The Lawrence Public Library Reader | Winter | Issue 2, Volume 2 | DEC 202–JAN 2021

L A W R E N C E P U B L I C L I B R A RY

READER WINTER | DEC 2020–FEB 2021

LIBRARY NEWS + EVENTS CALENDAR

We want to help you find

your next great read

DEC 1, 2020–FEB 28, 2021 VOLUME 2 / ISSUE 2

The Reader is a quarterly news magazine and events calendar by the Lawrence Public Library and the Library Friends & Foundation.

ON THE COVER Our Readers' Services team — a.k.a. The Book Squad — with some of their favorite books. Kimberly, Polli, Shirley, Ian, Ilka, and Leah (starting clock-wise from top left) are voracious readers who want to help you find your next great read. It can be hard to know where to start, so stop them anytime in the stacks or wander over to our Readers Services' Desk in the Southwest corner of the Fiction Loop for book ideas.

QUESTIONS + FEEDBACK Heather Kearns Marketing Coordinator Kristin Soper Events Coordinator

EMAIL: reader@lplks.org PHONE: 785-843-3833

OPTING OUT

If you received this in the mail and wish to stop service, email: reader@lplks.org

SAY, "CHEESE!"

Our free, public library programs may be photographed and/or recorded for library promotional use on our website, social media, and in print publications. Please alert library staff if you'd like to opt out.

LET'S BE SOCIAL

CONTENTS Director's Note The Library and COVID-19 Boring Book Reviews Challenge Stories Are Miracles, Really Services and Resources Highlights Library Holiday Gift Guide Give to the Library Friends & Foundation All-ages Library Events Fall Snapshots

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10-15 16

Tag us on social media with #lplreader and your photo could appear in an upcoming issue of The Reader (with your permission.)

"LPL EXPRESS" LIBRARY HOURS 10 AM–6 PM MON–SAT SUN 12–6 PM Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our hours of operation have been adjusted to fit our safety plan. Please check our website for updates and changes. lplks.org | ©2020 Lawrence Public Library

Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff.

The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers.

All are welcome.

2 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Library Board of Trustees

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Ursula Minor, Chair Sarah Goodwin Thiel, Vice Chair David Vance, Secretary-Treasurer Jennifer Bonilla-Scotten Brady Flannery Judy Keller Kevan Vick Jennifer Ananda, Mayor Brad Allen, Executive Director

Library Friends & Foundation Board of Directors Mary Burchill, Chair Craig Penzler, Vice Chair Jane Medina, Secretary Joan Golden, Treasurer Kassie Edwards Nieters Brandon Eisman Mary Gage Annamarie Hill Rachel Rademacher Stan Ring Dan Storey Imani Wadud Kathleen Morgan, Executive Director Angela Hyde, Program Coordinator Logan Isaman, Fundraising + Volunteer Coordinator Brad Allen, Ex-Officio

We can help you in these languages: Vanessa Spanish (native speaker)

Yilan Chinese (native speaker) Ian + Logan Spanish (intermediate) Hazlett MSA Arabic (advanced) French (fluent)

The secret to becoming a "reader" According to family lore, I learned to read fairly young, and the importance of reading was instilled in me at a young age. But, there's a big difference between knowing how to read and having a deep love for reading.

Growing up, I did all the things you were supposed to do to be good at school, including a lot of reading. While I didn’t hate it, I can’t say I really enjoyed it much, and didn’t become a "reader" until graduate school when I started reading because I wanted to, not because I had to. Hint: Read what you love.

Sometimes I just read just for fun (or escape!), but most often I read in search of uncovering a new idea or exploring histories that have been pushed to the margins. I also love language and read in search of that sublime experience of coming upon a brilliantly turned phrase.

These days, as a new father, I read with my daughter to bond and grow her love of books. I hope reading together now will instill a lifelong love of stories and a shared passion for books.

Most importantly, I'd say I read to become a better person. I read to understand people better and deepen my empathy. I read in hope of figuring out what my part is in making our world a more just and fair place. The secret? I read because I want to and it has been one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given.

Lawrence Public Library is staffed by passionate readers who want you to love being a "reader", too. Chat us up in the stacks, online, and at our book clubs and we'll work together to connect what you love with what to read. It's one of our favorite things to do.

Heather French (intermediate)

THE READER • 3

LPL + COVID-19 | lplks.org/library-reopening-plan

Library Express HOURS + GUIDELINES MON–SAT | 10 AM–6 PM SUN | 12–6 PM Hi! We're happy you're here. During your visit, we ask that you please:

Wear your mask properly Cover your mouth and nose at all times.

Stay 6 feet apart

YOU CAN DO THIS! browse collections pick up holds use a catalog computer check out items pick up / renew library cards use the payphone ask questions return items inside buy merchandise submit to our bulletin board have a covered drink scan / fax copy / print (first $2.50 is free)

donate books

(by appointment only)

shop the bookstore (by appointment only)

We love a good talk, but let's keep it short.

use a computer or your laptop

Stay behind the plexi shields

charge a device in the lab

It's okay to speak loudly — we're used to it now!

