New Ulm Public Library Current Month News

2013
"OFF THE SHELF"
ARTICLES
by LIBRARY STAFF

(in reverse chronological order)

Digging Up Books!
Katy Kudela, Children’s Librarian

The Summer Reading Program is in full swing at the New Ulm Public Library. Signing up is easy, and young readers of all ages are enjoying the “Dig into Reading” summer program. If you haven’t had time to sign up, please feel free to stop by. Children who register before July 1 still have plenty of time to complete the program’s five bookmarks and earn a free book. During a visit to the library, be sure to check out the children’s contests and activities as well as the weekly craft projects. There are bugs to count, gnomes to find, library questions to answer, and an “I Spy” jar. Children are also encouraged to build a gnome or fairy home, which will be put on display at the library. Please stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.

Now, summer is a busy time for families. You may be asking yourself, why should I sign my child up for the summer reading program? Just this past week, I had young patrons share two very good reasons. First, I heard from a boy who was debating whether or not to sign up. When asked if he liked to read books, he told me he wanted to become a better reader. Signing up for the summer reading program is a wonderful way to become a better reader! After all, reading, like most things in life, just takes practice. Just don’t take my word for it, ask children who’ve participated in the program. Yesterday, a girl told me that her school reading grade improved because she participated in last year’s summer reading program. Without hesitation, she signed up again this year. We can read the advice from experts and study statistics, but there is power in the words of children. This summer, we encourage you to sign your children up for the summer reading program so they can “Dig into Reading.”

This summer, I’ve had several older readers stop by the Children’s Room asking about the reading program. While they are a little bummed that they’ve outgrown the children’s program, we assure them there is still plenty for them to do this summer. Readers ages 13-18 may sign up for the teen reading program, “Groundbreaking Reads.” Teens may stop by the Service Center to complete a registration form. After reading a book, they write the title and author of the book and put it into the “Groundbreaking Reads” box (located by the former reference desk). By reading just one book, a teen earns a free book at the end of summer. Of course, the more books they read, the better a teen’s chance to win a grand prize. Most teens are going to read at least one book this summer, so signing up for the reading program makes sense. After all, who doesn’t want a free book?

Summer is a wonderful time for reading. While the weather in recent days may not lend itself to outdoor activities, there is always a book waiting to be read. Next time you’re driving or walking by on North Broadway, stop by the New Ulm Public Library and make this a summer of reading for yourself and your family!

June 10, 2013

Amazing Pets
by Linda Lindquist, Adult Services/Reference

Did you have a favorite pet when you were growing up? Maybe you lived vicariously through a friend’s pet. Maybe you read about some interesting pets in books through the years. Anyway, pets hold special places in our hearts. Many books have been written recently about special pets and here are just a few of them.

When I looked at the cover of this book, I couldn’t believe that anyone would want to adopt this dog. But one family sure did. “Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love” by Larry Levin is just such a dog. With only one ear and a great deal of scar tissue on his face, you might wonder how anyone could love him. The Levin family took to him instantly, and he becomes a loyal and protective member of their family. Oogy overcame great odds. Being loved helped him to persevere despite all his trials, much as we as humans can overcome many trials in our lives.

“Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog” by John Grogan is about a young couple starting their married life who decides to adopt a puppy into their family. Marley is a lovable yellow lab pup, full of energy, and not a care in the world. He doesn’t know when to quit. Before long he is 97 pounds of uncontrollable energy crashing through screen doors, flinging drool all over guests, chasing through backyards, stealing women’s undergarments from clotheslines, and chewing and eating everything he can get in his mouth. But through it all, he is loyal and loves his family dearly. This is a great movie as well.

How much of an impact can an animal have and how many lives can one cat touch? Is it possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library into a tourist attraction, bind together an entire town, and eventually become world famous? Dewey Readmore Books, of Spencer, Iowa, is just that cat. “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World” by Vicki Myron is a read that cat lovers (or any animal lover) will enjoy reading.

If you are a comic lover, take a look at “How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You” by Matthew Inman. This book is full of facts and jokes. If you need a good laugh, check this one out.

And one more book I want to talk about is entitled “A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home: Lessons in the Good Life from an Unlikely Teacher” by Sue Halpern. Halpern and her labradoddle get a new lease on life by becoming a certified therapy dog team. They visit nursing homes and share time with the residents living there. The book shows companionship, kindness, and giving love, while expecting little in return. It’s a good read to take your mind off everyday pressures.

There are many more books on our shelves about pets in general. Take a few minutes to check out some of these and other titles in the 636s at the New Ulm Library.

June 3, 2013

Listen Up! to These Library Programs
by Kris Wiley, Assistant Library Director

Your New Ulm Public Library loves to feature singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists, and summer is the perfect time to showcase musical programs.

The library’s Noon Tunes program in the adult fiction area provides a relaxing hour of music. This Tuesday, June 11 at 12 p.m., 2009 Minnesota Music Hall of Fame inductee Steve Moran will play a variety of musical styles and instruments. My introduction to Steve was watching him expertly play multiple instruments simultaneously on stage with the Wendinger Band. Steve, longtime band instructor at New Ulm schools, is sure to display his amazing solo talent. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

On Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m., bluegrass group Barton’s Hollow will take the stage at German Park. This six-piece band, whose members are 16 to 21 years old, includes New Ulm’s own Ian Kimmel. Barton’s Hollow played German Park last year to a standing ovation, and I’m looking forward to hearing more from this energetic group. This program is co-sponsored by New Ulm Park and Rec and KNUJ and is funded by the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

Especially for kids, the library and New Ulm Park and Rec are sponsoring a rock concert with children’s performer Will Hale on Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at German Park. Will is traveling from the Twin Cities to encourage children and their families to sing, dance, and have a great time. This program is funded by the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

On Monday, July 8 at 7 p.m., local favorite Dick Kimmel & Co will play at German Park. Dick Kimmel and Jerilyn Kjellberg are the vocal powerhouses at the front of the group, and they are joined by Graham Sones on banjo and Terry Johnson on bass. For select performances, they are joined by Ian Kimmel on mandolin and Tom Schaefer on fiddle. Dick Kimmel & Co’s blend of traditional bluegrass always draws big crowds. This program is co-sponsored by New Ulm Park and Rec and KNUJ and is funded by the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

All of these programs are free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served. Call 507-359-8334 for more information. I look forward to seeing you at these concerts with your dancing shoes on!

May 27, 2013

Dig Into Reading and Discover Groundbreaking Reads
by Katy Kudela, Children’s Librarian

Summer is almost here, and the library is gearing up for its annual summer reading programs! With the themes “Dig Into Reading” and “Groundbreaking Reads,” this year’s programs will inspire children and teens to dig a little deeper to discover the wonder of books and the fascinating world around them.

To interest young readers of all ages, two reading programs will be offered again this summer. The children’s reading program is open to children ages 1 to 12, and the teens’ reading program is open to young adults ages 13 to 18. Registration for both programs begins on Monday, June 3 at 9:30 a.m. The kick-off program, “Clowning Around with Summer Reading,” is planned in the Children’s Room from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Watch for juggling fun and balloon creations! For those who can’t make it to the library on June 3, there is still plenty of time to sign up because registration will run through the month of June.

