The more things change.......by Andrea K.

You may have read about new services theStillwater Public Library is offering, such as netbook checkout and (coming soon) e-book and downloadable audio checkout.  The library may be going even more “E,” but hard copy books and the CDs and videos we offer aren’t going anywhere soon.  The new “E” services are just a continuation of what the library has always done: provide access to information and literature in the best formats of the time, and teach people how to use them.

In the past, customers asked for assistance from librarians in using the card catalog and large reference tomes, so they could find what they were looking for.  When tech developed, the acquisition of an online catalog and computers with internet access required the assistance of librarians for everything from getting started using a mouse to showing patrons the best, most credible online resources out of millions of bad ones.

Now we have patrons coming in and asking us what this e-book thing is all about, how to use them and what devices we recommend.  We saw the demand for this new format and have taken steps to incorporate it into what we offer. We also will be teaching people how to use our new netbooks, just as we do our desktop computers.  AND we will continue to check out old fashioned books for the people who need their paper fix.  It is important that no segment of the population get left behind when it comes to traditional literacy and computer literacy. 

Intellectual property like novels, music, movies, and even non-fiction won’t be legally offered from their creators for free anytime soon, so until then we’ll continue our role of pulling the community together to share resources and providing them to those who otherwise would have no access.  And as the world changes and technology advances, we’ll be right here, providing educational opportunities for all Stillwater citizens and leading our customers into a new generation of information.

Young Adult's for All Adults by Recilla

As I work in the library’s Teen area, I discover more and more adults browsing for something to read.  At one time I might have thought they were picking up reading materials for their children, but that is no longer the case.  Adults often are choosing books written for teens. This trend began with the Harry Potter phenomenon. Adults wanted to know what was creating so much excitement among young people, and they found they were just as entertained and engaged by the series. The Twilight series then emerged and attracted 20 and 30 somethings to Young Adult literature. 

Although YA fantasy seems to be the main attraction, there are many YA books that would be of interest to adult readers. There is mystery, historical fiction, drama, and, of course, teenage angst.  YA lit is intriguing, thought-provoking, and humorous.  Although it is not devoid of sex and language, it is usually not explicit and will be essential to the story, not just for sensationalism.

Also you will find some of your favorite adult authors such as James Patterson, Robert Parker, and John Grisham now writing YA fiction.  Every month as I read new book reviews, I discover at least one review that states the book’s author is an adult fiction writer.

I, myself, am an avid YA reader. In fact, I haven’t had an “adult” book in my hands for years.  Today’s YA books are not the teen books we grew up with.  In fact, I don’t really remember finding books written to appeal to teens when I was in junior high and high school---a fact which I am sure quelled my reading for pleasure for many years.  So why don’t you join me in the Young Adult section and discover the variety and pleasure of reading YA literature?

The 10 Best Young Adult Books for Grownups

35 Going on 13: The Best YA for Adults 2009

Teen Books for Adults

My Stuff by Stacy

Three weeks ago right before Christmas, my sister came and “clean sweeped” me.  We sat up in my third floor hoarder’s nest all night and got out every box where I’d been squirreling away my “stuff” for the last ten years.  Now mind you—I’ve already been “clean sweeped” before, but that was at the height of my 20+ years “collecting” phase and we “sweeped” from insane down to only slightly problematic.  Now, it is time to let go of everything else. 

It really wasn’t that hard for me once we started—I’ve been clutter clubbing the last two years and by far the most important thing is that I have stopped bringing things into my home.  The second most important thing I’ve learned is that so many of us are THISCLOSE to being the people on the TV show.  All it takes is one illness or a bad patch in our lives for everything to go from bursting to the seams to falling down on us.

I’ve learned that two things mask my problem.  First, I love plastic Rubbermaid tubs, so all of my stuff goes into the tubs and gives me the false sense that everything is organized.  But instead of ever getting to the “doing”—decorating with the items, making necklaces, etc.—I just end up sorting, resorting, and taking time to house my stuff. 

