The Secret Garden: A Mother-Daughter Book Club

The Library will be hosting a Mother-Daughter Secret Garden Tea and Book Discussion. Each mother-daughter pair should read "The Secret Garden", by Frances Hodgson Burnett, prior to the tea.

Book club copies of the book will be available to borrow at the Youth Services Reference Desk, and they are out just in time for Spring Break! We also have an audio book and a downloadable book available in OverDrive and two audiobooks available as books on cd.

Registration for the tea begins on April 12th for grades K-5. You can enjoy quality mother-daughter time and a wee bit of pampering with a special tea and book discussion on Saturday, May 12 at 10 AM. You'll want to dress in your finest for this elegant tea!

Prom 2012

For hundreds of Zionsville teens, it is the most important night of their life. Ladies will spend hours and possibly days searching for the perfect dress and guys will spend about an hour in a tuxedo store selecting their attire. Prom is Saturday, April 21 and will be held at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Teens have told me they will have the entire museum at their disposal and will be able to ride the carousel at no cost. I knew the library needed to help make such an important event special, so ladies are invited to a "Hair and Makeup Tips and Trends" program. Karin Schweibold and Caitlin DeVries from As the Crowe Flies Hair Salon will be here to talk about hair and makeup and will bring with them a model wearing a dress from Lesley Jane's. We kindly ask that you register for the event so we have the correct number of chairs and can make reminder phone calls. We hope to see you in April and help you prepare for an amazing evening.

Thoughts on “The Hunger Games” Movie

I am a librarian. I did the same thing pretty much every librarian did last weekend: I called my librarian friends and they gathered their loved ones and a crew of ten to see "The Hunger Games." It has been several years since I have read the book, so I will resist even trying to compare the movie to the book. Instead I will concentrate solely on making this a movie review and not a comparison. First of all, I feel compelled to say the movie is violent. I have described the plot to many people as a futuristic "Gladiator." My high school history teacher told me I had to study history because history repeats itself. "The Hunger Games" is exactly that. 24 kids, called tributes, between the ages of 12-18 are put into an arena, which can be altered at the push of button, and the winner gets to live. As a tribute, you can help your odds of winning by getting sponsors. You get sponsors by getting the public to like you. This may sound familiar if you have seen the movie "Gladiator" featuring Russell Crowe, but "The Hunger Games" has less blood.
Now that the violence of the movie has been addressed (you are prepared when a character actually says "It's a bloodbath,"), it is time to move forward. First of all, go to the bathroom before setting foot in the theatre. This is a two hour and twenty-two minute movie. Normally, I start squirming at the hour and a half mark, but this movie did not feel like a two-plus hour movie. It has action, compassion, young love, chess-like strategizing, Jennifer Lawrence, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Harrelson, and a very nice cast mix. The blood, violence, and historic aspect (think of the Colosseum in Rome and all the people who died fighting to the death in an entertainment arena) of this movie is the draw for guys, but the refreshing independence of a female protagonist is a perk for the ladies in the audience. But it is not all business; there was more than one moment that left me teary-eyed and there was at least one instance where the theater was completely silent, creating an opportunity for sniffles to be heard from several movie goers.
I am cheap and prefer to see movies in the comfort of my own home, but I was happy to cough up the money. CNN says the movie raked in $155 million in the opening weekend, making it the third largest opening weekend in history (behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and The Dark Knight). If you do not see it, you may be left out of many upcoming movie conversations over the next few years. Also, go ahead and make sure you mark November 22, 2013 on your calendar. Why? That, my friends, is the next biggest awaited movie release, the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy, "Catching Fire."

I geek Knitting

For those unfamiliar with the craft it is known as something only “old ladies” do. However, those who knit know that most older people knit because during the two world wars, those not old enough to serve were asked to do their part by knitting socks for soldiers overseas. The rich history of knitting and much more is in the book Knitting America by Susan Strawn. Today, knitting is done by folks of all ages and genders, including boys and girls in grade school. In any case, gone are the days of knitting being done by grandma and in comes a fresh, new generation of knitters.

People unknowing of the craft frequently confuse knitting with its cousin, crochet. While I do not crochet, I believe you can distinctly identify the two by the number of sticks being held by the crafter. If there is one stick, it’s crochet. Two or more sticks? That’s knitting.


