www.delawarelibrary.org CHECK CHECKOUTITITOUTQuarterlyNewsletter /Fall 2022 Keeping you connected to the Delaware County District Library.
Thank you for a great 7 years.
First and foremost, a huge thank you to the library’s staff, who serve the people of Delaware County with creativity, passion, and diligence. They’ve built a library system of which you can be proud, and to which you’ve responded enthusiastically.
DCDL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Labor Day Monday, September 5 Staff In-Service Day Monday, October 10 Thanksgiving Eve - Closed @ 5pm Wednesday, November 23 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 24
Next, thanks to the library’s trustees, past and current, who represent the public in the stewardship of the institution. Thanks especially to the four trustees who served as Board President during my tenure: Neil Neidhardt, Brenda Eldridge, Michael P. Butler, and Holly Quaine.
The Friends of the Library offer so much energy, funding, and volunteer hours to allow us to extend our services and community outreach. Thank you—true friends like you are a joy to find!
Finally, I want to thank you, the people of Delaware County, for making me feel so welcome and accepted in the community. I know you will give my successor the same warm welcome and support you have offered me.
George Needham HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Holly Quaine, President Scott Tiede, Vice President Connie Skinner, Secretary Brad NickBethCeenaAllenBakerLearMcCoy 1
This will be my final column for “Check It Out.” After seven years at Delaware County District Library, and more than fifty years working in and for libraries, I’m retiring on September 30. My heart is full of gratitude for those who’ve made this final act in my library journey so fulfilling.
Community & Family Outreach Services 7171 Gooding Blvd. Delaware, OH 43015 740-548-1660 Powell Library 460 South Liberty St. Powell, OH 614-888-916043065
LOCATIONS 2
Delaware Library & Maker Studio 84 East Winter St. Delaware, OH 43015 740-362-3861 Orange Library 7171 Gooding Blvd. Delaware, OH 43015
Yes, it’s true, our director, George Needham, is retiring at the end of September. You can read more about his career and the indelible legacy he leaves with us (including the new Liberty Branch Library) on page 7.
George has dedicated five decades of his life to the library profession, continually learning and pouring his knowledge back into it, creating vast waves of a lasting legacy, mentoring many and teaching countless others. George has even played a library role in people’s lives that they may not have realized. A well-traveled public speaker, he has written several articles, recorded scores of podcasts, interviewed countless authors, and reviewed hundreds of books, audiobooks, and videos. His sole brush with non-library fame came as a two-time Jeopardy! champion in December 1994.
740-549-2665
COVER STORY
Ostrander Library 75 North Fourth St. Ostrander, OH 43061 740-666-1410 Coming Soon! Liberty Library 7468 Steitz Road Powell, OH 43065
“I know George!” is a common phrase heard within Delaware County. His involvement in local organizations, agencies, councils and nonprofits makes him a household name. He gives his time generously to activities like the People In Need (PIN) of Delaware County Holiday Clearing House, which helps distribute food to families in need. He is always among the first to work a community event, drive the Bookmobile to a Touch-A-Truck, or push a cart in a parade as part of the Library’s Book Cart Brigade. He becomes “King George” during the Library’s annual Medieval Faire, and has even been spotted as the green ogre Shrek to help with a children’s program about elections, voting and Georgedebates.is the face, the heart, and the soul of DCDL in the county and we are so lucky to have had him at the helm.
