by Abigail Hardison Rowan Public Library
Once a year, the American Library Association and libraries across the country make a concerted effort to encourage everyone to visit their local libraries and get a card. The benefits and joys of a library card are innumerable:
Access to freely enjoy the latest bestselling book all your friends are talking about? Awesome!
How about those free online classes in PowerPoint that could get you the skills to impress your boss and get a raise? Amazing!
The possibility of bringing multiple generations of a family into one place and everybody finding something they are interested in? Unbelievable!
September is Library Card Sign-Up time month, a time that Rowan Public Library celebrates all the libraries have to offer, and the library celebrates its patrons, who make it all worthwhile. This year we are celebrating the hero in all of us!
RPL is providing entertainment for all ages at each branch (Headquarters in Salisbury, East Branch in Rockwell, and South Rowan Regional in China Grove) showcasing Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and more! Our “super” month will culminate Saturday, Sept. 30, at Headquarters, where we will show a double feature of “Batman vs. Superman” and the newly released “Wonder Woman.” We will also host a superhero costume contest that day: Homemade, store-bought, little kids, big kids, and adults who are kids at heart, capes, no capes, DC, Marvel – we want to see you get super!
Library Card Sign-Up month also features a contest to win a Kindle Fire. RPL, in conjunction with the Friends of Rowan Pubic Library, will be given out ten – that’s right, ten – Kindle Fire tablets. At each of our three branches, we will hold separate drawings for new adult library card holders, new teen library card holders, and existing patrons in good standing. We will also award a Kindle Fire to an Outreach patron. Each winner receives a free session with a librarian to set up the Kindle to access RPL’s digital resources. To enter, all you have to do is check out an item sometime during the month of September. That’s it!
For more information about RPL’s Library Card Sign-Up month celebrations, visit www.RowanPublicLibrary.org.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Sunday, August 06, 2017
Voracious Reader from an Early Age
by Marissa Creamer Rowan Public Library
I have been a
voracious reader from an early age, devouring picture books, the Nancy Drew
series, horse stories, “Ranger Rick” magazine—pretty much anything I could get
my hands on. I’m not sure why I developed this passion for reading, as my
parents weren’t really readers. But they did read to my sister and me, and my
father told the most wonderful bedtime stories. Unfortunately, since he made
them up as he went along, he couldn’t remember them later, so, disappointingly,
we never did get a repeat performance of the hilarious tale of “The Warts on
the Warthog. “
Even before I could
read, I loved books, and I couldn’t wait to start school so that I could
finally learn to read them on my own. I was expecting that I would learn this amazing
secret on the very first day, and was very disappointed to discover that it
would take more time.
I can’t imagine how
many books I have read over the years; it never occurred to me to keep a list
of them anymore than I would keep a tally of breaths. But fifteen years ago I decided
to start a reading log. I find it useful in helping me remember titles and authors
that I have especially enjoyed, and where I am in a particular series. It’s
also encouraging to see that each year I read more and more books, and reviewing
the titles in the log is like visiting with old friends. I only wish that I had
started it earlier in life.
One of my favorite
recent entries is The Extraordinary
Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe by Romain
Puertolas. This farcical tale follows
the adventures of a professional con artist from India who travels to Paris in
order to buy the latest top-of-the-line bed of nails from Ikea. Things go very
wrong, however, when Ajatashatru is accidently trapped in a wardrobe and
shipped to Britain. On the bright side, this should keep him out of the
clutches of the Parisian taxi driver who has pledged to kill him. (Or will it?)
This begins a madcap adventure across Europe and North Africa. As Ajatashatru
begins to move in a world of refugees and illegal immigrants, the shallow fakir
learns from the lives of others, and his own life is changed by the experience.
Written by a former French border guard,
this comedic novel has become an international best-seller.
Another recent entry
in my reading log is the story of a detective with an unusual sidekick: a baby elephant. The first in the Baby Ganesh Agency
Investigation series by Vaseem Khan is The
Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra. This book introduces Ashwin Chopra, who, on the eve of his
retirement from the Mumbai police, finds that his late uncle has bequeathed to
him a dispirited baby elephant. In
addition, his final case, a suspicious death no one seems to want solved,
continues to trouble him. Concerned that the case will not be adequately
investigated in his absence, he decides to take on the case as a civilian.
Chopra is an honorable detective, his wife Poppy is delightfully strong-willed,
and once he perks up, baby Ganesh turns out to be a very useful partner. Readers of Alexander McCall Smith should enjoy
this series, which continues with The
Perplexing Theft of the Jewel in the Crown, followed by the recent release,
The Strange Disappearance of a Bollywood
Star.
Come to Rowan Public
Library for these books and other titles to add to your own reading log.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
How do you teach a child to read for the pure enjoyment of reading?
by Pam Everhardt Bloom Rowan Public Library
How do you teach a child to read for
the pure enjoyment of reading? Research abounds and Rowan Public Library
definitely provides books and articles addressing this question. That said; don’t overlook the power of
conversation and observation during your next visit to your local library.
Whether chatting with staff or fellow patrons for suggestions, anecdotal evidence is plentiful
and willingly shared. A random sampling of library staff, adults who tend to be
active adult readers, invoked many common threads. Their answers to, “Did you read as a child?” were
revealing and may be helpful when encouraging a love of reading.
Of those who did not enjoy reading as
a child, being outside and playing often took preference over books. Upon
further reflection, some mentioned that there weren’t books at home, that they
weren’t taken to a library, or that reading was just hard and not fun. When
asked what changed them into readers, it was often discovering and reading a
book they picked out on their own. For some it happened as early as 3rd
grade, for others it came with the freedom to make their own choices outside of
school as adult readers.
That brings us to a common thread among
staff - the ability to choose a book to delight and enjoy based on no needs
other than personal ones, no matter the age. Interestingly, many of those who
were voracious readers as children grew up in houses with many books to choose
from, had family subscriptions to book clubs/magazines/newspapers that arrived
regularly or visited a library frequently. Choice was easily available.
