What's in Your Library Bag This Wednesday Reading Friends??! Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure Stories from when you were younger? You know the stories; the ones where you read along and then all of a sudden at the end of a chapter, you get a choice of what you want to happen next and instead of turning to the next page you turn to page 30 or something like that and keep reading. A little farther on you get another choice of how you'd like the story to go, etc. Sometimes, it turns out just as you expected and other times it throws you for a loop. I found one on our paperback exchange shelf here at the library and took it home to read with my daughter. She didn't like it because the first chance she had a choice, she made the "wrong" choice and the character died and the story ended right away!!! I tried to explain that we could read it again and choose a different ending, but it had lost its luster for her. I always thought that it was kind of fun to get to decide how things went in the story.
I'm not sure if they even make new Choose Your Own Adventures anymore, but we have something very similar now here at the library. They are called Interactive History Adventures. The books are designed the same way, in that you come to a crossroads in the stories and get to make choices, but these books are true accounts of things that really happened in history with the choices all being real. This, in essence makes history come to life as the reader "interacts" in the story. A true story with a twist. Fun!
So, if you have a reluctant reader, or just one who really loves true stories, stop in and check one out and see what they think!
Here's the list of what we have...
INTERACTIVE HISTORY ADVENTURES
The Great Depression
The Civil War
World War II
The Middle Ages
The Salem witch trials
Ancient Egypt
The Boston Massacre
Ancient Greece
Orphan trains
Ancient Rome
The civil rights movement
The Dust Bowl
Mexican immigrants in America
The attack on Pearl Harbor
The Titanic
A True Story with a twist…
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Book Trailer Monday...
This book came across my desk the other day and it looked so intriguing that I took it home. Kind of a mix of Scottish historical romance and maybe some time travel...right up my alley...so far so good.
Friday, August 26, 2011
From Our Recipe Box to Yours...
A Co-worker gave me this recipe the other day and said she would bring it to a party tonight so that I could try it. Sounds intriguing....See what you think....
Corn Salad
2 cans corn
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 red/purple onion, chopped
1 C. mayonnaise
1 C. shredded Cheddar Cheese
Mix. Just before serving, crush chili cheese Fritos over top and Enjoy!! Good leftover only if you add more Fritos. The crunch is where it's at!
DIY DIY DIY DIY....
Our DIY schedule for the year is up and all classes are available for registration! You may want to reserve your spot today! There is a $5 deposit to hold you spot, but providing you come to the class, $5 will hold your spot in as many as you'd like to sign up for. Come for classes on woodcarving, yoga, hair bows and everything in between! We have something for everyone! Sign up today!
Corn Salad
2 cans corn
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1/2 red/purple onion, chopped
1 C. mayonnaise
1 C. shredded Cheddar Cheese
Mix. Just before serving, crush chili cheese Fritos over top and Enjoy!! Good leftover only if you add more Fritos. The crunch is where it's at!
DIY DIY DIY DIY....
Our DIY schedule for the year is up and all classes are available for registration! You may want to reserve your spot today! There is a $5 deposit to hold you spot, but providing you come to the class, $5 will hold your spot in as many as you'd like to sign up for. Come for classes on woodcarving, yoga, hair bows and everything in between! We have something for everyone! Sign up today!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?
What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday is here again. Can I just say that I am behind??? I don't know what I've been doing other than reading, but I haven't been reading all that much. I am in the middle of reading Such a Pretty Fat by Jennifer Lancaster. I think I put a book trailer on the blog about her book a week ago. Anyway, it's a really funny book about the author's weight loss journey. The way she laughs at herself and comes up with excuses to eat what she wants and then more excuses to not go to the gym, I think we can all relate to. I am not kidding when I say it is at times just laugh out loud funny. That said, it is also not a book that makes me want to sit in one sitting and finish it.
