I don’t know who first characterized books as “windows and mirrors,” but that is exactly what they are, especially memoirs. Memoirs teach about real worlds and experiences that can be far from our daily realities and thereby expand our lives. Memoirs can also show how someone else has managed a challenge or crisis and allow us to learn what to do — or what not to do. They can show us resilience and perseverance that inspire and empower or give us snapshots of historical perspectives we might’ve otherwise missed. Perhaps most importantly, memoirs can teach empathy, humility, compassion and grace — for others, but also for ourselves. Continue reading “Literary Links: Windows and Mirrors”
Here is a new DVD list highlighting various titles recently added to the library’s collection.
“BlackBerry” – Website / Reviews
This is a fictional account of the story of Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, the two men that charted the course of the spectacular rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone.
“1923” – Season 1 – Website / Reviews
A prequel to “Yellowstone” and a sequel to “1883,” this TV series introduces a new generation of the Dutton family as they explore the challenges of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression.
“The Sparks Brothers” – Website / Reviews
Edgar Wright’s debut documentary is a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers/bandmates Ron and Russell Mael celebrating the inspiring legacy of their band Sparks.
“You Hurt My Feelings” – Website / Reviews
A sharply observed comedy from director Nicole Holofcener about a novelist whose long-standing marriage is suddenly upended when she overhears her husband give his honest reaction to her latest book.
“Asteroid City” – Website / Reviews
In the latest from director Wes Anderson, world-changing events spectacularly disrupt the itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in an American desert town circa 1955.
Continue reading “New DVD List: September 2023”
Studies have shown that loneliness increases the risk and severity of dementia. Unfortunately, the condition can too often lead to social isolation. But your library can help.
The Daniel Boone Regional Library Vision Statement reads, “DBRL strives to be at the heart of the community, a trusted resource and partner known for excellence, creativity and open, equitable access, connecting every person to opportunities for a lifetime of discovery, learning and joy.” Nobody ages out of library services, and the goal of access for everyone continues with changing life circumstances, including a diagnosis of dementia. Continue reading “Memory Café at Your Library”
Below I’m highlighting some nonfiction books coming out in September. All of the mentioned titles are available to put on hold in our catalog and will also be made available via the library’s Overdrive website on the day of publication in eBook and downloadable audiobook format (as available). For a more extensive list of new nonfiction books coming out this month, check our online catalog.
Top Picks
“The Six: The Untold Story of America’s First Women Astronauts” by Loren Grush (Sep 12)
When NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only military test pilots — a group then made up exclusively of men — had the right stuff. It was an era in which women were steered away from jobs in science and deemed unqualified for space flight. Eventually, though, NASA recognized its blunder and opened the application process to a wider array of hopefuls, regardless of race or gender. From a candidate pool of 8,000 six elite women were selected in 1978 — Sally Ride, Judy Resnik, Anna Fisher, Kathy Sullivan, Shannon Lucid, and Rhea Seddon. In “The Six,” acclaimed journalist Loren Grush shows these brilliant and courageous women enduring claustrophobic — and sometimes deeply sexist — media attention, undergoing rigorous survival training, and preparing for years to take multi-million-dollar payloads into orbit. Together, the Six helped build the tools that made the space program run. One of the group, Judy Resnik, sacrificed her life when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded at 46,000 feet. Everyone knows of Sally Ride’s history-making first space ride, but each of the Six would make their mark. Continue reading “Nonfiction Roundup: September 2023”
During the Depression, many people saved buttons, collars, and even zippers from clothes they couldn’t use anymore. Usable pieces of cloth were often sewn together to make a different item of clothing. These button collections have often been passed down through the generations. I received many buttons and lace collars when a family member passed and used some to make clothing for my children when they were small (however, now that they are in their 20s, I don’t think they would be very interested in my homemade creations). Recently, I came across a great activity for our September Crafternoon: button and bead mosaics. All supplies will be provided, but we welcome you to bring any buttons, beads and small pieces of jewelry/mementos you might want to use.
Join us on Thursday, September 14 from 2 -4 p.m. in the Friends Room at the Columbia Public Library. This program is for adults and registration is required — register early as craft classes fill quickly.