I learned to knit in college. My political science professor gave each student a copy of the school paper and asked us to read the editorial. On the front page was an article covering the university’s newest club, the knit and crochet club. I was curious and showed up with my knitting needles and yarn and asked them to teach me. After learning to knit, I began taking my knitting to other classes. This is where I slowly trained myself to knit without looking at what I was doing, a skill that I now use when at the movie theatre. Not just during the previews, but during the movie itself my eyes are glued to the screen while my hands are busy working on a scarf or another project.

Knitters are like Mac users. When one person sees another, they flock together and before you know it, the group doubles in size; and even though these people may have just met, they are already the best of friends through their passion for knitting. Knitters are also known for taking their craft with them. If your project fits in a bag, why not?

If you don’t knit, but have always wanted to learn, check out the Village Yarn Shop right here in Zionsville. They welcome guests who both knit and crochet. Don’t be surprised if it seems more like a petting zoo… crafters love to feel the differences between yarns. If you are too busy to get out, you can always share your passion for knitting on Ravelry, a free online site for knitters and crocheters.

I could go on and on about my love of knitting. If you ever want to celebrate strides in knitting or crocheting, please bring your project to the library and ask for the teen librarian. I would love to see what you are working on.

PLA Youth Highlights: Muzzy, Goodnight iPAD, Whatever After

The Public Library Association hosted an awesome conference in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love! Librarians from all over meet to exchange ideas and opinions at PLA. It's an opportunity to consider important issues of libraries, and a chance to implement new energy in our community!

I met some famous notable characters on my trip...

Meet Muzzy. Muzzy is part of a BBC language course, and they have just revamped their foreign language program. Thankfully we are updating our collection, goodbye VHS and cassette tapes, hello DVDs and CD Roms! Check out our shelves for Muzzy's new French, Spanish, German, and Chinese programs.

Penworthy the Bear (right) showed me some high interest books that our Library will definitely want to showcase. With all of the books he showed me, I would definitely say he is a "BEARY good reader!"

In addition to these characters, I also met several authors. I had a copy of Goodnight iPAD signed by the author, Ann Droyd. The author didn't look like an Ann, but what a clever pseudonym! The book is quite clever for those of you that are high tech.  I had dinner with Sarah Mlynowski, who has a new fairy tale series coming out called Whatever After. I can't wait to read the first book, Fairest of all.

What is the Significance of 200,000 to Indiana history?

Hoosiers do not normally come to mind when discussing the Civil War. That is why it is amazing to learn that 200,000 Hoosiers fought in that war. Although our land was not scarred by the battle, and we have no Gettysburg here, many of our ancestors answered the call to fight to end slavery and preserve our country.

A few, such as Colonel Eli Lilly were famous, most were not. Lilly led the 18^th Independent Battery Light Artillery. Many of these young men were fellow friends and classmates recruited by Lilly. The unit became a part of the Army of the Cumberland and played important roles at the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, among others. You can find more information about Lilly and “Lilly’s Battery” at The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, which is located in the lower level of the Indiana War Memorial on Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis. Conner Prairie also has information concerning Indiana’s involvement in the Civil War.

The 28^th Regiment was the only African-American Regiment organized in Indiana. Its initial training took place at Camp Fremont located near the south side neighborhood of Fountain Square, in Indianapolis. Near White House, Virginia, on June 21, 1864, the 28th Regiment participated in its first combat. Then the regiment accompanied General Sheridan's Cavalry through the Chickahominy swamps to Prince George Courthouse, suffering "severe losses from frequent skirmishes with the enemy".

The 15^th Indiana Regiment Infantry was organized at Lafayette, Indiana and mustered in June 14, 1861. On November 25, 1863, the 15th Indiana was under orders to capture the Confederate rifle pits at the foot of Missionary Ridge. Muskets cracked and gun smoke rose in choking clouds as the 15th Indiana rushed into the battle. The regiment went face down on a road, well up on the Ridge, in a storm of lead. Suddenly within the galling musket fire Major White of the 15th Indiana gave the command, "Men, for God's sake forward!"