(1 hour per person / day) (1 hour per person / day)

Wash your hands often

use our wi-fi in the lab

Aim for a 15-minute-ish visit

BUT, NOT THIS (YET)

We have hand sanitizer if you'd like some.

If it takes longer, just try your best.

Don't have a mask?

Help yourself to a free one at our Lobby table.

Our Reopening Plan Phase 3 Services are designed for you to have a convenient, safe, and efficient library visit. The health and safety of our community, staff, and patrons is our highest priority during this time.

We’re working hard to gradually reopen the library with a phased approach. Each phase may need to be reevaluated to conform with the latest orders from the state or county, service demand, library capacity, and the current situation at hand.

Information here is current at the time of publication, so we suggest checking lplks.org before your visit for the latest updates to services during COVID-19.

4 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

(1 hour per person / day)

• hang out / gather • bring food inside • use meeting + study rooms • reserve the auditorium • share newspapers

SPACES ON A BREAK • Teen Zone • The Merc Café • Lower Level • SOUND+VISION Studio

HORROR KING S

jF ROWLING

917.8159 HEAT MOO

FANTASY TOLKIEN

SCI FI HERBERT

822.33 HAMLET SHAKESPE

SCI FI ALIEN

YA CASHORE

ATWOOD M

FERRANTE

MUKHOPAD

YA STIEFVAT

A Boring Book Review Challenge Can you guess some our library staff's favorite books based on the depth of these reviews? Stumped?

Search each call number in the library catalog to find the answer — slow claps if you also check it out.

Sean

Large worm with a human face falls in love, but his niece wants to break up the wedding.

Ilka

An emo Prince of Denmark.

Heather

A family keeps an eye on a hotel and has open disagreements about how things are going.

Ruby, Lauren, and Ian

Very old man convinces a hairy homebody and his BFFs to walk thousands of miles to properly dispose of lost jewelry.

Amy

Nobody listens to the smart woman and then they all die except for the smart woman and her cat.

Becky

Madeline

A blue- and green-eyed princess and her council of thugs use their unique talents to secretly do good deeds and defy the corrupt King.

An orphan is sent to boarding school where he learns new skills, plays sports, and solves a mystery.

Kimberly

Vanessa

Ransom

A friendship between two young girls in Italy.

Dan C.

A man wanders around Chase County, Kansas, talks to people, occasionally picks up a rock, and looks at grass.

Teenagers in Virginia fight a lot, but there's also magic involved, I guess.

Jimmy takes a walk and reminisces about growing up.

Shirley

Amusing classic feminist ghost story, recently translated from Bengali into English.

THE READER • 5

READERS' SERVICES | BRAIN FOOD

Stories are miracles, really.

By Polli Kenn | Readers' Services Coordinator

I’m going to report this fact, though it hurts me to do so: in a recent Pew study, 24% of US adults said they had not read a book in the last year. (Okay, let’s look at the bright side…that means 76% of us have read a book in the past year!) However, not making or having time for reading is taking a toll on us beyond just missing out on the cultural zeitgeist — we’re robbing ourselves of some serious physical, social, and emotional benefits as well.

In a reading slump?

We've got a Squad (and swag) for that.

Adult readers who complete next year's 2021 Reading Goals will get an end-of-year prize!

The first 75 adult readers to finish this year's Squad Goals by Dec 31, 2020 get this coffee mug!

Our 2021 challenge starts January 1.

Download our fresh Squad Goals PDF by following the link on page 7.

6 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

There are several studies detailing how reading is good for humans. Not just reading nonfiction to educate yourself about a certain subject, but LEISURE reading. Yes, you heard me right—leisure reading.

Romance, mystery, urban fantasy, literary fiction, westerns. All of the above and more. Leisure reading does a number of things for you that you may not realize. The act of reading decreases your stress and anxiety (okay, maybe a little less if it’s Stephen King) and can even reduce depression.

Reading increases your empathy and feelings of being able to relate to other humans. It helps keep your brain sharp as you age and may decrease your chances for Alzheimer’s. It increases your understanding of cultures and people that you might normally think of as “the other” and widens your horizons. Reading even improves thinking and communication skills, and goodness knows we could use more of that right now.

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." —George R.R. Martin We're a passionate library team dedicated to increasing the health and well-being of our community by encouraging folks to pick up a book, read for pleasure, and connect with fellow humans over our greatest human evolutionary achievement: the ability to create, record, and read stories across space and time. It's a miracle, really, and it's all right here at your fingertips.

