SPL Library Lines

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-03-15T14:50:00.000-04:00

An Annoying ABC, by Barbara Bottner, 34 pages

@ SPL: JP Bottn

When Adelaide annoys Bailey, who blames Clyde, an alphabet of annoying, bad behaviour is unleashed. Soon, Miss Mabel’s preschool classroom, from Adelaide to Zelda, is full of ABC catastrophe! Dexter drools on Eloise, who elbows Flora. While Flora is fuming, Grover grabs Horace, who understandably howls. Meanwhile, in another part of the room, Olivia overreacts, Petunia pesters, poor Winthrop weeps by the window … and so on.

Adding to the classroom chaos, on every page readers can find the class pet, a little hamster, who has escaped his cage and is scampering around or hiding somewhere in the room. No doubt the little creature is terrified by all the pandemonium around it!

The action ends abruptly when Zelda turns on the hose and “zaps” her classmates with water.

Then Adelaide apologizes to Bailey. With that, a much happier chain reaction begins. Soon, the classroom is peaceful again. The hamster is caught and returned to its cage, toys are tidied up, the students dry themselves off with towels and then gather around Miss Mabel for a storytime.

Barbara Bottner’s newest picture book is more than a concept/alphabet book – it’s also a hilarious tale that demonstrates the power of apology and it’s an exuberant exploration of language. With the detailed, goofy facial expressions of 26 grumpy preschoolers, created in watercolour and pencil by illustrator Michael Emberley, An Annoying Alphabet would be an enjoyable book to share with any preschooler, even with children who are already familiar with the twenty-six letters of the alphabet.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.

This is My Book, by Mick Inkpen, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP Inkpe

“Stop! Stop!” scolded the Bookmouse. “This is MY book!” But the Snapdragon wouldn’t listen. Before anyone could stop him, he swooped down, snapped off the letter “K” from the word “BOOK”, leaving “BOO”. Next, he bit off part of the “B”, leaving “POO”.

“You’ve got to do something to stop that naughty dragon!” complained Clockwork Penguin. “He’s getting worse every time!” The other animals agreed.

Bookmouse had an idea. “We’ll need to find lots of o’s” he explained, “to make a big, scary “Boooooo!”. That will scare the Snapdragon once and for all!” So they went off to the deep, dark Moonwood to find some o’s.

But the ghastly “ooooo” sounds coming from the ghosts of the Woollywolves caused his friends to run away in terror, leaving Bookmouse all by himself.

It was scary in the Moonwood. It was VERY scary. Bookmouse felt like running away too … but he didn’t – at least, not before he had tricked the Woollywolf ghosts and snatched all of their o’s out of the air. Then he scampered home.

With no “o” sounds left, the Woollywolf ghosts couldn’t howl anymore, and were quiet.

Now it was time for Bookmouse and his friends to put his cunning plan into action. Would it work? Would it cure the Snapdragon of his mischievous behaviour and teach him a lesson?

Popular British author Mick Inkpen has created a picture book that plays with words and language in a clever and ingenious way. With its amusing artwork, this book is sure to become a fun favourite, especially with children who are learning how to read.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on March 15, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-03-15T14:46:00.000-04:00

The Dressmaker By Kate Alcott

@SPL: FIC Alcot

Thanks to James Carmeron – who has WalterLord’s book ANight to Remember to thank in turn – there may not be a single person in theworld who is not aware of the basic facts surrounding the sinking of the WhiteStar Line’s RMS Titanic: she was notcarrying enough lifeboats, not all of those lifeboats were filled to capacity,and only one of those went back to rescue people in danger of freezing ordrowning. Of the 2224 passengers andcrew, only about 700 survived and many of those were left impoverished, widowedand orphaned. In the case of some of theupper class survivors, they were ostracized by society, as the authorinvestigates.

This is what makes Kate Alcott’s book different. As a Washington D.C. reporter, Alcott did herhomework, and this is where her writing is strongest. She skims over the actualsinking of the ill-fated ship and ponders what happened next for thosesurvivors? The chairman of the White Star Line J. Bruce Ismay, fashion designerLady Lucile Duff Gordon and Margaret “Molly” Brown are some of the upper classprivileged who managed to survive. These real-life passengers are mixed withAlcott’s fictional characters, most of which are less believable, which seemsalmost disrespectable to those who perished; however, she plucks thesecharacters from all classes, including steerage and crew who were least likelyto survive the wreckage, the policy having been women and children first (andthose on the upper decks, closest to the few available lifeboats). Thedressmaker’s maid Tess, Jean and Jordan Darling, the sailor Jim and others maybe less well-drawn, but we see the sinking and aftermath through all their eyesand stories. April 15^th marks 100 years since the Titanic sank, andif they are not as developed as they could have been, it certainly gives thereader pause for thought and discussion for those who could have been theirreal-life counterparts.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on March 15, 2012. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

Is Spring Here?

2012-03-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Well it certainly looks like Spring is here for at least a few days. What better way to spend this nice weather than to be outdoors going for a stroll (or run) - and SPL has a number of new titles about doing just that:

Walking: A Complete Guide for Women by Jeff & Barbara Galloway

Long Road Turns to Joy: A Guide to Walking Meditation by Thich Nhat Hahn

Nordic Walking by Malin Svensson

The Beginning Runner's Handbook [ebook] by Ian MacNeill

We also loan out Step Counter kits from the Perth District Health Unit. These kits include a number of pamphlets on the benefits of walking and hiking and a New Lifestyles digi-walker pedometer.

(I suggest making SPL your walking destination - a great way to beat all those parking spot woes!)

Lunchtime Learning at SPL

2012-03-12T16:45:00.000-04:00

This coming Wednesday (March 14) from 12-1 come to SPL to for a demonstration on the ins and outs of getting access to eBook from your library.
You will learn what you need to get started, how to search for and check out eBooks on downloadLibrary.ca, and then how to download and transfer the eBooks to your eReader. We will also cover how to do the same on a tablet.
This session is free, and if you think you can come send an email to webmaster@pcin.on.ca or call 519-271-0220 x31. Feel free to bring a coffee or your lunch.
If you can't make it to this session, it will be repeated on Tuesday April 24, 12-1.
For our full Lunchtime Learning schedule visit the library website.

Do you have the Hunger?

2012-03-12T15:23:00.001-04:00

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins has taken the world by storm. Everyone is reading it (or rereading it) and the rest of the trilogy before The Hunger Games movie hits theatres on March 23rd (10 days, 8 hours, 43 minutes... but who is counting?).

There are a few other titles that can help satisfy your Hunger Games fever:

The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook. It is filled with strange and interesting recipes that will get you even more involved in the suspenseful trilogy. The Wall Street Journal provided this review:

“In the postapocalyptic fantasy series The Hunger Games, starving characters eat whatever they can kill or forage: wild dog, horse, tree bark, mouse meat….fans have become obsessed with the food in the books, trying home preparation of dishes such as fire-roasted rabbit and seaweed bread. This month, The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook was published, with 150 recipes for rustic, gamy fare including fried squirrel and raccoon in bacon drippings, though none for dog. Food, and the lack of it, is a recurring theme in the dystopian trilogy.”

Doesn't that sound tasty?

There is also The Hunger Games Compantion and Hunger Games and Philosophy.

Are you new to the series? They are technically young adult - but adults will really enjoy the adventure of this series. I highly recommend reading the books in order:

We have them in audiobook, print book, and book on cd. A format for everyone!

Check Out a Human

2012-03-09T14:36:00.001-05:00

Chat, learn, and challenge your assumptions as you meet brave, intriguing and exciting people living in our community.

Come read titles such as:

Prison Saved My Life
This Is How We Roll: Roller Derby 101
Skin and Ink
From Silence to Success

The Human Library will be available on Wednesday March 14 from 11am-3pm. Check out the full listing of available titles and event details on the library website. This event is free and open to everyone.

Spring Ahead!

2012-03-08T12:09:00.002-05:00

Spring Forward this Saturday Night!
Don't forget to change your smoke detector batteries (then bring the old ones to the Library for recycling.)
Ever wonder why there is Daylight Savings Time? Find out on the CBC site.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-03-08T11:27:00.001-05:00

Boomerang: Travels in the New ThirdWorld by Michael Lewis

@SPL: 330.90511 Lew

A while back, I reviewed a Michael Lewis book called TheBig Short, all about the personalities and events that built the GreatRecession. In the time it took to write and release that book, Lewis stumbledacross a few shrewd financiers who were predicting a global crash based on thesame kind of accounting principles that shook America. Lewis initiallydismissed these characters as people who'd gotten lucky predicting one crash,and now thought they had a talent for predicting crises. By the time he waspromoting The Big Short, Iceland and Greece were deep in trouble. Lewisknew there was more to the story.

Boomerang,then, is all about how the American banking system's creative approach tocredit tranching spread round the world. Again, Lewis takes the time tointroduce readers to the characters making the big financial decisions. Hemakes some broad and questionable arguments extending generalized nationalcharacter traits (Icelandic, Greek, Irish, German) to their money managementtechniques, but the effect is meant to be humorous and it is. In fact, thewhole book's tone is gleefully irreverent – toward the money gods, towardreligion, and toward the crisis itself. It's not that the recession hasn’t haddire consequences; Lewis knows it has, and that it may get worse. He'sfundamentally optimistic, though, and willing to see the abundant humour in thedecision making processes of nations, banks and individuals who inadvertentlyset up the crisis. Either it gets better or it doesn't – either way, you haveto laugh. With its wry approach and clear, approachable style, Boomerangis recommended for any readers interested in the factors driving the creditcrisis around the world.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on March 8, 2012. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-03-08T11:25:00.000-05:00

Miss Martin is a Martian, by Colleen Murray Fisher, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP Fishe

Is it possible that Melvin Eugene Baxter’s teacher, Miss Martin, is actually a Martian?

Melvin thinks it’s very possible indeed.

Having just watched a movie about Martians taking over Planet Earth, Melvin considers himself to be quite knowledgeable about aliens, and there’s no doubt in his mind that his teacher has some super-natural abilities. For example, how did she know that Melvin ate a chocolate cupcake at “healthy snack time” when she didn’t see him do it (and he had so carefully disposed of the evidence)? Does she have a super-Martian sense of smell?

How did she know what he and Billy were up to in the next room when she wasn’t there – can she see through walls?

How does she always seem to know what is going on behind her back when she is writing on the blackboard? Does she have eyes in the back of her head, or does she have extra-terrestrial hearing?

Incredibly, Miss Martin seems able to read minds too. When Melvin offered yet another excuse for not doing his homework, she didn’t believe it! How did she know his excuse wasn’t true?

Miss Martin even seems to have the ability to brainwash students – she’s been making learning fun for her students – and Melvin has never known a teacher who did THAT for him before!

The sly humour in this story, the conclusion and the illustrations add up to a winning book for the younger school-aged crowd.

** Recommended for ages 5 to 8 years.

School for Bandits, by Hannah Shaw, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP Shaw

Mr. and Mrs. Raccoon were worried about their son, Ralph Raccoon.

Ralph wasn’t a typical raccoon. He was kind and helpful. He was polite. He didn’t like to cause mischief or make messes, even in neighbours’ garbage cans. He was clean and tidy. He didn’t throw food around, and he even brushed his teeth each night.

Mr. and Mrs. Raccoon were alarmed by Ralph’s excellent behaviour – so much so that they sent Ralph to bandit school to learn some bad manners. (How else would Ralph ever become a great raccoon bandit like Grandpa Cutlass or Uncle Whiskers?)

On his first day at the School for Bandits, where “no niceness was allowed”, Ralph could see right away that he wasn’t going to fit in. And he was correct. Ralph didn’t enjoy or do well in any of his classes, such as Bandit Behaviour 101, Bad Manners 101, Mischief & Messes 101, and Raccoon Science. In fact, he was hopeless!

One day, his teacher, Mrs. Mischief, announced a competition: the Best Bandit in the School Competition. Who could fill their bandit sack with the most pilfered treats over the weekend?

All the students were excited, except Ralph. He was so certain he’d lose that he didn’t even try.

When Ralph headed back to school on Monday morning, he continued his usual helpful behaviour. He gave directions to someone who was lost. He rescued a kitten stuck in a tree. He swam out to the middle of a pond to retrieve the wind-blown belongings of an entire outdoor orchestra. Each time, Ralph was rewarded with treats that went into his bandit sack.

By the time he arrived at school, the sack was so full that Ralph won the Best Bandit in the School Competition!

His teacher was surprised, but his parents were very proud of Ralph. “Just like Grandpa Cutlass!” said his father.

When the other raccoons begged Ralph to tell them his secret, he did. “Helpfulness and politeness are the best!” he said … and his classmates had to agree!

Children will very much enjoy this witty school story and its relevant message.

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on March 8, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

March Break @ your library

2012-03-07T16:50:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for fun stuff to do with your kids next week, come down to SPL! Besides thousands of picture and chapter books, we have kids computers, music and DVDs.