Children’s Summer Reading Program
The goal of the children’s program is for participants to read for 30 minutes a day for 25 days between June 3 and July 25. For those children who are pre-readers, they are asked to listen to books read to them for 20 minutes a day for 25 days. To help track their reading time, children who register will receive a “Dig Into Reading” summer reading record. The reading record features five easy-to-cut-out bookmarks and a reading certificate to color. After completing five days of reading (or listening), children will cut out a bookmark and return it to the library. This year’s bookmark activities include a variety of games and surprises, and all children who complete the program’s five bookmarks will receive a free book and be eligible to win one of 10 grand prizes. Children who are looking for some extra reading fun can also pick up a summer challenge sheet. Participants who complete this sheet while working on their 25 days of reading will receive a bonus prize when they complete the program.

While reading is at the heart of the summer program, the library staff has planned many activities to encourage children to be creative and have fun at the library. This year’s participants will be invited to build their own gnome or fairy home--watch for details at the library! There will also be weekly crafts, plenty of activity sheets, a family challenge sheet, and summer storytimes on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. This summer’s storytime schedule will kick-off on Thursday, June 6.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer reading program without library contests. This year’s contests include a Gnome Hunt, an I Spy How Many Items? jar, a Go Buggy counting contest, and an Unearth Library Gems contest, which will have junior readers digging in the stacks to answer weekly questions.

Another feature of the summer reading program is a calendar of special events. June’s library calendar is jam packed with many guest presenters, including Minnesota Book Award winner Laura Purdie Salas, author and paranormal researcher Chad Lewis, children’s rock ’n’ roll performer Will Hale, and even Mother Goose! Other featured June programs include a Dakota language program for children and adults, and a digging in the dirt garden craft project. Of course, June is just the beginning of summer fun. There are free movies and more programs to come. For a complete listing of the library’s calendar of events, please check out the library’s Web site at www.newulmlibrary.org. There is family fun for everyone!

Teen Summer Reading Program
Teens are invited to register for the Summer Reading Program at the Service Center. Throughout the summer, they will log every book they read on a slip of paper and drop the paper in a designated box at the former Reference Desk. Every teen who submits at least one slip will receive a book. Additional prizes will be drawn randomly from all submissions.

The library has several special events planned for teens, including a visit from paranormal researcher Chad Lewis on June 13; a Monday Night Concert in German Park with Barton’s Hollow on June 17; a Supernatural for Teens program on June 21; a teen book group on June 28; a teen book trivia program on July 13; and a read the book, watch the film program on July 19. And don’t forget about Battle of the Books, the trivia-style competition open to teens throughout the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative. This year’s event is scheduled for August 3 in St. Peter. Interested teens must register with Kris (507-359-8334).

The New Ulm Public Library is fortunate to receive major funding for the 2013 Summer Reading Programs from the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library; the Minnesota Book Awards; the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation; 3M of New Ulm; and the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The library also receives generous prize donations from local businesses, organizations, and patrons. A complete list of donors can be found on the library’s Web site. Thank you, donors, for your generous support!

As always, the most important reward of our summer reading programs is that these programs help children and teens maintain or even improve their reading skills that lay the foundation for school success. If parents and libraries work together to encourage summer reading, kids can be winners. So come to the library this summer for some good books and plenty of fun!

May 20, 2013

The End of the Internet
Betty J Roiger, Acquisitions

I remember when we had one computer in the library. I suppose that is hard for some people to believe at this technological point in time, but that’s how it was here in the 1990s. Even odder, the public and the staff shared it. It lived on a wheelie cart, and we moved it from place to place, floor to floor. The word “Internet” wasn’t a word that was often used, either. I remember Dan training us on the computer and telling us that “not everything on the Internet was true.” And he had a Web site to prove it.

This Web site featured a lovely tourist town with a castle, hot springs, an underwater city, and even nuclear submarine docks. Cracks in the earth sending up hot air kept the temperature balmy year round and made it convenient for whale watching. Maybe this even sounds like the adventure land you want to vacation to this year. Yeah? Well, it’s close if you want to visit; the Web site is describing a place called Mankato, Minnesota. (http://city-mankato.us/) Yep. It’s the Sibley County Hot Springs, and you, too, can “strap on an oxygen tank and dive beneath the crystal clear waters of the Minnesota River” to see “the Underwater City of Mankato.”

I know, right? When Dan showed us this Web site, considering where we live, of course we were all laughing and enjoying the information about the “great Mankato pyramid” and “haunted Mankato.” “Winter Solenoid” sounded great as it was “celebrated on the coldest day of the year” suitable for “tee shirts and Bermuda shorts” with plenty of “hot dish, bars, and jello” to go around! Who wouldn’t want to “get out of the harsh Minnesota winters of New Ulm to [go to] the balmy tranquility of Mankato”?

The thing was, people would find this Web site and believe it. In 2007, a woman brought her mother up from Kansas to visit the underwater city and was upset to find that it didn’t exist. Even though the last point of interest on the Web site is a “Direct link to The End Of The Internet,” people didn’t realize that this is a perfect example of what many people use the Internet for: This site is just for fun. (The end of the Internet looks like a bunch of stop signs with the warning “go back before your computer disappears into a black hole.”)

It was the three or four pages of disclaimers that really had us howling, though. “Do not operate a motor nor non-motor vehicle when viewing this page. Do not mix with … chocolate… … Some assembly required. … Freshest if eaten before date on carton. … Does anyone really know what time it is? … Please remain seated until the ride has come to a complete stop.” And even: “Mankato, as portrayed on these pages, DOES NOT EXIST!”

Back in the day, when we helped people we would do our best to guide them to reliable sources. Now almost everyone has their own home computers and the personal ability to Google or Bing. Let’s hope that anyone who goes on the Internet takes what he or she sees and reads with a grain of salt. Cuz like Dan said: Folks need to know that just because it is on the Internet doesn’t mean it is true. “Crystal clear waters of the Minnesota River”…ha, if you believe that, I have a bridge I’d like to sell you.

May 13, 2013

Do We Have the Right Magazines?
by Larry Hlavsa, Library Director

Last fall the New Ulm Library made a decision to reduce the size of our magazines collection. We had been noticing for some time less public use of the collection, and figured it was a good place to cut, based on the reduced usage. Why are fewer people using library magazines? My theory is that with SmartPhones, iPads, PCs and other electronic devices all accessing the Internet, people may just be getting more of their casual reading on such devices, rather than through magazines.

One of the titles we dropped was the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Lo and behold, we got a complaint, and the complaint was not without some validity. The patron lamented that we just didn’t have much in the way of financial publications any more. Well, he was right, if you just consider “print” magazines we only carry MONEY, ENTREPRENEUR and MINNESOTA BUSINESS. That is a pretty slim selection!

But wait, consider that twenty years ago we didn’t have the electronic access we now have. The Electronic Library of Minnesota (ELM) offers our library customers full-text searching of such magazines as FORBES, BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK, FORTUNE, THE ECONOMIST and the HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW, just to name a few. Twenty years ago, libraries also didn’t have Internet access, but now we have eleven public Internet workstations for our customers to search hundreds, even thousands of business publications across the world. While such access may not be as convenient for some people, it is more convenient for others. And it certainly represents an expansion of our collection in a wide variety of subject areas.

But even that’s not all. Soon, your Traverse des Sioux libraries will offer electronic access to forty or more magazines through a vendor called “Zinio.” You can check out: zinio.com on the Web for a preview of what is to come. While only a few of these are likely to be financial magazines, they will nonetheless expand our collection in a number of subject areas, not to mention making access to our library even more of a 24/7 proposition.

