My newsletter this month is a list. I am writing it from an airplane.

I love air travel, jury duty, anything where I get to read or write. It is incoherent because I am tired and happy, not because I am writing it from a plane. Thanks to my friend, Stephanie, I visited my first Admiral’s Club this afternoon. She also invited me to join her and other friends at King Spa on our way to O’Hare. Stephanie knows how to live.

The normal format will return next month. The stuff that I read and the podcasts that I listened to can wait until the end of July.

This Was June 2026

• My mother-in-law, Nanci, broke her hip on June 5. She’s doing well, considering. Our sister-in-law was a hero, getting to Nanci’s soon after she fell. And Beth and I live across the street from a wonderful rehabilitation center. Beth’s sister, Cindy, has been incredible, too. Nanci goes home later this week.
• Work was great in June, maybe my favorite month with NJLA (New Jersey Library Association). The highlight was hiring someone for a new position; they start in July. I also got to spend time with a lot of my favorite New Jersey-based librarians.
• I’m flying back from ALA’s Annual Conference. The American Library Association is celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary (150 years). I got to present to ALA Council. Chair an investment committee meeting. Attend Maria McCauley’s Presidential Inauguration (I’m on her advisory committee). Spend two full and mind-blowing days with my colleagues on the Committee on Accreditation (where I sat, literally, figuratively, and deservedly, at the kiddie table). None of which compares to spending time learning from and delighting in some of my favorite people. I didn’t visit the exhibit floor, attend any programs, or see any speakers. Instead, I curated time with people I admire.
• I ran more miles this month than in any month since I got my new running watch in December 2022. It felt easy, even with a lot of hot days. My running partner, Melissa, has helped me build my mileage with patience and care.
• I visited the Barnes with my friend, Catherine. She completed the Barnes training program before Dr. Barnes’s will was broken. Art and the world are different for me now.
• Beth and I had solar panels installed on our roof. Every interaction with everyone at Impact Solar was a great experience. We love well run, small, local businesses.
• I think I want to get certified as a coach. I’ve started information interviews, and plan to apply to a program in July or August. This is something that I would do as part of, and in addition to, my current job.
• It hurts when performers or broadcasters say they love me. They don't know me and it debases our parasocial relationship. I know my readers and it makes me feel good when you read what I write. Thank you.