Sunday, November 22, 2009

This Week @ NLPL

Here's what's happening this week at New Lenox Public Library!

Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years

Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Chess Club @ 4:00 p.m. for grades 1-8
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up

Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
Library closes at 5 p.m.

Thursday:
Closed for Thanksgiving!

Saturday:
Holiday Ornaments @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages (registration required)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday Fun: Meet the YS Staff

Wonder who it is that's helping with your reference question? Want to know more about the person leading your program? For the next few weeks, the New Lenox Kids! blog will be helping you get to know your YS staff.

This week, you get to meet Cathy, one of the Youth Services Reference Assistants.

Name: Cathy Hartney

How long have you been at New Lenox Public Library? I started just before the new Library opened in 2001.

What's your favorite thing about working in a library? I like to see the young children enjoying the pre-school area by the tree. They like the puzzles, blocks, computers, and the books, too!

Do you run any programs? Happy Books, Happy Cooks for children 3 and over. We meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

What is your favorite book? The gothic romance “Jane Eyre”. I’ve read it 3 or 4 times.

If you could be any character from any book, who would you want to be? Cinderella…after she marries the prince, of course.

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? I have two granddogs….my son’s poodles. They are a lot of fun.

Do you have any kids? Two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.

What is one random fact about you? When I am not working at the Library, I work at a school, in a class with 6 physically disabled children.

What is your favorite food? I’d probably have to say sausage pizza….or maybe dessert…or maybe glazed donuts…or….

If you didn't work in a library, what would you want to do? What could be better than this ... getting paid while watching the cutest kids come through the Library.

Have questions for Cathy or any of the other YS staff members? Feel free to ask, or just stop by the reference desks to say "hi!"

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday Treasure: Family Reading

Tonight the library is promoting family reading with a pajama party for the whole family! The program runs from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and pre-registration is required (spots are still open).

Even if you don't make it out for the program, spend a little time doing some family reading. Classic children's picture books like Where the Wild Things Are, Curious George or any of the Dr. Seuss books are charming, fun reads for the whole family to share. Plus, kids who are read to when they are younger are more likely to read for fun as they get older, too.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Wednesday Spotlight: World Explorers


Want to know more about different countries around the world? Curious about crafts and stories from other cultures?


Check out World Explorers, a program Miss Jen runs once a month. It's for kids in first grade and up.

The next World Explorers program will be December 9, and you can explore how Italy and other countries around the world celebrate the holidays with festive crafts, games & cookies. Registration starts November 25.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Good Reads Tuesday - The Great and Only Barnum

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming

New Lenox Library Call Number J B BAR

This week's selection is another of our nominees for Best Book of 2009, and one of only two non-fiction (true stories) that made the list. Some folks have the idea that non-fiction is dry and boring, and only check out biographies when they have book reports to do. To them I say this: The Great and Only Barnum proves that sometimes the truth is way more interesting than anything made up.

Most people know P.T. Barnum as the circus guy, half of the Barnum & Bailey of "Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus" fame. But the showman didn't even get into the circus world until the latter part of his life. As a young man, he started the American Museum in New York City and became known for the strange oddities he showcased there. His life wasn't all elephants and mermaids, though, and the author talks about Barnum's misfortunes, too.

This is a great read, with lots of pictures, and is perfect for anyone looking for a fascinating story.

-Miss Alissa

Monday, November 16, 2009

Family Reading Night!

Grab your pajamas and head to the library for a inc-read-ible night! This Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M., the library is hosting Family Reading Night. We'll have books, crafts and even a surprise to take home! You get to wear your jammies and visit lots of reading stations for a fun night the whole family can enjoy!

Registration is required for the event, so call today to sign up!

Homework Help Mondays - Free Tutoring!

This year, New Lenox Public Library and Joliet Junior College are working together to host tutoring for kids.

JJC students working for America Reads and America Counts are available to tutor students in grades K-3 in reading and K-5 in math.