Award winning author Kwame Alexander
(Newbery Medal, The Crossover) has a philosophy about the need for children to
select the books they want to read. In a recent National Public Radio Here and Now podcast, June 28, 1917,
Alexander stated, “Books are like amusement parks, and sometimes you’ve got to
let kids choose the rides.” Saying that,
he also addressed the need to guide children, “You want kids to get excited and
engage with books? Give them a book that they want to read. Give them a book
that they think is going to be awesome. Allow the literature to be a bridge to
get them to appreciate all the books that you want. But it has to start with
their imagination, their excitement…”
Those of us at Rowan Public Library often see
that match between readers and books happen. Some recent book selections for
older juveniles that are also enjoyable for adult reading include: Armstrong and Charlie by Steven Frank,
The
Ethan I was Before by Ali Standish, As Brave as You by Jason
Reynolds, Things Too Huge to Fix by Saying Sorry by Susan Vaught, The
Secret Life of Lincoln Jones by Wendelin Van Draanen, and A
Month of Mondays by Joelle Anthony. Two new mysteries, The
Devlin Quick Mysteries - Into the Lion’s Den by Linda
Fairstein and Walls within Walls by Maureen Sherry, may make your heart beat
a bit faster; always a good recipe for a book.
Visit Rowan Public Library and experience the magic of choice for the
child in your life and the kid in you. This gift of time to browse and select
personal favorites may become the jumpstart to a lifelong love of reading.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Forgotten Wisdom
by Paul Birkhead Rowan Public Library
Do you know how to sew a button on a shirt? Can you zest a lemon or fold a fitted sheet? Are you willing and able to step up and change a flat tire for a stranger? For some, these are skills that they’ve possessed since growing up. For others, they’ve never been taught basic resourcefulness that will help them in their everyday lives. Fortunately, Rowan Public Library has material that can impart some of this forgotten wisdom on those of us who need it.
If you are of a certain age, you may remember taking ‘Home Ec’ or metal/wood shop classes in high school. Regrettably, these classes were defunded over the past few decades once technology took hold. While some viewed them as too costly or ‘old-fashioned’, these classes did manage to instill a lot of wisdom in our society that we now realize we no longer possess. The Useful Book: 201 Life Skills They Used to Teach in Home Ec and Shop by Sharon and David Bowers is a good manual for picking up some neglected knowledge. There are sections in the book on how to tackle cooking, sewing, domestic arts, life skills, as well as plumbing and electrical repair. I found the pages that showed how to rewire a lamp interesting because I have discarded a few over the years that I’m now sure could have been saved quite easily.
In the past, teaching handiness and know-how not only was the responsibility of public schools, it was a family affair as well. Two books that the library has on its shelves describe the many skills that were passed down from one generation to the next. How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew by Erin Bried shares over one hundred how-to tips. These include how to break in a baseball mitt, bait a hook, and tie a perfect tie. Of course, grandma knew a lot of things as well and these are detailed in Bried’s other book, How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew. Reading how to make your own jam, roll out a piecrust, and clean without harsh chemicals might just make you nostalgic for days of yore.
Speaking of nostalgia, The Foxfire Book of Simple Living: Celebrating Fifty Years of Listenin', Laughin', and Learnin' has just recently been published. I’m sure many have heard of the Foxfire series, but for those who have not, Foxfire is an organization that preserves and promotes the Appalachian way of living. Volumes have been published over the years that share mountain anecdotes and history and teach skills such as basket weaving and soap making. If you enjoy learning about folk tales and folk art, then this book is for you.
Another book series has an anniversary this year. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is celebrating 225 years with the publication of its 2017 edition. Inside the book, you’ll find a lot of interesting things including long-term weather forecasts. The accuracy of those forecasts is debatable, but some farmers swear by them and plant their crops accordingly. What might be more helpful and enjoyable to others are the short articles throughout the book that dispense humor, historical tidbits and practical wisdom.
Whether you’re 9 or 99, it’s never too early or too late to learn things; especially skills that will assist you in day to day living. Rowan Public Library is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and is proud to offer you tools to help you gain wisdom.
Do you know how to sew a button on a shirt? Can you zest a lemon or fold a fitted sheet? Are you willing and able to step up and change a flat tire for a stranger? For some, these are skills that they’ve possessed since growing up. For others, they’ve never been taught basic resourcefulness that will help them in their everyday lives. Fortunately, Rowan Public Library has material that can impart some of this forgotten wisdom on those of us who need it.
If you are of a certain age, you may remember taking ‘Home Ec’ or metal/wood shop classes in high school. Regrettably, these classes were defunded over the past few decades once technology took hold. While some viewed them as too costly or ‘old-fashioned’, these classes did manage to instill a lot of wisdom in our society that we now realize we no longer possess. The Useful Book: 201 Life Skills They Used to Teach in Home Ec and Shop by Sharon and David Bowers is a good manual for picking up some neglected knowledge. There are sections in the book on how to tackle cooking, sewing, domestic arts, life skills, as well as plumbing and electrical repair. I found the pages that showed how to rewire a lamp interesting because I have discarded a few over the years that I’m now sure could have been saved quite easily.
In the past, teaching handiness and know-how not only was the responsibility of public schools, it was a family affair as well. Two books that the library has on its shelves describe the many skills that were passed down from one generation to the next. How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew by Erin Bried shares over one hundred how-to tips. These include how to break in a baseball mitt, bait a hook, and tie a perfect tie. Of course, grandma knew a lot of things as well and these are detailed in Bried’s other book, How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew. Reading how to make your own jam, roll out a piecrust, and clean without harsh chemicals might just make you nostalgic for days of yore.
Speaking of nostalgia, The Foxfire Book of Simple Living: Celebrating Fifty Years of Listenin', Laughin', and Learnin' has just recently been published. I’m sure many have heard of the Foxfire series, but for those who have not, Foxfire is an organization that preserves and promotes the Appalachian way of living. Volumes have been published over the years that share mountain anecdotes and history and teach skills such as basket weaving and soap making. If you enjoy learning about folk tales and folk art, then this book is for you.
