Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 50

Mary’s Movie Picks

Mary Long, staff member at the Englehardt Branch in Lowell, is an avid movie fan. She enjoys a variety of movies from fiction to nonfiction. She is the go-to staff person when a patron wants a movie, but can neither remember the title or major parts of the plot, but knows “it’s got that woman who used to play a nurse on “ER” and is now a lawyer in the TV show “The Good Wife” . . . Here are some documentaries Mary has recommended and enjoyed:

The Address, a 90-minute feature length documentary by Ken Burns, tells the story of a tiny school in Putney, Vermont, the Greenwood School, where each year the students are encouraged to memorize, practice and recite the Gettysburg Address:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2MIxjB_4c

[image error]

Tim’s Vermeer might be a good choice if you enjoyed the movie The Monuments Men. This documentary is a Penn and Teller film about Tim Jenison, a Texas-based inventor who attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all art: how did 17th century Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer manage to paint so photo-realistically, 150 years before the invention of photography?

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0pxP8PUIKU

[image error]

The Whale: The True Story of Luna  is narrated by Ryan Reynolds and tells the remarkable true story of a young wild killer whale who lost contact with his family on the coast of British Columbia and became famous around the world when he tried to make friends with human beings.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=abPm47-dBj4

[image error]

Find other great documentary suggestions on our Documentary Films page on the KDL website.

 

September LibraryReads Staff Picks

You already know that your local KDL staff provide great recommendations when you’re looking for your next favorite book. Now library staff across the nation have connected to offer LibraryReads, a nationwide “Top 10″ list of favorite titles each month! Check out these upcoming titles that librarians across the country have read, loved, and want to share with you.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes:
And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty

“Part memoir, part exposé of the death industry, and part instruction manual for aspiring morticians. First-time author Doughty has written an attention-grabbing book that is sure to start some provocative discussions. Fans of Mary Roach’s Stiff and anyone who enjoys an honest, well-written autobiography will appreciate this quirky story.”

—Patty Falconer, Hampstead Public Library, Hampstead, NH

 

Station Eleven: A Novel by Emily St. John Mandel

“An actor playing King Lear dies onstage just before a cataclysmic event changes the future of everyone on Earth. What will be valued and what will be discarded? Will art have a place in a world that has lost so much? What will make life worth living? These are just some of the issues explored in this beautifully written dystopian novel. Recommended for fans of David Mitchell, John Scalzi and Kate Atkinson.”

—Janet Lockhart, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, NC

 

The Secret Place by Tana French

“French has broken my heart yet again with her fifth novel, which examines the ways in which teenagers and adults can be wily, calculating, and backstabbing, even with their friends. The tension-filled flashback narratives, relating to a murder investigation in suburban Dublin, will keep you turning pages late into the night.”

—Alison McCarty, Nassau County Public Library System, Callahan, FL

 

Rooms: A Novel by Lauren Oliver

“A family comes to terms with their estranged father’s death in Oliver’s first novel for adults. Told from the perspective of two ghosts living in the old house, this unique story weaves characters and explores their various past connections. Great book!”

—Rachel Fewell, Denver Public Library, Denver, CO

 

The Children Act by Ian McEwan

“Judge Fiona Maye is at a difficult point in her marriage. Taking refuge in addressing other people’s problems in family court, Fiona extends herself more than usual, meeting a boy whose future is in her hands. McEwan is a masterful observer of human distress. With a simple story and flawed, genuine characters, this novel is poignant and insightful.”

—Jennifer Alexander, St. Louis County Library, St. Louis, MO

 

The Distance: A Thriller by Helen Giltrow

“Imagine a modern-day Robin Hood who deals not in money, but identity. Karla, the protagonist of The Distance, is a tech guru with a conscience, and the security of several nations dependent on her. This nuanced book kept me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait until the next one comes out.”

—Cathy Scheib, Indianapolis Public Library, Indianapolis, IN

 

Horrorstor: A Novel by Grady Hendrix

“You know how some horror movies would work better as novels? Horrorstor is that book, perfectly capturing everything that is terrific about the horror genre. In its catalog-style pages, you’ll find a hefty dose of satire, as a Scandinavian furniture store is transformed overnight into a prison. With characters that you’re rooting for and terror that creeps up on you, Horrorstor will keep you up all night in the best possible way.”

—Donna Matturri, Pickerington Public Library, Pickerington, OH

 

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

“You can almost bet that a situation with long-term guests — paying or not — is not going to turn out well. This novel by Waters, who many know from her earlier books Tipping the Velvet and The Little Stranger, will keep you turning the page to see just how tense things can get, and how far fear and passion can push someone.”