YOUR LIBRARY CARD LOAN PERIODS & LIMITS Generous loan periods allow customers time to enjoy the items they have checked out while keeping materials continually moving for others, as well. Material Loan Period Loan Limit Books 4 weeks 100 Audiobooks 4 weeks 20 New Books 2 weeks 100 Magazines 2 weeks 20 Video Games 2 weeks 3 Board Games 2 weeks 3 Launchpads 2 weeks 3 Wi-Fi Hotspots 2 weeks 1 *adults only DVDs 1 week 20 Fines We do not charge overdue fines. Voluntary donations in place of fines are gratefully accepted. DIGITAL LIBRARY TV, Movies & Instructional Videos LinkedInKanopyHooplaCreativebugLearning for Library Niche Academy Digital Magazines Consumer Reports Ohio Digital Library (Libby) Newspaper Archives Columbus Dispatch (1871 - present) New York Times Online (1851NewsBankpresent) Music Hoopla Ebooks, Audiobooks, Graphic Novels OhioHooplaDigital Library (Libby) Genealogy African American Heritage HeritageQuestHeritageFold3FamilyAncestry.comSearchHub Enjoy free access to these apps and websites, available through your smart device app store or at www.delawarelibrary.org. Just link your library card and you’re ready to go. 3
LIBRARY MOBILE APP Access the Delaware County District Library with the tap of a finger. Explore recent releases, search the catalog, check your account, find out about upcoming events, and check branch locations and hours. With easy access to digital collections and easy renewals, it’s your library at your fingertips. CENTRAL LIBRARY CONSORTIUM With a DCDL card, you also get access to millions of additional items in the collections of the 16 other member libraries. Items from these locations take slightly longer to arrive and require a hold to be placed. Visit clcohio.org/member-libraries/ for a list of all libraries where you can use your DCDL card! HOURS All DCDL locations will be open: Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: Closed *The Ostrander Branch Library is closed on Mondays. The Delaware County District Library serves as the public information provider for our community, using traditional and innovative technology to encourage curiosity, free inquiry, and lifelong learning in a friendly environment. MISSION STATEMENT 4 CURBSIDE OR DRIVE-THRU SERVICE IS STILL AVAILABLE ACCESSIBILITY DCDL welcomes all people to our programs and events. If you require ASL interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, please contact us at pr@delawarelibrary.org.
5 Sales!Book Orange Branch Library September 10 @ 9 - 3 Book DelawareSaleMain Library October 14 @ 5 - 8 Book OctoberSale15 @ 9 - 3 Book & Media Sale Friends of the UpdateLibrary Young Writers Workshops Steve Harpster, comic book author and children’s educational presenter, will guide children in the development of their own published book. The later class will create comic books. Saturday, October 1 9:30am: Writers ages 5-7 1:30pm: Writers ages 8-10
Get VIP access to the Liberty Branch Library: Join the Friends! WWW.DELAWARELIBRARYFRIENDS.ORG Don’t miss out on VIP access to the new Liberty Branch Library opening soon! Join the FOL for an exclusive invitation to a special event at the library before it opens to the public. We are currently fundraising to equip an additional Maker Studio at the Liberty Branch Library. For more information or to donate, please visit: www.delawarelibraryfriends.org.
7 1 2 3 4
Thank
After 7 years with the Delaware County District Library and over 50 years in libraries across the country, our Director, George Needham, is retiring at the end of September. We’re sharing some of our favorite pictures of George’s time with DCDL 1. George and Deputy Director Molly gather with other local library directors. 2. George poses with radio show guest Rocky and co-host Nicole for Off the Shelf. 3. George and his wife, Joyce, pose as King and Queen of the Medieval Faire. 4. George plays pinball at the Great GeekFest.
George!You
1 4
3 2 8
1. George and former board president Michael Butler pose with visiting author Piper Kerman. 2. George Needham and George Morrison perform in the famous DCDL Book Brigade in the 2016 Powell Memorial Day Parade. 3. George waits for returns during the 2018 levy election night with members of the Friends of the Library. 4. Percy and George celebrate 10 years of J. Gumbo in Delaware. 5. George poses with the Communications department as they accept the John Cotton Dana Award at the American Library Association Conference in 2019. 5
27: The Day the World Came to Town by Jim OctoberDeFede25:Hour of the Witch by Chris NovemberBohjalian22: The Maid by Nita Prose Evening Book Club Ostrander September7:00pm 27: The Speckled Beauty by Rick Bragg October 25: Grief Cottage by Gail NovemberGodwin22:Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom NEW!