Another book series has an anniversary this year. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is celebrating 225 years with the publication of its 2017 edition. Inside the book, you’ll find a lot of interesting things including long-term weather forecasts. The accuracy of those forecasts is debatable, but some farmers swear by them and plant their crops accordingly. What might be more helpful and enjoyable to others are the short articles throughout the book that dispense humor, historical tidbits and practical wisdom.
Whether you’re 9 or 99, it’s never too early or too late to learn things; especially skills that will assist you in day to day living. Rowan Public Library is a strong advocate of lifelong learning and is proud to offer you tools to help you gain wisdom.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Discovering Gems
by Gretchen Beilfuss Witt
Genealogical research often consists of looking at many types of records: marriage, land, court, will and probate. While searching records in the History Room can yield ample information about a family’s vital statistics, sometimes a story or two helps fill in the gaps and gives a greater understanding and more in-depth picture of the family history. Newspaper articles are a great resource for finding those stories and RPL has just the place to start. Recently, “Newspapers.com North Carolina Collection” was added to the databases available for genealogical and general research. This collection includes portions of the Salisbury Evening Post and The Carolina Watchman as well as newspapers from nearby towns like Mocksville, Mooresville, Lexington, Cooleemee, and Statesville and across the entire state.
The database can be accessed from several points. From the library’s main webpage select History and Genealogy, once on the History Room page look to the right hand side where the Online Genealogy Resources are listed, scroll to the bottom of the list and select “Historic North Carolina Digital Newspaper Collection.” This link goes through NCLIVE directly to the Newspaper.com collection. Alternately, selecting NCLIVE through the ebranch link and then choosing “Genealogy and Historical Maps” or “Journals” will also provide access to the newspaper collection.
Once in the collection, searching can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Selecting the “Search” tab pulls up a search box where specific terms can be entered. The results can often be quite broad; a search can then be narrowed by changing the date parameters or choosing specific titles. Opting for the “Browse” tab yields a list of North Carolina cities and then a listing of titles. “Clippings” tab provides a location in which searches and articles can be saved to an account and accessed later. This account is free to set up and is associated with an email address. Selecting the “papers by location” link will pull up a map showing the cities and towns in North Carolina that have newspapers in the collection. A “location pin” marking each city will also indicate the number of newspapers available. Clicking on the pin will give a list of the newspapers as well. Make the selections and begin to search.
Choosing “The Spencer Crescent” and then searching on “fire company” yielded a plethora of articles concerning the fire department of Spencer and firemen working for the Southern Railroad, including an article August 19, 1909 in which a large meeting was held to approve the purchase of a horse driven hose truck for the Spencer fire department. Selecting just a specific name in the search box, Leonard Lee Readling, produced 111 options, one of which was an article in the “Yadkin Valley Herald” in September of 1917 presenting a list of men exempted from the army. Once an article is found, it can be printed, emailed, clipped and saved, or shared to Ancestry. Choosing the print icon allows printing of the entire page or just a portion of the page; items can also be saved as JPGs or PDFs. The envelope icon indicates the article can be downloaded, shared via Facebook, Twitter, embedded or just emailed. The website also offers some short tutorials on how to best utilize the site. As with all databases provided through NCLIVE, the database can be accessed from home with a library card and pin number or at one of the library branches. Dive in and explore the historic newspapers of North Carolina and find those stories.
Genealogical research often consists of looking at many types of records: marriage, land, court, will and probate. While searching records in the History Room can yield ample information about a family’s vital statistics, sometimes a story or two helps fill in the gaps and gives a greater understanding and more in-depth picture of the family history. Newspaper articles are a great resource for finding those stories and RPL has just the place to start. Recently, “Newspapers.com North Carolina Collection” was added to the databases available for genealogical and general research. This collection includes portions of the Salisbury Evening Post and The Carolina Watchman as well as newspapers from nearby towns like Mocksville, Mooresville, Lexington, Cooleemee, and Statesville and across the entire state.
The database can be accessed from several points. From the library’s main webpage select History and Genealogy, once on the History Room page look to the right hand side where the Online Genealogy Resources are listed, scroll to the bottom of the list and select “Historic North Carolina Digital Newspaper Collection.” This link goes through NCLIVE directly to the Newspaper.com collection. Alternately, selecting NCLIVE through the ebranch link and then choosing “Genealogy and Historical Maps” or “Journals” will also provide access to the newspaper collection.
Once in the collection, searching can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Selecting the “Search” tab pulls up a search box where specific terms can be entered. The results can often be quite broad; a search can then be narrowed by changing the date parameters or choosing specific titles. Opting for the “Browse” tab yields a list of North Carolina cities and then a listing of titles. “Clippings” tab provides a location in which searches and articles can be saved to an account and accessed later. This account is free to set up and is associated with an email address. Selecting the “papers by location” link will pull up a map showing the cities and towns in North Carolina that have newspapers in the collection. A “location pin” marking each city will also indicate the number of newspapers available. Clicking on the pin will give a list of the newspapers as well. Make the selections and begin to search.
Choosing “The Spencer Crescent” and then searching on “fire company” yielded a plethora of articles concerning the fire department of Spencer and firemen working for the Southern Railroad, including an article August 19, 1909 in which a large meeting was held to approve the purchase of a horse driven hose truck for the Spencer fire department. Selecting just a specific name in the search box, Leonard Lee Readling, produced 111 options, one of which was an article in the “Yadkin Valley Herald” in September of 1917 presenting a list of men exempted from the army. Once an article is found, it can be printed, emailed, clipped and saved, or shared to Ancestry. Choosing the print icon allows printing of the entire page or just a portion of the page; items can also be saved as JPGs or PDFs. The envelope icon indicates the article can be downloaded, shared via Facebook, Twitter, embedded or just emailed. The website also offers some short tutorials on how to best utilize the site. As with all databases provided through NCLIVE, the database can be accessed from home with a library card and pin number or at one of the library branches. Dive in and explore the historic newspapers of North Carolina and find those stories.
