Past Events: Dolly Parton Imagination Library Kick-Off Party, January 2011

The first year Andover Public Library offered the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, we held a party to celebrate. Click here for more information about the program. Sign up forms are available in the library any time.

Our friendly Andover Policeman reading a story.

One of the local Fireman reading another story.

Finding Great Books: AR Book Finder

In this blog post series, we'll introduce you to some of the websites, apps, and tools we librarians use to help patrons find the books they're looking for.

AR Book Finder

What it is: AR Book Finder is an official website for Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program, used in many school systems including Andover schools. The program analyzes children's and young adult books to establish their reading levels.

URL: www.arbookfind.com

How we use it: We like to use AR to help us find books for young children. Grade school children who are just learning to read are selective about their reading choices and can easily be frustrated by books that are too difficult for them. AR levels are a great way to figure out if a book is appropriate for your child's reading abilities.
The Book Finder's advanced search allows you to search for books not only by reading level but also by genre. If you see titles that interest you, you can click the "Add to AR Book Bag" button to save them to a list that you can print out and take with you to the library or book store. Unfortunately, you can't save the lists on the site so be sure to print anything you want to keep for later.

How we don't use it: It's important to remember that this is not a library catalog. Books may show up on the AR website that we do not have in the library.
Additionally, parents often visit the library asking for books "on a higher reading level". This may be a mistake! Reading level does not equate to the quality of the book. Most fiction books, even adult fiction titles, are written at a "5th grade level". This does not mean the books are low quality: it simply means that most native English speakers have learned how to read fairly well by 5th grade! Focus on the quality of the characters and the story rather than the grade level of the book.
For assistance finding AR books on your child's level, talk to librarian Kathy on our evening shift, who works in Andover school libraries during the day, or our YA librarian Tori, a former school librarian and experienced AR administrator. 

Conclusion: This is a great site for parents of young children, but also user-friendly enough that children can learn to use it too. Work together with your child to find books he or she wants to read.

Due Dates 101: Holidays and Library Closings

It happens a lot around the holidays: you've driven up to return your books only to find that the library is closed. What do you do now?

First, don't panic. No books are due on days when the library is closed for any reason, whether it's a holiday, a snow day, or a city event such as Greater Andover Days. Books and movies whose due dates would land on a calendar day that we are scheduled to be closed are AUTOMATICALLY due on the first library day AFTER the scheduled closing.

For example, if I check out a DVD (which normally checks out for only seven days) on a Monday, it would be due on the next Monday. However, if the next Monday is a holiday and the library is closed, my DVD is not due until the next Tuesday.

Secondly, remember that no fines are charged on days when the library is closed. If I have a book due on Saturday but I fail to turn it in, there will be no fine for Sunday (because the library is always closed on Sundays). Whether I return the book to the outside return bin on Sunday or wait until Monday morning, the fine will be the same. Likewise, if my book was due the day before a holiday but I fail to turn it in, I will not be charged a fine the day of the holiday, only the day after.

So while you are gathered with your family this holiday season, don't worry about your library books. The library will still be there when the holidays are over.

Library Buzz: Reading Options for the Young at Heart

(Originally published in the Andover American 2/7/13. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

It’s sort of obvious when you walk in our front door: we love kids here at the Andover Public Library. From the colorful archway made of giant books, marking the entrance to our children’s section, to the interactive story times, to the art and science camps we offer during our summer reading program, the library goes out of its way to make children feel welcome. However, you might not be aware of what we have to offer older kids… like, much older… like, retired ones. Check out these goods and services that will appeal to elderly patrons. 

If you still have a young mind behind old, tired eyes, fear not! We offer many of our most popular titles in both regular and large print. Come by anytime to browse our large print collection, with nearly two thousand titles including the best inspirational stories from Beverly Lewis and Karen Kingsbury and suspenseful mysteries from James Patterson and J.D. Robb. If we don’t have the large print title you want, consider filling out an Inter-Library Loan request. Using this free service, patrons can check out other libraries’ books directly from the Andover Public Library, granting access to multiple library collections from one convenient location.

