City of Stillwater

City of Stillwater NEWS

''Library Shelf' from the Stillwater Public Library at 1107 S. Duck Street in Stillwater, Okla.

For more information, call (405) 372-3633 or e-mail askalibrarian@stillwater.org or visit the library online at library.stillwater.org.

Library Shelf
Dec. 30, 2009: 'Cork O’Connor mysteries' by Mary Beth Garoffolo

Author William Kent Krueger has hit another one out of the ballpark with the recent addition to his Corcoran “Cork” O’Connor mystery series. “Red Knife” is part mystery, part suspense and holds onto the reader until the final shocking page.

Living in the Iron Mountains of northeastern Minnesota, Cork is part Irish, part Anishinaabeg Indian and a former small town sheriff. His mixed racial heritage and his past in Chicago law enforcement combine with the vast lake area wilderness and the unpredictable North Country environment to result in some of the best crime fiction being written today.

Each of the books in the series, beginning with “Iron Lake” in 1998, is full of wonderful characters and vivid scenery that really draws the reader in. The wildness and beauty of the Minnesota north woods comes alive in these stories as does the brutality and evil that lurks there. And there is plenty of evil.

Krueger has written about some of the more challenging themes in our society today. They include how far we will go to protect family (“Mercy Falls”), what happens to children in our society that we turn our backs on (“Copper River”), and our culture of violence (“Red Knife”).

His books just keep getting better. The next in the series is “Heaven’s Keep” in which Cork’s wife goes missing when her plane goes down in a remote area of the Rocky Mountains during an early winter snowstorm. I can’t wait to get started!

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Dec. 23, 2009: 'Reading Rx?' by Stacy DeLano

December—It may be the most wonderful time of the year and the hap-happiest season of all, but it is also the most stress-stressful one month in many people’s lives. Who isn’t frazzled with last minute shopping, cleaning the house, overly long visits by relatives, uncomfortable weight gain, and a mountain of year-end reports to wrap up? And right around the corner are all the New Year’s resolutions we feel forced to make and keep. It’s no wonder that a doctor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that the hap-happiest season is also the biggest heart attack inducing time of year.

So what a per-perfect time to have found this little nugget from the University of Sussex. Its study earlier this year indicated that reading for even just six minutes reduced stress levels in study subjects by 68%. Reading was actually the top method for reducing stress when compared to other typical stress reducing activities like listening to music or going for a walk. Losing yourself in a book causes all of your muscles, including the heart, to relax.

Think you can’t get into a story enough in just six minutes to achieve relaxation? Just make sure to keep a book with you at your work desk, on a trip, and in the car. Try reading just one chapter while waiting for the potatoes to boil or while a family member runs into the store. Get signed up for one of our Dear Reader fifteen minute book installments that go to your email once a day and are perfect for reading on a break.

Let us help you find easy little ways to add reading to your daily health regimen. As a librarian, I know it will be the most wonderful time of my career when I start hearing doctors prescribing exercise, a healthy diet, and a good book!

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Dec. 16, 2009: 'The End of Time?' by Rion Wahpekeche

Have you heard? The end of the world is only three years and a few days away. December 21, 2012, is the final day of the Mayan Long Count calendar and while many people believe that date is the start of a positive new era, others predict catastrophe.

For many people, the possible significance of the date is nothing new, but for those of you who are just finding out about this, I offer the following words from Douglas Adams: “Don’t Panic.” After all, you have at your disposal one of the greatest resources known to humankind: the Public Library. Here are just a few of the titles at the library that may help you decide what to expect on 12-21-12:

“2012 : Extinction or Utopia: doomsday prophecies explored” by J. Allan Danelek. The author explores mankind’s fascination with apocalyptic scenarios, including those predictions associated with the end of the Mayan calendar.
“The Book of Destiny: Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Mayans and the Prophecy of 2012” by Carlos Barrios. Barrios, an anthropologist and Mayan shaman, shares Mayan prophecies based on mathematics and astronomy. Barrios explains how each person can determine how they will be affected after 12-21-12.
2012: The War for Souls by Whitley Strieber—In Strieber’s Sci Fi thriller, an author discovers a parallel Earth. If events leading up to 12-21-12 aren’t stopped, reptiles from the alternate universe will come to take over humanity.

For more information, ask a librarian.

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Dec. 2, 2009: 'The Best Christmas Parade Ever' by Stacy DeLano

Remember Barbara Robinson’s book, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”? In this fabulous children’s novel, a first-time director leads an annual pageant and the entire event seems sure to fail. Somehow, the pageant ends up being wonderful despite the disasters. It was one of the “Watch the Movie, Read the Book” titles we featured in our parade entry last Thursday, and it exactly fits our experience.

What DIDN’T go wrong? Collapsed movie marquees, a last minute broken generator, a replacement snowman that looked like a great white shark, and extension cord plugs that would not fit into the mini-light strings. But, like any warm, wonderful holiday story ending, we pulled together, did the best with what we had, and set out onto Main street with happy grins, merry hearts, and a skip in our steps. Even as I watched the wheel falling off one bookcart and Rudolph’s nose popping off and rolling down the street, I knew it was going to be “The Best Christmas PARADE Ever.”

We are grateful to everyone who helped. We’re especially grateful for everyone who put in many hours toward projects that just didn’t work out. One of those is the awesome poem written for the parade by our resident author Rion Wahpekeche. Enjoy!

Twas the Night Before Christmas (At the Library) by Rion Wahpekeche

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Library
Books are being checked out, the workers are merry.
Library cards are scanned with the greatest of care,
Oh my, the shelves are beginning to look bare.

Children run through the stacks acting like reindeer,
Excited by the thought: Christmas Day is almost here.
Mamma juggles her keys and a bag full of books
While Dad watches The Wiggles and gets funny looks.

When at last the time came for the Library to close,
The staff was all tired and they began to doze.
But their rest was interrupted by an urgent plea,
A call for movies and books from Santa’s secretary.

The clock beamed down on their poor tired faces
But Santa’s desperate request had them off to the races.
Up and down the aisles they ran in a flash,
Three books, then four ‘til they’d found eight at last.

With books in hand they had to move quick,
No one wanted to disappoint jolly old St. Nick.
Moving quicker than snow falling in December
They called out the author’s they could remember.

Now Grisham, and Dickens! with Shepherd and Divies!
Van Allsburg! Evans! Robinson and Seuss!
In the Outreach van they climbed books and all!
Drive away! Drive away! To the North Pole!

As the sun began to fade they covered the van with lights,
Hoping that Santa and his elves would find it quite nice.
So up Duck street they flew ‘til it turned into Boomer
Singing carols and wishing they could get there sooner.

And then, overhead, a group of planes quickly flew by,
Painted orange, white, and black streaking through the sky.
They rolled down the windows to say to those folks,
Merry Christmas to you, and of course, Go Pokes!

He may not be there by the time they arrive
But all Christmas Eve they continue to drive.
With coffee and eggnog they traverse each state
‘Cause when Santa’s involved its best not to be late.

His eyes just might twinkle at our Christmas surprise
But his brow may furrow when they ask for sleigh rides.
Like children they wonder at the joy to come
High above the world in Santa’s sleigh riding shotgun.

The air grows colder when they cross the border
Speeding through Canada and Alaska in short order.
Then on a bridge of ice in the Beaufort Sea
They cross the ocean to the place Santa’s rumored to be.

He said they would be driving through blinding snow
That jolly weatherman on their satellite radio.
Then on the horizon they spied something glorious
But wait, they didn’t mean to drive to Las Vegas.

He chuckled sweetly and welcomed them to town
And apologized ‘cause he could not stick around.
With a wink and a nod he was ready to trade
For Santa was grateful for the trip they had made.

He reached into his bag for what, maybe toys
And grinned a sly grin as he made his choice.
Then with hands on his belly he let out a warm laugh
And gave them a hula dancer for the library van’s dash.

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Library Shelf
Dec. 2, 2009: 'Holiday' by Carline Talent

The holidays are a very busy time for most of us. Christmas is fast approaching, and it can be somewhat overwhelming. As for myself, I would really like to make this holiday season much simpler, more meaningful and enjoyable. I love having family and friends together, and would like that "togetherness" to be the high point of the holidays (along with some really good food, of course!). The Stillwater Public Library is a wonderful source of information and inspiration for making your holidays more relaxing and enjoyable.

If you are interested in simplifying gift giving or making your own decorations for any of the holidays, you will find many helpful books at the library. “Tasha Tudor’s Old-fashioned gifts: presents and favors for all occasions” and “Christmas Inspirations: practical ideas for creating beautiful gifts and decorations for the holiday season” are just two of many that I love. If you love to sew or quilt, the library has a great selection of books on sewing and quilting hand-made gifts.

Planning and cooking meals can be fun, especially if you get the whole family involved. Paula Deen’s “Christmas with Paula Deen: recipes and stories from my favorite holiday” or “Martha Stewart’s Christmas: entertaining, decorating & giving in the holiday season” can give you some wonderful ideas for planning your holiday menus.