2021 Squad Goals 12-MONTH READING

CHALLENGE 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

Read an UpLit Book Read a Book Involving Black Joy Read a Non-male Protagonist Graphic Novel / Manga Read a Speculative Fiction Read a Book by an Asian Author Read a Book with Body Inclusivity Read a Book by an Author from the United Kingdom Read a Sub-genre Book Read a Book by a Latinx Author Read an Award-Winning Mystery Read an Alternative History Read a LPL Staff Member's Favorite Book — and claim prize!

FRIENDS

READ WITH

DOWNLOAD PDF: bit.ly/2021SquadGoals

lplks.org/book-club-resources

Missing the book sales? Got books to donate?

Schedule time to shop or donate in person!

SHOP IN PERSON:

bit.ly/LPLFFbookappt SHOP ONLINE:

lplff.square.site DONATE:

bit.ly/LPLFFdonate Contact Angela Hyde for more info. ahyde@lplks.org | 785-843-383 ext. 149

lplks.org/live-chat

Ask us anything.

MON–SAT | 10 AM–6 PM • SUN | 12–6 PM

Watch all of your

avorite storytimes on Facebook at @lawrencepubliclibrary THE READER • 7

FRIENDS & FOUNDATION | HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

This sale will happen on Facebook at: @lplfriendsfoundation GIFTS FOR READERS

Season's Readings Book Sale FRI | Dec 4 | 6–9 PM | Facebook Live 6 PM • Gift Books 7 PM • Cozy Stories & Cookbooks 8 PM • Smorgasbord

Find books to give as gifts and books to get you through the cold, dark winter months ahead.

GIFTS FOR LOCALS

Last chance to own this collectable poster series!

All proceeds benefit Lawrence Public Library and the artists. Get prints or postcards through Dec 14 at:

See Lawrence: Parks & Green Spaces

lawrenceparksproject.square.site Use code LASTCHANCE25 and save 25% on orders over $100. Ordering deadlines: Dec 7 to get it shipped and Dec 14 for pick up at the library.

8 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

ARTISTS: Mary R. Gage, Burcham Park • Lisa Grossman, Riverfront Park • Astrid Mier y Teran, Haskell Medicine Wheel • Kent Smith, South Park • Leslie Kuluva, Watson Park • Matthew Lord, Baker Wetlands • Connor Remboldt, The Loop • Lindsay Yankey, Hobbs Park • Sara Taliaferro, Lawrence Nature Park • Stephanie Lane Gage, Mutt Run and Centennial Park.

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GIFTS FOR CRAFTERS

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Deja Brooks Cross Stitch Kit Keep busy this winter while supporting your favorite library! Comes in three varieties — one too bawdy for print. $30 each | Available at lplff.square.site

SNIP. SEND. SUPPORT.

Join our Matching Challenge The Harrison Family Fund, together with another generous Lawrence family, just donated $30,000 to support the library's year-end fundraising campaign.

Rise to the challenge by making a donation to help us match this gift. Direct it any way you like — to the library's immediate needs or long-term endowment.

But, hurry! We only have until Dec 31, 2020!

Thank you.

THE READER • 9

How to join live online events: 1 — go to lplks.org 2 — search event name 3 — click to join event 4 — if registration is required, we'll send a meeting link

FREE EVENTS

Due to COVID-19, library events have moved online unless noted otherwise and are subject to change.

Check lplks.org to confirm location, date, and time closer to your event.

10 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

AT-A-GLANCE DECEMBER

01 10:30 AM Library Storytime

01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM BYO Book Club 01 Thru 12/27 Teens Got Talent 02 02 02 02 02 03 03 03 03

10:30 AM Books+Babies 12 PM The After Grief 4 PM Jr. Author Camp 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM Last Wed Book Club

4 PM RBC Downsizers Club 4 PM Kids Action Club 4 PM Teen D&D Club 7 PM YA for Grownups

04 All day Tween Club To-Go 02 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 5 PM SMART Recovery 05 6 PM Cuentacuentos 02 7 PM Family Fun Night

15 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM BYO Book Club 01 7 PM AV Tools Q+A

16 4 PM Gen/Loc Hist Drop-in 02 5 PM SMART Recovery 02 6:30 PM Nature Book Club 17 4 PM Teen D&D Club 02 5 PM RBC Wine

18 All day Tween Club To-Go 02 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 5 PM SMART Recovery 19 6 PM Cuentacuentos 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 30

1:30 PM Mysterious Mustache 5 PM RBC Wine 4 PM RBC Bingo 5 PM SMART Recovery CLOSED CLOSED Last day Teens Got Talent 5 PM SMART Recovery

06 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime

JANUARY

08 10:30 AM Library Storytime 01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM Spec Fiction Book Club

05 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM BYO Book Club

07 All day BookBox Pick-up 01 10:30 AM Sing+Rhyme

09 02 02 02 09

10:30 AM Books+Babies 2 PM Make+Take Craft Kits 4 PM Jr. Author Camp 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM RBC Dessert+Movie

