The Librarians' Bedside Table

OSCAR GRADY PUBLIC LIBRARY

THE LIBRARIANS’

BEDSIDE TABLE

It’s time to read said the fox!

Mixed media illustration by Miss Julie

“Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” ― Isaac Asimov What your friendly librarians have been reading and MUCH MORE!

Oscar Grady Public Library Mission Statement:

The mission of the Oscar Grady Public Library is to provide high interest, high demand materials and make them readily available from the Library’s collection or through interlibrary loan. The Library supports lifelong learning, information and recreational needs for people of all ages and abilities. Special emphasis is placed on stimulating children’s interests and appreciation for reading and learning. The integration of new technology with traditional library resources is used to expand service beyond the Library’s physical walls.

On this new issue of our “Librarians’ Bedside Table”, we compiled a list of really good titles recommended by your library friends.

Each title can be accessed in electronic format for your convenience. Click or tap in the hyperlinks attached to each title that will take you right to them in the Monarch Catalog.

We hope you enjoy this selection of books from your librarians at the Oscar Grady Public Library!

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Jen Gerber, our Library Director, would like to recommend the following titles:

Negotiation Genius by Deepak Malhorta & Max H. Bazerman From two leaders in executive education at Harvard Business School, here are the mental habits and proven strategies you need to achieve outstanding results in any negotiation.

Whether you’ve “seen it all” or are just starting out, Negotiation Genius will dramatically improve your negotiating skills and confidence. Drawing on decades of behavioral research plus the experience of thousands of business clients, the authors take the mystery out of preparing for and executing negotiations—whether they involve multimillion-dollar deals or improving your next salary offer.

THE WIRE (Television Program) The Wire is an American crime drama television series created and primarily written by author and former police reporter David Simon. The series was broadcast by the cable network HBO in the United States. The Wire premiered on June 2, 2002 and ended on March 9, 2008, comprising 60 episodes over five seasons. The idea for the show started out as a police drama loosely based on the experiences of his writing partner Ed Burns, a former homicide detective and public school teacher.[4] (Description from "Real Life Meets Reel Life With David Simon". The Washington Post.

September 3, 2002. Retrieved May 8, 2020.)

Hope, our Collection Developer would like to recommend these titles:

Terry Pratchett - Feet of Clay: a novel of Discworld The Discworld is the fictional setting of Terry Pratchett’s most iconic series. All the Discworld novels take place on a flat, circular world which sits on the back of four elephants, which stand on the back of a giant star turtle. Although this world may look and sound completely different to our own, the Discworld novels explore a multitude of very human issues. (from https:// www.terrypratchettbooks.com/ )

It's murder in Discworld! -- which ordinarily is no big deal. But what bothers Watch Commander Sir Sam Vimes is that the unusual deaths of three elderly Ankh-Morporkians do not bear the clean, efficient marks of the Assassins' Guild. An apparent lack of any motive is also quitetroubling. All Vimes has are some tracks of white clay and more of those bothersome "clue" things that only serve to muck up an investigation. The anger of a fearful populace is already being dangerously channeled toward the city's small community of golems -- the mindless, absurdlyindustrious creatures of baked clay who can occasionally be found toiling in the city's factories. And certain highly placed personages are using the unrest as an excuse to resurrect a monarchy -- which would be bad enough even if the "king" they were grooming wasn't as empty-headed as your typical animated pottery.

Martin, our Collection Developing and Adult Services Coordinator would like to recommend this title:

(Reading now) The Great Secret by Jennet Connant In this truly researched book by Mrs. Connant, we are exposed to the history of a terrible accident that occurred in December 2, 1943 in the port of Bari, Italy, when German planes bombed the ships anchored there. Among them, an American ship carrying a secret cargo of mustard gas bombs was hit, releasing in the waters of the port its content. The chemicals when mixed with the oil of the ships affected everybody who came in contact with it and the mystery of the strange circumstances in the death of many sailors who have not been involved, became the trigger for not only a major 70 years cover-up from the British & American governments , which this book sets out to expose, but also of the in depth studies that cemented what it was to become the treatment by use of mustard gas as part of the chemotherapy treatment applied to cancer patients.

A must read for anyone interested not only in military history but also medical history.

Some of the titles listed in these pages are available in electronic format through the Libby app

Check it out!

