The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Magic
Halloween is almost here and that means the amazingly strange and unusual is about to get a little more common. And why not start celebrating early with a little magic.
Showing posts with label TIPLINE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TIPLINE. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
TIPLINE: School
Thursday, August 20, 2015
TIPLINE: Skippyjon Jones (and a Happy Birthday to Judith Byron Schachner)!
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Skippyjon Jones
Last Saturday was a whole lot of furry fun at the Check The Chip Day. We made pet toys, helped out the Buchanan County Animal Shelter, and met a litter of kittens looking for a good home. Some of them have already been adopted! If you weren't able to stop in on Saturday, try not to be too sad. you can find some great cats and dogs at the library anytime. You might be surprised to find out just how many series star (or co-star) a cat or dog,or a cat that thinks he a dog, like Skippyjon Jones.
Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese kitten who thinks he is a Chihuahua, and the star of a children's book series by Judith Byron Schachner. Today is the author's 64th birthday. If you'd like to give Skippyjon Jones a try, stop in at the IPL and look for the Happy Birthday sign in the picture books. You can also ask at the circulation desk, we're always happy to help.
If Skippyjon Jones doesn't satisfy your cat and dog cravings, give some of these furry friends a try:
There are many more books (and movies) starring cats dogs and other great pets, stop in at the IPL and explore our shelves. You can also ask us at the circulation desk, we can help you find that furry friend you're looking for.
Last Saturday was a whole lot of furry fun at the Check The Chip Day. We made pet toys, helped out the Buchanan County Animal Shelter, and met a litter of kittens looking for a good home. Some of them have already been adopted! If you weren't able to stop in on Saturday, try not to be too sad. you can find some great cats and dogs at the library anytime. You might be surprised to find out just how many series star (or co-star) a cat or dog,or a cat that thinks he a dog, like Skippyjon Jones.
Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese kitten who thinks he is a Chihuahua, and the star of a children's book series by Judith Byron Schachner. Today is the author's 64th birthday. If you'd like to give Skippyjon Jones a try, stop in at the IPL and look for the Happy Birthday sign in the picture books. You can also ask at the circulation desk, we're always happy to help.
If Skippyjon Jones doesn't satisfy your cat and dog cravings, give some of these furry friends a try:
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| You can find Bad Kitty books in Picture Books and Chapter Books |
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| Charlie The Ranch Dog can be found in the Picture Books |
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| Chester is hanging out in the Picture Books |
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| You can read about Ike LaRue in the Picture Books Section |
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| You can read about Pete The Cat in the Picture Books |
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| You can find J. J. Tully Mysteries in the Chapter Books Section |
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| Stretch of the Maxie and Stretch Series can be found in Adult Fiction |
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| The Cat Who... Series is available in the Adult Fiction Section |
There are many more books (and movies) starring cats dogs and other great pets, stop in at the IPL and explore our shelves. You can also ask us at the circulation desk, we can help you find that furry friend you're looking for.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
TIPLINE: Fingerprints
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Fingerprints
On this day 157 years ago, Sir William James Herschel used fingerprinting as a form of identification for the very first time. It would be a few more years before fingerprinting would be used as a forensic measure to discover the perpetrator of a crime, but on July 28th, 1858 Herschel used a full palm print to identify contract signers. Further study by Herschel and others eventually proved that fingerprints were not only permanent throughout a person's life time, but also unique to each person. Even identical twins each have their own unique set of fingerprints.
Celebrate this scientific discovery at the IPL by exploring the many materials available for checkout, and searching EBSCOhost. You can get the login information to use EBSCOhost at home from the library.
On this day 157 years ago, Sir William James Herschel used fingerprinting as a form of identification for the very first time. It would be a few more years before fingerprinting would be used as a forensic measure to discover the perpetrator of a crime, but on July 28th, 1858 Herschel used a full palm print to identify contract signers. Further study by Herschel and others eventually proved that fingerprints were not only permanent throughout a person's life time, but also unique to each person. Even identical twins each have their own unique set of fingerprints.
Celebrate this scientific discovery at the IPL by exploring the many materials available for checkout, and searching EBSCOhost. You can get the login information to use EBSCOhost at home from the library.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
TIPLINE: Disney
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Disney
You would probably have a hard time finding a person who has never heard of Disney or at least one of their animated movies. Disney has been making animated entertainment for so long that most kids today have grandparents that remember watching Disney movies when they were kids. The first full length animated movie released by Disney came out in 1937, and is still popular today. Can you list the seven dwarfs?