As for activities, here is what's going on:

Monday March 12 - Whale of a Tale at 6:30pm - for preschoolers and their families. Free in the auditorium. Theme: A Rainbow of Colours
Wednesday March 14 - Human Library at the Statford Youth Centre on Downie Street
Wednesday March 14 - Lunchtime Learning presents downloadLibrary & ebooks. 12-1 in the auditorium.
Thursday March 15 - Professional story-teller Mary-Eileen McClear from the Story Barn in Baden will be telling Irish stories guest at Thursday Noon Hour Club.
Thursday March 15 - Thursday Theatre at the Lower Optimist Hall, Water Street. "Puss In Boots" (2011).

Enjoy your time off kids!

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-03-01T10:39:00.001-05:00

Are You “Normal”? by Mark Shulman, 176 pages.

@ SPL: 031.02 Shu

Children often worry about being like other kids, and fitting in. Mark Shulman’s new book, Are You Normal,addresses this issue. And as they read this book, kids will be able to rate themselves on a “weird-o-meter”. That’s right – a weird-o-meter!

Readers can complete a quiz at the beginning of each chapter,and in the following pages they can find out how they compare to other kids all across North America. Each chapter addresses a separate topic eg. family, friends, school, sports, habits, tech gadgets and food. The questions and answers include both the expected and the unexpected. For example: Do you bite your fingernails? Do you ever bite your toenails? Do you like your name? Where do you and your friends most like to hang out? How do you get to school each day? Where do you usually sit on a school bus? Have you ever “faked” being sick in order to miss school? Do you make your bed every day? What’s your favourite ice cream flavour? How many text messages do you send on an average day?

If the answer to the first question (Do you bite your fingernails?) is “yes”, then readers will learn that this is quite normal - so do 50% of kids. If readers answer “yes” to the second question (Do you bite your toenails?), they will learn that they are quite unusual in this habit. And so on.

Kids will probably discover that in the end, they aren’t very different than others - they’re probably more “normal” than they might think, and whatever “weird” habits they might have are shared by others.

Attractive and appealing in appearance, this National Geographic Book for Kids is well-organized and includes the kinds of questions and topics that will interest school-aged readers, who will learn about themselves and others in a fun, humorous way. Quick and easy to read, it’s the type of book that can be put down and readily resumed as time permits.

** Recommended for ages 8 to 13 years.

You Just Can’t Help It! Your Guide to the Wild and Wacky World of Human Behavior, by Jeff Szpirglas, 64 pages.

@ SPL: J 599.5 Szp

Is human behavior truly “wild and wacky”?

After reading this book, kids will probably agree that yes, some of our behavior is quite wacky. However, it’s not our fault! Science is at work behind it. There are scientific explanations for many of the ways we act.

Why do we usually yawn a few seconds after hearing someone else yawn?

Why do we “tear up” when we are exposed to onion vapours, but not when we smell other things like oranges or cinnamon? Is there a difference between these tears and the tears we shed when crying?

Did you know that people laugh much less when they are alone than when they are with others? Why is that?

Did you know that when people kiss, nearly twice as many people turn their heads to the right as to the left?

Our senses influence how we act in many ways. For example, experiments have determined that people are more likely to help others when they are smelling something nice rather than something stinky. Smells influence what we dream, too.

Experiments in stores have determined that slow background music (instead of music with a faster tempo) increases sales as much as 38% - because people stay longer in the store. And it’s been proven many times that colours influence the way we feel – for example, bright oranges and reds energize our bodies, while “cooler colours” such as green, tend to relax us. Why?

How does our birth order affect our personality or predict some of the ways we act?

Author Jeff Szpirglas has selected some very intriguing facts and studies about human behavior, and explained them in a clear, concise fashion for students. Many visuals and some do-it-yourself experiments are included in this fun science book, which is certain to keep the reader’s attention.

** Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on March 1, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-03-01T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener by Niki Jabbour

@SPL: 635 Jab

This has been the most unusual winter inrecent memory and the milder-than-normal temperatures may have you itching toget gardening, especially with the Garden Show coming up next weekend, thehyacinths blooming in supermarkets, and the media constantly spreading thegospel of the local-sustainable-food movement. This is just the book to get youplotting a new vegetable garden, one that can sustain you through all theseasons including an average snow-belt-type winter. Its subtitle is “How to Grow Your Own Food365 Days a Year No Matter Where You Live”. It is a big claim, but seeing as howthe author and her garden live in Nova Scotia,I think we can assume her methods will work in Southern Ontario. And according to the author, mid-March is a great time toget the first cool-harvest seeds in prepared soil, so pick up some carrot,radish, asparagus, lettuce, kale, chard and chive seeds. Next, get ready forsome intensive planting, methods used by Mediterranean farmers to ensurenon-stop harvests. Jabbour provides marvellous pictures of the types of soil‘amendments’, sowing techniques, frames, incubators, plot designs, pests (andantidotes) and especially the mouth-watering harvests she has pulled from her4-season garden. The entire second half of the book is devoted to the types ofcrops and edibles that can be grown in our climates, from asparagus to wintersquash and a few new-sounding varieties in between (lemon cucumber or kohlrabi,anyone?). This is a handy, colourful, well-organized gardening text is amust-have for anyone wishing to grow their own produce, or anyone who justloves gardening. The photos of her ‘snow-garden’ will have you yearning fornext winter, just to be able to pick your own arugula in January. Imagine!

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on March 1, 2012. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

Finally!

2012-02-23T13:37:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, Blackberry released an Operating System upgrade which provided all sorts of upgrades to the Playbook - including an support for Android based apps. This means that Playbook owners can now download Overdrive Media Console - the app required to download free ebooks and audiobooks from the library!

To get ebooks on your Playbook you first must update the OS:

Tap Settings on your Playbook (upper right hand corner).
Select Software Updates.
Tap Check for Updates, and download the new operating system.

The next step is to get the Overdrive Media Console app:

Tap on the App World icon on the Playbook.
Search for Overdrive Media Console.
Tap Download on the OMC app page and the app installs.
Open the installed OMC app. Swipe down from the top of the screen and select App Settings. Scroll down the App Settings screen until you see where to enter your Adobe ID and password. If you do not have one you can easily create one. Click Authorize.
Swipe down from the top of the screen and select Get Books.
Tap Add a Library and enter Stratford Public Library. Select the library in Stratford Ontario from the list. Our Overdrive site is also called downloadLibary.
downloadLibrary is added at the top of the Get Books screen.
Tap downloadLibrary to start searching!

Few other tips:

You can check your ebooks & audiobooks out using your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN (last 4 digits of your phone number).
You can return your ebooks & audiobooks on your playbook by tapping the red dot to the right of each of the books in the book listing within the Overdrive App. This removes the book from your account and frees it up for another reader.
You are limited to 15 items out at one time.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-02-23T09:32:00.000-05:00

Winterberries and Apple Blossoms by NanForler, with paintings by Peter Etril Snyder, 39 pages.

@SPL: J 819.16 For

Some picture books can be considered as works of art, and Winterberries and Apple Blossoms isdefinitely one of them. Sub-titled Reflectionsand Flavours of a Mennonite Year, this book offers a month-by-monthpeek at a year in the life of a young Old Order Mennonite girl through thedetailed paintings of artist Peter Etril Snyder and the reflections, poems andrecipes of Nan Forler.

Naomi and her close-knit family lead a plain life without modernconveniences such as computers, televisions or cars. They travel by horse andbuggy. There are no expensive toys or fancy, colourful clothes. Naomi’s day isspent helping her mother in the home, helping with the farm chores, attendingschool and playing with her brothers and sisters.

In January, we see Naomi attending her first quilting bee andlearning how to quilt. In February, we see her making a trip to the generalstore with her mother to purchase the dark cloth needed for a new dress. Marchfinds Naomi in the sugar bush with her father, and in April, the family ispicking stones from the fields in preparation for planting.

In each month of the year, we discover more about the peaceful,orderly life of an Old Order Mennonite community, a contrast to our fast-pacedworld. Naomi’s life is different in many ways from that of other childrenoutside the Old Order Mennonite community - but there are similarities too.

Both artist Peter Etril Snyder and author Nan Forler live in the Waterloo area. Raised asa Mennonite, Mr. Snyder is well-known for his widely exhibited paintings ofMennonite country life and rural landscapes. Winterberries and Apple Blossoms is truly a visualtreat for all ages – both children and adults – all the more so with the manydetails to be found in the paintings and the inclusion of twelve deliciousrecipes for Mennonite desserts at the end of the book.

** Recommended for ages 5 years and up.

Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, 38 pages.

@SPL: JP Messn

Under the snow is a “secret kingdom” of creatures which remainsafe and warm there during the cold winter months.

Children will be fascinated to discover that mice, chipmunks,voles, shrews, groundhogs and other small animals are beneath the snow on whichwe walk, ski and play. Out of the sight of predators such as owls, hawks andfoxes, small creatures are sleeping, eating, looking for food and travelingalong narrow tunnels and paths under the snow.

Scientists tell us that this “secret kingdom” really does exist.Known as the “subnivean zone”, it consists of small open spaces, cracks andtunnels between the snowpack and the ground, created when heat from the groundmelts some of the snow next to it, leaving a layer of air just above the dirtand fallen leaves. With the snow acting as insulation, the subnivean zone staysclose to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) through the winter, givingwarmth and shelter to the small creatures which depend on it for their survival.

The muted illustrations of Christopher Neal effectively depict thestillness of a quiet, snowy landscape which so effectively hides a living worldbeneath it. Children will be both intrigued and informed by Kate Messner’s newpicture book.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

These reviews appeared in The StratfordGazette on February 16, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-02-23T09:29:00.000-05:00

In Other Worlds: SF and the HumanImagination by Margaret Atwood

@SPL: 809.38762

If you're a fan of SF (sciencefiction, or the more inclusive acronymic interpretation speculative fiction),and you keep up with your author news, you know that Margaret Atwood has asomewhat troubled relationship with the genre and the label. Three of her booksnow – The Handmaid's Tale, Oryx and Crake and The Year of theFlood – could arguably be considered science fiction, and definitely fallcomfortably into the speculative fiction category. So, what was with themuch-publicized spat between Atwood and SF giant Ursula Le Guin, in whichAtwood denied authoring any science fiction books? In Other Worlds seemsto be Atwood's explanation to the slighted genre fiction community.

In the first section of the book, shedeclares her enthusiastic and abiding love for science and speculative fiction,and explains why she believes her work doesn't fall into the genre. Sheattempts a definition of science fiction, has a lively, funny discussion of whythe genre's so hard to define, and deals accessibly with what functions thegenre plays in our cultural psyche. The first section is, admittedly, littheory. But Atwood's personal anecdotes and sharp sense of humour, along withher unabashed geekiness, keep the pace rolling nicely and the theory frombecoming too heavy.

The second section of the bookcontains essays she's written on different classic SF works, wherein sheapplies the theory she's laid out in the first section. The third sectionincludes some very interesting short bits of SF that Atwood has admitted toauthoring. These pieces tend to have appeared in her full-length works, aseither short discussions or stories written and told by characters. She'sdeliberately chosen fragments that are entertaining, which will be good news toreaders who sometimes find Atwood a little dark and depressing. The book endsoff with some appendices that are not to be missed - especially a short,blazingly snarky bit on the history of women's attire on covers of SF works.For that matter, even the book's cover is lined with some pretty adorableSF-inspired doodles by Ms Atwood herself.

For all her gleefully evil snarkiness,it's obvious that Atwood loves SF, and that she's been much inspired by thegenre and its tropes since childhood. She's a fan, she wants you to be a fan,and she thinks SF does essential work in our cultural imagination. This book isa must-read for confirmed SF geeks, especially ones who love Atwood. And, hey,just a reminder: She'll be at the Tom Patterson Theatre discussing this book onSaturday, August 18^th. Tickets are available through the Festivalwebsite for anyone who wants to take their geeking to the next level.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 23, 2012. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

Your Library Today... and Tomorrow... con't

2012-02-21T15:12:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday evening, the final community engagement session for the library's Strategic Plan was held at the Falstaff Centre. One of the things that was shared with those in attendance were the final word clouds. The word clouds were of the words collected over the past few months to describe the Library Today and the Library in the Future. Back in December we released the partial collection of words, but now we have the complete listing - over 400 words per category!

Here are the completed word clouds...

for TODAY

for the FUTURE

Family Day

2012-02-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-02-17T09:51:00.000-05:00

Scotched by Kaitlyn Dunnett
@SPL: FIC Dunne

Although Kaitlyn Dunnett’s heroine Amaryllis “Liss” MacCrimmon is Scottish and owns a Scottish themed shop, this series actually takes place in the completely fictional and peculiarly-named Moosetookalook, Maine.

In this third of the series, Liss, her fianc? Dan and their friend Officer Sherri Campbell, find themselves up to their bagpipes in trouble when a nosy crime blogger and book reviewer threatens to put the cozy town on the map for all the wrong reasons during the first annual Cozy Mystery Writer's Conference.

Anxious to make sure there is a second annual Cozy-Con in Moosetookalook, the concerned members of Chamber of Commerce meet at Liss’s to discuss strategy – and it seems that there is more than one person who bears a grudge against the rude reporter. This proves sticky when she ends up dead at the base of Lover’s Leap; Sherri determines it was not suicide, throwing half the town under the shadow of suspicion.

