THE LIBRARIANS' BEDSIDE TABLE

OSCAR GRADY PUBLIC LIBRARY

THE LIBRARIANS’ BEDSIDE TABLE

What your friendly librarians have been reading and MUCH MORE! What else you’ll find in these pages:

SPRINGTIME

COMING SOON!

A POEM BY HARRINGTON WILLIAMS

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES FOR EVERYONE

LIBRARY SERVICES WHILE CLOSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS !1

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.

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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:

The Sun and Her Flowers (by Rupi Kaur) Publisher’s Description: An Amazon Best Book of the Year selection, Kaur deftly sidesteps and then punts the stereotypical sophomore slump of bestselling authors, offering a subtle yet powerful volume of poetry to her readers who have clamored for more since the debut of Milk & Honey. Split into five movements —wilting, falling, rooting, rising, blooming—Kaur’s poems glide up from the depths of heartbreak and hurt to embrace the strength and joy that can flower on the other side of hardship.

Kaur workshops many of her poems through live readings, and the dedication to her craft vibrates through every phrase. Those who pressed Milk & Honey into the hands of their friends will exult in The Sun and Her Flowers, and Kaur’s expanded wisdom and scope should reel in new readers who will find much that resonates.

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Assassination Vacation (by Sarah Vowell) Publisher’s Description: This wacky, weirdly enthralling exploration of the first three presidential assassinations. Vowell (The Partly Cloudy Patriot), a contributor to NPR's This American Life and the voice of teenage superhero Violet Parr in The Incredibles, takes readers on a pilgrimage of sorts to the sites and monuments that pay homage to Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley, visiting everything from grave sites and simple plaques (like the one in Buffalo that marks the place where McKinley was shot) to places like the National Museum of Health and Medicine, where fragments of Lincoln's skull are on display. An expert tour guide, Vowell brings into sharp focus not only the figures involved in the assassinations, but the social and political circumstances that led to each-and she does so in the witty, sometimes irreverent manner that her fans have come to expect. This is history at its most morbid and most fascinating and, fortunately, one needn't share Vowell's interest in the macabre to thoroughly enjoy this unusual tour.

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Debra Jo, Library Assistant and ILL Specialist would like to recommend the following titles:

Looking for Alaska (by John Green) “How will we ever get out of this labyrinth of suffering?” is the existential theme running through this novel. Both main characters are in search of something which appears to be out

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of their own reach and control; searching for something that might make life a "better" reality. Despite being written for the Young Adult audience, I found this to be a thought provoking page turner for an adult. The teen characters ask and seek answers to deeper life questions and meanings than I was at their age. I recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike.

Available on Libby and RBDigital Side note: If you are a fan of the author, John Green, check out his podcast The Anthropocene Reviewed.

The Traveling Cat Chronicles (by Hiro Arikawa) The wit and tenderness of this story brought me through a cascade of emotion. Narrated by Satoru's devoted friend, who happens to be a cat, the reader glimpses into the past and present events of Saturo's life. A variety of characters, relationships, and experiences speak volumes on the need for meaningful connection in the human experience.

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Hope, our Collection Developer would like to invite you to check out this title:

The Little Prince (by Antoine de Saint-Exupery) Description from Amazon listing: The Little Prince (French: Le Petit Prince) – is an allegorical fable and the most famous work of Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

It was first published in April 1943 by publisher "Reynal & Hitchcock" in both English and French. Saint-Exupery wrote the novella while living in New York City; a city he fled to after the occupation of his native France by Nazi Germany.

The literary roots of the fable are based on the wandering plot of the rejected prince; while the emotional – on a child's view of the world.

The story line is built around the travels of the Little Prince who hails from the tiny planet B-612. Gradually, his journey becomes not just the literal movement from planet to planet, but more of a way to discover life and the world.

Thanks to Saint-Exupery's artistic methods, adult readers see in the fable, a transcript of a conversation of two old friends; while children get a vivid and easily understandable description of the world that surrounds them. Due mostly to these two factors, The Little Prince has achieved such high levels of recognition and popularity.

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Miss Julie, our Children Librarian, would like to suggest the following title:

Popular Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek (by Maya Van Wagenen) New York Times Bestseller 2015 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Description from Amazon’s listing: A breakout teen author explores the true meaning of popularity and how to survive middle school in this hysterically funny, touchingly honest contemporary memoir.

"I was inspired by [Maya's] journey and made a point of saving a copy of 'Popular' for my sister, who starts middle school this fall. Maybe if I had read it when I was her age, it could have saved me from a world of hurt, or at least put that world in perspective." — Maude Apatow, New York Times Book Review Can curlers, girdles, Vaseline, and a strand of pearls help a shy girl become popular? Maya Van Wagenen is about to find out.