Start some new family traditions and learn more about the ones you already have. “The Book of the Year: a brief history of our seasonal holidays” by Anthony F. Aveni and “Holiday Symbols” by Sue Ellen Thompson explore the legends and lore behind the people, places, food, animals, and other symbols associated with the holidays.

However you spend your holidays, take time to relax, read a good book and enjoy your family and friends---a very precious gift indeed!

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Nov. 25, 2009: 'Become a Bookcrosser' by Summer Luster

Last week I was sitting in a waiting room, when I spotted a book lying under a chair. Bored, I walked over and snagged the book, crossing my fingers I had not already read it. Written inside was a surprising message. It read, “Congratulations! You have found a BookCrossing book that has been released into the wild. Register your find using the BCID number at www.bookcrossing.com. Confused? Look up bookcrossing in the dictionary.”

I was instantly intrigued.

The online dictionary entry read, “bookcrossing: n. the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise.”

Curious, I went to the BookCrossing website. I easily typed in the BookCrossing ID number written in the book and registered it as “found.” The website displayed the journal entries detailing the books’ travels and previous readers’ comments. My book had not travelled far, but others had exchanged hands dozens of times, travelling across the United States and even continents.

The idea of sharing books I love with the rest of the world seemed so exciting, I decided to try BookCrossing myself. I clicked the information tab, and read the FAQs on their website. I found everything I needed to set up an anonymous account and become an official bookcrosser. Books can be released almost anywhere, the park, a hotel, or when donating books to charity or the Friends of the Library book sale. Everyone should try this easy, fun, and exciting way to share books with the world and to clear out some precious shelf space.

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Nov. 18, 2009: 'Remembering to be Thankful' by Levonn Collins

I have always thought of Thanksgiving as that brief, shining moment that we can take to teach our children to be thankful for what they have, before it is taken over by the “I want” and “gimme” of the Christmas season. More and more, it seems that Thanksgiving is being squeezed out by the more commercial holidays. Well, we can’t change the world or even change when stores start putting out decorations, but maybe we can make a small change in our own families.

My suggestion is to stop by the Stillwater Public Library and select a book or two to share with your children about the meaning and history of Thanksgiving. A few titles are 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving by Catherine O’Neill Grace, A Pioneer Thanksgiving by Barbara Greenwood, and Thanksgiving: the True Story by Penny Colman.

Good picks for younger children include Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas, Celebrate Thanksgiving with Turkey, Family and Counting Blessings by Deborah Heiligman, Thanksgiving on Plymouth Plantation by Diane Stanley, and Thank You, Thanksgiving by David Milgrim.

The library has an abundance of recipe books to help the uninspired Thanksgiving chef. We also have Thanksgiving craft books such as All New Crafts for Thanksgiving by Kathy Ross and poetry such as Thanksgiving: Stories and Poems edited by Caroline Bauer.

Maybe some of these suggestions will help your family to be thankful for all it has including food, family, country and freedom. And let’s all be thankful for having a beautiful, well-equipped library that we are free to use!

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Nov. 11, 2009: 'Scarecrow Season' by Sue Busch

Scarecrows – those friendly figures we see appearing in front yards with cornstalks, pumpkins and chrysanthemums. They’ve been a part of agrarian cultures for centuries, scaring away birds that would steal crops. Now they’re folk figures, decorating our homes and yards for the fall season, harbingers of colder weather to come. Some of them are made to resemble real people such as family members or celebrities. Stillwater Public Library has some excellent picture books about scarecrows:

“The Scarecrow’s Dance” by Jane Yolen relates the story of a scarecrow who is happy to leave his post one windy night, but a child’s prayer reminds him of the important job he has to do.
“The Lonely Scarecrow” by Tim Preston is the story of a scarecrow whose face is so scary he can’t make friends with nearby animals, until a little snowfall makes him look more like a jolly snowman.
Although made of straw and borrowed clothing, Cynthia Rylant’s “Scarecrow” appreciates his peaceful, gentle life and the privilege of watching nature at work.
Jana Dillon’s “Jeb Scarecrow’s Pumpkin Patch” tells the story of a resourceful scarecrow who comes up with a plan to keep the crows out of his patch.
“Witch Hazel” by Alice Schertle is the charming story of a little boy who realizes the scarecrow he made is very special on the night of the harvest moon.
Sid Fleischman’s “The Scarebird” is the story of a lonely old farmer who realizes the value of friendship when a young man comes to help him and his scarecrow with their farm.
If you want to know how to build intriguing scarecrows from the ground up, try “Scarecrows: making harvest figures and other yard folk” (745.5) by Felder Rushing.

Enjoy this Fall, by letting a scarecrow into your life – as a cozy bedtime story shared with your family, or a friendly decoration at your front door.

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Nov. 4, 2009: 'New Kid in Town' by Scott Freeman

About 18 months ago I decided it was time for a career change. After 20 years in ministry I was ready for something new. As I considered my options, I kept coming back to one of my greatest loves and passions: books. If you looked for me where I lived in Ponca City, you’d likely find me in the library. What better plan than to become a librarian myself?

I enrolled myself back in school to get a library degree and plan to graduate in May 2010. The only thing left was to wait for the right job to roll around and I’d be set. In August, I retired from the ministry and in September I began work as a librarian for the Stillwater Public Library.

I’ve reached two conclusions this past month: I love this library and I love this town! Through my life, I’ve lived all through the Midwest and the South from Michigan to New Mexico. I can say this is the best library in any town I’ve lived. The staff is incredibly friendly, the diversity of the materials is huge for this size of town, and it’s about as kid friendly as a place can be.

I’ve already learned a lot in my month on staff here. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with great colleagues and to meet so many wonderful patrons. I look forward to meeting more and more of you in the future. Stop by the Help Desk and say hi! If you need any suggestions for h

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Oct. 28, 2009: 'SAD time books' by Stacy Delano

I love this time of year. The crisp weather, the excitement of community activities in the air, the bright red, orange, and yellow leaves of every shape and size slowly drifting down from the trees. When I dreamily gaze outside at the breathtaking explosion of color, it is so beautiful---sometime I just want to cry……AND THAT is when I know something is wrong. Although the titles below should not take the place of professional advice, they certainly can’t hurt when you’re trying to combat fall’s melancholy.

“At Home in Mitford” by Jan Karon—this novel chronicles the eccentrics of a small North Carolina community and the minister who is trying to keep them all together. Makes you feel so warm and loved, you might finally be able to crawl out of bed.

“Moon over Madeline Island” by Jay Gilbertson—a hairdresser and her long time client drop everything and open a apron making business in a small town. Tension is the life blood of a novel—without it, what is the point of the story? Well-- there’s a nary a drop of tension here and you’ll come away happier for it.

“Bachelor Brothers Bed & Breakfast” by Bill Richardson—two oddball brothers keep the B&B guests happy. Recipes included. I wish I lived in this book.

Now some would say to take the other approach and try reading something super super awful to steam the sad right out of you. I myself end up in the fetal position when trying this approach, but to each her own. If you plan to give it a try, I’d suggest books with a dying dog. In my crying-books-survey, every person mentioned a book from this sad sad genre—“Marley and Me,” “Sounder,” “Where the Red Fern Grows,” and “Old Yeller.”

I feel pretty sure that all these books must have been written by authors suffering from the melancholies in the Fall.

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Oct. 21, 2009: 'There’s No Place Like Home' by Andrea Duncan

I have always been fascinated with the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, with its unforgettable characters and magical setting. It is hard to believe that it recently celebrated its 70th anniversary as a movie! After reaching school age, I also became intrigued by the books about Oz and their author, L. Frank Baum. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was originally published in 1900 and was the first in a series of fourteen Oz books by Mr. Baum.

Although the classic movie revolves around a dream that Dorothy had, the Oz books are a series of stories about real adventures in Oz, introducing a multitude of curious characters and magical settings. Take, for instance, Tik-Tok of Oz, the eighth installment of the series: it features Betsy Bobbins who is shipwrecked in the Rose Kingdom and is from “some unknown earthly paradise called Oklahoma!” And how did Mr. Baum come up with the name “Oz” for the magical land where Dorothy was dropped? His file cabinet was labeled with the alphabetical divisions “A – N” and “O – Z,” so from drawer 2 came the wonderland of Oz!

If you or your children haven’t read these delightful titles, drop by the library to check one out. The cool fall weather is the perfect opportunity to discover these wonderful books together. After all, “there’s no place like home!”

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Oct. 14, 2009: 'Our Wonderful Words' by Mary Leslie

The words of our language are wonderful. Combining them makes sentences and sentences give us the ability to tell our stories and to allow us to illustrate our thoughts and imaginations in a way that is understandable to all who read or hear our thoughts.

