Tom Bober
@captainlibrary.bsky.social
3.7K followers 2K following 190 posts
Librarian Speaker Writer. LJ Mover&Shaker. Fmr @librarycongress Teacher in Residence. ALA Emerg Ldr. '19 Caldecott Comm. Podcaster. @Maslonline Past President.
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captainlibrary.bsky.social
Getting ready for my talk with @librarianjones.com next Wednesday at her St. Louis event with Left Bank Books. Want to hear us chat it up? Learn more (and register) here: www.left-bank.com/event/amanda...
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Our “What are we reading?” Display started with two staff and now we’re almost to 20!
Hoping to show that every adult in the building is a reader. And I’m happy that students are checking it out. 📚❤️
captainlibrary.bsky.social
A Kinder was struggling to get started with his drawing. He was enjoying the time chatting with classmates.
When I spoke with him, he threw his arms up and said, “I have TEN letters in my name!” and promptly went back to writing his name. (He was on letter 8.)
📝😥😉
captainlibrary.bsky.social
To all of my St. Louis friends and my librarian friends who will be in on Wednesday for AASL, I want to invite you to a talk with my amazing friend Amanda Jones where she’ll share the story behind the story of her bestselling book That Librarian.
RSVP here: www.left-bank.com/event/amanda...
captainlibrary.bsky.social
When a kinder wants a “research book” about snails because he hopes there’s a new pet on the way, you stop everything to find that book.
I can report that he left very happy.
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Reason #238 to befriend your art teacher: when you lose a button at school she can set you up with needle and thread to get you good as new. Thanks Tiffany!
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Spending lunches reading to kids who voluntarily come up for a story time.
Not a bad part of my day. 📚❤️
captainlibrary.bsky.social
By this time next week I’ll be wrapping up my Keynote at the Tennessee Association of School Librarians’ annual conference!
Honored to be asked to close out the event and share with colleagues.
If you’ll be there, below are my sessions and Keynote times and topics.
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Excited for AASL to be in St. Louis next month and also excited to be able to do all kinds of sharing over Friday and Saturday.
If you're there with me, here's where you can find me!
captainlibrary.bsky.social
An awesome morning hosting Aaron Reynolds for his newest book with Jasper Rabbit, Troubling Tonsils!
This guy has some energy!
He signed our wall right next to the Creepy Carrots Peter Brown drew for us a few years ago. 🥕❤️
captainlibrary.bsky.social
New NF hitting shelves today and on display for easy access!
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Day 3 of school:
What did this student say when she checked out these books during her first visit to the library for the year?
“THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!”
P.S. School Libraries are Important ❤️📚❤️
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Second day of school:
S: Do you have another book like Magic Ramen?
Me: Sure! What did you like about it that you’re hoping to read in another book?
S: Like another biography with noodles in it.
Me: Actually, I don’t have anything like that. 😂🍜
captainlibrary.bsky.social
Student on the second day of school:
“I read a whole Weird But True book last night. I was only supposed to read for 30 minutes. But I extended that.” 📚❤️
captainlibrary.bsky.social
When you feel seen by your local Kaldis Coffee…
#BackToSchool
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
The JAMS Library Project continues! Phase Two is here: comfy furniture, more books students love, & better library tools. We’re not done yet—help us keep building!

Blog: bldglibraries.substack.com/p/were-back-...

@librarianjones.com @captainlibrary.bsky.social @andreatrudeau.bsky.social
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
It was such an honor to participate in @lieberrian.bsky.social's program Ducks 4 Laryssa in memory of her sister. If you find yourself at a library somewhere in the world, you can post your own ducky pic here: sites.google.com/view/ducks4l...

#ducks4laryssa #bldglibraries #internationallibraries
School library bookshelves with a rubber duck reading a book amongst shelved books and books on display.
captainlibrary.bsky.social
This post went up a couple of days ago, but I neglected to share it here. I think it’s a testament to the students we’ve met on our trip.

Look for the Helpers (part 1)
substack.com/@bldglibrari...
Look for the Helpers (part 1)
Many have heard of the Mr.
substack.com
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
Hard at work and loving every minute of it! Today we’ve been busy labeling books for the library at JAMS in Kenya—getting each one ready to inspire, empower, and educate. Every sticker is a step toward building something beautiful for this incredible community. #LibraryLove #BooksChangeLives
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
Today we visited the Masolo family and the Jane-Pauline Audi Research Library, a community library they run from their home in memory of their daughter. Out of heartbreak, they’ve built something full of hope, love, and purpose.
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
Saturday nights are for dancing like nobody’s watching… because tomorrow we alphabetize like everybody is! 🕺📚💃

#LibraryLife #WorkHardShelfHard
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
“If you build it, they will come.” And they did—big time! 🤩

Today, the JAMS library was alive with energy! Students browsed and checked out books, played games, colored, relaxed, and connected with friends. It wasn’t just a library—it was the place to be.

#JAMSReads #BldgLibraries #TLsky
Students play Clue Students work on magnetic sorting puzzles. Student coloring Students working together on a puzzle
Reposted by Tom Bober
bldglibraries.bsky.social
We are deeply grateful to award-winning author @poetnikki.bsky.social for her generous donation to JAMS in Kenya. Her powerful stories and poems now line the shelves of the school’s library, inspiring young readers. Thanks a Million, Nikki, for investing in the minds and 💕 of the next generation.