But back to the issue of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. We would love to hear from more New Ulmers about whether you think we should reinstate this title to our collection. It’s a $284 a year subscription, or about 8% of our subscription budget, just for that one title. But tell us if it’s important to you that we have the WALL STREET JOURNAL. Comments on either side of the issue will help us decide if this newspaper should remain a part of our collection.

Just submit a “comment form” (available at the Library’s Service Center), or give me a call at: 359-8332, or email me at: lhlavsa@tds.lib.mn.us

P.S. Maybe there’s another magazine or newspaper you would like to see us subscribe to? Please let us know what you’d like in our collection. We--and our materials--are here for you!

May 6, 2013

Are You Ready For Some Gardening?
by Linda Lindquist, Adult Services/Reference

As I sit here working on my May article on gardening and look out my window—it is snowing. It is May and it is still snowing—and not just a few flakes, it is accumulating on some surfaces. But that is not going to stop me from thinking spring and planning my garden. And to be honest with you, I have already bought a few packets of flower seeds. I am determined to not let this snow stop me.
I want to start with composting. Now you might think that composting can only be done if you live in the country—not so. Composting can be done on a farm, in the suburbs, or in a city apartment. “Composting Inside & Out” by Stephanie Davies is a good place to start. She gives a complete overview of the composting process and where you can find the equipment necessary for composting. She also has step-by-step instructions for different methods of composting, different ways you can use the compost you produce, and she tries to answer questions on problems that may come up.

Do you have some bushes, trees, or plants that need pruning? Have you done some pruning in the past and damaged or killed plants? Then “Cass Turnbull’s Guide to Pruning: What, When, Where & How to Prune for a More Beautiful Garden” is just the book for you. One hundred sixty plants are covered in her book. Turnbull gives friendly, expert advice for the home gardener. Cass’ mission is “to end the senseless torture and mutilation of trees and shrubs caused by mal-pruning.”

And now the fun part really begins—selecting the plants for your garden. This time I am concentrating on flowers. A book I found in our collection is entitled “Annuals and Perennials: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia: Select the Best Plants for Gardening Success” written by Geoff Bryant and Tony Rodd. Over 1300 plants are described in their book. I do not have the “green” thumb when it comes to gardening, but I think I have found a book that will help me to plant and grow the flowers that are suitable for our climate. Maybe you are interested in doing some landscaping in your garden or yard. “Landscaping with Native Plants of Minnesota” by Lynn M Steiner should be of help. She covers flowers, trees, shrubs, vines, evergreens, grasses, and ferns suitable for Minnesota’s harsh climate.

Some of you are probably thinking, I don’t have room for a garden. You may live in a small apartment or a condo in the cities or maybe you just don’t want or have time for a huge garden. How about container gardening? William Aldrich and Don Williamson’s book “Container Gardening for the Midwest” may meet your needs. Almost any plant that can be grown in a conventional garden can be grown on a smaller scale in a container. Gardening should be fun and enjoyable, and container gardening is no exception. Even if you have room for only one container, you can still derive much pleasure from it.

All of the books mentioned above, and many more, are available at the New Ulm Public Library. Gardening books are located upstairs in the Reference area in the 631-635 section. Be sure to ask if you have any problems finding the book you are looking for. If you are looking for a particular title and we do not have it, ask and we will check all of Minnesota to see if that title is available. Happy gardening!!

April 29, 2013

Surplus to Some, Treasures to Others!
by Larry Hlavsa, Library Director

I’ve been involved in many rummage, garage, porch and estate sales in my life. I’ve always found them fun. Often I find nothing in a particular sale for me, but you have to take a risk sometimes to find a treasure. Have you read the story about the person who found a Picasso in Shreveport, Louisiana at a garage sale for $2?

The New Ulm Library is having a rare “surplus sale” from noon on May 6th through 7:30 p.m. on May 7th. We have an old microfilm reader, stuffed animals, tables, a storyboard, book stand, a circular mirror, an electronic keyboard, several desks, some large tables, a library card cabinet, a photocopier, some old portable typewriters, and more. None of these are items the library has any more use for, and all are being sold for bargain prices. These are being sold on a “first-come, first-served” basis so get to the library early if you’re interested.

While there are no “pre-sales,” you can have a look at our surplus catalog any time before the sale. Multiple copies of the catalog are in the Service Center at the library for your review.

Incidentally, if you’re the kind of person who likes to do some research first, here’s a couple of library-owned titles that may help before attending your next rummage, garage, porch or estate sale:

The Garage Sale Millionaire: Make Money with Hidden Finds from Garage Sales to Storage Unit Auctions and Everything In-between by Aaron LaPedis (2012).

Garage Sale Gourmet : Streetwise Shopping for Fun, Profit, and Home Improvement by Anita Chagaris (2005)

On the other hand, if you want to clear your life of clutter, rather than adding to it, you might try checking out:

Conquer the Clutter: Reclaim Your Space, Reclaim Your Life (2005).

Now I’ve looked carefully through the items in our library surplus sale, and I don’t believe there’s a Picasso anywhere to be found. But you may find some other “treasure,” something that you have a use for that can be purchased cheaply. Join us for our surplus sale on May 6-7!

April 22, 2013

Library Staff and Volunteers Are Great
by Kris Wiley, Assistant Library Director

April always is a fun time of the year at the library. We’re looking forward to spring (especially this year!) and planning for the Summer Reading Program. We’re reading the hot new books and discovering authors who will become like old friends. And we’re recognizing the contributions of our library staff and volunteers.

Last week we celebrated National Library Week, a time to recognize and honor the contributions libraries and library workers make to our communities. Tuesday, April 9 was National Library Workers Day, when we honored our dedicated and hard-working team for its service. The library staff strives to provide a comfortable and helpful atmosphere, so whether you’re working on a computer, finding a book, attending a program, studying, or visiting us for any other reason, you always are welcome.

Library visitors most often see the finished product of our staff’s efforts – from functioning computers, to a storytime presentation, to a book that’s available for checkout off the shelf. All of that is possible because of much work behind the scenes. Staff selects materials and catalogs materials and processes materials. Staff is trained to locate materials and check out materials and then check those materials back in for the next user. Staff plans, promotes, and performs storytimes. The New Ulm Public Library staff brings a multitude of talents and skills to the library, and together we do our very best to make the library a great place to visit.

This week we are celebrating National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize and thank our volunteers for their service to the library. We have a fantastic group of volunteers that steps up in a number of ways. The volunteers tidy shelves, deliver books, clean books, copy and fold brochures, assist with programs, facilitate a book group, and help in many other ways that make a huge difference. Their selfless contributions – always done with a smile – ensure the library is a wonderful place to work and visit.

Several of our volunteers have been with the library for a number of years, and we are especially grateful for their long-term dedication to the community. Volunteering isn’t always particularly glamorous – remember when I said our volunteers clean books?! – but the rewards can be great. Volunteers connect with others, strengthen communities, and become more well-rounded people. In fact, research has linked volunteering with improved health (see www.nationalservice.gov). Many organizations in our community would be thrilled to meet with you and discuss how you can be of service. To quote Martin Luther King Jr., “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Think about how your time and talents could benefit others, and consider volunteering.