*Pre-registration is required The Daily Growler - Powell September5:30pm 14: The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. OctoberJames 12: Pearl by Josh NovemberMalerman9: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune Comic Book Club Delaware September6:00pm 15: Barely Functional Adult by Meichi Ng October 20: The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1 by James Tynion NovemberIV 17: Shuri Vol. 1: The Search for Black Panther by Nnedi Okorafor Carrie’s Book Club Powell September5:30pm
9 ADULT PROGRAMS AGESGREATFOR18+ BOOK CLUBS Do you like to share your ideas & reactions about titles you’ve read? Like to discover others’ thoughts & opinions? Join a Book Club for a fun, entertaining discussion. Morning Clubs Morning Book Club Ostrander September11:00am 7: The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline October 5: Rooms by Lauren Oliver November 2: The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse by Louise Erdrich Afternoon Clubs Books and Brews Olentangy River Brewing September12:30pm 21: There There by Tommy Orange October 19: The Hunger by Alma NovemberKatsu16:Fuzz by Mary Roach Around the World in Books & Bites (Virtual)
*Pre-registration is required Various Locations September12:30pm 27: Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia Pablo’s Havana Café - 9685 Sawmill Parkway Powell, OH October43065 25: The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb Carfagna’s - 1440 Gemini Place, Columbus, OH 43240 November 29: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica OlivinaBauermeisterCafe& Bistro44 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015 Pam’s Afternoon Book Club Delaware September1:00pm 27: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr October 25: The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom November 29: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach Evening Clubs Books and Brews
*Pre-registration is required Zoom September1:00pm 26 : Of Women & Salt by Gabriela Garcia October 24: The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb November 28: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister Around the World in Books & Bites
30 AUTHOR VISITS A Conversation with Damon Mosley Join writer, producer, and publisher Damon Mosley in a discussion with the Delaware African American Heritage Council, followed by a meet & greet and a book signing of “Smile for We.” Delaware September7:00pm 22 Author Visit: Felicia Day* Actress, producer, and author Felicia Day will discuss creativity and embracing your weirdness in this kick-off to the Great *Pre-registrationGeekFest. is required Willis Education Center October7:00pm 15 A Conversation with Tommy Orange* In a highly engaging “fireside chat,” “There There” author Tommy Orange delves into his writing process, including the themes of Native American culture and history that inform his *Pre-registrationworks. is required Orange November7:00pm 12 TECHNOLOGY Wide Format Printer Demo* The Maker Studio has a wide format printer and cutter available for patron use. To show you how the machine works and what kind of projects you can create, we’ll be running a demo where we show off a variety of projects and answer *Pre-registrationquestions. is required Delaware 5:30pm & September6:45pm7
15: Treat Jar Intro to Origami* A fun program for people to make their own folded paper creations and learn about the history behind *Pre-registrationorigami.isrequired Orange November6:30pm 3 Paint Night* Paint something beautiful for the holidays with local artist Judy *Pre-registrationCurry. is required Ostrander November7:00pm
ADULT PROGRAMS
ARTS & CRAFTS Pinterest Crafts* Do you like to visit Pinterest for craft ideas but don’t always have time to create the idea? Create a Pinterest-worthy craft at the *Pre-registrationlibrary. is required Orange September6:00pm
*Pre-registration is required Delaware 5:30pm & September6:45pm20 3D Printing Tutorial* Learn how 3D printers work, discover ready-to-print projects, and design your own project. Fulfills the Maker Studio Passport 3D Track items: “Hands-on machine tutorial” and “Find or design an item.”
*Pre-registration is required Delaware 5:30pm & September6:45pm29
Find more information about the Maker Studio on page 20. 10
Dry Erase Board Calendars* Customize a dry-erase board with a vinyl overlay to get a reusable monthly calendar. Fulfills Maker Studio Passport Vinyl Track: “Hands-on machine tutorial” & “Design & prepare a single-color *Pre-registrationdecal.”is required Delaware 5:30pm & September6:45pm12 Heat Transfer Tote Bags* Put your name or other simple design onto a cloth tote bag. Fulfills the Maker Studio Passport Vinyl Track: “Handson machine tutorial” and “Use heat press to transfer vinyl.”