Now Liss and Dan must stay on the good side of the State Police (and Liss’s old flame, Detective Gordon Tandy) while uncovering some long-buried hatchets that relate to the case, and sort out which of the illustrious authors at Cozy-Con also had reason to see the end of the cruel critic.

This novel has all the hallmarks of the “cozy” mystery – a charming setting, a nosy and feisty heroine (who has two cats), a memorable cast of characters, and a great balance of tension, humour and romance.

And what could be cozier than a cozy mystery that takes place at a cozy mystery writer’s conference?

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 16, 2012. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-02-17T09:41:00.001-05:00

The Great Big Book of Families, by Mary Hoffman, 32 pages.
@ SPL: J 306.85 Hof

Some families are large, with lots of children, or with grandparents, aunts and uncles living in the same house. Some families have as few as two people. Some families are stepfamilies. In some families, some or all of the children have been adopted. Some families have pets; some don’t. Some families travel a lot, and others never travel. Some families have traveled from far away to make new homes in other countries. Some families live in houses, others in apartments.

Some families are rich. Some are poor.

Some families read together. Others share sports activities. Some do both.

In some families, everyone shares their feelings, while in others, people tend to keep their feelings to themselves.

Mary Hoffman’s large, colourful book is a celebration of all types and sorts of families and their lives together – just in time for Family Day on Monday February 20. Told with sensitivity and humour, the illustrations of artist Ros Asquith enable this inclusive book to capture the diversity and the similarities of families around the world, and concludes that there is no one “right” way to be a family.

For added interest, a quirky yellow cat is hidden somewhere on each spread for children to find.

This would be a wonderful book for parents and grandparents to share with young children, especially as Family Day on February 20 approaches.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

Canada On Fire, by Jennifer Crump, 202 pages.
@ SPL: J 971.034 Cru

At the onset of the War of 1812, American President Thomas Jefferson boasted that conquering Canada would be “a mere matter of marching”. He was wrong. Often known as “the war that nobody won”, the War of 1812 continued for three years and at the end, when the Treaty of Ghent was signed, Canada had not only defended itself successfully, but a new Canadian identity and pride had been forged.

There are plenty of “Did you know?s” in this book, such as “Did you know that many of the battles of this war were fought on water – on the Great Lakes and the eastern seaboard?” and “Did you know that at one point in the war, Washington was invaded and the White House and Capitol buildings were set on fire?”

Informative and well-written, Canada on Fire would be interesting reading for both students and adults, as author Jennifer Crump’s style of writing makes the war, its battles and its heroes and personalities “come alive” for readers. The inclusion of an index, a chronology of significant dates, chapter notes, maps, drawings, and lists of primary and secondary sources of information also make this book a well-researched resource to students who are studying this pivotal time in Canadian history.

A relevant question for any book covering the War of 1812 is whether the author gives fair treatment to both sides of the conflict. In this book, the author is careful to give equal coverage to the victories and defeats of both the Canadian/British and the American troops.

A review of this book is timely, as 2012 marks the 200^th anniversary of the start of the War of 1812 and Ontario Heritage Week will be observed from February 20 to 26.

Canada on Fire is one of the titles available in the “Canadians at War” series. Readers may also be interested an earlier book, Canada Under Attack,also by Jennifer Crump, who lives in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.

** Recommended for ages 13 years and up.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 16, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

Reading Reimagined!

2012-02-15T11:33:00.000-05:00

Enhanced, unabridged recorded books, known as DAISY audio books are now available at SPL. DAISY books can be loaned to any person who has trouble reading print because of a visual, physical, or learning disability. Have a look at the titles online or come in and browse the collection on the main floor. The Library also has a limited number of special DAISY audio players for loan.

The CNIB collection and audio readers are also available through the Home Library Service, which offers individualized delivery of library materials to eligible persons in their place of residence. Speak to membership staff about eligibility specifics.

If you have any questions about this service please contact the library.

Congratulations Sam!

2012-02-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

Our CEO, Sam Coghlan has received the OLA Larry Moore Distinguished Service Award. This award is given by the Ontario Library Association's Board of Directors to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the libraries of Ontario through his or her work within the Association.

Way to go Sam!

Larry Moore and Sam Coghlan

Lunch & Learn

2012-02-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

What are you doing on your lunch hour? Come to a free seminar at the library and learn about some of thee online tools and technologies that your library offers. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Consumer Health Complete - Friday March 2, 12-1pm
Ancestry Library Edition - Friday March 9, 12-1pm
downloadLibrary & eBooks 101 - Wednesday March 14, 12-1pm
BiblioCommons: the library catalogue - Tuesday March 27, 12-1pm
Consumer Reports database - Friday April 13, 12-1pm
Google Docs - Tuesday April 17, 12-1pm
downloadLibrary & eBooks 101 - Tuesday April 24, 12-1pm
Using your iPad - Wednesday May 2, 12-1pm

Please preregister at 519-271-0220 x 31.

Computer Training is back!

2012-02-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Do you feel that you are behindthe times with computers? (or do you know someone who is?) This Winter/Spring,SPL is offering a number of computer classes to help you become more comfortable using your computer and the Internet. Classes are hands on and limited to 6 people. Participants receive amanual that they can take home for future reference. There is a nominal fee for the classes.

Classes are run by KristaRobinson, Information Technology Development Librarian. Krista has been runningcomputer classes at the library for almost 10 years.

A few of the classes include:

Computer Comfort
This class is perfect for thebeginner. It will cover how to use a mouse and keyboard, open and close aprogram, create files and navigate menus. Training computers use Windows7.

Internet Basics for Beginners
Struggling to wadethrough the sea of information online? Learn how to find what you’re lookingfor and make sure it’s from a trusted source.

Savvy Searching Session
Improve yourInternet research skills using advanced search functions on different searchengines. Learn to search using Internet math, phrases, special syntax,and how to use the Invisible Web.

Microsoft Word Basics
For beginners, thisclass introduces the basic features of Microsoft Word 2007. You will learn howto enter and format text, change margins and line spacing, and copy and pastetext. Saving and printing tips will also be discussed.

Microsoft Excel Basics
For the beginner,this class is an introduction to spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel 2007. Thissession provides a basic overview and common uses for spreadsheets. Learn basicExcel functions and build a simple budget spreadsheet.

Get Social on Facebook
Learn about socialmedia using Facebook, the world's largest social networking website. You caneasily connect with old friends and keep up to date with family, friends, andco-workers.

For full details visit the library website.

Tax time is just around the corner...

2012-02-13T12:59:00.000-05:00

Get in the know with our fourth seminar in our Personal Finance series:

RRSP or TFSA? What's the difference?

Build your retirement plan and understand what you're getting. Not sure of the acronyms? Come and find out at this FREE information session.

February 16, 1:30-3:00pm and 7-8:30pm | Library Auditorium | Free
Afternoon or evening (program repeats)

Presenters: Betsy Prospero and Carien Jutting, Fiscal Wellness, Stratford.

Register at fiscalwellness@pcin.on.ca

Love Your Library

2012-02-10T10:46:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Stratford Public Library invite you to share a favourite book, author, poet, or poem on their Love Your Library board. You will find this board in the stairwell on the between the lower and main floors of the library.

Harry Potter: Heroic Fantasy, Murder Mystery or Videogame

2012-02-10T09:35:00.001-05:00

Now that's a question!

Come hear Associate Professor Neil Randall, PHD from the English Department at University of Waterloo look into the world of Harry Potter.

The Harry Potter series – both books and films – has been categorized both as children’s stories and particularly the later books, as stories of heroic fantasy, but other well-known narrative structures seem to be at play. In this talk, I examine the possibility that J.K. Rowling and the film-version screenwriters, intentionally or unintentionally, drew us in by giving us both classic mysteries and level-based videogames. In fact, this mash-up of story genres might well explain the range of popularity for the stories, ranging from reverence through fascination for some and, for others, frustration and confusion. In other words, maybe Potter is a splendid example of convergence, or maybe it’s just a big mess.

Wednesday February 15 | 7-9pm | Library Auditorium | FREE | Register

Brought to you in partnership with University of Waterloo: Stratford Campus.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-02-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

Kiss Me! (I’m a Prince!) by Heather McLeod, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP McLeo

Would you kiss a frog - even if it was a talking frog? No? Well, Ella didn’t feel like kissing one either. No matter that this frog had once been a prince who would be a king someday, and could offer her the life of a pampered princess – she wasn’t tempted, not even for a second!

When the prince described his former life, Ella was even less tempted. It turned out that the prince used to spend most of his day at the castle studying etiquette, warfare, international finances and languages. Ella didn’t think that sounded very interesting. Neither was she at all interested in wearing fancy dresses that had to be kept clean and unwrinkled everyday.

Ella and the frog became good friends, and soon, the he had to agree that Ella’s life (swimming and splashing about in the water, getting dirty in the sand and mud, exploring the world around her, playing hopscotch and other games) was much more fun than life at the castle.

Just as the frog began to forget about being a prince, however, a royal courtier arrived to take him home in a fancy horse-drawn carriage (no matter that he was still a frog, having been unsuccessful in finding anyone to kiss him).

But after a couple of weeks, he returned in the carriage, again asking Ella for a kiss. And this time, Ella agreed – to give a kiss of friendship - which un-enchanted the frog … and led to a surprising conclusion.

This untraditional retelling of The Frog Prince will delight children and keep them guessing until the end, and Brooke Kerrigan’s fun, expressive illustrations truly enhance this very entertaining story.

Kiss Me! (I’m a Prince!) is Thunder Bay resident (and former CBC radio host) Heather McLeod’s first book.

** Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years.

Princess to the Rescue, by Claudia Souza, 24 pages.

@ SPL: JP Souza

In traditional fairy tales, princesses usually need to be rescued from something. They don’t have horses or swords, and they are afraid of dragons and many other things. They get locked up in towers, put to sleep under evil spells, or kidnapped.

Not this princess! The feisty damsel featured in this story (who is never given a name) has already rescued a prince or two. (To be specific, she’s rescued a prince who’d been turned into a frog, a prince locked in a deep dungeon, another buried in a cave in a dark forest, and yet another who’d been kidnapped by an ogre.)

Well, why can’t a princess be brave and save someone?

Riding a beautiful horse, wearing custom-made armor and toting a big purse supplied with all sorts of “secret weapons”, our princess is more than a match for any mean-spirited dragon, troll, evil spell or prince who crosses her path. She doesn’t hesitate to ask for directions, either. (Would a prince do that?) And that’s a good thing, because she is about to meet her toughest challenge yet: a prince trapped in an ogress’s jewelry box!

A jewelry box? Not a cave or a dungeon … but a box?

Yes, a jewelry box! And it’s fortunate that our princess is here now to rescue this prince, because he’s just about to faint with fear!

Can she do it?

Well, readers can probably guess the end of this entertaining, amusing tale, which proves that girls too, can be heroes (or heroines)!

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 9, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-02-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Chango's Beads and Two-Tone Shoes by William Kennedy

@SPL: eBook in downloadLibrary

Between The Paris Wife, otherbooks about Hemingway's matrimonial adventures, and Woody Allen's film Midnightin Paris, there's recently been a minor outburst of cultural fascinationwith Hemingway-the-man. For readers who haven't yet slaked their thirst, I haveanother work for you to consider: William Kennedy's Chango's Beads andTwo-Tone Shoes.

The novel's broken into threesections. A brief introductory scene focuses on Albany, New York in 1936, andfeatures Bing Crosby along with several of the book's main cast. The briefscene manages to be simultaneously charming and disturbing; Kennedy capturesthe era's complicated racial politics and their effects on personalinteractions with a quick song and some snappy dialogue.

From there, the book quickly moves toCuba in 1957. The young boy awoken by Bing Crosby's voice in the first sectionhas become Daniel Quinn, a new journalist who lands smack in the middle of theCuban revolution. After meeting Hemingway and beautiful, revolutionary Renatain a bar, Quinn's drawn deeply into a bewitching world of Santeria, gunrunning, Cuban jazz, and danger – he even interviews Castro.

This heady atmosphere breaks brieflyat a crisis point, when Kennedy abruptly shifts the action back to Albany in1968. Quinn's returned after some unnamed tragedy in Cuba. Racial tensions arecoming to a head in the city in the wake of Robert Kennedy's assassination. Astensions erupt in one night of violence, Quinn is once again drawn into theheat of the action.

Themes of Santeria, jazz andrevolution pull the reader through the novel at a relentless pace. Beyond thethree sections mentioned above, Kennedy doesn't break the action into anychapters to give readers time to pause and digest. By the end of the novel it'sclear - whatever Hemingway might have had to say about concise, uncomplicatedwriting, that sort of narrative no longer captures a world as complex as ours. Chango'sBeads and Two-Tone Shoes is recommended to those who love the idea ofHemingway more than his writing, as well as anyone with a passion for musichistory, revolution and atmospheric novels.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 9th. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-02-06T09:56:00.000-05:00

Me and My Dragon, by David Biedrzycki, 32 pages.