The program is free, and the tutor meets with students one-on-one once a week. Spaces are limited, and you must sign up.

For more information, or to register for this free tutoring, stop by the library or call 815.485.2605.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

This Week @ NLPL

Here's what's happening this week at New Lenox Public Library!

Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years
Art Club @ 4:30 p.m. for grades 1 & up (registration required)

Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up

Wednesday:
Simply Silly Storytime @ 10:30 a.m. for all ages
World Explorers @ 4:30 p.m. for grades 1 and up (registration required)
Happy Books, Happy Cooks @ 7:00 p.m. for ages 3 and up (registration required)

Thursday:
Tales & Tunes @ 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 3 1/2 years
Family Reading Night Pajama Party @ 6:30 p.m. for all ages (registration required)

Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday Fun: Meet the YS Staff

Wonder who it is that's helping with your reference question? Want to know more about the person leading your program? For the next few weeks, the New Lenox Kids! blog will be helping you get to know your YS staff.


This week, you get to meet Liz, one of the Youth Services Reference Assistants.

Name: Liz


How long have you been at New Lenox Public Library? Since 9/04

What's your favorite thing about working in a library? The variety of things to do including working with children, planning story times and reading.

Do you run any programs? Itsy Bitsy Toddler, Art Club, Family Bingo and Saturday Programs

What is your favorite book? I have too many favorites. Walter the Farting Dog is one of them.

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names? I have a Black Lab named Tucker.

Do you have any kids? I have three girls.

What is one random fact about you? I like to snow ski and want to try snowboarding this winter.

What is your favorite food? My favorite meal is steak and onion rings made by my father.

If you didn't work in a library, what would you want to do? I would love to be a character at Disney World.
Have questions for Liz or any of the other YS staff members? Feel free to ask, or just stop by the reference desks to say "hi!"

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thursday Treasure: New Non-fiction Display

Walking into the Youth Services Department, you might notice a new set of eyes staring at you. No, we don't have a creepy new staff member, it's our November display case!

Our peepers are peeking at all the cool non-fiction books we have on display for the month. We have non-fiction books (factual, or true, books) about a ton of different topics, from sea animals to states, poetry to ancient history. Want to learn how to make your own jewelry or do cool paintings on your fingernails? We have books for that. Like learning about warriors from other cultures or ancient civilizations? We have books for that. Like learning about gross things like how boogers are made or why people burp? We have books for that. Want to read the latest biography about the Jonas Brothers, Miranda Cosgrove or Miley Cyrus? We have books for that, too!

Feel free to ask any of the Youth Services staffers for help finding a just-for-fun, just-the-facts book!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Wednesday Spotlight: Truly Remarkable Loon

Looking for a fun family activity this Saturday? New Lenox Library is hosting the Truly Remarkable Loon at 10:30 a.m. This comedy juggling show will have children of all ages giggling.

Come see what crazy things he will be juggling!

Registration is required, so call the library (815.485.2605) to sign up today!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Good Reads Tuesday - Scat

Scat by Carl Hiaasen

New Lenox Library Call Number J HIA

When Nick and Marta's strange science teacher goes missing after a class field trip, the two think there is more to the story than the headmaster would have them believe. When the story starts to unfold, Nick has to learn to trust his instincts and that things aren't always as they appear.

Part mystery, part environmental story, Scat has a lot of twists and turns. Targeted at older readers, this book will probably appeal to fans of Hiaasen's other stories. It's a good read, and one of our nominees for Best Book of 2009.

Have you read it yet? What did you think?

-Miss Alissa

Monday, November 9, 2009

Homework Help Mondays

There's a great homework resource at the library that is easy to use - the staff! If you are looking for books for a research paper, need suggestions for cool biographies to read or want to order materials from another local library, the Youth Services staff can help! We can show you awesome books on science fair projects, too. Need an idea for a book report? Don't be afraid to ask for help looking for materials - that's why we're here!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

This Week @ NLPL

This week, regular programming resumes at New Lenox Public Library!