Each word in a sentence is special and performs its own important function. Trying to understand the functions of words can sometimes be confusing and frustrating, making us want to give up understanding them altogether. Ruth Heller has written and illustrated a wonderful series of children’s books to help us understand the proper usage of parts of speech.

Beginning with nouns in the book “Merry-Go-Round,” Heller explains with exquisite illustrations and simple explanations about nouns, plural nouns, collective nouns, compound nouns, concrete nouns, abstract nouns, common nouns, and proper nouns. A noun is not just a noun.

Heller continues on with “Kites Sail High” to discuss verbs; “Mine, All Mine” to talk about pronouns; “Fantastic! Wow! And Unreal!” to talk about interjections and conjunctions; “Many Luscious Lollipops” to talk about adjectives; and “Up, Up and Away” to talk about adverbs.

Learning proper expression through writing and speaking is empowering. It helps us be better understood and gives us a chance to tell our stories in more beautiful and unique ways. After you have discovered Ruth Heller’s books, continue on to other books on language and writing skills. For help finding more materials, ask a librarian.

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Oct. 7, 2009: 'One Book, One Community, Stillwater Reads To Kill a Mockingbird ' by Lynda Reynolds

The OSU Library and the Stillwater Public Library are once again collaborating for a community wide reading event. This year for “One Book, One Community, Stillwater Reads” we have chosen Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Published in 1960, this first-time novelist was overwhelmed with the success of her novel which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was on the best seller list for 88 weeks. It has gone on to sell more than 30 million copies in 18 languages. When asked by interviewer Roy Newquist her reaction to the novel’s success, Lee said, “It was one of sheer numbness. It was like being hit over the head and knocked cold.”

Fans were expecting a second novel from Lee, which never came. She wrote a few articles for Vogue and McCalls magazines and spent a considerable amount of time assisting Truman Capote with research for his book, “In Cold Blood,” but never published another novel herself. After publication of her novel, Lee tried to lead a quiet life splitting her time between Monroeville, Alabama and New York City. She gave very few interviews after the 1960s.

As we discuss this novel during our community-wide reading event, questions come up about Harper Lee and why she never wrote another book. The Stillwater Public Library owns two copies of Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles Shields which tries to answer many of these and other questions about Harper Lee’s life.

There is still plenty of time left to discuss the novel. Check the library website at http://library.stillwater.org for dates and locations.

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Sept. 30, 2009: 'Stillwater Public Library Outreach and Homebound Programs' by Brenna Gilchrist

The library is full of services to meet the needs of the public. Two of these services are the outreach and homebound programs. These programs are used to help those who can not always make it into the library but would still like to check out items

The main function of the outreach program is to take items once a month to the daycares and assisted living facilities around Stillwater during the fall and winter months. The library coordinates with the facilities to provide for them the items that will be most useful during their classes or events for that month.

The homebound program is for individuals who can not make it in to the library or who are dependant on someone else to bring them. The homebound librarian will take items to these individuals, have them delivered through mobile meals or have items ready at the front desk for family or friends to pick up. The homebound patrons have the same access to the items in the library as all other patrons. They get the items for a month and do not pay late fees.

Both programs have expanded in the past two years and we are serving more and more people outside of the library. Last month, 206 items went out to homebound users and 12 new users signed up for services. If you, your organization, or someone you know would like to sign up for either of the programs, please call Brenna Gilchrist at 405-372-3633 or email bgilcrist@stillwater.org.

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Sept. 23, 2009: 'Can the Movie Be Better Than the Book?' by Andrea Kane

Many of us at the library are reading or re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird as part of our “One Book One Community” program (see library.stillwater.org for details). We already screened the movie version at our kick-off event, and there will be another viewing at the OSU Student Union Little Theater on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Although I almost always favor the actual book over its movie version, To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the few titles that I consider a toss-up. I also really love the 1995 BBC miniseries of Pride and Prejudice. Its five-hour length does the book justice and, captures all the wonderful dialogue. Emma Thompson’s adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee is wonderful for the writing and the acting. Steven Spielberg’s version of The Color Purple had me sobbing pretty much the entire way through, and is the only thing I really love Whoopi Goldberg in. Dangerous Liaisons, with John Malkovich, Glen Close, and Michelle Pfieffer is another favorite of mine, but I must admit that I read the 1782 novel in French, for a literature class in college, so perhaps I would have enjoyed reading it more under other circumstances.

On a lighter note, I think that the movie version of William Goldman’s Princess Bride beats the book by a mile, thanks to the actors. And though I did not think the adaptation of Coraline could compete with Neil Gaiman’s spooky tale, the movie is lovely and haunting- and who knew Teri Hatcher’s voice could be so frightening?

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Sept. 16, 2009: 'Top Picks for Medical Information' by Stacy Delano

With cases of H1N1, or the swine flu, showing up here in Stillwater, many of us are anxious to read more about the illness. No resource is a substitute for the advice of your doctor, but if you are going to read up on H1N1 using the internet, we want you to have the most reliable and up-to-date information possible. The web is a big place, filled with contributors who, while well-intentioned, can end up posting erroneous medical advice. Let your librarians help you navigate the maze of information. A very short list of our top picks for information on H1N1 include:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1fluswineflu.html
MedlinePlus is my favorite starting point because it pulls together information from all of the governmental health agencies and major credible health organizations. It provides extensive articles on all aspects of H1N1, but it also has a great interactive visual and audio presentation that takes you through everything you need to know in an easy to understand format.

http://www.ebscohost.com/flu/
This resource has been specially created by EbscoHost Publishing, which provides the library with electronic magazines and journals and which also provides medical databases for doctors and nurses. It is an up-to-date, reliable source that is straight forward and easy to understand. The information is provided in 17 languages. It is fairly basic, so those of you who want complex and scholarly articles should ask us about our other EbscoHost medical databases.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an agency that has a special focus on infectious diseases, has the very latest information on vaccinations and outbreaks. The site has extensive guidance for specific populations such as businesses, people with certain illnesses, and day cares. I especially liked the page on taking care of someone who is sick.

For more recommendations, ask a librarian.

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Sept. 9, 2009: 'Tailgating'' by Danielle Shreve

Are your tailgate parties a well planned blitz or do they more closely resemble a fumbled punt? Are you the plan and execute kind of culinary quarterback or is grab and scramble more your style? At both extremes or in between, those preparing for a tailgate party will appreciate these timely books at the Stillwater Public Library. They tackle the subject of tailgating the way our own football team might plan and prepare for their game on the old gridiron.

“The Tailgater's Cookbook” by David Joachim
Joachim has a tailgater’s big checklist to help you think of what you might need at the tailgate party. Chapters include, In the Cooler, On the Grill, Out of the Pot, From the Thermos, and In the Bag with “before you go” and “when you get there” instructions for each recipe.

“What Can I Bring? Cookbook” by Anne Byrn
According to the front cover, this book contains over 200 great-tasting, easy-to-tote dishes for parties, picnics, potlucks, backyard barbecues and any get-together. The recipes come with Tote Notes (how best to transport the dish), Plan Ahead (how far ahead the dish can be prepared) Big Batch (how to multiply the dish), and When You Arrive (how to put the finishing touches on the dish). Plus, there are super-quick recipes called “Grab and Go” for each section.

Other books with outdoor cooking themes or tailgating recipes include: “The Complete Hamburger: The History of America's Favorite Sandwich” by Ronald L McDonald, “Grilling for Dummies” by Marie Rama, “Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library Outdoor Cooking” by John Carroll, “Born to Grill” by James Beard, “The Big Book of Outdoor Cooking and Entertaining” by Cheryl Jamison, “Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Parties” by Ina Garten, and “John Hadamuscin Special Occasions” by John Hadamuscin.

Read, eat, and enjoy. Go Pokes!

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Sept. 2, 2009: 'The times they are a changin'' by Larry Souders

Many current authors publishing popular novels today have a long history of writing under their belts. One fun thing I’ve started doing is finding longtime authors I enjoy and then traveling with them through the years to see how culture, science, and the authors’ styles have changed. Not only have I discovered reoccurring characters, situations and allusions, but I have also seen characters go from using a princess phone to a mobile phone to a cell phone. Remember when the phone booth was a “go to” place? No phone booth, no Superman, right? As times have changed, writers have had to discover new ways to move the story along using today’s technology.

If you have a favorite author with a large body of work, it might be fun to take a reading journal and jot down the first time a series character used a lap top, a cell phone, or any other new modern gadget. It’s also fun to track the changes in fashion, cars, celebrity figures, and especially the notable news headlines and events of the day. Reading novels this way is not only entertaining, but it also gives you an easy history lesson in pop-culture. Clive Cussler, Elmore Leonard and John Grisham are all writers who have produced enough work to allow you to see the unfolding of our culture. By the way, just when did the eight track player leave the scene? Good luck and good reading.

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Aug. 23, 2009: 'Our Very Good Friends' by Recilla Harms

We’ve just completed one our most successful summers ever. There were programs every day from Monday through Friday for all age groups with fun and reading for everyone. None of it would have been possible without the support of the Friends of the Library.