You would probably have a hard time finding a person who has never heard of Disney or at least one of their animated movies. Disney has been making animated entertainment for so long that most kids today have grandparents that remember watching Disney movies when they were kids. The first full length animated movie released by Disney came out in 1937, and is still popular today. Can you list the seven dwarfs?
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
TIPLINE: Real Life Heroes
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Real Life Heroes
Memorial Day is right around the corner (May 25th) and the Summer reading Program "Every Hero Has A Story" starts in just a week and a half (June 1st), celebrate by exploring Real Life Heroes.
Captain America is a great hero, but we have plenty of heroes in the real world, some right here in Independence. Learn more about them with our collection of Local Veteran Interviews.
Although only a small percent of Americans have served in the armed forces, it would be hard to find someone who does not know a member of the military, or who's life has not been impacted by the work of service members. Military research has led to the invention of many items that we use in our everyday lives. Things like Duct Tape, the Microwave, Digital Photography, the Internet, GPS, Walkie Talkies, and many many Medical Advancements. A researcher may not seem like the traditional hero, but their work can save lives too. Locating a stranded boat at sea would be incredibly difficult without GPS, every Medical Advancement has the potential to save lives, and who hasn't used Duct Tape!
Of course, you don't have to stop there. Real Life Heroes don't have to come in a uniform, or even as humans. There are plenty of Hero Animals, like Service Dogs; and there are more things to save than people. Environmentalists and Conservationists look after the planet and Endangered Species.
Captain America is a great hero, but we have plenty of heroes in the real world, some right here in Independence. Learn more about them with our collection of Local Veteran Interviews.
Although only a small percent of Americans have served in the armed forces, it would be hard to find someone who does not know a member of the military, or who's life has not been impacted by the work of service members. Military research has led to the invention of many items that we use in our everyday lives. Things like Duct Tape, the Microwave, Digital Photography, the Internet, GPS, Walkie Talkies, and many many Medical Advancements. A researcher may not seem like the traditional hero, but their work can save lives too. Locating a stranded boat at sea would be incredibly difficult without GPS, every Medical Advancement has the potential to save lives, and who hasn't used Duct Tape!
Of course, you don't have to stop there. Real Life Heroes don't have to come in a uniform, or even as humans. There are plenty of Hero Animals, like Service Dogs; and there are more things to save than people. Environmentalists and Conservationists look after the planet and Endangered Species.
Monday, April 27, 2015
TIPLINE: Wise Choices
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Wise Choices
Ever wonder what the librarians are reading? You could always ask, but if they aren't there when you are, you end up a bit stuck. We're hoping to fix that. You might have noticed the addition of color to some of our display shelves, and maybe an owl or two. Those are our Wise Choice shelves. You can find them in our Adult and Teen Fiction sections. All the librarian picks are color coded.
Ever wonder what the librarians are reading? You could always ask, but if they aren't there when you are, you end up a bit stuck. We're hoping to fix that. You might have noticed the addition of color to some of our display shelves, and maybe an owl or two. Those are our Wise Choice shelves. You can find them in our Adult and Teen Fiction sections. All the librarian picks are color coded.
Just look for the owl with the colored book. We give our favorites a hoot of approval with an owl on the cover, and you can find a selection of these on the Wise Choice Shelves.
You can also find Wise Choice books from any librarian from the online catalog. Just click on the "Booklists" tab under the "What's Hot" column.
The Wise Choice lists will be at the bottom. Pick your librarian and explore something new to read.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
TIPLINE: International Pillow Fight Day
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: International Pillow Fight Day
Today is International Pillow Fight Day. And if you can't make it to one of the large public pillow fights scattered around the world today, you can always have your own mini celebration at home, in between spring cleaning (click links for pillow care tips).
When you're all done with flying pillows, you might want to think about replacing them. A store bought pillow is fine, but getting creative is so much more fun! And the IPL has a large selection of crafting books, some dedicated to pillows and the like. (Try this, this, and this) If you don't need new pillows, you can always get creative somewhere else in your home with sewing, crochet, knitting, woodworking, or anything else crafty. The library is a great place to learn a new hobby, or pick up tips for a favored pastime. Stop in and explore, then tells us about your projects in the comments.
Today is International Pillow Fight Day. And if you can't make it to one of the large public pillow fights scattered around the world today, you can always have your own mini celebration at home, in between spring cleaning (click links for pillow care tips).
