Library Scoop January 2016
Johnson County Public Library
NEWS & UPDATES FOR
JCPL STAFF
HR News! Amber Turner
Human Resources Manager United Way JCPL’s donations for 2015 = $8626.00 including $756 for Jeans Days.
Boldness Confidence to say or do what is true, right and just.
To the Core
Time Well Spent Enjoying the Amazing Benefits of Exercise Getting in shape is a very popular New Year's resolution - with good reason. Statistics show that only one in five adults meet federal guidelines for both aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercise. Some employees may be ready to hit the gym January 1st, while others might struggle to find the time. Fortunately, exercise can be squeezed into your schedule throughout the day. Simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator or using a pedometer or fitness tracker to meet a daily step count can be beneficial when you can't commit to a full workout or hour-long class. The important thing is to keep the body moving.
Cheers & Tears Update In 2015, Cheers and Tears raised $757 from staff who paid to wear jeans. Jeans Days Continue for 2016 (Fundraiser for United Way and Cheers & Tears) Every Friday & Saturday + $2 = Jeans Days! Now Available on the Intranet You can now view the Employee Handbook in the HR section. 2016 IRS Updates - Affordable Care Act (ACA) Under federal health reform law, individuals must have health insurance called minimum essential coverage (MEC). You must report this to the IRS when you file your taxes. If you don’t have coverage or it’s not reported, you may have to pay a fee to the IRS. To show the IRS that you had coverage, JCPL is providing al employees who work 30 hours or more with a 1095-c. You may need forms W-2 and 1095-c from JCPL to complete your taxes. Please consult a qualified tax professional if you have questions on how to file your taxes. Want to begin saving for retirement? Please remember you can begin contributing or change your current contribution to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan offered to JCPL employees through OneAmerica. Employees can contribute as little as $10.00 per pay. Please contact HR if you have questions. Library Scoop 2016 Do you have suggestions on information you would like to see in “The Scoop?” Would you like to contribute? Please contact HR.
Staff Shout Out! To all who attended the Holiday Party, thanks for making it a fun-filled evening of good people, good food and an interesting game of Pictionary! Thanks to Cheers & Tears Committee for organizing the event. In lieu of a gift exchange, items were collected for the Johnson County Humane Society. Six totes containing more than 75 items of food, toys and cleaning products were delivered to the Humane Society on Dec. 14.
Huge thanks to all who donated to the Healthy Food Drive to benefit the Interchurch Food Pantry sponsored by SWAT. Wendy Preilis and her son Jacob delivered 94 products that included food, dental products and kitchen utensils.
timewellspent.anthem.com
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How Would Your Customer Service be Rated? It’s a new year. As we kick off 2016, let’s remember how to enhance the customer experience! Everyone has customers. Sometimes they are external – patrons/vendors. Sometimes they are internal – colleagues you work with. Sometimes they are both. • Respond quickly. Return calls, emails, and other types of requests quickly. • Always do what you say you are going to do. If you say you’ll call back in five minutes, don’t make it ten. • Be punctual for meetings! It’s expected you will be on time. It’s a sign of disrespect if you aren’t. • Customer service to our coworkers is as important! Happy coworkers make for a happy work environment. • Be polite - say please, thank you. Always talk with a smile! Please remember, what’s happening inside an organization is felt on the outside by the customer.
New Years Read-solutions The old year is making way for the new, and we all know what that means: two or three weeks of pretending to eat better and exercise more before returning to Fritos and Netflix! As long as you're making resolutions to live healthier and have a more positive outlook on life, why not add a New Year's resolution related to books? Here are a few reading challenges you can try on for size:
by Nathan Biberdorf
The Snowball Challenge: Start the year out with a short novel, around 50 pages long, like The Metamorphosis, Heart of Darkness, or The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Then read a novel that's 100 pages long. Then 150 pages. Keep reading bigger and bigger books, each 50 pages longer than the last. See if you can make it through Infinite Jest before December 31st rolls around again.
The A to Zed Challenge: This challenge is pretty straightforward: Read 26 books, each written by an author whose last name starts with a different letter of the alphabet. You can mix them up, or go in alphabetical order, from Asimov down to Zindel. (P.S. If you're getting stuck near the end, don't forget The Autobiography of Malcolm X!) If reading one book every two weeks feels too pedestrian for your tastes, add another set of 26, this time with titles that go from A to Z. (And before you ask, reading all of Sue Grafton's mysteries is cheating!) The Lit Class Revisited Challenge: Remember all that 'classic literature' you hated reading in school? Maybe this is the year to give those dusty old tomes another try. Make a list of all the hundred-year-old novels you had to read (or at least, were supposed to read) in your middle and high school English classes. Who knows...you might actually enjoy them this time.