Our Friends provide the financial means to implement the Children’s, Teen, and Adult Summer Reading programs as well as all of the other library programs throughout the year. Besides programming, the Friends contribute for library materials and equipment. You can find a complete list of their contributions on our webpage at http://library.stillwater.org/recent_projects.html.

How is this all possible? Members of the group spend countless hours sorting and organizing books for their Fall and Spring book sales. They plan and run the entire event, as well as a year-round lobby sale. It is the income from their hard work that benefits our community’s library.

What can you do? You can contribute your unwanted books. Just leave your books in either lobby of Stillwater Public Library. If you wish, the library staff can supply a form for a tax deductible contribution. Also, make sure to attend the sale. You’ll surely find the treasure you’ve been seeking or at least lay in a supply of reading materials to last through the winter.

The next sale is September 24-27, so why not go ahead and become a Friend of the Library? You not only get to attend the Members Only Sale on Sept. 24, but you can start working as a Friend on the projects that make a better library.

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Library Shelf
Aug. 19, 2009: 'The Comix Side of Life ' by Valeria Luster

Working in the library, I get to see what is getting checked out, what’s getting turned back in, and what is getting requested. Nowadays, the books getting some of the most action are graphic novels. I’ve always preferred traditional novels. For me, the imagery I get from words is amazing. I like imagining how characters look, what sort of scenery there is, and how the mood is set. I wondered why so many people (especially preteens and teens) prefer graphic novels over the traditional novels I love.

To find out more, I talked to a friend of mine who watches anime and followed up by going online. My friend said anime (often in graphic novels) is a Japanese art form- it’s their form of expression. She enjoys anime because it has good themes and feels that the storylines are enthralling. One website I visited explained that teens like anime because the characters are so highly developed and the relationships are so real that you think you know the characters.

Answers I received from library patrons were even more interesting. One user said they read graphic novels just because the imagery usually presented by words is contained in the pictures of a graphic novel. For someone without a good imagination, the pictures can help. Another mentioned the stories, which he said are easier to relate to than those in traditional novels.

After learning this information, I took a second look at graphic novels, and I even opened one up and read a little. While they may not be my cup of tea, I can appreciate why others do enjoy them. If you’ve never tried a graphic novel, it might be something you’ll enjoy too.

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Library Shelf
Aug. 12, 2009: 'Fire Codes' by Connie Hedrick

Well, I have to say Stillwater is one of the best little towns in Oklahoma! All summer at the Meeting Rooms desk, I got to enjoy the good attitudes of everyone who visited. We hope you had as wonderful of an experience at the library as we did in meeting all of you.

One thing I didn’t enjoy was when a program was so full that we had to turn people away. I can tell you it hurts us as much as you to have to tell you that you cannot attend a program because of “Fire Code” limits.

These limits we abide by are set by the Fire Marshal for the safety of all. We would love to have as many people as the four walls could hold, but…if we did that it would be no fun for anyone at all. Have you ever been in a place with no crowd control and felt upset that “Someone” didn’t take time to care about the welfare of the people attending? Or perhaps you’ve been to a concert with too many people attending and actually felt a little scared that the crowd was getting out of hand?

Please know that we here at the library really care for you as our patrons and friends, and we do everything we can to protect you even though it devastates us to see any one unhappy. As always---come early! But if you DO have to hear those yucky words “Sorry we’ve hit our fire code limit---please come to the next program,” perhaps you won’t feel quite so bad--- just a little more loved!

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Library Shelf
July 29, 2009: "Growing up to be a Cowboy" by Mary Beth Garaffolo

I found “The Cowboy Way: Seasons of a Montana Ranch” by David McCumber as it made its way across the check-in desk. It’s a vivid and brutally honest account of the year the author spent living and working as a rookie hand on a six-thousand acre cattle ranch at the age of forty four.

McCumber, an award winning journalist who spent twenty years working in corporate news, decided to reconnect with his love of the outdoors and make a living again by his writing. Leaving urban life behind, he moved to small town Montana and signed on as a ‘gray-headed greenhorn’ on the 6,000 acre Birch Creek Ranch.

His first of many fourteen hour days consisted of near zero temperatures, bitter blowing wind, ice covered roads, grazing lands under snow, ice covered truck beds, birthing calves, cleaning birthing stalls, assisting with a C-section delivery, pulling calves, feeding cattle, and falling off the feeding truck.

His detailed descriptions of the modern cowboy’s unenviable daily grind are captivating. To be a good hand demands a wide range of skills and a good attitude. And despite the long hours of physically difficult and mind numbing work, the love of the work itself compensates for the hardship and low pay.

By the end of the book, I felt I’d lived through a great deal of the hard work and exhilaration the author shared. If you’d like to give the cowboy life a try, pick up this really great read.

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Library Shelf
July 22, 2009: "Author Bill Bryson" by Lauren Stock

There’s nothing better than discovering an author you have never heard of who provides a wonderful escape for the long hot summer days. There is one thing that makes this experience even better--finding out that the public library has a collection of the author’s books for you to enjoy over the coming months. My “Summer 2009” discovery is someone who has been around for over a decade, with many and varied books under his belt: Bill Bryson.

Bill Bryson’s books cover everything from the English language, to traveling, to basically everything, in “A Short History of Nearly Everything.” His travel books are what have really captured my attention. Bill Bryson is one of those people who find an interesting story in anything they hear, see, or experience. He uses this material to create travel books that are captivating memoirs. As an American living in England, his return visits to the U.S. provide a unique perspective of how aspects of American life have changed since his idyllic childhood in 1950s Iowa.

A great place to start with Bryson’s books would be “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid,” an honest, hilarious recounting of his childhood and eccentric family. You could then move on to “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail,”the epic story of a road trip through the mountains.

A discovery like Bill Bryson will remind you to slow down, and enjoy the small wonders of life, and make you forget that it is 105 degrees outside.

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A discovery like Bill Bryson will remind you to slow down, and enjoy the small wonders of life, and make you forget that it is 105 degrees outside.

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Library Shelf
July 15, 2009: Online Book Clubs by Summer Luster

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading list. The only problem is not knowing what to put on your list. After reading a few books I had been anxiously awaiting, I was stumped when it came to deciding what to read next. Two weeks ago, I found the perfect solution when I joined the library’s online book club.

Everyday, Monday-Friday, the book club sends a short passage from a book directly to my email. By the end of the week, I have read two to three chapters, in only about five minutes a day! It is a great way to try out different types of fiction and to decide which books I really want to bother to read. If I end up reading the book, I can join the online book discussion with everyone else at another service, “Next Good Book.” The next Monday, each club starts an exciting new book.

There are twelve book clubs to choose from including: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Teen, Business, Romance, Inspirational, Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Classics, Audio, and Pre-Publication. The Pre-Publication club offers sneak peeks of books not even published yet!

Join one, two, or all twelve clubs FREE! To join, simply go to the library’s website, library.stillwater.org and click the link that says, “Join the Online Book Clubs.” Then enter your email address, select the book clubs you want to join, and click “Join Now.” You will receive your first book entry the next business day. It’s that simple. Just a few minutes a day will lead you to a full summer of reading!

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Library Shelf
July 8, 2009: Read teh Story before you see the Show! by Raychel Craven

Need something to do when the weather is hot? Read and watch movies! Many great titles are coming to theaters very soon. But why wait and pay to watch the story when you can read it for free! Here are a few more of this summer’s movies that you can find as a book in the library:

“My Sister’s Keeper”by Jodi Picoult in theaters now--Conceived to provide bone marrow for her sick sister, teenage Anna decides to fight for the right to make decisions about her own body.

“I Love You Beth Cooper”by Larry Doyle opening July 10--A geek announces his love for the head cheerleader in his valedictorian commencement speech. A long zany night ensues.

“Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”by J.K. Rowling opens July 15--No need to describe this one!

“Julie and Julia”by Julie Powell will be released August 7--Down in the dumps, Julie determines to master every recipe in Julia Child's 1961 classic, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” and it changes her life.

“The Time Traveler’s Wife”by Audrey Niffenegger will be in theaters on August 14--Married couple, Clare and Henry, are deeply in love but struggle with Henry’s Chrono-Displacement Disorder which causes him to involuntarily travel through time.

Read the story, watch the movie, and then compare the two! See what the director left out or changed. Compare what you imagined the character to look like to who the director actually cast.

Next time you are in the Library take some time to look up your favorite movie titles and check out where the story came from. You might be surprised at the different twists and details the book version can bring!

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Library Shelf
July 1, 2009: SPARKLERS AND FIREWORKS by Levonn Collins

Sparklers and fireworks, cookouts and watermelon, time at the lake with family--what does the Fourth of July bring to mind for you? Besides all the fun, many of us also think of our love for our country and the patriotic feeling we get when the flag passes by in a parade. Independence Day celebrates our freedom as an independent country after a hard fought Revolutionary War, and now is a good time to choose some books that can help you teach your children about the purpose of celebrating the Fourth of July.