Second, I’m a “collectoré,” (I added the e with the accent so it would seem fancy).  This means I don’t hold onto things like apple cores and toilet paper rolls.  Instead, I have items with monetary value that are usually super cute and would be valuable to others----adorable grape-shaped crocheted trivets made from old pop bottle caps (except I have 25), framed old calendar prints of cottages and dreamy landscapes (except I have 30), and miles of vintage bead necklaces.

Shannon Cowan who leads our organizing classes said it so that I could finally understand---What do you call someone whose home is filled with gold bullion?  Answer: a hoarder!

So—if you are feeling pressured by your “stuff,” if dealing with your stuff is taking too much of your time, or if you just want your life to run a bit more smoothly, join us at the upcoming organizing classes Thursday, Jan. 13 & 20.  (Enroll at askalibrarian@stillwater.org). And in the meantime, check out some of our many organizing books, including these titles that address the most complex parts of the issue:

·             Stuff: compulsive hoarding and the meaning of things by Randy Frost (616.85 FRO)

·             Buried in treasures: help for compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding
by David Tolin (616.85 TOL)

·             Overcoming compulsive hoarding: why you save & how you can stop
by Fugen Neziroglu (616.85 NEZ)

My Favorite Books of 2010 by Scott

If there is anything I love more than reading it is a good list.  So, in the attempt to construct the best of all possible worlds here is the list of my favorite books of 2010.  These books were published in 2010 and come from the 218 books I have read (so far) this year.

10.    Hellhound on His Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the International Hunt for His Assassin by Hampton Sides—A thorough portrayal of James Earl Ray’s steps to that fateful moment in Memphis and the aftermath of one of the darkest days in American history.

9.      Feed by Mira Grant—This was my favorite Zombie read of the year.

8.      I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne—Shocking, mortifying and oh, so fun to read.

7.      Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin—The best and most thorough look behind the scenes of the historic 2008 presidential campaign.

6.      The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by Walter Mosley—A 91 year old man suffering from dementia is offered a miracle drug that will cure him.  The only downside is that he won’t live to see 92 if he takes it.  A moving and powerful book.

5.      The Passage by Justin Cronin—The fact that I loved this book when vampires are so passé is due to Cronin’s strength of story-telling and fresh take on the genre.

4.      Room by Emma Donoghue—This ground-breaking book is narrated by Jack, a five-year-old boy, who has spend his entire life in one room.  Chilling, memorable and enthralling.

3.      The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot—The stunning and true story of racism, oppression and theft in the name of medical progress.  An absolute must-read.

2.      Still Missing by Chevy Stevens—This book is told in a series of therapy sessions from the perspective of a young real estate agent who had been abducted.  Each session brings her closer to healing and finding out the truth of what happened.

1.      The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman—An absolutely brilliant debut.  An English language newspaper that publishes out of Rome is enduring tough times.  Told from the perspective of different employees this book was my favorite of the year.

These are all well worth your time and are available here at the Stillwater Public Library.  For other Best of 2010 lists, go to http://www.fictionawardwinners.com/ which lists both fiction and nonfiction.

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Angie Debo by Lynda

 

As the year draws to a close, we want to thank the entire community for its involvement in giving the Stillwater Public Library the city’s first municipal sculpture.  Angie Debo, noted Oklahoma Historian and resident of nearby Marshall, Oklahoma, now sits in front of the library with the seals of the 38 federally recognized tribes of Oklahoma surrounding the base.

It was an amazing three year process with many thanks to everyone who contributed to the statue fund; to the community-wide committee which stuck it out the entire 3 years to see our efforts become a reality; and to all the citizens who showed their enthusiasm and support. 

Phyllis Mantik, local Stillwater artist, was chosen to sculpt Angie Debo and she did a marvelous job and was an absolute joy to work with on this project.  She also created the concept for the seals to be placed around the base after the committee decided it wanted to honor the connection between Angie Debo and Oklahoma’s Native American tribes.  After each Native American tribe provided permission for their seal to be used, Phyllis had to redraw each seal to the specifications of the company which produced the bronze versions.   That was a truly amazing undertaking.

