MAY 28, 2013
MCPL launches environmental book club
The Marathon County Public Library is starting the Steep Trails Book Club, a literary discussion group focused on fiction and non-fiction about nature, conservation, science and outdoor adventures; pioneers like
Leopold and
Rachel Carson, possibly alongside writers including
Edward Abbey,
Bill McKibben,
Gary Snyder and
Mary Roach. Anything is fair game, even children’s books.
Steep Trails – the name comes from a John Muir
book – will hold its first
meeting at 7:00 p.m. June 20 at MCPL Wausau, and meet the second Tuesday of each month after that. After the first month's selection, “
A Short History of Nearly Everything” by
Bill Bryson, club members will decide which book, poems or stories to read, and the location of each meeting (think parks or trails – anywhere outside, at least for the next few months). Members can continue the discussions on our
Goodreads page and post recommendations for future reads. Patrons at any of our eight
branches are welcome to join the Wausau club or start their own, and should contact their local branch.
Registration is appreciated, but not required – you could just tell us if you plan to participate. For more information, call 715 261-7234 or
email us.
[[PROMO]]{{2013-07-09}}
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: Book Clubs,
Reading,
blogs
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APRIL 22, 2013
Check out a Pulitzer Prize winner at MCPL
The 2013
Pulitzer Prize winners, honoring journalism and the arts, were recently announced and include many authors whose work is available in MCPL's V-Cat system.
This year's top prize in fiction was awarded to
Adam Johnson for his novel "The Orchard Master's Son," an adventurous and moving tale of a journey into the depths of totalitarian North Korea. Finalists in the fiction category include
Nathan Englander for his novel, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank" and
Eowyn Ivey for her novel "The Snow Child."
Fredrik Logevall's historical account of the Vietnam War, "Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam" took the top prize in history, while
Bernard Bailyn's book, "The Barbarous Years: The Peopling of British North America: The Conflict of Civilizations, 1600-1675" and
John Fabian Witt's book "Lincoln’s Code: The Laws of War in American History" were nominated as finalists.
In the biography/autobiography category,
Tom Reiss took the top prize for his account of Alexandre Dumas' father and the story behind the Count of Monte Cristo, "The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo. Michael Gorra's "Portrait of a Novel: Henry James and the Making of an American Masterpiece" and
David Nasaw's "The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy" were finalists for the prize.
Sharon Olds' book of poems, "Stag's Leap" received the 2013 Pulitzer for poetry, while
Jack Gilbert's "Collected Poems" and Bruce Weigl's "The Abundance of Nothing" received finalist designations.
Finally, the general non-fiction prize was awarded to
Gilbert King for his book "Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America."
Katherine Boo is a finalist for her book "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity," as is
David George Haskell for his book, "The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature."
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posted by Chad Dally / Library Services |
Categories: Awards,
Books,
Reading
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AUGUST 24, 2012
BeeHive Books!
What's all the Bzzzz about? BeeHive Books in the Tween Scene! Are you looking for a good book to read and don't know where to start? We suggest trying a book with a beehive on the spine. If you are a kid who typically doesn't like to read, there is a good chance you will like these books. BeeHive books have an attractive appearance, clear vocabulary, a high interest hook within the first 10 pages, well-defined characters, humor and an interesting, action packed plot. Ask at the Wausau Library Children's Desk for more information or start looking for a BeeHive book only found in the Tween Scene.
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posted by Abby Beyerl/ MCPL Customer Services |
Categories: Books,
Reading,
Children
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JUNE 16, 2011
Now Available at the Library...Electronic Newspapers!
The Marathon County Public Library will be offering improved access to six area newspapers starting June 17th. The Headquarters Library will provide same-day service to electronic editions of the Appleton Post Crescent, Green Bay Press Gazette, Marshfield News-Herald, Stevens Point Journal, Wausau Daily Herald and Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune.
Library customers can access the current day and past issues of those newspapers through a kiosk located in the Magazine Reading Area on the Second Floor of the Headquarters. Customers can also make copies of newspaper articles for ten cents a page.
The Library will maintain its paper copy subscriptions to those newspapers as well. Due to changes in postal delivery schedules, the paper copies may be delayed by two-five days.
In an age where instant access to information is desired, electronic newspapers and magazines are increasingly replacing paper editions. So, drop in to the Marathon County Public Library and and check out your favorite area newspaper...now online.
