"Allo, Poppets and how goes the holiday turmoil? Tired of "Silent Night" and/or "Rudolph" over loudspeakers yet? Trust me on this--if you aren't now, you will be. I can, thankfully, look forward to some fun events coming up, as in a lovely tea at our 4-yr. university here, Schreiner Univ., several private "do's", three, movies and a partridge in a pear tree. Oh, and one biggie for me, personally, will be getting my right arm out of its black sling since being operated on Nov. 1, and I've been a good girl and done my exercises 2 to 3 times a day and when the "wing" is free on Dec. 13, I will continue them for another month, I'm sure--but I can drive a car again--a fact that makes both Himself and myself positively jovial!
Truthfully, in case any of you are considering this Rotator Cuff (or is it "cup"?) surgery, it is not--repeat, not--painful and you go home from the day surgery with some helpful pills to ease the discomfort for, maybe, three days. Now, sleeping is tricky, in that you can lie flat on your back, or roll to the unaffected side--period--lower your voice--end of sentence! I think I'll burn the sling and do an Indian shuffle around it! Basta! Enough!
This is my last column for the year 2011, and I gotta tell you, that this Fall and Winter gave me the sensation of space travel cause it went by so fast--did any of you get the same feeling that, right after the Summer ended and Fall began, it was like "Does anyone here remember what happened to the last 4 months?" Odd. The stores are gorgeous, the handbags and jewelry are calling to me--I never feel that way about Spanx and Vacuum cleaners. I am hoping that Santa thinks I've been a "good girl"--which always draws Himself's wry observation that I didn't necessarily had that particular designation but "I'll give you an 'M' for trying. "I've always wondered how I could have been better and I'm concerned that the "M" stands for "Maybe."
Keep looking for that perfect present and here are a few to consider checking out from the library. This first offering is by Glenn Beck, well-known radio host, "Being George Washington; The Indispensable Man, as You've Never Seen Him" and I gotta tell ya, this book is riveting, fascinating history, not only telling stories about Washington's hardships, devotion to an ideal, persistence, physical hardships, spies, double-agents, betrayals--and you will honestly feel the chills of that awful winter at Valley Forge, the bullets through the coat, horses shot out from under him, lack of respect (only at first) from European generals trained in the traditional war colleges of Europe "and the unmistakable hand of Divine Providence that guided it all."
As Beck intended, so much of what happened to him, his troops, his dealings with "the money people" and his battles to keep people encouraged and seeing his vision--and a lot of it is so familiar today. Quotes from the people of that day, from Benedict Arnold to the venerable Benjamin Arnold are given exactly--by that I mean what is written down is exactly and precisely what they men said--fascinating, I tell you. The Germans who came to help and couldn't give orders or hold a conversation in "our language" and refused to learn! The contempt in which Washington was held in that he wasn't a "schooled soldier" from a military school--and, yet to everyone's surprise, most noticeably the "furriners" who came to help us--when the time came to say a final farewell, the usually stoic Germans openly wept, in exchanging toasts of victory in battle and regret at leaving our commander who, according to historians, always treated our allies with respect and courtesy, while being aware of their early attitudes towards him.
The last part of the book dwells on Washington's character and vision and how we have lived up to them or not in today's world and, ultimately, what we can do to make our country stronger by remembering and adhering to what we were founded upon. Really, as far as I'm concerned, this is on the top list of Non-Fiction books for 2011--hurry and get it before 2012 bursts in on us! Great stuff and it will "stay with you" a long time.
Anybody remember the name John Brown or Harper's Ferry, Do ye ken "Civil War"? Right--it's the holiday season and your little pea brain is stretched to the breaking point, so I will remind you of all of the above by telling you about "Midnight Rising; John Brown and the Raid That Sparked the Civil War", by Tony Horwitz and, boy, does he do a bang-up job of an historical, years-ago incident and put you right in the middle of history being made. Several facts you need to know. In the early part of the 1800's, slavery was already an issue, although a quiet, festering one, in this nation--rather like a strain on a marriage that could sever it but nobody wanted to bring it up and talk about it. Well, one man, John Brown, "a descendant of Puritans saw the destruction of slavery as a fulfillment of America's founding fathers' principles."
An excuse, reason, justification that many martyrs/saints/ and idealists feel they have a mission to bring about, even if it means war, costing lives and devastating some of the good things people hold dear, in the long run because of "it needs to be done"--whatever "it" is and depending on who's saying it--right? Well, John Brown, in 1859, at a secret hideout in Maryland, "convened a secret guerilla that included his teenage daughter" (now, that one surprised me, particularly in that day and age of women staying in the background) and "led 18 men into Harper's Ferry, seizing its massive Federal armory, freeing slaves, and vowing to liberate every bondsman in the South--a counterattack by U.S. Marines, commanded by Robert E. Lee, led to Brown's wounding and capture."
