Important Notice from Ontario Works

Important Notice Regarding Stratford Ontario Works Benefits
from Stratford Ontario Works 

Stratford Ontario Works benefits were mailed on May 30.  For those who did not receive their cheques by mail, contact the Ontario Works office at 271-3773 or 1-800-669-2948 and make arrangements for pickup.  Since a settlement has not been reached with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, please do not mail any correspondence that needs to reach the Ontario Works office at this time.

Drop off locations are as follows:

During regular business hours 8:30 to 4:30

• Town of St Marys Treasury Department, 175 Queen St E, St Marys
• Municipality of North Perth, 330 Wallace Ave N, Listowel
• Municipality of Perth South, 3191 Road 122, St Pauls
• Municipality of Perth East, 25 Mill St E, Milverton
• Municipality of Perth West, 169 St David St, Mitchell
• City of Stratford Social Services, 82 Erie Street, Stratford

24 hours per day at the drop box located at the main office area at 82 Erie Street, Stratford

Please call the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 1-800-808-2268 to check for any holds on your file.  (If you have forgotten your PIN or ID number press 0 for an attendant).

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

These reviews appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 18, 2011 

Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian

The Cats of Roxville Station, by Jean Craighead George, 163 pages.

@ SPL: J FIC Georg

The wild cats which lived in the vicinity of the Roxville Train Station had their own hierarchy and distinct personalities, but the mission of each was survival. When Rachet, a young female housecat, was thoughtlessly abandoned near the train station by her owner, she had to learn a number of survival skills very quickly. She observed the other feral cats living near the train station closely, learning where to find food and shelter, and learning what dangers to avoid in her new neighbourhood. She learned where to hide during downpours and blizzards, and learned to stay clear of Windy, the owl and Shifty, the fox.

Mike, a foster child living in the Roxville community, had also had to learn many things quickly at a young age. His foster mother provided him with a house in which to live, but nothing more - no guidance or love. He longed for a pet – like Rachet.

The story of Rachet, her kittens, their survival and the bond that Rachet gradually develops with Mike is heart-warming and ends happily. Jean Craighead George, who wrote The Cats of Roxville Station at 90 years of age, has infused this appealing animal story with much detail and insight about feral cats and the other wildlife that often inhabit city suburbs – owls and other birds, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. In fact, George - a prolific children’s author of such books as My Side of the Mountain - was able to write so realistically about these animals because she and her children rescued and housed many small animals over the years, learning their ways and habits. Young readers will enjoy learning about them too.

** Recommended for ages 9 to 13 years.

Won Ton, by Lee Wardlaw, 30 pages.

@ SPL:  JP Wardl

Won Ton, a new picture book by Lee Wardlaw,is the story of another feral cat. Won Ton is found and taken to an animal shelter. One day, his wish to be adopted is realized when a boy and his family take him home.

In his new home, Won Ton proves to have a “mind of his own”, as cats so often do. He sometimes answers to his name – and sometimes does not. At times he likes to hide; at other times he demands “his” boy’s total attention. He will play with whom he chooses, when he feels like doing so – and only then. He will not tolerate another cat in “his” backyard. He is extremely picky about his food. Instead of using a scratching post, he prefers the furniture – the newer, the better! He disdains his special cat bed, sleeping on a soft heap of socks or other clothing instead.

In true cat fashion, there is no doubt that Won Ton intends to retain his independence.

A unique feature of this charming tale is that it is written entirely in a series of “senyru”, which is a form of Japanese poetry very similar to haiku. Both forms of poetry are short, concise, and are used to “capture the essence of a moment”. In this book, it is the playful, ironic and mischievous nature of the cat, Won Ton, which the senyru so successfully captures. Paired with the expressive artwork of illustrator Eugene Yelchin, this title is a definite winner for cat-loving and animal-loving readers.

Author Lee Wardlaw’s other books include 101 Ways to Bug Your Parents and Dinosaur Pizza.

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years.

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Mark Your Calendars!