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posted by Mike@ Reference |
Category: Reading
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MAY 2, 2011
Children's Book Week May 2-8
Happy Children's Book Week!
Children's Books Change Lives. This initial idea began the countrywide celebration of Children's Book Week beginning in 1919.
Literacy and reading are essential for all children from birth onward, not only for their own pleasure and enrichment, but for their future success.
The library has a wide, wonderful collection of quality children's books for you to share with your child, or have your child check out and read to you. As well as building literacy, reading together helps bring your family closer together.
In honor of Children's Book Week all MCPL locations are giving out the bookmark by Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid . Pick one up today, or download and print yours here.
Enjoy sharing children's literature together! It's one of the best things that you can do for your child.
{{2011-5-9}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Children,
Reading
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APRIL 25, 2011
Hmong Story is Every American's Story
How did the Hmong become embroiled in a war not of their own making? What role did they serve during the Vietnam War? What forces propelled them from their homeland to the refugee camps of Thailand and ultimately here to the United States?
Dr. Paul Hillmer, author of
A People’s History of the Hmong, will discuss these and other topics during a free presentation this Thursday, April 28, 6:30pm @
MCPL Wausau. Hillmer is a professor of American History at Concordia University in St Paul, MN and Director of the Hmong Oral History Project. He and his students interviewed and recorded stories from over 200 Hmong individuals. These interviews form the foundation of his book which was published in December 2009. His book won a 2010 American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) Award of Merit, and 2010 WOW Award by the Leadership in History Awards Committee. Watch a YouTube video about his book using this
link
Paul Hillmer will also be keynote speaker at the Hmong Heritage Month luncheon on Friday, April 29, 11:00am at the Rose Garden in Wausau. At the luncheon he will discuss how he, a Midwestern German Lutheran, got involved in Hmong history. He will also discuss what he has he learned along the way, why he wrote a book, and what does he hope to pass on to the next generation of Hmong in the United States. The luncheon is open to everyone. Cost for the luncheon is $20.00/person and $10.00/studentsor seniors. Tickets for the luncheon are still available, and can be purchased by calling the
Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, 715-842-8390.
The story of the Hmong people is every American's story. Don’t miss it. Paul Hillmer’s presentation @
MCPL Wausau is FREE on Thursday April 28, 6:30pm. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing after his program. See you there.
{{2011-04-28}}
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Programs,
Reading,
Hmong Heritage Month
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DECEMBER 10, 2010
Holiday Reads
Wile away the winter weather with a cheery fire, hot mug of cider and a holiday book, music or movie from your local library.
Still hot gluing and stitching home made presents? Tidings & Trimmings by Cathy Pendleton contains traceable patterns for adorable angels, bunnies and skaters. If it's a new decorating theme you're after, you're sure to find one in O Christmas Tree (A Leisure Arts Publication) using your old family photos (A Holiday Heritage), patriotic angels or a tree based on your childhood memories.
Undecided about your holiday menus? Tired of the same old baked ham? Holiday Cooking with America's Top Chefs will inspire you with new ways to prepare and present holiday feasts using menus from Food Network Kitchens and Chefs of The Today Show; holiday potluck ideas from Emeril Lagasse and suggestions for "semi-homemade desserts" by Sandra Lee.
If you're exhausted from baking and decorating, relax with a holiday-themed novel. In The Gift, Cecelia Ahern spins a witty, warm and wise modern-day fable of love, regret, hope and second chances. Through three insightful stories, Jane Green's This Christmas presents three very different women who face questions of the heart that could change all their Christmases to come.
In Christmas in New York, a non-fiction, Daniel Pool takes the reader on a present-day tour of New York Christmas attractions as he reveals little-known stories to be found in its past. In The Oxford Illustrated Dickens Christmas Stories, you'll find a good bedside book whose tone reflects changes in its author - from young and high spirited to darker, more sinister themes. The 19th Century engravings are reproduced from his original editions.
On December 22 at 6:30 p.m. we'll show a 1945 holiday classic (free) movie starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet - a humorous tale of Christmas antics from Manhattan to Connecticut.
No matter where your holiday preparations, plans or interests lie, your library has many engaging books, music and DVDs to enhance your December celebrations. Happy Holidays!