Patrons who can’t see well enough to read print should try one of our audiobooks. Try John Lithgow’s memoir, “Drama”, read by the man himself, describing his life and career with refreshing candor. Or try New York Times bestseller “Eat Pray Love”, read with genuine emotion by the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, adding a new dimension to an already stellar book. If you like horror or suspense, try “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris, smoothly narrated by actor Chris Sarandon. Of course, most audiobooks are narrated by professional voice actors you won’t recognize from TV or movies but who are no less talented at bringing books to life. Try several books to see if you can find a new favorite reader.

Patrons who aren’t able to visit the library due to age or infirmity can still check out books. Using our Novel Journeys homebound program, patrons can receive a bag of library books once a month, carefully selected by book-savvy volunteers. Patrons can specify favorite authors or genres, as well as limit their selections to large print or audiobooks. The books are delivered and picked up by caring volunteers from the local Rotary Club at no charge to the patron. All it takes to enroll is a library card. Call the library for more information at 558-3500.

Whether you’re young or merely young at heart, you never outgrow the love of a good story. Stop by the library anytime to see how we can meet your reading needs.

New Inspirational Titles on Sunflower eLibrary

Do you like inspirational fiction? Do you have a favorite Christian-fiction author? If so, you should check out these new titles available as ebooks from our Sunflower eLibrary:

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr
Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman
Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard
An Elegant Solution by Paul Robertson
Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano
The Gift by Lauraine Snelling
A Heart Deceived by Michelle Griep
A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer
Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden
The Language of Sparrows by Rachel Phifer
Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd
Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio by Serena B. Miller
Love in a Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews
Made to Last by Melissa Tagg
The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena B. Miller
A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller
Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund
Return to Me by Lynn Austin
Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Swept Away by Mary Connealy
Trouble in Store by Carol Cox
The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen
Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade
An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling
Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong
When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad

For more information about Sunflower, check out the Sunflower section on the library website or visit Sunflower's Help page. 

Holiday baking with our cake pan collection

Andover Public Library is one of only a handful of libraries in the state of Kansas to have a collection of cake pans available for checking out. Our collection includes holiday shapes like candy canes and Christmas trees (as well as shapes for other major holidays like Easter and Halloween). We also have many of your children's favorite characters like Elmo, Batman, and Dora the Explorer. To browse our collection, visit our catalog and search for "cake pan" (make sure you search for "pan" and not "pans"; only the singular will work!), or visit the library: you'll find the cake pans in the children's section, across from the children's DVDs. 

Our cake pan collection is one of the best in the state. Visit us before your next birthday, holiday dinner, or other special occasion to see how we can improve your dessert options.

Event Report: Hometown Christmas 2013

On December 12, 2013, the library participated in Andover's annual Hometown Christmas event by providing Christmas crafts and tables for cookie decorating. We also gave out information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. We had a wonderful time and we hope everyone in attendance did as well!

Meet the Librarian: Karyn, Administrative Director

Name: Karyn Schemm
Position at the library: Administrative Director

1. How long have you been at APL?  13 and ½ years

2. What’s your favorite thing about APL?  Our fun and friendly atmosphere

3. What is your favorite book and why? How could I pick just one? But I do read everything I can on JFK and Jackie Kennedy

4. Do you have any other book or author recommendations? Gillian Flynn

5. Do you have any hobbies? (Besides reading?) Motorcycle riding and camping. I just love being outdoors. My husband and I ride a Harley. I navigate, but do hope to get my own license someday. We have taken some long trips on the bike and hope to take many more in the future.

6. If you weren’t a librarian, what would you be? Something in banking…(is anyone surprised?)

7. What’s your favorite food? Glazed, smoked ham

8. What is the funniest experience you’ve ever had at the library? In our old building we had a sign on the bathroom door that said, “passports processed Mon-Fri, 9-3”. One day as a young woman started to open the bathroom door she turned to us and asked, “Do I need a passport to use the bathroom?”….there are many stories about that bathroom because it was right across from the circ desk……

9. What does your dream library look like? After working in the old library for 8 years, this building IS my dream library…..maybe with some more storage space :)

10. Talk about other stuff you like (movies, TV, music, games, etc.)  I listen to rock music. My favorite bands are Shinedown, Volbeat and Otherwise.  I enjoy attending concerts with my husband and daughter. I am a huge fan of the TV shows Nashville and Grey’s Anatomy. But my favorite was Breaking Bad….so long Heisenberg! And like so many other people, I am hopelessly addicted to Candy Crush…..and on Sunday afternoons,  it is all about FOOTBALL!

