chance to see for yourself how this production fits in with what you would consider a typical Christmas show. You might not see Santa, (but you will see pine trees!) but as you consider how Christmas is meant to boost ourselves and positively impact those around us when we join together, you will see this every step of the way; the meaning of Christmas in the form of sacrifice, commitment, selflessness, gift-giving, thinking of others, and so much more is in every aspect of what these student actors have given to this production, as well as what is received as an audience. The individuals who have directed, sponsored, built sets, provided sound, and more than you can see on stage have done so to make this absolutely not the typical first night production you’d expect.

It is an exhilarating and uplifting production that reveals ALOT of practice for such a production, one you will not want to miss More to come on some of the amazing talent you will notice tonight and Sunday!

This tree below might not be finished, but, it is full of Christmas. Wait until you see the finished product – your holiday will NOT be complete until you see this production that has alot to say about the Christmas spirit – don’t delay!

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Referencing Your Thoughts, Opinions, and Points of View

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Harry Brake

Happy Thanksgiving!!

As I put in two pumpkin pies and one pan of brownies into the oven this morning ( I am a believer on cooking.baking the day of, when I am going to serve to others!), I listened to this specific broadcast about Toni Morrison, on 1A.

I remembered a few years ago, reading in the newspaper, a Delaware politician writing an editorial on the “filth” that was considered Toni Morrison’s Bluest Eye. This politician went on to say how this should be banned from AP lists and all access to required reading for teens.

I will not mention the specific politician’s name, as in an era where it is easy to drop names to attack others, I think we need to learn how to critique ideas without attacking each other. I will be quick, I need to be on my way to Thanksgiving Day family in D.C., but this is pertinent enough to jot down before the ideas fade from my aging memory 🙂

If adults are to stick to the premise that students need to utilize research effectively and learn how to utilize news and discern using research properly to know what is true, what is false, etc., in this example I would expect that the very people critiquing, calling what they do not like or understand trash, jumping to remove or ban something they deem unworthy, BEFORE that stage and doing so publicly it seems the logical thing to do is research the subject of disdain, research a bit the context of this writing, and actually read the WHOLE subject before publicly jumping on the trash bandwagon. This seems logical but I think today it is equivalent to someone seeing a clip of something, be it facebook, Instagram, or anywhere and running with their first opinion and sense of judgement. This goes against everything we expect of students when they are to truly obtain an education. This is why the Freedom to Read Act in Delaware came to be, to give us time to examine, contemplate, and discuss/analyze what at first might hit us in a certain way.

I LOVED the comment in this podcast from Toni Morrison, her take on banning specific topics, books, authors, etc. was of interest. Interest in that there must be something this book, author, topic, etc was DOING to cause it to be banned, and THAT is DEFINITELY worthy of closer examination. I agree so so much – instead of trying to hide and shield people from controversial topics, I would like to think there is an educated public willing to examine and analyze the issue at hand rather than bury their head in the sand about it.

Also, the statement that some people/authors are not confident or strong enough to weather some topics that are brought/dredged up; authors that are worried about that, are depriving individuals of the topics that need to be addressed, that need to be seen or read about but know the status quo will try to cover those topics up are not allowing readers to truly see the world as it is. I definitely have to agree with that in some degree- as there are many different scenarios but the fact that Toni Morrison should ALSO be known. as an editor, that encouraged many authors to indeed write their stories when no one else was a majority doing so- her power as an editor was not just in editing lies of writing. It meant insuring stories were being published in a time when minorities were often told no one want to hear those stories.

Lies and false truths will only exist for periods- some long periods, others shorter. Yet the most important lessons that can be passed on to readers and listeners of all ages, keeping an open mind even when a topic hits you head on and discourages you, angers you, or doesn’t align with a philosophy you might hold- the willingness to take time to investigate/contemplate/consider? Priceless. In a world that WANTS everyone to make split decisions without thinking, the individuals that do push back and consider all aspects of a topic- again priceless.

I think it is amazing how the human mind is capable of making connections from thoughts, memories, and topics that might occur years ago, and how a certain recent topic, etc triggers that memory and new contemplations about it, potentially even changing you view or enhancing it. I think much can come from public and school librarians having the training that many underestimate in receiving, as well as educating the general public of the many roles a librarian today plays, if truly considered, given a chance, and explored by individuals themselves.

It has been said that one man’s trash is another’s treasure, but it is quite another thing to consider anything trash you might not full understand, consider, or contemplate. There is a difference, and this type of literacy is a huge step towards opening one’s mind to all possibilities regarding any topic, subject or issue in front of us. A lesson we can all understand and hold close as we should be thankful for living in a country that was based on having an opportunity to hear, understand, and act on all potential sides of an argument. Not acting on something by fear, narrow mindedness, or having limited resources to receive the whole length of information of any one topic.

“…to get to a place where you could love anything you chose – not to need permission for desire – well now, that was freedom.”