We have books in our collection that will bring you in to the lives of some of the Hoosiers who fought in the Civil War. In the book Iron Men, Iron Will by Craig Dunn you can learn about the 19^th Indiana Regiment, and discover the reason they were called the Iron Brigade.

On a more personal note, read Affectionately Yours, The Civil War Home-Front Letters of the Ovid Butler Family by Barbara Butler Davis. This book includes letters written to Scott Butler while he was serving in Indiana’s 33^rd Regiment. This book reminds us that war also affects those left at home. The 200,000 men who left Indiana to fight in the war were 75% of the eligible males from our state.

At our downstairs elevator lobby, we currently have a display which highlights some of the Indiana regiments, with photos of their regiment flags. We have included books that our library has on Hoosiers and the Civil War. You are welcome to visit us and explore this chapter in Indiana history.

Drafting Your Dream

When Zionsville resident Peggy Garrett Rohrman was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 44, she took the age-old question of "Why me?" and thought to herself, "Why not me?" She decided to approach the experience as if it was a gift, and became inspired to create a family legacy project with her mother, Sally Ruhaak Garrett, and sister, Laurie Garrett Hamed. That project became the book, "Hand Me Down Heart: Recipes and Traditions of Home, Hope and Heritage."

On Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 6:30pm, listen to Peggy, Sally and Laurie tell their story and hear advice for publishing your own book. They will talk about organizing your ideas, marketing and promotion, and networking, among other things. They will also touch on ways to conquer what they call the "demons of doubt." Even if you are not interested in publishing a book, don't miss this inspiring talk by three women who decided to see the best in something frightening. Please register for this program.

Websites for Kids

Finding good - relevant, safe, accurate, timely, age-appropriate - websites for children can be a challenge. There are several tools out there to help, though ... like:

• The Internet Public Library2 (or IPL2) for Kids! All the sites that come up in a search here have been approved by librarians or others in the information science world to point you in profitable and appropriate directions. From the kid's page specifically you can search or browse. You can browse homework help sites, math and science, sports, art and music, and more. The far right-hand side of the page has links to IPL2 hosted information like science fair info, states facts, and help with the U.S. Presidents. Though IPL2 is perhaps not the best option for very specific searches, it can be a great tool for finding general information online for kids.      

• A search engine I can across through IPL2 for Teens is iSeek Education. Again vetted by information professionals the search results are more reliable than what may just come up through a Google search. The best part, I think, is that the results can be sorted by audience age/grade, resource type, some state standards, organization, subject and topic (helpful for narrowing or expanding a topic for a project or paper), etc. Definitely worth a look!

•  Finally, the American Library Association has a compilation of Great Websites for Kids. They've recently reformatted how they present that information on the website, and so far I'm a little disappointed, personally, with the changes. However, there can be some great recommendations for sites you might not otherwise find ... keep checking back and give it a perusal.

Do you have a favorite search portal for kids? We'd love to hear about it! 

Think about it . . .

Would you notice if a gorilla strolled onto a basketball court and thumped its chest? Amazingly, roughly half the subjects in a study of "selective attention," conducted by Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons, didn't. Read about it in The Invisible Gorilla And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us, or try it yourself by watching the video.

Did you know that your pupils expand when you think? Well, they do, according to Daniel Kahneman, author of the best-selling Thinking, Fast and Slow. In fact, research shows that not only do they expand, but they also dilate more with harder problems.

These are just a few things to think about during Brain Awareness Week (March 12 - 18).

Other intriguing books on the subject of human psychology, available at the Library, include: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer, Opening Skinner's Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century by Lauren Slater, and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.

For extra mental fun/frustration take Mensa International's online "Mensa Workout."

Couponing Class

Saving money is wise, and every little bit counts. Learn money-saving coupon tips from "Bargain Briana," an expert couponer featured in the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Woman, and Channel 13 WTHR's "Saving Your Money" segment. Briana will teach you where to find coupons, methods to use coupons effectively, and how to understand coupon lingo, abbreviations, and the fine print. She'll talk about using coupons to stockpile items that you use regularly, and using coupons and a meal plan to help you manage your grocery budget and cut it in half. Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 6:30pm in the Lora Hussey Room, registration required.