*Pre-registration is required Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm November 1 Laser Engraved Mugs* Learn how to engrave your name onto a ceramic mug. This class covers the Maker Studio Passport items under the Laser Track: “Hands-on machine tutorial” and “Engrave an *Pre-registrationobject.” is required Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm November 7
ADULT PROGRAMS Laser Cutting Demo* The Maker Studio has a laser cutter/engraver for patron access to create unique projects. To show you how the machine works and what kind of projects you can create, we’ll be running a demo where we show off a variety of projects and answer *Pre-registrationquestions.isrequired Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm October 6 Buttons, and Bookmarks, and Notebooks, Oh My!* Learn how to operate three different analog machines the Maker Studio offers. Fulfills Maker Studio Passport Analog Track: “Laminate a bookmark,” “Make a set of buttons,” and “Bind a *Pre-registrationbook.” is required Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm October 12 Halloween Decals* Select and cut a variety of Halloween themed temporary decals. This class fulfills the Maker Studio Passport Vinyl Track: “Hands-on machine tutorial” & “Design & prepare a single-color *Pre-registrationdecal.”is required Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm October 17 Laser Engraved Bookmarks* Design your own bookmark and have it laser cut. We’ll provide all the tools, you supply the *Pre-registrationideas! is required Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm October 25 Embroidery Demo* The Maker Studio has an embroidery machine available for patron access to embroider a variety of designs. To show you how the machine works and what kind of projects you can create, we’ll be running a demo where we show off a variety of projects and answer questions.
Laser Cut Ornaments* Design your own simple wooden ornament and have it laser cut. We’ll provide all the tools, you supply the *Pre-registrationideas! is required Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm November 17 Prepare and Slice 3D Files* Learn how to take a 3D model and prepare it for printing. Fulfills the Maker Studio Passport 3D Track: “Hands-on machine tutorial” and “Send design to a 3D *Pre-registrationprinter.”isrequired Delaware 5:30pm & 6:45pm November 30 GARDENING Putting Your Garden to Bed this Winter Learn about replanting, dividing, and stratifying seeds. Everything you need to get your garden ready for the winter. Presented by the experts at Natives in Harmony. Orange September6:30pm 1 Plant Swap Bring all those extra plants you want to get rid of and pick up something new. Take what you want and drop off what you don’t. Please label all plants. You can “poppy” in any time! Orange All SeptemberDay 15-17 11
ADULT PROGRAMS LANGUAGE LEARNING ESOL Classes Ongoing multi-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. New students should call to register at 740203-2267. Orange Mondays,12:15pm Wednesday, Friday LIFE SKILLS Delaware Toastmasters Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Orange September6:00pm 6, September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15, November 29 End of Life Series: Scripting End of Life Wishes* End-of-Life Doula Jackie Mann will guide you through the process of communicating endof-life wishes through advanced *Pre-registrationdirectives. is required Orange September6:30pm 7 End of Life Series: Death is Not a Medical Event* End-of-Life Doula Jackie Mann will lead this discussion on death and dying as a nonmedical *Pre-registrationevent. is required Orange October6:30pm 5 End of Life Alternatives*After-DeathSeries:Natural End-of-Life Doula Jackie Mann will discuss burial options like home funerals and green burials in this *Pre-registrationend-of-life-series.isrequired Orange November6:30pm 2 Seniors Against Fraud* Join a program coordinator from SourcePoint to learn the basics about types of scams targeting older adults and how to protect yourself from being a *Pre-registrationvictim. is required Delaware November10:00am 14 MOVIES & TV Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Movie & Trivia Night In 2008, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day starred in Joss Whedon’s internet-only mini-musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” Now watch it on the big screen at the Strand Theatre! Then meet Felicia on October 15. (See page 22 for details.) The Strand Theatre October7:00pm 4 Comic Book Club Movie Night Join us for a special showing of “Black Panther” to pair with the November Comic Book Club discussion of “Shuri.” Delaware November5:00pm 10 WELLNESS Understanding Alzheimers* Experts from the Alzheimer’s Association discuss the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors, current research and treatments, and *Pre-registrationresources.inrequired Delaware November11:00am 3 12
13 Teen Advisory Board Volunteer at the library during the school year with TAB! This is your opportunity to discuss and influence teen services at DCDL for teens ages 13-17. Meetings count as 1 hour of volunteering. Orange September4:00pm 15, October 20, November 17 Dungeons & Dragons* Roll for initiative! Dungeons and Dragons is the ultimate tabletop game; join the adventure and learn to play! *Pre-registration is required Orange September5:00pm 24, November 26 Teen Volunteer Drop-In* Ages 13-17. Earn volunteer hours by helping out at the *Pre-registrationlibrary! is required Orange October4:00pm 6 Middle School Book Club* All Delaware County Middle School students (grades 5-8) are invited to this genre-based book *Pre-registrationclub. is required Delaware September3:30pm 26: Favorite Summer NovemberBook28: Gaming Creepy Crafting Celebrate Halloween with creepy crafts and snacks. Orange October3:30pm 14 The Great GeekFest The Great GeekFest is a celebration of all the things people geek out over, sharing what they’re geeky for in the home of all geekdoms – the Library. This one-of-a-kind comic-con event will feature everything from vendors and artists, to comics and cosplay. Delaware All OctoberDay 22 TEEN PROGRAMS FORGREATAGES12-17