If you have not yet had the opportunity, stop by the library to view the sculpture and read the plaque to learn more about Angie Debo and her accomplishments.  If you missed the dedication on Nov. 18, visit http://stillwater.org/content/2010/lib-debo-dedication.php to see the entire event or a short video of all of the festivities.  Afterwards, come inside the library to locate a copy of the many books we have written or edited by Debo.   And if you really want to learn more about Angie, contact the OSU Library to view the Angie Debo special collection and several items that were in Angie’s home.  My favorite is her typewriter. 

Holmes for the Holidays by Jeanna

Christmas in Victorian England - the carolers, the feasts, the yuletide spirit, the mysteries to be solved, the murderers to be apprehended. Yes, indeed, I did say “mysteries” and “murderers,” but even at this time of year, who can resist the Britannic charm of Sherlock Holmes, one of the world’s favorite fictional detectives?

In “Holmes for the Holidays,” fourteen authors, including Anne Perry and Carole Nelson Douglas, provide stories of mirth and mayhem set amid the splendor of the season. Have you ever wondered what the great detective himself would have said about all those supernatural goings-on in “The Christmas Carol?” Thanks to Tiny Tim - now Lord Chislehusrt - in “The Adventure of the Three Ghosts” and Scrooge’s great nephew in “The Adventure of the Christmas Ghosts” we have other views of what might have happened on that famous Christmas Eve night.

In “A Scandal in Winter” we also have a different view of Sherlock Holmes and his esteemed sidekick/biographer Dr. Watson. Nicknamed ‘Silver Stick’ and ‘Square Bear’ by the young girl telling the story, Holmes and Watson must tackle a year old mystery involving Irene Adler and the murder of her latest husband. While many readers might prefer a closer adherence to the Arthur Conan Doyle stories, this little gem was probably my favorite. My second favorite might well be “A Yuletide Affair,” in which Holmes barely makes an appearance and Dr. Watson must solve a medical mystery by himself or watch Lestrade perish.

With anarchists, attempted murders, disappearing and reappearing Christmas trees, and no end of brilliant deductions, this carefully selected collection of short stories has something for every fan of a time, place, main character – and, in this case, a season – that will always have a place in our collective imaginations.

Fun Christmas Creations by Gayla

Christmas break is right around the corner.  Will your kids be sitting in front of the television for hours or playing video games endlessly?  I have a great alternative!  Fun Christmas memories can be made by using simple every day items found around the home.  We have several books in our Children’s Department that are full of ideas and easy step- by- step instructions with colorful illustrations.  Here are a few of my favorite books and the ideas you can find:

·             “Christmas Crafts” by Judith Corwin. Are your kids constantly asking you how many days until jolly old St. Nick makes his yearly rounds?  How about making a Christmas countdown with Santa’s beard?   A cotton ball is glued to Santa’s beard each day.    When the beard is full, it’s time for his visit. 

·             “Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make” by Kathy Ross.  How about a doggie ornament for your favorite pooch made from a real dog biscuit?  You’d better hang it up high or it just might disappear. For a more personalized gift, your child’s hands and foot shapes can turn into a little angel which will especially be welcomed gifts for family members.  

·              “Christmas Fun” by Deri Robins. Would you like to have the best-dressed windows in town? Add an indoor snowstorm made from cotton balls, or make your windows glow with “stained glass” to warm up even the frostiest of Christmas mornings.

·               “Merry Things to Make” by Diane Cherkerzian.  The kitchen is often busy at Christmas. How about stained-glass cookies or a Graham Cracker Holiday house that will look too good to eat? Oh go ahead, take a bite.  When you try Mrs. Clause’s Favorite Fudge, you just might see why Santa’s so round!

·             “Santa’s Sackful of Best Christmas Ideas” by Deri Robins.  If you’re tired of all the usual games, try some North Pole favorites like Christmas Card Bingo, Draw a Carol, Melting Snowmen, and “S” is for Santa.

I hope the ideas and projects I presented will make Christmas all the merrier!  These Christmas craft books along with others are in the Juvenile department with call numbers 745.594.  The book’s spine will have a candy cane with the word “Christmas.”  So let’s get busy-and have fun!

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