Stuck near the bottom of the social ladder at "pretty much the lowest level of people at school who aren't paid to be here," Maya has never been popular. But before starting eighth grade, she decides to begin a unique social experiment: spend the school year following a 1950s popularity guide, written by former teen model Betty Cornell.

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The real-life results are hilarious, painful, and filled with unexpected surprises. Told with humor and grace, Maya's journey offers readers of all ages a thoroughly contemporary example of kindness and self-confidence, along with a better understanding of what it means to be popular.

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Lynn, our Cataloging Specialist, would like to share with patrons the following title:

Tending Roses (by Lisa Wingate) Description from the publisher: From the New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a heartfelt novel about the bonds of family and the power of second chances.When Kate Bowman temporarily moves to her grandmother's Missouri farm with her husband and baby son, she learns that the lessons that most enrich our lives often come unexpectedly. The family has given Kate the job of convincing Grandma Rose, who's become increasingly stubborn and forgetful, to move off her beloved land and into a nursing home. But Kate knows such a change would break her grandmother's heart. Just when Kate despairs of finding answers, she discovers her grandma's journal. A beautiful handmade notebook, it is full of stories that celebrate the importance of family, friendship, and faith. Stories that make Kate see her life--and her grandmother--in a completely new way...

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Maggie, our YA Services Coordinator, would like to recommend this title:

Cinder (by Marissa Meyer) Meet Cinderella as a cyborg. Set in far, futuristic New Beijing, Cinder works as a mechanic and lives with her cruel adopted step-mother. When her step-sister falls ill, her stepmother "volunteers" Cinder for plague research. Cinder's fate becomes tied to an interplanetary struggle with a malicious Moon Queen and the Earth's Prince Kai. To stand a chance at saving her sister- and the world, she will have to uncover the secrets of her past.

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Martin, our Collection Developing and Adult Services Coordinator would like to recommend these titles: !9

Lawn Boy (by Jonathan Evison) This past Saturday as I was testing our mower and preparing for those spring days that are arriving, yes, slowly but arriving at least. As I was doing this I thought of this book I would like to recommend for a couple of reasons besides the obvious: it’s a novel about a lawn boy!

This very uplifting book tells the story of underdog Mike Muñoz, a guy who despite being the receptacle of every piece of dirty grass life has to trow at him, and while grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, he keeps pushing the mower of life making his own path, as he learns the real meaning of family, friendship and resilience.

The story will resonate with anyone who is having a rough time during this crisis, as a message of optimism despite de rough circumstances in which the main character makes his way.

---On a completely different note, a title I just finished over the past weekend:

The Wife & The Widow (by Christian White) For anyone looking for a good mystery, Australian writer Christian White delivers once again with the same formula he presented with his 2019 debut novel (and soon to be a motion picture) The Nowhere Child: credible characters, a superbly well constructed plot, and no clichés.

While this book takes place entirely in Australia, despite a few specific geographical descriptions and some other language references used (torch instead of flashlight), the story could take place anywhere else and still will be relatable, because it treats the universal theme of family and the question of what we will do to protect those we love. Quick but intense read.

PS And the twist on it just when you thought you had it figured out?! Priceless!

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Rita, Library & Patron Services Assistant , would like to recommend these titles: Delia Owens’ novel, Where the Crawdad’s Sing (2018) tells the story of a woman, Kya, who has endured losses throughout her life. Kya is tenacious, lives isolated in a North Carolina marsh, and is determined to survive on her own. When the local former high school football star mysteriously turns up dead, Kya is charged, Will her alibi and the lack of evidence acquit her? Or, will old prejudices conspire to convict her? Are appearances deceiving? Watch for the upcoming movie.

A Woman of No Importance, Sonia Purnell’s (2019) fast-paced biography of Virginia Hall is riveting. Hall was an American who overcame biases against her gender and disability (she had lost half of one leg in a hunting accident and wore a wooden prosthesis) to become one of the most important Allied spies during WWII France. For her courageous work, Virginia Hall was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross—the only civilian woman to be so honored. After the war, Hall remained in the intelligence field, eventually working 15 years at the CIA before retiring in 1966.

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All the titles described in the previous pages can be found using the following apps:

Libby, the app from OverDrive is your gateway to downloadable Audiobooks and Ebooks Browse and search for thousands of great titles, and download them to your computer or transfer them to a portable device for your listening pleasure anywhere, anytime.