@ SPL: JP Biedr

Some children long for a pet cat. Others would choose a dog. The little boy in David Biedrzycki’s latest picture book, however, has his heart set on a pet dragon.

Some planning for such an unusual pet is definitely necessary.

Firstly, where can you find a dragon? Secondly, is a fire-breathing or a non-fiery dragon the best choice? Thirdly, do you want a one, two or three-headed dragon?

One of the most important considerations of all is to choose a dragon that will fit in your house (as opposed to a house that will fit your dragon!)

Be sure to buy your dragon a collar and leash so that you can take him for a walk each day. He’ll need some special dragon toys, too.

Here’s some more useful advice: give your dragon lots of room at home and keep a fire extinguisher handy. Don’t forget to teach your dragon how to fly. Most importantly, hug him every day and read to him each night.

If you are lucky enough to “own” a dragon, you likely don’t need to worry about bullies bothering you, or about having to eat your brussel sprouts - dragons love them, apparently (brussel sprouts, that is, not bullies).

David Biedrzycki’s clever tongue-in-cheek “instruction guide” also provides tips about dragon discipline and diet. With its colourful, goofy illustrations, it’s a “must-read” for any child who dreams of owning a pet dragon!

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years.

Wishworks, inc. by Stephanie Tolan, 146 pages.

@ SPL: J FIC Tolan

Feeling lonely at his new school, Max wants very much to have a dog – a dog to be his best friend, one that would join him in all sorts of exciting adventures. Perhaps a dog could keep those three bullies from harassing him every day at school, too. (It’s not his fault that he’s “the new kid”, or that he, his mom and little sister have had to move because of his parents’ divorce.) Max is sure that a dog would help everything that’s going wrong for him lately.

When Max discovers a mysterious store called “Wishworks, inc.”, that grants wishes (“guaranteed”) for its customers, he asks for a dog.

By no stretch of the imagination is “Ratty” the big, strong dog that Max has envisioned in his daydreams. A scruffy, thin, stray dog, Ratty no sooner appears on Max’s doorstep that she is into one act of mischief and trouble after another. Max can’t, for one second, imagine Ratty accompanying him on thrilling adventures to vanquish dragons, two-headed beasts … or bullies at school.

Max and Ratty do have “adventures” together, but they’re certainly not the type of adventures that Max has been dreaming about - except in his nightmares!

Max decides to visit Wishworks inc. again to ask for a second wish. The results are unanticipated, to say the least!

Likeable characters and an engaging plotline with some surprising twists add up to an enjoyable story that exemplifies the theme, “Be careful what you wish for (and what you “unwish” too).”

** Recommended for ages 8 to 11 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 2, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-02-06T09:41:00.004-05:00

I Didn't Ask to be Born (But I'm Glad I Was) by Bill Cosby
@SPL: 792.7028092 Cosby

The nice thing about picking up a book of essays by Bill Cosby is that you can start to read anywhere in the book and you'll still end up smiling. You can read a long essay and have a big belly laugh or a snort over a short essay or read an in-between essay and just giggle. The other nice thing about reading funny essays by Bill Cosby is that you just cannot help hearing that voice - slightly raspy, with the drawn-out words and dramatic pauses... which is when you cannot help seeing him in your mind, too. The dead-pan or the sly smile that has entertained generations on stages and screens across North America as well as in numerous books.
I Didn't Ask to be Born is his latest foray into print, full of witty observations, warm memories, quirky illustrations (by George Booth) and QR codes. QR codes? You may ask what the 70-something former Dr. Huxtable is doing, dabbling in technology. Well, when scanned with a smartphone, each QR code will take the reader off on a little trip for additional content, even video. But if you are smartphoneless, there is plenty of amusing content in hand between the pages to which nearly anyone can relate. There is the teenage Bill overdoing himself in cologne to impress a girl (Axe wearers take note). Or the father Bill dealing with his child's first bad word, or not being able to come up with a quick answer for his eight-year-old daughter who doesn't want to clean up her room. Or the grandfather Bill with a grandson obsessed with Godzilla (which is only slightly better than a large purple dinosaur it seems). However my personal favourites are his musings on "the missing pages" from the Book of Genesis, and of course the one where he has a "Who's on First?" conversation with a former talk-show guest who is originally from North, South Carolina, 90 miles southeast of Due West. Not to be missed!

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on February 2nd. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

OLA Super Conference

2012-01-31T12:05:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow thousands of Librarians from across Ontario will start to descend on Toronto for the annual Ontario Library Association Super Conference. The conference runs from February 1 - 4 and is held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Library staff from all forms of libraries, public, private, school, consulting firms) will be attending sessions on readers advisory, collection development, social media, technology in the library, management, literacy... the list goes on and on - to learn new things and bring the ideas back to their libraries for implementation.
This year SPL is very proud to say that a our staff will be putting on three different sessions.

Anne Marie Heckman and Melanie Kindrachuk will be presenting a session called "Reading for the Health of It"
Wendy Hicks will be presenting on "Top Ten Management Tips (apologies to David Letterman)"
Sam Coghlan will be presenting on "Library Planning for a Creative City"

I know I'm quite excited about this year's conference. The theme is "Innovation: Imagine, Innovate, Impact". Expect library staff to come back inspired about the future of libraries! If you want to follow the Super Conference on Twitter, follow #sc12.

~Krista Robinson, Information Technology Development Librarian.

Best Reads of 2011... as picked by SPL Staff

2012-01-27T12:36:00.002-05:00

As you may guess, the staff here at the library LOVE to read. And like good book lovers, we like to share what we have read and enjoyed. Our library catalogue, BiblioCommons is a perfect forum for sharing your favourite books. We have created a list of some of SPL staff's favourite reads in 2011 and would love to hear if you enjoyed them too! Click on the covers of the books below and be taken to the catalogue record. And in the comment area, share what your favourite book was in 2011 - we love good suggestions too!

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-01-26T16:24:00.004-05:00

Previously, by Allan Ahlberg, 28 pages.

@ SPL: JP Ahlbe

If you think that you know fairy tales such as Cinderella, The Frog Prince, and Jack and the Beanstalk inside and out, think again! You really don’t know them from the very beginning until you’ve read Allan Ahlberg’s new picture book, Previously –a hilarious “romp” which takes the reader backwards through some of our most familiar and beloved fairy tales and nursery rhymes.

What was Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk) doing before his mother sent him to the market to sell the family cow? Well, he and his little sister, Jill, were climbing up and down a hill with a pail of water – which, as you know, was spilled when they fell. Why did they fall? Here’s the answer – they were too busy arguing over who had to carry that heavy pail of water.

Before their expedition up and down the hill that morning, Jack and Jill were sitting at the table eating breakfast (and arguing over who would claim the prize in the box of cornflakes) when The Frog Prince jumped onto the windowsill and gazed sadly at them. He was still unhappy at being transformed into a frog, having once been a handsome prince in love with a beautiful girl – none other than Cinderella.

Previously that day, Cinderella had met the Gingerbread Boy on the path as he was gleefully escaping from a little old man, a little old woman, a cow, a horse, a butcher, a baker, a group of children and a wily fox.

And so on.

As Allan Ahlberg’s imaginative picture book for children so cleverly reveals, there’s a beginning, or a “previously”, to every story!

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years of age.

The Three Billy Goats Fluff, by Rachael Mortimer, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP Morti

When Troll moved in under the bridge, he wasn’t expecting a family of goats to be trip-tripping noisily over “his” bridge every day.

But that’s exactly what happened each day when the Billy Goats Fluff crossed the wooden bridge from their home on one side to eat the lush pasture grass on the other side. Trip-trap! Trip-trap! How was Troll supposed to sleep? How was he supposed to concentrate?

One day Troll had had enough. When Littlest Billy Goat Fluff appeared at the bridge, he heard an angry roar. “I’m a Troll with a very sore head. Stop trip-trapping over my bed! When I’m tired and feeling blue, there’s nothing quite like LITTLE GOAT STEW!”

Just then, Middle-Sized Billy Goat Fluff approached and was greeted with, “I’m a Troll in a very bad mood. Waking me up is terribly rude! Middle-sized goat makes a LOVELY ROAST, or tasty pate upon my toast!”

The goats raced back home to Mother Goat, too scared to cross the bridge. “We’re telling our mom on you!” they shouted.

When Mother Goat heard their tale of woe, she didn’t march straight to Troll to yell at him. She didn’t panic either. Instead, she thought … and thought some more. (After all, Mother Goat could sympathize with Troll’s lack of sleep – Littlest Billy Goat still woke her up every night!)

It wasn’t long before Mother Goat, as she sat knitting some slippers and earmuffs from the finest billy goat fluff, came up with an inventive idea that made everyone, including Troll, happy and warm - and well-rested, too!

Rachael Mortimer’s entertaining retelling of the traditional story is complemented perfectly by the comical and colourful illustrations of illustrator Liz Pichon.

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years of age.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January 26, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-01-26T16:19:00.001-05:00

The Next Always by Nora Roberts

@SPL: FIC Rober

A note to most men and other enthusiastic avoidersof the romance genre: You may as well tune out now. I'm going all Nora Robertson you, and if you don't know what that means, you probably don't want to.

Alright, are we all clear? Perfect. Good news,romance fans! Nora Roberts has started a new trilogy, and it falls in line withher most-loved, vintage work. The Next Always is the first book in herInn Boonsboro trilogy. It follows Roberts' classic trilogy formula – threestrong, sassy friends in a small, atmospheric town come together around acharming project. The project provides the setting for the three friends tofurther bond, and – eventually - fall in love with gruff, dreamy manly-men.

Clare is a young, beautiful widow of a soldierwith three boys under 10. When her husband died, she returned home to Boonsboroto be near her parents and best friend Avery (who owns an Italian restaurantacross the street), and opened a bookstore. She loves her boys and her work,has done her grieving, and finds her days are quite full and happy – in otherwords, she's a true-to-form, Nora Roberts-style independent woman. She'slooking forward to the jump in business that'll come when the Montgomerybrothers finish restoring a historic inn nearby. Small towns being what theyare, Clare gets tours of the Inn as it transforms, and eventually winds upworking with the brothers writing copy for their ad material. One of thebrothers, Beckett, is a handsome architect and contractor who's had a crush onClare since high school. As work on the inn progresses, he and Clare growcloser.

But, this being Nora Roberts, there has to be amysterious twist: Local spoiled brat millionaire Sam Freemont's crush on Clarehas taken a sinister turn. As Clare's relationship with Beckett deepens, Samgrows angrier and decides to take action.

All Roberts' signature elements are here: Strongbonds between friends; sarcasm without cattiness; a strong sense of place andcommunity; and hunky men doing manly things in sensitive ways. The Inn itselftakes shape as a character as the story progresses, with Roberts giving lots ofcharming details for the design enthusiasts out there to latch onto. And, quaRoberts, there are even some supernatural elements and a nod to Celtic culturein the character of Avery (I'm sure that'll be fleshed out in her installment, TheLast Boyfriend, coming May 2012). Sensitive readers be warned - theMontgomery brothers' dialogue is as blue as their collars, and there are somepretty spicy scenes. However, all in all, The Next Always offers nosurprises to seasoned Roberts readers – just a cozy, atmospheric, light readwith likeable characters, great for dreary winter afternoons.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January 26, 2012. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

New Library Databases - for Kids

2012-01-25T10:32:00.002-05:00

These new online tools will be of great assistance to kids when they are working on their homework projects - or just to help answer all the questions their inquisitive minds come up with.

To access you just need your SPL library card number! (all 14 digits and no spaces). These websites are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - wherever you have Internet access - so home, school, library or on the go.

Searchasaurus

Searches newspapers, magazines, books and even the Funk &Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia - all the the help of a dinosaur.

Kids Search

Research has never been so easy with this website! Search to findmagazine articles, biographies, images and more - all geared for grades K-8.

World Book Science Power

Lots to learn on this site! Learn about living things,ecosystems, the earth, weather, matter, energy and much more. There are evenvarious science experiments you can try.

World Book Social Studies Power

Use this site to tour the world's continents, and study the people, culture, history of various parts of the world. There are maps, pictures, and quizzes to keep you entertained. Geared for students in grades 2-6.

If you have any questions using these sites, please let us know!

More New Library Databases - for Adults

2012-01-25T10:23:00.001-05:00

Like print books, we are continuously adding new databases to ouronline collection that will help you find a variety of high-qualityinformation. To access you just need your SPL library card number! (all14 digits and no spaces). They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - wherever you have Internet access.

CanadianReference Center
CRC includes Canadian magazines, newspapers,newswires and reference books. This database includes leading Canadianperiodicals and international (U.S. and U.K) periodicals in full text; fulltext reference books; full text biographies and an Image Collection. Updateddaily.

Canada's Information Resource Centre
An all-encompassingCanadian online source that provides access to tens of thousands of culturaland professional organizations, government offices, law firms, banks, healthand education facilities, libraries, and the media ranging from magazines tobroadcasters. With CID you have access to over 100,000 contact names acrossCanada, too. All carefully indexed for easy productive searchqueries. Includes

World Book Online Reference Centre

Includes a dictionary, atlas, Citation Builder, and local andcountry research guides, help you compile the data and information you need tocomplete assignments and background research. There are even computer and webtutorials!