April 15, 2013

Tales from the Library Cubicles
by Betty J Roiger, Acquisitions & Kris Wiley, Assistant Director

Betty: Hey, Kris … what’s up?
Kris: W – e- l – l, World Book Night is coming up next Tuesday, April 23.
B: Really? I cannot wait. Last year, it was a blast.
K: I know! It was fun to give away copies of “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card, and “Blood Work” by Michael Connelly. And to hear everyone read favorite poems and short stories.
B: Sue had us all leaning forward with that sort of creepy Mary Elizabeth story.
K: Yeah, that was memorable.
B: You had the best job though.
K: ?
Betty: You were emcee, and you got to throw candy at people.
K: To people, toward people.
B: Details, details. Candy coming at a person at any speed is welcome. Everyone wanted to guess the quiz questions and win. They were into it, rapid-fire answers for candy.
K: Do you want to spill what’s happening this year?
B: Sure! Well, Gigi told me about a unique book she had read called “My Ideal Bookshelf.” It is about the personal favorites of more than a hundred people: celebrities, chefs, authors, fashion designers. They all share the books that have helped them, defined them, let them follow their dreams.
K: We took a look at the book and decided to have a paper template of a bookshelf that people who attend could fill in with their much loved books. And we have markers and funky paper for people to make up their own cool book spines.
B: And then do we talk about our favorites? Because I don’t like to choose.
K: So, what’s your favorite book?
B: What?! Did you not listen? I don’t like to single one out … then the other books on my ideal shelf will feel bad.
K: OK, then, what are some of your favorites?
B: It changes. For instance, I loved “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle when I was younger. I’d have to say “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is just about a perfect book for me. So, what’re some of your favorites?
K: “The Blind Assassin” by Margaret Atwood and “Rebecca” by Daphne DuMaurier are right up there. “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout.
B: “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien changed my life. “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by J.K. Rowling rocked! I wonder if “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio will make my ideal bookshelf?
K: So…as I was saying… adults and teens are welcome to join us for World Book Night on April 23 at 6 p.m. in the adult fiction area of the library. Remember! We are giving away books!
B: And you know I love “A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin.
K: You are still talking … you are not going to quit, are you?
B: [sigh] My ideal bookshelf isn’t big enough.

April 8, 2013

Pick a Poem for April
by Katy Kudela, Children’s Librarian

There is nothing like sitting down to read your favorite childhood book. Just this past week, I shared some of my favorite fairy tales with the children at storytime. It was wonderful to see that “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” captured their attention just as well as it did mine years ago. It’s true that some stories never grow old! The same can be said with poetry. After all, many of us can name a nursery rhyme just like that. Some of us might even have a poem or two tucked away in our memories. My earliest poetry memory comes from the Childcraft Books, which sat alongside the World Book Encyclopedias my parents had lining the bookshelves. Inside the Childcraft Book of poems was the silliest poem I’d ever heard…

“I never saw a purple cow,
I never hope to see one;
But I can tell you, anyhow,
I'd rather see than be one.”
--Gelett Burgess

As a child, I recited this poem again and again as if it was the funniest joke in the world! Poetry is perhaps the best example of the power that words can bring. In just a few short phrases, poetry has the power to paint a picture in words. Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying, “Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.”

This April, celebrate National Poetry Month with a visit to the library. The library has an assortment of poetry books for all readers. You will find several poetry book displays set up in the Children’s Room. You can also browse the 811 sections in the picture book, junior, young adult, and adult nonfiction collections. You will find a wealth of poets from Robert Frost to Maya Angelou to Jack Prelutsky. You might even discover a book you have not read before like Laura Purdie Salas’ “BookSpeak!” which is a collection of poems that is all about books. Here’s part of her poem called “This is the Book”:

“…And she is the reader
who browses the shelf
and looks for new worlds
but find herself.”

I encourage you to take time this month to add a poetry book to your stack of checkouts. By reading one poem a day, you will be enriching your world, and the best part is that it only takes a few minutes! Browsing the stacks this April, you just might find a poem or two you want to add to your collection of memories or your child’s collection of memories. As poet Maya Angelou says so well, “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” A book of poems may be just the book that opens your child to the wonderful and imaginative world of literature. It might also be the book that reminds us as adults the power a few words can hold.

April 1, 2013

April is Financial Literacy Month
by Linda Lindquist, Adult Services/Reference

Are you sufficiently educated about your personal finances? Have you taught your children how to handle money? Are you ready to change your financial situation? April is Financial Literacy Month and now would be a good time to address these questions.

During these challenging economic times, it is important for individuals and families to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. The more we know about our personal finances, our savings, and our credit card debt, the better off we will be. And the sooner we begin teaching our children, the better off they will be as well. April is a time of new beginnings; a perfect time to begin doing this.

There are some basic steps you should take to get started on the road to financial stability. First, you need to examine your attitudes about money. Are you ready to accept the responsibility for changing your financial situation? Secondly, clear out financial clutter—get rid of unnecessary papers and receipts. Items to save are paycheck stubs, canceled checks, and documents pertaining to buying and selling or improving your home. Receipts for major purchases should be kept as long as you retain that item, and individual income tax returns should be kept for seven years (according to the Internal Revenue Service). Another step is to get a copy of your credit reports. There are three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These are three separate entities and information contained in each of the reports varies slightly. To get a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1- 877-322-8228.

Another step is to make a list of what you “need” and what you “want” and then rank this list according to how important these “wants” and “needs” are for your family. You need to set some short-, mid-, and long-term goals. Short-term goals should be able to be attained in two years. Mid-term goals may take two to five years to complete. Long-term goals may take more than five years to accomplish, but it is important to have some goals in each category.

Another important step is to track where all your money goes. Make a list of your variable expenses—those that change from month to month such as clothing and food expenditures. Next you will want to make a list of fixed monthly expenses—car payments, mortgage payments, rent expenses, utilities, etc. Finally, you will want to identify periodic expenses such as insurances that are paid once or twice a year, vacations, income taxes, etc.

The above mentioned steps are just a few that are mentioned on a web site to help individuals find financial freedom. The web site is: www.financialliteracymonth.com. In reading through the steps, I found several ideas that are easy for all of us to follow and that can help us to attain our financial wellness. And it is never too early to teach our children money management. Simple daily tasks such as watching us at the ATM machine, paying our bills, balancing our checkbook, or talking about our spending decisions are lessons we can teach our children. Giving them an allowance and showing them how to save a portion of it is a valuable lesson for them. Have your child take a portion of their saved money to the store to purchase a small item that they want.

As always, we have books at the New Ulm Public Library that can be checked out. We have many personal finance books in the 332s section. Some books to teach children about money management include “The Berenstain Bears and Mama’s New Job,” A Bargain for Frances,” “Sheep in a Shop,” and “Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday.” Not all of these books are at the New Ulm Public Library, but we can get them from other libraries in our system.

April is the official National Financial Literacy Month. But you can start on any day or any month of the year to create successful strategies to better your financial position.

March 25, 2013

Wool
by Betty Roiger, Acquisitions

I don’t peek for Christmas presents. When someone says: “Close your eyes, and put out your hands,” I don’t open my eyes. And I don’t look at the last page of the book. But then I started “Wool” by Hugh Howey.

I hadn’t ducked into a Science Fiction world for a while because I have plenty to read. I went out to talk to Kris at the front desk; she was checking in “Wool” and gestured at the cover, saying, “This is getting some buzz.” “I know,” I said, “I’ve wanted to read it.” She thrust it at me saying, “Here!” “Uhm, what?! That’s sort of line jumping.”
(sputtered my inner dialogue). “I have a stack of books waiting to be read, and this one needs to wait its turn.” But “Wool” didn’t wait its turn. “Wool” cut in line and moved to the front and thankfully, gratefully, I am glad it did.