SPLASH! Celebrate Summer (and avoid summer "brain drain") by joining the Library's Summer Reading Club, starting June 20.  To succeed in school and life, children and young adults need ongoing opportunities to learn and practice essential skills.This is especially true during the summer months. That's why the Library offers cool summer reads and other activities for kids and families. Children can sign up beginning June 20 at the Stratford Public Library to keep reading, learning and having fun all summer long.  The library will once again be offering the FREE TD Summer Reading Club to children 5 - 12.  The TD Summer Reading Club promotes children to read all summer long and win lots of cool prizes.  The Library will also be offering various other programs and family events (for a small fee) Last year, 295 kids registered in the TD Summer Reading Club, and attendance at the summer programs was over 700! How many books did they borrow? A whopping 17,500 books were borrowed by children in July and August 2010 - wow! For more information on Summer Reading, keep up to date by visiting the SPL Kids Website. Program information will be updated continuously throughout the summer.

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Where There's A Will...

The Stratford Public Library Foundation is once again presenting a FREE information evening on the importance of having a Last Will and Testament.  
Stratford lawyer, Anne-Marie Tymec, from Monteith, Ritsma, Phillips, LL.P., will go over the basics of writing a will. She will explain what can and can’t be included in a will, how to revoke or change a will, and what happens if you die without a will.  Ms. Tymec will also discuss Power of Attorney, and will talk briefly about the duties of an Executor. 
This FREE event will be held in the Stratford Public Library Auditorium on Wednesday June 1, 2011 7:00 – 8:30 pm.  

* Elevator available

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

This review appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 26, 2011
Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian 

 

Mourning Gloria by Susan Wittig Albert

@SPL: FIC Alber

China Bayles is back again, with plant lore, recipes and another murder to solve. With her hubby McQuaid out of town on business, and her step-son Brian away at a summer job and, you would think China has a lot of time on her hands. However, in the Texas town of Pecan Springs, China runs three businesses – an herb shop called Thyme and Seasons, a tea shop called Thyme for Tea, and a catering business called Party (you guessed it )Thyme, and still manages to become embroiled in the quaint town’s seedy undergrowth. Those already familiar with the China Bayles series will know that each novel is loosely based around a family of plants and this story revolves around those herbs that pack more than a slight punch – psychotropic herbs and plants. No fear, the recipes in the back of the novel do not include “how to” guides for illegal use of them, but there is plenty of lore about these legal (tobacco, caffeine) and not-so-legal (morning glory, coca) mood-altering plants. It seems Pecan Springs is not very far from the Mexican border, and drug cartels are becoming a new concern in the area. Two young women get involved – one is murdered, and the other disappears while following the trail of her killer. China finds herself tracking the girl who disappeared, but still manages to keep her readers up-to-date on the town’s residents – Blackie the sheriff; his engagement to Smart Cookie, the police chief; China’s best friend Ruby, and Ruby’s granddaughter Grace; and of course the newest member of the Bayles-McQuaid family, China’s niece Caitie, who is not only finally recovering from the deaths of her parents, but is showing great promise as a violinist. All of this keeps the pace of Mourning Gloria going at a good clip, with lots of chummy asides to readers inviting them to visit Pecan Springs and drop in on the many residents and shops (you can’t, they are all fictional). Locavores take note – this novel highlights the “locally grown” movement as well, and there are also as many hints to be had about running a small business as there are about the proper care and feeding of herbs. Mourning Gloria is a great addition to the China Bayles series, which can be read in sequence or as a stand-alone novel, and do try making the Lemon Icebox Cookies – they’re delicious!  Find Mourning Gloria at http://spl.bibliocommons.com under the tag “Shelf Life Reviewed”.

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NoveList

Are you looking for a great recreational read but have already devoured everything by your favourite author?  Would you like to find books of a similar nature written by different authors?  If so, try searching NoveList and you may discover new favourites.

1. Click here to visit the Stratford Public Library website and select your location of access for Novelist from the database menu (inside library or outside library). 

2. If you are outside the library, you will be prompted to enter your library card number (all digits, no spaces)

3. To find similar read-a-likes, conduct a search of your favorite author by typing their name into the search box.  

4. A listing of titles written by the author will appear.  Click on a book you enjoyed by that author and details of that book will appear. On the right hand side of the screen you will find recommendations by NoveList. 

5. If you click on any of those recommended titles, a description for that book will appear. In the details will be a link that will allow you to check to see if it is in the Stratford Public Library catalogue.  Unfortunately we can't have all possible books here at SPL, but if you find a book you want and we don't have it, submit an Interlibrary Loan request. We will do our best to bring it in for you. 

6. You can also search for more books by selecting the subject headings on the right of the screen that are important to you and then hit the search button. 

