Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

Archives for October 2015

|

Meet a board member!

Board Member Kris Laurson.

Board Member Kris Laurson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board member questionnaire

 

Name: Kristopher (Kris) Laurson

 

 

How long have you served on Drake Library Board of Trustees: Since 2015

 

 

Any other volunteer or civic groups that you belong to: Rotary Board of Directors, Milestones AAA Board Member, Community Resources Chair, Chamber Ambassador, HCI Care Services Board Member, Iowa Partnership For Success Member, Community Improvement Coalition Member, Wellness Coalition Member, Knights of Columbus Member, St. Mary’s Parish Council Member.

 

 

How long have you lived in Centerville: I was born in Centerville, Iowa moved away in 1998 moved back in 2007.

 

 

Why are libraries important to you? It is important to me that the Library continues to be an intricate and essential part of the community. I enjoy being part of the board as it continues the process of changing to meet the needs of the community. Also my 8 year old son loves the summer reading program and I think it is very important that children understand the value of the library.

 

 

Favorite book, author, or type of reading material? I most enjoy science fiction as well as books giving expert advice on how to.

 

|

The Martian by Andy Weir

I suspect that people would be surprised by the amount of peer pressuring that happens at the public library amongst the librarians. “You should come to Zumba”. “Come on, Whip and Nae Nae with us”, “Try this cheese” (bad idea…it was salted caramel and NASTY) and most frequently “You have to read this book”.

 

Now I won’t name any names but it’s possible that declining to read a suggested book by certain librarians would be hazardous to ones health. In fact we have a book in the children’s section about librarians who turn into dragons and well we all know dragons breath fire and since I’m flammable…. And so it came to be that I went home with our copy of The Martian by Andy Weir in my bag which lacking dragons actually puts it outside my typical genre. Also, I’m terrified of space. But fearing incineration I committed to reading this book about an astronaut accidentally abandoned on Mars. I didn’t hold out very high hopes, especially when I discovered most of the book was written in scientific data logs. Initially I thought “Seriously?!? Dumbest idea ever.”

 

But somehow, even though I just knew this book would be terrible, I found myself completely unable to put the bookmark in my spot and close the book….even at 3am. Yes folks, this book was THAT good. So captivating. Also, it was hilarious. Weir crafted a story that blended horror (uhh stuck on Mars!) with science (albeit fictional science), survival and humor. I’m most impressed that this book was very funny. Even after I finished the book I found myself wanting more of the story and to know what happened after the booked ended. Actually I suffered the worst book hangover I’ve had in a while with my clamoring for more details. So despite its lack of dragons and the fact that this book takes place in space I found it to be a most enjoyable and engaging read. I highly recommend it.

 

***Disclaimer*** There is a slight possibility that I made up a few of the details of this review….

 

|

WHAT’S YOUR SPECIALTY?

Friends of the Drake Public Library are in need of several unique, quality items to include in our upcoming ‘Boutique’ fundraiser. The boutique will not be held until Saturday, November 14th but it is necessary for us to know what we can count on, in advance. The exact venue and time will be announced later.

Do you have a special talent for creating a unique item(s) that Friends’ can sell to raise money to support the Drake Public Library? Examples may be, but not limited to, crocheted pieces, knitted items, embroidered items, quilts (large or small), paintings, pottery, jewelry, anything handcrafted that would draw interest from shoppers looking for unique gifts.

If you have an item to donate, you may bring it to the library and leave it with Jami or any staff person, or contact Sue Sacco (boutique chair). It will be helpful if you give an approximate value for your item. Persons donating items will be given full credit for their donation, via emails, newsletters, Facebook, flyers, and the Drake library website. We welcome artisans to attach a business card or brochure to their items to promote their business or talent. For more information, call the library at 641-856-6676 and speak to Jami.

|

It was a dark and stormy night………

It is October, so here is the obligatory scary book blog post! There are a ton of scary books; vampire books, dystopian books, ghost stories, and psychological horror. Perusing online, a person can find lists and lists of scary books.

Stephen King is the master of the scary story, from short terrifying novellas to thousand page mammoth books full of the undead, he can make a reader sleep with a light on all night long. Salem’s Lot and Pet Sematary are two of his that absolutely scare me to my wit’s end. Interesting side note, King’s books are always vanishing from the Drake Library. We have to re-order multiple copies of his books. That is horrifying.

King has a son named Joe Hill. He is a talented writer. His short story collection 20th Century Ghosts is full of hair raising spooky tales.

The scariest book I ever read has to be Doris Lessing’s The Fifth Child. This family has a child and he is violent, super strong, and not very lovable. The siblings don’t want anything to do with Ben. The mom can’t handle him. This story is scary to me because I think that is every parent’s nightmare. Having a child that is uncontrollable and unpleasant would be a heavy burden for a family.

Whatever your flavor of fright, you can find a spooky story at the Drake Public Library to fill your October evenings with terror.

Stop by the store and buy a fresh light bulb on your way home from the library! Just in case!

 

 

Scary books

Some of the scary titles available from the Drake Library.