The Giver is in Theaters

The movie adaptation of The Giver by Lois Lowry has been released 21 years after the novels debut.  The book is critically acclaimed; it has won numerous awards including the 1994 Newbery Medal.  Despite all of the awards, this book is also frequently on banned book lists around the country, and it is currently listed on the American Library Association’s website under 100 most challenged books from 1990-1999.
 
Lois Lowry shares her thoughts on banning The Giver on her website.
I think banning books is a very, very dangerous thing. It takes away an important freedom. Any time there is an attempt to ban a book, you should fight it as hard as you can. It's okay for a parent to say, "I don't want my child to read this book." But it is not okay for anyone to try to make that decision for other people. The world portrayed in The Giver is a world where choice has been taken away. It is a frightening world. Let's work hard to keep it from truly happening.
 

Whether you have read the book or not, the movie version of this celebrated “banned book” is going to help spread the importance of reading across America this weekend.  If you see The Giver in theaters LABOR DAY WEEKEND, fifty cents of each ticket sold will be donated to NEA’s Read Across America initiative to help buy books for children across America.

Letters of Note: An Eclectic Collection of Correspondence Deserving of a Wider Audience

The name says it all. This engrossing collection brings history to life. Popular British blogger, Shaun Usher has selected 125 letters written by entertainers, artists, presidents, queens, and ordinary citizens. Letters of Note includes fanciful, profound, and often surprising letters, like Annie Oakley’s offer to President McKinley on the eve of the Spanish American War, to place a contingent of 50 lady sharpshooters at his disposal.  A companion paragraph, that sets the piece in context, accompanies each letter.  Most communications also include a photograph of the original letter to enhance the reading experience. You’ll find this treat on the New Books shelf (808.86 LETTERS).

Antiques Roadshow

Antiques Roadshow Insider

Have an interest in antiques?  Do you enjoy knowing the worth of old items so that you can look for them when you go picking?  Then you will love the Antiques Roadshow Insider.  Such an interesting look at dazzling pieces, paintings and framed historical documents.  The July issue covers the current interest in Texas art and the “pioneering painters” who wandered in this part of our country from Germany to paint landscapes and animals .  They gave quite a depiction of life in Texas in the 1800’s. 

June issue has pictures and worth of stunning jewelry pieces for collectors to appreciate and also covers an enjoyable article on “classic comedians”.   If you are looking to have a yard sale anytime soon, there is some very good information on how to proceed successfully.

Auction news and trends are covered in the current August issue so come in, sit down and take a look.  All copies can be checked out except the most current issue.

What is HIIT?

HIIT is the acronym for High Intensity Interval Training.  HIIT is any workout that alternates short periods of intense exercise with recovery periods.  For example: combining five cycles of one-minute intense periods with two-minutes of recovery will total a fifteen minute HIIT workout.

But any workout has be beneficial (especially if it includes the word "intensity" in the title) or you won't do it.  So, what are the benefits of HIIT workouts?

1. Efficiency.  These workouts will get you in and out a lot faster than traditional "steady state" workouts. The shorter sessions will burn more calories and get you in better shape than a much longer session on the treadmill. 
2. Maintain Your Muscles.  Doing a HIIT routine instead of traditional cardio will help you maintain muscle.  And guess what muscle does?  It burns more calories, even at rest.  So if you want to lose weight, HIIT can help.
3. No Equipment Needed.  This is a body weight only exercise.  Since you are pushing yourself hard, equipment will only get in the way.  You don't have to purchase an expensive piece of equipment that will become a coat hanger in three months - just do HIIT!

Where do you get started with HIIT?  Check out a free DVD from your library, of course! 

10 Minute Solution: High Intensity Interval Training demonstrates five 10-minute HIIT workouts.  They are intense, but remember they are short, so the pain will not last for long.  Each workout has a unique design, so you will have variety with this DVD.

UFit by Cindy Whitmarsh is a hybrid of HIIT, as it incorporates weights.  There are periods of intense cardio, but Cindy uses weights during recovery to perform toning exercises.  There are two 20-minute segments: Upper Body Bliss and Lower Body Blast.

One of the toughest interval workouts is Insanity.  That is because its intensity/recovery intervals are inverted.  The intense work intervals are longer than traditional HIIT, with shorter recovery periods.   For extreme results, millions believe in this method.  Your library has the Insanity 10 DVD set.

Now that you have some options, choose a DVD and HIIT it!

Bicentennial Statehood Day Essay Contest for 4th Graders

The Indiana State House Tour Office in conjunction with the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library is hosting an essay competition to commemorate Indiana Statehood Day 2014, a celebration of Indiana’s 198th birthday. To start us thinking about our 200th Statehood Day in 2016, this year’s theme is Hoosier Bicentennial Moments. For additional information on the essay contest, please visit: in.gov/library/statehood.htm. Winners of the Hoosier Bicentennial Moments essay contest will be honored at the Statehood Day Celebration at one of four participating locations on Thursday, December 11, 2014. For additional information regarding events planned for Statehood Day, please visit in.gov/idoa/2371.htm.
 • The competition is open to any Indiana 4th grade public, private or homeschooled student in the 2014-2015 school year.
 • Essays must range from 100 to 300 words, handwritten or typed.
 • Essays should be submitted on the front of one page whenever possible. No identifying information should be on the front of the entry. Identifying information including the student’s name, teacher’s name, school’s name, address, telephone number, and a valid email address for the teacher or individual, must be included. Entries are accepted from schools or individuals.
 • Essays should be reflective of the theme and convey clear thoughts about Hoosier Bicentennial Moments which can include historical moments, significant events, or great moments in time for Indiana or Indiana Hoosiers.
 • Essays must be postmarked by Friday, October 24, 2014 and should be mailed to the Indiana State Library.
 • A panel of judges will choose first, second, third, and fourth place winners.
 The winners, along with their class, will be invited to read his or her essays at one of the four participating locations on December 11th for Indiana’s 198th Statehood Day.

Texas Roadhouse Returns

When: Monday, Sept. 8th at 7pm
Where: Parking lot of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library.
Just because school has started and the leaves are starting to change doesn't mean we can't still have fun. End this summer on a high note! Tailgate with Texas Roadhouse and join us in our parking lot for a delicious evening of cooking out. Their master grillers will be on hand to demonstrate their expertise in firing up different types of meat. At the end of the demonstration, each participant gets one free tasty morsel. Adults only, registration required. Register at this link or by calling 317-873-3149 ext. 12400.