Drake Public Library

Seeking Excellence

JeNel Barth

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A Book Review of The Nix, by Nathan Hill

Deb Egeland has submitted another interesting book review on one of our newer releases.  Nathan Hill’s debut novel, The Nix was named as the #1 book of the year by Audible and Entertainment Weekly, as well as one of the year’s best books by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Amazon, Newsday, Library Journal and many others.

Nathan is a native Iowan, but grew up all over the Midwest: Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.  He has lived in New England, New York, the Twin Cities and Chicago, but has since fled to a warmer climate and makes his home in Naples, Florida.

Here is what Deb has to say about The Nix.

The Nix, by Nathan Hill is a very solid book, physically as well as in story.  The actual book is heavy and the story is involved.  The story has abandonment, sexual abuse, protest marches, police violence…characters who don’t seem to know for sure who they are, or quite how to find out.

In places, I found the telling to be rather tedious with specifics.  Other times I was restless and wondered where it was going.  Something kept me reading.  As I turned the pages, I also turned back the clock.  I was  teenage during the Vietnam protests, knew about “flower power”, lived in the Midwest and am familiar with Eastern Iowa and Chicago.  I could easily envision what was happening and where.

As I finished it tonight, I realized that it was a good read.  I enjoyed the “journey” the main characters were on.  If you are looking for a book that might take a little extra effort, look at this one.

Deb

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Thanksgiving at Drake Public Library

The upcoming Thanksgiving holiday makes me realize how very thankful I am for the Drake Public Library and for those of you who support us.  The Friends of the Drake Public Library fund children’s programming and so many other things!  Thank you for working very hard to make sure that our library has whatever we need.  Our Drake Public Library Foundation raises and manages funds through memorials and large donations.  Thank you for ensuring the future of our library and our services.

Our library Board of Trustees is a strong support for me.  Thank you for planning for the future, assisting me in developing policies, and advocating for the library throughout the community.  The City of Centerville provides funding for the library and I am thankful to have strong leaders within the City Council, the Mayor’s office and administrative team to help me and support the library.

The staff at Drake Public Library has some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met.  Thank you, Beth, Julie, Kristin, Pam, Chaz and our volunteers John, James and Nikki, for being reliable, knowledgeable, patient and kind.  I am very lucky to have these coworkers and friends.   Finally, our patrons…because without you, we wouldn’t be here!  Thank you for kind words, patience, timely suggestions, interesting conversations, and of course tasty treats!  Our patrons are some of the best and the staff at the Drake Public Library is very thankful for all of you.

happy-thanksgiving-wishesPlease enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday.  We will be closed on Thursday and Friday so that our staff can enjoy time with their families.  Thank you!

 

JeNel

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Bats at the Library, by Brian Lies

bats-at-the-library-image

It’s a wonderful day when I get to help Kristin out with the story time programs. So, I just couldn’t resist coming downstairs for the Halloween party with the Rising Readers on Monday. As I was helping clean things up, one of our “library kids”, Layla, asked me “What is your favorite book in this whole library?”  It took me a minute!  I’m a librarian…I like to read.  I could have named off a whole lot of books.  But, I had a thought as I was chatting with her about what I like to read.  “Bats at the Library by Brian Lies!” I exclaimed.

This was one of the first books that I fell in love with as a children’s librarian and storyteller. The pictures are grand, the prose poetic but very readable…it’s simply a whole lot of fun to read and even more fun to READ TO children.  Brian Lies captures the amazing things that children can see and do at the library through bats who have snuck in through an open window after closing.  They play with the water fountain, make photocopies, play shadow puppets on the wall and have story time.  The older bats tell tales that they had learned from these books long ago and the younglings drift into pretending that they are the characters in the book.  It’s a wonderful view of the public library.

The author has written a few other books including, Bats at the Ballgame, Bats at the Beach and Bats in the Band.  They all show a unique view of these activities, after hours, through the eyes of bats.  If you have come to any of my story times or classroom visits, you’ve probably heard me reading one of these books.  I admit, bats became a bit of an obsession for me after finding this book.  I have quite a collection of bat puppets, plastic figures and crafts.  I was able to find a fantastic youtube series published by the Bat World Santuary ( batworld.org ) and I even have a bat wing headband and bat covered shirt (if anyone remembers me being “The Batty Librarian” one Halloween)

So, as we “flitter and fly” through Fall, remember that “for now we’ll dream of things we’ve read, a universe inside each head. Every evening, one and all will listen for that late-night call: Can it be true? Oh, can it be? Yes! Bat Night at the Library!”

Keep reading!