Karyn handles the logistics of running a library, like ordering office supplies, paying the bills, and keeping the other librarians in line. We couldn't do it without her!

Get 'em while they're holds!

You're a brilliant reader with fabulous tastes, so you know you want to read that new book everyone is talking about. Unfortunately, it's checked out already. Consider placing your name on the item's hold list. When your name comes up, we'll give you a call and save the item for you for at least three days. You can place holds in person, by phone (558-3500), or online (username is your library card number, password is your last name in lowercase).

Here are some popular items you might want to place on hold:

Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Returning to the Ford County law practice of Jake Brigance of Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill, this novel follows another controversial court case. After a terminally ill rich man apparently commits suicide, a new, handwritten will comes to light, leaving his family scandalized and the community in turmoil. It's up to Jake to sort out the mess.

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich
In Stephanie Plum's latest adventure, mob boss Salvatore “Uncle Sunny” Sunucchi is wanted for murder and Stephanie is set to take him down—if she can find him, that is: none of her usual sources are willing to snitch. In the meantime, Stephanie helps Ranger and her own Grandma Mazur investigate a murder at the senior center.

Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard
From the team that brought you Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy comes a riveting work of nonfiction about the pillar of Christianity. Killing Jesus lays out the details of the events leading up to Christ's death as we know them from historical accounts, written in a straight-forward style that keeps readers engaged and increases understanding of the political climate of the time.

In our DVD collection, get your name on the list for Star Trek: Into Darkness, The Croods, The Great Gatsby, After Earth, or Pacific Rim.

Of course, if you don't feel like waiting for holds, just browse our shelves. Hundreds of new releases and thousands of great older titles are available now.

Library Buzz: These are a Few of Our Favorite Things

(Although this article was originally published 12/6/12, and the "upcoming" and "new" titles mentioned are old news by now, these recommendations are still good. Please note that this year's Hometown Christmas is December 12. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

I recently saw this gift-giving advice online: “One thing they want, one thing they need, one thing to wear, and one thing to read.” I can’t help you with the first three items, but for giftable book ideas, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few titles you might not have heard about for the readers in your life.

Elementary and middle grade readers may enjoy “Dragonbreath” by Ursula Vernon, about a young dragon’s encounters with monsters, ninjas, ghosts, and other oddball antagonists, making these the sort of off-the-wall, non sequitur stories that some kids can’t resist. Peppered with humorous illustrations like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, the Dragonbreath series currently consists of seven books, with more scheduled to come out next year.

For history buffs, I recommend Simon Winchester. Winchester’s books are well researched but cover events that don’t come up in history class. Personal favorites are “The Professor and the Madman”, about the creators of the Oxford English Dictionary, and “The Map that Changed the World”, about a pioneer in the geological sciences. Winchester’s books read like novels and will appeal to fans of adventure stories as well as historical fiction.

For fantasy fans, go for Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, starting with “The Eye of the World”. With a politically charged, pseudo-medieval fantasy setting, this series will appeal to fans of George R.R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones”, but with less sex and violence, making it safe for younger advanced readers who have already enjoyed “Eragon” or “Lord of the Rings”. The fourteenth and final book, “A Memory of Light” co-written by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan’s death, is due out in January.

Mystery readers might enjoy Louise Penny, whose 2005 debut “Still Life” introduces readers to Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a Canadian officer in a small village in Quebec. This elegantly written series, currently eight books, will appeal to fans of Alexander McCall Smith with its diverse characters and cozy plots. The newest book, New York Times bestseller “The Beautiful Mystery”, came out in September.

If you need other gift suggestions, check out the booklists on our website, www.andoverlibrary.org/APLreadinglists, or ask a librarian during Hometown Christmas, Thursday December 13, from 5:30PM to 8:00PM. From all of us at the Andover Public Library, we hope you’ll give the gift of reading this Christmas, and we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season.

Library Buzz: You'll Shoot Your Eye Out

(Originally published in the Butler County Times Gazette 12/5/13. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

My childhood was absolutely normal. Plain vanilla. I don't have anything like “A Christmas Story” in my background: no leg lamps, no licking lamp posts, no ruined Christmas dinners. It's a downright mystery how I grew up to be so quirky. I do, however, enjoy reading other people's humorous memoirs. These three will have you laughing so hard you’ll be embarrassed to read them in public.