“The children were playing while Holston climbed to his death”... is how “Wool” starts. You like Holston right away in the story, even as he climbs the spiral stairway of the silo, to the up top. Questions abound. He is going to his execution, but will he clean? He broke the rules, he wants out, and that means a death sentence. (I know!) Not much of this makes sense to anyone reading this. Why a silo? Why does he want to die? Why can’t you go outside? What is cleaning? One of the best parts of this “Wool Omnibus” is that the answers are revealed quickly but not so quickly to spoil the intriguing premise. Once you are in the silo, with Holston, then with Jahns, and Marnes, and you begin viewing the hydroponic floor, the growing floor, IT where the techies work, you know with each step up or down you are entering a complete and fascinating world.

Usually the character you first meet is the one you follow through the book. But from the get-go it doesn’t look good for Holston. Who exactly am I shadowing? I’d advise you to head below 140 floors to down deep on those spiral stairs and get to Mechanical to find Jules. Jules is the character you really want to follow. She is the best mechanic maybe ever.

This book is addictive; once you enter, you do not want to leave. “Wool” is a wonderful world to be sucked into, not that it is necessarily a wonderful world. I found myself reading slower, slowing down to remain in the silo with Jules. At the same time, I flipped forward to the next chapter to see if everyone I liked remained intact. (Yes, I know! I don’t peek.) Yet “Wool” has its own rules. (So I had to. I needed to know!) This book is intense and irresistible. Hold on while “Wool” unravels and then re-stitches itself into something else. Follow Jules up top and down deep; it is worth it to get to the bottom of the secrets. I peeked. You’ll be flipping the pages, too, to find out what’s next. And then, you just might not want to leave, either.

If you like Science Fiction, please give “Wool” a shot. And here’s the thing. If you don’t read Science Fiction, do not let that stop you from trying “Wool.” This could take
place anywhere, anytime, which I think is the mark of a good story. And “Wool” is simply a good story. Come in and check something out.

March 18, 2013

Interior Re-design at the Library
by Larry Hlavsa, Library Director

Doing more with less seems to be the standard these days in state and local government. But how do you do more with less when your library offers its services in a building designed in 1976, at a time when staffing multiple levels and floors was not so problematic?

Your New Ulm Public Library has five floors open to the public. We have just over seventeen people (or about the equivalent of ten full-time people) to offer services on these five floors, and we’re open six days a week, including four evenings. We’re spread pretty thin.

As budgets have dropped in the past few years, we’ve done our best to maintain services. So far, so good. But we know that since 80% of our budget is people, future budget cuts will result in lowered staff levels. We’re trying now to be proactive in looking at how and where we offer services.

As the years go on, and people leave or retire, there is an increasing probability that they will not be replaced at the same hourly level, or they may not be replaced at all. If that’s the case, and we want to continue maintaining services, we have to reduce the locations where we offer service to the absolute minimum. Our Service Center (formerly the Circulation Center) is being looked on as the place where in the future those services will be offered.

While in the future the other four floors in our building may not be staffed, we are also looking for ways to give them a staff presence. One way is to move our managers (library director and assistant library director) to offices on empty floors to maintain a staff presence on those floors. Moving them there would also make them more available to the public.

Most of our ideas are in still in the formative stages, but a committee was recently formed to begin looking at the options. Included on the committee is the library director, two librarians, a library aide and two members of our library board. The committee will meet every month or two to plan for the interior re-design of the library. Its purpose will be to develop a design that will make the library a continuing place of education, programming, learning and fun.

Assistant Director Kris Wiley will be project manager for this interior re-design effort and will lead the aforementioned committee. She can be reached at: 359-8334, or by email: kwiley@tds.lib.mn.us.

Incidentally, now is a great time for you to express your thoughts about the interior design of the library. We encourage you to contact Kris with any of your thoughts, suggestions or ideas!

March 11, 2013

Friends Team Up With Sven & Ole’s for Book Fair
Kris Wiley, Assistant Library Director

Our Friends of the New Ulm Public Library is a fantastic organization. The group supports the library in any number of ways, from providing funding for materials and programs to attending events to advocating for library services.

The Friends’ major fundraiser is the annual book sale, which is held in the library basement in late fall. The proceeds from the sale, as with all of the Friends’ funds, go toward making your library even better. Now the Friends have a new opportunity to raise money. In partnership with Sven & Ole’s Books in New Ulm, the Friends will benefit from a book fair this Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. Customers must mention the book fair when they check out, and 25 percent of their sale will benefit the Friends.

It gets even better. The bookstore is accepting pre-orders for William Kent Krueger’s newest novel, “Ordinary Grace.” Customers must order the book at the store, and for every pre-ordered copy of “Grace,” Sven will give $8.25 to the Friends. And he’ll get your copy signed by the author. The book’s publication date is March 26; Sven will have your signed copy available for pickup at the store April 5. Sven & Ole’s Books is located at 2 North Minnesota Street; the phone number is 507-354-6421.

If you are not familiar with William Kent Krueger, he is best known for his Cork O’Connor series of mystery novels set in northern Minnesota. “Ordinary Grace” is a departure. The publisher’s introduction to the book sets the tone: New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers were selling out at the soda counter of Halderson’s Drugstore, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new, young president. But for 13-year-old Frank Drum, it was a grim summer in which death visited frequently and assumed many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder.

Sven has been in contact with Krueger and received this quote from him: “When I first began contemplating the writing of ‘Ordinary Grace,’ the seed for all my imagining was New Ulm. As the novel grew, I added elements of other towns in the lovely Minnesota River Valley, but New Ulm—an earlier, smaller, maybe simpler version—was always at the heart. I’m so grateful to everyone there who offered me stories and inspiration.”

There is a book trailer for “Ordinary Grace” on YouTube and can be accessed at http://youtu.be/Mv-t9cuet5c

The mission of the Friends of the New Ulm Public Library is to support your library. In just the past year, the Friends have donated funds for large-print books, audiobooks, and numerous programs, among other things. All proceeds from this book fair event will go toward continuing their support of library materials and programs. So if you’re out shopping this Friday and Saturday, stop in at Sven & Ole’s.

March 4, 2013

What to Read Next?
Katy Kudela, Children’s Librarian, and Betty J. Roiger, Acquisitions

“So many books; so little time.” It’s certainly a wonderful problem to have, but trying to decide which book to read next is a predicament for many readers. Here in the Children’s Room, this question comes up a lot. Sometimes it’s young readers looking for something else to read while they patiently wait for the next Rick Riordan book. Other times it’s parents hoping to draw their children into a new book series. Luckily, as one young patron said, our library has a lot of good books!

No matter the age level or the interest, the shelves of the New Ulm Public Library offer something for everyone. Even better…if we don’t have the book you’re looking for, we can search for the book in other libraries. It’s really that easy! So, with an abundance of books sitting on the shelves, the question still stands: “What to read next?”

If you’re looking for new children’s picture books, the 2013 Caldecott books are a great place to start. This year’s medal winner is “This Is Not My Hat” written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Follow along with a very small fish who thinks he is outsmarting a very much larger one.

Judging from this year’s winners, the world of picture books is flourishing! Klassen also illustrated another honor winner: “Extra Yarn,” written by Mac Barnett, demonstrates the magical gift of generosity. Toni Buzzeo wrote “One Cool Friend,” which is beautifully illustrated by David Small in black and white with touches of color. This book is the story of a suit and bow-tied boy who finds a friend in the penguin he “liberates” from an aquarium. Humor ensues.