Alt Health Watch

Alt HealthWatch focuses on complementary, holistic andintegrated approaches to health care and wellness. You will findinformation on acupuncture, aromatherapy,childbirth, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, creative therapies,energy medicine, herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathy, nutrition andosteopathy. Articles date from today back to 1990. Create a personal account and set up email alerts or save your searches.

If you have any questions using these sites, please let us know!

Passport for Literacy and Family Literacy Day

2012-01-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

Get your free "Passport for Literacy" at any Perth County public library and have fun!

"Passport to Literacy" is a literary spin off the popular family trend geocaching. From January 21-27, pick up your Passport to Literacy at the library, then using coordinates (or addresses if you don't have a GPS) to find checkpoints throughout your community. Once your passport is filled, return to the library where you will be entered in a draw for great prizes!

January 21-27 | times vary by location | Ages - your whole family! | Cost: FREE

"Passport to Literacy" is a weeklong event to help celebrate Family Literacy Day on January 27. To get more Family Literacy Day ideas, visit ABC Life Literacy Canada. They have a number of free printables such as activity sheets, comic strips, matching games, mazes and more.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-01-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

The Winter Pony, by Iain Lawrence, 246 pages.

@ SPL: J FIC Lawre

“I heard the wind rise. I heard it whine and moan. Soon came the patter of whirling snow, and I knew [another] blizzard had begun.”

Born in the Manchurian highlands, the wild pony was captured at a young age by men who subjected him to years of drudgery and cruel treatment. Later, the pony was sold to an English explorer, Captain Robert Scott. For the first time, he was shown kindness and love. He was given a name, “James Pigg”. And then, he was chosen to be part of Scott’s disastrous 1910 expedition to the unexplored Antarctic, a race to the South Pole, destined to be a tale of heart-breaking hardship and tragedy.

Racing against a rival explorer, Roald Amundsen of Norway, Scott used sled dogs and ponies to haul the provisions and equipment that his men needed. It seemed that danger and death waited at almost every turn for the animals and men in the harsh, isolated Antarctic environment – from fierce blizzards and never-ending snow, unexpected cracks and crevices in melting sea ice, ravenous killer whales, snow blindness, frostbite, hunger, and the sheer exhaustion of making such a long journey into an unknown land.

Telling the story of Robert Scott’s expedition through a pony “softens” this captivating story of hardship and danger a little, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone younger than eleven years of age. Why? There are some difficult parts in which men, ponies or dogs die. Author Iain Lawrence’s consummate skill with words makes the tragedies – and the end of the story - so real that it really does require a level of emotional maturity to read this novel.

Having said this, The Winter Pony is an infinitely engrossing, moving and beautifully-written tale for older readers.

An informative, brief third-person summary of the actual historical events of both Robert Scott’s and Roald Amundsen’s expeditions to the South Pole is included at the end of each chapter.

** Recommended for ages 11 years and up.

Primerica: A Home for the Brave, by Jane Lyon and Karen Bailey, 39 pages.

@ SPL: JP Lyon

What happens to race horses when they are no longer able to race? Where do they go?

These were the questions facing Primerica, a winning racehorse, when he reached the age of ten years and was too old and weary to race. Descended from an impressive family of champions and ridden by some of the best jockeys in the United States, Primerica had always “given his all” and tried his very best on the racetrack. Now he faced an uncertain future, and as he waited in his stall, he was worried.

But Primerica was lucky. Loaded into a van, he was taken on a long ride into the state of Kentucky. There, he was delivered to the Summer Wind Farm – a special horse farm where he would live out his retirement, treated kindly and even reunited with his mother.

Primerica and Summer Wind Farm (a “home for the brave”) are real. The Farm is run by Jane Ryan – one of the authors of this book. Over the years, she and her husband have rescued several thoroughbreds and brought them to their farm where they are treated with love and compassion.

The beautiful, softly-coloured graphite drawings of artist Susie Gordon are one of the highlights of this poignant story, which ends so satisfactorily.

** Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January 19, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston

@SPL: FIC Prest

Readers who loved the Griffin and Sabine novels by Nick Bantock will adore this new novel by Caroline Preston. It is an illustrated novel, with no lengthy chapters to read. instead, the novel is told mostly in scrapbooked pictures and memorabilia from the 1920's. in fact, most of the novel's atmosphere and character development is forwarded not by the tidbits of typewritten text, but by the myriad of images that accompany each small quip or paragraph, resulting in a novel that is both quirky and visually beautiful. Beginning in rural 1920's America, we meet Frankie Pratt as she is finishing up high school with dreams of becoming a writer. Readers will know that the 1920's was an immensely creative time for writers in America - Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald - although Frankie seems more keen on reporting. So with scholarship to the prestigious Vassar College in hand, she embarks on her journey which eventually takes her all the way to Montparnasse in Paris. Along the way she looks for love and is both rewarded and disappointed (often in hilarious ways), takes up residence in the (in)famous Shakespeare & Co, and rubs shoulders with movers and shakers of the artistic world of the flapper generation. Although she gets the wrong end of the stick from time to time (she thinks the fledgling magazine "The New Yorker" is doomed to fold within a month), Frankie takes her reader on a delightful romp through the best of the 1920's - it is the most delightful history lesson in the era's fashion, politics, arts and pop culture. Is the scrapbook theme a gimmick? No doubt. But it is precisely the type of book one cannot use on an e-book reader; with its images sideways, diagonal and upside down it is a book to be held and looked at at arm's length and its pages flipped back and forth quickly and at leisure to get the full effect of its gorgeous vintage ads, news clips and pictures. The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt is destined to become a favourite of 1920's era fiction and fellow scrap-bookers alike.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January 19th. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

New at SPL: Alt HealthWatch

2012-01-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

One of the most searched topics on the Internet is anything health. However not all that information you find is reliable or safe. For that reason, SPL has subscribed to a number of health related databases that contain information from reputable sources. We have recently added to that collection a trustworthy source on alternative health information: Alt HealthWatch. Alt HealthWatch focuses on complementary, holistic and integrated approaches to health care and wellness. You will find information on acupuncture, aromatherapy, childbirth, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, creative therapies, energy medicine, herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathy, nutrition and osteopathy. Articles date from today back to 1990.

Try it today!

To access outside the library you will be prompted to enter your library card number (all 14 digits and no spaces).

If you have a question or need assistance let us know! Call 519-271-0220 or email us at askspl@pcin.on.ca.

Please remember that Information provided in this database should not be viewed as a means for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Way to Go Stratford!

2012-01-19T09:27:00.000-05:00

Stratford has done it again - for the second year in a row. We made it to the Top 7 Intelligent Communities of the Year! Intelligent Communities are communities that have proved to provide "a model of economic and social development in the 21st Century using information and communications technology to power growth, address social challenges and preserve and promote culture".

The Top 1 Community will be determined in June 2012. Stratford will be up against: Austin, Texas; Oulu, Finland; Quebec City, Quebec; Riverside, California; Saint John, New Brunswick; Taichung City, Taiwan.

Way To Go Stratford!

Can We Have A Word?

2012-01-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

We are still trying to Imagine the Future of SPL and are looking for input from you! If you are out and about this week and notice one of these stands, we invite you to have your say.

You can contribute your "one word" to describe SPL today, "one word" to describe the library in the future, and what you personally feel is important about the Stratford Public Library.

You will find these displays located at the YMCA, Your Local Food Co-op, Sobeys and Zehrs. They will be in these locations until Sunday January 22. There are also displays in the Central and SERC libraries.

If you won't be in one of these locations this week, you can still give your word on our online form.

One for the Money...

2012-01-16T16:20:00.002-05:00

Two for the Dough... Three to get Deadly...
These are a few of the titles in the extremely popular Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. The series is so popular that it is now at book number 18 - Explosive Eighteen. The series is getting a real resurgence because of the highly anticipated "One for the Money" movie which is set to hit the theatres on January 27th.

The Plot:
Stephanie Plum is unemployed and newly divorced. She manages to get a job as a bounty hunter at her cousins' bail bond business. Stephanie's first job is to go after a past love - Joe Morelli. She gets herself in lots and lots of interesting situations that will be sure to make you laugh out loud.

Katherine Heigl will be playing accident prone bounty hunter Stephanie Plum, Jason O'Mara will be playing Joe Morelli and Daniel Sunjata will be Ranger. Personally I was imagining a different lineup for the male actors (Colin Firth for Joe and The Rock for Ranger), but I'm sure these actors will be fantastic.

So will you be watching One for the Money opening weekend? If you see me in line, be sure to say hello!

~Krista Robinson, Information Technolgy Development Librarian.

The Charles Taylor Shortlist has been announced!

2012-01-16T15:37:00.002-05:00

The Charles Taylor Prize for Canadian literary non fiction shortlist was announced on January 10, 2012. Out of 115 books submitted, 5 books remain. Who do you think will win?

Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest, by Wade Davis.
Eating Dirt: Deep Forests, Big Timber, and Life with the Tree-Planting Tribe, by Charlotte Gill.
The Measure of a Man: The Story of a Father, a Son, and a Suit, by J.J. Lee.
Afflictions and Departures: Essays, by Madeline Sonik.
The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A Canadian Story of Resilience and Recovery, by Andrew Westoll.

Stay tuned - winner of the prize will be announced on March 5.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-01-16T11:49:00.002-05:00

Why are You Picking on Me? Dealing with Bullies, by John Burstein, 32 pages.

@ SPL: J 302.3 Bur

This slim volume answers many questions children may have about bullying - at school, on the playground, in the mall, on the computer or phone, and elsewhere. Whether a child is being bullied or has witnessed bullying, and whether the bullying is verbal, physical or silent, author John Burstein’s concise, practical explanations and advice will help children to act and to make changes.

Two significant questions are: Why does someone bully another person, and what does a bully hope to accomplish? Understanding the answers to these questions can go a long way in determining how to react to bullying, depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, ignoring the bully, walking away, or acting as if it doesn't matter, will stop the aggression. If not, victims can be prepared with other strategies: acting confidently, facing the challenge, answering back, staying with friends and avoiding areas where the bully is likely to be, calling for help if necessary, telling an adult and even forming a school-wide anti-bullying program. (“Facing the challenge” does not mean fighting back, as safety is a priority.)

Burstein is very clear that absolutely no one has the right to hurt another, whether by teasing or using violence. A victim should never feel that he/she has caused the bullying. (However, as the author notes, there are strategies that can lessen a child’s chances of being bullied, such as looking and feeling confident and happy.)

The book ends with suggestions that readers think about whether they might be a “self-bully” or even guilty of bullying others.

Why are You Picking on Me? offers effectual advice for children, explained in an easily-understood format, with photographs, for a problem which unfortunately is widespread. Approximately one of every five school children is bullied.

** Recommended for ages 7 to 12 years.

E is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids about Morals, Values, and What Matters Most, by Ian James Corlett, 106 pages.

@ SPL: J 170.44 Cor

E is for Ethics considers twenty-six values – for example, generosity, loyalty, gratitude, courage, honesty, empathy, sincerity, patience, responsibility, kindness – and provides a one or two-page read-aloud story to illustrate each attribute. Intended for parents (or grandparents) to share with children, each story ends with discussion questions such as “How would you act if you found out that a friend had cheated?”, “How can being responsible make you a better friend?”, “How can Elliott show his integrity?” and “Have you ever had to convince someone that you were sincere?”

The stories feature two young children, Lucy and Elliott, based on the author’s own children. (After creating the stories, the author “tested” them by reading them aloud to his children.)

The stories are very engaging, upbeat and positive, as are R.A. Holt’s illustrations.

The book was written because, in the author’s words, “teaching children ethics, values and morals is a real challenge for parents today”. Ian Corlett’s stories really do provide enjoyable and informal opportunities to discuss morals and values.

The author is an award-winning children’s TV writer who has created many popular children’s series and lives in Vancouver and Palm Springs, California. (He notes that he is well-qualified to write this book because he is a POD – a Plain Old Dad!)

** Recommended for parents, caregivers and grandparents to share with young and school-aged children.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January12, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

Do You Pin?

2012-01-11T19:52:00.001-05:00

One of the fastest growing social networking websites is Pinterest. With Pinterest, you can organize and share images online that you find interesting. When you upload the images they become pins and you can organize them into theme based boards. Boards can be on any topic - great recipes, amazing places, shoes, crafts, books, movies and more. You can browse and search Pinterest, but to add your own pins, you need to be invited (so let me know if you want an invite!) There is even a free mobile app to pin on the go.
With Pinterest you can add your own pins, or repin pins from other Pinterest users. You can comment on pins as well, and share them on Twitter or Facebook. It's amazing what you can find on Pinterest - it really can lead to hours of fun online.
SPL has recently created a Pinterest account and will be sharing cool book related images. We'd love for you to follow us!

eReader Problems?

2012-01-11T15:23:00.002-05:00

We have noticed a few common issues arising with people who are having problems getting ebooks transferred to their readers (like Kobo or Kobo Touch).