If you have any questions on this database, or any of the many others we have access to, call the library at 519-271-0220 or email us at askspl[at]pcin.on.ca.

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Overdrive App Update

A new update has been made available for the Overdrive Media Console  Mobile app for Android, Blackberry and iPhone/iPads.  With this new update users can return an eBook early directly right from their mobile device.  In the past eBooks could only be returned via Adobe Digital Editions on your personal computer.  This is an important feature because there is limit of 15 items out at any one time - by returning an eBook if you are finished before the expiry date allows you another download and makes the title available for anyone on the wait list. 

To return an eBook early just swipe the title you want to delete from your downloadLibrary library in the app and you're given the option to delete & return or just delete.  If you haven't updated the free app yet, just go to the App Store, press the Updates button, then apply the Overdrive app update.

The updated app is available from the Android Market, App Store™, Blackberry AppWorld™, MobiHand™ App Store, or www.overdrive.com.

If you are unfamiliar with our free downloadable audiobook and ebook service, try it today! For more information or help sheets, read all about it on the library's website. 

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Cultural Strategic Investment Fund Grant

In 2006, former South Korean president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kim Dae-jung called upon world libraries to “fulfill more dynamic roles” because “the time has come for libraries to assume a role that is unprecedented in importance”. Meanwhile, the global economy almost collapsed, ecological disasters abound and Google has achieved global recognition striving “to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful”. As rapid changes occur, some libraries are being closed while others are successfully re-inventing themselves. The City of Stratford is reinventing itself. Stratford is a 2011 top seven intellegent community. The new University of Waterloo campus and Stratford Institute promise to make Stratford a focal point for the future of digital media. Entrepreneurial creativity abounds in Stratford; creative workers are coalescing like never before.

Ontario’s public libraries must “seek to provide, in co-operation with other boards, a comprehensive and efficient public library service that reflects the community’s unique needs” (Public Libraries Act). Stratford Public Library will balance the global and the local by engaging local creative and digital expertise to prepare a strategic plan.  This Strategic Plan will be a model plan to guide other Ontario libraries in engaging their local knowledge economy as well as the various sectors in the community, especially those that traditionally show little or no interest in their library. SPL will prepare its strategic plan in partnership with the Stratford Institute for Digital Media, the Institute for Collective Intelligence, the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation and the Ontario Library Association.

Today we were pleased to welcome John Wilkinson, MPP, Perth-Wellington to the Library where he announced that the Stratford Public Library received a Cultural Strategic Investment Fund Grant from the Ministry of Tourism & Culture for $31,000 to help make this strategic plan a reality.   

“Cultural organizations enrich our community and help drive creativity,” stated Wilkinson. “With this support the Stratford Public Library will be able to continue their work to enhance our cultural life and community, helping to attract new visitors and boost cultural tourism. I am delighted that Stratford’s plan will serve as a model to guide other Ontario libraries in engaging their local knowledge economy.”

Watch for updates throughout this year on the progress of the strategic plan and its outcomes. 

From Left: Sam Coghlan (Stratford Public Library), Brendan Howley (Institute for Collective Intelligence), John Wilkinson ( MPP, Perth-Wellington), Kristin Sainsbury (Perth Community Futures Development Corporation)

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

These reviews appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 25, 2011 

Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian

The Gigantic Sweet Potato, adapted by Dianne de Las Casas, 30 pages.

@ SPL:  JP Tolst

When Ma Farmer decided that it was time to harvest the huge sweet potato in her garden, she couldn’t budge it. She called Pa Farmer to help, but together they couldn’t move it. With Bessie Cow’s help, they still couldn’t pull the sweet potato out of the ground. And even with Farmer Pa, Bessie Cow, Ralphie Dog and Kitty Cat all helping, the gigantic sweet potato just would not come out of the ground.

What to do?

To be honest, Ma Farmer, now rather hot and exasperated, didn’t know what to do next, and when itty-bitty Lily Mouse happened along and offered to help, Ma Farmer readily accepted.

The others wondered how Lily Mouse could make any difference at all, but they said nothing.

So they all pulled on the sweet potato plant, and it began, ever so little, to move. They pulled harder. The plant moved a little more, and then some more. And finally, finally, Ma Farmer’s gigantic sweet potato popped right out of the ground!

