From Our Blogs

Book and activity ideas for all ages.

  • Staff Review: Early Sobrieties by Michael Deagler

    “The light, in the morning, in the kitchen, was a thing I did not hate. There was something about the slant of it, the way the room seemed to glow from the floor upward toward the ceiling. I sometimes thought, in moments when I could sit in that kitchen alone, in the morning, with everyone … Read more

  • Reader Review: Middlemarch

    As the back of the novel states, “this book is about a small provincial town right before the Great Reform Bill of the 1830s, in England.” During this historical period, “Middlemarch” takes a look at the daily lives of several different members of the community, and their prides and struggles before, during and after the … Read more

  • Cosplay 2024 – Meet the Judges

    Our annual cosplay contest is fast approaching!  On Monday, July 29th dress up as your favorite character, be it superhero, anime, sci-fi or your own original persona. We’ll award prizes for the best costumes and characterization in different age categories, so be ready to show off your cosplay game! The program is for all ages. … Read more

  • Paper Mache Bird Nest

    Did you know paper mache originated in ancient China? Artisans from the Han Dynasty coated wood pulp and glue with many layers of lacquer to construct warrior helmets, as well as pieces like ceremonial masks and lids for pots. Cultures around the world have created or adapted their own forms of papier-mâché (French for “chewed … Read more

  • Reader Review: Joyful Recollections of Trauma

    “Joyful Recollections of Trauma” is book of nonfiction stories about childhood trauma mixed with humor and Hollywood stardom. I’ve been a fan of actor and comedian Paul Scheer’s podcast “How Did This Get Made?” and have heard him tell some stories about his childhood which are a mixture of comedic, weird and sad. I enjoyed … Read more

  • Reader Review: Promises and Primroses

    In the book “Promises and Primroses,” widower Peter Mayfield is in need of a new governess for his two young girls as his previous one is getting married and leaving his employ. He is devoted to the memory of his first wife, bringing up his girls as best he can, and his hobby of canine … Read more

  • Reader Review: The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise

    “The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise” is a lovely little story of two women, both at perhaps their lowest moments, slowly building a bond that helps reinvigorate their lives. They are certainly an odd couple, except that they start to recognize some (unfortunately universal) truths in the experiences that they, as women, share. … Read more

  • dear body of water: a poetic water-harvesting project 🌊

    Did you know the Missouri River — also belovedly known as the Big Muddy, the Mighty Mo, and Mnišoše (“turbid water”) by the Dakota and Lakota — is the longest river on the North American continent?! This wide river of silt and sediment churns its way for over 2000 miles from western Montana down across … Read more

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