Ensure you have the correct date, time and timezone set in the settings on your device - and on your computer.
Check that you have set your device to "connect" when you plug it into your computer.
Have you Authorized your device with your Adobe ID? If it isn't' authorized, it won't appear in Adobe Digital Editions.
Once you transfer the ebooks and unplug your reader, don't press any buttons on the reader until the "processing" has finished.

For more troubleshooting help, be sure to check our website or contact the library and we will give you a hand!

The Joy of Books

2012-01-10T09:48:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what books do at night? Wonder no more...

StoryTime Registration

2012-01-09T15:58:00.001-05:00

Instill the love of the public library in your child by attending children's storytime!

Tonight is the first Whale of a Tale storytime - a free drop in program for toddlers and preschoolers on Monday evenings in the library auditorium. Bring your child (even in their pjs!) to the the library from 6:30-7:15 for stories, songs, finger play and crafts.

Wednesday January 11th is also the beginning of registration for our free winter storytimes. Storytimes are for children 9 months up to 5 years of age. Check the link above for details on the three different programs we offer. To register call 519-271-0220 after 10am on the 11th. These programs are free thanks to the Friends of the Stratford Public Library.
Stay tuned for SPL's Family Literacy Day events later in January.

If you can't make it to our programs, there are many other ways to help your child love to read:

bring your child to the library
read to them regularly - even babies (and make it fun! use funny expressions and voices).
model reading - let your kids see your kids see you read - even if it is the newspaper
read books with the child's name in it - works especially for reluctant readers
give books as gifts
bring books wherever you go - doctors offices, restaurants, in the car
try audiobooks - or books / cd kits - perfect for road trips

Returning eBooks

2012-01-06T15:24:00.000-05:00

Returning eBooks when you are done with them is something that is important to do when you have finished reading one of the downloadLibrary eBook titles. They will automatically expire when your loan period is over, but returning them removes the eBook from your account and allows someone else to enjoy the digital title (and in turn, reduces wait times for everyone!)

If using Adobe Digital Editions:

Open Adobe Digital Editions
In Bookshelf View, click on the arrow in the left corner of the book you want to return
Select Return Borrowed Item

If using Overdrive Media Console on an Android or iOS device:

Open Overdrive Media Console
Look at book title list
Touch Edit in top left corner
Touch the delete circle on left of screen then the Delete button on the right
Touch Return and Delete

If using a Kobo Vox:

Open Overdrive Media Console
Look at book title listing
Touch and hold your finger on the book you want to return
A menu will appear. Touch Delete
Touch Delete and Return

If using a Sony PRS-T1:

Look at book title listing
Press and hold your finger on the book you want to return.
A menu will appear - touch Return Book.

Unfortunately audiobooks or video cannot be returned early. They must be left to expire.

Happy Reading!
~Krista Robinson, Information Technology Librarian

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2012-01-05T14:24:00.000-05:00

There are Monsters Everywhere, by Mercer Mayer, 34 pages.

@ SPL: JP Mayer

Every child knows that everyhouse has at least one monster – and probably many more. After all, there areso many places for monsters to hide: dimly-lit corners, closets, hallways,attics, basements and especially, under beds. It’s obvious that they could belurking just about anywhere, especially at night.

The little boy in MercerMayer’s newest picture book is certain that monsters inhabit his house insideand outside, but his parents seem completely oblivious. They don’t see thecreatures hiding in his closet or under his bed. They don’t hear the loudbreathing of the monsters in the basement and they’ve never clued in to thebeasts that hang around in the attic, behind the shower curtain or by the trashcans outside. Neither do they appear to take their son’s fears very seriously.

The little boy is tired ofbeing afraid and of sleeping on the top bunk bed to avoid the beasts (whichdon’t climb ladders). Enough is enough, and he has a plan that he thinks justmight scare the monsters away once and for all!

Will it work?

Fortunately, it does, and thelittle boy, by taking matters into his own hands (in a rather unexpected way),gains self-confidence and ultimately loses his fear of the creatures.

Some of Mercer Mayer’s previouspicture books (There’s a Nightmare in My Closet, There’s an Alligator in MyBed and There’s Something in My Attic) also address theclassic preschool fear of “things that go bump in the night”. Mayer, whohas been writing for 35 years (and is the author of the popular Little Critterbooks), addresses the issue of monsters effectively, using humorousillustrations and stories that will inspire confidence in young listeners.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 6years.

The World Champion of StayingAwake, by SeanTaylor, 38 pages.

@ SPL: JP Taylo

It was bedtime for Stella, butneither she nor her stuffed animal friends were at all tired. How could shefall asleep when Cherry Pig was bouncing on the bed, Thunderbolt the PuppetMouse was squeaking and Beanbag Frog was hopping around?

Stella and her animal friendseach declared that they would be the “World Champion of Staying Awake”.

It was up to Stella to try toput her animals to sleep.

First, Stella placed herstuffed animal friends on a pillow, and they pretended that it was a shipsailing on the gentle waves. After a while, Cherry Pig fell asleep. Next, theyimagined that a shoebox was a midnight train racing through the night.Thunderbolt nodded off almost right away. And when Beanbag Frog and Stellasailed off in a hot air balloon (a.k.a. a toy basket), Frog eventually fellasleep.

Stella tucked her friends intobed.

Since she only wasn’t asleep,Stella supposed that she was now the World Champion of Staying Awake.

Or was she?

This gentle and amusing story,with illustrations by artist Jimmy Liao, is a testament to the power of achild’s imagination.

** Recommended for ages 2 to 5years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January 5, 2012. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2012-01-05T14:18:00.003-05:00

Sad Monsters by Frank Lesser

@SPL: Search “Sad Monsters” in our catalogue, and select “view electronic book.”

Quick count: Who's had it to here withsappy, happy Christmas tunes and maintaining family values in front of theneighbours? Yeah? That's what I thought. Me too. What better antidote thancurling up someplace very quiet with your shiny new eReader to read all aboutzombies, gorgons and vampires with Seinfeld-sized neuroses?

Frank Lesser is a writer with theColbert Report; his book, Sad Monsters, carries the same tone of parodytaken to such extremes that it becomes a satire drenched in verisimilitude.Lesser explains the book's premise in its introduction: “Many monsters sufferfrom psychological problems, although the warning signs can be easy to miss.Does that vampire stay in his crypt all day because sunlight will burn him toashes, or because he has social anxiety disorder?... In this book you will findmonsters who are sad, misunderstood, discouraged, lonely, and in many casesdemonized, particularly the demons.” Arranged into short stories, eachhighlighting a different neurotic monster, Sad Monsters examines theinner lives of Godzilla during an existential crisis (“Had plans to destroyKyoto with Mothra, but ended up staying in and watching M*A*S*H reruns.Tried to selfmedicate by eating a pharmaceutical factory.”), Dorian Gray'sroommate, zombies trying to survive a human invasion, and many other monstersfacing crippling anxieties.

If you so desire, you can read thebook as though it has something to say about the state of contemporary mentalhealth services and the society that engenders the need for them. It does saysome pretty clever things in those regards, but you can also just read a funnybook about sad monsters, too, if you'd prefer. Lesser's prose doesn't beat youover the head with any morals. As Lesser's first full length book of stories, Iwouldn't say that the entire work is yet of uniform strength. This isn't a hugeissue, however, as its short story format allows readers to skip any storiesthat don't appeal. Fans of David Sedaris' sarcastic edge will likely enjoy thisbook, although I wouldn't say it's quite as dark as some of his work. Fans ofDouglas Adams may also enjoy the self-conscious, satirical absurdism of SadMonsters. Even fans of vampire or zombie lit looking to have a bit of alaugh at their favourite genres are bound to find Sad Monsters apleasantly demented post-holiday-season palate cleanser.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on January 5, 2012. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

World Book Online

2012-01-04T10:40:00.000-05:00

There are many fantastic online resources that you can access with your library card through the library’s website. One of the most trusted information resources available is World Book Online, which is fun and easy to use for all ages.

World Book Online is a perfect place to start your research. Whether you’re doing research for a project, want to look up a map, or just want to browse through historical photos and interesting articles, World Book Online is a truly useful tool.

To access any of these sources, all you need is your SPL Library card number - no spaces!

World Book InfoFinder
The premier online reference source--containing every article from the 22-volume print set plus thousands more. With state-of-the art multimedia, editor-reviewed websites, and more.

World Book Online Reference Centre

This powerful reference tool that includes encyclopedia, multimedia, e-book, and primary source databases, fully integrated in a single search. Includes a dictionary, atlas, Citation Builder, and local and country research guides, help you compile the data and information you need to complete assignments and background research. There are even computer and web tutorials!

Encyclopedie Decouverte - World Book in French
Provides access to thousands of encyclopedia articles, dictionary entries, photos, illustrations, diagrams, and maps as part of the World Book Web. This source is written for younger readers that are native French speakers and older students and adults for whom French is a second language.

Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos - World Book in Spanish
Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos is the optimal beginner’s Spanish language reference tool. The site offers World Book’s excellent editorial content, rich media, and engaging features in Spanish.

and for the kids...

World Book Online for Kids

This encyclopedia has been designed for young students. It is simple to use, has easy to read articles, lots of sound, images, and even videos. This source will really help with those homework assignments!

World Book Science Power

Lots to learn on this site! Learn about living things, ecosystems, the earth, weather, matter, energy and much more. There are even various science experiments you can try.

World Book Social Studies Power
Use this site to tour the world's continents, and study the people, culture, history of various parts of the world. There are maps, pictures, and quizzes to keep you entertained. Geared for students in grades 2-6.

What's Hot This Week

2012-01-04T09:56:00.000-05:00

Often we get asked what's the most popular book right now. If you ever want to know, we post the listing on the "Reading" webpage on the library website. Currently the top book is by the master of thriller, Stepehn King - 11/22/63: a novel which takes a journey into the past and looks at the possibility of preventing the Kennedy assassination. To see why people love this book so much, check the comments in the library catalogue.

This Week's Most Popular Books

11/22/63 : a novel by Stephen King
Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich
Guilty Wives by James Patterson
Suspect by James Patterson
The Drop by Michael Connelly
The Sister's Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Half Blood Blues by Esi Edugyan
Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell
The Next Always by Nora Roberts

Another Successful Friends Book Sale!

2012-01-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

A great big Thank You to everyone who made the Friends of Stratford Public Library’s annual “Biggest Book Sale in Perth County” such a success and helped us to raise almost $5000 to support free children’s reading and science programs at the SPL.

We couldn’t do it without the hard work and efforts of Friends, Kiwanis members, students, library staff and event volunteers who contributed more than 200 hours setting up thousands of books, CDs and DVDs. We would also like to acknowledge and thank more than 800 book lovers in our community and from across the border who carried away boxes full of treasures.

Special thanks to Ivan Disher of JS Services Ltd., Carys Wyn Hughes of Community Living Services, librarian Sally Hengeveld who delighted children with stories and puppets, Fanfare Books and Fundamental Books & Toys for gift certificates, and St. Marys Rentals who supplied the tables, as well as St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for their assistance.

Congratulations to the winners of our gift certificates, Gracyn Schlotzhauer and Joey Campbell. And a warm thank you to everyone who became a new member of Friends of the Library at our book sale.

Unsold books and CDs will be distributed to Better World Books, Optimism Place, City of Stratford Jail, and Goodwill Stores.

This year’s event was celebrated at Factory163. Mark your calendars to attend our 2012 event on October 20. See you there!

Irene Miller
President
Friends of the SPL

Did someone say donuts?

2011-12-29T19:26:00.001-05:00

Yes! Every good Canadian loves to eat donuts (seriously - there is even a book about it). Just ignore the fact that you have made a resolution to eat better in 2012 and come out to a Donuts & Download seminar. At Donuts & Downloads, you will learn from one of the Stratford Public Library's tech librarians how to search for free ebooks, check them out and download them to your computer or your eReader/tablet.

We have a variety of dates and times to give you a hand.

Wednesday January 4, 6-8pm
Tuesday January 10, 2-4pm
Wednesday January 11, 6-8pm
Saturday January 14, 1-3pm

We also have 2 drop in clinics next week for hands on assistance. Bring your reader and your laptop and we will get you all set up.

Thursday January 5, 10am-12:30pm
Saturday January 7, 1-3pm

See you then!