Sunday, July 09, 2017
Make it at a Makerspace!
by Amanda Bosch Rowan Public Library
Makerspaces.com defines a makerspace as “a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, cnc machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines. A makerspace however doesn’t need to include all of these machines or even any of them to be considered a makerspace. If you have cardboard, legos and art supplies you’re in business. It’s more of the maker mindset of creating something out of nothing and exploring your own interests that’s at the core of a makerspace.”
Makerspaces are becoming popular in libraries and schools across the state, and here in Rowan County. The Rowan Public Library has a new makerspace, the COOP (CoOperative Lab) that includes a 3D printer as well as other tech tools patrons can use to create and make their own projects. While there is a cost to print items on the 3D printer, patrons can begin learning how to design and customize their own 3D items with free online resources. Thingiverse (www.thingiverse.com) is a good place to start. You can create a free account and search for any items that might be of interest. While some items have files you have to purchase before you can download and print them, many free resources are also available. A search for Wonder Woman brought back 52 items ranging from Wonder Woman bracelets, tiaras and even a 3D print of Wonder Woman herself!
Rowan Public Library also has books that can also help you get started with 3D printing. If you are searching for educational projects, you may want to check out 3D Printed Science Projects by Joan Horvath (507 HOR). If you would like to learn to create your own inventions and discover how 3D printers work, then take a look at Terence O’Neill’s 3D Printing (J 681 ONE). While it is written for juveniles, it is a great resource for those beginning to use makerspaces and 3D printers. As you advance your 3D skills, another great resource is Make: 3D Printing Projects by Brook Drumm (621.9 DRU). In this book, you can access “illustrated instructions for assembling a variety of 3D printing projects, including a modular lamp, a battery-operated screwdriver, and a bubble-blowing robot.”
For those who prefer to create and design practical items, a wonderful resource is The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D printing: designing and printing practical objects by Clifford T. Smyth (621 SMY). This book teaches readers to design and print items that won’t break when they are needed, print replacement parts, make things fit and get the most from the printer.
Makerspaces are not limited to being housed in a library or school and there is a maker movement to engage makers of all ages in Makerfaires that are held across the country. Make magazine has an online website that lists upcoming makerfaires across the country at www.makezine.com and they have launched an online community for makers at makerspace.com where you can sign up for an account and collaborate with other makers from across the world. If you are looking for makers closer to home, Makerspace Charlotte schedules meetups in the Charlotte area with those interested who want to “Make. Learn. Share.” at https://www.meetup.com/Makerspace-Charlotte/
Come check out the COOP at Rowan Public Library to begin you Makerspace journey. You never know where it will lead!
Makerspaces.com defines a makerspace as “a collaborative work space inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, cnc machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines. A makerspace however doesn’t need to include all of these machines or even any of them to be considered a makerspace. If you have cardboard, legos and art supplies you’re in business. It’s more of the maker mindset of creating something out of nothing and exploring your own interests that’s at the core of a makerspace.”
Makerspaces are becoming popular in libraries and schools across the state, and here in Rowan County. The Rowan Public Library has a new makerspace, the COOP (CoOperative Lab) that includes a 3D printer as well as other tech tools patrons can use to create and make their own projects. While there is a cost to print items on the 3D printer, patrons can begin learning how to design and customize their own 3D items with free online resources. Thingiverse (www.thingiverse.com) is a good place to start. You can create a free account and search for any items that might be of interest. While some items have files you have to purchase before you can download and print them, many free resources are also available. A search for Wonder Woman brought back 52 items ranging from Wonder Woman bracelets, tiaras and even a 3D print of Wonder Woman herself!
Rowan Public Library also has books that can also help you get started with 3D printing. If you are searching for educational projects, you may want to check out 3D Printed Science Projects by Joan Horvath (507 HOR). If you would like to learn to create your own inventions and discover how 3D printers work, then take a look at Terence O’Neill’s 3D Printing (J 681 ONE). While it is written for juveniles, it is a great resource for those beginning to use makerspaces and 3D printers. As you advance your 3D skills, another great resource is Make: 3D Printing Projects by Brook Drumm (621.9 DRU). In this book, you can access “illustrated instructions for assembling a variety of 3D printing projects, including a modular lamp, a battery-operated screwdriver, and a bubble-blowing robot.”
For those who prefer to create and design practical items, a wonderful resource is The Zombie Apocalypse Guide to 3D printing: designing and printing practical objects by Clifford T. Smyth (621 SMY). This book teaches readers to design and print items that won’t break when they are needed, print replacement parts, make things fit and get the most from the printer.
Makerspaces are not limited to being housed in a library or school and there is a maker movement to engage makers of all ages in Makerfaires that are held across the country. Make magazine has an online website that lists upcoming makerfaires across the country at www.makezine.com and they have launched an online community for makers at makerspace.com where you can sign up for an account and collaborate with other makers from across the world. If you are looking for makers closer to home, Makerspace Charlotte schedules meetups in the Charlotte area with those interested who want to “Make. Learn. Share.” at https://www.meetup.com/Makerspace-Charlotte/
Come check out the COOP at Rowan Public Library to begin you Makerspace journey. You never know where it will lead!
Sunday, July 02, 2017
Wonder Women of History
By Laurie Robb Rowan Public Library
What do Wonder Woman, women’s suffrage, Margaret Sanger, and the lie detector all have in common? The answer is Wonder Woman’s creator, Dr. William Mouton Marston.
Marston, the topic of The Secret History of Wonder Woman, gets a thorough examination by Harvard historian Jill Lepore. In it, Lepore explores how feminism and women’s suffrage influenced Marston’s life from his early days, to his years of psychological studies that lead to the lie detector test, to his ideas that became Wonder Woman. A well-written book with lots of photographs, quotes, and comic book frames, Lepore presents facts from hundreds of sources to give a complete picture of all of the elements that contributed to the iconic superhero.
