Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Book Review by Aarene Storms: Every tree has a story

Monday, February 14, 2022

Every Tree Has a Story by Cécile Benoist
illustrated by Charlotte Gaustaut

In Piplantri, India, villagers plant eleven trees each time a baby girl is born.

In Kenya, non-profit organizations employ women to plant seedlings to reforest the country, resulting in more than 52 million seedlings planted thus far.

In the United States, an art professor creates a series of "art trees": heavily-grafted fruit trees that bloom over 5 months and produce 40 types of cherries, peaches, and plums.

Graceful, oversize illustrations draw the reader's eye over the page and into each brief, true story of remarkable trees and the people who care for them.

Share this book with a friend… or a tree... or a friendly tree.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages.  


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Virtual Black Books Fair to benefit Shoreline Schools' libraries

Monday, January 31, 2022


January 31 – February 13
Virtual Black Books Fair

This year’s Black Books Fair will be held virtually in partnership with Third Place Books. Beginning on January 31, 2022 you can view the Black Books Fair here. Proceeds will benefit school libraries throughout our district. 

Be sure to put “Black Voices” in your purchase notes so our book fair gets credit.

Join us as we kick off our annual (Virtual) Black Books Fair! Every purchase will benefit putting titles in schools. We are thrilled to have Kwame Alexander and Jewell Parker Rhodes join us in discussing their novels, including Alexander's Crossover books and Rhodes's newest title, Paradise on Fire.

Why Black Books?

Though they make up approximately 40% of the US population, less than 10% of children's books released the last 24 years were written by and for people of color. 

Even more, the Cooperative Children's Book Center of the University of Madison-Wisconsin discovered that children's books published in a given year were 3x more likely to feature an animal or other character than a Black character. 

When children see mirrors of themselves or positive windows into the world of another, they are able to better develop empathy, more well-rounded narratives and critical thinking skills needed to talk about matters of identity. (diversebooks.org) 

Lastly, books can communicate JOY! There is much to celebrate about community, and by featuring selected books, it helps change the narrative for everyone.

Please purchase a book, support a local bookstore and help put titles back in schools!

Special thanks to Third Place Books for their partnership on this endeavor, and a special thanks to the Shoreline Equity and Family Engagement Department, Shorelake Arts, Shoreline PTA Council, Jewell Parker Rhodes and Kwame Alexander.

Click here to buy books, beginning on January 31st: https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/black-voices-book-fair

**Please don't forget to put "Black Voices" in the notes so that our Book Fair gets credit!**


Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times Bestselling author of 35 books.

He is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. 

In 2018, he founded the publishing imprint VERSIFY, and opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded. He is the writer and executive producer of THE CROSSOVER TV series on Disney plus.



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Third Place books to hold in person event with Science Fiction authors on February 10 - register now

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

 

Thursday, February 10 at 7pm. In person at Lake Forest Park! Proof of vaccination required.

Hugo, Nebula, Alex, and Locus Award–winning author Seanan McGuire discusses a new, standalone book in her Wayward Children series, "Where the Drowned Girls Go. "

McGuire will be joined in conversation by former Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America President Cat Rambo, author of the You Sexy Thing. This event is free and open to the public.

Register here for this in-person event!



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King County Library System patrons checked out nearly 8 million digital titles in 2021

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Shoreline Library photo by Steven H. Robinson

ISSAQUAH, WA — King County Library System (KCLS) patrons checked out 7,868,850 digital titles in 2021 through OverDrive, a digital reading platform used by KCLS. OverDrive’s 2021 statistics identify KCLS as the No. 2 digital circulating library in the U.S. and No. 4 in the world. KCLS’ per capita usage remains the highest of any library system in the U.S.

In another record-setting year, OverDrive’s 2021 data shows that readers continue to turn to digital content they can access and enjoy from home during the ongoing pandemic. In total, readers across the globe checked out 506 million eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines through OverDrive.

“It is wonderful to watch our digital readership grow each year,” stated KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum. “We will continue to invest in digital content to meet our patrons’ needs and expand access to information in all forms.”

A KCLS library card or eCard allows patrons to access to the System’s electronic materials, which include streaming films, eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines, research databases, student resources, small business resources and more.

