OLA Super Conference

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. 

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

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!

Cynthia's Pick

Wendy's Pick

Shauna's Pick

Robyn's Pick

Karen E's Pick

Cathy P's Pick

Sally's Pick

Melanie's Pick

Krista's Pick

David's Pick

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

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.

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

The Next Always by Nora Roberts

@SPL: FIC Rober

A note to most men and other enthusiastic avoiders of the romance genre: You may as well tune out now. I'm going all Nora Roberts on 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 with her most-loved, vintage work. The Next Always is the first book in her Inn Boonsboro trilogy. It follows Roberts' classic trilogy formula – three strong, sassy friends in a small, atmospheric town come together around a charming project. The project provides the setting for the three friends to further bond, and – eventually - fall in love with gruff, dreamy manly-men.

Clare is a young, beautiful widow of a soldier with three boys under 10. When her husband died, she returned home to Boonsboro to be near her parents and best friend Avery (who owns an Italian restaurant across 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 other words, she's a true-to-form, Nora Roberts-style independent woman. She's looking forward to the jump in business that'll come when the Montgomery brothers finish restoring a historic inn nearby. Small towns being what they are, Clare gets tours of the Inn as it transforms, and eventually winds up working with the brothers writing copy for their ad material. One of the brothers, Beckett, is a handsome architect and contractor who's had a crush on Clare since high school. As work on the inn progresses, he and Clare grow closer.

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

All Roberts' signature elements are here: Strong bonds between friends; sarcasm without cattiness; a strong sense of place and community; and hunky men doing manly things in sensitive ways. The Inn itself takes shape as a character as the story progresses, with Roberts giving lots of charming details for the design enthusiasts out there to latch onto. And, qua Roberts, there are even some supernatural elements and a nod to Celtic culture in the character of Avery (I'm sure that'll be fleshed out in her installment, The Last Boyfriend, coming May 2012). Sensitive readers be warned - the Montgomery brothers' dialogue is as blue as their collars, and there are some pretty spicy scenes. However, all in all, The Next Always offers no surprises to seasoned Roberts readers – just a cozy, atmospheric, light read with likeable characters, great for dreary winter afternoons.

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

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New Library Databases - for Kids

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 find magazine 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 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. 

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

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More New Library Databases - for Adults

Like print books, we are continuously adding new databases to our online collection that will help you find a variety of high-quality information.  To access you just need your SPL library card number! (all 14 digits and no spaces).  They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - wherever you have Internet access.

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

Canada's Information Resource Centre
An all-encompassing Canadian online source that provides access to tens of thousands of cultural and professional organizations, government offices, law firms, banks, health and education facilities, libraries, and the media ranging from magazines to broadcasters. With CID you have access to over 100,000 contact names across Canada, too. All carefully indexed for easy productive search queries. Includes

World Book Online Reference Centre

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!

Alt Health Watch 

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.  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!

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Passport for Literacy and Family Literacy Day

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. 

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

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.

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

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. 

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New at SPL: Alt HealthWatch

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.

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Way to Go Stratford!

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!

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Can We Have A Word?

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. 

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One for the Money...

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.

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The Charles Taylor Shortlist has been announced!

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. 

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

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.

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Do You Pin?

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!  

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eReader Problems?

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).

1. Ensure you have the correct date, time and timezone set in the settings on your device - and on your computer. 
2. Check that you have set your device to "connect" when you plug it into your computer. 
3. Have you Authorized your device with your Adobe ID? If it isn't' authorized, it won't appear in Adobe Digital Editions. 
4. 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!

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The Joy of Books

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

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StoryTime Registration

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

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Returning eBooks

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:

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

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

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

If using a Kobo Vox:

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

If using a Sony PRS-T1: 

1. Look at book title listing
2. Press and hold your finger on the book you want to return. 
3. 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

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SPL Shelf Life [kids]

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

@ SPL:  JP Mayer

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

The little boy in Mercer Mayer’s newest picture book is certain that monsters inhabit his house inside and outside, but his parents seem completely oblivious. They don’t see the creatures hiding in his closet or under his bed. They don’t hear the loud breathing of the monsters in the basement and they’ve never clued in to the beasts that hang around in the attic, behind the shower curtain or by the trash cans outside. Neither do they appear to take their son’s fears very seriously.

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

Will it work?

Fortunately, it does, and the little 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 previous picture books (There’s a Nightmare in My Closet, There’s an Alligator in My Bed and There’s Something in My Attic) also address the classic preschool fear of “things that go bump in the night”.  Mayer, who has been writing for 35 years (and is the author of the popular Little Critter books), addresses the issue of monsters effectively, using humorous illustrations and stories that will inspire confidence in young listeners.

** Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years.

The World Champion of Staying Awake, by Sean Taylor, 38 pages.

@ SPL:  JP Taylo

It was bedtime for Stella, but neither she nor her stuffed animal friends were at all tired. How could she fall asleep when Cherry Pig was bouncing on the bed, Thunderbolt the Puppet Mouse was squeaking and Beanbag Frog was hopping around?

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

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

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

Stella tucked her friends into bed.

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 a child’s imagination.  

** Recommended for ages 2 to 5 years.

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

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SPL Shelf Life [adult]

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 with sappy, happy Christmas tunes and maintaining family values in front of the neighbours? Yeah? That's what I thought. Me too. What better antidote than curling up someplace very quiet with your shiny new eReader to read all about zombies, gorgons and vampires with Seinfeld-sized neuroses?

Frank Lesser is a writer with the Colbert Report; his book, Sad Monsters, carries the same tone of parody taken to such extremes that it becomes a satire drenched in verisimilitude. Lesser explains the book's premise in its introduction: “Many monsters suffer from 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 to ashes, or because he has social anxiety disorder?... In this book you will find monsters who are sad, misunderstood, discouraged, lonely, and in many cases demonized, particularly the demons.” Arranged into short stories, each highlighting a different neurotic monster, Sad Monsters examines the inner lives of Godzilla during an existential crisis (“Had plans to destroy Kyoto with Mothra, but ended up staying in and watching M*A*S*H reruns. Tried to selfmedicate by eating a pharmaceutical factory.”), Dorian Gray's roommate, zombies trying to survive a human invasion, and many other monsters facing crippling anxieties.

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

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

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