Kent District Library (MI)'s Blog, page 70
March 25, 2014
New Teen Booklists For Manga and Graphic Novel Readers
If you LOVE Graphic Novels & Manga, look no farther! KDL has some great booklists for newbies or if you are just looking for something different. Teen graphic novels are about More Than Just Superheoes. Check out other great graphic novels like by Raina Telgemeier. If you enjoy Manga series, check out the Manga series booklist featuring Black Butler and other great series. And don’t forget that we also have Anime movies for you to enjoy!
March 24, 2014
KDL on WJRW — Melissa DeWild
Recently, we announced that our Collection Development Manager Melissa DeWild won a national award from Library Journal. This morning, Melissa went on WJRW to talk about her award, career and exciting library projects she is working on.
Enjoy!
March 23, 2014
Early Lit Bits: Book Review — “Say Hello Like This”
Say Hello Like This! by Mary Murphy
Dogs, cats, chickens and even donkeys have their own way of saying “hello” in this colorful picture book. Each page has a half-flap to lift, revealing how animals greet one another in their special way. Ask your child which animal has the funniest hello, and pretend you are that animal. Can you think of an animal not pictured in the book that says hello in a unique way? Playing pretend is a great way to practice language skills and gets your child ready to read!
– Liz W. at KDL’s Plainfield 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.
March 22, 2014
Spencer Twp. Branch Closed March 25-27
The Spencer Township Branch is getting a makeover!
The branch will be closed to the public from Tuesday, March 25 through Thursday, March 27 for carpet replacement. The branch is normally closed on Monday and Fridays, so the branch will reopen at its normal time on Saturday, March 29.
During this time:
Library materials may be returned using the dropbox. No overdue fines will be incurred due to the closing.
Items on the hold shelf that are not picked up will not expire during the time the library is closed.
Those with questions about their library accounts can call KDL’s patron services department at 616-784-2007 for assistance.
Thanks for your patronage and please come see the new and improved Spencer Township Branch when it re-opens on Saturday, March 29!
March 21, 2014
KDL Top Ten — Michigan Travel
Click on this week’s Top Ten list to view 10 of the most popular Michigan Travel books at KDL!
Do you have a favorite nearby destination for spring break fun? Please share your ideas with us!
March 20, 2014
Sip and Learn about Caffeine
As the last chill of snow swirls away in the gust of March winds, many will reach for a cup of coffee to revive them. It is no wonder that March is Caffeine Awareness Month, and that the daily craving enhances the mood and personality of those who endulge in a hot coffee. To understand the influence of this hot beverage on human cravings, what better book to read than Starbucked or The Daily Fix.
Both of these books will delve into the tale of caffeine, routines,slumps, culture, and the commerce of coffee.
For even more interesting tidbits on coffee, take a grind at who first introduced coffee to the world. Legend has it that goats enjoyed eating the berries, and the caffeine buzz made them dance! If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face, sit back and read A Cup of Friendship or Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty. All in all, take a moment to enjoy a cup of joe, and welcome spring as it bursts forth this month.
March 19, 2014
Take a Trip with Some of My Favorites
The best books immerse you in another time and place — and soon you don’t want to leave. Take a trip with six of my favorite titles!
1. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy (1880s–1920s England)
This beloved trilogy follows three generations of the Forsyte family through the Victorian, Edwardian and WWI eras. Experience their love affairs, greed, passion, jealousy and loyalty against the background of wider societal changes. Then watch the BBC series.
2. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks (1910–1930 France)
A steamy but thwarted love affair leads young Stephen to the trenches of WWI. Unforgettable.
3. Mrs. Bridge by Evan S. Connell (1930s Kansas)
This lightly mocking (and funny) sympathetic satire depicts the perfect upper-class American wife and mother. But who is she really, and is she happy? No one has any idea. Connell later published Mr. Bridge so her husband could have his say.
4. Pied Piper by Nevil Shute (1945 France)
The gripping story of an elderly man who is persuaded to escort a group of small children across Nazi-occupied France.
5. What Is the What by Dave Eggers (Sudan and USA)
This epic tale of unbelievable courage and optimism follows the true story of Valentino Achak Deng, a Lost Boy of Sudan who was forced to leave his village at age 7 and walk across the deserts of three countries, eventually gaining refuge in the United States. Expect to be engrossed, and to learn a lot. It’s moving, suspenseful and sometimes unexpectedly funny.
6. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis (2048 and 1348 England)
It’s the year 2048, and Kivrin’s studies in history require her to travel to the era she is researching — in this case, 14th-century Europe. Unfortunately, a little glitch in the system lands her in England on the eve of the Black Plague. This book is our family favorite — fascinating and also hilariously funny. The author has other time travel books that are almost as awesome.
March 17, 2014
Teen Booklists for Divergent Readers
Hey all you Divergent lovers! If you are looking for some great reads while you are waiting for your copy, checkout these great booklists.
For the Action and Suspense readers, checkout Brandon Sanderson’s Steelheart or Peak by Roland Smith. For the Doctor Who fans, try BZRK by Michael Grant or Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. And for more Dystopian reads, try Pulse by Patrick Carman or Inhuman by Kat Falls.
Englehardt Branch Closed — No Heat
The Englehardt Branch in Lowell is currently closed until further notice due to no heat. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to reopen soon.
Note: The Online Genealogy Research I computer class scheduled for 6:00 PM tonight has been re-scheduled for next Monday (March 24), with Online Genealogy Research II to follow on Monday, March 31.
March 16, 2014
Early Lit Bits: Learning with Crafts — Flower Power
Flower Power
It has been a very long and very cold winter. Help lift everyone’s spirits with this colorful home experiment that transforms the color of carnation flowers or celery stems. Talk about how plants and flowers “drink” water by taking it up the stem of the plant. Try mixing different drops of food coloring in the same cup of water to make secondary colors such as purple.
Materials
several plain white carnations (or several sticks of celery with leaves)
food coloring
water
mason jars, vases or tall drinking glasses
Directions
Add about 20-30 drops of food coloring to each of the cups of water (red, blue, and green)
Before placing any of the flowers in the cups of water, have an adult trim the stem of each flower at an angle to create a fresh cut. Try to cut the stem while it is underwater. (If air gets into the stem, the water will not travel as well up the stem to color the flower.)
Place a freshly cut white carnation in each of the cups of colored water and check on the flowers every few hours to see what happens. Save a couple white carnations for the idea below.
Other Ideas
Have an adult helper use a sharp knife to slit the stem of a carnation straight down the middle. Put each half of the stem into a cup of different colored water. See what happens to the flower. Read Lois Ehlert’s Planting a Rainbow to learn about the names and colors of flowers. Go to the store to pick out seed packets to plant in your garden this spring!
–Anjie G. at KDL’s Walker 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.
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