Throughout his life, Marston had a penchant for controversy. While trying to prove the lie detector test was legitimate, he was arrested for fraud. He couldn’t keep a job teaching psychology. With Wonder Woman he found success yet still sparked ire with many people who objected to her (lack of) clothing. Others found the often-used portrayal or plot line of evil villains placing Wonder Woman in bondage disturbing (Marston insisted the chains were symbols of suffrage – Wonder Woman always broke out of the chains); however, the most controversial aspect of Marston’s life was his nontraditional living arrangements, which were hidden from the public during his lifetime. Marston lived with his wife Elizabeth Holloway Marston, and Olive Byrne, who was the niece of birth control pioneer Margaret Sanger.
Lepore also describes the cultural elements behind the hero that Marston felt the world needed in the early 1940s. With women gaining the right to vote and outspoken women’s rights leaders taking the podium, Marston wanted a different kind of hero, one that would be “a standard among children and young people of strong, free, courageous womanhood”. He was able to create the first female superhero with her own comic book that embodied strength, intelligence, and independence, and who forced honesty from her enemies with her Lasso of Truth (inspired by Marston’s own lie detector test). An additional goal was to educate his readers about important women through a “Wonder Women of History” section. Some of the women featured were Sojourner Truth, Clara Barton, Dorothea Dix, and Joan of Arc.
So, in the spirit of Wonder Woman and Marston who declared that “The only hope for civilization is the greater freedom, development and equality of women,” learn about those who fought for women’s rights. Titles at the Rowan Public Library include:
• Not for Ourselves Alone: the Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony by Geoffrey C. Ward
• Notorious RBG : the Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon
• The Firebrand and the First Lady : Portrait of a Friendship : Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice by Patricia Bell-Scott
• The Feminist Revolution : a Story of the Three Most Inspiring and Empowering Women in American History by Jules Archer, found in the juvenile book section
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Teen Summer Reading
by Hope Loman Rowan Public Library
If
you have noticed any of the promotional materials that the Rowan Public Library
has circulated recently, you might know that our summer reading program is
already in full swing and set to run through August. I have to admit that I like the theme this year,
“Build a better world,” because of the various ways it can be interpreted,
something which I and the other librarians explored as we created the
different programs that are planned for
this season. From building things, to
connecting with other individuals (especially those with different backgrounds
or from other cultures), learning about conservation and the environment, or
even becoming educated on new and emerging technology, there are multiple ways
for us to build a better world together at Rowan Public Library this summer.
For
those participating in summer reading this year, I encourage you to check out
something related to the building a better world theme as you read to earn
points or log hours; even if you and your family are unable to participate, I
still recommend that you browse our collection for some fitting
literature. Broad enough to encompass
different genres of fiction, non-fiction, and even graphic novels, with a
little searching, I’m sure you will find something both enjoyable and educational. Here are some recommendations, separated by
age group:
For
younger patrons, there are a wide variety of subjects to choose from in the
juvenile non-fiction section. 50 Things
You Should Know About the Environment is a great introduction
to Earth’s habitats, climate change, and pollution, while 50 Things You Should Know About Inventions shares the stories
behind the creation of the bicycle, dynamite, and other items. For those that are more interested in
construction, the You Choose Engineering
Marvels series covers engineering feats such as the Empire State Building
and the Transcontinental Railroad.
Finally, if your children are more interested in reading fiction, they
might wish to read books like The Watsons
Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis or One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, both of which are
award-winning novels set in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement.
Building a better world is a
recurring subject in most of the YA dystopian books that have recently become
popular, such as Divergent and its
sequels or James Dashner’s Maze Runner
series. Even Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why, the source
material for the popular Netflix series, fits in with its treatment of
relationships and the importance of being kind to others. In terms of YA non-fiction, there are
selections such as It’s Getting Hot in
Here by Bridget Heos, a guide to climate change and global warming, and The Story of Seeds by Nancy Castaldo,
which chronicles where food comes from and where it is going. Teens that read graphic novels will also
enjoy the three volumes of March by
John Lewis, a first-hand account of the author’s struggle for civil and human
rights from the 1960s through the present day.
Finally, adults also have a wide
range of choices to explore on this theme. Beyond Earth by Charles Wohlforth is for all hopeful space travelers,
outlining how Saturn’s moon Titan could one day host human life. For those who like
exploring but prefer to stay on terra firma, Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, the founder of AtlasObscura.com, is a
“bucket-list guide to over 700 of the most unusual, curious, bizarre, and
mysterious places on earth.” Are memoirs more to your liking? Then I
recommend My Own Words by Ruth Bader
Ginsburg, a selection of writing and speeches from the Supreme court Justice
that gives a fascinating glimpse into her life.
This is obviously not intended to be
a comprehensive of books that fit the “build a better world” theme, but
hopefully it can be a jumping off point.
If you are interested in reading these books or similar titles, stop by
the library this summer!
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Encouraging Boys to Read
by Amber Covington Rowan Public Library
Are you looking for ways to connect a young man with a book? There are several things to keep in mind. As a parent or caregiver we spend a lot of time with our children and finding ways to connect a boy with a book is a start to get him interested in reading. Talk or discuss various topics that interests the child and locate books about such things. All children look up to adults in their lives and generally model their habits after the adults they are around. Parents and caregivers are the main contact with children and are the leading role models to build strong readers and boys are more likely to mirror the actions of a male figure in their life. Find a way for fathers, stepfathers, uncles, or grandfathers to spend time reading with a boy. Building a boys reading interests can take form in a variety of ways with the help of any family members and always visit the local public library for reading materials and ideas or suggestions.
Growing up in a world with fast changing digital trends, Online games, gaming consoles, computers, and other technology devices are seen as major components of boy's life. Boys are more likely to read if the topics appeals to his interests. Also, books may not be the best way to get a boy’s attention for reading. Magazines, websites, blogs, newspapers, or comic books may attract them better. The most important thing is to let them begin to read material that interests them to build their reading habits.