When you're all done with flying pillows, you might want to think about replacing them. A store bought pillow is fine, but getting creative is so much more fun! And the IPL has a large selection of crafting books, some dedicated to pillows and the like. (Try this, this, and this) If you don't need new pillows, you can always get creative somewhere else in your home with sewing, crochet, knitting, woodworking, or anything else crafty. The library is a great place to learn a new hobby, or pick up tips for a favored pastime. Stop in and explore, then tells us about your projects in the comments.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, February 16, 2015
TIPLINE: President's Day
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: President's Day
It's President's Day, and yes, the library is open. So don't forget to stop in and satisfy your literary cravings. You might even consider some presidential reads in honor of the holiday.
Of course, the IPL has plenty of biographies for any age, but there are even some options in the fiction section. Newt Gingrich, a presidential candidate from 2012, has written a number of historical fiction novels (we have some in regular and large print.)
And if you're looking for a little more drama (or humor), give some political commentary a try. You can find a large selection of political topics in the 300's of the nonfiction section. There's also a large selection on NEIBORS to explore.
It's President's Day, and yes, the library is open. So don't forget to stop in and satisfy your literary cravings. You might even consider some presidential reads in honor of the holiday.
Of course, the IPL has plenty of biographies for any age, but there are even some options in the fiction section. Newt Gingrich, a presidential candidate from 2012, has written a number of historical fiction novels (we have some in regular and large print.)
And if you're looking for a little more drama (or humor), give some political commentary a try. You can find a large selection of political topics in the 300's of the nonfiction section. There's also a large selection on NEIBORS to explore.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, January 2, 2015
TIPLINE: Book Recommendations
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Book Recommendations
It's a new year for all of us, and that usually means New Year's Resolutions in the hopes of a fresh start. Even the IPL is getting in on the resolution band wagon, with the 5-5-5 Reading Challenge. You can join us by registering online or visiting the library. We'll give you a log to track your progress.
Of course, registering is the easy part, and it wouldn't be called a challenge it everything was easy. Now that 2015 has started you've got to get reading, but where do you start? You can always ask your friends and family to lead the way, but you've got 25 books to read by May 5th. You might need to stretch past the inner circle to fill your list.
That's where the library (and your fellow readers) come in. Check out the 5-5-5 Reading Challenge Genres Page. You can peak at a number of genres and sub-genres to read from. Follow the links to specific genre pages and you can fill up your challenge list in a hurry. You can even suggest some of your own favorites.
It's a new year for all of us, and that usually means New Year's Resolutions in the hopes of a fresh start. Even the IPL is getting in on the resolution band wagon, with the 5-5-5 Reading Challenge. You can join us by registering online or visiting the library. We'll give you a log to track your progress.
Of course, registering is the easy part, and it wouldn't be called a challenge it everything was easy. Now that 2015 has started you've got to get reading, but where do you start? You can always ask your friends and family to lead the way, but you've got 25 books to read by May 5th. You might need to stretch past the inner circle to fill your list.
That's where the library (and your fellow readers) come in. Check out the 5-5-5 Reading Challenge Genres Page. You can peak at a number of genres and sub-genres to read from. Follow the links to specific genre pages and you can fill up your challenge list in a hurry. You can even suggest some of your own favorites.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
TIPLINE: The Dewey Decimal System
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: The Dewey Decimal System
Today is the 163rd Birthday of Melvil Dewey! If his last name sounds familiar don't be surprised. You might have a hard time finding a library that doesn't use his system. The IPL uses the Dewey Decimal System to organize all our nonfiction books.
Why sort books by numbers? Because it's easy to find. Need meal ideas for the up coming holidays, head to 641.5 for a cookbook. How about decorating, you can find ideas in 745 or 747. Maybe you have a history buff in the family? Send them to the 900's section, they'll be sure to find something interesting there. If you like true crime stories 364 is where you'll want to be.
Today is the 163rd Birthday of Melvil Dewey! If his last name sounds familiar don't be surprised. You might have a hard time finding a library that doesn't use his system. The IPL uses the Dewey Decimal System to organize all our nonfiction books.
Why sort books by numbers? Because it's easy to find. Need meal ideas for the up coming holidays, head to 641.5 for a cookbook. How about decorating, you can find ideas in 745 or 747. Maybe you have a history buff in the family? Send them to the 900's section, they'll be sure to find something interesting there. If you like true crime stories 364 is where you'll want to be.