While in the Children’s Room, be sure to check out this month’s Dr. Seuss picture book display. There you can locate your favorite Dr. Seuss book or perhaps discover a book you have not yet read. With 44 children’s books written and illustrated by Theodor Seuss Geisel, there is an assortment to choose from. If the books are checked out, please stop by the Children’s Desk and we can request a book from another library.

For junior readers looking for a good book, the best place to start just might be the library’s “Read-alikes and Series Lists.” Created last summer by library aide Carla Fjeld, this resource offers many book suggestions. Don’t forget that you can always ask the library staff, too. While we try to read as many books as we can, we also ask readers to share their favorite titles. After listening to readers, we know that Jake Maddox writes some cool sports books and Margaret Peterson Haddix writes page-turning science fiction books. Nancy Drew and The Boxcar Children are also proving to be timeless favorites.

Junior readers may also want to branch out and try something different. A great place to start is the series “You Choose.” A reader might be a first-class passenger on the Titanic or a German immigrant traveling to America. These books put readers in the driver’s seat. A reader gets to choose who to be, where to go, and what actions to take.

Minnesota author Rachael Hanel presented her “You Choose” book “Can You Survive Antarctica?” at a recent family program. First, audience members were asked to test their knowledge of foods to take to Antarctica. Unlike a summer camping trip, a trip to Antarctica (even in the summertime) becomes a survival mission. Hanel then read aloud from her book and let the audience choose its paths. Sharing the book as a read-aloud created an educational and entertaining evening. With a variety of topics available, the “You Choose” series would be fun for families to share. In fact, it’s a good reminder that all kinds books are made for sharing. You can share riddles at supper, read a chapter before bedtime, and listen to an audiobook in the car!

So, if you stumble upon the question “What to read next?” please remember your local library has many books to browse, and the staff is always happy to help.

February 25, 2013

Oscar’s Best Pictures at the Library!
Larry Hlavsa, Library Director

I’m one of the one billion people who watched the Oscars last Sunday night. Okay, the widely publicized estimate of one billion viewers is probably suspect, so let’s say I was one of the hundreds of millions. Close enough.

I love the Oscars, despite the fact that my favorites rarely win. I’m always happy to argue about best actor, best actress, best director, best screenplay, and similar categories, but the “Best Picture” selection is always among my top five films of the year. I rarely am upset about the Academy’s choice in the “Best Picture” category. This year I saw most of the nine nominated films before Sunday night, and while I wish “Lincoln” had won (I admit a decided prejudice for anything about Lincoln), “Argo” was a very fine film.

This got me to thinking. How many of Oscar’s “Best Pictures” over the last thirty years can you borrow from your local public library? I decided to do a little research to find out.

Calculator and IOLS (integrated online library system) in hand, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Traverse des Sioux libraries own 297 copies of “Best Pictures” from the last thirty years, and that we own one or more copies of all thirty “Best Picture” films since 1982.

Trivia fanatic that I am, however, I wasn’t done. I then began wondering—Which film do we have the most copies of? Since libraries purchase multiple copies only of items that are circulating well, it seems fair to say that the more copies we own, the more times they have circulated. My logic says: most owned = most watched.

The “Best Picture” that we own the most copies of turns out to be “Titanic,” James Cameron’s epic 1997 film about the doomed ocean liner. Looking for still more statistics I then used our IOLS reports to determine that our twenty-five copies (both VHS and DVD) of “Titanic” have gone out an amazing 2,191 times. We may be landlocked here in southern Minnesota, but we still like sea disasters as much as any part of the country.

To help you out next time you’re at the Library, here’s the list of “Best Pictures” from the past thirty years. Remember, all of these can be obtained through interlibrary loan if New Ulm Public Library does not directly own them.

BEST PICTURES

Terms of Endearment (1983); Amadeus (1984); Out of Africa (1985); Platoon (1986); Last Emporer (1987); Rain Man (1988); Driving Miss Daisy (1989); Dances With Wolves (1990); Silence of the Lambs (1991); Unforgiven (1992); Schindler’s List (1993); Forrest Gump (1994); Braveheart (1995); English Patient (1996); Titanic (1997); Shakespeare in Love (1998); American Beauty (1999); Gladiator (2000); A Beautiful Mind (2001); Chicago (2002); Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003); Million Dollar Baby (2004); Crash (2005); The Departed (2006); No Country for Old Men (2007); Slumdog Millionaire (2008); Hurt Locker (2009); King’s Speech (2010); The Artist (2011); Argo (2012).

February 18, 2013

Hooray for Local Writers
Kris Wiley, Assistant Library Director

Except for an occasional newspaper column, I’m a reader, not a writer. I’m enthralled by words on a page and their ability to evoke emotion and memory. Much of my spare time is spent curled up with a book, and I love talking about what I’ve read, which makes being a librarian here in New Ulm pretty fantastic. My co-workers and our library patrons love the written word as much as I.

All that is to say I am in awe of writers – their creativity, their diligence, their ability to share what is in their head. Before I came to New Ulm, I knew writers only by their work; I rarely attended author events. Then I moved here and quickly realized how fortunate our community is to have a number of published writers eager to share their gift. The library has been host to many readings featuring local writers, and we are continuing that commitment over the next month. All of these upcoming programs are free and open to the public, and they begin at 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase, and they will be added to the library’s collection.

This Thursday, February 21, Gary Wiltscheck will share “The Story of Sr. Adelaide Koetter.” Sr. Adelaide grew up in Freeport, Minn., and became a missionary nun on Kariru Island off the coast of New Guinea. On March 17, 1943, she was one of about 40 people killed by Japanese soldiers. Wiltscheck has photos taken by and letters from Sr. Adelaide during her mission to supplement his presentation. In addition, Gary will discuss Lt. James McMurria, who crossed paths with Sr. Adelaide in the South Pacific and went on to be captured by the Japanese and held as a prisoner of war for 1000 days. The Brown County Historical Society is a partner.

On Tuesday, February 26, Rachael Hanel will present an interactive program for all ages based on her book “Can You Survive Antarctica?” Hanel will share a short reading from her book and ask attendees to choose their “fateful path.” To further bring the book to life, Hanel will ask attendees to pull items from a bag and decide if the supplies will help them on their adventure. By the end of the program, readers will find out firsthand if they have what it takes to survive Antarctica. The River Ranger Program is a partner.

On Thursday, February 28, Sheila Wingate will talk about her new book, "Courtland, The Early Years: 1855-1910." She will share information about her research as well as the history of Courtland Township. The photographs in the book tell stories of Courtland readers might not know about. The Brown County Historical Society is a partner.

On Thursday, March 7, novelist Dave Gehrke will be on hand with his second mystery, “Goodbye Ginny Madison.” The book is about a romance writer pretending to be a mystery writer so he can solve a real mystery, clear his live-in uncle of a murder charge, convince his housekeeper to fall in love with him without her discovering he’s really a romance writer pretending to be a mystery writer, so they can all live happily ever after. When it comes right down to it, all Greg Monroe wants to do is say goodbye to Ginny Madison, his romance writer nom de plume.

On Thursday, March 14, Pell Johnson will share stories from his second book, “Fowl Deeds: The Adventures of Fowl Hunters on Swan Lake, Nicollet County Minnesota and a Few Other Interesting Places.” He will be at Orchard Hill Assisted Living at 3 p.m. and the library at 6 p.m.

For more information about these and other programs, call the library at 507-359-8334 or visit www.newulmlibrary.org. See you at the library!