—Elizabeth Angelastro, Manlius Library, Manlius, NY

 

The Witch with No Name by Kim Harrison

“In this book, Harrison ends her long-running Hollows series, featuring witch Rachel Morgan, vampire Ivy, and pixy Jenks. Rachel’s come a long way; now, she and her friends attempt the impossible and face their toughest battle yet. Harrison skillfully wraps up many plot points, leaving readers sad that the series is over but satisfied by its ending. Fans will surely cheer Rachel on and shed a tear or two.”

—Ilene Lefkowitz, Denville Public Library, Denville, NJ

 

Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley

“Once again, Kearsley introduces you to a cast of characters who will quickly hold a special place in your heart. Celia and Alex mirror lovers from decades past, sharing similar secrets and passions. Flashbacks are woven seamlessly into the storyline, and the strong family component is handled beautifully, with surprising twists and turns.”

—Marianne Colton, Lockport Public Library, Lockport, NY

 

See http://libraryreads.org for more information and find your next great read!

 

KDL on WGVU — Post-Millage Plans

Each month KDL staff join Shelley Irwin on the WGVU Morning Show to talk about what’s going on at the library. This month, listen to Library Director Lance Werner talk about what the future holds for KDL now that the millage has passed. Enjoy!

Download WGVU8-7-14.mp3

(photo courtesy of Shelley Irwin)

 

 

Free Wine Tasting Events

On the heels of a highly successful inaugural KD aLe beer making and tasting series in January and February, KDL is launching KDL Uncorked, a season of free winemaking and tasting programs held at various KDL branches, as well as discounted winery tours and tastings. The beer programs filled fast and not everyone who wanted to attend was able to get a spot, so register today!

KDL Uncorked events happening the week of September 15 are part of the national “Outside the Lines” campaign aimed at demonstrating the creativity and innovation happening in libraries.

Click on the links below to peruse and register for any of the KDL Uncorked tasting events, or call 616-784-2007.

Winemaking 101

Join wine aficionado Steve Siciliano, owner of Siciliano’s Market, as he talks about the ins and outs of making wine at home. Learn about the basic equipment and procedures needed for making wine from concentrated kits, as well as with fresh fruits and vegetables. No registration required.

Thursday, September 4, 6:00 PM, Gaines Township Branch

Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 PM, Byron Township Branch

Wednesday, September 17, 6:30 PM, Grandville Branch

Thursday, September 18, 6:30 PM, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

Wednesday, September 24, 6:30 PM, Plainfield Township Branch

Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 PM, Englehardt (Lowell) Branch

Wednesday, October 22, 6:30 PM, Wyoming Branch

Wine Tasting with Rose’s

Wine enthusiast Bill Koski of Rose’s Restaurant will outline the basics of selecting wines and lead a free tasting. Participants must be 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.

Monday, September 15, 6:30 PM, East Grand Rapids Branch

Wine Tasting & Tour at Cascade Winery

Wine crafters and owners Rose and Bob Bonga invite you for an educational tour of the Cascade Winery (4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids). Enjoy a variety of seasonal wines for 50 cents per taste. Pre-registration is required. Participants must be age 21 or older.

Tuesday, September 16, 6:00 PM, Cascade Winery (4665 Broadmoor Ave. SE, Grand Rapids)

Meet the Author: Rick Sigsby

The author of Michigan’s Holy Water: The Great Lakes Wine Bible spent 15 months traveling the state interviewing wine makers and vineyard owners. His book offers a peek behind the door of the tasting room. Registration is not required.

Thursday, September 25, 6:00 PM, Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch

Tuesday, October 28, 5:30 PM, Cascade Township Branch

Wine Tasting at Kayla Rae Cellars

Join us at Kayla Rae Cellars (31 Courtland St. in Rockford) to enjoy buy-one-get-one tastings, cheese samples from Farm Country Cheese House in Lakeview and a presentation by winery owner Karen Grossman on how current wine and cider selections were developed, created and refined. Participants must be 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited.

Thursday, September 25, 7:00 PM, Kayla Rae Cellars (31 Courtland St., Rockford)

Wine Tasting with Pauly’s

Paul Faba, owner of Pauly’s in Lowell, will pique your palate’s interest with a few of his favorite Michigan wines. Participants must be age 21 or older. Pre-registration is required and spots are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Monday, September 29, 6:30 PM, Englehardt (Lowell) Branch

Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 PM, Cascade Township Branch

Early Lit Bits: Music Minute — “Love Bug”

Raffi is one of North America’s most well-known children’s musicians. He has delighted children and parents for nearly 40 years. From “Baby Beluga” to “Shake My Sillies Out,” his music is a staple of early childhood programs in schools and libraries. The release of “Love Bug” marks Raffi’s first new collection of original songs in over a decade. Engaging new songs share fundamental topics of love, nature, playtime and teamwork. Celebrate this legendary musician as you enjoy the summer sunshine. Relive childhood favorites and find a new one with your family.

