Every year the American Library Association (ALA) presents the Morris Award to an outstanding Young Adult book written by a first-time writer. Because of its defining criterion, I like to think of the Morris Award as the ALA’s version of a Rookie of the Year Award. Don’t, however, let these authors’ newness to the scene […]
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Solving the Case of the Forgotten Book Title
It happens to the best of us. You read a book review, then head to your local library with that certain book in mind you’re dying to read. You pull into the parking lot, whistling a happy tune, because hey, you’re at the library! The library rules! You head over to the stacks and stare […]
Continue readingLiterary horror-fancy scares for the highbrow among us
If you’re like me, you’re too tasteful and refined for the gaping-maw, bloody bones of everyday horror. You want excellent writing and psychological shivers to give you the creeps. Thanks to Unbound Worlds, I now know about literary horror fiction and the high-class path to getting scared. Dread, fear, and distorted reality are all part […]
Continue readingRearranging the Children’s Center
At the Central Library, we are shifting some of your favorite items within the children’s center. Movies, graphic novels, audio books, new chapter books, and world language materials are now spruced up and in new locations. A handful of staff members and volunteers are helping this go very smoothly. It all started when the children’s […]
Continue readingTales of icy adventure and exploration
Why are stories about polar exploration, and the resulting disasters, so appealing? Are the icicle-laden beards and mustaches of our heroes to blame? The poor frosty gents certainly have my respect and admiration, even if they were sometimes motivated more by vainglorious ambition than the pure search for knowledge. Their heroic stories of endurance and […]
Continue readingVideo producer Nicholas Moore is new 970West Studio Artist in Residence
Nicholas Moore, a producer, filmmaker, and digital marketing consultant, is the new Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio Artist in Residence for the first four months of 2018. Moore, who holds an English degree from Colorado Mesa University, is a collaboration artist and digital videographer. For years after graduating from CMU, Moore traveled to multiple countries […]
Continue readingKatherine Arden: The Bear and the Nightingale
Whilst my wistful wishing for a white Christmas went unfulfilled, I attempted to satisfy my winter wantings with a book set in Russia—a country rather infamous for its harsh and unforgiving winters. The book of my choosing, “The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden—voted one of the best Science Fiction and Fantasy books for […]
Continue readingLesley Nneka Arimah: Short Stories with Big Soul
While browsing my bookshelf, I realized most of my recently checked out titles were written by men. No offense to the literary fellas in my life, but this prompted me to change directions and begin researching newer female writers emerging on the scene. The first title I chose is the What It Means When a Man […]
Continue readingChildren Coping with Grief
Death is the inevitable consequence of life. Unfortunately, no amount of love or youth or goodness can shield those dear to us from dying or protect us from the trauma of loss. Whether it is the death of a grandparent, pet, parent, or someone else, anyone who lives long enough will experience death. Of course, […]
Continue readingDog Ears reading program expands to Orchard Mesa and Collbran branches
Dog Ears, a children’s reading program at several Mesa County Libraries locations, is expanding to the Orchard Mesa and Collbran branches this year. Dog Ears lets children read individually to specially trained therapy dogs for 15 minutes uninterrupted. Kids who get frustrated or feel uncomfortable while reading often relax and enjoy reading more when they […]
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