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“Happyness” and Beyond
Hello again. Today I would like to tell you about a great new book and a wonderful experience I recently enjoyed. It was my good fortune to attend the national convention of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) which this year was held in Orlando, Florida. Among numerous impressive celebrity speakers (too many to be able to hear in only 3 days), was one truly outstanding highlight: Chris Gardner.
You will remember Chris Gardner from his best-selling autobiographical book (and movie), The Pursuit of Happyness, in which he chronicled his difficult journey as a homeless single parent from inner-city Milwaukee to success on Wall Street. At the AARP Convention, this amazing man spoke from the heart to a spellbound audience, providing poignant and often humorous details of his life, with eye-opening glimpses from that book and from his latest: Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. In his new book, Chris shares encouraging, uplifting, and creative advice for handling and overcoming adversity, a subject with which he has much familiarity.
It is interesting to note Chris Gardner’s fondness for public libraries, as indicated by his frequent references to them and his strong recommendations to his audiences that they utilize their local library to enhance every aspect of their lives. He certainly has expressed much appreciation for the support he received from his library throughout various stages of his life. The West Palm Beach Public Library carries both of Chris Gardner’s books and the DVD “The Pursuit of Happyness”, and all are highly recommended to anyone searching for a genuinely motivational encounter.
Esther Fawn Van Allen, Reference Librarian
Pregnancy and Parenting Resources @ Your Library
Very soon I’ll be taking a break from the library to go on maternity leave. Over the last eight months, I’ve read (or at least browsed) at least fifty books on pregnancy and parenting. In my opinion, these are the best of the best…and they’re all available for you to check out!
When most people think of books about pregnancy, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is usually the first thing that comes to mind. It’s a classic text on the ins and outs of pregnancy from before conception through the birthing process. Even if you’re not interested in reading the book from cover-to-cover, you can follow along week by week to get an idea of what’s happening with your body and your baby.
Similar in concept to What to Expect When You’re Expecting, the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy covers conception through birth, and also gives weekly updates on what’s going on inside you’re body. Plus, knowing this information comes from such a renowned health institution can help parents-to-be feel more comfortable with its advice. A great feature of this book are the monthly charts which let you know if something which weird things that happen to your body (and believe me, there will be weird things that go on with your body) are worth seeking medical attention for at certain points in your pregnancy. For example, light spotting might be totally normal at one point in your pregnancy, but very bad news at another point in your pregnancy.
I picked up The Caveman’s Pregnancy Companion for my husband, but it was actually educational and entertaining for the both of us. It’s full of great advice for dads-to-be on what to expect from a pregnant partner, and tips on how to make sure that he is making the pregnancy as easy on her as possible. From urging dad to make more meals (recipes of varying degrees of difficulty are included) to the finer points of prenatal massage, it’s a light-hearted guide that most men will enjoy at least thumbing through. However, some advice should probably be cleared with one’s partner. For example, a woman planning on breastfeeding her child might not appreciate a bottle of champagne in the hospital room right after the birth.
Of all the parenting books I’ve read (and I’ve read a LOT), Eat Sleep Poop is the most down-to-earth, sensible book I’ve found. The author, a pediatrician who wrote this book right after the birth of his own first child, takes parents through many potentially worrying situations (Why is my child yellow? Why does my child have fur? Why is my child’s poop green?) and lets them know what’s normal and what’s not. It’s a essentially a meditation on taking a deep breath and trusting one’s parental instincts, with a lot of useful medical information backing that up. Plus, the book has decision charts. Decision charts! Baby has a cough? If he/she has a fever, do this. If he/she is cool to the touch, do this. My only complaint about the book is that the author didn’t include more of these very useful tools.
Don’t let the title scare you off. Eat Well, Lose Weight, While Breastfeeding isn’t strictly for mothers in search of weight loss after birth, and neither is only for mother’s planning on breastfeeding. This is a well thought out guide to nutrition after childbirth. It includes great ideas for snacks and meals, none of which are overly complicated, and all of which are suitable to eat as a family. While structured similarly to diet books, the author is both non-judgmental and realistic with her expectations of new moms. She takes a kind approach, and acknowledges that even new moms need to treat themselves with unhealthy things every now and again.