But, dear readers, and here's the real Important point--that bloody uprising sealed the split between the North and the South that had been heading that way and "papered over (no one wanted to really deal with the elephant in the room" for several years. John Brown became a hero in the South and there were brave -–and strongly worded--calls for secession from the Union. Eventually, Lincoln was elected president "and began to fulfill John Brown's dream with his Emancipation Proclamation."
There's wonderful, descriptive passages talking about his daughter, Annie, and in her later years--because for a long time she wouldn't talk about the summer she was 16--"she began to talk and write freely about the 10 weeks she had spent as housekeeper and watchdog for Brown's band--and while she never witnessed her beloved father's death, when she died after a serious fall, "the coroner's certificate revealed a curious detail--67 years after Brown's hanging, his loyal and loving daughter had died of a broken neck." Harper's Ferry changed hands a dozen times, over the next 65 years, and at one point was a refugee camp for blacks, the Black Methodist Church founded a college there and named its first building Lincoln Hall. A truly fascinating book--and it's all been well researched and pages and pages of footnotes, to demonstrate its being a true telling. Go to the library and check this one out--and you can thank me later.
On a more, perhaps, lighter note---and on a delightful subject which many have been through--there's "The Puppy Diaries; Raising a Dog Named Scout", by Jill Abramson, who is the executive editor of the august New York Times and an unabashed dog lover. However, as any one who's ever raised a puppy soon learns, you, yourself, need training so you can train your dog to be an acceptable part of the family--and this involves learning about tiny treats and praise rather than yelling and physical punishment--and all of that is better learned with a good trainer or tapes. Jill and her husband, Henry, took into their home a lovable nine-week-old Golden Retriever named Scout and along with Scout came bloodied hands and arms from rough puppy play, a dog who barked and whined and begged for food during their mealtime, and jumping up on them and others.
Then, at one bad point, and unbeknown to each other, they both phone Dianne Abbot, a dog professional, for help. Diane was a firm believe in the clicker-treat approach and so she gave them, at home, a few lessons and they were introduced to the Positive Reinforcement method of dog training while they also learned that Cesar Millan is the Leader of the Pack guru. Shawn Stewart, one of the top trainers of dogs, including Homeland Security types, says there is no one method that fits any and all dogs--and this is a very sound conclusion--"the right method depends on individual considerations about the dog, the owner, and the environment." In my personal case, with my many breeds and personalities over 65 years (this obviously goes back to my childhood!) I would seem to lean toward the Leader of the Pack school of thought, but several of my friends did it differently with their dogs and also were successful, so there you gave it.Anyway, she introduced her readers to Scout, put pictures and stories of the puppy in her first year on the Internet and enjoyed a huge reader response. Many lessons were learned, some funny and some poignant. Scout was their entertainment, a source of their disagreements on how Scout was responding--and a lot of their stories were comparing Scout's progress with how their previous dog, Buddy, had either done well or poorly at. I've been there, as have many of you, and sometimes the new dog comes off lacking in contrast with dog who's died. Interesting, sometimes unfair, but a subject of conversation, particularly when the new dog is doing something puzzling or irritating--right?
I, again, praise the book about Scout and the insights she gained, including from Temple Grandin, the auristic author and behavior analyst, who helped explain the nature of animals. She said E.B. Whiye "dispensed the wisest comment about raising a puppy I have ever come across--he said, a really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along."--and I realized that, with Scout, if was the passage of time, and the inevitable passage of time, and the inevitable calming process that occurred as Scout aged." Ah, would that people who are unpleasant would undergo the same process--maybe they should ponder the message of Christmas!
There are really wonderful books that have been brought into our library, here in Liberal, both Fiction and Non-Fiction and I hope that, during this past year and in reading this column, you've found some books you'd like to read. All our staff and our Director wish all of our readers a delightful holiday--a truly Merry Christmas--and a successful and personally fulfilling Happy New Year. You are our present, each time you come in the library you are welcome, and if we could wrap a big red ribbon around each of you, we'd do it. See you next year--Bye!
519 N. Kansas, Liberal KS 67901
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | Sunday Closed
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Christmas Programs
Greetings from amidst the Christmastime bustle! Things have been moving right along here with decorating the library, the Redskin Singers coming to perform, and the Fancy Nancy Spendiferous Brunch & Soiree'. Two more events are approaching. One is the library's annual Gingerbread House decorating. New and exciting items are being added to the great assortment of goodies participants can use to create their own unique house. Everything is provided. Youngsters ages 4 to 11 are invited to take part. The event will take place on Saturday, December 17, starting at 9:30 a.m. This is a reservation activity, so give the library a call to reserve a spot for your child. Don't miss out on a good time! The second event is Poppa D. Clown's Magical Christmas. This is a free program that will take place in the Children's Library on Wednesday, December 21, at 2 p.m. The program will be approximately 45 minutes in length. Plan to come and join in the fun!
