First-ever Library Lego League Event: Happening Today!

Thu, 07/05/2007 - 12:53am by eli

After AADL staff had fun last week with our Library Lego League dry run, today is the first ever public Library Lego League event, and we are full with 6 teams registered! While the challenge I set for the staff was way too tricky, I've got something much more achievable in mind for our first group of Lego Engineers, and it should be great fun for everyone. Check back here after the event for full details about the first challenge, the winning team, and openings for other upcoming Lego League events at AADL!

Harry Potter Read-A-Likes

Tue, 07/03/2007 - 4:18pm by Brad B.

So, here are some books (many the beginning of series) that should appeal to Harry Potter fans... Yes, the list could go on and on...but hopefully this will be enough to tide you over till the new book comes out.
Chronicles of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones
So You Want To Be a Wizard by Daine Duane
Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo.
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Merchant of Death (Pendragon) by D. J.MacHale
Hounds of the Morrigan by Pat O'Shea
Sandry's Book (Circle of Magic) by tamora Pierce
Pure Dead Magic by Degi Gliori
The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey
Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
Over Sea, Under Stone (Dark is Rising) by Susan Cooper
Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
Sabriel by Garth Nix
Five Children and It by E. Nesbit
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Movin' Storytime

Mon, 07/02/2007 - 4:03pm by StoryLaura

Bounce with dog and dance with dinosaurs and silly bears in this week's storytimes at the Downtown and Pittsfield libraries.

This is New York by M. Lasek

Fri, 06/29/2007 - 2:57pm by Tahira

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Every page of this book has an exciting fact about the greatest city in the world, New York City, (I'm not just saying this because I am a native New Yorker). This book was first published in 1960 but has been updated. From the biggest things in New York to the smallest, this book has all the fun and flavor of the city.

Kid Bits - A Taste Of Culture

Wed, 06/27/2007 - 12:17pm by ryanikoglu

There is a NEW series of books that are all about food within cultures of the world. With colorful photos, and plenty of information you can find out about the kinds of foods eaten, preparation, and what foods symbolize within cultures. A few titles in "The Taste Of Culture" series are Foods Of Mexico ... think chocolate and guacamole! Foods of Vietnam ... think mooncakes and pho and chicken during Tet. Foods Of Iran ... think lamb kebabs and "promise soup" known as ask (awsh). Foods Of Russia ... think beef stroganoff and Ukrainian Easter eggs. Yumm!

Kid Bits - Lick Quick !

Wed, 06/27/2007 - 11:45am by ryanikoglu

"Poetry Shmoetry"? These titles are NEW and dandy! Gwendolyn Brooks created a collection of poems that celebrate childhood in the Bronzeville section of Chicago. They are completely NEW again with illustrations by Faith Ringgold in Bronzeville Boys And Girls. There is a treasure collection of small gems in Here's A Little Poem. These are short poems for young children with colorful full-page illustrations by Polly Dunbar. One favorite is "August Ice Cream Cone" .....Lick Quick! =)

New French Children's Books

Tue, 06/26/2007 - 5:06pm by Tara LS

There will soon be new French children's books at all branches. Some of the new titles are:
Charlie et la chocolaterie by Roald Dahl
L'enorme crocodile by Roald Dahl
Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson
La chenille qui fait des trous by Eric Carle
Chair de poule/Goosebumps 24 "L'horloge maudite" by R.L. Stine
La Cabane Magique/Magic Tree House 7 "Le voyage sur la lune" by Mary Pope Osbourne

Check them out! If you have any suggestions for French or any other foreign language books, please e-mail stantont@aadl.org

Amazing Egghead

Tue, 06/26/2007 - 2:28pm by StoryLaura

Are you in for a wacky ride with strange juggling, bad disco moves and vaudeville-style costumes? Join us this Thursday at the Downtown Library at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm for the Amazing Egghead!

KidBits - Peter Pan

Mon, 06/25/2007 - 2:45pm by ryanikoglu

There is only one sequel to Peter Pan that has ever been granted. It is a current award winner titled Peter Pan In Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean. You can visit Geraldine McCaughrean's web site and FIGURE OUT why she was chosen. It is a wonderful family "read together" for elementary school ages, or a fun "read alone" for kids who like longer chapter books and fantasy. The library owns the recorded version which is great for road trips!

Harry Potter

Mon, 06/25/2007 - 1:54pm by Brad B.

Do I really need to say anything more to get your attention? Is the excitement for the new book bubbling over in your brain until you can't think straight? Have you listened to the audio version of HBP (Half Blood Prince) 24 times; have you meticulously plotted out how Luna Lovegood is really Voldemort in disguise; are you lining up a date to get a lightening bolt tattooed on your forehead? Well, if the wait till July 21 is making you a little crazy, here are a few books about Harry Potter to tide you over until then!

The Great Snape Debate
Discovering the Real World of Harry Potter (DVD)
Harry Potter and Philosophy
The Science of Harry Potter
Barry Trotter and the Unauthorized Parody
The Unauthorized Harry Potter
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter
Fact, Fiction, and Folklore in Harry Potter's World
The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter
A Charmed Life : the spirituality of Potterworld
The Sorcerer's Companion : a guide to the magical world of Harry Potter
Triumph of the Imagination : the story of writer J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling Biography
Conversations with J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling : the wizard behind Harry Potter
God, the Devil, and Harry Potter:A Christian minister's defense of the beloved novels
We love Harry Potter! : we'll tell you why

(Also teens don't forget about Harry Potter Trivia Night July 16, and of course Harry and the Potters July 31!)