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Celebrations BIRTHDAYS January
Hannah Bennett Stefanie Davis Monica Harvey Sarah Taylor Joanne Dean
February
Heather Grantham Diane Erney Tom Randall Karen Emery Bobbi Whittemore Donna Vlcan Kelley Gilbert Andrea Kaucher Hannah Rollett Ginny Hosley
YEARS OF SERVICE January
Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Jan. 31
FRB WRB LSC FRB WRB
Feb. 11 Feb. 14 Feb. 16 Feb. 20 Feb. 22 Feb. 22 Feb. 22 Feb. 24 Feb. 25 Feb. 26
FRB FRB WRB FRB LSC WRB FRB FRB CPB WRB
Nathan Biberdorf Holly Kubancsek
February
Amy Dalton Tom Randall Denise Urrutia Chris Kolderup Sue Hewett
Jan. 17 Jan. 20
2 years 11 years
Feb. 3 Feb. 3 Feb. 3 Feb. 11 Feb. 11
2 years 7 years 2 years 8 years 14 years
GRADUATIONS Elyssa Everling received her Master of Library Science degree from Wayne State University
Friends of Johnson County Public Library
2016
BOOK SALES Jan. 28 – 31 Franklin Branch May 12 – 15 Trafalgar Branch Aug. 25 – 28 White River Branch Nov. 10 – 13 Clark Pleasant Branch
HOURS FOR ALL SALES Friends Nights THU. 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. For members & joiners memberships available at the door
General Sales FRI. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. SAT. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SUN. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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Getting to Know…
Chris Kolderup, Children’s Manager @ WRB
READ
Chris Kolderup Children’s Services Manager
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? I'd rather keep going because staying a certain age forever sounds like the age you are when you shuffle off this mortal coil. I like to know what happens next... If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? I want to learn how to speak and read Japanese and Korean. I want to visit those countries, or at least watch Korean tv shows without the subtitles. If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be? Creating a backyard play space with plants, sculptures, and play equipment for Saskia.
pageafterpage.org
If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would it be? A sea otter. They look like they're having a lot of fun swimming, cracking clams open with rocks, and entangling themselves in kelp. When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? As many things as possible: clean up, laundry, pick up a book, look at my phone, call my sister, or talk to Davin. If you could have dinner with only three people (real or fictitious/from any time period/dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why? I would want to have dinner with Davin, his mom, and Saskia. His mom was very talented, she could cross stitch, write calligraphy, and sew. She read Dune, had a good record collection, and she played video games. What is your idea of fun? If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day? I hope Davin gets to skip work too! I would want us to make pancakes for breakfast, go to the zoo, eat ice cream, go for a swim, and sleep outside on a clear night. If you were stranded on a beach alone, what are five things that you would want to have with you? My husband Davin, lots of water, survival skills, a sharp knife, and a great book that had lots of potential for rereading. What was your favorite musical group in middle school? New Kids on the Block for at least a year, but Beach Boys forever and ever! Name one thing you miss about being a kid. Exploring with my older sister. We lived in the country and there was a creek, forest, fields, barns, dirt roads, and abandoned church with cemetery. Do you have any phobias? Terrible fear of heights. My sister tries to cure me of this by taking me to as many high places as possible. What types of food do you NOT eat? I have no room in my life for sour, fruity, gummy candy. What is the point of that when delicious chocolate exists?