The Christmas story is beautifully told in Lauren Thompson's One Starry Night. All sorts of animals watch over their young as Mary & Joseph watch over their baby boy, Jesus.
Home for Christmas is another of Jan Brett's books with her beautifully decorated signature borders. In this tale, Rollo the troll gets bored doing chores and runs off to spend some time on the tundra with various animals who live there. Finally he decides that he wants to be home for Christmas, even if it means he will have to behave better than he has in the past.
A fiction story based on a true event is The Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo, a story of a family facing hardship in their newly assigned, isolated lighthouse post but how a special flight service, the Flying Santa Service, saves Christmas for the family. Here's a bit for information about that service. "In 1929, the first year of the Great Depression, aviation pioneer Captain William Wincapaw began the tradition of "The Flying Santa." Also known as the "Santa of the Lighthouses," Wincapaw oversaw flying operations for the Curtiss Flying Service at Rockland, Maine. He had a great deal of admiration for lighthouse keepers and their families, who served in isolated and inhospitable locations. On the morning of December 25, 1929, Wincapaw loaded his aircraft with a dozen packages of Christmas gifts and delivered them to a number of local lighthouses. By 1933, the Flying Santa program was so well received that Wincapaw expanded it to include ninety-one lighthouses throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Wincapaw began to dress as Santa and he enlisted his son, Bill, Jr., to help pilot some of the flights." Since this title was checked out and exact facts could not be obtained from the back of the book, this information was taken from the Coast Guard Compass, which is the official blog of the U. S. Coast Guard.
Our collection features many of the old Christmas standards, such as Clement C. Moore's The Night Before Christmas and 'Twas the Day Before Christmas, which is the story of the poem The Night Before Christmas. In addition, there are a lot of books following the Night Before Christmas format--The Redneck Night Before Christmas, The Librarian's Night Before Christmas, and The Barnyard Night Before Christmas. A quick perusal of our card catalog will bring up a wealth of Christmas titles to be enjoyed. Stop by and check them out, as well as our Christmas activities. See you at Memorial Library!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Fiction
So, Poppets, we are now into the 1st big holiday season and it's time to locate the turkey roaster and the platter, the gravy boat, polish the silver, set the table--whoops! I forgot!--by the time you are reading this, the turkey's all eaten, most of the ham, and only 2 pieces of pie left--the kind you don't really like! Well that gets you off to a good start on your calorie intake, when you don't care for what's available and so you don't eat it--right? Right a the moment, my right arm is in a sling due to Rotator Cuff surgery and I cross each day off until we get to Dec. 15 and then I'm hoping I can get rid of the sling entirely instead of just the times each day that my arm is out of the sling 'cause I have to do exercises.
The exercises will continue at a very good therapy place here where I went when I had my left knee replaced earlier this year, and the crew there is very nice and helpful but relentless--"pushy" comes to mind--and even though I say "Absolutely not!" when they ask if I'm ready to do another exercise or add to an existing one--I do what they say 'cause if I don't, a knee or a shoulder remains "locked" and painful and I want to move about freely.
Rufus Cooper lies beside me when I'm doing the circles and, later, the pulleys and we "talk" about how the day's gone (Rufus Cooper is our dear dog and he feels, I think, that Jim and I are slowly getting the hang of what he considers the best dog-schedule of eating, walking, napping should be but there are times he thinks we're just dumb!) So, if any of you are "putting up" with pain or just inconvenience, there's a place in Heaven for all of us who "put up with it" (whatever "it" is) and think how much more sympathetic and patient and sunny-natured we'll be! Yeah, right. Anyway, we all have a lot to be thankful for in our friends, family, jobs, and in books to read--did that segue pretty well, I thought.
There's a bunch of excellent authors coming out with titles in time for the holidays and to take on trips, so, let's look at a few. (As an aside that is pretty important--this column will be a notch shorter 'cause one can only type for so long, in a sling--but we'll hit the highlights.) The cover of the first Fiction book, "The Infernals", by the excellent author, John Connolly, has a cover that looks like Hell--no, really--with red flames, the devil's head and what look like chalk-white beckoning arms or, perhaps, flames. One reviewer said Connolly mixes science with the supernatural to produce a creepy/comical jaunt for young adults and fans alike"--and since most of you are not Young Adult readers, this leaves the rest of us.
This is about a boy, his dog, and their struggle" to escape the wrath of demons. Samuel Johnson's eyesight is bad. How bad is it? He asked a postal letter box to go out with him. Got it? However, Samuel has also foiled the invasion of Earth by "the forces of Evil" and earned the enmity of a demon and he wants to get its claws into Samuel--"and when Samuel and his faithful dachshund, Boswell, are pulled through a portal into the dark realm--which is the home of the Infernals--he gets his chance." But the Infernals have not counted on the bravery and cleverness of the boy and his meddlesome dog or a different demon--the hapless Nurd--"or the presence of two clueless policemen---to say nothing of the unlucky, eternally optimistic driver of an ice-cream truck." Now, there's a combination. As if all these weren't enough to keep track of, there's an unexpected band of little men "and if you thought demons are frightening, just wait until you meet Mr. Merryweather's Elves." Emotions are well-expressed, humor is a given in this story, Bad and Good do exist, and choices must be made. A book to "fly away on" and chuckle at--while, perhaps, shuddering slightly.