While I prefer to read about pregnancy and childbirth, we also have quite a few relevant DVDs available for checkout. These include:
- The Business of Being Born
- Pregnancy for Dummies
- Yoga During Pregnancy
- Childbirth, from the Inside Out: Part 1: Pregnancy and the Prenatal Period
- Childbirth, from the Inside Out: Part 2: Delivery and the Postnatal Period
- Having Your Baby! Lamaze-prepared Childbirth
And of course, in this digital age, there are a plethora of pregnancy-, childbirth-, and parenting-related websites available to visit from the library or from your own computer.
My favorite pregnancy website is TheBump.com. It was created by the same team who developed the very successful wedding-planning website TheKnot.com and the lifestyle website TheNest.com. Among the many resources available at The Bump are a pregnancy checklist, advice from doctors and other professionals, message boards, a baby naming guide, and the fantastic How Big is Baby?, which not only gives information on each week’s (or month’s, if you’re near the end) development, but also compares the baby to a familiar fruit or vegetable. Trust me, it’s cuter than it sounds. Users can also sign up for a weekly email, which not only includes How Big is Baby?, but also gives a short snippet on what’s going on with baby that week. (This week my baby is a honeydew melon, and has finished his/her hearing development!)
Even if you have no interest in Lamaze, the Lamaze International website can be a great resource for pregnant women. You can sign up for weekly pregnancy-related email, read their blog, or take a look at one of the many other pregnancy and childbirth resources they offer.
Finally, it’s not a website, but if you’re addicted to texting like I am, you might find daily texts for new and expecting parents to be useful. The Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County has made text4baby available to local residents. Simply text the word BABY (or BEBE, if you prefer Spanish) to 511411, and you’ll receive a free (if you have a plan with unlimited texting) text message with pregnancy advice every day, aimed at your specific stage of pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant or know someone who is, I hope you find these resources helpful. You can always ask a librarian for assistance finding more information about specific pregnancy-related topics!
**Britta**
Guest Post: Ask a Librarian Statewide Online Reference
The following is a guest post from Traci Avet, the Virtual Reference Coordinator of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium:
So you’ve just finished watching your favorite TV or news program, or listening to your favorite radio show. For the last hour, they touted the brilliance of someone’s latest novel or nonfiction read. The damage is done – your interest is piqued. All you’re thinking now is, “I’ve got to read this book.”
You… and maybe just a few other people. (Anyone remember Tickle-Me Elmo?) Well, the first step is to head straight to your library’s catalog – either in-person or online – and see if you’ve beaten the rest of those viewers or listeners to the punch. Your library may have anticipated the wave of heightened interest and ordered extra copies, so you may be able to stake your claim then and there. But if not – if your library’s copies are already checked out – make sure you place a hold on that title. Your library will put you on a waiting list just for that title. As the items are returned, they are set aside for those next on the waiting list. Your library will notify you as soon as your book is ready. And if for some reason your library doesn’t own a copy of the book, don’t despair – your library’s Interlibrary Loan service may be able to borrow the book from another library system.
Your library’s catalog lets you place holds – and sometimes even Interlibrary Loan requests – online from the convenience of your computer. If you need help finding a book, placing a hold, or just getting more information on how to place an Interlibrary Loan request through your library, visit Ask a Librarian today and get live help from a real Florida librarian. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ll help you find it.
What can we help you with today?
Ask a Librarian provides Florida residents with live chat services with a real Florida librarian from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday (ET), and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (ET). You can also send an e-mail your local library’s staff.
To access Ask a Librarian, visit our website at mycitylibrary.org and click the link on the green toolbar that says “Ask a Librarian.”
Soon, we’ll be offering Ask a Librarian assistance through text messaging!
Please be aware that you may not always be speaking to a librarian at the West Palm Beach Public Library (Ask a Librarian uses librarians from all over the state of Florida), but whomever you speak with will be happy to help you!
** Britta **
Movie Review: Sita Sings the Blues
I saw “Sita Sings the Blues” yesterday and I loved it.
I was not very keen to watch that movie because it is an animation film and I am not a big fan of animation films. I never find them interesting (except for Persepolis), but a few minutes into this movie and I was pleasantly surprised by the innovative way of story telling in context of animation cinema. The high points of the film are the excellent narration and the style.
“Sita Sings the Blues” is an interpretation of an ancient Indian epic “Ramayana”. It tells the story of the warrior king Rama and his relationship with his wife Sita, who he rejects (because a common man question her chastity), breaking her heart. The epic has an important influence on Indian life and culture; characters Rama and Sita are fundamental to the spiritual consciousness of India. But this story is not the usual “Ramayana” that has been pounded into our minds since childhood, which depicted Rama as the virtuous king. In fact, this story questions my beliefs and makes me ponder our reasons for worshipping Ram (who rejected Sita).
