Did you know that your library has its own social media platform? If you’ve ever used our catalog, you’re part of it. Bibliocommons makes looking for books not only easy, but also fun and social, too. By using the site (dpl.bibliocommons.com) you can find a book, rate it, review it, make lists of your favorites, see what friends are reading and more.

I am currently reading “Housebroken: Admissions of an Untidy Life” (review below). It is currently rated at 4 stars, and when I’m done I’ll be able to add to that rating. There are also spaces for comments, age recommendations, summaries, videos and more. If I add to the comment field, the title will then appear on the catalog’s front page; this way I can bring some of my favorite titles to the attention of all our library members. In addition, this book is on lists made by Brooklyn and Multnomah librarians; one list is of other humorous titles and has given me some ideas as to what to read next. Both library staff and you can make these lists. If you have a list of your best summer reads, great cookbooks or any other topic, put it together in a list for your friends or community.

I also follow friends in Bibliocommons. I can see books that they’ve enjoyed, and it helps me stay aware of what’s new and wonderful. You can follow your own friends, or library staff, to see what they’ve read and reviewed. (You can make your reading lists public or private.)

Two reviews and how Bibliocommons helped me pick my next reads:

“Housebroken: Admissions of an Untidy Life”

by Laurie Notaro

A series of essays from a Eugene author about domestic life. Notaro takes on the great Twinkie shortage of 2012, neighbors with chickens and being a disastrous houseguest. Each topic is full of humor (even if I don’t agree with her: Twinkies? Ew!). Using Bibliocommons I can find more humorous titles in the same vein due to a list created by Ruth, a Multnomah librarian.

“Stoned: Jewelry, Obsession and How Desire Shapes the World”

by Aja Raden

This is a fascinating read with a swirling mix of geology, history and psychology all centered on gems and jewelry, and the human desire to possess them. After reading the book I looked at other users’ lists to get ideas for what to read next and noticed several with the word “microhistories.” I love microhistories and didn’t even know the word! Microhistories are books that examine a single element; there are titles focusing on California vineyards, fonts, pigs, water, salt and all sorts of other subjects. Just one more thing you can learn in Bibliocommons.

If you don’t already have your Bibliocommons account set up, we’re happy to help you. If you’d like a one-on-one tutoring, feel free to come to our open computer lab and get individual attention (every Tuesday from 1-2:30 p.m.).

— Josie Hanneman is a community librarian at the Redmond Public Library. josieh@dpls.lib.or.usfa