This is a Large Print book, "One Dog Night", By David Rosenfelt, and there is such a pretty dog's head on the cover, and I think it's the lawyer in the story, Andy Carpenter, who's dog it is, named Tara. Actually, my first English Setter was named Tara--such class and what beautiful eyes she had. To continue, the defense lawyer, Andy, is not in the market for a new client but for 6 year as Noah Galloway "has lived with a terrible secret", knowing his life could be shattered at any time. So, since both men have, at one time or another, had Tara in their homes and hearts, "Andy has little choice but to take on a cold case turned white hot." It's written in first person, which is not one of my favorite styles, but it can--and, in this case does--move the action along and the plot--always important to a story--is solid and, while using "Legalese' is easily understandable to the reader. Come and get it and while I didn't find a lot of Tara's thoughts in it, she's certainly a part of the story.
Okay, let's peek inside the pages of "The Night Strangers" by Chris Bohjallan. Now, here's a lead descriptive sentence that would make anyone feel a slight shifting of the ground but a greater curiosity as to the mystery involved--"In a dusty corner of a basement in a rambling Victorian house in northern New Hampshire, a door has long been sealed shut with thirty-nine 6-inch-long carriage bolts." See what I mean? The home's new owners are Chip and Emily Linton and their twin ten-year old girls. Chip was an airline pilot who had to ditch his plane after both engines quit and 39 people died, "a coincidence not lost on Chip when he discovers the number of bolts in that basement door."
Emily finds herself wondering about the women in the village and their interest and focus on her daughter and wonders if the women are mentally disturbed and what about her husband "whose grip on sanity has become desperately tenuous?" One of the big differences in this situation and "real" ones is that some of these people are dead. What are the real voices and what are visions that Emily is experiencing? What's out-of-body, what still relates back to the plane crash and the people who died? This one I've got to read and I'd suggest you do, too, on a dark Winter night with only one light on--you will find it entertaining but upsetting, at the same time.
Dear readers, please accept my wishes for a good Winter season ahead, sunshine even in cold weather, and if you have ice, for Heaven's sakes step carefully--we've all known of friends who've slipped and broken a bone here and there. Do get out and exercise when you can, re-vive your memories of hot choc. and Ginger cookies and remember those far less fortunate then you are--and pray for Congress to manage to really work together or go home! Take care and put fresh water out for the animals every morning and give them shelter overnight. Bye!
The exercises will continue at a very good therapy place here where I went when I had my left knee replaced earlier this year, and the crew there is very nice and helpful but relentless--"pushy" comes to mind--and even though I say "Absolutely not!" when they ask if I'm ready to do another exercise or add to an existing one--I do what they say 'cause if I don't, a knee or a shoulder remains "locked" and painful and I want to move about freely.
Rufus Cooper lies beside me when I'm doing the circles and, later, the pulleys and we "talk" about how the day's gone (Rufus Cooper is our dear dog and he feels, I think, that Jim and I are slowly getting the hang of what he considers the best dog-schedule of eating, walking, napping should be but there are times he thinks we're just dumb!) So, if any of you are "putting up" with pain or just inconvenience, there's a place in Heaven for all of us who "put up with it" (whatever "it" is) and think how much more sympathetic and patient and sunny-natured we'll be! Yeah, right. Anyway, we all have a lot to be thankful for in our friends, family, jobs, and in books to read--did that segue pretty well, I thought.
There's a bunch of excellent authors coming out with titles in time for the holidays and to take on trips, so, let's look at a few. (As an aside that is pretty important--this column will be a notch shorter 'cause one can only type for so long, in a sling--but we'll hit the highlights.) The cover of the first Fiction book, "The Infernals", by the excellent author, John Connolly, has a cover that looks like Hell--no, really--with red flames, the devil's head and what look like chalk-white beckoning arms or, perhaps, flames. One reviewer said Connolly mixes science with the supernatural to produce a creepy/comical jaunt for young adults and fans alike"--and since most of you are not Young Adult readers, this leaves the rest of us.