From Morrison’s novel Beloved.

Time to go, the over just buzzed and that means brownies and pumpkin pie are ready for my two hour trek on Thanksgiving. Much to be thankful for in light of so many stating there is much to be sorry about. Let’s do our best to convince others what can be versus what is – Happy Thanksgiving!

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Going the Extra Mile is All of Us, Not One of Us!

Posted on November 26, 2025 by Harry Brake

I was chosen as the Staff member of the month for November – (Thank you !) which is crazy for this reason- (the theme was Going the Extra Mile) – everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in the form of an idea, dream, or initiative, is nothing, zero, zilch, NADA, without the individuals who can get past selfishness and get to possibility and selflessness. While I am honored that individuals see me as someone who “goes the extra mile”, none of the scenarios that people compliment me for would occur without those very people to make it actually happen- so again, an award like this is an award everyone is part of in order for ANYTHING to happen. The flowers, cards, and emails have been a bit overwhelming when there are so many people that are not realized that make things happen. (I found this old photo I received mentioned about going the extra mile and I had to think about the irony of this so many years later :). It is easy to realize, at every corner of your day, you see, hear, and witness examples of negativity, a need for selfish attention and disregard for others under the guise of giving back, and yes, it can bring you down.

Almost every reel or scenario I see when I see Facebook, and alot of social media, are aggressive, adveserial situations presented as entertainment.

Do I need to count the number of times leaders in our political system hide under the cover of doing something for the public for wanting the attention for themselves and wanting themself applauded. Certainly it can be heavy on your mind and it dies indeed weigh on your indeed. YET- there is a movement among youth to push back against this false sense of giving to others and rising to the top and ACTUALLY showing everyone what it means to give back. In this first segment of what I am thankful before Thanksgiving – in two days we have witnessed INCREDIBLE moments that the public would never see, but I feel they are important to know about, to show our students are quite capable of doing more when it can be applied outside of the classroom. “It” being opportunity that students are usually overlooked for. These waves of youth will and can change what we know as selfish politics now.

Example 1- We noticed a stray cat on our campus and trying to find herm track, her, capture her, and get her into a home – THAT has been challenging. YET- from the support and help of former alumni to current students, with many attempts with a trap cage, countless types of very smelly food, finding our young cat was able to jump over the trap to the food, and sit taunting us at her ability, (lol) – the support of the students over a period of days we were able to get her from running all over campus looking for food, to from under a pallet outside, to cage, to a loving home.

It might seem like a little thing? But this little thing is reflective of bigger things of what all are capable of when you do not give up for the greater good.

Example 2- If you could imagine a school library where every 5 minutes, someone is knocking on the door, calling on the phone, sending an email, coming down for a solution to a problem, well that is our school library – good problems to have, but quite overwhelming. In just two days, students that were in the vicinity continue to help answer those emails, answer those phones, help with problems and questions students and staff have when the come into the library- they do this without being asked at this point- and they have begun to claim ownership of their library. it is amazing thing to see, and to not be thankful for the students and staff that pitch in together to make a school a community? Priceless.

Yes we served a 16 pound turkey with potatoes, stuffing, gravy and pumpkin pie with whipped cream on November 25th – but it was amazing to see students and staff share this deserved treat as a reward for wanting to be a part of their school library – and owning their school library. :). It is amazing what can occur in two days to bring the realization of what students are capable of- to a wider audience. Personally, the more negativity and selfishness our government produces, the more I am energized to do more to work in the opposite direction to restate who we are as a community, and who WE can be, not I. It helps push me in the opposite direction of what we want to be known for, and I hope that continues to be contagious among some pretty amazing youth as well- A good way to enter into this Thanksgiving holiday!

In just a little less than three weeks-

*We have collected over 200 books to give to families (Come see us and support the NRWC as well as other nonprofits November 29th at Merry Lane in Seaford, DE! – free and get a book for your younger one!)

*We have rehomed two cats needing homes (one feral and one needing a new home!) See above and this one to the left!

*We have participated in Girls on the Run!

*Students have met with board members to hear their point of view and keep lines of communication pen

*Students are learning ways to advertise and promote libraries up and down the state with tech like 360 degree cameras, drones, and book reviews

*Are being accepted into leadership programs like HOBY and creating student panels, themselves, to address issues like abuse.

*Students are creating ways in displays to get more students to read books that

provide feedback to publishers on diverse topics.

and this is just the beginning.

Is there anything to be thankful for in light of so much negativity churned from so called leaders in our country? ABSOLUTELY. It is time to build on the excitments and possibilities our yiuth have to turn ugly into amazing- more to come!

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It’s All Connected- WE are all Connected!

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Harry Brake

I think this must be my third / fourth year of Girls on the Run– it’s funny how time flies and a routine you get used to seems to be a tradition automatically. In this case, Girls on the Run has taken us to Dover and to Georgetown so May times – over the years it just has become a tradition. What us amazing is the vast number of individuals we have had willing to sacrifice their weekend for other young runners.