10 7 PM Mend 'n Mingle 10 7 PM Trivia with Andy 10 7 PM 2nd Thu Book Club 11 02 02 02

All day Candy Construction 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 4 PM TZ Online Café 5 PM SMART Recovery

01 CLOSED 02 7 PM Family Fun Night 04 All day BookBox Pick-up

06 4 PM Kids Action Club 01 5 PM SMART Recovery 07 03 03 03

4 PM Story Quest 4 PM RBC Downsizers Club 4 PM Teen D&D Club 7 PM YA for Grownups

08 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 4 PM Teen Advisory Board 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

09 1 PM Mindful Crafting 02 3:30 PM Young Fic Book Club

12 1 PM Mindful Crafting 02 2 PM Teen Paint-along 02 3:30 PM Young Fic Book Club

10 1 PM Brick Builders 02 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime 02 4 PM Soc Justice Book Club

14 4 PM Teen Advisory Board 02 6 PM Book Sale

12 10:30 AM Library Storytime 01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM Spec Fict Book Club

13 1 PM Brick Builders 02 3:30 PM Deja's Read Rainbow 02 4 PM Soc Justice Book Club

11 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 02 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme

13 02 02 02 09

10:30 AM Books+Babies 2 PM Make+Take Craft Kits 4 PM Jr. Author Camp 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM RBC Dessert+Movie

14 4 PM Story Quest 10 7 PM Trivia with Andy 10 7 PM 2nd Thu Book Club 15 02 02 02 02

All day Tween Club To-Go 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 4 PM TZ Online Café 5 PM SMART Recovery 6 PM Teen Murder Mystery

16 6 PM Cuentacuentos

17 1:30 PM Mystery Book Club 02 1:30 PM Mysterious Mustache 02 5 PM SMART Recovery 18 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 02 5 PM RBC Wine 02 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme 19 10:30 AM Library Storytime 01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM BYO Book Club 20 02 02 02

10:30 AM Books+Babies 4 PM Gen/Loc Hist Drop-in 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM Chaos or Community?

21 3 PM S+V: Basic Vocals 02 4 PM Story Quest 02 4 PM Teen D&D Club

22 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

24 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime

25 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 02 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme 26 10:30 AM Library Storytime 02 4 PM RBC Bingo 27 02 02 02 02

10:30 AM Books+Babies 2 PM Make+Take Craft Kits 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM Last Wed Book Club 7:30 PM Groove Theory

28 4 PM Story Quest 02 7 PM Mend 'n Mingle

29 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 4 PM TZ Online Café 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

31 10:30 AM Sunday Storytime

FEBRUARY 01 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 02 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme 02 10:30 AM Library Storytime 01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM BYO Book Club 03 10:30 AM Books+Babies 03 4 PM Kids Action Club 03 5 PM SMART Recovery 04 03 03 03 03 05 02 02 02

2 PM Make+Take Craft Kits 4 PM RBC Downsizers Club 4 PM Story Quest 4 PM Teen D&D Club 7 PM YA for Grownups

All day Tween Club To-Go 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 5 PM Teen Cook-along 5 PM SMART Recovery

06 6 PM Cuentacuentos 02 7 PM Family Fun Night

27 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime

08 All day BookBox Pick-up 01 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 01 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme 09 10:30 AM Library Storytime 01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM Spec Fict Book Club 10 09 09 09

10:30 AM Books+Babies 4 PM Jr. Author Writing Club 5 PM SMART Recovery 7 PM RBC Dessert+Movie

17 10:30 AM Books+Babies 02 4 PM Gen/Loc Hist Drop-in 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

18 2 PM Make+Take Craft Kits 02 4 PM Story Quest 02 4 PM Teen D&D Club 19 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 3:30 Tween Club To-Go 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

20 6 PM Cuentacuentos 02 All day Seed Library opens

21 1:30 PM Mysterious Mustache 02 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime 22 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 02 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme 23 10:30 AM Library Storytime 02 4 PM RBC Bingo 24 10:30 AM Books+Babies 02 5 PM SMART Recovery 02 7 PM Last Wed Book Club 25 4 PM Story Quest 02 7 PM Mend 'n Mingle

26 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 4 PM TZ Online Café 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

28 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime

ALL AGES Family Fun Nights

12 10 AM RBC Coffee Break 02 4 PM TZ Online Café 02 5 PM SMART Recovery

SATS | Dec 5, Jan 2, Feb 6 | 7–8 PM Zoom The nights are long and cold, so let’s heat 'em up with some friendly competition!

Show off your smarts, hang out, and enjoy a night of fun together. Games, trivia, fun — they’re all on the table! All ages and team types are welcome!