This is about a boy, his dog, and their struggle" to escape the wrath of demons. Samuel Johnson's eyesight is bad. How bad is it? He asked a postal letter box to go out with him. Got it? However, Samuel has also foiled the invasion of Earth by "the forces of Evil" and earned the enmity of a demon and he wants to get its claws into Samuel--"and when Samuel and his faithful dachshund, Boswell, are pulled through a portal into the dark realm--which is the home of the Infernals--he gets his chance." But the Infernals have not counted on the bravery and cleverness of the boy and his meddlesome dog or a different demon--the hapless Nurd--"or the presence of two clueless policemen---to say nothing of the unlucky, eternally optimistic driver of an ice-cream truck." Now, there's a combination. As if all these weren't enough to keep track of, there's an unexpected band of little men "and if you thought demons are frightening, just wait until you meet Mr. Merryweather's Elves." Emotions are well-expressed, humor is a given in this story, Bad and Good do exist, and choices must be made. A book to "fly away on" and chuckle at--while, perhaps, shuddering slightly.
This is a Large Print book, "One Dog Night", By David Rosenfelt, and there is such a pretty dog's head on the cover, and I think it's the lawyer in the story, Andy Carpenter, who's dog it is, named Tara. Actually, my first English Setter was named Tara--such class and what beautiful eyes she had. To continue, the defense lawyer, Andy, is not in the market for a new client but for 6 year as Noah Galloway "has lived with a terrible secret", knowing his life could be shattered at any time. So, since both men have, at one time or another, had Tara in their homes and hearts, "Andy has little choice but to take on a cold case turned white hot." It's written in first person, which is not one of my favorite styles, but it can--and, in this case does--move the action along and the plot--always important to a story--is solid and, while using "Legalese' is easily understandable to the reader. Come and get it and while I didn't find a lot of Tara's thoughts in it, she's certainly a part of the story.
Okay, let's peek inside the pages of "The Night Strangers" by Chris Bohjallan. Now, here's a lead descriptive sentence that would make anyone feel a slight shifting of the ground but a greater curiosity as to the mystery involved--"In a dusty corner of a basement in a rambling Victorian house in northern New Hampshire, a door has long been sealed shut with thirty-nine 6-inch-long carriage bolts." See what I mean? The home's new owners are Chip and Emily Linton and their twin ten-year old girls. Chip was an airline pilot who had to ditch his plane after both engines quit and 39 people died, "a coincidence not lost on Chip when he discovers the number of bolts in that basement door."
Emily finds herself wondering about the women in the village and their interest and focus on her daughter and wonders if the women are mentally disturbed and what about her husband "whose grip on sanity has become desperately tenuous?" One of the big differences in this situation and "real" ones is that some of these people are dead. What are the real voices and what are visions that Emily is experiencing? What's out-of-body, what still relates back to the plane crash and the people who died? This one I've got to read and I'd suggest you do, too, on a dark Winter night with only one light on--you will find it entertaining but upsetting, at the same time.
Dear readers, please accept my wishes for a good Winter season ahead, sunshine even in cold weather, and if you have ice, for Heaven's sakes step carefully--we've all known of friends who've slipped and broken a bone here and there. Do get out and exercise when you can, re-vive your memories of hot choc. and Ginger cookies and remember those far less fortunate then you are--and pray for Congress to manage to really work together or go home! Take care and put fresh water out for the animals every morning and give them shelter overnight. Bye!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Make a stop at library this holiday season
Vacances heureuses mes amis. C'est un beau temps pour visiter la
bibliotheque!
The Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Brunch and Soiree will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 9:15 a.m. for gals and lads ages four to eight. Reservations (are required and) can be made over the telephone or by stopping by the library as spaces are limited. Gals and lads are invited to come bedecked in their most festive holiday attire for a marvelous holly jolly time.
This will be the third year for this wildly popular event. Last year's attendees arrived sporting frills, tiaras, and feather boas. The event features exceptional Fancy Nancy stories, extraordinary crafts, and exquisite refreshments. From years past, everyone has a glamorous time. The bedazzled program looks magnifique!
The library is excited to once again welcome the Redskin Singers for their annual holiday appearance on Thursday, December at 7 p.m. in the library. This year, we welcome one of our staffers as part of the singing entourage. Light refreshments will be served.
Library and Lunch will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at noon for Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle. Emily Merkle works in a toy department at Finley's a family owned department store in the Big Apple and her boss is none other than the owner's son. The family needs a miracle to keep the business afloat. Holly Larson on the other hand needs a miracle for her eight-year-old nephew Gabe, whose father won't be home for Christmas. Maybe Mrs. Miracle (Emily Merkle) will play a role in bringing the two together.
A current New York Times bestseller will be the first Library and Lunch pick for the New Year. Plenty of time to stop by and pick it up. The book discussion of The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes will be held on Tuesday, January 9 at noon. The English author had been short-listed for the Man Booker Prize three times in the past and became the winner this year for this particular book. It is narrated by Tony Webster who recalls how he and a circle of friends met Adrian Finn at school and vowed to be friends for life. He reflects on the paths he and his friends have taken.