The familiar Russian folktale, The Giant Turnip, has been very nicely adapted by storyteller Dianne de Las Casas in this story which conjures up an American southwest flavour. Martha Gentry’s droll artwork and a recipe for sweet potato pie complete this fun, “predictable” tale in which the help of even the littlest creature does, indeed, make a difference.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.

Goldie and the Three Hares, by Margie Palatini, 30 pages.

@ SPL:  JP Palat

One morning, Papa, Mama and Baby Hare were abruptly awakened by a loud THUMP against the door of their rabbit hole.

A little girl, Goldilocks, had fallen down the hole while being chased by three very angry bears. 

Invited in to rest her injured foot, the three hares quickly discovered why the bears were so angry at Goldie. She proved to be a most demanding and rude guest. First, she complained about Papa’s hard chair, Mama’s soft chair and Baby Hare’s small chair. Then she complained about the blankets (“too scratchy, too itchy, too big, too little, too hot”). She demanded every cushion and pillow in the rabbit hole (leaving none for anyone else). She bemoaned the lack of heat and she complained about the poor television reception. (In fact, poor Baby Hare had to stand beside the television set for hours so that his big rabbit ears could enhance the reception.)

And that was just the beginning of a very, very bad hare day for the three hapless hares!

At dinnertime, Goldie ate and ate and ate, leaving nothing for the hares. She even gobbled up the carrot tops. Papa, Mama and Baby Hare were now truly desperate to be rid of Goldie!

Young readers will be thoroughly intrigued by what the three hares did next in Margie Palatini’s clever sequel to the favourite tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, featuring the hilarious illustrations of artist Jack E. Davis. 

** Recommended for ages 4 to 7 years.

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

This review appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 19, 2011
Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian 

Bossypants by Tina Fey

@SPL: 791.45028092 Fey

Anyone who likes the television shows Saturday Night Live or 30 Rock will be a big fan of Tina Fey. Since I watch neither, I was skeptical about liking her memoir, expecting it to be a name-dropping, pop-culture bit of fluff meant to capitalize on her current popularity. Well, she does drop a few names and references a lot of pop-culture (because that does sell books), but what impressed me was how open she was about how her opinions formed about issues (yes, issues – cleverly disguised amid many anecdotes), her own life epiphanies, and her management style (which no doubt influenced her character Liz Lemon). She mentions the scar that she notoriously hates to mention, but just to get it out of the way – do not expect any sordid details. In fact, aside from a few F-bombs and some observations about the hygiene differences between men and women, there are few shocking tales at all. I hope that does not put off thrill-seeking readers, because this is one funny, laugh-out-loud book. Ms. Fey’s celebrity status may not be relatable, but as a woman and a woman manager, she certainly is. She had the bad haircuts growing up and unrequited crushes. She worked at summer camps and as a minion in larger corporations. She has struggled with weight and body issues (see chapter All Girls Must Be Everything), and - believe it or not - having her voice heard. Having navigated these hurdles and reached celebrity status, Ms. Fey’s account of “celebrity” is refreshingly balanced – it is what we all think as we see endless streams of Photoshopped stars dancing, dieting and rehabbing – it is a weird, weird life of publicity, ratings and critics (see chapter Amazing, Gorgeous, Not Like That). Yet, Ms. Fey treats it as all part of a job that she loves.  Yes, her comments are highly acerbic or satirical, but juxtaposed with normal everyday observations they almost always take you by surprise, and will cause irrepressible and sometimes embarrassing snorts or guffaws to escape one’s lips – just in case you happen to be opening your copy on the bus, train or dental hygienists’ office, which will cause you to be “blorft” (see chapter 30 Rock: An Experiment to Confuse Your Grandparents). You are now warned. 

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Got Email?

Late last year the Stratford Public Library started a new service - Email Notification.  Previously we would mail out all of our overdue and late fee notices and we would personally call people when hold requests come in.  However when we have over 4000 holds placed by library members each month, that's a lot of phone calls to make! So now you can sign up to receive all of your notices via email.  This service is recommended for those who check their email daily.
Notices that would arrive by email include:

• Overdue items 
• Late fee charges
• Hold requests

How do you do that? Give us a call at 519-271-0220 or ask the next time you are at the circulation desk. 


Please note that this is not a service that notifies you when things are coming due - that is available as well... watch for an upcoming blog post or check the help pages here. 

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Chick Lit Month!