So, I've found myself looking for another book to read at the same time. I picked up Water for Elephants; and I checked out a favorite from a series I've read before; today, I took home a totally new author whose book includes time travel and Scottish Highlanders, two all time favorite topics of mine to read about. What I'm trying to say is, I'm kinda in a slump. I can't seem to settle on anything and finish it. Does this ever happen to you? It just drives me crazy when it happens to me!! I want to devour a book and be tired for a week because I finished a really awesome title!! I'm going to try this new one and see where it takes me...What do you do to get out of a reading slump?
The other day a good friend of mine asked me for some reading suggestions. Knowing that I love just about anything romance, she asked for some of my favorites. What fun!! I strolled the library grabbing titles here and there of some of my all time favorite romances. They're just like old friends. One particular author I grabbed for her was Julie Garwood. Traditionally, Julie Garwood has been an historical romance author writing the kinds of strong heroines that I love! In her older stories, the females leads were almost always paired with a big, strong man who thought he needed to control her and make all of her decisions for her. The story that followed was always one in which the female asserted that she could make her own decisions and maybe he could benefit from some of her decision making too!! It was all sass and fun and in the end they were madly in love and working together. A couple favorite titles of mine are The Gift and The Secret.
Now, the Julie Garwood of today writes a little differently. Following the trends in reading of the times, she now writes Mystery Romance titles. I have enjoyed many of these also, but my favorites remain her historical romance.
If you are currently in a reading slump, like I am, maybe trying something a little off the beaten path will cure you...Give Julie Garwood a try.
So, I've found myself looking for another book to read at the same time. I picked up Water for Elephants; and I checked out a favorite from a series I've read before; today, I took home a totally new author whose book includes time travel and Scottish Highlanders, two all time favorite topics of mine to read about. What I'm trying to say is, I'm kinda in a slump. I can't seem to settle on anything and finish it. Does this ever happen to you? It just drives me crazy when it happens to me!! I want to devour a book and be tired for a week because I finished a really awesome title!! I'm going to try this new one and see where it takes me...What do you do to get out of a reading slump?
The other day a good friend of mine asked me for some reading suggestions. Knowing that I love just about anything romance, she asked for some of my favorites. What fun!! I strolled the library grabbing titles here and there of some of my all time favorite romances. They're just like old friends. One particular author I grabbed for her was Julie Garwood. Traditionally, Julie Garwood has been an historical romance author writing the kinds of strong heroines that I love! In her older stories, the females leads were almost always paired with a big, strong man who thought he needed to control her and make all of her decisions for her. The story that followed was always one in which the female asserted that she could make her own decisions and maybe he could benefit from some of her decision making too!! It was all sass and fun and in the end they were madly in love and working together. A couple favorite titles of mine are The Gift and The Secret.
Now, the Julie Garwood of today writes a little differently. Following the trends in reading of the times, she now writes Mystery Romance titles. I have enjoyed many of these also, but my favorites remain her historical romance.
If you are currently in a reading slump, like I am, maybe trying something a little off the beaten path will cure you...Give Julie Garwood a try.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Book Trailer Monday...
As a parent, I see this book like a legacy I want to leave to my own children; passing down and sharing that incredible love of reading and stories, etc. What a tribute!! Can't wait to read it...
What do you think? What's your reading story and how does it evolve?
What do you think? What's your reading story and how does it evolve?
Friday, August 19, 2011
From Our Recipe Box to Yours...
So, my family and I went to a birthday party a week ago and tried this dip! Let me just say YUMMY!!! I thought I'd share it here with you since I am making it for my anniversary party tonight! Enjoy!
DON'T FORGET TO STOP IN AND WELCOME OUR NEW TEEN LIBRARIAN, EMILY!!
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DON'T FORGET TO STOP IN AND WELCOME OUR NEW TEEN LIBRARIAN, EMILY!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?
Welcome to the next edition of What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?! Today's edition is about one of our staff members, Janette Friesen, and her picks.