Start with some exciting biographies about our founding fathers, such as “The Many Rides of Paul Revere” by James Giblin or “Farmer George Plants a Nation” by Peggy Thomas. The library has several excellent sets about the original Thirteen Colonies, including one by renowned historian and author of children’s books, Dennis Brindell Fradlin. Have fun exploring the Revolutionary War with“Washington at Valley Forge” by Russell Freedman or “The Boston Tea Party” by Steven Kroll both excellent children’s books.

The library also has several videos about the Revolutionary War that are suitable for children. A great DVD set is “Liberty’s Kids” which tells the story of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of Benjamin Franklin's two teenage apprentice reporters.

To start a discussion with your child about pride and patriotism, try checking out a book such as “Our National Symbols” by Linda Johnson, “The American Flag” by Elaine Landau, or many of the other books in our collection.

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Library Shelf
June 24, 2009: by Stacy DeLano

I got an unappreciated surprise when looking through our damaged books at the library—a book billed to my own dear husband. A lie! I had just returned the book for him the day before with nary a blemish!

I examined the book and found nothing. I rushed to the desk: MISTAKE! MISTAKE! Then I opened the front cover and stopped abruptly when I espied two adorable puppy nom-nom-nom bites taken right out of the spine hidden under the book cover. Bites clearly identifiable to me as those of one Stanley Earl—presently of my household and now, by the looks of the nom-nom-noming that went on, avid bibliophile.

The bites were not so precious when I saw the bill---$24.00!

Of course the real problem was that we left the book out. As I thought about our mistake, I faced the fact that, for a library-loving family, we have questionable book habits. Given my profession and the bad economy, it was time to change.

1. We reserved one space for all library books to be kept when they are not the ones being read. We avoided choosing a tabletop so that we would not be tempted to put our sodas on top of them.

2. We use bookmarks! My main issue with bookmarks and why I love to dog-ear is because I can never find the bookmark from book to book. The library has a kajillion free bookmarks. Now, every time we checkout, we put a bookmark in every book so we’re never searching for the bookmark from the last book.

3. We’ve sworn off reading library books in the bath and pool. We MUST read while in water—it’s just what we do. Now though, it is a magazine or paperback book purchased from the year round lobby book sale.

If you are a habitual library book mis-user like me—there’s help. MOST DEFINITELY, if you’ve damaged a book, PLEASE do not stop coming to the library. Come talk to a librarian—chances are pretty high that the librarian has damaged books too.

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Library Shelf
June 17, 2009:"No More Hunt and Peck” by Stacy DeLano

An unusual comment I get at the help desk is on how fast I type. I imagine if no one was actually watching me, just listening, they might think I was typing regularly at a decent speed, but when they see me, they are shocked because I am actually just hunting and pecking. I never took typing in school and that along with refusing to take Home Ec will be my biggest regrets in life. I suppose if I were blindfolded, I might be able to manage just on the physical memory of where my fingers were going, but looking has become my crutch and I need to give it up.

When I sign up library users for our one on one classes with our very awesome and capable computer tutor (Tuesdays 6-9 pm and Saturdays 10-1 pm by appt.), many of the tutees express my same regret—never learning to type. So, due to much demand, our computer teachers here at the library have come up with a good list of online typing tutorials to help you move past the hunt and peck technique:

http://www.typingweb.com/ --You have to register for this site, but it is great! Easy explanations take you from beginning content all the way to advanced exercises. This site keeps track of your speed, progress, and will diagnosis your problem areas.

http://www.nimblefingers.com/ --More great exercises with nifty sound effects. No registration required for the free content.

http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/ --Hurray! A site with typing games. This one also offers practice for different keyboards, different languages, and ten key practice.

Food luc t;pying!

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Library Shelf
June 10, 2009:Treasured Friendship” by Andrea Duncan

Last year a remarkable two-minute film clip appeared on YouTube and quickly became a world-wide phenomenon. It shows the touching reunion of two young men and their pet lion Christian, after they had left him in Africa so that he could be introduced into his true home in the wild. The powerful and touching bond shown in the video made me want to learn more about this unique friendship.

Originally published in 1971 but recently revised and updated, A Lion Called Christian tells the remarkable story of how Anthony “Ace” Bourke and John Rendall bought the lion cub from London’s Harrods Department Store in 1969. For several months, the three of them shared a flat in London, where the fascinating and clever Christian quickly gained celebrity status. Within a year, Christian grew from 35 lbs. to 185 lbs. and it was suggested that he be taken to Kora National Reserve in Kenya where he was rehabilitated into the wild by the "Father of Lions," George Adamson.
Throughout Christian's rehabilitation into the wild, John Rendall & Ace Bourke continued to make sporadic visits. In 1974, Adamson wrote to say that the pride was self-sufficient: Christian was defending it and there was a litter of cubs; they were feeding themselves and rarely returned to camp.
Rendall and Ace decided to travel to Kora one last time, in hopes of being able to say goodbye, although Adamson warned them that it would almost certainly be a wasted mission as Christian had not been seen for 9 months. Incredibly, they received a loving welcome from their lion, and this was the reunion that would be seen “around the world.”
“A Lion Called Christian” is a touching and uplifting true story of an indelible human-animal bond. If you are an animal lover, or simply want to read more about this incredible love story, this book will warm your heart.
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Library Shelf
June 3, 2009: “Rhythm, Dance and Music” by Sue Busch
“Be creative” this summer by choosing children’s books about rhythm, dance and music. Put on your dancing shoes and give your tutu a whirl with these books from the children’s “new book” shelf.

Sugar Plum Ballerinas by Whoopie Goldberg. Alexandrea‘s mother has been foisting her own ballet fantasies on her daughter ever since she was born. When Alexandrea is enrolled in the Nutcracker School of Ballet, her struggles and success will give readers a smile.
Franklin and the Tin Flute by Sharon Jennings. Franklin makes horrible noise on his old tin flute. He trades the flute for Rabbit's green marble. In turn, Rabbit trades it to Bear for a pail and shovel, and so on. When Franklin learns that the tin flute belonged to his grandfather, he knows he has to get it back.
Babymouse: the Musical by Jennifer Holm. As tryouts for the school musical begin, Babymouse takes the starring role in several imaginary Broadway productions, which also feature her debonair new classmate, Henry the hedgehog.
I Want to be a Ballet Dancer by Mary R. Dunn. This book describes what it is like to be a ballet dancer and discusses ballet training, joining a company, practices and rehearsals, performance, noted dancers, teaching, and choreography.
Dancing the Ring Shout by Kim L. Siegelson. This book introduces the sacred tradition of ring shouts, a call-and-response style of song and controlled movement passed down through the years from enslaved Africans in the U.S.
Ballet Sisters: the Newest Dancer by Jan Ormerod. The delightful second book in the Ballet Sisters series reintroduces Bonnie and her little sister, Sylvie, who waits wistfully outside Bonnie's dance class. A teacher spies Sylvie, and she's invited into a class. Energetic spreads show the jumping, posing, and dancing that go on in the class.
Summer Beat by Betsy Franco. Two friends celebrate the sounds and sights of summer: a skateboard flies over sidewalk squares, water balloons, bumblebees, and Fourth of July fireworks! The sounds of summer sizzle and pop in this bouncing, swinging tribute to the best beats of every child's favorite season.

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Library Shelf
May 27, 2009: “Summer Travel" by Carline Talent

With the long, hot days of summer just around the corner, many of us are thinking, dreaming and maybe already planning a vacation. If you can’t take a long trip, being able to get away for even a day trip can be very refreshing. Oklahoma has many wonderful and interesting places to visit and explore whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or as a family.

One of the library’s newer books about Oklahoma travel, “Oklahoma Curiosities: quirky characters, roadside oddities & other offbeat stuff” by P.J. Lassek, is chock-full of the most interesting, and often humorous, stories about places all over Oklahoma. For instance, visit Ardmore Public Library to see the wonderful collection of dolls donated by Eliza Cruce Hall. There are 300 of them dating as far back as 1710. While you’re in that area, see the largest meteorite of its kind and the fifth largest meteorite in the world. It lies inside Tucker Tower at Lake Murray State Park south of Ardmore.

Traveling with young children can often present unique experiences. The library has several wonderful books to help parents meet this challenge. Check out “The Travel Mom’s Ultimate Book of Family Travel: planning, surviving, and enjoying your vacation together” by Emily Kaufman and “Have Kid, Will Travel: 101 survival strategies for vacationing with babies and young children” by Claire Tristram.

This summer, you may prefer to stay at home and armchair travel. If so, we have great Oklahoma travel DVDs and videos.

Whatever your plans, we hope you will visit the Stillwater Public Library for some summer entertainment (and fall, winter and spring!). Hope you have a wonderful summer!