Categories: Libraries,
Reading
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SEPTEMBER 30, 2009
One Million Readers!
Read for the Record is a campaign sponsored by Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation. Last year, 688,000 people gathered at locations around the world to read and listen to the same book on the same day. This year, they hope to break that record--and you can help them reach their goal of one million readers and listeners by participating in programs at four libraries in Marathon County.
This year's featured book is Eric Carle's classic picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Read for the Record programs will be held Thursday, October 8 at these MCPL locations and times:
- Edgar Library: Preschool Storytime at 9:30 am and a special Family Storytime at 7:00 pm
- Spencer Library: Special readings at 4:00 & 6:00 pm
- Stratford Library: Special readings at 1:30 & 3:30 pm
- Wausau Library: Everyone invited to join the end of Preschool Storytime at 10:55 am to share the book!
Each year, one third of America's children arrive at their first day of school without the skills necessary to succeed at grade level. Children who miss out on key cognitive, social and emotional experiences have more difficulty keeping pace with their peers. Jumpstart sponsors Read for the Record to raise public awareness and encourage people to read aloud and introduce children to literature at an early age. Please join us and become part of a million readers!
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posted by Diane@Children's |
Categories: Children,
Programs,
Reading
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FEBRUARY 19, 2009
25 Reasons to Keep Reading and to Raise Your Children to Be Readers
Readers Are More Likely To...
- Do well in school
- Communicate effectively
- Have confidence
- Be productive
- Concentrate well
- Solve problems
- Seek out and develop new ideas
- Be lifelong learners
- Utilize technology
- Get ahead in their careers
- Earn a higher salary
- Get a promotion or a raise
- Cope well with life's challenges
- Know how to relax and unwind
- Be creative
- Be well-rounded
- Attend cultural events
- Volunteer and do charity work
- Be better conversationalists
- Achieve rewarding relationships
- Find common humanity
- Be thoughtful, engaged citizens
- Vote
- Live longer, healthier lives
- Be happy
From the book: Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment by Emma Walton Hamilton, Beech Tree Books, 2009.
To find this book and more reading adventures, visit your local MCPL Library and/or seach the library's catalog.
Happy reading.
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Category: Reading
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MAY 28, 2007
Authors of Books Men I Know Like, and You Might Too
Here are a few authors of adventure stories, historical fiction, fantasy, and thrillers that men I know love and discuss with gusto. You may like them too. Enjoy!
- Dan Brown--The DaVinci Code, others
- Tom Clancy—any
- Stephen Coonts--any
- Bernard Cornwell—any
- Harold Coyle—White Star, 10000 Spartans
- Vince Flynn--any
- C.S. Forrester—any
- Frederick Forsyth—any
- George McDonald Fraser—Flashman series
- Daniel V. Gallery-submarines, WWII
- WEB Griffin—Aviators
- Louis L’Amour-- any
- Patrick O’Brien--Master and Commander
- Edward Rutherfurd—Princes of Ireland, Rebels of Ireland, Russka (Russia) Sarum (England)
- J.K.Rowling—Harry Potter books, (eagerly awaiting the July release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows)
- Jeff Shaara--Gone for Soldiers (Mexican War), Rising Tide (WWII)
- Barrett Tillman—Hellcat
- J.R.R. Tolkien—Lord of the Rings trilogy
Find these and others in the Library's catalog here
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posted by Sharyn Heili, Librarian |
Categories: Reading Recommendations,
Books,
Reading
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APRIL 25, 2007
Book Connections
Journals are an excellent way to keep track of your reading, especially for those who read extensively.
At a minimum, keep track of the author, title, and then record some impressions about your reading. Did you enjoy the book? Was it dreadful? Give the book a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down”, or use or a similar system that makes sense to you.
Finally, when a book reminds you of another title, take note of that. For example, I enjoy Henning Mankell’s series about a Swedish detective named Kurt Wallander. Wallander is a morose, but intelligent detective, a character in the truest sense of the word. The stories are sometimes dark, but always involve the reader. Recently a review of Arnaldur Indridason’s Silence of the Grave compared Indridason’s series set in Iceland to Mankell Henning’s works and I was pleased to find an author who writes in a similar vein. Both authors write superb fiction. I hope you enjoy them. Happy reading!
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posted by Linda@Reference |
Category: Reading
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