This is the story of Ramayana from Sita’s perspective. There is another story in the movie of “Nina” which is very similar to that of Sita. Both of these women endured the pain of being away from their husbands and were betrayed in love. The film is semi-autobiographical as the director’s marriage was also falling apart.
This is not the “Ramayana” I grew up with, but I like the director’s take on that great epic and I appreciate her efforts. It is a fabulous, beautifully done movie.
Don’t miss it. Check it out from our library!
Manju (Reference Librarian)
The Hunt is On!
There’s something lurking just under the surface of the water. Did you see it? What is causing that rippling effect? Oh my, it’s the elusive “Muck Monster!”
During the last week in October the West Palm Beach Public Library will host a series of author visits centered on stories of strange monsters and eerie sightings including the infamous Muck Monster.
On Monday, October 25th you will have an opportunity to meet “America’s Most Credible Cryptozoologist,” Scott Marlowe. He will discuss Florida’s mysterious creatures. Mr. Marlowe’s research has been featured on MonsterQuest, Is It True, Legend Hunters, Destination Truth and Weird Travels. After his talk join Mr. Marlowe for a walk down to the Waterfront to search for the “real” Muck Monster.
Then on Tuesday, October 26th Charlie Carlson, author of the bestselling book “Weird Florida” will be here to discuss and sign copies of his book. Carlson is an American author, actor and film producer and is known as “Florida’s Man in Black” or “Master of the Weird.” He specializes in paranormal, strange events and places, and many historical books.
Both author programs are scheduled at 6:00pm in the library’s Auditorium. For more information on these “spooky” events call 561-868-7701.
The Muck Monster looks forward to it!
Theresa
Disaster at the Podium or Fear of Public Speaking
Many times I’ve had to stand in front of a large group to speak on certain topics or to conduct presentations or workshops. Believe it or not I experience tremendous anxiety just before I talk. Tongue-tied, sweaty palms and an inability to remember my introduction are typical reactions when I begin speaking.
For many of us in the workplace, presentations and public speaking are a necessary and vital part of our job. Even if you are looking for work and preparing for an interview it’s important to present yourself with confidence. No matter what – all of us need to be able to speak with success.
So don’t be shy! Learn the strategies to conquer your fear of speaking! Join me Wednesday, October 13th for an informative seminar titled “Speak for Success” presented by well-known speech coach and author Leila Alson, of Alson Power Speaking. Her power-speaking method has helped many prominent business and political leaders become successful presenters. She is also the author of “Say It Again, ” a guide to the most mispronunciated words. Leila will provide you with the tools and techniques to become a powerful speaker. She will show you how to listen, share information and be persuasive.
The seminar will start at 6:00pm in the West Palm Beach Public Library’s Clematis Room and of course is free and open to all! For more information call 561-868-7701.
If you can’t make the presentation then be sure to check-out some of our books on public speaking:
- Public speaking and presentations demystified by Melody Templeton.
- In the spotlight : overcome your fear of public speaking and performing by Janet E. Esposito
- On speaking well : how to give a speech with style, substance, and clarity by Peggy Noonan.
See you at the podium!
Theresa
More Pilates Coming Soon!
I hope everyone is enjoying coming to our exercise classes as much as we enjoy having them. Coming in October and November we will be having an evening Pilates class! That’s right, Wednesday evenings we will be having Pilates from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in our Auditorium.
Come out and join our new Pilates class as well as other favorites such as:
Yoga Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am
Pilates Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am
Latin Cardio Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Tai Chi Fridays from 10:30 to 11:30 am
Be sure to check out our book display right outside the Auditorium for books on fitness and other books relevant to you!
See you @ the library!
Annya
Social Security, Medicare and YOU!
Greetings from the West Palm Beach Public Library. As we hope you know by now, our library hosts many wonderfully entertaining and educational programs. Well, we have a program coming up very soon that I personally highly recommend. You are practically guaranteed to learn something useful and interesting at this upcoming free workshop: “Social Security, Medicare and You!” I was privileged to attend this workshop a few weeks ago and I was astounded at the wealth of information I walked away with.
This free workshop will be presented in the Hibiscus Room of the West Palm Beach Public Library at 411 Clematis Street on Thursday, September 30, 2010, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, by Wright Thompson, Jr., Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration. Mr. Thompson will provide current, expert information (and dispel some common myths!) about Social Security Retirement, Medicare, and Disability benefits – all with your best interests in mind. If you have questions about eligibility requirements, the effects of retiring at various ages, Medicare coverage, and other related topics, then this workshop is definitely for you.