Often times, women are the main people boys see reading or that teach them to read. As humans we all like to follow someone that looks like us. Men are great resources in young boys lives and can make a big difference in their reading habits. A father, stepfather, or grandfather can play an important part of encouraging boys to read because often boys look to them as behavior models. Often, boys see men reading magazines or newspapers. That is ok, encourage boys to pick up those if that is what makes them comfortable. Also, do not be discouraged if you are a single mother. Continue to spread joy in reading and encouragement, it means more than you think.
Pam Allyn, educator and author, has several suggestions to encourage parents, caregivers, and educators to instill reading in boys of all ages. Developer of the READ model, Pam Allyn believes boys can become lifelong readers. The model’s acronym stands for R-ritual, E- environment, A-access, and D-dialog.
The model encourages parents and caregivers to establish a ritual for reading daily. Set aside time for daily reading as a family. Creating an inviting environment is a way to set the mood. Establish a reading corner or special bean bag in an area that is comfortable. Be sure to provide access to a variety of books, ebooks, magazines, newspapers, comic books, or baseball cards. It is also a good idea to expose readers to a variety of genres, authors, and reading levels to boost their child’s reading level comfort. The local public library is a great place to check out books weekly or simply use your library card to download ebooks onto a device. It is critical for Parents and caregivers to create dialog with their child during and after reading. Have your child discuss their likes and dislikes or openly express their opinion about what they are reading. There are several resources discussing the READ model and other reading practices from Pam Allyn. Check out “Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading Ways That Will Change Their Lives.”
Don’t forget, your local library is your secret weapon to help your boys develop a love of reading. Boys best develop interests in reading through others encouraging them to pick up a book and read. It is critical that role models are clearly present in their lives and everyone is supportive.
Looking for ways to encourage a boy to read? Check out the following books at your local library branch.
“Serving Boys Through Readers’ Advisory,” by Michael Sullivan
“Get Those Guys Reading!: Fiction and Series Books that Boys Will Love by Kathleen A. Baxter and Marcia Agness Kochel.
“Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading Ways That Will Change Their Lives,” by Pam Allyn.
“Reading Together: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Child Who loves to Read,” by Diane W. Frankenstein
“Read With Me: Best Books for Preschoolers by Stephanie Zvirin
“Raising Passionate Readers: 5 Easy Steps to Success in School and Life, “ by Nancy Newman
Are you looking for ways to connect a young man with a book? There are several things to keep in mind. As a parent or caregiver we spend a lot of time with our children and finding ways to connect a boy with a book is a start to get him interested in reading. Talk or discuss various topics that interests the child and locate books about such things. All children look up to adults in their lives and generally model their habits after the adults they are around. Parents and caregivers are the main contact with children and are the leading role models to build strong readers and boys are more likely to mirror the actions of a male figure in their life. Find a way for fathers, stepfathers, uncles, or grandfathers to spend time reading with a boy. Building a boys reading interests can take form in a variety of ways with the help of any family members and always visit the local public library for reading materials and ideas or suggestions.
Growing up in a world with fast changing digital trends, Online games, gaming consoles, computers, and other technology devices are seen as major components of boy's life. Boys are more likely to read if the topics appeals to his interests. Also, books may not be the best way to get a boy’s attention for reading. Magazines, websites, blogs, newspapers, or comic books may attract them better. The most important thing is to let them begin to read material that interests them to build their reading habits.
Often times, women are the main people boys see reading or that teach them to read. As humans we all like to follow someone that looks like us. Men are great resources in young boys lives and can make a big difference in their reading habits. A father, stepfather, or grandfather can play an important part of encouraging boys to read because often boys look to them as behavior models. Often, boys see men reading magazines or newspapers. That is ok, encourage boys to pick up those if that is what makes them comfortable. Also, do not be discouraged if you are a single mother. Continue to spread joy in reading and encouragement, it means more than you think.
Pam Allyn, educator and author, has several suggestions to encourage parents, caregivers, and educators to instill reading in boys of all ages. Developer of the READ model, Pam Allyn believes boys can become lifelong readers. The model’s acronym stands for R-ritual, E- environment, A-access, and D-dialog.
The model encourages parents and caregivers to establish a ritual for reading daily. Set aside time for daily reading as a family. Creating an inviting environment is a way to set the mood. Establish a reading corner or special bean bag in an area that is comfortable. Be sure to provide access to a variety of books, ebooks, magazines, newspapers, comic books, or baseball cards. It is also a good idea to expose readers to a variety of genres, authors, and reading levels to boost their child’s reading level comfort. The local public library is a great place to check out books weekly or simply use your library card to download ebooks onto a device. It is critical for Parents and caregivers to create dialog with their child during and after reading. Have your child discuss their likes and dislikes or openly express their opinion about what they are reading. There are several resources discussing the READ model and other reading practices from Pam Allyn. Check out “Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading Ways That Will Change Their Lives.”
Don’t forget, your local library is your secret weapon to help your boys develop a love of reading. Boys best develop interests in reading through others encouraging them to pick up a book and read. It is critical that role models are clearly present in their lives and everyone is supportive.
Looking for ways to encourage a boy to read? Check out the following books at your local library branch.
“Serving Boys Through Readers’ Advisory,” by Michael Sullivan
“Get Those Guys Reading!: Fiction and Series Books that Boys Will Love by Kathleen A. Baxter and Marcia Agness Kochel.
“Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys: How to Engage Boys in Reading Ways That Will Change Their Lives,” by Pam Allyn.
“Reading Together: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Child Who loves to Read,” by Diane W. Frankenstein
“Read With Me: Best Books for Preschoolers by Stephanie Zvirin
“Raising Passionate Readers: 5 Easy Steps to Success in School and Life, “ by Nancy Newman
Sunday, June 04, 2017
Jane Austen's Writings
by Laurie Lyda Rowan Public Library
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in search of a good story must read Jane Austen. Well, that’s not “exactly” how the quotation goes, but I think it’s still an accurate statement.