The library invites young adults to Teen Gaming/Teen Reader's Advisory meetings on Thursday nights which will run every two weeks at 4 p.m. Upcoming dates include December 1, December 15, and December 29.
Book and Movie will take a brief hiatus during the month of December. The group will be back in full force the third Thursday in January for Didier van Cauwelaert's Hors de moi/Out of My Head translated from the French by Mark Polizzotti. There is a 2011 thriller film based on this 2003 French novel directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Queen, Bruno Ganz, and Frank Langella. Dr. Martin Harris awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife suddenly doesn't recognize him and another man has assumed his identity. With the help of a young woman he sets out to prove who he is.
As always, for the latest library programming take a peek at the library website or grab a newsletter from the circulation desk. Stay tuned and connected through our social media pages. If you have any questions or suggestions about books or programs don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you at the library this holiday season!
The Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Brunch and Soiree will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 9:15 a.m. for gals and lads ages four to eight. Reservations (are required and) can be made over the telephone or by stopping by the library as spaces are limited. Gals and lads are invited to come bedecked in their most festive holiday attire for a marvelous holly jolly time.
This will be the third year for this wildly popular event. Last year's attendees arrived sporting frills, tiaras, and feather boas. The event features exceptional Fancy Nancy stories, extraordinary crafts, and exquisite refreshments. From years past, everyone has a glamorous time. The bedazzled program looks magnifique!
The library is excited to once again welcome the Redskin Singers for their annual holiday appearance on Thursday, December at 7 p.m. in the library. This year, we welcome one of our staffers as part of the singing entourage. Light refreshments will be served.
Library and Lunch will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at noon for Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs. Miracle. Emily Merkle works in a toy department at Finley's a family owned department store in the Big Apple and her boss is none other than the owner's son. The family needs a miracle to keep the business afloat. Holly Larson on the other hand needs a miracle for her eight-year-old nephew Gabe, whose father won't be home for Christmas. Maybe Mrs. Miracle (Emily Merkle) will play a role in bringing the two together.
A current New York Times bestseller will be the first Library and Lunch pick for the New Year. Plenty of time to stop by and pick it up. The book discussion of The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes will be held on Tuesday, January 9 at noon. The English author had been short-listed for the Man Booker Prize three times in the past and became the winner this year for this particular book. It is narrated by Tony Webster who recalls how he and a circle of friends met Adrian Finn at school and vowed to be friends for life. He reflects on the paths he and his friends have taken.
The library invites young adults to Teen Gaming/Teen Reader's Advisory meetings on Thursday nights which will run every two weeks at 4 p.m. Upcoming dates include December 1, December 15, and December 29.
Book and Movie will take a brief hiatus during the month of December. The group will be back in full force the third Thursday in January for Didier van Cauwelaert's Hors de moi/Out of My Head translated from the French by Mark Polizzotti. There is a 2011 thriller film based on this 2003 French novel directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and starring Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Aidan Queen, Bruno Ganz, and Frank Langella. Dr. Martin Harris awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife suddenly doesn't recognize him and another man has assumed his identity. With the help of a young woman he sets out to prove who he is.
As always, for the latest library programming take a peek at the library website or grab a newsletter from the circulation desk. Stay tuned and connected through our social media pages. If you have any questions or suggestions about books or programs don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you at the library this holiday season!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Kansas EZ Library
For those of you who download audiobooks and ebooks through the State Library's Audiobook, Music and More program, a change is about to take place. The name of the program is changing to Kansas EZ Library, and there will be a new provider too. The company Overdrive, who currently provides the service platform for these services, will no longer be doing so after December 5, 2011. The State Library was unable to negotiate favorable terms with Overdrive which resulted in the need to find new vendors who could provide access to audiobooks and ebooks.
Some of the reasons why the State Library chose not to renew its contract with Overdrive were: substantial subscription charges to individual libraries in the consortium; a 700% increase from 2010 to 2013 for the platform fee; and a removal of the language that acknowledged consortium ownership of the material. Removal of this language also eliminated the opportunity to transfer the materials (materials purchased by Kansas libraries) to a different vendor. These changes, especially the substantial increase in the platform fee, were ones Kansas libraries could not afford to accept.
The State Library has found two new vendors who will provide downloadable services to Kansas libraries. But before the change can be made, the State Library is required to obtain permission from each of the 163 publishers of purchased audio and e-book content so that the content can be moved to the new providers. As of today, the State Library has received 88 publisher permission forms and has permission to move the content of 3804 audio and 875
ebooks to the new providers.