To supplement your knowledge of these topics, be sure to check out some of the library’s relevant materials:
How to retire happy : the 12 most important decisions you must make before you retire / Stan Hinden ; [foreword by John C. Bogle].
Author Hinden, Stan.
Call No. 646.790973 HIN
Publication Info. New York : McGraw-Hill, c2010
When every day is Saturday : the retirement guide for boomers / Richard E. Grace.
Author Grace, Richard E.
Call No. 646.79 GRA
Publication Info. West Lafayette, Ind. : Purdue University Press, c2010.
Nolo’s guide to social security disability : getting & keeping your benefits / by David A. Morton III.
Author Morton, David A., 1945-
Call No. 368.42 MOR
Publication Info. Berkeley, Calif. : Nolo, c2010.
Looking forward to seeing you there. Come prepared to get your questions answered!
Esther Fawn Van Allen, Reference Librarian
Get Ready to be Inspired!
When I was first introduced to the term “life coaching” I was sure it had something to do with a sports application. Little did I know that this type of “coaching” is a discipline recognized by professionals who are focused on personal development.
For many of us, particularly in today’s economic climate, the chance to empower ourselves to achieve our goals is the difference between succeeding at work or standing in the unemployment line. It also applies to our personal life and can help define our relationships.
So get ready for your life coaching experience and inspire your mind!
The West Palm Beach Public Library will host a free “Inspirational Social” complete with live entertainment, life-coaching experiences and appetizers designed to take you from where you are to where you want to be! Jennifer Pinto, seasoned mind, body, spirit teacher and popular motivational speaker, will inspire participants to expand and grow from the inside-out as she leads participants through a fun and interactive life-coaching experience artistically woven amidst live musical entertainment. Jennifer is well-known for implementing wellness programs at the University of Miami and conducts stress management and team building classes.
Entertainment will also be provided during the inspirational social. A musical performance will be lead by Karmic Flo, an acoustic rock duo formerly know as Gypsy, who shared stages with Cyndi Lauper, Grand Funk Railroad, the Band, & Billy Ocean.
This special event will be held on Saturday, September 18th from 12:00-1:30pm in the library’s Auditorium. Free and open to all!
Sponsored by the Friends of the West Palm Beach Public Library. For more information contact 561-868-7701.
See you at the social!
Theresa
Books as Art
Most of the time people come to the library to find books to read, what if you could do more? Well, we’re going to let you draw, paint, cut, and paste books at the library!
Thursday, September 2, from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, the library will be hosting an altered books class. We’ll be taking books (we’ll have some for you, but feel free to bring your own) and art supplies (bring photos and other memorabilia, although we’ll provide a variety of other supplies) and creating unique works of art you can take home.
Registration is limited due to a limited amount of supplies, so sign up as soon as you can! You can register at this website (http://bit.ly/9pS3wR) or call us at 561-868-7701 to get on the list.
Not able to come to the class or just want to know more about altered books? We’ve got you covered! Place one of our books on hold.
- Altered Books Workshop : 18 Creative Techniques for Self-Expression
- New Directions in Altered Books
- Altered Art: Techniques for Creating Altered Books, Boxes, Cards & More
- Visual Chronicles: the No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos, & Altered Books
**Britta**
“Express” Options Not Just for the Airlines!
Imagine my surprise when I read the latest news regarding American Airlines adding optional fees. The airline company will designate “Express Seats” for domestic coach travelers. The idea is that you’ll pay extra for the first row coach seat because you get to board with the first group when general boarding commences. So this means you get first dibs on the overhead bins and, as American put it in a news release, “the convenience of being among the first Coach customers on and off the plane.”
American Airlines realizes the concept of “Express” might have enormous appeal for their customers just as our library patrons are discovering with our “Express” collection of materials on the first floor. Only difference – the West Palm Beach Public Library doesn’t charge any fees to access “Express” items!
Recently we have started an “Express” section of books and DVD’s that allow you to quickly locate and check-out popular or bestselling items. Here you will find movie blockbusters, such as Iron Man 2, Just Wright, or Karate Kid and bestselling books like Star Island or The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest. The section has become so convenient and easy for patrons that we are continually replenishing these areas. Also Express items cannot be reserved or renewed so finding a bestseller or hit movie on the shelf is almost guaranteed!