Ever since I read her essay about being trapped in a fitting room after trying on a shirt which turned out to be too small to take off again, I have known Laurie Notaro and I are spirit-sisters. Although that essay is in her excellent book "It Looked Different on the Model", I also recommend “An Idiot Girl’s Christmas: True Tales from the Top of the Naughty List”, a collection of holiday anecdotes. Notaro, Arizona native and former newspaper columnist, is bound to make readers feel better about their own holiday stresses, if only by comparison.

David Sedaris, whose autobiographical works feature his cynical mother, artistic friends, and peculiar siblings, began his career on talk radio, so he truly shines as the narrator of the audio versions of his books. I recommend “Me Talk Pretty One Day”, which chronicles his failed career in the arts, his failure to understand restaurant menus, and his failed attempts to learn French. Another of his books, a collection of Christmas stories called “Holidays on Ice”, will make you laugh until you cry as Sedaris describes the horrors of working as an elf in Santa’s village at Macy’s.

Jenny Lawson, a freelance writer who collects taxidermied animals and almost makes it sound normal, entertains readers on her blog at thebloggess.com, but in her #1 New York Times Bestselling memoir “Let's Pretend This Never Happened”, Jenny describes her childhood in Texas, her awkward teenage years, and her struggles with depression. While this summary may sound harmless enough, Jenny is like that one friend we all have who says exactly what she’s thinking without considering the consequences, making her memoir both irreverent and refreshing, though not appropriate for polite conversation.

If stories of your own childhood are equally inappropriate, check out the new release “Writing Your Life: A Guide to Writing Autobiographies” by Mary Borg. You might have a bestselling memoir on your hands. Just be sure to mention the Andover Public Library in your dedication.

Teen Reads: Pretty, Pretty Princesses

Sometimes you need a break from gritty, realistic fiction full of angst and drama. You want fluff. You want romance. You want a happy ending. Ladies, put on your pink pajamas and grab a pint of ice cream: it's time for young adult princess books.

1. The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker
When princess Emma kisses a frog she meets in the swamp near her castle, a magical mishap causes her to be turned into frog as well. Together, Emma and Eadric hop across the countryside looking for a cure. First in a series of eight books that are not at all related to the Disney cartoon "based" on this title.

2. Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Princess Cimorene hates being a princess and is absolutely opposed to the marriage her parents are trying to arrange. She runs away to live with the local dragons, meets a friendly witch and some unfriendly wizards, and soon uncovers a plot that could endanger the dragons' way of life. The book has three sequels (and also, talking cats).

3. Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Christian, a commoner who lives in a cave with his (adopted) troll-dad, loves the beautiful princess Marigold from afar, but what can he do when he learns that Marigold's evil mother is plotting to take over the kingdom by eliminating both Marigold and the king? Not only is this the fluffiest fluffy book that ever fluffed, but it also has a sequel.

4. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
Shortly after a prophecy declares that the prince's future bride will come from Miri's mountain village, palace officials arrive to set up a mandatory princess-training school for all the village girls. Though the competition at first divides the girls, danger to the academy soon brings them together.

5. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Newbery Honor book Ella Enchanted retells the classic Cinderella story with a twist. This author is fond of princess stories and has a number of princess-themed novels. They're not part of a series, so feel free to pick up any of them.

6. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The basis of the cult-classic movie, this timeless novel tells the story of the love between Buttercup and Westley. While the movie is a faithful adaptation of the book, a few scenes were excluded for time and true fans will adore these little extras. 

Get Ready for Hometown Christmas!

The City of Andover will be hosting Hometown Christmas this year on Thursday, December 12, from 5:30PM to 8:00PM. Enjoy kids' crafts, hay rides, pictures with Santa, and other fun activities. Pay $2.00 to sample the offerings in the annual chili cook-off, then head over to the fire pit to make yourself a s'more for dessert. The cost of admission is a small donation to Andover Caring and Sharing of either a canned good, a new toy, or cash. All donations benefit Andover families.
It promises to be a fun night and we hope to see you there. Check out these pictures of Hometown Christmases Past.