February 11, 2013

Black History Month Observed
Linda Lindquist, Adult Services/Reference

The month of February is historically considered Black History Month as designated by the United States Congress in 1926. This is a time when we can remember the struggles, accomplishments, and contributions of African Americans. All month long we celebrate and highlight people and events of Black history in the United States and around the world.

Here are just a few of the things that can be done to celebrate Black History Month:

1. Read Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
2. Visit a local museum or art gallery. Most will be featuring African American artists, musicians, etc. during the month.
3. Check with area colleges and universities to see if they have special programs or events commemorating Black History Month.
4. Listen to music by Scott Joplin, Charley Pride, Bob Marley, Beyonce, or other African American musicians.
5. Check out a book.

We just purchased some new books about African Americans for the New Ulm Public Library. One title is “Black White Blue: The Assassination of Patrolman Sackett” by William Swanson. Patrolman Sackett was on the St. Paul police force when he was killed by a sniper’s bullet in the 1970s. There was much racial tension during that time. It is a true account of crime and punishment, race, and community.

Rachel L. Swarns has a new book on Michelle Obama entitled “American Tapestry: The Story of the Black, White, and Multiracial Ancestors of Michelle Obama.” Michelle Obama’s family saga is a journey from slavery to the White House in five generations. This is not only a family history but also about a nation going through racial intermingling and slavery. James McBride, author of “The Color of Water,” stated, “A grand, important book that shows how American bloodlines are rarely wholly black or purely white, neither one race nor another. Nowhere is that more true than in “American Tapestry,” an eloquent history of the First Lady’s family.”

“King: A Biography” by David Levering Lewis is in its 3rd edition. The 1st edition was published shortly after King’s assassination in 1968. It is a very readable book and full of historical insight. Lewis tells of King’s achievements but also points out his flaws and limitations. It is a classic biography capturing the voices and feelings of the times of King’s legacy. |

One other book that was recently purchased is “The Black Revolution on Campus” by Martha Biondi. She combines research with interviews to tell how students turned the slogan “Black Power” into a social movement. Biondi illustrates how Black studies have produced innovations that have had an impact on research and curriculum on campuses over the past 40 years.

These are the newest books we have on our shelves about African Americans. African American authors, with books on our shelves, include Walter Mosley, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, and Bill Cosby to mention a few.

One more thing…be sure to check your local TV listings, especially PBS. There are many specials, documentaries, and movies that will be shown during the month of February commemorating Black History Month.

February 4, 2013

Take Your Child to the Library Day!
Katy Kudela, Children’s Librarian

A celebration is buzzing through libraries called “Take Your Child to the Library Day!” While every day is a great day to stop by the library, this celebration is a chance for families to stop by their local libraries for an extra day of fun. Inspired by a librarian in Connecticut, this grassroots celebration has become an annual event held on the first Saturday of February. This year, librarians across the United States and Canada are joining in the fun.

The New Ulm Public Library will celebrate its own “Take Your Child to the Library Day!” on Saturday, Feb. 9. The celebration will kick off with a preschool storytime presented by the Narren at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to come learn about the history of these masked characters, listen to fun stories, and enjoy juggling entertainment!

For children who like crafts, be sure to stop by the Children’s Room to make a bookmark or two. The library staff will provide the ink, stamps, and cardstock¬—we ask children to supply the ideas and talent! This craft project will be available throughout the day or while supplies last.

We are encouraging children, tweens, and teens to sign up for the “I love this book” contests. Like last year, these contests are a fun way for readers to share their favorite books. Teens and tweens are asked to fill out a slip that names their favorite book or books. Younger children are asked to draw a picture of their favorite book character. All of these book suggestions and drawings will be featured in displays at the library. Each teen, tween, or child who enters the contest has a chance to win two free movie tickets to Carmike Cinema 3 in New Ulm. For more details, stop by the children’s desk or the service center. The contest runs through Friday, Feb. 22.

Of course, a visit to the New Ulm Public Library would not be complete if you don’t take a few minutes to browse the library’s collection. From fiction and nonfiction books to audio books, movies, and puzzles, there is always a discovery waiting to happen. If you don’t have a library card to access these materials, take a minute to stop by the service center. Signing up for a library card is easy, and the staff will be happy to help you. Children also can get their own library card if they have a parent or guardian with them. By taking just a few minutes to sign up for a free library card, you immediately open yourself and your children to a world of wonder, learning, and fun. As children’s author Marc Brown (“Arthur” books) says, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.”

January 28, 2013

Doorways to Books
Betty J. Roiger, Acquisitions

Opening a book is like walking through a doorway. Books welcome you, invite you in, and it’s up to you whether you want to take that step, go inside and take that journey to explore a new and unknown place.

A fellow librarian sent me a link that said librarians picked “Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore” as one of their top three titles of 2012. Although I had purchased it for the library when it came out, I had slid it way back in my “things to read someday list.” I just finished it. Out of 5 stars, I’d give it a 5. Yeah, it’s good.

At first, I thought it was a book lover’s book and would trash technology. But it unfolded into a quest, involving people who loved books and embraced technology. It is hard to describe this experience, but it hooked me fast, the writing was enjoyable, and the tale, well, quite a tale was being spun. This book makes a reader stop and think about our lives right now and realize that where we are is hardly short of astonishing. Here’s a sentence: “My phone couldn’t even connect to the internet back then.” It mashes up books and where we are, what happens every day, and it basically says: “It’s all good, let’s go for a ride.” And it’s quite a ride. It’s hard to say more than that except that the cover glows in the dark, and how cool is that?

The next book I entered was a novel of suspense called “And She Was” by Alison Gaylin. I didn’t know anything about this book other than Harlan Coben endorsed it on the cover saying he was a fan. Now I am, too. The main character is Brenna Spector, who is a missing persons investigator. She has that neurological disorder that allows her to remember every detail every day of her life. Somehow she makes all that work for her. The book starts out fast with a missing woman who turns out to be tied to a decade-old missing child, and Brenna is on the case. Brenna also has an over-the-top, ultra-cool dude macho computer specialist partner who makes for some comedic moments. But the parts that had me laughing out loud involved a really annoying, “shushing” librarian whose sole purpose in life seems to be making Brenna’s life more difficult, making me wonder if the author had a bad library experience in her past. Meanwhile, her characters were interesting, and the mystery was involving.

At the moment, I’ve opened the door into “The Death of Bees” by Lisa O’Donnell. I am now immersed in a completely different world in the poorer neighborhoods of Glasgow, Scotland. From the first page the reader knows that it is Christmas and that two teenage sisters have just buried their ne’er-do-well dead junkie parents in their back yard. Having grown up emotionally and physically neglected, possibly abused,
survival is the only thing they understand for certain. And if authorities find their parents gone, they fear they will be separated and put into foster care.

Marnie is 15, street smart, and hardened. She knows if she can make it to 16 she can legally take care of her sister, Nelly. Nelly, is odd, eccentric, and speaks in a posh Bette Davis accent. Help comes from an unlikely source, when a neighbor’s dog shows an overly enthusiastic interest in their back yard. And so this elderly gay neighbor begins to feed and nurture them, giving them some semblance of stability, as least, he thinks, until their parents return. There is a black humor here, darkness and light, goodness and cruelty. This is harsh, gritty, realistic, and riveting, and I can’t wait to read what comes next.

In closing, I would like to encourage you to step through your own doors by opening a book. You never know what worlds there are to explore between the covers until you step in. Check something out, that first step might be a dilly.