Rita, would like to recommend these titles:

For this issue of The Librarians’ Bedside Table, I have selected three audiobooks related to travel (with no risk of acquiring COVID-19):

Blue Highways: A Journey into America (1982) by William Least Heat-Moon and read by Joe Barrett, clocks in at 17 hours, 54 minutes, but it may leave listeners wanting even more of the author’s insight and his beautiful prose.

Precipitated by the loss of his job and the crumbling of his first marriage, William Least Heat-Moon left his home in Missouri on the first day of spring in 1978 and headed east searching for a road to a new life. His almost 14,000-mile journey led him in a circular manner around the perimeter of the United States, mostly following small highways, once noted by blue lines on road atlases. Least Heat-Moon is half Osage and half Scot/Irish, and the circular shape is one Plains Indians equate to natural journeys (even the life of a human, from child to child). In interviews later in his life, the author reflected that this journey was a form of vision quest, in that a young person goes into the wilderness to enlarge their perceptions, to get out of the restrictions of self, and return changed.

During his travels, Least Heat-Moon got to know some local people in the small towns he visited, and his dialogues with them are quoted in the book. He found most people did open themselves up to him, and some people even shared their tables and homes. Most people were quite nice, although some were offensive, and the author did not sugar -coat those interactions (however, he did change the names of some people). The book is equal parts travelogue, philosophy seminar, ecology class, history lesson and chat with an interesting pal. It is a fascinating look at people and places in the U.S. over 40 years ago.

Walk Two Moons (2006) by Sharon Creech, narrated by Hope Davis (5 hours, 27 minutes) is a poignant young adult novel that won the Newberry Medal 1995. The title is from Native American wisdom to not judge someone until you have walked two moons in their moccasins.

Thirteen-yea-old Salamanca Tree HIddle is proud of her country roots and her Seneca heritage. Her mother has left home, and she and her father have moved from Bywater, Kentucky to Euclid, Ohio. Sal is desperately missing her old life in Kentucky. That summer, she travels from Ohio to Idaho with her eccentric grandparents. Along the way, she tells her grandparents the story of her dramatic friend Phoebe Winterbottom, who received mysterious messages, who met a “potential lunatic,” and whose mother has disappeared.

As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe’s outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold – the story of a young girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her own missing mother. The author sensitively describes members of three generations of a family, who are trying to move forward after experiencing serious losses.

Some online reviewers suggest that due to tragic themes, including drunk driving, missing parents and family unrest, this book may not

Best State Ever: A Florida Man Defends his Homeland (2016) by Dave Barry, narrated by Dick Hill (4 hours, 47 minutes) is an amusing book that attempts to explain and revel in a certain kind of weirdness that can happen only in Florida. This audiobook may not be appropriate for a road trip with children, due to some mature themes.

Travel along with Dave as he visits and describes some of Florida’s weird tourist attractions, such as hunting for the legendary Skunk Ape in the Everglades; enjoying the mermaid show at Weeki Wachi Springs; visiting the USA’s largest retirement community, viewing gator wrestling, drinking bountiful beers with a buddy while exploring a variety of Key West bars, and finish the tour of Florida at a machine gun firing range.

Along the way, chuckle at his barbs at other states in the union, especially those directed at Illinois and New York. Barry’s humorous “it can only happen in Florida” anecdotes may make listeners momentarily forget any troubles they have in Wisconsin.

Newly released titles joined our collection between September 15 and September 29.

Click on the word BOOKSHELF below to access this selection built by Miss Julie.

BOOKSHELF

We miss you!

Bring some color to your Tuesdays’ mornings or anytime you would like with Miss Julie’s Storytime at Home.

Enjoy stories, dance along and sing songs at your home. New episode each week; Tuesday, 10:30a.m.

Click/tap HERE to access each past storytime!

Banned Books Week is an annual awareness campaign promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International, that celebrates the freedom to read,[1] draws attention to banned and challenged books,[2] and highlights persecuted individuals.[3] Held during the last week of September since 1982, the United States campaign "stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them"[4] and the requirement to keep material publicly available so that people can develop their own conclusions and opinions.

Celebrating this special annual initiative, we would like to share with you the most challenged titles of titles for you to check out and the reasons why they have been banned.

All reasons for challenging described here are sourced from the ALA (American Library Association) website & listing of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2019

GEORGE by Alex Gino "When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all" -- provided by publisher.