The econtent vendors are not new companies, but providing downloadable products is a new venture for them. One Click Digital (Recorded Books) will provide audiobooks, and 3M Cloud Library will be used for ebooks. At this time the target dates for the changes are sometime in November for the audiobooks and sometime in January 2012 for the ebooks. Unfortunately, this schedule will result in a gap between the time the contract with Overdrive ends on December 5, and the date that all econtent will be available to Kansas residents. In order minimize this disruption in service, the State Library will be providing a list of free downloadable audiobook and ebook services at www.kslib.info/digitalbooks. This link will also be available from our website at www.lmlibrary.org. Here are a few examples of sites that provide access to free ebooks and audiobooks:
For ebooks:
Some of the reasons why the State Library chose not to renew its contract with Overdrive were: substantial subscription charges to individual libraries in the consortium; a 700% increase from 2010 to 2013 for the platform fee; and a removal of the language that acknowledged consortium ownership of the material. Removal of this language also eliminated the opportunity to transfer the materials (materials purchased by Kansas libraries) to a different vendor. These changes, especially the substantial increase in the platform fee, were ones Kansas libraries could not afford to accept.
The State Library has found two new vendors who will provide downloadable services to Kansas libraries. But before the change can be made, the State Library is required to obtain permission from each of the 163 publishers of purchased audio and e-book content so that the content can be moved to the new providers. As of today, the State Library has received 88 publisher permission forms and has permission to move the content of 3804 audio and 875
ebooks to the new providers.
The econtent vendors are not new companies, but providing downloadable products is a new venture for them. One Click Digital (Recorded Books) will provide audiobooks, and 3M Cloud Library will be used for ebooks. At this time the target dates for the changes are sometime in November for the audiobooks and sometime in January 2012 for the ebooks. Unfortunately, this schedule will result in a gap between the time the contract with Overdrive ends on December 5, and the date that all econtent will be available to Kansas residents. In order minimize this disruption in service, the State Library will be providing a list of free downloadable audiobook and ebook services at www.kslib.info/digitalbooks. This link will also be available from our website at www.lmlibrary.org. Here are a few examples of sites that provide access to free ebooks and audiobooks:For ebooks:
- Project Gutenberg--Download books in the public domain (out of copyright). Browse by popularity, genre, and subject. Can transfer to or directly use on a portable device.
- ManyBooks--Searches free ebooks from around the web. Converts the free books to more formats than they would previously have been available.
- Inkmesh--Book search that includes a browse by subject alongside promotional free ebooks from companies including Baen (science fiction).
- AddAll Books--Free ebook browsing includes eHarlequins.
- Google eBooks--Download free or pay for books here.
- Spoken Alexandria--Great narration of books and other works in the public domain.
- LibriVox--Volunteer narration
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers
Hope all our readers remembered to turn their clocks back and got an extra hour of sleep. Or maybe you put that hour to use in another way. Some people are more sensitive than others to changes such as this, but everyone is sure to notice the difference around suppertime tonight when darkness descends.
If you missed our Geek Day Carnival on the 29th, you missed out on a good time. In spite of chilly temps and a brisk south wind, it was a great event. The kids enjoyed the games, Poppa D clown, the popcorn, and, of course, the balloons. Parents, grandparents, and other adults enjoyed visiting with library staff, getting geek info, and writing on our geek board. Musical entertainment was provided by Watson's Warriors, and it really added to the festivities. There were lots of great volunteers who helped out wherever needed. A big 'thank you' to each and every one of you!
During Kansas Reads to Preschoolers week, the library provides both in-library and outside of the library programs. The special in-library story time for Kansas Reads to Preschoolers will take place at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 17. For those outside programs, preschools and larger daycares throughout Liberal are visited by library staff members who present the featured story. The smaller in-home daycares are the ones that are sometimes most difficult to connect with. This is where our readers can help out.
If you operate a home daycare, please phone the library so that a visit to your facility can be arranged during that week. If you know someone who operates a home daycare, please encourage them to give the library a call at 626-0180, ext 4. It's great that Liberal joins in reaching out to so many little ones and in making a good showing for the state-wide tally, making a statement of the importance of early literacy.
The November 17 story time session will be the final one in this series. The next set of storytimes will begin December 8. Be sure to check the library's website or pick up a monthly events newsletter at our circulation desk to get all the latest on activities in the library. The month of December will be bringing some fun events for youngsters.
Recently we received a generous donation from the Seward County Conservation District earmarked for books on soil. We are acquiring those titles. Those now on the shelf include: Growing and Eating Green -- Careers in Farming, Producing, and Marketing Food by Ruth Owen; Different Kinds of Soil by Molly Aloian; How is Soil Made? by Heather L. Montgomery; Soil Erosion and How to Prevent It by Natalie Hyde; and Micro Life in Soil also by Natalie Hyde.
Growing and Eating Green is part of a series called Green-Collar Careers. As is typical of many information books for youngsters these days, this book contains, in addition to the main text, additional little boxes of information. Chapter 1 is entitled The Future is Green and includes push pin 'attached' information on various careers. In addition, terms such as organic and fair trade are defined in other boxes. Other boxed items include information about caged hens and about mad cow disease and vCJD. The back of the book provides both a glossary and a page of websites for further information.