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Library Shelf
May 20, 2009: “Tiny Heroes" by Mary Leslie

We all love heroes. Most heroes are super big, super strong, and larger than life. This column, however, focuses on the very slightest of champions. While they may be small in stature, these heroes shine large in commitment and courage.

Kate DiCamillo’s “Tale of Despereaux” is a wonderfully written adventure of a young mouse brave enough to move from the very secure world of mice so that he can save the princess he loves. Children will like the pencil drawings and the adventure.

Ursula Vernon has written the delightful tale of “Nurk.” This story describes the adventures of small Nurk who happens to be a shrew. Shrews are among the smallest mammals, and what would be a single step for many creatures would equal many for our tiny hero. Nurk is determined to deliver a letter that he mistakenly received, thus his good deed turns into a series of astounding adventures that readers are sure to enjoy.

Avi has written a series of adventures about “Poppy,” a small deer mouse who attempts to secure her future and that of her family from a variety of bullies. In “The Underneath” by Kathi Appelt, a small kitten named Puck faces danger and adventure in order to survive. This book won a Newbery Honor this year.

Books that include other wonderful, tiny heroes are “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, “Babe the Gallant Pig” by Dick King-Smith and “The Wednesday Tales” by Jon Berkeley.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Read and be inspired by the smallest of all.

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Library Shelf
May 13, 2009: “Sequoyah Book Award’s 50th Anniversary" by Lynda Reynolds

Oklahoma has the 3rd oldest children’s choice book award in the nation and this year the Sequoyah Book Award is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. 75 authors have received the Sequoyah Book Award.

The first award was given in 1959 to Fred Gipson for “Old Yeller.” The book was being made into a major motion picture when Mr. Gipson flew from Hollywood to Oklahoma to accept the award. The first Oklahoma author to receive the award was William Robinson for “Where the Panther Screams” in 1964. Oklahoma author Bill Wallace has won the award twice for “A Dog Called Kitty” in 1983 and “Beauty” in 1991.

Each year, Oklahoma children and teens read from titles selected by public and school librarians. Readers then vote for a winner. The winning authors are invited to Oklahoma to receive their award and to speak to school children at the Oklahoma Library Association’s annual conference. Over the years, many winning authors have remarked that the Sequoyah award is especially meaningful because it is selected by the children and teen readers of Oklahoma.

In Stillwater, the public library and the schools participate in the Sequoyah reading program. A newly created list for high school students will be available during the 2009-2010 school year and all three grade based lists will be available at the public library in May just in time for summer reading. The Stillwater Public Library has all 50 years of Sequoyah Award winning titles and the 2009 winners will be announced soon.

Stop by the public library to check out a Sequoyah Award winner and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this outstanding award program.

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Library Shelf
May 6, 2009: “Public Library's Good When Economy's Bad” by Dotty Brawley

Your public library has many free services that can benefit you and your family during these challenging economic times. Our top 5 choices for using the library when the economy goes bad:

1. Child, Teen, and Adult Activities-Lapsit Storytime, Preschool Storytime, Bilingual Storytime, Anime Club, Teen Gaming, Teen Writing Club, Sewing Circle, Clutter Control Club, Computer Classes, Monthly adult programs, and Summer Reading Programs are all offered free.

2. Movies, audiobooks, music-You can borrow six DVDs, six audiobooks, and six music-CDs at a time and keep them for 15 days.

3. Make new friends and networks-Attending a library program or participating in a book discussion group is a great way to make new friends and new connections.

4. Find a new job-Browse newspaper help wanted ads, interviewing and resume books, or use the computers to search job listing sites as well as to submit job applications online.

5. Sustain your reading habit-Why spend your money on book and magazine purchases when you can find most anything you would like to read at the Library for free? If we don’t own the title you want, let the Help Desk Librarian know so they can either make a purchase request or borrow the title for you from another library for a nominal $2.00 fee. In addition, read your favorite magazines online through our magazine database.

For more information on any of these services, ask a librarian.

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Library Shelf
April 29, 2009: “New Books for Animal Lovers” by Andrea Kane

By now, most people are familiar with Marley and Me by John Grogan, the tale of a yellow lab who comes into a couple’s life and (after many ups and downs) changes it for the better. If you liked this story, the library has many other books you might enjoy.

One current bestseller is A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall. Many people have seen the video of two Londoners who were reunited in Africa with the lion they had raised in England. This book tells their story.

Bird lovers might enjoy Wesley the Owl by Stacey O’Brien. O’Brien, a biologist, lived with and cared for Wesley for 19 years. Another bird book is Alex & Me by Irene Pepperberg. Alex, an African gray parrot, helped scientist Irene make many advances in the fields of language, cognition and intelligence.

One of my favorite new releases is The Daily Coyote by Shreve Stockton. This book tells the story of a girl who, while traveling cross country on a Vespa, fell in love with Wyoming and moved there. She also fell in love with a government trapper who gave her a 10 day old coyote pup. This book is the story of how she raised the coyote and what she learned in return.

Finally, one of the top animal books of the year is Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin. This book discusses the emotional lives of animals and how animals and humans interact.

For more great books animal lovers will love, visit the Help Desk.

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Library Shelf
April 22, 2009: “Jane Austen-a new twist” by Danielle Shreve

More and more, writers are taking classic characters – and sometimes the beloved authors of classics - and expounding on them. By adding additional characters and plots to previously popular books, these writers are giving devoted fans new plotlines to enjoy, along with introducing newcomers to the authors and characters.

It’s not surprising that Jane Austen, a perennial favorite, has been the focus of several such efforts. Colleen McCullough, author of the enormously popular book “The Thorn Birds”, has taken Austen’s book “Pride and Prejudice” and added to the story line of the fourth Bennet sister. Lydia is a silly, spirited, willful, unforgettable character, who serves as a wonderful starting point for a new story.

Along the same lines, Carrie Bebris has written four mysteries involving Elizabeth Bennet, also from “Pride and Prejudice.” This original classic ends when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy Fitzwilliam marry. Bebris creates a story which involves the beloved characters Elizabeth and Darcy with new characters, new circumstances and plenty of mystery.

Another author, Stephanie Barron, uses the wildly popular author herself as the main character for her books. In the Jane Austen mystery series, readers follow Miss Austen across the 19th century English countryside as she uses her great intelligence and wit to solve crimes as well as write novels.

In a VERY interesting new twist, Seth Grahame-Smith has added zombies to an Austen classic. In “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance - Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!,” zombies have invaded Austen’s pastoral England and Elizabeth Bennet is tasked with eliminating the zombie threat.

New or old, paranormal, classic, or mystery, a Jane Austen influenced story is out there for everyone.

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Library Shelf
April 15, 2009: "Earth Day" by Brenna Gilchrist

Have you been thinking about the environment lately? Maybe you would like to recycle but don’t know were to go or how all those plastics get split up? All your questions can probably be answered April 22 when Stillwater celebrates Earth Day.

Earth Day is the world wide celebration centered on the care and protection of our planet. It is a day to acknowledge that something needs to be done to help out fragile ecosystem and to learn how you can do your part. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 in Santa Barbara and has been celebrated on April 22nd every year since 1990 to the present. The response that Earth Day got from the public actually sparked the Federal Government to establish the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts.

Here at the Stillwater Public Library, we have several books on the founding, purpose and the ways to celebrate Earth Day. A few titles include “The Man From Clear Lake” by Bill Christofferson, “Earth Day” by Willma Gore, “Gaylord Nelson: A Day For Earth” by Jeffrey Shulman and “Earth Day Birthday” by Pattie Schnetzler.

We also encourage you to stop by the Convenience Collection Center at 809 South Perkins Road on April 22. Experts will be on hand to answer all of your recycling related questions and you might even win one of the recycling prizes that will be given away.

On Earth Day, let’s think about our planet---what it’s like now, what we’d like it to be and how we can get there.

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Library Shelf
April 8, 2009: "Library Materials "To Grow" Children" by Recilla Harms

Bring your children to the library! We will help them grow.

The Search Institute has created a list of 40 Developmental Assets in Children. There are three lists of 40 assets for ages 3-5, 9-11 and 12-18. The Search Institute is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities. For more information about the Search Institute and the 40 Developmental Assets, visit http://www.search-institute.org.

But, you ask, what does this research have to do with the public library? As a community resource and center for children of all ages, the library considers these assets in selecting materials for their collections and developing programming for children and teens. Through our programming, Stillwater Public Library implements many of these developmental assets by providing creative activities, a sense of self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, role models, commitment to learning, empowerment and support.

Taking your child or teen to the library is not just providing them with another source of entertainment but is granting them the opportunity to develop into healthy, responsible, independent adults. So love your children; bring them to the library!

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Library Shelf
April 1 , 2009: "National Poetry Month" by Rion Wahpekeche

Already, the beloved, sometimes dreaded, April showers have arrived, but there is more than just rain to talk about because April is also National Poetry Month. Imagine, an entire month to finally tackle your goal of writing a poem. I say write one poem because it is best to start small and then expand (unless you are feeling FEISTY—in which case I say write until your hand falls off or your friends and family politely beg you to stop).

