TIPLINE: Metafiction

The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Metafiction

The 5-5-5 Reading Challenge has taken off and many of us are finishing up our first Genre. If you've already got your first Genre in the bag, be sure to stop in at the library to pick up your first prize. If you're looking for a Genre to dig into, try Metafiction.
What's Metafiction? Well, it's fiction...about fiction,...or writing fiction,...or living in fiction,...or something else fiction related. It's complicated, but it's fun. If you want a definition that is a little more exact try Dictionary.com they define Metafiction as "fiction that discusses, describes, or analyzes a work of fiction or the conventions of fiction."
Metafiction is more common than you might think, you may have already read some metafiction. Mo Willems' "We Are In A Book" is metafiction, and so is Jodi Picoult's "Between The Lines." Even some of the newer fiction at the library is metafiction, like "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield and "The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin. There are plenty more, you can find a short list by going to the 5-5-5 Reading Challenge's Genres Page, and clicking on the Metafiction Page. If you know of a book that fits the bill at the IPL, and isn't listed, feel free to add it. Just double click and type in the title and author. You can also add books to the other genre pages, just double click and type.

Using The Library At A Distance

With winter finally making an appearance in Iowa, you might find it a little harder to get to the library, or maybe you just don't want to brave the cold. Either way, you can still use the library from home with NEIBORS and Zinio.
With NEIBORS you can check out digital audio books and e-books 24 hours a day from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can sign in through the IPL website, using your library card number and password (usually your phone number). There is even an app available for android and apple devices called the Overdrive Media Console. Install the app and you can have books and audio books on your phone or tablet anywhere you go.
If you would rather read magazines, give Zinio a try. This service lets you download and read digital issues from over 50 magazines. There's no limit to how many you can checkout, and there are never any due dates or late fees. Set up your account with the IPL's access key (call or visit the library to get the access key) and simply checkout the issues you want to read. Zinio also has an app for android and apple devices.
Click the links above for more information and downloadable tip sheets. And of course, if you have any questions feel free to call the library at 334-2470.

More Zen Doodle!

If you missed the first Zen Doodle Workshop, or want to give it a try again, mark your calendars for November 22nd! The IPL will be holding another open workshop next Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, no registration  is required and all the supplies you need will be provided. The workshop is open to all ages, but is best suited for those 12 and up, so be sure to stop in and create with the Independence Public Library.