January 21, 2013

Winter Blahs
Linda Lindquist, Adult Services/Reference

Are you (or your children, for that matter) getting tired of the cold, winter days and nights and looking for something new and different to fill those hours? This could be a perfect time to start a new hobby. Or it may be a good time to start thinking of that special vacation you are looking forward to. The following suggestions may be of interest to you.

Scrapbooking or journaling are hobbies that many people enjoy. It doesn’t have to take much to get started, it’s a great way to organize pictures, and a story can be told at the same time. Scrapbooks and journals can be as simple or as elaborate as you want to make them. A good way to get started is to attend a workshop at a local craft shop. The workshop will allow you to try tools and materials before you purchase them. Some of the books at the library on this topic include “Start Scrapbooking: Your Essential Guide to Recording Memories” by Wendy Smedley and “The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker” by Wendy Smedley and Aby Garvey. Janet Pensiero’s book “Totally Cool Journals, Notebooks & Diaries” has some neat projects to help a young person get started scrapbooking or journaling.

Are you a knitter but tired of making afghans, scarves, sweaters, gloves, etc.? How about making some knitted jewelry? “Little Knitted Jewels” edited by Kara Gott Warner and “Beaded Bracelets to Knit” by Leslieanne Beller look interesting and challenging (challenging for me, easy for others). These projects make use of leftover scrap yarns and walk the knitter through several useful techniques such as knitting with beads, working in the round, knitting with wire, and more.

This really isn’t a hobby, but maybe you are thinking of taking a winter vacation yet or possibly looking forward to next summer’s vacation. New Ulm is such a German community, and maybe you are looking forward to a trip to Germany. “Eyewitness Travel Germany” is one of our newer travel books on Germany. Included are many sights to see in the different regions of Germany, hotels to stay in, and of course restaurants to capture the flavors of Germany. Also included in the book is a practical information section giving advice on when to go, visas and passports, customs regulations, taxes and tipping, traveling with children, etc. Or maybe you would like to take a vacation but you or someone in your group is limited because of being in a wheelchair or having a problem walking. Check out “22 Accessible Road Trips: Driving Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers” by Candy B. Harrington. Included in the book are trips to Pacific, Mountain, Central and Eastern states. Once you have looked through and read this book, you will see that being a slow walker or in a wheelchair is no longer a barrier to going on vacation. If you have young children in your group (or the young at heart regardless of age), take a look at “America’s Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families” by Allen W. Nyhuis and Jon Wassner. The book gives a brief description of the zoo, address, website, admission and fees, and featured exhibits.

Guess I have rambled on long enough. These are just a few of the books that you can check out at the New Ulm Public Library. If you are looking for something that you cannot find on our shelves, let us know. We will check other libraries in our system or check in MNLink for books. Enjoy the rest of your winter.

January 14, 2013

Rebus and Other Cold-Weather Reads
Kris Wiley, Assistant Library Director

This week’s cold spell coincides perfectly with the return of one of my favorite fictional characters – Scottish detective inspector-turned retired civilian investigator John Rebus. After 17 thrilling books, author Ian Rankin said goodbye to Rebus in 2007, and I was left with a void in my reading life. But now Rebus is back in “Standing in Another Man’s Grave,” and I couldn’t be happier.

Rebus is one of those flawed characters whom you can’t help but adore. He’s irascible, complicated, and brilliant, which is a wonderful combination for making few friends and many enemies. He’s also determined, which provides for dramatic storylines. There are many recurring characters in the series, but Rebus is the glue. “Standing in Another Man’s Grave” is the first book to feature Rebus since he retired from the police department, and now he is reviewing cold cases as a civilian. The long-lost case of a missing girl followed by the disappearances of two women catch his attention, and he quickly realizes the tragedies are connected.

I mentioned our current cold snap because as much as the Rebus series revolves around the main character, the weather plays an almost equally important part. Edinburgh, Scotland, has to be one of the consistently chilliest, dampest places on Earth, or so you would gather from Rebus’ forays on the city streets. He always seems to be popping into a pub to warm up with a pint or going into a shop for a milky coffee to fend off a chill. I end up shivering right along with him.

I suggest reading the series in order to get the full flavor; Rebus evolves over the course of 17 books, and, as a reader, it’s enjoyable to evolve with him. Start with “Knots and Crosses.” I’ll be reading “Standing in Another Man’s Grave” with a cup of hot chocolate and a thick blanket.

If you aren’t cold enough yet, there are a couple of other wonderful detective series in which the weather plays a great supporting role. Go even farther north in Scotland to Aberdeen for the Logan McRae series by Stuart MacBride. Or head to Iceland for Arnaldur Indriðason’s Reykjavik Murder Mysteries featuring Inspector Erlendur. Or travel to Denmark for the Department Q series with Carl Mørck by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Then curl up and enjoy!

January 6, 2013

What New Ulm Adults Read

by Larry Hlavsa, Library Director

Ever wonder what New Ulm is reading?

Well, I have, and as we’ve been weeding the New Ulm Library book collection the past several months, it has become clearer what kinds of books are most popular with local readers. Some of what we’ve found out is surprising, and some of it is unsurprising. Here’s a list of the types of materials and subject areas most in vogue among local readers.

Mysteries. Everyone seems to love a good mystery, and New Ulm is no exception. In fact, mysteries are so popular here that the library is starting a Mystery Book Group! The group will meet the last Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to join. The first title to be discussed comes from the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley. Stop by the Library’s Service Center to place a hold on a copy of the book today. You can also ask for a large print copy or an audiobook if you prefer.

Large print. The population of New Ulm is quite fond of large print books. While our senior population is responsible for much of that popularity, other elements of the population use large print materials as well. As my own eyes have aged, I know I’ve grown more appreciative of large print books. Incidentally, we’re very thankful to the Lion’s Club of New Ulm which annually contributes funds to help develop this collection. Thanks, Lions!

Self-help. I guess there is a reason why there are so many self-help books published—they are extremely popular with readers! That’s certainly the case here in New Ulm. Psychology is the primary area we’re talking about, although self-help covers other areas as well. Topics like: how to have a better marriage, how to raise children and how to deal with stress are just a few of the topics we have books on.

Cartoon, anime and graphic novels. I frankly was surprised to see how popular these kinds of books are in New Ulm. Staff have said in the past that they were, but until I looked at the circulation statistics I wasn’t a believer. Now I am. I even found one title for myself—Rex Libris. I, Librarian—“The astonishing story of the incomparable Rex Libris, Head Librarian at Middleton Public Library, and his unending struggle against the forces of ignorance and darkness.” Wow! Who says librarians are boring, or unpowerful? Certainly not Rex Libris! Our selection of cartoon, anime and graphic novels is quite large, so you’re bound to find something you’d like on our shelves.

Popular novelists. No surprise here. Best-selling authors are as popular in New Ulm as anywhere else in the country: Janet Evanovich, Nora Roberts, Lee Child, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks and John Grisham are just a few of the more popular authors in New Ulm.

E-books. Our e-books collection began in 2011 and is steadily increasing in popularity. Traverse des Sioux libraries circulated 34,670 e-books in 2012; of these, 3,543 were by New Ulm Library cardholders. While still a small portion of our total circulation, we are watching these e-books stats carefully. Are e-books the future of libraries? Or will the book remain supreme? Stay tuned. The jury is still out.

Other collections of ours that are popular include: World War II, the American Civil War, inspirational books, science fiction/fantasy, cookery, resume, and—as one fellow staff member put it—“anything new!” With more than 80,000 items in our collection, we’re bound to have something you would like. So come on in and have a look!


City of New Ulm	Traverse des Sioux Library System