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2011-12-29T14:38:00.002-05:00

Paul
Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Kristin Wiig and Seth Rogan
@SPL: DVD Comedy / Paul

In other hands, this charming comedy spoof of all things Alien might have resembled a hackneyed episode of the X-Files. But since that was already done by, well, the last X-Files movie, the British duo that brought us the zombie spoof Shaun of the Dead decided to take another tack. Or Trek, as the case may be. Instead, this is a great buddy road-trip adventure, in the same vein as the Bing Crosby and Bob Hope Road movies, with swearing instead of the singing. The DVD contains both the R-rated theatrical release and the unrated version – there is little difference between the two but the unrated has some unedited scenes and a bit more potty-mouth (especially when Kristin Wiig enters the picture).
Pegg and Frost play Graeme and Clive, two sci-fi geeks who have gone on holiday to the US to attend Comic-con and travel the Extraterrestrial Highway of the South West (it is real, you can Google it). They plan to take in all the sites – Area 51, the Black Mail Box, etc – but their plans are literally sideswiped when they have their own close encounter with Paul, a smart-alec, bird-eating, slacker of an alien who is on the run from the Feds; one of whom is played by the tightly-lipped and droll Jason Bateman. Over 300 animators brought the CG alien to near-life, and Seth Rogen gives him voice with heavy doses of sarcasm and swearing. There are homages to every sci-fi flick you can imagine but only a true aficionado will be likely to pick up on them all unless one listens to the DVD commentary on the theatrical version. There are as many celebrity cameos as there are sci-fi winks (that really is Stephen Spielberg’s voice), and the soundtrack by David Arnold takes you from a gentle cross-country landscape to suspenseful to zany in nanoseconds. There is a lot of profanity, some gore, and a lot of crudeness, but Paul is a funny little grey man, and Pegg and Frost are masters of understated comedy. I do not know how I missed seeing this at the theatre; it must be the ultimate sleeper movie hit of 2011. And I’m sorry if you liked the X-Files, but apparently Agent Mulder was Paul’s idea…

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 29th. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

Monster Madness!

2011-12-29T14:18:00.003-05:00

Looking for something to do with your children during theChristmas holidays? Bring your "monsters" out to Festival MarketplaceShopping Centre for a wild and wonderful time. Activities will be based on thepopular children's book "Where the Wild Things Are".

Help us create a jungle, build Max'sboat and let the wild rumpus begin!!! Children will enjoy creating monsterpuppets, making Monster Mud, decorating crowns and participating in a wildstorytime.

This free drop-in event is in partnership with Early Years Centre, PublicLibrary on Wheels (PLOW) and Festival Marketplace Shopping Centre. We extend awild welcome to monsters of all ages!

Thursday January 5, 2012 | 2-4pm | Stratford Festival Marketplace Shopping Centre

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2011-12-29T13:56:00.000-05:00

M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual), by Doreen Cronin and Laura Cornell, 54pages.

@ SPL: JP Croni

For children who would like to understand moms better, DoreenCronin’s new picture book is a definite must-read. It’s also a must-read formoms who want (or need) a laugh.

Seriously!

The M.O.M (Mom Operating Manual) will instruct children how tounderstand, treat and nurture the complex species commonly known as “moms”.(Dads can pick up some valuable tips and hints here too.)

Moms come in various shapes, sizes and temperaments. They havevarious talents, skills and abilities. They are “the most advanced human modelson the planet.” But they are also complicated, and it’s essential to understandthem and to take good care of them.

Here are some the questions that this manual will answer for thecurious: How much sleep do moms need? What could it signify if your mother iscompletely silent (other than laryngitis)? What behaviour do mothers exhibitwhen stressed, “overloaded” or “malfunctioning”? What are the visual andauditory signs and symptoms that they display prior to “losing it” – and cananything be done to avoid a complete meltdown?

Of course, the question that every child really wants to knowabout mothers is, “Do they truly have eyes in the backs of their heads?” Thiscrucial question is answered with results from the latest research: “It iswidely reported that moms have eyes in the backs of their heads … science hasbeen unable to disprove this. Act accordingly.”

As this “informative” book advises, moms are infinitely precious,truly amazing, and should last for many, many years (with the propermaintenance and care). At the same time, it’s good to know that research aboutmothers is ongoing.

Laura Cornell’s cartoon-like illustrations compliment perfectlythe “tongue-in-cheek” suggestions and advice about mom-care which is so freelydispensed in this book

Note: Batteries are not included with copies of the MomOperating Manual.

** Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years.

Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps, by Louise Bordon, 32 pages.

@ SPL: JP Borde

Nicholas, who adores his big brother, James, has discovered thatthere are many advantages to being an older brother.

For example, James can read – in fact, he can read just aboutevery word in each of his books. He can print his name. He knows a lot (becausehe attends school), and he always has great ideas about important things likeHallowe’en costumes. He goes to and from school each day on a big yellow bus.He can cross the street by himself.

What’s the very best thing about being a big brother? InNicholas’ opinion, it’s the fact that big brothers do not have to takeafternoon naps … and he longs for the day when he also won’t have to take anap.

James is a very kind big brother and he’s also Nicholas’ bestfriend. James plays with Nicholas, reads to him, and teaches him how to printhis name and count backwards. He helps him to cross the street, and shares histoys and ideas. And one day, James shares something very special with Nicholas… a secret – a secret which means that Nicholas won’t have to take an afternoonnap much longer … because he too will be a big brother!

This charming picture book has been enhanced with the large, clearillustrations of artist Emma Dodd.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 29th. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

Holiday Hours

2011-12-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

Image Source

The Stratford Public Library will be having reduced hours over Christmas and New Years.

Saturday December 24 - open 10-12noon
Sunday December 25 - closed
Monday December 26 - closed
Tuesday December 27 - closed
Wednesday December 28 - open 10am - 9pm
Thursday December 29 - open 10am - 9pm
Friday December 30 - open 10am - 6pm
Saturday December 31 - open 10-12noon
Sunday January 1 - closed
Monday January 2 - closed
Tuesday January 3 - regular hours resume

Don't fret if we are closed - you can access research material, download ebooks & audiobooks, reserve items.

Merry Christmas!

We hope you have a holiday that fills your heart with joy!

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2011-12-22T13:23:00.001-05:00

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman

@SPL: FIC Rachm

For my money, 2011 has been the year of the debutnovel. Without so intending, I've reviewed more than a few of them in thisspace, from Matthew Norman's smutty, snarky Domestic Violets, toparanormal romance sensation Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches,to the vintage appeal and gentle romance of Erin McKean's The Secret Livesof Dresses, just to name a couple. I'm not sure why I've been drawn to somany of them this year; maybe it's that the authors pour so much of themselvesinto these novels? Whatever it is, thank goodness publishing houses havediscovered them too, and decided to put the time and resources into marketingthese newcomers.

Perhaps the best-written debut novel I read thisyear is Vancouver author Tom Rachman's The Imperfectionists. A compactsaga detailing the rise and slow decay of an English-language newspaper basedin Rome, it packs a lot of humanity in under 300 pages.

The novel is broken into two parallel narratives.One narrative focuses a chapter at a time on the lives of the various staffworking at the paper. This is where Rachman's prose really shines – eachchapter is really a character study of the personal and work life of thechapter's subject. Incredible empathy is brought to each character, even thosewho don't come off at all well in earlier chapters belonging to othercharacters. All these chapters are set at the end of George W Bush's war inIraq, as the paper struggles to make ends meet in a fraught economic environment,battling it out in print-only format as the general news media's physicalpresence slowly fades to bits and evanescent silver LCD screens. Rachman slipsseamlessly into the worldview of each subject, letting the personality colourhis prose with humour, kindness, exhaustion, or whatever other dominant traittints each particular worldview.

Between each of the character study chapters arebrief narrative chapters detailing major events in the history of the paper.These give context to the character studies, and help build anticipation as thereader moves toward the conclusion of the book – will the paper's staunchanti-electronic stance gain it a certain cachet in the market? Will staff beable to amp up their investigative skills and their feature writing to gainenough new readers? Can the paper possibly survive the strife in its Board?

With a spare, empathic beauty to its writing, TheImperfectionists is a masterpiece of a debut novel. It's earned a placesolidly within my list of top 5 reads for the year, and is well worth a glancefor readers who value spare, lyrical prose in character-driven literaryfiction.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 22nd. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2011-12-22T13:19:00.002-05:00

Aliens Love Panta Claus, by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, 26 pages.

@ SPL: JP Freed

The aliens are back,just in time for a very special occasion - Christmas!

“The aliens are excited,as tomorrow’s Christmas Day. So instead of stealing underpants, they’re givingthem away!”

Determined to sharetheir festive spirit, the aliens “help” out in Santa’s hectic workshop byadding a flamboyant pair of underpants to the toys for each child, dressing theelves in frilly knickers, and putting neon underwear on each reindeer “to lightthe way”. They even pack Santa’s presents in a huge spotted pair of bloomersinstead of Santa’s usual toy sack.

When Santa’s sleighbreaks down just before his Christmas Eve takeoff, the aliens are especiallyhelpful. With the loan of the aliens’ speedy spaceship, Santa and the aliensare able to travel to the roofs and chimneys of children’s houses all over theworld – and the grateful reindeer (in their neon underwear) are able to remainat home in the North Pole.

And “it really isfantastic / How Santa shoots down each chimney / On a rope of underpantsfantastic”!

As an added touch, themischievous aliens take down the stockings in each house and tie up somecolourful knickers instead … after adding some especially garish underwear toevery Christmas tree – for some “happy knicker cheer”!

The many fans of ClaireFreedman’s hilarious “Aliens” stories will welcome this fun, festive additionto the series.

** Recommended for ages3 to 6 years.

Home for Christmas, by Jan Brett, 26 pages.

@ SPL: JP Brett

Rollo, a rebelliouslittle troll, was tired of helping his family every day on the farm with choressuch as chopping wood, collecting the eggs and caring for the animals. Onemorning, he decided that he had had enough. Grabbing his rucksack, he ran awayinto the forest.

Little Rollo hiked andplayed all day. That night, feeling very tired, he snuggled down in an owl’snest. He stayed there happily for a few days, but when Mother Owl pushed theowlets, one by one, out of the nest for their first flying lesson, he knew itwas time to leave.

Next, the little trolljoined a bear family. After that, he visited an otter family, a lynx and somemoose, staying with each for a few days.

By now, the cold snowyweather had arrived, and something had happened. Rollo was no longer feelingrebellious about doing daily farm chores. He was lonely and homesick, and hemissed his family.

Returning home after along toboggan ride, the little troll was welcomed home with open arms by hismother, father and sister - just in time for Christmas!

In the following days,the troll family noticed something quite nice. Rollo no longer complainedabout his chores – in fact, he did them very cheerfully.

Jan Brett’s superbpicture books are extra-appealing because of the abundant amount of detailincluded in her gorgeous illustrations. Readers will be interested to know thatshe created this picture book after a trip to the tundra area of Sweden, whereshe observed many of the animals included in this story.

** Recommended for ages4 to 7 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 22nd. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

For more Christmas picture book suggestions, visit our favourites in the catalogue.

Staying Up On Technology

2011-12-16T13:44:00.002-05:00

It can be difficult trying to stay up on the ever changing world of technology. If you are one that likes to stay ahead of the curve, check various established technology sites and read about what's happening today. You can subscribe to many of these sites in your rss reader to also have the information sent directly to you.

Be sure to also read the technology section in your favourite newspaper.

Do you have a favourite tech site you check to stay in the know? Please share! I'm always looking for new sites.

~ Krista Robinson, Information Technology Development Librarian

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2011-12-15T14:32:00.001-05:00

I’d Listen to My Parents if They’d Just Shut Up: What to Say and Not Say When Parenting Teens by Anthony E Wolf
@SPL : 649.125 Wol

Just reading the table of contents is enough to give a thoughtful parent an anxiety attack: “Picking Battles with Easy Kids”, “When They Don’t do a Good Enough Job”, “What to do When Your Teen Throws You a Curve”, “Handling Confrontation”, “Entitled Teens”, “Teens and Sex”. “Oh my stars and garters,” the thoughtful parent will think, “Please tell me my twelve-year-old will not turn into one of these teen-beast things!” Dr. Wolf’s advice: stop worrying – because they will – and learn how to talk to your teen or soon-to-be-teen simply, clearly and calmly to get better results and a closer relationship with your growing child.

Wolf is a clinical psychologist with six books under his belt, is a columnist and expert for Parentingteensonline.com, and is a frequent guest lecturer for parents and professionals at the Hospital for Sick Kids at the University of Toronto. (He is also the parent of “two ex-teenagers”.) Wolf talks about the several cognitive changes that children go through during adolescence, and how this affects their behaviour. For instance, there might be a sudden onset of “dad-and-mom-itis”, an allergy-like disease whose symptoms include being irritated, annoyed or mortified by the presence of parents, especially in the vicinity of peers. It is not fatal to teens, and not personal for parents, and usually passes with the onset of early adulthood.

This book is for how to cope in that awkward meantime. Theirs, not yours. It is full of real-sounding conversations that are both fun and cringeworthily scary, but these conversations keep you reading quickly and it is a relief to read Wolf’s specific examples about what to say to teens on the topics of Internet privacy, cyberbullying and dangerous secrets (which you should feel free to adopt).

I’d Listen to My Parents if They’d Just Shut Up is a catchy title that contains Wolf’s main thesis – communicate simply to communicate well with your teen. Extrapolate his advice and it could work with tweens as well.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 15th. Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2011-12-15T11:51:00.003-05:00

The Mitten,retold by Jim Aylesworth, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP Alyes

One cold winter day, alittle boy put on his warm hat, scarf, coat and mittens and went outside. Heplayed happily in the snow for a long time, but when he went back into hishouse, he discovered that one of his mittens had been lost.