I first read Austen when I was 11 and a librarian who saw me wandering the stacks looking for new titles recommended “Pride and Prejudice.” I quickly worked my way through all of Austen’s novels, and while I was much too young to understand the socio-political significance of her oeuvre, I certainly enjoyed the narratives she crafted and populated with memorable characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice” and Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth from “Persuasion.”
As I grew older, I continued to return to Austen’s worlds on a regular basis, and I’ve quite honestly lost track of the number of times I’ve read “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma.” I’ve studied her works as an academic, and I’ve taught them as a professor. When teaching, I usually assigned the same classic I’d started with as it’s become such a pop culture touchstone, and I often included film adaptations and books inspired by “Pride and Prejudice,” too. The rise of transformative works and their increasing mainstreaming invites so many more individuals into the audience for Austen’s narratives, and there’s a version to suit so many different literary palates now. Here are a few of the works I’ve recommended:
First published in 1813, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is superficially a classic novel of manners. Dig a little deeper and discover the author’s wry and subversive humor as she satirizes social conventions and expectations. No matter how closely you interrogate the novel (or don’t), the stories of the various couples navigating their way across the dance floor, through the parks, and down the marriage aisle make for an enjoyable read.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s 1940 version of “Pride and Prejudice” is a classic, but don’t look to it for historical accuracy or adherence to the novel. From the costumes to the narrative, ideas are conflated and rearranged to fit the then-audience and the 118 minute run-time. Greer Garson portrays Elizabeth and Laurence Olivier delivers a Darcy for the ages. This film is part of RPL’s circulating collection.
A&E’s 1995 mini-series “Pride and Prejudice” is a masterpiece of an adaptation – at 300 minutes, it’s also a monster-sized one. It’s well worth the time investment, though, with carefully chosen aesthetics and dialogue that’s loyal to the novel. Jennifer Ehle gives us a memorable Elizabeth, and Colin Firth’s portrayal of Darcy (and the wet shirt scene that is a slight deviation from the novel) launched his status as a leading man. The entire film is a delight and is part of RPL’s circulating collection.
Inspired by Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Helen Fielding’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (1996) is cheeky, British humor, and a diverting read. After Bridget crosses paths with Mark Darcy, comedic shenanigans ensue as she learns what she values in life and in a partner. The backstory of the novel is also fun to explore: It began as a column in “The Independent” and has now grown into a multi-novel series. Perhaps most exciting for fans everywhere: Fielding fashioned the Darcy character with Colin Firth (who was fresh off of his success portraying Fitzwilliam Darcy in A&E’s “Pride and Prejudice” adaptation) in mind. For him to actually play Mark Darcy in the film adaptions of Fielding’s books is an explosion of fandom goodness. Fielding’s books are part of RPL’s circulating collection, though you have to look elsewhere for a copy of the R-rated films. (RPL’s film collection only includes G, PG, and PG-13 titles.)
More recently, adaptations of “Pride and Prejudice” have taken on a new twist: the incorporation of monsters -- specifically, zombies. Years ago, when I first heard of Seth Grahame-Smith’s “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” I rolled my eyes. “Why?,” I wondered, “would anyone add zombies to Austen’s meticulously crafted narratives?”
When I finally read the monsterized adaptation, I learned why: It’s entertaining. For those interested in cultural theory, it’s also intriguing to consider how the now-popular monsterized versions of classics (many put out by Quirk Books) reflect anxieties about our own society and mores. And when you juxtapose those theoretical ponderings with Grahame-Smith’s accounts of how he wrote the novel – which involved, in part, using a full-text version and adding zombiefied bits in red to each page – you can conjure some very fun explorations of the writing process, the reflection of social change, and our culture’s love affair with horror. Plus, whether he fully intended to or not, Grahame-Smith participates in Austen’s witty social critique, too: The image of a clueless Mr. Collins and his zombie wife Charlotte Lucas says so much about the machinations of marriage in Austen’s time. The novel “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Grahame-Smith and Austen is part of RPL’s circulating collection.
Though the 2010 graphic novel version of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” isn’t yet available through RPL’s circulating collection, I recommend it as well. The artistic renderings of the novel’s adapted events, combined with the narrative’s conversion into bite-sized bits, offers a fantastic gateway into discussion about the reading process and how we interpret visual narratives. (Scott McCloud’s “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art” (1994) is an enlightening supplement, too.) Perhaps most importantly, though, the graphic novel is simply a lot of fun.
The 2016 film version of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” which is part of RPL’s circulating collection, is on my own to-watch list. Starring Lily James and Sam Riley, the film’s stylized aesthetic and energetic adaptation of Grahame-Smith’s narrative looks like it’ll be popcorn-worthy fun.
Also on my list of new adaptations is Jenny Hubbard’s upcoming theatrical adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” Hubbard is a reference librarian at RPL Headquarters and the author of the novels “Paper Covers Rock” (2011) and “And We Stay” (2014). Tickets for the Lee Street Theatre production will go on sale June 20; play dates are July 20-23 and 27-29. RPL East Branch Supervisor Emma Rose has been cast as Elizabeth Bennett.
While this is far from an exhaustive list of Austenian adaptations, it hopefully offers a starting point for exploration. It’s important to remember that while Austen’s prose may not be for everyone, the modern transformations of her classic novels offer translations that wider audiences can enjoy. For example, fans of Alicia Silverstone’s 1995 “Clueless” don’t always realize that it was inspired by Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma.” So, even if you never want to read the original novel, by watching “Clueless,” you’ve been exposed, at least in part, to a representation of Austen’s satirical commentary on, among other themes, how socioeconomics shape the institution of marriage.
