Genealogy @ The IPL!

Join the Independence Public Library for the last set of Genealogy Sessions on March 28th. Theresa Liewer will be here to present Naturalization Records from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and Land Records from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. All the sessions are free and open to the public, but registration is required. You can click HERE to see a list of all the Genealogy Sessions that have been offered, and if you would like notes from any of the sessions you missed, they will be available at the Circulation Desk. And don't forget to put those new skills to work while you're at the IPL with Ancestry.com.

iPad Q&A

The Independence Public Library will hold another iPad Q&A session on March 26th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Community Room. For more information or to register for the class, contact the library at 334-2470. The class will be taught by Kim Van Deest, and participants are encouraged to bring their iPad with them to learn in class.

Book Discussion

Join fellow readers for the Book Discussion at the Independence Public Library on March 24th at 6:30 PM to discuss this month's Book Club book "A Painted House" by John Grisham. There are still copies available if you would like to get in on the fun. If you want to get a head start on next month's book, stop in and pick up a copy of "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" by Edward Kelsey Moore.

No School Monday And iTAB

Join the IPL on No School Monday for LEGOs @ the Library! From 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on March 23rd, the Community Room will have LEGOs for all ages to build and create. You don't have to register, just come ready for fun.
And if you're in grades 6-12 and would like to get more involved with the IPL, be sure to come to the iTAB Meeting at 6:30 PM when LEGOs @ the Library is done.

TIPLINE: Camp NaNoWriMo

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Camp NaNoWriMo

Some of you may recognize NaNoWriMo from last November, and if you're like me, November is too far away to ignore that itch for writing. Fret not, April is coming. That's right, I said April!. You can link up with other writing crazed individuals three times a year, November of course, and in April and July with Camp NaNoWriMo. And if you already have a NaNoWriMo account you can just sign in on the Camp NaNoWriMo page, your e-mail and password will work for both sites.

Once you get logged in, remember to create your novel. You can stretch in a different direction than November if you want. Camp NaNoWriMo has more options for word count and format, so experiment, and have fun. Then prepare for April 1st, because you'll officially be a Camp NaNoWriMo Participant.

You can also get in the NaNoWriMo mood by reading some NaNoWriMo books or picking up some hints from books on writing at the IPL.

Let's Get Fancy With Psanky!

Get in a spring mood with Ukrainian egg decorating called Psanky. Marnie Barnett will be at the Independence Public Library on March 21st to teach the basics of this traditional craft from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. All supplies will be provided, and the class is free and open to the public, but registration is required. You can get more information and register at the IPL or by giving us a call at 334-2470.

Kari's Corner

Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed: A Memoir of the Cleveland Kidnappings

by Michelle Knight

 

          Michelle Knight was kidnapped by Ariel Castro and held captive for over ten years.  Michelle was later joined in captivity by two other victims: Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus.  This biography describes her life from a child, to the time she was abducted, and then finally to when she escaped and regained her freedom.

            Michelle has a difficult life that starts with her childhood.  She is abused as a young child by a family member.  Later she has a child, Joey, at a young age and struggles to financially provide for him.  Joey is taken away from her because of suspected abuse, which happened while she was working and he was in the care of her mother and mother’s boyfriend.  Michelle’s story then goes on describing being held captive for over ten years and the abuse she endured. 

            What impressed me the most with Michelle is that even though she goes through much more than anybody should have to endure, she comes through it all with a positive attitude.  After she finally regained her freedom, she made plans for her future, including going to school, getting a job and speaking out for other kidnapping victims.  Michelle’s positive attitude is inspirational.