Reasons: challenged, banned, restricted, and hidden to avoid controversy; for LGBTQIA+ content and a transgender character; because schools and libraries should not “put books in a child’s hand that require discussion”; for sexual references; and for conflicting with a religious viewpoint and “traditional family structure”

BEYOND MAGENTA, Trangender Teens Speak Out

By Susan Kuklin "Author and photographer Susan Kuklin met and interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults and used her considerable skills to represent them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during, and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference.

Portraits, family photographs, and candid images grace the pages, augmenting the emotional and physical journey each youth has taken. Each honest discussion and disclosure, whether joyful or heartbreaking, is completely different from the other because of family dynamics, living situations, gender, and the transition these teens make in recognition of their true selves."-Description from Amazon.com

Reasons: challenged for LGBTQIA+ content, for “its effect on any young people who would read it,” and for concerns that it was sexually explicit and biased

A Day In the Life of Marlon Bundo by Marlon Bundo Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence - the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day, Marlon's life is about to change forever ... With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming children's book explores issues of same-sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.

Reasons: Challenged and vandalized for LGBTQIA+ content and political viewpoints, for concerns that it is “designed to pollute the morals of its readers,” and for not including a content warning.

SEX IS A FUNNY WORD by Cory Silverberg "A comic book for kids that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identies, Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10 as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the "facts of life" or "the birds and the bees," Sex Is a Funny Word opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy. The eagerly anticipated follow up to Lambda-nominated What Makes a Baby, from sex educator Cory Silverberg and artist Fiona Smyth, Sex Is a Funny Word reimagines "sex talk" for the twenty-first century."-- Provided by publisher.

Reasons: Challenged, banned, and relocated for LGBTQIA+ content; for discussing gender identity and sex education; and for concerns that the title and illustrations were “inappropriate” Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack A prince and a knight in shining armor find true love in each other's embrace after fighting a dragon together.

Reasons: Challenged and restricted for featuring a gay marriage and LGBTQIA+ content; for being “a deliberate attempt to indoctrinate young children” with the potential to cause confusion, curiosity, and gender dysphoria; and for conflicting with a religious viewpoint.

I Am a Jazz by Jessica Herthel Presents the story of a transgender child who traces her early awareness that she is a girl in spite of male anatomy and the acceptance she finds through a wise doctor who explains her natural transgender status.

Reasons: Challenged and relocated for LGBTQIA+ content, for a transgender character, and for confronting a topic that is “sensitive, controversial, and politically charged” The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood A gripping vision of our society radically overturned by a theocratic revolution, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale has become one of the most powerful and most widely read novels of our time. Offered is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, serving in the household of the enigmatic Commander and his bitter wife. She may go out once a day to markets whose signs are now pictures because women are not allowed to read. She must pray for the COmmander to make her pregnant, for in a time of declining birthrates her value lies in her fertility, and failure means exile to the dangerously polluted Colonies. Offred can remember a time when she lived with her husband and daughter and had a job, before she lost even her own name. Now she navigates the intimate secrets of those who control her every move, risking her life in breaking the rules.

Reasons: Banned and challenged for profanity and for “vulgarity and sexual overtones”.

Drama, written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer.

Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Reasons: Challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and for concerns that it goes against “family values/morals”

Harry Potter Series by J. K Rowling Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the lives of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The main story arc concerns Harry's struggle against Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who intends to become immortal, overthrow the wizard governing body known as the Ministry of Magic and subjugate all wizards and Muggles (non-magical people).

Reasons: Banned and forbidden from discussion for referring to magic and witchcraft, for containing actual curses and spells, and for characters that use “nefarious means� to attain goals.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell.

Illustrated by Henry Cole Henry At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.

Reason: Challenged and relocated for LGBTQIA+ content.

The Digital Media Conversion Lab The equipment & training necessary to view and digitally preserve family photographs, slides, and film.

The Oscar Grady Public Library’s Digital Media Conversion Lab is a highfunctioning digital space and work room. The room is equipped with the necessary digital mechanics to process aging photographic formats.

Click/Tap HERE to learn more.

At your Oscar Grady Library you can access:

FREE WI-FI (inside or outside the building)

Computer labs (with social distancing applied).

Brand new printer

Fax services.

Check them out next time you visit us!

www.oscargradylibrary.org