So if you’re one of the many passengers flying in the “Express Seats” section why not check-out one of the library’s “Express” books and enjoy reading a top bestseller?
If you have questions or need more information on the library’s Express section please give us a call at 561-868-7701.
Theresa
Music for a Sunday Afternoon – Noel Lorica and The Treebo Band
Hello again!
Do you love to relax and listen to great live music? For free? (Don’t we all?) Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM will be a special time here at the West Palm Beach Public Library. Our “Music for a Sunday Afternoon” program will feature Noel Lorica and The Treebo Band. These Brazilian jazz performers are no strangers to our library. Their past performances here have elicited rave reviews from audience members. Mark your calendar, and come and join us for another fabulous experience in our library’s state-of-the-art Auditorium equipped with theatrical lighting and an excellent sound system.
The Library is privileged to host numerous outstanding programs. For the complete list of the Library’s events, please go to: http://millie.wpbpl.com/iii/calendar/month or from the Library’s home page (www.mycitylibrary.org) just click on “events.” Entertaining music and dance programs in a wonderfully comfortable environment can really help to alleviate the summertime blahs. And for additional entertainment, be sure to check out the Library’s fantastic assortment of music CDs, librettos, books, and DVDs.
See you there!
Esther Fawn Van Allen, Reference Librarian
A Murder in the Library!
The Library Mystery Tour: Murder Mystery Night @ your City Library!
It’s the Roaring Twenties and someone has been murdered in the library! Put on your detective hat because it’s up to you to solve the mystery! Join us at the West Palm Beach Public Library from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 31st for an interactive murder mystery party. A trail of clues will be hidden around the library and teams will be asked to determine which of the characters committed the crime. Prizes will be awarded to the team of sleuths who catches the murderer!
A buffet of light hors d’oeuvres will be served and wine will be available for a purchase of $6.00. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the West Palm Beach Public Library. Registration is required and reservations will be held at the door. Space is limited. For reservations, call 561-868-7701. This event is part of the Adult Summer Reading program and is sponsored by Bank of America, the West Palm Beach Library Foundation and the Friends of the West Palm Beach Public Library.
And for those mystery buffs, don’t forget to also browse the library’s “Mystery” section located on the first floor. Lots of detective and murder mystery titles just “dying” to be checked out!
See you on Saturday!
Theresa
Freedoms and Funds
This morning I gave a tour of the library to Miss Rocío’s ESOL class. It’s a beginning class, and some of the students are very recently arrived from their native countries – Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala and Cuba. So I made a point of explaining to them how public libraries work in the U.S. We lend materials out for free. All you need is a library card, which is free. We provide an array of services and quality activities, which are all free, and access to computers with Internet and Microsoft office software – also free.
In my experience, all of this is outside of the norm in many countries. I’ve been to libraries in Latin American where you have to ask for your book through a window, read it on the premises, and maybe even pay a fee for that privilege. So many of these students were pleasantly surprised to learn about all that the library offers, but the couple from Cuba was flabbergasted. They told me that they would never have had access to such a place as this library back in Cuba, that computers are prohibited there, and that this tour reinforced their impression of America as “pure opportunity.”
It’s easy to take for granted all the freedoms we enjoy, and all the opportunities a library offers. The library plays an essential role in our society; it’s a pooling of community funds to ensure that everyone has access to all the information of the world.
~Tara
People of all ages are free to browse around, pull books off the shelves, and read as much as they want to of anything.
People can go just about anywhere they want to on the Internet at the library. With 146 public computers, there are enough for everybody.
- Book clubs and other intellectual gatherings find their home in the library.
Summer Reading Selections
Still wondering what to read this summer as you relax on a beach, porch or on a flight for your vacation? Not to worry! Read on for summer reading recommendations from my list. I’ve asked some friends to help narrow down the list of interesting novels. There is something for every mystery lover in my selections.
The Good Son - Michael Gruber – an international thriller with a great plot and exotic locations.
Dead Line - Stella Remington – espionage thriller, fast moving, engrossing, and well constructed.
The Paris Vendetta - Steve Barry – historical mystery, well-crafted thriller also offers plenty of surprises
206 Bones - Kathy Reichs – a complex, riveting tale of forensic science.
Notorious - Michele Martinez – an exciting legal thriller by the top suspense writer.
The Pyramid and four other Kurt Wallender mysteries - Henning Mankell – The best police procedural short stories by best selling Swedish mystery author.
