Did you know that altruism, defined as the “behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense,” has been observed in bat populations, especially the iconic vampire bat? Vampire bats display what scientists call “reciprocity,” which is a fancy term for friendship. For example, vampire bats don’t just take care of other vampire…
Continue reading "All Together Now . . . With Bats! 🦇"
After a stressful trip to the grocery store, which has become a maze of confusing one-way aisles, what do you do to unwind? You’ve sprayed down all your groceries with disinfectant, taken your shower and put on your sweats. Time to fire up the old streaming service, am I right? Now comes the question: do…
Continue reading "Getting Campy on Kanopy" Adults
Like most people, I find new books by reading library blogs, or visiting askjeeves.com and typing “please show me a good book,” or perusing the shelves at my local library until I find a book with a cover that seems sufficiently gravy resistant. Occasionally though, a human will recommend a book. Such is the case…
Continue reading "The Gentleman Recommends: Zachary Thomas Dodson" Adults
After a busy couple of months jam-packed with holiday activities and get-togethers, I’m feeling more than ready for a good, long nap. Many Missouri animals, from bears and bats to snakes and frogs, take this sentiment a step further than we can and rest for weeks or even months at a time. This behavior is…
Continue reading "A Long Winter’s Nap: All About Hibernation" Kids
Do you love all matter of spooky ephemera, including (but not limited to) asymmetrical gourds, a crunchy walk through leaf-litter at dusk, black cats, swooping bats, a chilly breeze, the moonlit hoot-hooting of an owl, flickering shadows, the curling crackle of a bonfire with friends, your favorite elder’s throaty cackle? 🍠🍂🐈🖤🦇🌬️🌕🔥 Are you into that…
Continue reading "Spooky, Not Scary Watch-List" Teens
Wool Theme Selected for Fifth Annual Quilt Exhibit
Every year, curator Mindy Smith selects a different aspect of quilting to feature at the annual quilt exhibit at the Columbia Public Library in April. “Having this exhibit at the library, provides such a good learning opportunity to help everyone more fully appreciate this form of expression,” said Mindy. “So this year, wool is the featured element, and we are opening the entries up to include coverlets and hooked rugs in addition to quilts.”
Submissions are being accepted for consideration December 1, 2018 through March 3, 2019.
News
It’s the end of the year, and I feel like there are so many books I never got to tell you about! So this month I decided to share some of my favorite books that came out earlier this year. That means you don’t have to wait for the release date, so find these on…
Continue reading "Brianna’s Books: Favorites from 2022" Kids
I refuse to let go of summer. Everywhere I go, I see pumpkins, gourds, bats, cats, and other Halloween decorations. NO. Denied. Absolutely not. It is still September, and, until September 22nd, we shall remain in summer. As it is still summer, and not Halloween, I hereby declare it is still time to have fun…
Continue reading "Yard Fun Picture Books" Kids
Dinosaurs are fascinating to all ages. It still amazes me how often a small child can tell you exactly what kind of dinosaur is in a picture. And new dinosaur bones and information are being discovered every year. I find it mind-boggling that birds are the descendants of dinosaurs. (When I was growing up, we…
Continue reading "Virtual Activity Bundle: Dinosaurs" Kids
There are some great books coming out this fall! Let’s not waste any time on small talk—we’ll go straight to the good stuff. Picture Books “I Am Darn Tough” written by Licia Morelli and illustrated by Maine Diaz This gorgeous book is about a girl running in a cross-country race. The watercolor illustrations and poetic…
Continue reading "Brianna’s Books: October Favorites 2020" Kids