Event Report: The Library's 5th Birthday Bash

On Saturday, October 26, we had an excellent turnout for our 5th birthday celebration.

We went a little crazy with the streamers around the library...
Party hats and favors were also available.

Our entertainment for the day, Richard Holmgren of Salina Kansas and his "Flying Debris" juggling show, was a huge success with our patrons. 

A willing audience member helps Mr. Holmgren perform a trick called "The Fountain".

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and signed our guest book!

Cookies and cake balls were purchased from Andover's own Stadium Bakery, (316)218-4600 ext. 51900

We can get that!: Inter-Library Loan services and you

When the library doesn't have the books you want, you have several options. You can visit every library within an hour's drive and fatten your wallet with dozens of shiny new library cards; you can order the books from Amazon or your local book store, taking your wallet back down to size;  or, if you'd like a wallet-neutral solution, you can head back to the library and apply for Inter-Library Loan.

The Inter-Library Loan system allows the Andover Library to ask other Kansas libraries if we can borrow their books on your behalf. You pick up and return the items at Andover Library with your Andover Library card - we handle the shipping and other logistics. It's a great way to get the items you want without having to drive to distant libraries or spend money on books you may only read once. 

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• Inter-Library Loan takes time. Between waiting for other libraries to respond to ILL requests, and waiting for the items to arrive in the mail, it can take more than a week to get your items. This can be a problem if you need the item for a school assignment.
• We'll call you! If we aren't able to find your item anywhere, we will call you as soon as we know. Otherwise, we won't call you until the item comes in. 
• When the item arrives, it is automatically checked out to you. Don't be shocked when you see the strange item on your account and have no memory of checking it out! This is normal!
• The lending library sets the due date. We keep the item on our hold shelf from the time it arrives until either you pick it up OR the due date passes. If you don't pick it up until the last day, we cannot change the due date. Although we can call the other library and ask them to renew the item for you, the other library may say no.
• If you have a question about your requests, you want to talk to Kathy. It's complicated borrowing so many different items from so many different libraries for so many different patrons! To minimize confusion, only ONE librarian processes ILL requests. Additionally, ILL requests require a separate system from regular library transactions, so no other librarians can see the status of your requests.
• Some items cannot be Inter-Library Loaned. You cannot request an item that is less than six months old (though you can ask us to buy a copy). You also cannot request an item that the Andover Library already has, even if our copy is checked out, unless the item is designated as "Lost" or "Missing" in our catalog. 
• It's free! That's pretty self-explanatory.

Library Buzz: Mysterious Circumstances

(Originally published in the Andover American 11/1/12. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

There's not a lot of mystery in real life. For example, I don't remember the last time I found a body... because that's never even happened. Most people don't find bodies in the normal course of their day. My biggest mystery is usually what I'm going to have for dinner. Depending on how recently I've done the grocery shopping, this particular mystery doesn't always have a happy ending. I find that to get my daily dose of Mystery I have to supplement my life with mystery books. If the most mysterious part of your day is wondering what you're going to read next, check out these mystery book suggestions from the library staff.

Cheri, who adores Nathan Fillion, suggests the new "Frozen Heat" by Richard Castle. Astute observers will know that Richard Castle is not a real person, so "Who actually wrote Richard Castle's books?" is a fun mystery on its own, but according to Cheri "Frozen Heat" is a quick and flirty whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the end.

Cathy, our children's librarian, recommends "Beekeeper's Apprentice" by Laurie R. King. This is the first book of the Mary Russell series, in which young Mary receives detective training from a retired Sherlock Holmes. The series, which currently stands at twelve books, will appeal to fans of historical fiction and classic mysteries.

Librarians Karyn and Carla both recommend anything by Gillian Flynn. While you await your turn on the hold list for her newest novel, "Gone Girl," consider some of her other books, such as "Dark Places" and "Sharp Objects." Karyn says, “If Gillian Flynn wrote a new novel every month, that might be enough.”

What do I recommend? As the Young Adult librarian, I’m all for pushing my YA collection. I suggest “Silverfin,” first book of Charlie Higson’s Young James Bond series, which takes place years before Bond  ever becomes the iconic 007, pitting him against a villain set on world domination. The upcoming Bond movie “Skyfall” may be rated PG-13, but “Silverfin” is appropriate for middle school and up.