Maybe you never thought about writing a poem or you've thought about it but have yet to put pen to paper. Do you lack inspiration? Motivation? Maybe, and I hope not, imagination? Well I have great news because you can find almost all of the above simply by taking a good look around (Disclaimer-imaginations have a tendency to run wild and may lead to nightmares, daydreams, misdirection of thought and fits of misunderstood laughter). Look where you are—in your room—at work—at the people all around you—at what’s happening outside your window—even at yourself.

And there is always great material waiting to be rediscovered among family and friends, so think back to certain, perhaps embarrassing, situations and presto!---it's like inspiration and motivation in a bottle.

Who knows, inspiration might strike while you are buckled down riding out a bout of severe weather. Either way, take advantage of National Poetry Month and write a poem—you might surprise yourself.

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Library Shelf
March 25, 2009: "Gardening for Green" by Sarah Alfred

Nowadays, it seems like you can’t flip to the news, read a newspaper, or turn on the radio without being bombarded with panic stricken reports of the bleak economic forecast. With the rising cost of living, affording nutritious fruits and vegetables can be challenging for families this year. The fun and simple solution is to start your own vegetable garden.

Don’t know how to garden? Don’t worry! The Stillwater Public Library has you covered! I know, I know….I don’t have a green thumb either, but I also know with my library card I can read books by the experts who do. Who wants to eat another hothouse tomato from the grocery store with no more flavor than the plastic sack you might have brought it home in? No thanks!

Speaking of tomatoes, check out Robert Hendrickson’s book, “American Tomato,” in which he not only teaches you the best techniques for growing tomatoes, including heirloom varieties, but also gives recipes for using them.

If you are interested in organic growing techniques, then check out “Four-Season Harvest” by Eliot Coleman’s book, a guide to growing vegetables organically year round.

Tilling up a patch of the backyard may feel overwhelming, so herbs may be your ticket to fresh taste paradise. Herbs can be easily grown in small pots placed in a sunny window, and the library has helpful materials for growing these as well.

With all the resources available to you here at the library, you’ll being growing things for the farmer’s market soon!

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Library Shelf
March 17, 2009: Children's Pet Loss Books by Stacy DeLano

This past week, the library suffered a sad loss when our last anole (a lizard) met his (or her?) sweet reward. Our hearts go out to his caretakers in the children’s department and to the many children who enjoyed peeking into the terrarium and “Where’s Waldo?”ing the lizard on each visit. While the loss of a good pet friend can be difficult, a book on the subject sometimes helps ease the pain. The library owns many of my favorite children’s storybooks on pet loss.

An all around good book on mourning is “When Dinosaurs Die” by Laurie and Marc Brown. It explains why people and pets die and how loved ones may feel afterward. The illustrations are especially comforting, as they depict many different emotions and validate the conflicting feelings different children may have.

Mr. Rogers’ book, “When a Pet Dies,” is very similar but uses photographs of children rather than illustrations. It would be very easy for a child to see his own feelings mirrored in the photographs of this book.

For a spiritual angle on the subject, consider “All God’s Children Go to Heaven” by N.A. Noel in which a small angel gets his first pet assignment and is comforted in knowing that his dog on earth will receive its own angel some day.

Another excellent choice is “A Special Place for Charlee” by Karen Cannon. After going through many emotions when his dog Charlee dies, Marc learns from an older friend that Charlee will always live on in his heart. The special part of this book is the acknowledgment that grieving for a pet is okay, even if other kids don’t understand.

For other storybook choices or for adult books on pet loss, visit the Help Desk.

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Library Shelf
March 11, 2009:Library Refuge by Ashley Jantz

Nowadays, life is busier and more hectic with all the everyday goings-on in the world. When you come into the library, leave all that outside the doors and make it a refuge of wonder, knowledge, peace, and discovery. Just imagine all the chaos of the world sliding off of you as you walk through the sliding doors.

One way to enhance this refuge is to turn off cell phones or place them on vibrate. Everyone understands the need to answer the unavoidable and/or important call, but if you do need to take a call, please keep the library peaceful by taking it in the lobby. Doing this allows everyone to use the environment as a place to study, research, and relax.

Another way to enhance the peaceful atmosphere is to talk quietly. The days of a “SHHH!” library are long gone, so talking is definitely not off limits! However, sometimes we get so involved in a conversation that we don’t realize that our voices are becoming louder. Many library users may not realize that we have several great areas to have a friendly chat or rousing debate, including our studying room and the seating in the North lobby.

With the excitement of computer games, puzzles, and mountains of books, it is easy for children to get carried away. Please remind them to talk in soft voices too.

We want to make the library a great escape for you. By keeping the library’s atmosphere peaceful, you can help create your own refuge and support that of others.
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Library Shelf
March 4, 2009:Library Cats by Valeria Luster

When you go to a library there are many things you expect to see—books, computers, newspapers and magazines, kids reading, and librarians checking out books. One thing that most people don’t expect to see is a cat, but in fact, throughout the world there are approximately 600 known library cats. Though Stillwater Public Library doesn’t have a cat, three other Oklahoma libraries have contributed five cats to that total throughout the years.

One library cat that has recently jumped into the spotlight is Dewey, who lived in the Spencer Public Library in Spencer, Iowa until November 29, 2006. When he was a kitten in 1988, Dewey was found by the town’s new head librarian, Vicki Myron. She found Dewey half frozen to death in the Spencer Public Library’s book drop.

As he grew up, Dewey became a beacon of hope to the small town of Spencer. During his nineteen years, Dewey faithfully greeted patrons at the door, lounged among the book shelves, and curled up to read with his human friends. In addition to his library “duties,” Dewey also made an appearance on a hit television documentary in Japan.

The story of this loving small town library cat is very moving and even a little tear jerking. You can find out more about Dewey by reading the book, “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World” written by Vicki Myron. You also can visit his website www.deweyreadmorebooks.com. If you would like to find out more about other library cats, visit www.ironfrog.com/catsmap.html.

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Library Shelf
February 25, 2009: MOSCOW RULES by Mary Beth Garoffolo

In a novel that echoes recent headlines from Russia, author Daniel Silva has written a chilling tale of international intrigue and deadly espionage.

“Moscow Rules,” the author’s eleventh book, begins with the violent death in France of a Russian journalist. In Rome, a related assassination draws Israeli government agent and art restorer, Gabriel Allon, into the dangerous web of the Russian underworld. He finds that the stakes are the highest they’ve ever been. Here he’s playing by “Moscow Rules.”

The newly reborn Moscow glitters with oil wealth and flashy cars. Shadowy agents and thugs prowl the streets enforcing a new type of order as they consolidate their master’s power and wealth. Critics of the ruling class are viciously eliminated. A new generation of Russians is determined to reclaim national political stature and challenge the global dominance of its old enemy, the United States.

Ivan Kharkov is one such man. Former KGB, he cultivates close ties to the Russian president and the Kremlin. He’s built a global financial empire that masks a lucrative and deadly business. The arms trafficker is poised to deliver his most deadly shipment yet - to al-Qaeda.

Allon must learn the delivery location and the date of the arms to prevent terrorist attacks of horrific proportions. The clock is ticking, the stakes are enormous, and the FSB (KGB) is closing in on him. And Kharkov will stop at nothing to eliminate Allon.

This tightly paced, geographically challenging and emotionally chilling novel doesn’t disappoint. I highly recommend it.

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Library Shelf
February 18, 2009: Books and the Box Office by Lauren Stock

With recent box office hits such as Twilight (by Stephenie Meyer), it seems Hollywood is catching on: Books have really great stories, amazing characters, and good entertainment. Classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Gone with the Wind indicate that this phenomenon is not a fresh new idea, but recent literary hits have inspired Hollywood once again.

The movies (books) include a wide variety of appeal…children’s, action, “chick lit,” and other genres are well represented. A couple of the newer releases you may have missed and might want to rent at the video store are:

The Tale of Despereaux (Rated G): This beautiful animated film is based on the children’s book by Kate DiCamillo. It tells the adventures of a young mouse struggling to prove himself and show the world that mice aren’t just small, frightened creatures. Released at the end of 2008, this film will be available on DVD in April 2009.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (rated PG-13): This touching World War II period piece is based on the book by John Boyne. When a young naïve boy meets a young boy in striped pajamas shut off by a high fence, his eyes are opened to the injustices faced by some in 1940's Poland. Released in 2008 as well, and this film will be available to rent this March.

Coraline (Rated PG): In theaters now, this stop-motion animated film is based on the dark and spooky young adult book by Neil Gaiman. Coraline is a young girl who feels neglected by her parents and bored with her life. When given a taste of what another life could be like, she finds she should be careful what she wishes for.