14 1 PM Brick Builders 02 3:30 PM Sunday Storytime 02 4 PM Soc Justice Book Club

LPL Seed Library

11 10 10 10

4 PM Story Quest 4 PM Teen Advisory Board 7 PM Trivia with Andy 7 PM 2nd Thu Book Club

13 1 PM Mindful Crafting 01 3:30 PM Young Fic Book Club

15 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime 02 6:30 PM Sing+Rhyme 16 10:30 AM Library Storytime 01 4 PM RBC Bingo 01 7 PM BYO Book Club

Dec 5: Lotería Jan 2: Literature Trivia Feb 6: Game Night Feb 20–Apr 30 | Ask Desk Select up to 5 seed varieties from our list, then swing by to pick up your packets! Visit lplks.org/seed-library for more info or email Yilan at yzhao@lplks.org with questions.

THE READER • 11

ADULTS

GENERAL EVENTS

Jan 9 | Candle-making with Logan from Cursed Candle Co. Feb 13 | Meditative Drawing with local artist Lora Jost.

Genealogy / Local History Virtual Drop-In

WEDS | Dec 16, Jan 20, Feb 17 | 4–5 PM Zoom Free, but registration required Researching your house’s history, delving into genealogy, or exploring Lawrence’s storied past? Join us to get acquainted with the library’s resources for digging into local and family history. Questions?

Email Melissa at mfisherisaacs@lplks.org.

Trivia with Andy

THUS | Dec 10, Jan 14, Feb 11 | 7 PM Zoom Free, but registration required Test your brain brawn against the allpowerful, trivia wizarding force that's Andy Morton! Got questions? Email Kristin at ksoper@lplks.org.

Mend ‘n Mingle

THUS | Dec 10, Jan 28, Feb 25 | 7–8 PM Zoom Need an excuse to finally mend something or just always wanted to know how? Here's your chance! Join us for an hour of Zoom socializing and mending. Have your worn clothing, needle, and thread at-hand or just bring your questions. Email Hazlett at hhenderson@lplks.org for the Zoom link.

Mindful Crafting

SATS | Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13 | 1–2 PM Zoom Free, but registration required Join us on Zoom for creative play with other crafters to explore crafting and art-making as it relates to mindfulness and health.

We'll use materials you can find easily at home or a grocery store. Join LPL Mindful Crafters on Facebook to share photos and ask questions. You'll need a smartphone, tablet, or computer to join, but no special app or program is needed — it's easy! Email Ruby at rmackinnonlove@lplks.org.

Dec 12 | Cardboard loom weaving with Maddie B. Pick up a craft kit at our Ask Desk.

12 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Virtual D&D for Total N00bz

Starts in January | Dates and times TBD Zoom and Roll20.net Free, but registration required Calling all wannabe wizards and potential paladins! If you missed out on playing D&D in middle school and want to give it a shot as a grown-up, now's your chance.

From the comfort of your own computer, learn from experienced player and Dungeon Master, Todd Soden with a four-week digital Beginner Boot Camp that covers character sheets, dice rolling, quests, and more! Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Check lplks.org in midDecember to register. Email Kate with questions at kgramlich@lplks.org.

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

WED | Jan 20 | 7–8 PM | Zoom The KU Department of African and African American Studies will feature Professors Shawn Alexander, Dorthy Pennington, and Randal Jelks, and revisit the rhetorical topic of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 classic book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? This presentation interrogates King's classic question and gives an opportunity to incorporate perspectives gleaned during and after Summer 2020.

A Q&A will follow. The AAAS Department at KU was founded in 1970 — a critical period in American history and civil rights history.

Meet KU's Authors: Tony Bolden’s Groove Theory

WED | Jan 27 7:30–8:30 PM Crowdcast Tony Bolden, Associate Professor of African and African-American Studies presents an innovative history of funk music focused on performers as intellectuals who fashioned a new aesthetic.

Utilizing musicology, performance studies, literary studies, and African American intellectual history, he explores what it means for music, or any cultural artifact, to be funky.

Hosted in partnership with the Hall Center for the Humanities.

BOOK CLUBS YA for Grownups

First Thursdays | 7–8 PM | Zoom A book club for adults who enjoy young adult (YA) fiction or anyone interested in exploring the variety of genres from the category. If you've read the selection, come participate. 10-12 copies of the book are available from one of our Book Club in a Bag kits. To reserve a book or get info, email Kimberly at klopez@lplks.org.

Dec 3 | Book title TBA Jan 7 | Book title TBA Feb 4 | Book title TBA

BYO Book Club

Every other Tuesday | 7–8 PM | Zoom Unwind with the #BookSquad. We'll be sipping tea, whiskey, wine, and the sorts while we talk books. We'd love to see your beautiful shining faces and hear what you've been reading these days. Email Polli for the Zoom link: pkenn@lplks.org.

Social Justice Book Club

Second Sundays | 4–5:30 PM | Zoom This book club gets us thinking and talking about inequality and injustice in the U.S. Nonfiction, novels, memoirs, and more — we seek multiple perspectives, with many points of entry, and we work to center the voices of marginalized communities and people through our exploration. Email Polli for info: pkenn@lplks.org.