To locate Austen’s works or additional adaptations or even criticism about these titles, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. You can also visit your nearest branch and ask any RPL staff member for assistance.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in search of a good story must read Jane Austen. Well, that’s not “exactly” how the quotation goes, but I think it’s still an accurate statement.
I first read Austen when I was 11 and a librarian who saw me wandering the stacks looking for new titles recommended “Pride and Prejudice.” I quickly worked my way through all of Austen’s novels, and while I was much too young to understand the socio-political significance of her oeuvre, I certainly enjoyed the narratives she crafted and populated with memorable characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from “Pride and Prejudice” and Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth from “Persuasion.”
As I grew older, I continued to return to Austen’s worlds on a regular basis, and I’ve quite honestly lost track of the number of times I’ve read “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma.” I’ve studied her works as an academic, and I’ve taught them as a professor. When teaching, I usually assigned the same classic I’d started with as it’s become such a pop culture touchstone, and I often included film adaptations and books inspired by “Pride and Prejudice,” too. The rise of transformative works and their increasing mainstreaming invites so many more individuals into the audience for Austen’s narratives, and there’s a version to suit so many different literary palates now. Here are a few of the works I’ve recommended:
First published in 1813, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is superficially a classic novel of manners. Dig a little deeper and discover the author’s wry and subversive humor as she satirizes social conventions and expectations. No matter how closely you interrogate the novel (or don’t), the stories of the various couples navigating their way across the dance floor, through the parks, and down the marriage aisle make for an enjoyable read.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s 1940 version of “Pride and Prejudice” is a classic, but don’t look to it for historical accuracy or adherence to the novel. From the costumes to the narrative, ideas are conflated and rearranged to fit the then-audience and the 118 minute run-time. Greer Garson portrays Elizabeth and Laurence Olivier delivers a Darcy for the ages. This film is part of RPL’s circulating collection.
A&E’s 1995 mini-series “Pride and Prejudice” is a masterpiece of an adaptation – at 300 minutes, it’s also a monster-sized one. It’s well worth the time investment, though, with carefully chosen aesthetics and dialogue that’s loyal to the novel. Jennifer Ehle gives us a memorable Elizabeth, and Colin Firth’s portrayal of Darcy (and the wet shirt scene that is a slight deviation from the novel) launched his status as a leading man. The entire film is a delight and is part of RPL’s circulating collection.
Inspired by Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Helen Fielding’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (1996) is cheeky, British humor, and a diverting read. After Bridget crosses paths with Mark Darcy, comedic shenanigans ensue as she learns what she values in life and in a partner. The backstory of the novel is also fun to explore: It began as a column in “The Independent” and has now grown into a multi-novel series. Perhaps most exciting for fans everywhere: Fielding fashioned the Darcy character with Colin Firth (who was fresh off of his success portraying Fitzwilliam Darcy in A&E’s “Pride and Prejudice” adaptation) in mind. For him to actually play Mark Darcy in the film adaptions of Fielding’s books is an explosion of fandom goodness. Fielding’s books are part of RPL’s circulating collection, though you have to look elsewhere for a copy of the R-rated films. (RPL’s film collection only includes G, PG, and PG-13 titles.)
More recently, adaptations of “Pride and Prejudice” have taken on a new twist: the incorporation of monsters -- specifically, zombies. Years ago, when I first heard of Seth Grahame-Smith’s “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” I rolled my eyes. “Why?,” I wondered, “would anyone add zombies to Austen’s meticulously crafted narratives?”
When I finally read the monsterized adaptation, I learned why: It’s entertaining. For those interested in cultural theory, it’s also intriguing to consider how the now-popular monsterized versions of classics (many put out by Quirk Books) reflect anxieties about our own society and mores. And when you juxtapose those theoretical ponderings with Grahame-Smith’s accounts of how he wrote the novel – which involved, in part, using a full-text version and adding zombiefied bits in red to each page – you can conjure some very fun explorations of the writing process, the reflection of social change, and our culture’s love affair with horror. Plus, whether he fully intended to or not, Grahame-Smith participates in Austen’s witty social critique, too: The image of a clueless Mr. Collins and his zombie wife Charlotte Lucas says so much about the machinations of marriage in Austen’s time. The novel “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Grahame-Smith and Austen is part of RPL’s circulating collection.
Though the 2010 graphic novel version of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” isn’t yet available through RPL’s circulating collection, I recommend it as well. The artistic renderings of the novel’s adapted events, combined with the narrative’s conversion into bite-sized bits, offers a fantastic gateway into discussion about the reading process and how we interpret visual narratives. (Scott McCloud’s “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art” (1994) is an enlightening supplement, too.) Perhaps most importantly, though, the graphic novel is simply a lot of fun.
The 2016 film version of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” which is part of RPL’s circulating collection, is on my own to-watch list. Starring Lily James and Sam Riley, the film’s stylized aesthetic and energetic adaptation of Grahame-Smith’s narrative looks like it’ll be popcorn-worthy fun.
Also on my list of new adaptations is Jenny Hubbard’s upcoming theatrical adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” Hubbard is a reference librarian at RPL Headquarters and the author of the novels “Paper Covers Rock” (2011) and “And We Stay” (2014). Tickets for the Lee Street Theatre production will go on sale June 20; play dates are July 20-23 and 27-29. RPL East Branch Supervisor Emma Rose has been cast as Elizabeth Bennett.
While this is far from an exhaustive list of Austenian adaptations, it hopefully offers a starting point for exploration. It’s important to remember that while Austen’s prose may not be for everyone, the modern transformations of her classic novels offer translations that wider audiences can enjoy. For example, fans of Alicia Silverstone’s 1995 “Clueless” don’t always realize that it was inspired by Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma.” So, even if you never want to read the original novel, by watching “Clueless,” you’ve been exposed, at least in part, to a representation of Austen’s satirical commentary on, among other themes, how socioeconomics shape the institution of marriage.
To locate Austen’s works or additional adaptations or even criticism about these titles, visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org. You can also visit your nearest branch and ask any RPL staff member for assistance.
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