Blog Post
The Best Dog in Vietnam
by StoryLaura
This is a war story so I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read it. This is a dog story so I am happy that I read it. Newbery award-winning author Cynthia Kadohata researched unusual soldiers in the Vietnam War, dogs who were the first in line on the battlefield, sniffing out booby traps and mines, and saving thousands of soldier’s lives. The point of view in the story hops from Cracker, the German Shepherd, to Willie her first beloved owner, to Rick, the teenage soldier who becomes her handler, and grows to trust her better than anyone. Readers who like constant action and realistic portrayals of war will dive into this one.
Blog Post
Pet & Wildlife Photo Contest - WINNERS!
by erin
Our first annual Pet & Wildlife Photo Contest was a huge success! Over 40 entries were received and winners were chosen in 4 categories: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12. Visit the Downtown Youth Department anytime during the month of March to see ALL of the entries. This evening, March 12, was the award ceremony and every winner in each category was in attendance. First place got a $25 gift certificate to Borders and Honorable Mention got a a $10 gift certificate for Borders. Without further ado the winners are…
Blog Post
What do Piglet and Captain Underpants have in common?
by StoryLaura
They are sharing the March is Reading Month celebration in the glass display case at the Downtown Library's Youth Department. Take a peek at The Velveteen Rabbit, Madeline and other favorite characters.
Blog Post
Pet & Wildlife Photo Contest Deadline!
by erin
Time is running out to submit your photo of a pet or wild animal! Drop your entry off by 9:00 PM this Thursday, March 8 - at the Downtown Library Youth Department Desk. Winners in 4 categories (Grades K-2; Grades 3-5; Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12) will be awarded gift certificates to Borders at the Awards Ceremony on Monday, March 12, 7:00-8:00 PM at the Downtown Library Youth Department. Contest Guidelines after the break
Blog Post
Little Folk Mania Continues
by StoryLaura
We have so many fairy fans coming into the Downtown Library to visit the tiny tricky ones who have moved into the fairytale section. When we see a book filled with fairy magic we just have to tell you about it. Barb Bentler Ullman’s story The Fairies of Nutfolk Wood, is about broken hearted Willa Jane who discovers a world of little people in the forest. Her brand new big and little friends bring adventure, fun and healing into her life.
Blog Post
Pet & Wildlife Photo Contest - enter starting Monday, Feb. 5!
by erin
Beginning Monday, February 5 the Downtown Youth Department will start taking submissions for the "Pet & Wildlife Photo Contest." Students in grades K-12 are eligible for the contest. Here are the details: Limit of 2 entries per person. Each photo must have your name, phone # and either your pet's name or a photo title on the back of the photo and be accompanied by a signed entry form (available at the time of photo drop-off). Photos may be black & white or color, must be no larger than 5x7" and must be glossy prints only. Photos will be judged based on subject, originality and creativity. One winner and one honorable mention will be named in each of 4 categories: Grades K-2; 3-5; 6-8 and 9-12. Entries may be dropped off at the Downtown Youth Department Reference Desk during library hours beginning Monday, February 5 at 10:00 AM through Thursday, March 8 by 9:00 PM. Every photo entered will be displayed in the Downtown Youth Department during the month of March., beginning Friday, March 9. Photos will be returned to participants and can be picked up anytime during the first week of April.
Blog Post
Happiness In! Demon Out!
by StoryLaura
We will be tossing beans to keep those demons away and celebrate Setsubun, at our Japanese Family Cultural Celebration this Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Downtown Library. We will begin the festivities with a story and a demon mask craft upstairs, then parade downstairs for music with Miyabi and pocky treats. Families with children of all ages are invited to attend and while you are here, check out Japanese Children’s Favorite Stories and other folktale collections.
Blog Post
On The Night You Were Born
by Brad B.
On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
Beautiful illustrations. Lovely text. No wonder this book is given a lot at baby showers as a gift for the newborn. What people might not know however is that this is not just a book for the very young... Try reading it aloud to anyone you want to give an instant ego boost to. Really, you can't help but feel good after hearing this book, like everything is right with the world, like your life has purpose. It's like someone naming a building after you or making you your favorite desert for no reason. It's that nice.
Blog Post
There's Nothing Like the Art from our Youth
by StoryLaura
If the Downtown Library seems like a cozier place to be during this icy month, it may be due to the warm colors and shapes emanating from the paintings by young artists on the lower level and third floor of the building. Now the glass case in the Youth Department is filled with colorful ceramic, woodwork and other hand work created by the 1st through 12th grade students from the Rudolf Steiner School. We look forward to this exhibit each year! For books to inspire youthful creators, try A Rainbow at Night, My Wish for Tomorrow and Children of the World Paint Jerusalem.
Blog Post
The kind your grandparents read
by StoryLaura
Hunker down with a cozy read this winter, like The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit or My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Gannett. You’ll be surprised and delighted to see that some of those old fashioned reads are still wonderful, proving that a great story really does last forever. Try Half Magic by Edward Eager or Freddy and the Space Ship by Walter Brooks. Your friendly librarian can offer lists and dig up more treasures any time.