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Staff’s Favorite Books (and CDs) of 2015 Nathan Biberdorf: CD 2015: “American Beauty / American Psycho” – Fall out Boy Ask anybody at Trafalgar and they will tell you I was not pleased with the Grammy nomination this year. With singles like Uma Thurman and Irresistible that stood out from the 2014 singles (Centuries and Immortals) the album was released around, American Beauty / American Psycho deserved a victory in the category of “Rock Album of the year,” let alone a nomination. CD 2016: (TBA) – Red Hot Chili Peppers The Chili Peppers are finally back and despite stiff competition in the coming year with Panic! At The Disco’s new release, Blink-182’s first album without Tom DeLonge and the Gorillaz’s equally long awaited return, The Chili Pepper’s comeback is probably the most intriguing new CD projected to come out in 2016 Erin Cataldi: “Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship” by Robert Kurson - Two acclaimed divers and treasure hunters spend years trying to track a sunken pirate ship using old hunches, historical references and modern technology. Fascinating and impossible to put down! For fans of Indiana Jones. (nonfiction) “Lock In” by John Scalzi - A disease has been ravaging the globe for years and its side effects are horrific. Those who don't die from Hadens are either locked in their bodies unable to move or are able to become integrators (able to let the locked in have control of their bodies). Creepy and believable. Best science fiction of the year! “Drinking in America: Our Secret History” by Susan Cheever - Why did the pilgrims land at Plymouth? Because they were running out of beer. Why did everyone really love Johnny Appleseed? Because the nasty apple trees he planted weren't good for eating but WERE good for turning into cider. My view of US history is forever altered. (nonfiction)
What I'm looking forward to in 2016: “End of Watch” by Stephen King - I can't wait to get my mitts on the final installment of the Bill Hodges trilogy! Stephen King isn't just great at horror; he's a master at thrilling murder mysteries and I HAVE to know how retired detective Bill Hodges wraps up his career! “Winds of Winter” by George R. R. Martin - I've only been waiting YEARS for the sixth book in the Song of Fire and Ice series! I doubt it will come this year though. Sadness. You're killing me George R. R. Martin! Your show has caught up with the books, I need more to read! “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” - I can't wait to relive my childhood by going to the midnight premier of another Harry Potter movie. It's going to be so magical! Amy Dalton: In 2016 I’m dying to get my paws on “Morning Star” by Pierce Brown. It’s the end of his trilogy that began with “Red Rising” and is the story of Darrow, who has been chosen by rebels to go undercover into the ruling society and break it down from the inside. Break it down he does, with the second book of the series, “Golden Son,” being one long action sequence from start to finish. I cannot wait to see how things turn out, as there are so many crosses and double crosses it’s going to be thrilling to see how this revolution shakes out! Kelley Gilbert: One of my favorite books from 2015 was “How to Start a Fire” by Lisa Lutz- a tale of three friends over time, told with humor and a plot twist or two. A book I’m looking forward to in 2016 is “The Raven King” by Maggie Stiefvater, the final book in her Raven cycle series. Nikki Glassley: One of my favorite books this year was Aziz Ansari's “Modern Romance.” Instead of a typical
(See Favorites page 5)
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•Favorites (continued from page 5) celebrity memoir, Ansari teamed up with an NYU researcher to study modern dating habits in a book that both incredibly funny and fascinating. I'm really looking forward to “All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook” by Leslie Connor, which is a juvenile novel about a boy who's grown up in the prison system with his mother, an inmate and his foster mother, the warden. Davin Kolderup: I read a lot of pop music memoirs, but very few are as well written or exhaustive as Elvis Costello's “Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink.” Elvis has made more than 30 LPs and he finds time for them all, but the heart of the story is his relationship with his father, who imparted an extraordinary love of music that made possible a unique career. This is great reading for any fan of 20th-century popular music. Lisa Lintner: My favorite book of 2015: “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik. Wonderful novel-length fairy tale with great plots, setting and character development. The best fairy tale for grown ups that I've read in years. Heather Petro: One of my favorite reads from 2015 is “Things I Can't Explain” by Mitchell Kriegman. It tells the story of a mid twenties Clarissa, from the 90s TV show “Clarissa Explains It All,” all grown up as she navigates New York City pursuing her dream of working in journalism, and navigating an eventful personal life. I watched the show as a young girl and I really enjoyed catching up with one of my beloved 90's characters. It was nostalgic and entertaining.
readers, but I loved “Meet the Dullards” by Sara Pennypacker. Mr. and Mrs. Dullard want to have perfectly dull lives, but their children have other ideas – playing outside, reading books and having fun. The parents are genuinely horrified and it’s hilarious (or at least a three-year-old, sixyear-old, and their 34-year-old mother thought so anyway). As far as what I’m looking forward to, duh, “Winds of Winter,” by George R. R. Martin, but let’s be realistic about that and not get our hopes up. Bobbi Whittemore: Favorite 2015 DVD: Chef Favorite 2015 Book: “This Time I Dance!: Creating the Work You Love” - Tama Kieves Other books I enjoyed on Hoopla in 2015 : “Here Comes Trouble by Michael Moore “Life Itself” by Roger Ebert “The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself” by Michael A. Singer “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo “The Science of Skinny: Start Understanding Your Body's Chemistry--and Stop Dieting Forever” by Dee McCaffrey “The Coconut Oil Miracle” by Bruce Fife Tiffany Wilson: “The Young Elites and The Rose Society” by Marie Lu I enjoy YA Fantasy novels and this one does not disappoint. There is a lot of character development, world building and a lot of action. The story in these first two novels does not get dull and moves along pretty fluidly. Though it follows a familiar plot of people who look different have special powers that others fear, the plot takes some twists and turns that are quite atypical and unexpected.