That night, a squirrelfound the red woolen mitten. He crawled inside it to escape the cold and wassoon toasty warm. Soon, a rabbit came along. He too crawled into the mitten towarm up. Then a fox, and then a huge black bear, crawled into the mitten, whichof course, had to stretch as widely as possible to hold the four animals - whojust barely fit inside.

Then a teeny tiny mousesqueezed himself into the only teeny tiny spot left in the red mitten.

For a minute – just oneminute – all was well.

Then the animals eachhad to take a big, deep breath of air … and so they did … and the mittenstretched a little more …and a little more … until it couldn’t stretch anymore, even a teeny little bit ….

Young readers canprobably guess at the very sudden ending of this story, which is a fresh newadaptation of a traditional tale from the Ukraine.

However, the little boynever did learn the true story of what happened to his red mitten. Only theanimals knew for sure!

Barbara McClintock’swarm, expressive illustrations are perfect for this very entertaining picturebook.

** Recommended for ages3 to 6 years.

The Story of Snow, by Mark Cassino and Jon Nelson, 28 pages.

@ SPL: J 551.5784Cas

The wonders and marvelsof snow are explored for children in beautiful, detailed colour photographs andeasy-to-read text in The Story of Snow. Young readers can find the answers to mostsnow-related questions that they may have, such as “How are snowflakes and snowcrystals formed?” “What are they made of?” “What shapes do snowcrystals take?” and “Why do snowflakes usually have six sides?”

The scientificexplanations to these questions are made easy enough for children to understandthe amazing diversity and beauty of snowflakes.

Readers may not haverealized before that “a snow crystal is a letter from the sky.” How? The authorexplains that as snow falls from a cloud, the shape of each snow crystal cantell us how wet and cold the cloud is.

Of course, one of themost-often asked questions about snow is, “Is every snowflake actually unique?” The Story ofSnow answers this questionquite satisfactorily for children. (The answer is that because each tinysnowflake is composed of so many molecules, it’s very, very unlikely that twoof them would be formed identically.)

The Story of Snow would be a fine choice of book to share with a child at this timeof year.

Jon Nelson is ateacher/physicist who has studied ice crystals and clouds for many years. Henow lives in Japan. Mark Cassino is a fine art and natural history photographerresiding in Michigan.

** Recommended for ages4 to 8 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 15th. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

Merry Christmas SPL!

2011-12-15T10:58:00.001-05:00

Christmas came a little early here at the library. You may be wondering what we asked for from Santa this year. We asked for new CD cases!
These new cases much more sturdy which means cds in the new cases can be returned in the book drop (Please continue to return cds in our old cases into the library - they can get pretty banged up in the book drop). We hope that by the end of the year, most of the cds will be transferred to the new cases, but there will be some stragglers since many cds are currently checked out.
The other nice thing for library staff is that the cases are much easier to open! No more sore wrists!
Merry Christmas!

Help! I got an eReader!

2011-12-14T16:47:00.001-05:00

Did you ask Santa for an eReader this Christmas? Perhaps a new Kobo, a Sony Reader, or an iPad? eReaders are expected to be a big hit on Christmas morning, even more than last year when in 24 hours usage of our ebooks increased by 400%.

Downloading free audio books and ebooks to your device from downloadLibrary is pretty simple. You browse, checkout and download. You will need a little free software on your computer or device. Besides your device, you will need Internet access, a computer (depending on the device), your library card number and your pin (generally the last 4 digits of your phone number). Once you get started you will have access to thousands of free ebooks!

Staff at the library are more than happy to help you get downloading. Here is a listing to some support resources - both online and in person.

Printable Step by step instructions for downloading to your device
A guided tour of downloadLibrary
Drop-In Clinics immediately following Christmas to help you with any problems you may have had getting setup and going
Donuts & downloadLibrary - how to seminars on using downloadLibrary in early January

Need more assistance? Call and set up an appointment with one of our technical support staff.

Happy Downloading!

Library Foundation looks to the future in establishing fund

2011-12-13T12:03:00.001-05:00

The Stratford Public Library Foundation, a registered charity established in 1998 to help raise funds in support of the library, has joined the family of funds managed by the Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation.

Members of the library foundation board recently voted to invest its current funds with the community foundation and establish a Stratford Public Library Foundation Fund. That money will be invested by the community foundation in an endowment fund, the principal of which will be left untouched and a portion of the income earned each year used to support library programs, services or projects.

“The board felt this was a very positive move for the library foundation – for one thing because it takes advantage of the community foundation’s pooled investments and expertise,” says Alexandra Bignucolo, president of the library foundation’s board of directors. “We believe this is a sound long-term strategy that will support a strong and vibrant library ready to meet the needs of the community well into the future.”

One of the projects undertaken by the library foundation was to establish a Public Library on Wheels, known as PLOW. Thanks to donations from individuals and community organizations, the Library now uses a colourfully decorated van to deliver pre-school literacy programs to under-serviced areas of Stratford – and in conjunction with the Perth County Information Network throughout the county.

The Stratford and Perth County Community Foundation, created in 2004, now manages over $1million in community funds and has granted more than $160,000 to a wide variety of local charities associated with arts and culture, children and youth, seniors, education, the environment, health, social services, and sports and recreation.

Anyone wishing to donate to the new Stratford Public Library Foundation Fund will still be free to specify whether their donation should be added to the endowment fund or used immediately to support library activities.

For further information on the Library Foundation, visit their webage.

Tumblin' Around

2011-12-09T09:45:00.001-05:00

One of the most used databases the library has is called "TumbleBookLibrary". With TumbleBookLibrary you can enjoy animated, talking picture books. There is animation, sound, music and narration in all your favourite picture books - including Robert Munsch! There is even a collection of TumbleBooks in French, Spanish, and a few other languages. And as of this month, some can even be played to an iPad!

But wait... there is more...

There are "TumbleReadables". These are books that are read aloud, but kids can also read the text on the screen. You can adjust the text size, and text is highlighted as it is read. Great for reluctant readers and ESL learners! There are even graphic novels!

Lastly we have "AudioBook Cloud". With AudioBook Cloud, you get streaming audiobooks. That means you listen to the book on you computer. You don't need to check the books out, place holds, or download any extra software. There are lots of classics, non-fiction, fiction for adults, teens and kids.

With all three sources, you simply need to click on the links from our website to access - wherever you have access to the Internet!

Thank you to Southern Ontario Library Service, Ontario Library Service North, and the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for their support in making these great sources available.

SPL Shelf Life [adult]

2011-12-08T16:01:00.001-05:00

©ontext: Further Selected Essays on Productivity,Creativity, Parenting and Politics in the 21^st Century by Cory Doctorow

@SPL: 303.483 Doc

My twitter feed recently offered me a tiny,perfect, 140-character-strung gem – one of those rare moments someone managesto capture in words what many other people have been feeling nebulously offabout for quite some time. Twitter user @jasongorman tweeted “I'm becomingincreasingly convinced that the 21^st century is based on a shortstory by Philip K Dick.” The retweets spread like wildfire through a cyberscapemade tinder dry by apparent police brutality in the eviction of various Occupyprotests, and Apple's release of the uncanny Siri on its iPhone 4S - a voiceactivated app with eerie accuracy answering search queries and unsettlinglysnappy answers to cheeky questions. If Dick's name doesn't ring a bell, he wasthe fellow who wrote Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, upon which thedystopian sci-fi epic film Blade Runner was based.

Cory Doctorow is – to my mind, anyway - Dick's heir apparent. A prolific writer ofscience fiction with steampunk and cyberpunk elements, Doctorow also co-edits afantastic blog at BoingBoing.net and does a fair amount of freelancework for a wide variety of publications, including The Guardian, Locus,and Publishers Weekly. His freelance work, like his fiction, ispassionately concerned with copyright and issues surrounding access toinformation, as well as maker culture, the role of the public sphere in amediascape dominated by corporate electronic media, and especiallyprivacy rights.

In ©ontext, Doctorow further unpacks hisopinions on his favourite topics. For those who suspect a book full of essayson copyright, privacy and citizenship in the digital age might be boring: Youlose. Doctorow may have hardcore geek cred, but he keeps his language plain andfree of terminology, so even the mosttechnophobic reader can grasp the arguments. Most of the essays are only acouple pages long, which keeps them accessible to those new to the topics.Doctorow's precise use of plain language and obvious engagement with hiscontent pull the reader along happily through pieces on the wider socialsignificance of so-called tech issues like net neutrality, intellectualproperty, file sharing, and data security. Why should you care about thesethings? Well, bad information policy kills democracies! And maybe kittens!Okay, maybe not the kittens. Well, unless the article to which the vet mustrefer in order to cure said kittens isn't Open Access, and the other onlinejournals got too expensive... Then won't we all feel like a bunch of jerks fornot paying attention sooner. Won't we just. ©ontext is a timely,engaging invitation to readers to start participating in these importantconversations. After all, the more of our information winds up in the cloud,the more vulnerable we'll be as people, cultures and countries to theinformation management policies of the companies who own the cloud.

This review appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 8th. Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian.

SPL Shelf Life [kids]

2011-12-08T15:58:00.001-05:00

Snowflake Comes to Stay, by Karel Hayes, 30 pages.

@ SPL: JP Hayes

Living by herself,author Harriet Harrington was very accustomed to being alone. She needed peaceand concentration for her writing.

But one day, nothingHarriet wrote seemed right. The same thing happened the next day, and the next.Nothing helped. Harriet, it seemed, had “writer’s block”.

One day her friend,Monique, who raised dogs, phoned her. “I have just the dog for you!” sheannounced.

Monique had been tryingfor years to get Harriet to take one of her dogs. This time, she wouldn’t take“No” for an answer, so Harriet cautiously agreed to take a puppy – just for aweek.

The little white puppy,Snowflake, explored Harriet’s house right away. She liked everything about hernew home, both outside and inside - except for the noisy vacuum cleaner. Shefound many things to play with …and lots of things that she loved to chew:scarves, mittens, slippers, paper, and even Harriet’s dictionary!

Snowflake quickly grewto love Harriet, who, despite herself, became very fond of the mischievouslittle dog. They did many things together. Harriet even began to write again,and was able, finally, to finish her latest book. She was very pleased andthought that it was her best book yet!

That night, however,Snowflake couldn’t sleep. Feeling hungry, she explored the house and cameacross the manuscript of Harriet’s brand-new book …and couldn’t resist chewingit up!

Needless to say, on thefollowing morning, Harriet was very upset.

Readers might be able toguess what became of this crisis in this delightfully- illustrated, charmingstory which, in the end, concludes happily.

** Recommended for ages4 to 8 years.

Hooper Finds a Family: A Hurricane Katrina Survival Tale, by Jane Paley, 137 pages.

@ SPL: J FIC Paley

A second story about alittle dog who found a new home is Jane Paley’s Hooper Finds a Family.

When Hurricane Katrinastruck New Orleans, Louisiana, Hooper, a little yellow Labrador, was lefthomeless. Swept from his home by the water that was quickly flooding hisneighbourhood, the young dog was finally able to latch on to a roof, and waslater rescued by a man with a boat. He was taken to a pet shelter that wasoverflowing with countless “Katrina pets”.

There, Hooper learned tocope with the crowded conditions and the occasional bullying from bigger dogs,but he longed for his owners to come and get him. Over time, he accepted thatthis was unlikely to happen, and he began to wish that a new family would takehim home.

One day, it happened…Hooper was chosen by a new family.

But happy as he was tobe adopted, there were still challenges to be met. His new family lived in New York,and Hooper had to adjust to living in a large city instead of in the country.His new family was still mourning a former pet, and it took time for the littleLab to be fully accepted. It didn’t help that Hooper had lost his bark andacquired a great fear of water due to the trauma of nearly drowning in thefloods of Hurricane Katrina.

Eventually the feistylittle dog became a beloved member of his new family.

Jane Paley’s touchingstory is based on an actual event. Hundreds of pets were left homeless byHurricane Katrina in 2005, one of the five deadliest hurricanes in the historyof the United States.

Fortunately, Hooper’sstory, at least, ended happily.

** Recommended for ages7 to 11 years.

These reviews appeared in The Stratford Gazette on December 8th. Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian.

Your Library Today... and Tomorrow

2011-12-08T14:37:00.001-05:00

We have now received more "words" that people feel describe the library today - and what they feel the library of the future will bring. These words have come from our online form, from a form box at the Stratford Marketplace, and from various focus groups. You can still add your word by filling out our online form.

The Library today...

The Library in the future...

Do any words surprise you? Or are there words not in the clouds here that you expected would be there? Let us know.

Exciting News for Android Phone Users

2011-12-06T16:25:00.001-05:00

Android users can now download BookMyne! BookMyne is a free app which allows you to search the Stratford Public Library catalogue, place holds, renew items, create lists and much more. BookMyne has been available for iPhone users for some time now, but as of today, Android Market is carrying the app too.

If you have been using BookMyne for iPhone, there is a recent update that has redesigned the interface and integrated recommendations from GoodReads.

We'd love for you to download the app and let us know what you think. Simply leave a comment here and we will be sure to follow up.