KCLS’ Top Five Digital Titles in 2021:
  • “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah
  • “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama
  • “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End” by Jeff Kinney
  • “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
  • “Talking to Strangers” by Malcolm Gladwell

To view KCLS’ electronic downloads in real time, check out OverDrive’s digital circulation dashboard.

Founded in 1942, the King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Serving the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and 1.2 million cardholders. In 2011, KCLS was named Library of the Year by Gale/Library Journal.



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Author and Gold Star wife presents her investigation of the Green Beret killings in Niger

Thursday, January 13, 2022


Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion is proud to host author and Gold Star wife, Michelle Black, for a presentation of her book entitled "Sacrifice."

Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 1:30pm

Her husband, Bryan, was an integral part of the Green Beret team operating in Niger, North Africa under the broad U.S. Command of AFRICOM. In early 2017, the team on an assigned mission was ambushed by ISIS resulting in the tragic death of Bryan and three other team members. 

Reports of the event provided by the AFRICOM differed from the reports Michelle learned from the surviving Green Beret team members. The Command placed blame for failings of the mission on the team leader and the team.

This sparked Michelle to make an investigation which resulted in her book "Sacrifice". Michelle will bring books for sale before and after her presentation.

Starr Sutherland Jr. Post 227 of The American Legion
14521 17th Ave NE, Shoreline WA 98155
Doors will open at 12:30pm

COVID-19 protocols will be observed. Please wear a face covering (one will be provided at the Post) and practice six-foot distancing.


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Book review by Aarene Storms: Rez Dogs

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac
 
Malian was supposed to spend the weekend with her Penacook tribal grandparents, but then the pandemic happened, travel stopped,  and they all locked down together with the mysterious protective dog they call “Malsum” the old word for “wolf.”

Malian is a modern kiddo: she talks to her parents via Facetime every night, binge-watches old Star Trek episodes on Netflix, and attends online school when there is enough bandwidth for her to connect (signal strength is unpredictable on the reservation).

Malian also overlays fear of the virus with the love and sense of belonging and resiliency she feels on the reservation. Her ancestors survived plagues brought by white explorers, her grandparents survived government boarding schools, and her own mother survived and returned to the tribe after social services took her away to be adopted by a white family. 

Malian straddles two cultures gracefully, helped by hearing traditional tribal tales and family stories.
 
Indigenous storyteller, poet, and acclaimed author Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki) gracefully integrates tales of trickster heroes and ancestors into this gentle contemporary story. 
 
Content alerts:  historic and modern oppression of native peoples including forced sterilization, the harsh conditions of American Indian Residential Schools, discussion of racial justice issues, plus love, friendship, and frybread. Recommended for readers ages 10 to adult.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net



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Book review by Aarene Storms: California Dreamin'

Monday, December 20, 2021

California Dreamin’ : Cass Elliot before the Mamas and the Papas
by Pénélope Bagieu (graphic novel-format biography)

Cass Elliot wasn’t the kind of person that record producers wanted on album covers. She was too smart, too loud, too opinionated, and most of all, too fat. But, nobody ever said the woman couldn’t sing. Because nobody could deny that Cass Elliot had an amazing voice.

Cass Elliot’s friends and family tell the story of the famous singer’s young life, from her Italian-opera-loving Baltimore childhood through her awkward adolescence and up to the brink of fame. 

They see her as talented and stylish. Outwardly confident and brash, secretly insecure and lonely. And yeah: fat.

Author Pénélope Bagieu’s scribbly illustration style captures the chaos as well as the joy and despair in the life of this talented musician. 

Source material is cited at the back of the book, as well as a playlist of recommended recordings.

The book depicts plenty of drug and alcohol use (and abuse), sexual situations, some cussing, some cartoon nudity, bullying, and most of all, music. If you aren’t humming tunes through the last half of the book, well I guess you just aren’t really reading it, are you?Recommended for readers ages 14 and up.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net



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Retired Shoreline Schools teacher / coach publishes third children's picture book

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Nana Posy and the Christmas concert speaks
to the emotional toll of the pandemic
Retired Shoreline School District teacher and coach Linda Rittenhouse recently published the third children's picture book in her Nana Posy series about a vivacious grandmother's interactions with the wildlife in her back yard. 