– Sara M. at KDL’s Sand Lake / Nelson Township Branch

 

 

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.

 

Author L. A. Meyer Died July 29

The well-known author of the Bloody Jack series for teens, Louis A. Meyer died on July 29 of complications from refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  The 12th and last book of the Bloody Jack series, Wild Rover No More, will be published in September.

 

New Macmillan eBooks Now Available!

Good news for eBook fans — new titles from Macmillan Publishers are now available from the library! Macmillan had previously chosen to only sell titles that were published more than 12 months ago to libraries, but they are now making their entire frontlist of eBooks available to libraries as well.

KDL has purchased a number of new Macmillan eBook titles, including:

Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews
The Dead Will Tell by Linda Castillo
A Colder War by Charles Cumming

The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin

The Kraken Project by Douglas Preston

Fangirl and Landline by Rainbow Rowell

Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
That Summer by Lauren Willig

Visit http://ebooks.kdl.org and download one today!

 

     

 

KDL Top Ten — Books on Writing

If you love to write, or would like to learn more about it, take a look at this week’s Top Ten. These are 10 of the most popular books on Writing in KDL’s nonfiction collection right now:

And speaking of writing — we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line or two on our Experience Summer Online @ KDL web page, and you could win prizes! But enter soon, this program wraps up on Saturday, August 9.

 

Mountains, Madness, Rivers & Risk-Filled Reads

Looking for a little adventure? These nonfiction titles are set in South America and feature explorers and plenty of adventure. So sit back and enjoy these daring tales from the comfort of your hammock.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams

Traces the author’s re-creation of Hiram Bingham III’s discovery of an ancient Andes Mountains cloud city, and describes the author’s struggles with rudimentary survival tools, plus his experiences at the sides of local guides.

 

The Lost City of Z by David Grann

A grand mystery reaching back centuries. A sensational disappearance that made headlines around the world. A quest for truth that leads to death, madness or disappearance for those who seek to solve it. The Lost City of Z is a blockbuster adventure narrative about what lies beneath the impenetrable jungle canopy of the Amazon.

 

River of Darkness: Francisco Orellana’s Legendary Voyage of Death and Discovery Down the Amazon by Buddy Levy

Chronicles the efforts of conquistador Francisco Orellana, a lieutenant of Gonzalo Pizarro, to locate the fabled El Dorado, and traces how Orellana became the first European to discover and navigate the Amazon.

 

The Unconquered by Scott Wallace

A National Geographic writer describes his harrowing journey with 34 others into the depths of the Amazon rain forest in an attempt to track one of the last uncontacted tribes on the planet, the “People of the Arrow,” a group of deft archers who defend themselves with a vengeance.

 

 

New eBook Site Features

OverDrive, the service provider for our eBooks & eAudiobooks, has added a number of new features to our site:

You can now suspend a hold so it won’t become available for you to checkout until you’re ready for it. For example, you may want to place a hold on a popular eBook to reserve your place in line, but then suspend the hold until you’re finished reading your current book. If you make it to the top of the waiting list while your hold is suspended, the title will go to the next person in line until your suspension period is over. See OverDrive’s help pages for complete details.

 

You can also now choose to auto-checkout a hold when it becomes available. You will still receive an email when your hold is ready, but the book will then be found on your Bookshelf of checked-out titles. See OverDrive’s help pages for complete details.

 

You can now customize the Maturity Level settings for your account. Don’t want your child viewing mature adult titles? Or, conversely, are you an adult who doesn’t want to wade through children’s titles when browsing for eBooks? Change your Account settings to match your preferences. You can also choose to replace mature adult cover images with a basic cover instead. See OverDrive’s help pages for complete details. (Note that these settings only apply when you are logged in to your eBook account.)

 

A new Recommended for You collection will appear on the eBook site homepage after you have signed in. Suggestions are based on titles you currently have checked out or on hold, and only those titles that are immediately available for checkout will be displayed.

 

Finally, the Search function has been updated to improve the relevancy of results. For example, searching for “Lee Child” will now only retrieve titles by the author Lee Child, not everything that contains either the word “Lee” or “Child.” (For you search nerds out there, the default Boolean searching has been changed from “OR” to “AND.”) 

Questions? Give us a call at 616-784-2007 or fill out our Support Request Form.

Happy Downloading!