While we’re on the topic of mysteries, let me solve a few library mysteries for you: the password for your account online is your last name in lowercase letters, patrons can check out fifty items at a time, including four DVDs per card, we do have computers available for public use, and yes, we check out cake pans. Have other questions? Check the FAQs page of our website at www.andoverlibrary.org.

Mystery solved.

Happy Birthday to Us!

This month, the library celebrates five years in its current location on Central Ave. Come celebrate with us at a birthday party on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00AM until 3:00PM. There will be food and party favors while supplies last and a performance by juggling sensation Flying Debris at 1:30PM. Party guests can also enter a drawing for one of four $25 Barnes and Noble gift cards.

We've been busy these past five years:
Since October of 2008, we've added 10,500 patrons, for a total of more than 17,000.
We started with 14,000 items (including books, audiobooks, and movies), but now we have 52,000.
We've had 1,366 library sponsored programs with 34,600 attendees.
Our 17,000 patrons have had 967,000 check outs, placed 26,000 holds, and logged in to the library catalog 159,000 times.

We at the Andover Library would like to thank the Andover community and all of our patrons for making our library such a wonderful place. Here's hoping the next five (or ten or fifty) years are just as wonderful as the first five!

Past Events: Fire Truck Visit, July 2013

On July 30 this year, we enjoyed a visit from the Andover Fire Department. Although it was not sunny or hot enough for playing in the fire hose like we were able to do last year, librarians and children were still able to explore inside the fire truck, try on some fireman gear, and enjoy fire safety lessons from the Andover firemen.

Teen Reads: Genuinely Creepy

Ready for Halloween? Get into the (restless and mournful) spirit of things with these titles that are sure to give you the chills.

1. The Dreaming by Queenie Chan
Twins Amber and Jeanie enroll at the prestigious Australian boarding school where their aunt teaches, but the school harbors a terrible secret: namely, a history of students going missing in the surrounding countryside. This graphic novel trilogy leaves you guessing and some of the art is the stuff of nightmares.

2. Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things by Ted Naifeh
Courtney’s gold-digging parents agree to move in with her rich, eccentric great-uncle to take care of him in his old age, but Courtney soon learns he’s actually a powerful warlock who doesn’t need anyone’s help—what he needs is a student. It’s a great graphic novel gathering of monsters from legend and myth, recently published in full color.

3. Coraline by Neal Gaiman
Coraline finds a door that leads to an apartment much like her own, where her Other Mother lives and wants to play with her forever… and, you know, steal her soul. You’ll never look at buttons the same way again (trust me). Lots of cringe inducing moments in this one: if you’ve only seen the movie based on the book, you’re missing out.

4. Malice by Chris Wooding
When a group of friends attempt the ritual in the back of the Malice comic books, they find themselves trapped within its pages, where the monsters are real and absolutely hungry. Half novel, half comic book, it’s like if the Wimpy Kid series took place in a darker version of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.

5. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
In a world where every part of the human body can be medically transplanted, unwanted teenagers are sent away to be “unwound”, a process that is widely accepted because the teenagers don’t technically die. Three teens on their way to be unwound escape and must work together to elude authorities. Although this one is technically more of a scifi novel than a horror story, there are a few scenes that are bound to disturb you—expect to have nightmares.

6. Attack of the Vampire Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by Dave Lubar
You’d think with a name like “Attack of the Vampire Weenies”, this would be a children’s book. While it is actually in our juvenile section, don’t let that fool you. These short stories are surprisingly gruesome. Like, people are getting eaten up in here. Don’t read it all at once: spread the horror around.

None of these sound scary enough for you? Stop by to check out our adult horror novels now on display. Too scary? Stop by to check out something else. We don’t judge.

Passport Services

If you've looked at applying for a U.S. passport, you might have seen Andover Public Library listed as an Acceptance Facility on the Department of State's website, travel.state.gov. Although the steps for getting a U.S. passport are quite specific, they aren't difficult. The instructions on the official website are very detailed, including instructions for first time applicants, instructions for minors, processing times, and fee information. Check out their Frequently Asked Questions page if you run into trouble.