Dec 13 | Book title TBA Jan 10 | Book title TBA Feb 14 | Book title TBA

Speculative Fiction Book Club

Second Tuesdays | 7–8 PM | Zoom Do you like world-building fantasy? Eerie dystopias? Far-out sci-fi? Or, do you have zero idea what we're talking about, but want to discuss weird books with cool people? This club is for you! Barbadian writer Karen Lord desribes speculative fiction as "an umbrella term for science fiction, fantasy, and several other subgenres of improbable what-ifs." Intrigued? Email Leah for more info: lnewton@lplks.org.

Dec 8 | Book title TBA Jan 12 | Book title TBA Feb 9 | Book title TBA

Last Wednesday Book Club

Last Wednesdays | 7–8 PM | Zoom Join the library's longest running adult book club! Selections range from beloved classics to modern favorites. Anyone who's read the current month's book is invited to participate. Contact Ian for more info: istepp@lplks.org.

Dec 2 | Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

Jan 27 | A Gentleman in Moscow Feb 24 | Red at the Bone

Second Thursday Book Club

Second Thursdays | 7–8:30 PM | Zoom Read and discuss a new title each month over food and cocktails. Email Polli for more info: pkenn@lplks.org.

Dec 10 | Book title TBA Jan 14 | Book title TBA Feb 11 | Book title TBA

Nature Book Club

WED | Dec 16 | 6:30–8 PM | Zoom Special guest and Kansas Poet Laureate Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg will share from her new nature-rich poetry book, How Time Moves. We'll discuss nature-related fiction, nonfiction, and fresh book recs from Jake and Shirley. Email Shirley with any questions at sbraunlich@lplks.org.

Mystery Book Club

SUN | Jan 17 | 1:30–3:30 PM | Zoom

At each meeting, we look at a different mystery subgenre. Reserve your spot and choose a book from our list of titles.

We'll enjoy a lively discussion about each others' books. Email Shirley for more info: sbraunlich@lplks.org.

Jan 17 | International + Historical

HEALTH SPOT + SMART Recovery

WEDS, FRIS | 5–6:30 PM | on Zoom EVERY DAY | 4–8 PM | call 785-550-0764 Self Management And Recovery Training welcomes anyone struggling with addictive behaviors and focuses on building and maintaining motivation to change, coping with urges and cravings, managing thoughts/feelings/behaviors, and living a balanced life. Talk online or by phone.

Lunch & Learn About Death: The After Grief

WEDS | Dec 2 | 12–1:30 PM | Zoom Drawing on her own encounters with the ripple effects of early loss and interviews with dozens of researchers, therapists, and regular people who’ve been bereaved, New York Times bestselling author Hope Edelman offers profound advice for loss and adjusting the stories we tell ourselves about its impact on our identities. Join our virtual Lunch & Learn discussion. No registration required.

RETIREMENT BOOT CAMP BINGO

TUES | Dec 1–Feb 23 | 4 PM | Zoom No session Dec 29 Join us Tuesdays for virtual B-B-BINGO! with fellow retirees. Win fabulous prizes and meet new friends. Email Cathy to sign up: chamilton@lplks.org.

Coffee Break

FRIS | Dec 4–Feb 26 | 10 AM | Zoom No sessions Dec 25 and Jan 1 Bring your favorite cup o’ joe to meet and mingle with old and new friends in our weekly Zoom coffee. No agenda. All topics are on the table (although we try to avoid politics) and subject matter varies wildly. It’s a great place to get local suggestions, meet new friends, and check in with each other.

Sign up with Cathy: chamilton@lplks.org.

Downsizers Club

THUS | Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4 | 4 PM | Zoom Free, but registration required On the first Thursday of the month, learn how to sell, donate, gift, or dispose of your extra possessions — then DO it!

Dessert + A Movie Night

WEDS | Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 10 | 7 PM | Zoom Free, but registration required On the second Wednesday each month, savor your favorite sweet with friends on Zoom to discuss the Kanopy film of the month. Free with your library card!

Wine Around the World

THUS | Dec 17, Jan 21, Feb 18 | 5 PM | Zoom Free, but registration required Every third Thursday, local wine experts will lead virtual "tastings" from a variety of regions. Wine purchases are optional.

TECHNOLOGY Audio-Visual Tools Q&A

TUE | Dec 15 | 7 PM | Zoom Scan slides, digitize old tapes, even record audio and video using LPL’s new A/V Tools!

Join studio manager, Jim, for a question and answer session about how to check out and use these handy devices at home.

S+V Basics: Working with Vocals

THU | Jan 21 | 3 PM | FB Premiere Video The human voice is an element common in many musical genres. Whether you make hip-hop, sing opera, or record podcasts, you can learn the basics of recording vocals in the S+V Studio or at home.

THE READER • 13

TEENS Call for VolunTeens

Ongoing | Online Looking for some virtual service hours?

