Reflect on This

In 1886 Mrs. T. H. James translated into English a Japanese folktale called The Matsuyama Mirror, which she published along with illustrations by Eitaku (1843-1890) [Tokyo : Kobunsha (Nihonbashi-ku)].  We found a free digital copy on Archive.org, but it's more fun to follow along with Scowl-Face as he reads the book aloud in the following video.

The Matsuyama Mirror, told by Mrs. T. H. James

(MPL Readaloud)

Okay, maybe listening to Scowl-Face read aloud isn't more fun, but you (or your young readers in your family) may read the text on the screen as Ol' Scowlly drones on and on.  It will definitely improve young reading skills, as well as enhance one's endurance to boredom.

What interested Scowl-Face in making this video was the music soundtrack composed specifically about this folk story by the library's composer, whom I call the Music Man.  His composition is called "The Mirror of Matsuyama," included in a series of compositions called Solo Koto.  You can listen (and see sheet music) here.

The story itself is a tribute to love and family remembrance.  The mirror reflects more than the person (or feline) looking into it.  That's something to reflect on, in and of itself.

My library has other readaloud videos available to watch.  They're well worth a look.

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

Crank Up That Juke Box and Dance!

The Decorinator and BizMeister were trying to think of some eye-catching decorations for the entrance to the library's youth services department that would dovetail nicely with the 2018 Summer Reading theme, "Libraries Rock!"  Queen Settler came up with a true winner:  If libraries rock, then why not display a jukebox?  So the Decorinator and BizMeister fashioned one out of cardboard, paper, plastic, and, well, you know, decorator stuff.

Click Photos to Bigify

That's a Cool Jukebox!

Which Band Made That Record?

Scowl-Face discovered a design flub, however.  He crashed his head into the big black note hanging over into the passageway into youth services.  So, watch out, tall patrons!  Duck!!!  Queen Settler demonstrates.

Duck!

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

For all you youngsters out there who don't know what a jukebox is, there's a video for that.

Click Video (Above) to Play

Obviously, since our jukebox is only a decoration, you can't actually play records on it, but you can crawl beneath it through the bottom passageway into (and out of) youth services.  But that's only for youngsters.  Adults don't get to have any fun.

Congrats to the Decorinator, BizMeister, and Queen Settler for this fantastic display!

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

P.S.  The intro to the TV show Happy Days (1974-1984) featured a jukebox.  Here's the Season One intro (1974).  Kids--ask your grandparents who Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, et al., are/were.