The first two books in the series, "Nana Posy's Project" and "Nana Posy and Quail Pie" were published earlier this year.

In "Nana Posy and the Christmas Concert," Nana Posy has a bad case of the holiday blues. 
Even though she has decorated, baked, and sung holiday songs in her terrible scratchy voice, she is having a hard time getting into a festive mood. 
Isolation due to the pandemic and thinking about how people will be missing their loved ones during the holiday season have taken their toll. 
Not to be a spoiler, but something might just happen to lift her spirits...this is a children's book, after all!

"Nana Posy and the Christmas Concert" deals honestly, but gently with the challenges faced by everyone around the world because of the pandemic. 

Nana Posy's style of talking to children ("I'm sorry to tell you something sad, but I always want to be honest with you.") will help kids navigate this time and show them that life can work in magical ways to bring joy even during the most difficult times.

Rittenhouse' young adult novel was inspired
by her coaching experiences
Since retiring from teaching French and Spanish and coaching softball, basketball, and track for eighteen years at Einstein Middle School, Linda has also published a young adult novel, "Fearless!" 

Set in classrooms, halls, track, and locker room, "Fearless!" is the story of 13-year-old Noah Martin's search for a place to excel among classmates who he believes have "perfect lives," his attempts to navigate the challenges of middle school, and the unlikely heroes he meets along the way.

"It was wonderful to take some of the unforgettable memories I have from teaching and coaching and turn them into a novel," says Rittenhouse. 

The dedication of "Fearless!" reads, "to the hundreds of student athletes I coached. Thank you for always being willing to try the crazy things I asked of you and for having the good sense to laugh every step of the way. I am grateful for the ways each of you enriched my life. You all have a piece of my heart forever. You know who you are."

"Fearless!" is available to borrow from the Einstein Middle School library. 

Linda's books are also available to purchase on Amazon, and she hopes they will soon be available in King County libraries. A founding member and former president of the Woodinville Friends of the Library, Linda has submitted her books for KCLS consideration.

Linda has a website for children, NanaPosy.com to give kids an opportunity to read, write, and learn about poetry. Her poetry has been published in The Lyric Magazine and in Sandcutters. Her creative non-fiction piece "Caught," inspired by trout fishing escapades of her father and his buddies during her childhood, was published in the Fall 2021 issue of Sky Island Journal, a free online literary magazine.



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Book review by Aarene Storms: Gender Queer

Monday, December 6, 2021

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

In 5th grade, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, had the feeling that everybody else had access to information that e lacked — not an uncommon feeling for 5th graders. 

This feeling persisted through high school and college, and always seemed to center around gender identity. Maia doesn’t identify as female, but e doesn’t feel like a guy, either. What is e?

The answers are explored in this gentle graphic novel-format memoir. Maia does a lot of identity exploration and discovers a lot of identities that don't feel quite right. 

Readers will intuit that the search is ongoing, and that there may be more discoveries in the future. No matter what, Maia is a sympathetic protagonist who patiently explains the confusion and frustration of living a non-binary life amidst people who mean well but often guess wrong when trying to understand. 

There is a lot of controversy over this book right now, including attacks by politicians, school boards, and parents upset about certain sexual situations and images. Significantly, many of these would-be censors say that they have not read the entire book, and are reacting only to a few select pages and images.

Maia’s story is 239 pages long, and taking a few pages out of context destroys the entire purpose of the book: to tell about eir entire journey.  

Don’t take somebody’s word for it (not even mine!): read the entire book for yourself. Many libraries carry electronic copies of Gender Queer through an e-comic service called “hoopla” which offers unlimited checkouts of items with no waiting.   

I highly recommend this book for readers ages 14 and up, especially those who question their own place in the rainbow and those who love someone they don’t entirely understand.  

Sexual situations, a few cuss words, bullying, engaging art work, thought-provoking story. Extra stars to the author and illustrator for citing scientific and literary sources within the work.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net 



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Best children and teen books of 2021 from the King County Library System

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The King County Library System (KCLS) released its 2021 Best Books. The annual list reveals KCLS’ top 100 books of the year, and includes 25 titles in each of the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, children and teen. (see previous article for fiction and nonfiction)

Best teen books of 2021

Best Books are nominated by KCLS librarians and staff members across the System who, collectively, read thousands of books each year. A selection committee then reviews the submissions and determines the final list.