The other four titles listed above are part of a series entitled Everybody Digs Soil. The publisher describes this series by stating, "Soil is second only to oceans as the most important living area on planet Earth. This amazing series goes under ground to show children how soil is as important as the atmosphere in sustaining life on Earth and keeping global warming under control. Kid-friendly examples and fun activities help young readers understand complex processes." So, if your child 'digs' soil, come on in and check out these great titles! See you at Memorial Library!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Library Policies
Just for a refresher, here's are the policies of the Liberal Memorial Library.
Liberal Memorial Library's collection includes more than 77,000 items: books, audio books, videos, DVDs, magazines, music CDs, reference materials, puppets, and audio files through the Kansas Library Card.
Library cards are free to all residents of Kansas. A form of state identification must be presented to show that a patron is a Kansas resident along with a piece of mail. Out-of-state patrons are required to pay an annual fee of $25 per family.
All library patrons over the age of 18 MUST present a government-issued form of identification and a utility bill.
Library cards are sent through the United States Postal Service to library patrons and should arrive within one week of application.
A patron cannot check out items until they receive their card in the mail.
Children are entitled to the same check out privileges as adults. They must have a parent or guardian present to get a library card. This parent or guardian will be held responsible for the safe return of all library property and any fines or fees that are accrued.
The staff asks that parents or guardians monitor the appropriateness of library materials that their children borrow. The library staff is not responsible for making that judgment as individual families have different ways of deciding what is suitable for their children.
All materials in the library may be checked out for two weeks, except for DVDs and video cassettes which may be checked out for one week.
All library patrons must have their own library card to check out materials.
In an effort to circulate as many materials as possible a patron is limited to no more than 15 items: which may include four DVDs, six VHS, six audio CDs (including audio CD books and music CDs), six audio cassettes, six magazines, one equipment, and four interlibrary loan items.
Overdue items are $.10 per day except for DVDs which are $1 per day.
Materials may be renewed in person, by telephone, or online.
Most materials may be renewed twice unless another patron has reserved the item.
DVDs, video cassettes, pre-literacy kits, and items that have placed in the New York Times Bestsellers cannot be renewed.
A request for renewal of interlibrary loan materials must be made three days before the due date or they may not be subject to renewal.
Roger Adams will be speaking on Kansas Cuisine at the Library on Monday, November 7 at 6 p.m.
Library and Lunch will feature French Lessons by Ellen Sussman on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at noon.
Book and Movie will present The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly on Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m.
We have basic computer classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We have English computer classes every Tuesday at 10 a.m. We have Spanish computer classes every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
And in December, the Library will present the Redskin singers on Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m.
See you at the Library! And remember, libraries are more than just books!
Liberal Memorial Library's collection includes more than 77,000 items: books, audio books, videos, DVDs, magazines, music CDs, reference materials, puppets, and audio files through the Kansas Library Card.
Library cards are free to all residents of Kansas. A form of state identification must be presented to show that a patron is a Kansas resident along with a piece of mail. Out-of-state patrons are required to pay an annual fee of $25 per family.
All library patrons over the age of 18 MUST present a government-issued form of identification and a utility bill.
Library cards are sent through the United States Postal Service to library patrons and should arrive within one week of application.
A patron cannot check out items until they receive their card in the mail.
Children are entitled to the same check out privileges as adults. They must have a parent or guardian present to get a library card. This parent or guardian will be held responsible for the safe return of all library property and any fines or fees that are accrued.
The staff asks that parents or guardians monitor the appropriateness of library materials that their children borrow. The library staff is not responsible for making that judgment as individual families have different ways of deciding what is suitable for their children.
All materials in the library may be checked out for two weeks, except for DVDs and video cassettes which may be checked out for one week.
All library patrons must have their own library card to check out materials.
In an effort to circulate as many materials as possible a patron is limited to no more than 15 items: which may include four DVDs, six VHS, six audio CDs (including audio CD books and music CDs), six audio cassettes, six magazines, one equipment, and four interlibrary loan items.
Overdue items are $.10 per day except for DVDs which are $1 per day.
Materials may be renewed in person, by telephone, or online.
Most materials may be renewed twice unless another patron has reserved the item.
DVDs, video cassettes, pre-literacy kits, and items that have placed in the New York Times Bestsellers cannot be renewed.
A request for renewal of interlibrary loan materials must be made three days before the due date or they may not be subject to renewal.
*******
UPCOMING EVENTS:Roger Adams will be speaking on Kansas Cuisine at the Library on Monday, November 7 at 6 p.m.
Library and Lunch will feature French Lessons by Ellen Sussman on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at noon.
Book and Movie will present The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly on Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m.
We have basic computer classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We have English computer classes every Tuesday at 10 a.m. We have Spanish computer classes every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
And in December, the Library will present the Redskin singers on Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m.
See you at the Library! And remember, libraries are more than just books!
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