JeNel

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Movie Night at Drake Public Library

We started a little tradition at Drake Public Library a couple of years ago.  Movie Night!  This event has grown into an evening of fun entertainment for people of all ages. This Friday is no exception! We will be hosting a FREE showing of Goosebumps.  The show will start at 6:30pm and we will provide seating, popcorn and water bottles.  So, join us at the movies!

movie-night-oct-2016

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“When the Frost Is on the Punkin”

As I went out the door to come to the library today, I noticed the frost on the ground and a chill in the air.  It immediately reminded me of one of my favorite children’s books and poems.  I thought it would be nice to share it with you.  Its one of the many, beautifully illustrated Fall themed books available in the children’s area.  Come by and take a look.

When the Frost is on the Punkin

By James Whitcomb Riley

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock,

And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin’ turkey-cock,

And the clackin’ of the guineys, and the cluckin’ of the hens,

And the rooster’s hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;

O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best,

With the risin’ sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,

As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.

They’s something kindo’ harty-like about the atmusfere

When the heat of summer’s over and the coolin’ fall is here—

Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,

And the mumble of the hummin’-birds and buzzin’ of the bees;

But the air’s so appetizin’; and the landscape through the haze

Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days

Is a pictur’ that no painter has the colorin’ to mock—

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,

And the raspin’ of the tangled leaves, as golden as the morn;

The stubble in the furries—kindo’ lonesome-like, but still

A-preachin’ sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;

The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;

The hosses in theyr stalls below—the clover over-head!—

O, it sets my hart a-clickin’ like the tickin’ of a clock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock!

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps

Is poured around the celler-floor in red and yeller heaps;

And your cider-makin’ ’s over, and your wimmern-folks is through

With their mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and saussage, too! …

I don’t know how to tell it—but ef sich a thing could be

As the Angels wantin’ boardin’, and they’d call around on me—

I’d want to ’commodate ’em—all the whole-indurin’ flock—

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock!

Keep reading!  -JeNel

 

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A Book Review of “Fireman”, by Joe Hill

My friend and patron, Deb Egeland, loves to read and enjoys writing a few words about the books that she is reading. I always appreciate her perspective on books and love that she’s willing to “check out” something new and different from her usual genres. She sent me this review on “The Fireman” this summer. If you are interested in reviewing a book, let me know. Patrons of all ages are welcome to submit a one page book review on any book in our collection. Just email it to us at library@centerville-ia.org or turn it into the librarian on duty.

“This morning I finished the first book I’ve read by author Joe Hill. The book was “The Fireman”. It was a very strange book.

An odd virus is sweeping across the globe. Soon after being infected, the victim develops tattoo-like markings on their body. Various parts of their body may also start smoking and/or burning. Inevitably, the victim ignites completely and burns to death. Gruesome!

The primary characters in the book are infected and have managed to gather into a well-hidden commune. The plot goes back and forth between the internal workings and politics of the commune, and rest of the world with it’s increasing battle to deal with the infected and to keep the uninfected ‘clean’.

I wavered between disgust and intrigue, frustration and excitement, disbelief and page turning. There were a few times I considered putting the book down for good and calling it quits. I persevered and finished it. I can’t say it was the best use of my time; but it was different than my usual reads. It is always good to get out of the rut once in awhile.

If you are looking for something different, give it a shot. I may look at another of Joe Hill’s at some point…”

Submitted By: Deb Egeland

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“The Whip” by Karen Kondazian

the-whip

Inspired by the true story of a woman, Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst (1812-1879), this blend of fact and fiction tells the tale of a courageous nineteenth-century heroine. “The Whip” explores the tragic, and for much of her life, unorthodox life of a woman who chose to live as a man.  “Charley” even voted in the 1868 American election before women were allowed at the polls!

Charlotte suffered a series of devastating losses in her younger years.  Her African American lover, who was a runaway slave, was murdered and she lost a daughter.  But, she went on to succeed in a profession that those of her own gender were not allowed to pursue.  “Charley” became a renowned stage coach driver and shows us a fascinating portrayal of this admirable historical figure and delves into  the complex character of a tough woman combating old-school tradition and unhealthy stereotypes.  She identified with male-dominated activities and interests, so she dressed like a man and learned to project a male image so convincing, her colleagues never questioned it.

“After much cogitating on the subject, she decided that it seemed that one could reinvent oneself in this new mysterious, musky world she was invading – and who that new self was, people did not question.  Perhaps it was the men’s clothes, the short hair, the pungent smell of sweat she allowed.  Or perhaps it was just that people were too involved in their own person to really look, observe and give a damn.”

“The Whip” is action propelled and a riveting story.  It showcases the best and the worst of America as our country began to transition into a progressive society. This book was highly recommended by a friend and its been difficult to keep it on the shelf!  You can find a copy now on our new book table…Enjoy!

 

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Vinegar Girl “An irresistible, contemporary take one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies”

Dysfunctional family relationships are Anne Tyler’s forte and her retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” gives her plenty to work with!