See the full list of teen books here.
Best children books of 2021

Management Services Tracey Thompson says "We hope you enjoy digging into some of our favorite books, and perhaps, discover a new one of your own!”

Full list of children's books here.



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Best fiction and nonfiction of 2021 from the King County Library System

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Best fiction of 2021
The King County Library System (KCLS) released its 2021 Best Books. The annual list reveals KCLS’ top 100 books of the year, and includes 25 titles in each of the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, children and teen.

Best Books are nominated by KCLS librarians and staff members across the System who, collectively, read thousands of books each year. A selection committee then reviews the submissions and determines the final list. The 386 nominations received this year span a range of genres and interests, from memoirs and world history to poetry, graphic novels and science fiction.

See the full fiction list here.
Best nonfiction books of 2021

“This year’s list represents a great selection of diverse titles and formats including several graphic novels," stated KCLS Director of Collection Management Services Tracey Thompson. "We hope you enjoy digging into some of our favorite books, and perhaps, discover a new one of your own!”

The full nonfiction list is here



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Book review by Aarene Storms - Brazen: rebel ladies who rocked the world by Pénélope Bagieu

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Brazen: rebel ladies who rocked the world by Pénélope Bagieu

Some names may be familiar: Mae Jamison (astronaut), Margaret Hamilton (actress), Tove Jansson (author/artist), Temple Grandin (scientist, advocate for animals and autism).

Other names are not-so-familiar: Adnodice (ancient gynecologist), Lozen (warrior/shaman), Frances Glessner Lee (crime miniaturist).

What they all have in common: each of the women profiled accomplished what she wanted most.

Some women (Josephine Baker, dancer, social activist, spy) flaunted society’s norms in order to live the life she chose. 

Others (Leymah Gbowee, social worker) rose above terrible circumstances to change the world. 

Still others (Clémentine Delait, bearded lady) used their own intelligence to create a life of freedom.

The stories of 29 free thinkers who changed the world are told in brisk, expressive, snarky cartoons. Some cussing, violence, blood, death, sexual situations and (cartoon) nudity, politics, science, and art.

Highly recommended for independent thinkers, ages 14 to adult.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net



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‘The First Three Songs’ - local photographer's coffee table book of rock stars he has photographed

Sunday, November 21, 2021

The First Three Songs - photography by Steve Schneider

Sunday, November 21, 2021 at The Local 104 Winter Market from noon to 4pm. 18498 Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park.


The Grateful Dead, Nirvana, David Bowie, Soundgarden, the Rolling Stones and many more - Shoreline resident Steve Schneider has photographed them all.

And now he has published his photos in a gorgeous book of photography, "The First Three Songs," a  hardbound book with 220 pages of concert images printed on archival acid-free matte paper.

350 photos showcase five decades of live music -- the Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, the Rolling Stones, and many others. 

Soundgarden at The Paramount from The First Three Songs by Steve Schneider

At ten of the concerts featured — including shows by David Bowie, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson — Schneider was the only photographer with access.

The title comes from some acts’ directive that photographers only shoot the first three songs, but many of the best images in The First Three Songs are from when Schneider pushed around that. 

A shot of the Grateful Dead at the closing of the legendary San Francisco club Winterland in 1978 was taken at 5:30am in the morning. 

“This was back in the days of film, and I had saved just a few frames for when they would end,” Schneider recalled. “They started on at midnight, but I saved enough to capture their good-bye early in the morning.” 

The Grateful Dead liked the image enough that it was used on a CD and DVD of the event, and it ended the film of the event. The band signed a copy of a 1977 New Years’ photo from the same location in Winterland. They also gave Bill Walton a 20”x 30” signed copy of the same photo.

U2 at Key Arena from The First Three Songs by Steve Schneider

Many of Schneider’s photos were shot for UPI, but he has also worked for Sipa Press, Reuters, and Gannett. His images have appeared in hundreds of newspapers and magazines, and Time used one of Schneider’s photos of Jerry Garcia in their 1995 coverage of the singer’s death. Schneider’s work has also been featured in numerous exhibits. He is represented by the Jeffrey Moose Gallery in Bainbridge Island, Washington.