This weekend is a great opportunity to pick up a library book, rent the movie from a video store, and then spend the evening watching the story on the big screen!

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Library Shelf
February 11, 2009: "Library Lovers" by Summer Luster

February is the perfect time for you to fall head over heels for the Stillwater Public Library. How can you fall in love with the library? Let me count the ways...

1. The Library has numerous programs year-round you are sure to find irresistible. February at the library features the Friday night black history month film series; a program on the local WPA projects completed during the New Deal; a global issues discussion group; and two book discussions in the Let’s Talk About It series. On Feb. 13 teens can attend the Annual Chocolate Festival.

2. Have a sweet tooth? Try sinking your teeth into a great book. Use the library catalog to find the hottest book in the library. Check out the “What Others Are Reading” list on the catalog home page. This list will tell you the items, authors, and subjects most frequently used in the library. Select an item from one of the many displays throughout the library. Choose a book from our selections of staff and patron picks.

3. For a full sugar rush, explore the databases on the library webpage. Learn how to repair your car, research your ancestors, read all of the latest magazines online at your home computer, or prepare for a standardized exam. These databases are the next best thing to having a whole library in your own home.

Of course, the list goes on and on, but we don’t want you to get a sweet overload!
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Library Shelf
February 4, 2009: "Winter Blahs" by LeVonn Collins

Got the winter blahs? Feeling tired and out of sorts? It happens to all of us this time of year. Too much time indoors, too little sun and too much time with our own loved ones. The Stillwater Public Library has a solution. How about a vacation?

We have several options for vacations right in your own home. Try visiting far away locations through DVDs like “Destination Italy,” “Cruise the Eastern Caribbean,” or “Great American Rail Journey.” Escape through our magazines “Travel Holiday” and “Conde’ Nast’s Traveler”

Try visiting our travel section and dream about going places that you may never see. Some fascinating titles include, “In Europe: travels through the twentieth century” by Giert Mak and “On a hoof and a prayer: exploring Argentina at a gallop” by Polly Evans.

Half the fun of a vacation is in planning it and looking forward to it. We have many titles for planning that long awaited vacation, including “The Naked Tourist: in search of adventure and beauty in the age of the airport mall” by Lawrence Osborne and “The 100 greatest beach vacations: a guide for families, singles and couples” by Irene Korn.

Of course, you also have the option to escape into the land built in your mind by your favorite authors. Most of us can remember our first trip to Alaska, not as a cruise, but in “Call of the Wild” by Jack London. You probably can remember visiting the moors of England with Emily Bronte or in “The Secret Garden” by Francis Hodgson Burnett.

Whatever your travel plans, stop by the library. We are cheaper than a travel agent and there’s no need to pack.

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Library Shelf
January 28, 2009: "EDGAR ALLAN POE" by Andrea Duncan

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping.” (The Raven)

On January 19, 2009, mystery readers, literary historians, and others celebrated the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe. An American poet, short-story writer, editor and literary critic, Poe was best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre. He was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story and is considered the inventor of the detective-fiction genre.

Poe’s fame endures and his short stories have inspired a multitude of imitators and artists, playwrights, filmmakers and composers. Prominent composers, such as Rachmaninov and Debussy, as well as modern musicians, including the Alan Parsons Project and Joan Baez, have created musical tributes to honor his works. Poe’s appeal has attained iconic status, reaching beyond the realm of arts and literature. Noted actors, both classic and contemporary, have recited his works and performed in movies based on his works.

Everyone can find something in the writings of Poe. His works span the range of human emotions -- joy, passion, hope, rage, despair and, of course, fear. The ultimate honor comes from Mystery Writers of America, the premier organization for mystery and crime writers, who present the Edgar Awards each spring, widely known as the most prestigious awards of the mystery genre.

To pay homage to this distinguished American writer, come by the library and check out one of his collections of short stories or poems.

“Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!
Quoth the Raven, ‘Nevermore.’”

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Library Shelf
January 21, 2009: "TEEN WRITING CLUB" by Teresa Chaufty

Here we go again. It’s my turn to write another article. I don’t like to do this. I am not an author. I’d rather be reading a book, watching sports on TV, or curled up on the sofa in front of the fireplace taking a nap (with my dog). In warmer weather, I’d rather be sitting behind my husband on his motorcycle taking a leisurely ride to anywhere.

Even as a student in school (many, many years ago), I did not like writing assignments. Book reports were okay because at least I got to read a book--even better if it was actually a book I liked. A poetry assignment was even worse! Writing just does not come easy to me.

Nowadays, lucky teens can take advantage of the Teen Writing Club at Stillwater Public Library. This is a program developed for teens interested in creative writing and those who may need help in perfecting a writing technique. For those like me, without a writing technique, the club could be the perfect atmosphere to discover and develop one.

The Teen Writing Club meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 4:00-5:30pm. Library staff member and OSU English student, Rion Wahpekeche, leads the club.

If you are a teen, in grades sixth through twelfth, please come and see what the club can do for you! If a club like this had existed in my day, I might have been more inclined to look at writing as a pleasant task instead of a “have to” chore. Alas, if only I could turn back the hands of time!

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Library Shelf
January 14, 2009: "Something about the Children's Author" by Raychel Craven

A great way to get excited about reading a book is to study the person who wrote it. Each month the Children’s Department selects authors to display depending on their birthdays. Our display board gives facts about the chosen author, pictures of the author and family, book titles, book covers and more. Books written by the author are located near the board and are available for checkout.

This month, the Children’s Department chose Janet S. Wong. Wong is the author of several children’s books in addition to some poetry. How Wong became an author, where she went to school, and what she was doing before she was writing are just some of the facts you can learn when visiting the author board.

We also have some great reference books that can help. In the juvenile reference section, look for “100 Most Popular Children’s Authors” and “100 most Popular Picture Book Authors” by Sharron L. McElmeel. In these books, you can find out books the author has written, when they were written, the author’s birthday, details on the author, articles written about the author, and the top 100 most popular children’s authors.

Another helpful resource is “Something about the Author.” This set, with almost 200 volumes, also gives personal information, awards won, and analysis of some of the books written by the author.

We hope the next time you are in the Stillwater Public Library, that you will take the time to check out our author display. You might be encouraged to research an author of your choice.

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Library Shelf
January 7, 2009: "Healthy Resolutions @ the Library" by Carline Talent

It's that time again - New Year's Resolutions! If you are like most people, resolutions are much easier to make than to keep.

What is your resolve for this coming year? Maybe shedding those extra 5 or 10 pounds gained over the holidays?

My resolve is to start exercising regularly (regularly being the key word!). It is hard to find the time, and the money to go to a gym everyday. If only I could do it at home (while watching TV and eating bonbons--no, no!) Well, the watching TV part could work, because the library has many DVDs and videos showing you how to exercise to your best advantage and for your particular need. You can do it right in your own home.

There are also numerous books outlining almost every conceivable diet plan---"The South Beach Diet,” "Flat Belly Diet” and "The Extreme Fat Smash Diet” to name just a few.

Additionally, you can find books on healthy eating (which probably don't include eating bonbons). Just some of these titles include “Eat Your Way to Better Health” by Cheryl Townsley, “Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal: an A-Z Guide to Safe and Healthy Eating” and “Eating Well for Optimum Health: the essential guide to food, diet and nutrition” by Andrew Weil.

Be sure to take a look at all the cookbooks with recipes for healthy, low-fat, low-calorie meals. There are hundreds to choose from, including “Our Best Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Recipes” and “Healthy Meals Fast.”

Best of luck on keeping your New Year’s Resolutions!

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Library Shelf
January 1, 2009: "Skipping Ahead" by Stacy Delano

I saw Husband read a book the other day and to my horror, he turned to the last pages of his book, read them, and then flipped backed to where he was and continued to read.

I asked Husband just what did he think he was doing and he nonchalantly explained that he always skips. Sometimes he will skip ahead to the very ending and sometimes he will just skip ahead to the next section where a character’s storyline reappears so that he does not have to be interrupted with an intervening storyline.

I was flabbergasted! Skipping ahead in a book? I never knew people actually succumbed to the temptation to do so. I also felt betrayed—17 years together and I never knew he was a skipper? How could that be?

Skipping ahead is cheating! The greatest pleasure in reading a book is the built up tension and anticipation of having to wait for the payoff. I take great pains never to read ahead in books. Sometimes, when I know a giant secret is going to be revealed further down in the page, I will take my hand and cover the lower text so that my anxious, curious eyes won’t accidentally (and immorally!) slip down the page to the surprise.

In fact—I just used the technique to great effect last week while reading “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” When a famous writer of a batch of letters was about to be revealed, my sly eyes started to slide down the page, but my quick hand slapped itself down over the writer’s initials before I could see them. Good save if I do say so myself! When I honestly made it down the page seconds later, the surprise was so much better.

P.S. Guernsey was EVERY bit as good a book as the title sounds. I HIGHLY recommend it. Use the hand technique, if necessary!

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