Janette and I visited a little about reading today; actually, we visit about reading every day; Janette loves to read and so do I. Anyway, today, I asked her if she'd always been such a voracious reader as she is today. She told me YES! In elementary, jr. high and high school, definitiely YES! It tapered off a little in college, but I think it must for everyone. She attributes her love of reading to her parents' reading to her every night. What else could it be from?, she asks, when her parents aren't the readers that she is.
Wanting to share her love of reading , Janette reads to her own children every night. And she tells me, that she herself, reads every night before she falls asleep. No day being quite complete without it.
Another tidbit about Janette, is that she keeps a list of every book that she reads and sets a reading goal every year. Her goal is always to read one more book in the new year than she read in the last year! Eventually, I think that means that she'll be doing nothing but reading!!! What a way to spend the year!!!
Now here are Janette's Picks....
· The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
· Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - J.K Rowling
· The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins
· Pull of the Moon - Elizabeth Berg
· The Wounded Spirit - Frank Peretti
· The Shell Seekers - Rosamunde Pilcher
· The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy - Maggie Stiefvater
Monday, August 15, 2011
Book Trailer Monday...
I was recommended this book over the weekend and decided to try it. Jen Lancaster is hilarious!! This trailer is her talking to you about her weight loss journey that she writes about in Such a Pretty Fat. If you are in the mood for something a little different, this might be something to try. Definitely worth the look..
From Our Recipe Box to Yours...I must just be late all the time!!!
Easy Pancake Muffins
Time 25 minutesServes 6Ingredients
2 cups pancake mix
1 egg, beaten
1 cup of water
3 Tbsp maple syrup
How to make it
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Whisk together pancake mix, water and egg until no lumps remain. Stir in maple syrup.Line muffin tins with paper liners.Fill each muffin cup about halfway up with mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees about 20-25 minutes or until done.
Makes 12 muffins.
Made these last week and the kids thought they were great! Needed more syrup and I think they'd be yummy with bacon, too!! Easy first week of school breakfast...
SCHOOL STARTS NEXT WEEK!!! Don't forget about the library and all of our resources as you head back to school...
Time 25 minutesServes 6Ingredients
2 cups pancake mix
1 egg, beaten
1 cup of water
3 Tbsp maple syrup
How to make it
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Whisk together pancake mix, water and egg until no lumps remain. Stir in maple syrup.Line muffin tins with paper liners.Fill each muffin cup about halfway up with mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees about 20-25 minutes or until done.
Makes 12 muffins.
Made these last week and the kids thought they were great! Needed more syrup and I think they'd be yummy with bacon, too!! Easy first week of school breakfast...
SCHOOL STARTS NEXT WEEK!!! Don't forget about the library and all of our resources as you head back to school...
Thursday, August 11, 2011
What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday? Late because of a technical difficulty, but still worth the read!
It's What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday Time Again!!! Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the idea of a favorite author. A fellow book devourer, co-worker and friend, asked me the other day who my favorite author was. I was stumped. I have several authors that I will tell people, "OOhh, she's my favorite!", but I am not sure if I have an all time favorite author.
What makes an author your favorite anyway? Is it someone who you like all of the books they've ever written; or perhaps you just really loved the one and it's your favorite book, so therefore your favorite author; or is your favorite author one you can read and reread their books? I guess, for me, a favorite author is one where I love at least most of the books they've written and I'd enjoy rereading my absolute favorites. That said, I don't think I have one all time favorite. I have a few authors that I'd reread. There are many that I really loved the books the first time, but don't really have a desire to read them a second or third time.
I have mentioned before that I tend to get into ruts in my reading. For example, right now, I am totally into reading paranormal romance. It's just what I'm interested in. One of my all time favorite authors happens to not be a paranormal romance author. I would still call her one of my favorites; I'm just not that interested in historical fiction right now. I would however reread her books and have reread them several times. Who is it you ask? Diana Gabaldon with the Outlander series is one of my all time favs. I would also classify Laurell K. Hamilton as one of my favs. I've reread her titles and loved them a second time, too.