14 BryanWelcome,Howard!
At a special meeting on July 25, the Delaware County District Library Board of Trustees confirmed Bryan Howard to serve as director for the Library. Bryan will begin his tenure as director effective September 1, overlapping with George Needham for one month. Bryan comes to DCDL from the London Public Library in London, Ohio. He’s been the director there for the past five years and has been working in libraries for 25 years. We are delighted to welcome him to Delaware County. If you see him around this fall, say hello and introduce yourself!
FAMILY PROGRAMS
History Walk Meet at the Ostrander Branch Library and take a walk about the village with Branch Manager Harla Lawson as she shares the history and some mysteries of Ostrander. Ostrander October2:00pm 1 El Día de los Muertos Celebration Celebrate and learn about El Día de los Muertos! There will be a Mexican dance group, crafts, activities, and a piñata. Great for the whole familia! Ostrander October2:00pm 29
Please
Ostrander September: El Perro Con Sombrero by Derek Taylor Kent October: Firefighters A to Z by Chris November:Demarest Fry Bread by Kevin Maillard Powell September: Dozens of Donuts by Carrie Finison October: Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party by Erin Barker November: ABC of Feelings by Bonnie Lui Orange September: Fall is Not Easy by Derek Taylor Kent October: Scary, Scary Halloween by Derek Taylor Kent November: Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson Kid’s Cookbook Club Make a tasty and healthy snack at the library.
to ensure supplies are
StoryWalks Anytime during the month, stop by to read a book and take a walk. Stories are posted along a path outside the Library for a visit when you’re in the neighborhood. Books change on the 1st of the month.
Delaware October6:30pm 4: One Trick Pony by Nathan Hale Spooky STEM Science so cool it’s scary! Join us for a not-so-scary exploration into the secrets behind bats, pumpkins, and other Halloween favorites.
and create something
15 CHILDREN’S PROGRAMSAGESGREATFOR6-11
Orange October2:00-4:00pm17 Tween Art Explorers* Explore a different artist or style inspired by your new art history This program for tweens ages 9-12. register *Pre-registrationavailable.isrequired Orange November6:30pm 14: Owls GREAT OFWITHFAMILIESFORKIDSALLAGES
knowledge.
Ostrander September1:00pm 3: S’mores November 5: Spinach Artichoke Bowls LEGO Club Show off your LEGO skills! LEGO Club, for kids ages 6-11, meets regularly and has varying themes each month. Ostrander September2:00pm 24, October 8, November 19 Delaware October6:30pm 11, November 8 Book Busters Book Club Calling all young readers in Grades 2-4! If you want to read fun books and discuss them with other kids and your local librarians, then Book Busters is the club for you.
is intended
Storytimes by age are finally back! We hope you can find a day and time that work for you and your Here’sfamily. the schedule! (Starting after Labor Day)
Babies: Too young for conversation? You can still respond to your baby’s sounds and movements, see how they respond to you, and repeat. This is called “serve and Therereturn.”are many useful resources out there on learning through play. This link is a great place to start. https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/play.
EARLY LITERACY TIP 16
But of course, the most important tip of all is to have fun!
Adult-guided: Instead of rules or expectations, focus on introducing ideas, changing the environment, and talking during play. Aim for open-ended conversation starters, such as “I wonder…” “I notice…” or “tell me more.”
