Staff Picks: Rick
Reviewed by Ginny H., Community Engagement Librarian
Staff Picks: Buddies
Staff Picks: The Man in a Case
Reviewed by Dean M., Materials Handler
The Man in a Case by Anton Chekhov is also available in a short story collection on Hoopla.
Staff Picks: On A Sunbeam
Reviewed by Sarah B., Materials Handler
Staff Picks: Such a Fun Age
Reviewed by Sarah K., Materials Handler
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid is also available as an ebook and audiobook.
Real Friends
Shannon had long believed the advice of her mother, “One good friend. My Mom says that's all anyone really needs.” But when her one friend, Adrienne, starts spending more time with the new, popular girl and her “friend group,” Shannon is left confused about where she fits in.
What’s even more challenging, one of the girls in the group is a bully! How can Shannon navigate the complex social order of middle school? Real Friends is a relatable fast paced graphic novel based on the experiences of award winning author, Shannon Hale. Recommended for readers 8-12.
Under the Kanopy: Two with Michel Piccoli
By Craig J. Clark
Staff Picks: The First Rule of Punk
When 12 year old Malú’s moves to Chicago with her mother, she’s worried she won’t find her place. But in exploring her Mexican heritage, embracing her love of all things punk, and connecting with new friends, she learns how important the first rule of punk actually is. Malú’s zines (self published magazines) are printed throughout the novel, offering another glimpse inside her mind and a great introduction to the art of zine making. Recommended for readers aged 9-12.
The Gift of Reading
By Chantal Cagle, Information Assistant
Last year, one night in December, a gentleman pulled up to the Downtown Library drive-up window to pick up his holds. I scanned his card and saw he had 13 books waiting for him.
"You have a lot to pick up!" I said.
"It's the best part of Christmas," he replied.
As I trundled back and forth between the shelves and the checkout counter with his books, I pondered his words. Surely he knew he had to return the books? I handed him back his library card.
Library Receives Grant for Future Southwest Branch Teaching Kitchen
The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County (CFBMC) awarded the Library a grant for equipment, appliances, and supplies to establish a 600-square foot teaching kitchen as part of the construction of the forthcoming Southwest Branch Library. Scheduled to open in 2022, the kitchen will provide free, hands-on cooking and nutrition programs for all ages, increasing food security and advancing literacy, math, and science.