Youth Art Month

It's March and with it comes Youth Art Month. Established to promote art education for young people, this month at the library is lots of fun!

There's a feast for the eyes all month in our large display cases with artwork of all kinds from local area young people. From sculpture to painting, you'll be impressed. How many of these artists do you know!? Or are you one of them ... ?



In youth services we have pulled some interesting, informational, and visual books to help you create your own masterpieces. Want to try your hand at drawing? Looking for a fun arts and crafts project for one of these blustery rainy days? What does art look like around the world? We've got answers!

And we have links to two blogs to share. Chock full of inspiration and direction for those adults wanting to help young people get creative, Art Lessons for Kids by Ms. Ale is a great blog to follow and peruse as is Art Projects for Kids by Kathy Barbro. 



To learn more about Youth Art Month (YAM) in Indiana specifically, visit the Indiana Youth Art Month website. You'll find a bit of background information and the 2012 winners. For info and ways to get involved with YAM in general visit here.

Then there's global youth art! For a fun visual treat, check out the Global Children's Art Gallery to see what other young people are creating around the world or to submit some artwork of your own!


Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy new creative expressions and expand your appreciation and support of artistic endeavor.

QR Code Scavenger Hunt

You likely know what they are, you just don’t know the name. QR stands for quick response. It is a square barcode that, once scanned with yohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifur smartphone will redirect you to a website http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifor a snippet of information. This week is Teen Tech Week and the teen librarian is inviting you and your family to do our QR Code Scavenger Hunt! Normally, Teen Tech Week (sponsored by the ) and teen programs are open to teens only, but this is so awesome I just had to share it with everyone. You will need a smart phone and will need to download a QR code scanner application. There are many out there that you can download for free. Next, go to the Teen and Adult Reference Desk on the second floor and scan the first code! It’s that easy. There are ten QR Codes in the library and they are pretty big, so you will need to stand back a bit to get the codes to scan properly. Depending on how well you know the library, you’ll need around 20-30 minutes to complete your quest. Follow all ten clues and at the end you will be rewarded for your search efforts! All ten codes will be available for scanning fun at the library through Sunday. Go ahead give it a try.

Got Floaties?

Kick start spring by attending a presentation by open water swim champion and Triple Crown winner Jim Barber on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 7pm in the Lora Hussey Room. Learn what it takes to be an endurance swimmer as Mr. Barber talks about his experiences swimming the English Channel, Manhattan Island, Strait of Gibraltar and other open waters, where challenges include water temperature, currents and tidal flow, whitecaps, sun glare, rain, lightning, sharks, jellyfish and other stinging marine life.
 
According to Open Water Source, “Open water swimmers, in general, tend to be adaptable, energetic and optimistic individuals- for the sport demands flexibility, above-average health and a positive outlook.” Meet just such an individual when you come to Mr. Barber’s program at the Library.

Tween Book Trailers

Our tweens got techie last week making their own book trailers! Book trailers, if you haven't seen one, are  movie book talks. Visually represent a bit of a book and see if you can get someone hooked.

We grabbed some picture books (hoping it would make it easier to get our trailers done in one hour), took over the second floor computer lab, and got to work reading, storyboarding, image creating, and compiling our book trailers. The creative juices were flowing, and you'll get to appreciate their hard work as we post their videos throughout the month.

Keep an eye out both for more great book trailers and a longer book trailer program session this summer where we'll really dig deep into this fun & techie literary activity!

In the meantime, you can enjoy Connor's handiwork. A fourth grader here in Zionsville, he created a book trailer for Steve Jenkin's nonfiction work, Actual Size, which you will find under j591.4 JENKINS in our collection.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! The Re-Seussification Project

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! The good doctor (a.k.a. Theodore Geisel) would have been 108 years old today. To honor him, I might have to take in the 2012 big screen version of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, which hits theaters today.

Also, don't miss Betsy Bird's Fuse #8 blog and the creative challenge she put out for illustrators: Remake a classic Dr. Seuss book cover in the form of another classic illustrator. The results are amusing, amazing, and pure fun, such as the example shown here, The Lorax, in the style of Shel Silverstein, created by Aaron Zenz.