Toddler Storytime: Orange - Tues @ 10:30am Delaware - Weds @ 10:30am Family Storytime: Delaware - Mon @ 6:30pm Powell - Weds @ 10:30am Fri @ 10:30am Orange - Weds @ 7:00pm Ostrander - Thurs @ 11:00am Baby Storytime: Delaware - Tues @ 10:30am Orange - Fri @ 10:30am Preschool Storytime: Orange - Thurs @ 10:30 am Delaware - Fri @ 10:30am
STORYTIMES AT DCDL!
*Powell Storytimes meet at Powell Municipal Building, 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH 43065 by Alice Mackey Youth Services Librarian
In the first years of life, our brains are a crowded dance party of cells- making connections and growing more than any other time. And one of the best ways to grow our little one’s brains is through play!
As usual, Mr. Rogers said it best: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of Researchchildhood.”shows that play of all kinds supports brain growth, executive function skills, muscle development, social skills, and so much more. We also know that young children learn ideas best during play guided by an adult. Here are some tips for adultguided play. Child-led: Play should be driven by a child’s interests, decisions, and instinct for fun. That block might become a dinosaur or a dump truck- just roll with it!
On the 4th Tuesday of each month, we will explore the world through stories set in various parts of the world while also sampling the ethnic cuisine of our book’s setting. Come enjoy a diversity of cultures and cuisines as we read our way around the world. Can’t make it in person? Check out our virtual discussion of these books on page 9! September 27: Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia Pablo’s Havana Café - 9685 Sawmill Parkway, Powell, OH 43065 October 26: The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb Carfagna’s - 1440 Gemini Place, Columbus, OH 43240 November 29: The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister Olivina Cafe & Bistro - 44 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015 For more information about Outreach Services visit: www.delawarelibrary.org/outreach/ The Outreach Department takes you on a journey with food and books at Around the World in Books & Bites 19
Master the Maker Studio
Learn to use all the machines in the Maker Studio on your own! To assist with your journey through all the tools in the Maker Studio, pick up a Maker Studio Passport! This guide will introduce you to all the methods and classes needed to fully master the space. You can pick the passport up and check off your first box when you get a tour of the Maker Studio and all its Completegadgets. every task in the booklet and we’ll help you make a custom, one of a kind Golden Library Card with the machines available. (But you’ll be an expert by then so you could probably make it
delawarelibrary.org/makerstudio43015740-362-3861makerstudio@delawarelibrary.org 20
What Is The Maker studio?
The Maker Studio is a project of the Delaware County District Library where people of all ages can make, invent, create, build, and learn. Bring your ideas to life using our tools, equipment, and software, including 3D printers, sewing machines, vinyl cutter, laser cutter/engraver, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Locatedmore.in the Delaware Main Library 84 E. Winter St. Delaware, OH
Finna by Nino Cipri When a wormhole opens up in a big box furniture store (they don’t call it IKEA, but it’s IKEA), two minimum wage employees are assigned to journey through the portal after an elderly customer who has inadvertently shopped her way into another dimension. As it turns out, wormholes in the store are a fairly common occurrence, complete with their own training video (“We’re here to tell you what to do if a wormhole opens up on your shift!”). A tongue-in-cheek SciFi romp that is worth reading as much for Cipri’s take on IKEA as the descriptions of the multiverse.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
STAFF REVIEW 21
When April May stumbles upon what appears to be a gigantic sculpture of a transformer wearing samurai armor in New York City, she thinks she has found a cool new piece of street art. Dubbing it “Carl”, she promptly uploads a video of it to the internet. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds that the Carls are in fact everywhere, and not of earthly origin. As the one to “discover” the Carls, April finds herself skyrocketed to sudden fame as she and the rest of the world try to understand what the Carls mean and why they are here.
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente Humanity has finally discovered that it is not alone in the universe. And with that discovery comes a great and terrible responsibility - to rock out at an intergalactic talent show. Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes are tapped to represent earth in the competition, even though they only had one hit on Earth and are vastly unprepared and unqualified. But they need to get their act together quickly, because there is one caveat to this Megagalatic Grand Prix - a poor performance could result in the annihilation of the human race.
by Rachel Rausch Youth Services Librarian
The Great GeekFest is back in-person, finally, and these books will get you in a totally geeky mood.