Do you have a favorite author? How do they make it to your favorite list. Tell me. Maybe I can add another to mine...
Monday, August 8, 2011
Book Trailer Monday...
Here's a third in a series that really makes you want to read one and two just so you can read this one!!!
Friday, August 5, 2011
From Our Recipe Box to Yours....and a Job Opening!
Mom's Cucumber Salad
Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 15 Minutes
Servings: 8
"Cucumber slices are tossed with a cool, creamy vinegar and sugar dressing in this splendid summer salad."
Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons distilled white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill, and seasoned salt. Mix in the cucumber slices, tossing to coat.
We are still looking for an Assistant Librarian with a focus on Teens. Must have a 4 year degree and be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.
E-mail resume to:
bburrow@waverly.lib.ia.us
or
bring in to the library by August 10th.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes Ready In: 15 Minutes
Servings: 8
"Cucumber slices are tossed with a cool, creamy vinegar and sugar dressing in this splendid summer salad."
Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons distilled white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill, and seasoned salt. Mix in the cucumber slices, tossing to coat.
We are still looking for an Assistant Librarian with a focus on Teens. Must have a 4 year degree and be willing to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.
E-mail resume to:
bburrow@waverly.lib.ia.us
or
bring in to the library by August 10th.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?...
Welcome to Wednesday my reading friends! What have you got in your bag this week? I've just finished reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer. Awesome, awesome book I tell you! I am proof that you shouldn't turn your nose up at something and think you won't like it until you've tried it!! Loved the story! It ended up being more about human character and love in the truest sense than about aliens, anyway. Definitiely one you should put on your To Read list.
Speaking of a To Read list...I get suggestions of books to read in the oddest places. Maybe it's because I am a librarian. Maybe it's because I love to read. Then again, maybe it's because I like to talk to people. At any rate, while I was waiting for my kids during their swimming lessons, I got to talking to a high school gal that was waiting with her younger brothers. Turns out, she loves fantasy and vampires and werewolves, too!! We chatted a little bit about what we were reading and some things we'd already read and loved. Pretty soon, I had a list of new young adult fantasy titles, I should try. Turns out, I just got a new cell phone and it has the capability of creating a memo and storing it, so I added the titles and saved them right there to my phone. Isn't technology amazing?
In case you were wondering, the titles were The Need series by Carrie Jones: Need, Captivate and Entice; Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare:City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, and City of Fallen Angels.
I do have Need by Carrie Jones checked out right now, but we just got the final in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater, Forever, and I've been dying to read it, so that will be my first read. It's another fantasy, this one about, you guessed it, werewolves. Great series you should also add to your To Read lists. You gotta keep a list so you are never without something to read. Being without something to read is just the worst feeling. Don't you think?
Speaking of a To Read list...I get suggestions of books to read in the oddest places. Maybe it's because I am a librarian. Maybe it's because I love to read. Then again, maybe it's because I like to talk to people. At any rate, while I was waiting for my kids during their swimming lessons, I got to talking to a high school gal that was waiting with her younger brothers. Turns out, she loves fantasy and vampires and werewolves, too!! We chatted a little bit about what we were reading and some things we'd already read and loved. Pretty soon, I had a list of new young adult fantasy titles, I should try. Turns out, I just got a new cell phone and it has the capability of creating a memo and storing it, so I added the titles and saved them right there to my phone. Isn't technology amazing?
In case you were wondering, the titles were The Need series by Carrie Jones: Need, Captivate and Entice; Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare:City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, and City of Fallen Angels.
I do have Need by Carrie Jones checked out right now, but we just got the final in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater, Forever, and I've been dying to read it, so that will be my first read. It's another fantasy, this one about, you guessed it, werewolves. Great series you should also add to your To Read lists. You gotta keep a list so you are never without something to read. Being without something to read is just the worst feeling. Don't you think?
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