Lori Roberts: My favorite book by far was “The Tsar of Love and Techno” by Anthony Marra. He had my favorite book last year too - he's on a roll! :) Sarah Taylor: I loved “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik. It has magic, adventure, humor and romance. It was one of my favorite books this year. Also, I know this one is a picture book and my not appeal to adult
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Easy Home Body Workouts Who says working out has to be done at a gym with lots of expensive equipment? Here are several exercises that you can do at home and without hurting your budget. All you need is some motivation and a plan. Many of these can be done while watching your favorite tv show or movie, so you know you have the time! Be careful not to push to the point of pain, but do challenge yourself. If it has been a while since you’ve exercised, please consult your doctor before starting any type of physical workout, and stop immediately if you become lightheaded, short of breath, or experience any chest pains. 1. Jumping Rope – It’s not just for the playground anymore! A few minutes a day with a jump rope can really work up a sweat and help tone up your legs. Just watch out for that ceiling fan or delicate lamp! 2. Stair stepping – Even if you don’t have stairs available, you can use a large book or step stool to step up and down while watching your favorite tv show. Whatever you are using, make sure it is stable and won’t slip, and be careful not to lose your balance.
3. The Plank – Here’s a great way to strengthen your core. Get into a push-up position with your shoulders directly over your hands. Keeping your back straight and your abs tight, hold the position for 30 seconds. Add an additional 10 seconds every day. One popular variation is the Forearm Plank: place the forearms on the ground with the elbows aligned below the shoulders, and arms parallel to the body at about shoulder-width distance. 4. Water Bottle Weights - If you are looking to do some arm, shoulder, and back strength training, you can make your own weights by filling up water bottles. If using water bottles becomes too easy, fill up some milk jugs. You can tailor the exercise to your level by filling the jugs to the exact weight that you need. For a greater challenge, increase the water amount just a little bit each time you workout. 5. Dancing - Dancing is an excellent way to burn calories, and increase your heart rate, all while having fun. If you are in the privacy of your own home, there is no need to look like a pro or impress anyone. So, put on your favorite tunes and boogie down!
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Top 10 eBook Fiction Authors Adult 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9. 10.
Teen 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Harper Lee Paula Hawkins James Patterson Anthony Doerr E.L. James Megan Hart Catherine Coulter David Baldacci Gillian Flynn
“Go Set the Watchman” ”The Girl on the Train” “14th Deadly Sin” ”All the Light We Cannot See” “Grey” ”Flying” “Nemesis” ”Memory Man” “Gone Girl”
James Dashner Veronica Roth John Green James Dashner James Dashner Ridley Pearson Veronica Roth Tom McNeal Markus Zusak Suzanne Collins
“The Maze Runner” (book 1) “Allegiant” ”Paper Towns” “The Death Cure” (Maze Runner, book 3) ”The Scorch Trials” (Maze Runner, book 1) “Kingdom Keepers” ”Divergent” “Far, Far Away” ”The Book Thief” “Mockingjay” (The Hunger Games, book 3)
Children’s 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Rachel Rene Russell Lincoln Pierce Disney Book Group Lois Lowry Lincoln Pierce Disney Book Group Lincoln Pierce Lincoln Pierce Rick Riordan Rachel Rene Russell
“Dork Diaries 9” “Big Nate and Friends” “Toy Story: The Search for Hamm” “The Giver” “Big Nate Makes a Splash” “Toy Story 3 Junior Novel” “Big Nate Makes the Grade” “Big Nate: Pray for a Fire Drill” “Lost Hero” (Heroes of Olympus, book 1) “Dork Diaries 7”
January 2016 GUESS THE DESK
Submit your answer to Amber by Feb. 1 and you just might win a treat from the Cheers & Tears Snack Box and a JCPL mug! No winner in December.
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