Why not write reviews for the library?

Using your LPL Bibliocommons account, you can earn one volunteer hour per 100 word review of any library items. Visit our website at lplks.org/volunteens for more information.

Lawrence Teens Got Talent

Dec 1– 27 | Online Singers, magicians, videographers, gamers and more: show off your talent to compete for a $50 Downtown Lawrence gift card!

Last day to submit is Dec 27 and voting will take place Jan 4–9, 2021. To enter: fill out the form and submit a recording of your talent at bit.ly/LPLTalent.

D&D Club

THU | Dec 3, 17; Jan 7, 21; Feb 4, 18 4–6 PM | Discord Free, but registration required Hail and well met! Transform yourself into a magical character and join in the epic adventure for 5th edition D&D every first and third Thursday each month. First-timers and seasoned adventurers are welcome.

Requires a free Discord account, so email Will if you have questions at wgross@lplks.org.

Teen BookBox

MONS | Dec 7, Jan 4, Feb 8 In the Readers' Theater Free, but registration required Keep warm this winter with books, crafts and goodies hand-picked by LPL librarians.

Months will have a theme and boxes will be for reading levels from toddlers to teens.

Fill out the form by the 1st Monday of the month to get started on this epic reading adventure! Space is limited. The line-up is: Dec: Cozy, Jan: Epic, Feb: Award Winners

Make + Take Teen Craft Kits

WED | Dec 9; Jan 13, 27; Feb 10, 24 After 2 PM | At the library Free, but registration required Craft on your own time by picking up a ready-to-go craft kit from LPL! Register 14 • LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY

online for each month to reserve that month’s set of craft kits. Kits are available for pickup every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Youth Services desk.

12/9: Origami + Shrinky Dinks 1/10: Journaling Kits 1/27: Felt Plushies + Textiles 2/13: Candles 2/24: Paracord Bracelets

Teen Zone Online Café

FRIS | Dec 11; Jan 15, 29; Feb 12, 26 Zoom Free, but registration required Hang out with Sage and your Teen Zone friends every 2nd and 4th Friday each month. Grab a drink and snack here at the library the day before, then catch up, play games, and virtually socialize on Zoom.

Teen Paint-a-long

SAT | Dec 12 | 2–3 PM | Zoom Free, but registration required Create a masterpiece by following along with other artists! Pick up your kit with painting supplies on the day before (FRI, Dec 11) in the Readers’ Theater.

Teen Advisory Board

MON | Dec 14, Jan 8, Feb 11 | 4–5 PM Zoom Join TAB and help make the Teen Zone an even better place for teens! We meet the second Monday each month. Apply online at lplks.org/teen-advisory-board.

Virtual Murder Mystery Party

FRI | Jan 15 | 6–8 PM | Zoom Free, but registration required Can you solve the mystery before time runs out? Sign up with your friends to solve the murder and test your detective skills. Registration closes on FRI, Jan 8 or when all spots are claimed.

Teen Cook-along

FRI | Feb 5 | 5–7 PM | Zoom Free, but registration required Learn fun, new recipes by following along with fellow chefs! Kits with ingredients will be available for pickup starting the day before (THU, Feb 4) in the Readers’ Theater.

KIDS

SPECIAL EVENTS Candy Construction

Ages 5-18 Fri | Dec 11 | 4–5 PM | Take + Make Free, but registration required Who can make the coolest gingerbread house at Lawrence Public Library? We’ll provide all the stuff you'll need to take and make a small gingerbread house at home. Come pick up your construction pack starting FRI, Dec 11. Teens welcome!

Junior Author Camp

Ages 8-11 WEDS | Dec 2, 9; Jan 13 | 4–5 PM | Zoom Would you love to be an author? Do you wonder how graphic novels are made?

Join us to hear from working authors and artists about different kinds of writing, get tips, and find inspiration!

Word Up BLACK Lawrence

Ages 8-11 February | Dates TBD Join Black Literature & Arts Collective of Kansas for an exciting open mic showcase for Black History Month!

Featured members of BLACK Lawrence will share their work, and participants are encouraged to read their own work or the work of authors they enjoy. BLACK Lawrence believes in the celebration of Black creative expression as a vehicle for artist and community growth. Watch for dates and times, plus other Black History Month programs at lplks.org.

BookBox

MONS | Dec 7, Jan 4, Feb 8 Readers' Theater Free, but registration required Keep warm this winter with books, crafts and goodies hand-picked by LPL librarians.

Months will have a theme and boxes will be for reading levels from toddlers to teens.

Fill out the form by the 1st Monday of the month to get started on this epic reading adventure! Space is limited. The line-up is: Dec: Cozy, Jan: Epic, Feb: Award Winners

Winter Story Quest

Ages 5-7 THUS | Jan 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 4–5 PM | Zoom

Welcome, brave adventurer! We're off on a quest to conquer boredom and have tons of fun building a story together. Each week you’ll complete a challenge, like making a snowflake, baking cookies, or drawing magical mountain ranges. Then we’ll meet up, share how we finished the challenge, and vote on what happens next in the story. Will we find caves of yetis?