Monday:
Wiggle Worms @ 10:30 a.m. for babies (pre-walkers)
Movers & Shakers @ 11:15 a.m. for babies (walkers)
Treasure Hunters @ 1 p.m. for ages 3 1/2 to 5 years (registration required)

Tuesday:
Itsy Bitsy Toddler @ 10:30 a.m. for toddlers between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years
Pajamapalooza @ 6:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up (registration required)

Wednesday:
Library is closed for Veterans Day

Thursday:
Tales & Tunes @ 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 3 1/2 years

Saturday:
Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggling @ 10:30 a.m. for the whole family (registration required)

Have questions? Want to register for an upcoming program? Call the library at 815.485.2605 and ask for Youth Services!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Best Book of 2009!

We're looking for the best book of 2009 and we need your help!

Between now and January 4, read three or more of the nominees on our Best Book of 2009 list, then cast your vote between January 4-13 to be entered in a drawing for a book store gift card!

We'll announce the winner on January 18.

The nominees are:
Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
New Lenox Library Call Number J BAS
Jason, a 12-year-old autistic, knows that most days it's just a matter of time before something goes wrong. But he finds a glimmer of understanding when he comes across PhoenixBird, who posts stories to the same online site as he does.

Wild Things by Clay Carmichael
New Lenox Library Call Number J CAR
Stubborn and self-reliant Zoe, recently orphaned, moves to the country to live with her prickly half-uncle and together they learn about trust and the strength of family.

The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane
New Lenox Library Call Number J COC
Eighth-grader Molly Williams has just lost her father in a car accident, and her mother has become withdrawn. Molly wants to make herself known to the kids at school for something other than her father's death, so she decides to join the baseball team.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
New Lenox Library Call Number J DIC
When orphan Peter Augustus Duchene asks a fortuneteller about his missing sister, the fortuneteller's mysterious answer sets off a chain of remarkable events.

The Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming
New Lenox Library Call Number J B BAR
P.T. Barnum is known far and wide for his jumbo elephants, midgets and three-ring circuses, but here is a more complete look at the life of Barnum.

Brooklyn Nine by Alan Gratz
New Lenox Library Call Number J GRA
Follows the fortunes of an immigrant family through nine generations as they experience American life and play baseball.

Scat by Carl Hiaasen
New Lenox Library Call Number J HIA
When Mrs. Bunny Starch, the most feared biology teacher ever, vanishes, the school's headmaster and the police seem to accept an unsigned note explaining that her absence is due to a family emergency. However, Nick and Marta don't buy it.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
New Lenox Library Call Number J KEL
As Callie explores the natural world around her in 1899 Texas, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine
New Lenox Library Call Number J LEV
Set in 1917 and inspired the by the author's true family history, this novel tells the poignant story of an unexpected friendship between a white farm boy and an African-American city girl--and the ripples it sends through a rural Alabama town.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
New Lenox Library Call Number J LIN
Inspired by old folktales her father shares, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune.

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry
New Lenox Library Call Number J PAR
When Brother's dad is shipped off to Iraq, Brother must help his grandparents keep the ranch going. In hopes of ensuring his father’s safe return, he tries to maintain it just as his father left it. The hardships Brother faces will not only change the ranch, but also reveal his true calling.

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
New Lenox Library Call Number TEEN 973.7092 SWA
A fast-paced thriller about the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth, Abraham Lincoln’s assassin: a wild twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.

Stop in and check out the Best Books of 2009 display. Read some already? Let us know what you think!

Monday, November 2, 2009

New Blog Posts Coming Soon!

The New Lenox Library Kids! Blog will have new posts starting Sunday, November 8.

Look for more book reviews, helpful tips and hints and information about upcoming events at the library!

Have a book you'd like to see reviewed? Want to know more about library programs? Feel free to leave a comment!

New Programs!

New programming starts next week at New Lenox Library!

Look for our brochure online or stop in and pick one up!