Here's what you need to know about applying for a passport through Andover Public Library:

• Our agents are available Monday to Friday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Applications are processed on a walk-in basis. No appointments are necessary, but you are welcome to call ahead to verify that an agent will be available at a particular time.
• Agents stop accepting applications promptly at 4:00PM. If you arrive after 3:45PM and there are other applicants waiting to be seen, we cannot guarantee that an agent will be able to see you.
• Saturday appointments are available on a limited basis, from 9:20AM to 11:00AM at twenty minute intervals.
• If you are late for your Saturday appointment, you may be moved to the next available appointment slot, depending on the size of your party and the appointment schedule for that day.
• The library does not have the equipment to take passport pictures. Check the official site for photo guidelines or do a Google search for "passport photo processing" to find a facility that takes pictures in your area.
• We cannot accept cash or credit cards for your passport fee. You must have a check or money order for each application. Remember to check the passport website for fee information.
• The passport desk is not open if the library is closed for federal holidays or inclement weather.

If you have any other questions, call the library at 558-3500 or the passport office at 1-877-487-2778. 

Join the Lego Club!

Children ages 5-11 are invited to Lego Club on the last Wednesday of each month from 4:00PM to 5:00PM. At each meeting, builders are given a theme, an hour, and a bucket of Legos. Past themes have included airplanes, lunar landers, dinosaurs, and fire trucks. Sometimes, librarians Benjamin and Tori get bored and include Lego challenges such as Tallest Tower contests and other timed events. You never know what you'll get at Lego Club! 

Registration is required in person or by phone (558-3500).

Library Buzz: Staying Alive?

(Originally published in the Andover American 10/3/13. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

Man, zombies are everywhere lately!

Not literally, of course. I mean, zombies are all over books and other popular media. Obviously, if zombies were really everywhere, I’d be far too busy to write newspaper articles.

Let me start again.

This month, I have some fabulous recommendations featuring our friends the undead. Check them out!

I know what you’re thinking: zombies aren’t real. Well, tell that to Frank Swain, author of the nonfiction book, “How to Make a Zombie: The Real Life (and Death) Science of Reanimation and Mind Control”. Documenting horrific true stories of so-called “voodoo zombies”, dead animals brought back to life in shady labs, and Manchurian Candidate-style mind control, this book is both creepy and engrossingly cool.

Too much for you? We have a similar, shorter book in the children’s nonfiction section. The newly released “Zombie Makers: True Stories of Nature’s Undead” by Rebecca L. Johnson has everything you didn’t want to know about the parasitic fungi and bacteria that take over insect and animal host bodies through freaky mind control, with full color photographs for those with strong stomachs.

For fiction, try “My Life as a White Trash Zombie” by Diana Rowland. Angel Crawford wakes up in the ER after an alleged drug overdose that should have killed her. Or did it? Soon, she’s craving brains and solving murders at her new job with the county morgue. It’s a dark-humored urban fantasy that will appeal to fans of Charlaine Harris’ “Sookie Stackhouse” series.

In our New Books section, Michael Logan’s “Apocalypse Cow”, inaugural winner of the Terry Pratchett Prize, pits three unlikely heroes against a zombie horde—that is, herd—of bloodthirsty, flesh-eating cattle after a bioweapon experiment goes terribly awry in this debut novel that is just as surreal as it sounds, part “Shaun of the Dead”, part “Outbreak”.

Get the kids involved with adorable picture books like Kristyn Crow’s “Zombelina” (about a zombie who joins a dance academy for real girls where she’s so good, it’s scary), or “Zombie in Love” by Kelly Dipucchio (in which Mortimer the zombie can’t find a girl despite working out, dance lessons, and online dating), both starring lovable zombies who are neither terrifying nor gory.

Don’t forget to pick up some zombie movies like “Warm Bodies” or the new “World War Z”, or “The Walking Dead” TV series from our DVD section.

Until next month, keep shambling along out there, and tell the zombies they can’t have your brains: you’re still using them!

Explore Audiobooks

Many patrons tell us they're not interested in audiobooks because they'd rather read. That's understandable, but if you've never tried audiobooks, you're missing out. We have audio versions of many best-selling authors, including new releases and popular series, some of which are read by celebrity narrators.

Audiobooks are a great way to make your commute more productive by taking care of those books you've been meaning to read but haven't got around to yet. One of our librarians whose commute is only ten minutes each morning and afternoon still manages to listen to a new book each month. Between your commute, errands around town, and trips to the grocery store, you probably spend more time in your car than you think.

Keep the family entertained on your next road trip with an audiobook from our children's library or from the young adult section, or ask a librarian which books from our adult collection might be appropriate for your family's tastes. Whether your trip is five, ten, or twenty hours long, our librarians can help you find one or more audiobooks to last the whole time.