For more ideas on decorating with buttons and beads, check out these library resources. You can also explore Creativebug, which is our database on arts and crafts activities. You can view tons of creative ideas with instructional videos and more are added monthly! You will need your library card and pin (your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format) to use this database.
Stay tuned for our October Crafternoon in the library’s program guide, website and social media!
Wanita Humphrey is a mid-Missouri author whose debut book is “
Only A Moment Ago” The book is a fictional romance starring two people who fall in love in rural France, with a time travel twist of one person living in 1952 and the other in 2006. Will they be able to bridge the gap of time or will the years between them separate them forever?
The book was named one of the finalists for the Daphne du Maurier Awards for Mystery/Suspense – Published Division, Paranormal Category in 2022. Humphrey is a retired teacher who taught for over 30 years in Missouri’s Public Schools. She was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email.
Continue reading “Q&A With Wanita Humphrey, Author of “Only a Moment Ago””
These are some more CDs I’ve been keeping in rotation as I put off replacing the dysfunctional AUX cord in my car. Thanks to the library, I always have an album accompanying me from point A to point B 🙂. What are you listening to in the in-between?
Smino “Luv 4 Rent” (2022)
When to Listen: Embarking on a day you’re not sure you’ll get through (a long shift, a difficult visit, a first meeting); on the way back home, when you remember how most things are survivable (enjoyable, even, when you rely on the people around you and let them rely on you, too).
Feels Like: Coffee in the evening. A good hair day. Telling your friend a sad story, realizing it’s kind of funny (They’re laughing, and now you’re laughing, and it doesn’t really matter why).
Favorite Lyric: “Not too great at relationships / At least I try” (“90 Proof” ft. J. Cole)
From the Artist: “This whole album… it’s about having fun and recognizing your inner love, you feel me? Straight up self-love vibe” (Apple Music). Continue reading “Songs for the In-Between II”
I know fall is close when the chrysanthemums show up for sale, popping their sassy color all over the place. They are a favorite replacement for fading annuals, cone flowers and zinnias that have begun to get a bit raggedy.
Did you know you could save your hardy or garden mums through the winter and tend to them so they revive in spring?
While we treat them as annuals, certain plants grow as perennials in their home countries. And while these autumn mums in pots are not necessarily hardy and won’t have a lot of time to settle, with care you can overwinter them. After they have bloomed, trim them back and plant them in an area of your garden with good drainage and protect them from the thaw/freeze cycle of Missouri’s winters. Uncover them in the spring and as they begin to leaf out, pinch the new growth back to encourage multiple blooms or let them grow as nature intended. Missouri Botanical Gardens offers a care sheet with more details. Continue reading “Recycle That Plant!”
The book “Nimona” is about a girl who wants to become the best villain sidekick ever. The reader quickly finds out there’s more to Nimona than meets the eye, as the character reveals her shapeshifting powers. The relationship between Nimona and the ‘villain’ Ballistar Blackheart is so charming as they warm up to each other. I enjoyed how their struggle against society was portrayed, despite how light that touch was. The setting was also delightful: a medieval futuristic mashup!
Three words that describe this book: Funny, Endearing, Exciting
You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoyed the Netflix animated movie, have fun with graphic novels/comics, like silly puns, love seeing LGBTQ+ representation.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share reviews throughout the year.
“The True Love Experiment” is the love story of the year! The main character Fizzy is an effervescent joy! Her unabashed truth-telling and lust-having makes her the juiciest lens with which to view falling in love. So often, I find the female leads to be so reserved and passive and that doesn’t inspire me the way fearless Fizzy does. The main male character Connor is an earnest, wonderful man that a I couldn’t help but also fall for through the eyes of Fizzy.
Author Christina Lauren is an absolute legend when is comes to dynamic connections and emotional expressions. I legitimately highlighted more of this book than I ever have any other book, simply because the prose was so beautiful. Even the spicy parts were gorgeously poetic!
Three words that describe this book: Romantic grumpy/sunshine comedy
You might want to pick this book up if: This book is SPICY and hilarious! Not recommended if you don’t enjoy shocking, crass humor. If you do, this will be an absolute delight!
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share reviews throughout the year.
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