In Tyler’s revamping, the shrew is Kate Battista, an abrasive preschool teacher with a bad hairdo and an unapologetic way with “honest” truths. (“I hate small children… They’re not very bright, if you’ve noticed.”) Once a “thorny child” and a “sullen teenager”, Kate is now housekeeper to her scientist father, the controlling and selfish Dr. Battista and her attractive, popular teenage sister, Bunny.  When a prestigious research project of Dr. Battista’s is threatened by the imminent deportation of his brilliant Russian lab assistant, Pyotr Cherbakov, he decides to marry Kate off to get the young man a green card. You can imagine how well this goes over with Kate. She is furious, but you find yourself wondering if she will give in to these two characters’ charm.

Tyler gives a simple pre-feminist tale a number of clever tweaks.  Shakespeare’s blunt shrew-tamer, Petruchio, is one of his more problematic male characters.  In a neat twist, Tyler rewrites his boorishness as foreignness and a lack of finesse with the English langage..  Pyotr seems as much an outsider in polite society as Kate: “In my country we have proverb,” Pyotr was saying. Don’t they always, Kate thought. “We say, ‘Work when it is divided into segments is shorter total period of time than work when it is all together in one unit.” “Catchy,” Kate said.

I have really enjoyed this story.  I read “Shrew” so many years ago and this new, sharp interpretation did not disappoint.  This novel was written and published through the support of The Hogarth Press and the Hogarth Shakespeare Project, both of which support Shakespeare’s works retold by acclaimed and bestselling novelists of today. You can find “Vinegar Girl” in the fiction section.

Keep reading!

 

JeNel

 

 

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Be Awesome!

I was asked to speak on behalf of the library for the first day of school teacher assembly for the Centerville Community School District this morning.  I wasn’t nervous at all! (Ha!) It went pretty well so I thought I would share my speech to the teachers and staff with you.

“Good morning everyone!  I’m JeNel Allen Barth and I am now the Director at Drake Public Library after being Children’s Librarian for the past 7 years.

I don’t want to keep you long because I know that you have many things to do in preparation for the upcoming school year.  But I do want to be sure to share a few things with you.

First of all, I hope that you had a relaxing, restful summer because you deserve it!  The more time I spend working with teachers, the more I realize how hard this job is and I don’t need to remind you how important your job is….but I will, time and time again.

Over the summer vacations, evenings and weekends, the Drake Public Library is the library available to school children; and for babies through preschoolers, it is the only library available.  Our library is a unique and valuable resource and we strive to be a lifeline to our community.

Our staff has worked very hard to update and mark the books that fall under the Accelerated Reading Program.  If you’re struggling to find titles that will inspire success in this area, send your students our way!

Our new Children’s Librarian, Kristin Craver, is planning for our after school programming.  Mondays at 4pm the “Rising Readers” will meet for story time, round robin reading, book chats, intros to new books and homework help.  Thursdays from 4-5pm, “After School Adventures” in puzzles, games and special crafts will provide students with social time and an opportunity to get to know the library and other kids better.  And, of course we will continue with our story time for Babies through Preschoolers with “Little Listeners” on Wednesdays at 10:30am.

Kristin is available for hosting classroom field trips and would love to visit classrooms for special guest story times and chats with your students.  And, by the way, I am still available for visits too.  You know I love spending time with students and visiting classrooms.

Junior High and High School teachers, don’t forget that Drake Public Library offers computers and free wifi access for students working on homework and research projects.  We host a free, online research data base, EBSCO Host, that offers a broad range of full text and bibliographic databases designed specifically for academic research.  The sign in is simple and our staff is happy to show anyone around the site.  Oh, and printing for school work is free for students.

So, go help kids learn, smile and belong.  Ask hard and interesting questions.  Try new things!  We’ll continue to work at providing services to help you and to inspire a love of reading in your students.  It’s time for a great year of learning…so go be awesome!”

 

JeNel Allen Barth

Library Director

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Why Should You Listen to Audio Books?

I’ve been getting to know our “audio patrons” lately. I’ve never been an audio book listener so I decided to look at some of the reasons why someone might start listening to audio books.

Readers can access a lot more books when they check out audio books.  You can take them in your car, while you’re exercising or walking.  You can even listen to them while doing household chores and when you’re just lounging.  Think about all of that time!

Audio books are great for auditory learners.  You are hearing how to pronounce words before seeing them in print.  The reader’s voices help you comprehend the story more when the narrator changes his or her inflections for the characters and doesn’t just read, but acts!  Its really fun to compare the American readers/books to British readers.  (Think about the word harassment…)

Audio books are wonderful for readers with visual impairments.  Its  not easy for an avid reader to give it up due to eye strain or poor eyesight.  They are also quite accessible.  Bridges has a large collection of audio books available for download. Check with the staff here for directions on how to utilize Bridges for audio books. Drake Public Library also has a relatively large audio book collection that we are working on to keep current and interesting for our audio patrons. We have a shelf on the main floor and we also have several audio versions of children’s books in the children’s department.

Like a good print book, audio books can be comforts reads and favorites that you listen to over and over again.  So, what are  you waiting for?

By JeNel Allen Barth