Bad Things Happen - Harry Dolan – a brilliant debut murder mystery story.
Private - James Patterson – an entertaining sleek thriller.
First Thrills- High Octane Stories from the hottest thriller writers - Ed. Lee Child
Enjoy! Happy Reading.
Dinotopia
Have you seen the big billboard on I95? Dinotopia is at the Norton!!!
Dinotopia: The Fantastical Art of James Gurney
June 5–September 5, 2010
I remember when the first Dinotopia book came out. My little brother was in middle school. For a boy who had always been big into dinosaurs, the mature dinosaur fantasy world of Dinotopia was perfect. It’s like a picture book for teenagers and grown-ups who still know how to use their imagination.
I’d forgotten about Dinotopia, but, in writing this post, I was pleased to discover that Dinotopia is still out there. The latest book was published in 2007. And there’s an official website with games, maps and other cool things:
The content is timeless, and the exhibit at the Norton is sure to attract some new young fans. Luckily, the library still has some Dinotopia material. James Gurney, the original author, wrote and illustrated the 4 main books. And then a few other authors expanded the series with plain, non-illustrated books. The library has one of these paperbacks in the children’s area:
Sabertooth mountain / by John Vornholt
A Hallmark TV series was also made, and the library has this on a set of 3 DVDs in the children’s area as well:
You can check out both the exhibit at the Norton and the materials at the library!
~Tara
Library in Your Pocket
Did you know that you can now access the West Palm Beach Public Library’s catalog via your Internet-enabled smartphone? You can also place holds, renew items, and check the status of your account.
Check it out by visiting http://m.millie.wpbpl.com on your mobile browser.
**Britta**
Authentic Education
Back before I was a librarian, I did a brief stint as a Spanish teacher in public schools. I put in just enough time to decide to change careers and homeschool my own children some day. Well, that day came around this time last year, at the end of a stressful second grade. I took the summer to explore my options, meet local homeschoolers, consulted with my daughter’s school counselors, and lined up my family’s support. Come August, we took the leap and joined the legions of homeschoolers in Florida. And what a learning experience it’s been for the whole family!
I’ve spent this year reading a ton of books on learning, what makes a good education and how it all relates to success and fulfillment in life. I’ve found some really thought-provoking books lately in the education section on the first floor of the library (kudos to my co-worker who orders these!) So I thought I’d share them here, for anyone else out there who is exploring these topics.
Readicide : how schools are killing reading and what you can do about it / Kelly Gallagher
The shut-down learner : helping your academically discouraged child / Richard Selznick
The book whisperer : awakening the inner reader in every child / Donalyn Miller
Plus 2 more really interesting but pretty alternative ideas from other areas of the library:
Reading without nonsense / Frank Smith
Summerhill School : a new view of childhood / A.S. Neill
And as a side note, I’ll add that the best homeschooling book for my 9-year-old this year has been:
Welcome to Molly’s World,1944: Growing Up in World War Two America / Catherine Gourley
The library has most of the American Girls historical fiction series, and the accompanying craft books and DVDs.
My daughter read this over a couple of weeks with my mother, who added her own personal memories and family stories – a powerful way for a girl to study history. We also watched the DVD.
And for my 2-year-old, the best book was:
Chicken and egg / Christine Back and Jens Olesen
This is from the Stopwatch series. They are old books, but unbeatable for the close-up photos and brief, simple text on natural phenomena that little kids are curious about. This particular book perfectly supplemented a discovery we made of a duck’s nest and 1 egg that had rolled out (we took it home and cracked it open, of course).
When I think of all the choices I have in educating my children, my first reaction is to read up on it. If, like me, you seek more information, the library has some great material. Please see me if you need any recommendations!
~Tara
Get Crafty @ your city library!
For all of you who like doing crafts, the library is the place to be! Yep, we are going to be offering monthly craft programs and we hope to see you.
For July:
Wine glass painting @ your city library on Thursday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Bring your own wine glass and the Book Goddess will teach you some techniques. Painting supplies will be provided. Registration required.
For August:
Learn How to Make Candles @ your city library on Saturday, August 28th from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. Patrice will be here to teach you how to make your own candles! All supplies provided. Registration required.
Coming soon:
Our very own Book Goddess will present a craft program in September and October. Check back and see what it will be!
And yes, we do have a soap making class on Saturday, June 26th – it is FULL! Looks like we are off to a great start on the craft programs. We hope you come in and have some fun with us!
See you @ the library,
Annya
