Month: September 2019

Check out this new library

PamLeave a comment

 A new library in Long Island City, Queens New York recently opened after 10 years of planning and construction.  Overlooking the East River south of the Pepsi sign, the Hunter’s Point Community Library is modern and “whimsical” with spectacular views.

Along the East River, the library looks toward the United Nations. Behind it, the growing apartment towers in Hunters Point.

After waiting 10 years, the library will serve as a community hub of pride and likely attract visitors both local and abroad.

Rooftop bleachers offer sweeping views of Manhattan and a place to stage events.Read this article recently published in The New York Times for more information on the history of its beginnings and why it almost didn’t get built at all.

Labyrinth

marybethLeave a comment

indexCatherine Coulter has crafted another FBI drama starring the team of Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich. Sherlock loses her memory after an auto accident, but still manages to aid her husband in their latest escapade. Coulter adds some eerie elements to the mystery of who kidnapped the 16 year old girls missing from an area in Virginia, where half the town is related to the other half. Throw in a CIA agent on the run from his colleagues, and you’re on your way to untangling the labyrinth of lies skillfully spun by the author.

My First Memory of Librarians

georgiagrandstaffLeave a comment

 

index

Hello All!

I found myself in a poetry vortex this week. In any case – I came across this one by one of my favorite poets, Nikki Giovanni. I love any poems about libraries and I thought you might enjoy!

My First Memory (of Librarians):

This is my first memory:
A big room with heavy wooden tables that sat on a creaky
       wood floor
A line of green shades—bankers’ lights—down the center
Heavy oak chairs that were too low or maybe I was simply
       too short
              For me to sit in and read
So my first book was always big

In the foyer up four steps a semi-circle desk presided
To the left side the card catalogue
On the right newspapers draped over what looked like
       a quilt rack
Magazines face out from the wall

The welcoming smile of my librarian
The anticipation in my heart
All those books—another world—just waiting
At my fingertips.

Stargazing

KateLeave a comment

Graphic novelist Jen Wang’s excellent new children’s book tells the story of an unlikely friendship. Christine plays violin and dutifully attends after-school Chinese class. Moon, also part of the local Taiwanese American community, paints her toenails blue and spends her free time sketching and dancing to her favorite K-pop bands. Their friendship expands their worlds and makes the girls bolder, even as calamity strikes.

This richly detailed story will appeal to a wide range of readers, including those who aren’t normally drawn to graphic novels. Highly recommended for upper elementary school readers.

National Book Awards Long List

georgiagrandstaffLeave a comment

The National Book Awards long list is out! Of course I care mostly about the Young People’s Literature category the most!  So far I have only read one, but I am currently reading Pet. I love reading all the books on the list and making my own decision before they announce the winners. Have you read them all?

 

Martin W. Sandler, “1919: The Year That Changed America”
Hal Schrieve, “Out of Salem”
Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw, “Kiss Number 8”
Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson, “The Undefeated”
Laurie Halse Anderson, “Shout”
Akwaeke Emezi, “Pet”
Cynthia Kadohata, “A Place to Belong”
Jason Reynolds, “Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks”
Randy Ribay, “Patron Saints of Nothing”
Laura Ruby, “Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All”