Audiobooks are also a great way to multitask. Listen to a story while you cook dinner, clean house, garden, or do craft hobbies. Another librarian here listened to Game of Thrones and all of its sequels - almost 200 hours of content - while creating art in her basement studio.

Want to take your book to the gym with you? Check out one of the digital audiobooks available on Sunflower eLibrary and download it to your smart phone or other mobile listening device.

Kids who have trouble reading on their own can benefit from listening to the audiobook while following along with the print version. Our young adult librarian, Tori, or children's librarian, Cathy, can help you find the right book for your child's reading level and offer advice on improving reading ability.

If you're reading for reading's sake, by all means, hold out for the print version, but if you're in it for the story and the entertainment value of a good book, consider a title from our audiobook collection. You won't be disappointed.

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

The sheriff and his deputy are on an important mission to bring a box of donuts home safely without any of them disappearing.  Can they do it?  Read The Case Of The Missing Donut by Allison McGhee and see why everyone in town seems to think that possibly there might be a donut missing.  Are they right or were the sheriff and his deputy successful on their mission?

First Jamie feels really good, a purple kind of mood.  When his brothers treat him bad, his mood turns gray.  Then Jamie eases into a gentle kind of green mood.  Throughout the day Jamie goes through lots of different kinds of moods. My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood by Tameka Fryer Brown teaches kids about different kinds of moods and how to describe how they feel in a whole new way.

Papa has invented many things but never once has anything Papa invented worked perfectly.  All he needs is a fantastic idea.  Then one day while fishing on Lake Michigan Papa’s daughter, Virena, asks him if he has ever wondered what it’s like to be a fish.  Now Papa has his fantastic idea!  Papa gets to work and builds a kind of mechanical fish he calls the Whitefish.  Read Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming and find out if Papa finally has the perfect invention.  (This story is loosely based on the life of Lodner Phillips, the creator of one of the first modern day submarines.)

Genre Spotlight: Horror

This month, we decided to focus on a genre that doesn't get a lot of love: Horror. Checkout Horns by Joe Hill, soon to be a movie starring Daniel Radcliffe, or Stephen King's new Doctor Sleep. Titles by Clive Barker, Dean Koontz, and John Saul, as well as other books by Stephen King, are on display all month. Come let us creep you out, and we mean that in the nicest way.

Bad guys have all the fun, especially when they're also adorable. Can you name all of these villains?

These heroes specialize in demons, vampires, ghosts, and monsters. Let us know who your favorite is by voting at the front desk. Voting ends October 31.

Donating Books to the Library

People often ask if we take book donations at the Andover Public Library. Indeed, we do! Here is everything you need to know about donating books.

• The library accepts any fiction or nonfiction book in good condition except for encyclopedias and outdated text books. 
• The library accepts other items as well: DVDs, VHS tapes, audiobooks on CD or cassette, cake pans, and puzzles (provided all the pieces are present). 
• Magazine donations are not accepted; however, magazines that are no more than one year old can be placed on our magazine exchange rack in the lobby. Patrons can exchange up to ten at one time.
• Book donations are accepted year-round. Books to be donated must be brought inside the library during library hours. 
• Individual books that are placed in our curb-side Book Return are always assumed to be lost, rather than donated. These books are placed in our lost and found for thirty days. Please do not place books that you truly wish to donate in the curb-side Book Return as this makes more work for the library staff.
• Boxes of books left outside the library are immediately recycled. Please do not leave books outside the library.
• The library can provide carts and dollies if your boxes are heavy but we do not have staff available to help you unload your items.
• Donated books are often used to replace worn copies or missing titles on library shelves. This is most common with new books, popular authors in hardcover, and children's books. The library cannot guarantee that any donated book will be added to the collection or made available for circulation in the library.
• The majority of books donated to the library are not put on library shelves for circulation. They instead go toward the Friends of the Library used book sale. The sale takes place twice a year and is open to the public. Money raised by the Friends of the Library is used to sponsor programs and events in the library throughout the year.
• Patrons can request a tax receipt for their donated books. The receipt will not list a monetary value for the donation but will instead say something like "Three boxes of books, donated." Patrons also have the option of counting the books before they are donated and getting a more specific receipt (i.e. "20 hardcovers and 10 paperbacks, donated"); simply give the number to the librarian writing your receipt. 

We at the Andover Public Library believe that our library is one of the finest libraries out there, but it is only through the generosity of our patrons and our community that we are able to thrive and grow. We thank you for your donations.