May is the first ever International Chick Lit Month. What is Chick Lit you ask? There are all sorts of definitions of what Chick Lit is - but generally Chick Lit is:

• books written by women for women
• about a 20-30 year olds
• humorous
• light
• smart and funny
• about living out regular life issues - men, marriage, work, families

Chick Lit also has many sub genres such as Brit Lit, Work Lit, and Mommy Lit.  More and more chick lit is also making it's way from book form to the theatres.  Popular movies based on chick lit titles include: Bridget Jones Diary, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Sex and the City, The Devil Wears Prada, The Nanny Diaries and the recently released Something Borrowed. 

The Stratford Public Library has lots of Chick Lit available for loan - and for the rest of the month of May, you will find a book display on the main floor showcasing some of the various titles available.  You can also browse the chick lit tag in our catalogue or the booklists available to find your next read. 


Do you have a favourite Chick Lit title? Why not share it here - and then star rate and comment on it in the library catalogue!

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Facebook Security Part V - Viruses

Just like anything online, viruses can penetrate into your Facebook profile.  Generally you see them appear in your News Feed in the form of a video you are prompted to click on.   If you click on the video, you also launch a piece of code that sends the message to all your friends, and continues to spread the virus.  
Recently there was a virus going around advertising an Osama Bin Laden shoot down video. After following a sequence of keyboard clicks, the virus would be sent out to all your friends, formated to look like you sent it. This not the only one - there are many, many other similar viruses.  
Luckily for the most part, viruses on social media sites are not extremely harmful.  Some might ask for your credit card information - but very few. Generally they are looking for your personal information by scanning your computer or by asking you to fill out a survey.  That information is then sold. Sometimes malware is installed on your computer to help companies track infected computers.   
The best practice is simply not to click on the ad. You can also delete it from your feed.
So be careful what you click on. If you have received the same video clip suggestion 5 times in one day... then it is likely something you don't want to click on. 
Click here to read more in our Facebook Security series.

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

These reviews appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 12, 2011 

Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian

Lights! Curtains! COWS! by Karin Adams, 132 pages.

@ SPL:  J FIC Adams

Best friends Greg, Mike and Becky can’t believe their ears. The town’s play, The Legend of Cow Valley – a proud annual tradition of Ellis, Saskatchewan for over thirty years - is to be cancelled forever! Why? And why this year, when at last, it would have been Greg, Mike and Becky’s turns to act in the production – in the key roles, no less?

As far as the three friends are concerned, the play is perfect. It depicts a significant and exciting episode in the town’s history, people of all ages from the community work enthusiastically together on the production, and it brings visitors to town. However, they discover that the play will be replaced by a heritage museum funded by the federal government.

Convinced that the play is an irreplaceable and vital part of Ellis’ heritage and community, the three friends are simply determined to save it – and that is just what they do, in a series of misadventures, which, although hilarious, bring home some important truths to the young teens. The importance of determination, of traditions and history, and the role that young people can play in preserving history – as well as the dangers of prejudging people – are just some of the messages conveyed in this engaging story.

The Legend of Cow Valley is one title in the Streetlights series - a Canadian collection of short chapter books that would be enjoyed by both enthusiastic and reluctant readers. Two other recently-published books in this excellent series are The Next Step and No TV? No Fair!

** Recommended for ages 9 to 14 years.

Lacey and the African Grandmothers, by Sue Farrell Holler, 164 pages.

@ SPL:  J FIC Holle

Lacey and the African Grandmothers is another story in which the determination and perseverance of a young person makes a significant difference in their own, or another, community’s, life.

Young Lacey Little Bird lives on a Siksika Blackfoot in Alberta. Life isn’t easy for her or her family but she knows that she is lucky to have a loving, supportive family, which includes her grandmother, who patiently teaches her traditional crafts of beadwork and sewing.

When Lacey hears about African Grandmothers, an organization aimed at helping grandmothers in Africa who are raising grandchildren orphaned by the cruel disease of AIDS, she’s determined to help in some way. She decides that she can use her new sewing and beadwork skills to make and sell handmade bags and purses. It will involve much time and hard work, but Lacey is determined to help those less fortunate than herself.

Sue Holler’s story is based on real people, real events, and on the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign. (Today, there are more than 220 groups in Canada supporting African Grandmothers.)

Lacey and the African Grandmothers is one of the Kids’ Power Book series of books which are inspired by real stories of young people who have taken action to make the world a better place.

