Month: November 2016

What Light

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Jay Asher has written three young adult novels to date; his latest title is a Christmas story that takes a look at misconceptions and unfair judgements. Sierra’s family owns a Christmas tree farm in California, and she meets a young man, Caleb, who she later discovers is buying trees for needy families. However, she is told that he reportedly threatened his younger sister’s life with a knife several years earlier. So while many steer clear of him, including his best friend, Sierra becomes very attracted to him and they fall in love. Asher pens a feel- good story about the power of redemption, and having faith in someone, regardless of the judgements of others.

“Shmelf the Hanukkah Elf”

lillianguntherLeave a comment

Ordinarily, we don’t connect elves and Hanukkah, but in a delightful new book by author Greg Wolfe and illustrator Howard McWilliam a definite connection is made.

Shmelf is one of the many elves who work for Santa at the North Pole.  His thankless job is to check “The List” to see who has been naughty or nice.  He loved his job, but was quite shocked when he discovered that many of the children on “The List” had been quite good, but would not receive any presents.9781619635210_p0_v5_s192x300.jpg

The head elf explained to Shmelf that some of the children on the list were Jewish and even though they didn’t celebrate Christmas they did celebrate Hanukkah, a joyful holiday.

Shmelf sets out to learn more about Hanukkah by visiting a family celebrating the holiday.  He then goes to Santa with a plan.   He will visit Jewish boys and girls and make sure that they too are rewarded for their good behavior.

Children of all religious traditions will enjoy this lighthearted story.  The colorful cartoon-like illustrations help animate a story of happiness and giving.

Shop on AmazonSmile, Support the Library

Anya BergLeave a comment
This #GivingTuesday, choose to support The Palisades Free Library with your Amazon.com purchases!
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Just follow these simple steps:
  1. Start your purchase at www.smile.amazon.com.
  2. Sign in to your Amazon account and go to “Your AmazonSmile” under “Your Account Settings”.
  3. Search for the Palisades Free Library to select it as your benefiting organization.
  4. That’s it! Underneath your search bar you should see the statement: Supporting: Palisades Free Library.
A percentage of your purchase will be credited to the Library. There is no additional cost to your purchase. The trick is to remember to start at the www.smile.amazon.com address and not the regular http://www.amazon.com address.
Thank you in advance!

Teen Book Club Coming Soon!

georgiagrandstaffLeave a comment

We will be starting a Teen Book Club here at the Palisades Library! Our first meeting will be on January 9th (stay tuned for our flyer) and we will be reading This is the Part Where You Laugh by Peter Brown Hof26150590.jpgfmeister.

As we are nearing the end of the year and I reflected on the books that I have read this past year I thought this book would be a great start and spark some amazing discussion.

So, CALLING ALL TEENS! We will have snacks! Also, I will be posting a discussion guide closer to the date of the first meeting. This club will be casual so no pressure! Even if you don’t finish the book all are welcome to come and discuss.

Copies of the book will be available at the reference desk in December!

Obama and the Lonely Planet

PamLeave a comment

   President Obama was recently the first U.S. President to visit the country of Laos, Kenya, Cambodia and Myanmar.  As a president who has admitted to enjoy reading (omg!),  Obama submitted an essay on his recent travels to The Lonely Planet publishers. Discussing his travels, Obama shared his hope for the future inspired by the many young people he has met in his travels to places around the world.  As we transition from a president who (admittedly) likes to read to a president who (admittedly) doesn’t, we hope that the new administration is kind to libraries as they prepare their budget and consider allocating funds to represent the population who value libraries and books.