You would think it would become boring or feel the same year after year and yet, I realized, every time we meet up with other young runners from Phillis Wheatley, matched with a running buddy from the high school, it is different. EVERY single time. Different runners of course, but some the same, different style of running, level so fo motivation to finish and just different every single time. That matched with the positivity that you simply feel surrounded by so many. I cannot remember the countless times, including today, where I paused and found someone I chatted with I never met, boy or girl, and we encouraged another to compete with themselves to support others. That rolls over and connects with what we try to encourage in Cross Country, as well as in life.

The students, both boys and girls, that come out for Girls on the Run have been nothing short of inspiring every single time. I think it is awesome to see young girls being encouraged by their mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, students in high schools, middle schools, brothers, and sisters to complete something that might be slightly out of reach in their minds – and yet – the reality when you finish is that NOTHING is impossible when you find a pack of people that believe in you. In a day/time/period in our history that can appear so negative, cynical, and demanding on social media, real life that doesn’t replicate negative and challenges that can be overcome, well simply can be motivating. You feel that in the Girls on the Run Event when you are surrounded with people that simply believe that can do something that seems like a mountain at first. Add numbers, many numbers of individuals that believe in you, that you might not have never met before, with those you have known, and confidence oozes. That truly is the power of Girls on the Run.

Looking beyond Girls on the Run, what can you take away from this event? I started thinking about how powerful our female students are, and then how powerful our male students are when they find ways to encourage each other. From the Girls Who Code Club (They are learning drones,

Speaking to the St. Louis AASL Conference from Delaware!

connecting circuitry, 360 degree camera tours, robotics, and more!)

who are starting to learn some amazing new technology pieces and apply them to improving and adding to their community, to the students who come together to discuss and plan a forum for pushing back against substance abuse from all over the state, represented from many schools, to students rising up to enhance the Festival of Words, to students trekking to advocacy with a message about how their school library, or need for a school library can open doors for them, to attending Senator leadership conferences, to SO MUCH MORE, all are connected. All events involve things that never existed before and students saw a need and created something, to enhancing something that already exists, with the right motivation, youth given a seat at the table more than they have? They can easily change what is possible and what is considered not possible, and turning it around.

Connecting each other and plugging into that power of possibility? Certainly Girls on the Run is a power source for so much more beyond that single day that all participants can keep alive beyond that one day, in discussion, action, and possibility.

For today’s Girls on the Run, we want to thank Ms.Carol Bean, Carrie Townsend, Robinson Nate, Kim Chitty, Coach Marvin Dooley, Coach David Guelph, WHS students Annabella, Aydin, Kaileb, Kayleigh, Natalie, ALL the Phillis Wheatley runners, ALL the runner’s and running buddy’s parents for letting this day be an awesome one. DISCOVER is awesome for always willing to put so much into making this day a possibility for everyone. Thanks for both Del Tech at Georgetown and Dover that make this possible. It gets much more mileage than than the 5k of the day – and that carries more internal possibility and connections to other possibilities, than we can imagine in one day!

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Teen-Tober – Youth Voice Possibility, Spotlighted

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Harry Brake

It has been awhile since TeenTober has been spotlighted into a small look into a month, where it is shown how teens come to the front of the community, represented out what school libraries encourage them to do. However, we are trying to bring that focus back. In the next few posts, a look at how and what youth did in October with the support of school libraries. Don’t have one? Then YOUR community and students are missing out.

When a new school board member election was afoot, it was important for our school library to again have youth be at the front to enlighten people of the individuals running, as well as the platforms of those candidates. We had begun this out of the school library, through the Student Government, in 2020 and it definitely was a hit. Last year, students interviewed candidates for the school board, and one of those elected candidates, Mr. Tim Banks, remembered the statement that students would like to have more communication between the board and themselves, so they felt more connected from school board to student body. Things did NOT need to end just because elections occurred, we needed to see and involve the new and current candidates all year long.

True to his word, Mr. Banks called two weeks ago and asked for a time to meet again with the newest SGA officers. We set it up from the library and let the students roll with their interview and opportunity to meet Mr. Tim Banks as a current board member. Usually we like to have such events occur IN the school library as an example of showing the school library is a host to all opportunities to the school. In this particular day. we had Upward Bound, college visits, and several English classes visiting the library for their next read, and thought ahead to reserve a conference room to enable students a chance to have a quiet-like atmosphere to have discussion, all around the SGA. In doing so, on November 11th, the Woodbridge SGA were able to meet with Mr, Tim Banks and keep the ties between school board and student body open. Next students plans to meet with the whole school board to keep the lines of communication open – but to continue to have a direct line of accomplishments, inquiries, ideas, and more.

This is ONE of several amazing events youth took on in October – stay tuned for many more!

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