Compatible devices include Amazon Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, Apple IPhones and tablets, Blackberry devices and more.

A valid Monarch Library System library card is necessary for checkout and placing holds.

Click/tap here to connect to Libby’s site or to learn more or click on Libby’s image below to open our PDF pamphlet with all the instructions you need.

Click/tap here for Libby first time users instructions pamphlet Click/tap Here for Libby & Kindle Instructions Pamphlet Need help? Click/tap HERE to access Libby’s Help Page or let us know on your next visit how to help you.

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RBdigital Audiobooks & Magazines Built by Recorded Books, RBdigital is a state-of-the-art platform and app providing access to audiobooks & magazines simply using your library card.

Need help setting up the app? Click/tap here to access the slide presentation we have on how to download, set up and use this great app.

No CARD? NO Problem!

Sign up for a virtual library card today to access the amazing digital libraries from the Monarch Library System catalog. CLICK/TAP HERE for more information and get yours today!

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Our WI-FI is FREE and still working. If you do need wi-fi connection to apply for unemployment, look for jobs or simply take a break and download a book, watch a tv series or anything else, this is what you can do: 1-Park your car at the library parking lot or have a sit on our outside bench near the main entrance.
 2-Go to settings on your device and allow your device to pick up our signal.
 3-click on LibraryPublic and you should be connected.

Please note that the farther from the building you are the weaker (if any) the signal will be.

Park as closely possible but also be mindful of others and allow others to use it as well by self measuring how much time you spend on the free network.

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Storytime at Home with Miss Julie

New episode each week; Tuesday, 10:30a.m.

We miss you! Just because you're staying in doesn't mean an end to storytime! Miss Julie is taking our storytime to YouTube! Enjoy stories, dance along and sing songs at your home.

Click/tap on each episode below to access each past storytime:

EPISODE 1 EPISODE 2 EPISODE 3

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You can access Gale Course by doing click HERE Welcome to Gale Courses!

The Monarch Library System is thrilled to be able to provide all patrons in every member library the opportunity to engage in meaningful learning through Gale Courses. This robust online resource provides access to exceptional classes on multiple topics of interest, including career training programs. If you seek deeper knowledge of areas from A (Accounting) to W (Writing), Gale Courses has something for you. We hope you consider exploring the offerings for personal and professional development. Please let us know about your experience so we can continue to streamline our services to benefit your needs! Enjoy your journey.

How to Enroll: 1. Find courses by browsing through the categories on the left of your screen or by using the search bar above.

Click “Enroll Now” next to the course of your choice.

2. Select your course start date and click “Continue.”

3. Create a free Gale Courses account, or sign in to an existing ed2go account.

New Students – Enter your email address in the New Student area and click “Create Account.” Complete the “Account and Student Information” page and then click “Continue.”

Returning Students – Enter your account email and password and then click “Sign In.” You will use your Gale Courses account email and password to log in to the My Classroom area to view your lessons once your session begins.

4. Enter your library barcode in the box labeled Submit. Then click “Use Library Card” to complete your enrollment.

IMPORTANT! Students who have enrolled in a course must log in and view lessons one and two within 13 days after the start date of the course, or they will be automatically dropped.

Students who are dropped from a course will be able to enroll in the course during a later session.

Download instructions on how to access this great resource with the following PDF file: C_Gale-Courses_trifold-brochure_Saukville-1Download !1 6

Bill Harrington (1903-1949)

Springtime

by Harrington Williams

My heart leaps up when first I hear A robin in the morn Greeting a flaming sunrise As a new day is born

Bill Harrington, author of Whistle-Stop Poems under the pseudonym Harrington Williams, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

While serving in the US Navy in 1921 he was stricken with apoplexy and was discharged from the service in 1925. After his discharge, and a long period of hospitalization in Veteran’s hospitals, he returned to Saukville and began a career as the sports writer for the Ozaukee Press.

Or hear the early peepers Singing in the brook Or see skunk cabbage growing In a swamp’s secluded nook By all these signs I know then

Upon his death in 1949, there obituary which ran in The Ozaukee Press, titled Mr. Harrington as “The Poet of Saukville”.

And you should know, it’s clear That the joyful season’s with us That spring at last is here. !1 7

Coming Soon!

The Oscar Grady Library has purchased three LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES that will be installed around town for you to access multiple materials in a safe way.

More details soon!

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GREETINGS! LOCAL COLOR FROM THE PAST! We share with you some Saukville images from the past from the Jim & John Peterson Collection housed at the Oscar Grady Public Library.

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www.oscargradylibrary.org

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