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| 400's for Languages |
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| 800's for Literature |
There are plenty of great books to find on the nonfiction shelves. Take a stroll through our stacks or ask us what number will send you to what interests you most.
Monday, November 17, 2014
TIPLINE: Award Winners
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Award Winners
Each year books of every genre, style, and age group are selected for a variety of awards. Those titles are picked for a number of reasons, but you can safely assume that if they have managed to pass muster there's do doubt it's a good read. The IPL carries a wide variety of these books with many different awards. Check out some winners of these awards, or search out some awards on your own.
Teens Top Ten
National Book
The Goldfinch Award
Iowa Children's Choice Award
Iowa Teen Award
Iowa High School Book Award
Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award
Caldecott Award
Newbery Medal Award
You can also see if your favorite book has won an award by clicking on its title in the IPL's online catalog, or search for winners of your favorite award by typing the name of the award in the search box.
Each year books of every genre, style, and age group are selected for a variety of awards. Those titles are picked for a number of reasons, but you can safely assume that if they have managed to pass muster there's do doubt it's a good read. The IPL carries a wide variety of these books with many different awards. Check out some winners of these awards, or search out some awards on your own.
Teens Top Ten
National Book
The Goldfinch Award
Iowa Children's Choice Award
Iowa Teen Award
Iowa High School Book Award
Benjamin F. Shambaugh Award
Caldecott Award
Newbery Medal Award
You can also see if your favorite book has won an award by clicking on its title in the IPL's online catalog, or search for winners of your favorite award by typing the name of the award in the search box.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
TIPLINE: Time Travel
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: Time Travel
What's today? Well, that depends on who's calendar you're looking at. The calendar most commonly used today (The Gregorian Calendar) would tell you it is Saturday, October 25th, 2014. But if you took a look at the Julian Calendar it would be October, 12th, 2014. You just gained 13 days, and on the Julian Calendar it's still Saturday! If you would like to do your own calendar conversions, try this site, and in the meantime checkout a book on time travel. There are plenty of classics and new favorites to choose from.
What's today? Well, that depends on who's calendar you're looking at. The calendar most commonly used today (The Gregorian Calendar) would tell you it is Saturday, October 25th, 2014. But if you took a look at the Julian Calendar it would be October, 12th, 2014. You just gained 13 days, and on the Julian Calendar it's still Saturday! If you would like to do your own calendar conversions, try this site, and in the meantime checkout a book on time travel. There are plenty of classics and new favorites to choose from.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
TIPLINE! (NaNoWriMo)
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: NaNoWriMo
Ever think about writing a book? How about writing a 50,000 word book in 30 days? Well, whether the idea thrills you, or chills you to the bone, you can still enjoy the results of the crazy writing event known as NaNoWriMo. Head to the IPL and checkout one of the books written during NaNoWriMo. And if you're interested in giving the 50,000 word challenge a try in November, let the library help you out. There are programs coming up just for the writer in you.
Ever think about writing a book? How about writing a 50,000 word book in 30 days? Well, whether the idea thrills you, or chills you to the bone, you can still enjoy the results of the crazy writing event known as NaNoWriMo. Head to the IPL and checkout one of the books written during NaNoWriMo. And if you're interested in giving the 50,000 word challenge a try in November, let the library help you out. There are programs coming up just for the writer in you.
Friday, June 6, 2014
TIPLINE!
The Independence Public Library's Interesting Nuggets of Exploration: "Anthropomorphic"
The word of the day is "Anthropomorphic" in honor of Richard Scarry's Birthday. The author, best known for his "Busy World" books would have been 95 yesterday. Below are two of Richard Scarry's books, featuring anthropomorphic characters.
Both are available at the IPL.
If you haven't already guessed, an anthropomorphic character is a non-human character with human characteristics. A talking cat or and a worm that wears clothes and a shoe, are both examples of anthropomorphic characters. Characters like this are common in children's books, but can also be found in books for all ages. Click the word of the day above or search "anthropomorphic" in the catalog to find other great books.
What are your favorite anthropomorphic books?
The word of the day is "Anthropomorphic" in honor of Richard Scarry's Birthday. The author, best known for his "Busy World" books would have been 95 yesterday. Below are two of Richard Scarry's books, featuring anthropomorphic characters.
Both are available at the IPL.What are your favorite anthropomorphic books?
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