Underground kingdoms? You choose!

CLUBS

Register online or at 785-843-3833 to get a Zoom link and supplies, if provided.

Kids’ Action Club

Ages 8-11 THU | Dec 3; WEDS Jan 6, Feb 3 | 4–5 PM Zoom

Want to help make life in Lawrence better?

Join Zofia, LPL Kid President, along with her Cabinet to carry out some amazing service projects! We'll also learn from awesome people in our community (and beyond), read great books, and meet new friends. Oh, the cool things we'll do!

Tween Club: To Go!

Grades 3-5 FRIS | Dec 4, 18; Jan 15; Feb 5, 19 At the library Your favorite club is back as a grab ‘n’ go activity! Pick up your snack and craft kit anytime on Fridays, take it home, munch your snack, and create your craft!

Young Fiction Book Club

Ages 5-8 SATS | Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13 | 3:30 PM Zoom

Adventure with Margo and Mary through chapter books. Take home an activity pack and tune in for book science experiments, book talks, crafts. Learn and create with us!

Dec 12: The Girl Who Dared* Jan 19: Practice Makes Perfect* Feb 13: A Snowy Day* *Available instantly on Hoopla. Find digital resources at: lplks.org/digital-resources-help.

Brick Builders Club

Ages 5-11 SUNS | Dec 13, Jan 10, Feb 14 | 1 PM Zoom Construct with LEGO, challenge yourself with building games, and share your creations with other Master Builders!

Mysterious Mustache Book Club Ages 8-11 SUNS | Dec 20, Jan 17, Feb 21 | 1:30 PM Zoom Love getting into the world of a book?

Wanna chat with other book lovers and be part of a book club? Here's what we’ll read and discuss this winter: Dec 20: Book title TBA Jan 17: Book title TBA Feb 21: New Kid

Junior Author Writing Club

Ages 8-11 WED | Feb 10 | 4 PM | Zoom Do you love writing? Want to share what you’re working on? If so, come write with us and share what you create at our club!

Tutoring Club

Pre-K — 9th grade Dates and times vary | Zoom Reading: Pre-K — 6th grade Math: K — 9th grade Boost reading and math skills with our KU tutor. Register for a 30-minute virtual Zoom session online. You'll need access to a device with a microphone, camera, and internet access. Limited to 1 session per day and 2 sessions per week per student. Visit lplks.org for the most upto-date tutoring information.

STORYTIMES

Storytime will take a break from 12/14/20 to 1/9/21. We'll be back online SUN, Jan 10.

Deja’s Reading Rainbow

All ages Sun | Dec 13 | 3:30 PM | Facebook Deja's storytime celebrates friendship and love, being different and belonging, being unique and accepted, and rainbows! Pick up your craft supplies for Deja's storytime on FRI, Dec 11 in our Children's area.

Sunday Storytime

All ages SUNS | 3:30 PM | Facebook Live Join Matt on Facebook Live as he tells jokes, sings songs, reads books, and shares crafts carefully chosen to excite young minds. Craft supplies for the following week's storytime will be available to pick up on Fridays at the Children's Desk.

Toddler Storytime

2-year-olds MONS | 10:30 AM | Facebook Live Morris the Monkey visits Lauren at her house to bring you stories, songs, and rhymes. Find it all on Lawrence Public Library's Facebook page!

Sing & Rhyme Storytime

All ages MONS | 6:30 PM | Facebook + YouTube Explore movement, play, and the joy of active music-making with Singing Sarah in the comfort of your own home!

Library Storytime

Ages 3+ TUES | 10:30 AM | Facebook + YouTube

Miss Linda shares all her favorite stories, crafts, and rhymes for preschoolers. Craft supplies for the following week’s storytime will be available to pick up on Fridays at the Children’s Desk.

Books + Babies

Ages 0–23 months WEDS | 10:30 AM Facebook + YouTube Bounce, sing, and listen to stories with Jenny, Clark, and Malika on the library's Facebook or Youtube pages.

Cuentacuentos (Spanish Storytime)

All ages SATS | Dec 5, 19; Jan 16; Feb 6, 20 | 6 PM Facebook + YouTube Acompáñanos desde su casa y disfruta de cuentos y canciones con Vanessa a través de Youtube y Facebook en la página de Lawrence Public Library. Enjoy stories and songs at home with Vanessa on the library’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

THE READER • 15

Imagine more.

Lawrence Public Library 707 Vermont Street Lawrence, KS 66044 785-843-3833

lplks.org

Masks are required inside.

If you forget yours, we'll provide one. If you can't wear a mask for medical reasons, call us and we'll help with accommodations.

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Foods

We've issued over 1,300 new library cards since August 15