** Recommended for ages 8 to 12 years.

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

This review appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 12, 2011
Written by Robyn Godfrey, Librarian

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

@SPL: FIC Newma

Spices. Henna. Kama Sutra. India holds an exotic allure for adventurers and historians. For three like-spirited women born a century apart, India is a place of escape, of wild contrasts, and in an odd way, of home. In 1854, during the last days of the Raj, Felicity Chatwick returns to the country where she was born, a country which allows her to trade her restrictive Victorian corsets and ethics for bright saris, and to live her life for herself, full of joy. Her English friend Adela Winfield is set apart from Victorian women by her preference for women, but holds on to her British attitudes and beliefs long after she joins Felicity in Marsoola. A century later in 1947, Evie Mitchell, American daughter of Irish immigrants, hopes to reconnect with her husband Martin while he studies the final days of the British occupation in India; her Jewish husband has been a stranger to her since returning from the war, and their passionate bond has been cracked by experiences he will not share with her. As she struggles to broaden the horizons for herself and her son Billy, she works out her frustrations with a frenzied cleaning of their rented bungalow – and finds the first of some faded letters from Felicity to her friend Adela back in England. Intrigued to know more, Evie searches through temples and bookshelves, finding scraps of their story here and there – a story of friendship strong enough to overcome space, time and prejudices - even as she tries to stitch together her own marriage. She learns that Felicity and Adela’s time in India was just as frought as her own –partition between Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan loomed in 1947, and in the mid 1800’s the sopoy uprisings and Kumar massacre created as much danger for the Europeans – especially two Victorian ladies living on their own. Evie tries to reconcile both her marriage and her dislike of the remaining British sahibs with her own hopes and observations, but it is only when she understands the Indian concept of acceptance that she finds the answers for which she had been looking – the missing pieces in Felicity and Adela’s story, and the new mortar that will rebuild the world she shares with Martin. Thoroughly researched and beautifully written with a quick, deft pace, The Sandalwood Tree is a deliciously satisfying read for romantics, adventurers and historians alike, and best accompanied with a glass of chai or mango lassi. 

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Sunday Hours

It's that time of the year again! Spring looks like it is finally here and that means our hours are changing.  This coming Sunday, May 15 will be our last open Sunday until October 16 when we will  open again 2-5pm.  All of our other hours will remain the same. 

Monday -1pm - 9pm

Tuesday -10am - 9pm

Wednesday 10am - 9pm                                                                             

Thursday - 10am - 9pm

Friday -10am - 6pm

Saturday -10am - 5pm

We also have a couple of upcoming closures that you need to be aware of.

Monday May 23 - Victoria Day
Tuesday May 24 - Computer System Upgrade.

For a full listing upcoming closures visit the library website. 

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downloadLibrary and eBooks

Are you an eBook user with downloadLibrary? Did you know that you can return ebooks to the virtual library before they are set to automatically expire? This allows the book to move on to the next person on the request list.  [Just a note though, you don’t want to return the book before you are finished reading it!]

Returning an eBook is very easy to do:

1. Open Adobe Digital Editions.
2. Click on the arrow in the left corner of the book you want to return.
3. Select “Return Borrowed Item"

The item is then returned, and you have one more item you can check out!  Unfortunately it does not work this way with the audiobook downloads.

For more information on downloadLibrary or to print off one of our help guides, visit our website. You can also ask for a demo the next time you are in the library. 

And if you haven't yet, be sure to "Like" downloadLibrary on Facebook!

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

These reviews appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 5, 2011 

Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian

The Beef Princess of Practical County, by Michelle Houts, 226 pages.

@ SPL:  J FIC Houts

Libby Ryan has a clear goal in mind. She is determined that at this year’s Practical County Fair, a few months away, one of her family’s steers will win the Grand Championship.

Her grandfather has allowed her to choose two calves to raise and groom on the family cattle farm for this purpose. Libby wants the win badly – for her grandpa, her dad and for Ryansmeade Farm.

Closer to the fair, however, things become complicated. Libby now has doubts that either steer will win, and dreads the day following the fair, when her beloved steers - Piggy and Mule - must be sold. A couple of extremely nasty neighbours, the Darling sisters, add some unpleasant complications, proving that they will do absolutely anything at all to help their steer win the Grand Championship. Adding to that, her mother has somehow persuaded Libby to enter the Beef Princess Beauty Contest, and here, Libby feels like a fish (or worse) out of water! 

Readers will be pleased with the way this well-written story ends for Libby, a very likeable and believable heroine. From beginning to finish, The Beef Princess of Practical County is an enjoyable novel that girls will find difficult to put down. At the same time, it offers some valuable messages about family, friendship and loyalty.

First-time author Michelle Houts lives on a grain and livestock farm in Ohio.

** Recommended for ages 9 to 13 years.

 

Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus... by Kristen Tracy.  293 pages.

@ SPL:  J FIC Tracy

At eleven years of age, Camille McPhee has some things going on in her life. Her best friend has moved to Japan. Camille feels her absence keenly but doesn’t feel ready to make another best friend – not yet. Her beloved cat, Checkers, is lost. Camille misses him too. Her parents are going through a rocky time in their marriage, and she is worried about them. In addition, Camille has problems with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which sometimes causes her to faint. This is why she fell under her school bus instead of getting into it one morning.

Fortunately, the bus driver noticed Camille’s fall and didn’t start up the bus.  Unfortunately, some of her classmates also noticed and teased her, not understanding the situation.

With everything going on in her life, it might be easy to become discouraged – but Camille usually remains optimistic. She knows that she has things to be positive about. In this wise but entertaining story, she learns that life isn’t always fair or easy. “That’s life. Sometimes you get pizza. Sometimes you get fish guts. Sometimes you get both at the same time.”  Camille also learns that negative events often have “silver linings”, and it’s important to look and find them. 

In the end, Camille does make a new friend and her cat, Checkers, is found.

This book, which also features a very likeable, believable heroine, is the first for author Kristen Tracy, who as a child, also fell under a school bus.

** Recommended for ages 9 to 12 years.

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

This review appeared in the Stratford Gazette on May 5, 2011
Written by Shauna Thomas, Librarian

Song of the Silk Road By Mingmei Yip

@SPL: FIC Yip

When I sat down with Mingmei Yip’s Song of the Silk Road, I was prepared for an elegant novel filled with richly evocative description of China’s rural landscapes and cultures. This was based on book blurbs and the cover of the book, which features a serene looking young woman and some lovely cherry blossoms. What’s that they say about not judging a book by its cover? Yeah, that’s right. Over here, where I’m sitting - librarian FAIL, live and in colour. This isn’t to say the book isn’t lovely, well-written and breathtaking, but it’s also much more.

Hong Kong-born Lily Lin is an aspiring author living off waitressing and the goodwill of her married lover in New York City, when she receives news that an unknown aunt wishes to leave her an inheritance of $3 million. Lily is ecstatic and can hardly wait to collect the money. Except, she must: Dear aunt Mindy has stipulated that Lily must travel China’s treacherous Silk Road and complete a series of extremely bizarre tasks (including - but happily not limited to - the minor destruction of national treasures and the seduction of a particular monk) if she wants to receive the full inheritance. With little to hold her back, Lily decides to embark on the journey.

What follows is an absolute romp through the China guidebooks don’t cover. Told in vivid first-person language - with witty chapter titles and a tongue-in-cheek east-meets-west style – Yip’s writing brings a charmingly bitter post-colonial edge to Lily’s morally complex character. The descriptions of desert and mountain landscapes are breath-taking, and so are her colourful evocations of downscale, rural Chinese hotels and hospitals, albeit for different reasons. If you are the sort of person who reads a book for the calibre of the writing, or to immerse yourself in the culture, food and space of another land, you should pick up this book.

More of a plot person? Don’t worry, there’s lots for you, too. Soon after arriving in China, Lily meets a sad, sweet American named Alex. Although much younger than Lily, he falls quickly and inconveniently in love with her. Desiring a journey of adventure and self-discovery, she tries to shake him, but he is determined to keep her safe through China’s dangerous backcountry. Through the Taklamakan desert and into the mountains, Lily meets many incredible characters, from a mysterious Uyghur apothecary whose tragic story is the stuff of myths, to a blind Taoist monk with sharp second sight and a snappy, sarcastic sidekick. These characters - and her aunt’s improbable list of tasks - are so tightly interwoven with the surprise ending, that unveiling details comes dangerously close to spoiler territory. This is an adventure story in the best sense, with humour, romance, suspense and tragedy. Pour yourself something yummy and settle in; once you get started on Song of the Silk Road, you’re not going anywhere for a good while.

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