“The book includes over five decades of photographs,” Schneider says. “In the case of Neil Young, as one example, you can actually see five decades of Neil in photographs.” 

Young was one of the last performers Schneider photographed pre-pandemic in 2019. Schneider says the book also serves as a document of how concert photography is transformed with the development of digital photography, and how when bands began to light their stage for video.

Copies of "The First Three Songs" are available for $60 at www.schneiderphotographystore.com. He will be selling them in person on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at The Local 104 Winter Market from noon to 4pm. 18498 Ballinger Way NE in Lake Forest Park.



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Book review by Aarene Storms: Hearts Unbroken

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Louise Wolfe is a senior, a journalist for the school newspaper, and a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. 

When her first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, Louise unceremoniously dumps him. 

But when she starts dating the new kid on the school newspaper staff, Louise never quite gets around to telling him about her tribal identity ... until everything goes really wrong.

Set in contemporary Kansas, this own-voices novel spotlights many opinions on racial issues. Some are outright offensive. 

Others are more complicated, just like real people. Through it all, Louise, her younger brother Hughie (who completely stole my heart), and her realistically-flawed parents work to establish their rightful place in the community, and in the world.

Some minor cussing, a few sexual situations, a diverse cast, and an exploration of racial stereotypes. Recommended for ages 14 to adult.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net



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Book review by Aarene Storms: The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

If the fashionable London as seen in the popular Netflix series "Bridgeton" had access to magic that would allow their houses to fly around, I feel quite sure the backstabbing socialites of high society would have turned out exactly like the characters in The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.

Polite manners and teacakes, paired with pistols and thievery, plus a swashbuckling romance between a proper lady (who is also a pirate) and a pirate (who is also a charming gentleman), complicated by mayhem, attempted assassination, explosions, kidnapping, poetry, and flying battle-houses.  

Completely ridiculous? Yes. Also: completely delightful. I laughed all the way through this frothy story.  

Highly recommended for readers of regency romances, historical/magical novels, and those who like a bit of silliness in their stories. 

A few minor cuss words and one swoony, non-lurid sex scene. The audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden is fun, too.   

This title stands alone well, but I see that a minor character will have a spin-off story, with a release date of March 2022.  I can hardly wait!  

Ages 14 to adult. 

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages. She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net  

See her previous book reviews here 



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AAUW presents local author Dori Jones Yang in in-person event at Seattle Asian Art Museum

Friday, October 8, 2021


In the 1980s, after decades of isolation, China opened its doors – and Communism changed forever. 

As a foreign correspondent during this pivotal time, Dori Jones Yang used her fluency in Mandarin to get to know the ordinary people she met— people embracing opportunities that had once been unimaginable in China. 

Soon she fell in love with China and with a Chinese man. This memoir recalls the euphoria of Americans and Chinese discovering a new China, as well as the despair of Tiananmen Square.

Dori’s observations offer an unusual vantage point from which to understand China’s perspective on its growing prominence in the world— a view seldom heard amidst the acrimony of US-China relations today.

AAUW Seattle invites the public to hear award-winning local author Dori Jones Yang speak on her memoir, When the Red Gates Opened: A Memoir of China’s Reawakening.

 Saturday, October 16, 2021 -- 10:30am - 12:00pm - in person
Stimson Auditorium in the Seattle Asian Art Museum,
Free parking is available

Yang will share her experiences as a Business Week correspondent in China in the 1980s, including the Tiananmen Square protests. Fluent in Mandarin, Yang provides a unique perspective on China and its people.

More information on this AAUW Seattle program is at https://aauw-seattle.org/calendar/filter-by/event/79/2021/10/16

Reservations required: email RSVP@aauw-seattle.org. There is no charge, but masks will be required. Guests are welcome.



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Book Review by Aarene Storms: Every Heart a Doorway

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan Mcguire
(Wayward Children series #1)

Children have always found pathways out of our world and into other places. 

Whether they travel by wardrobe, rabbit hole, looking glass, or some other magical portal, they always return to our world changed by the experience. But... then what?

If they are lucky, they might attend Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, a boarding school where all the students have travelled elsewhere. 

Some visited nonsensical universes, others sojourned in dark and frightening places. 

Everyone at the school-- including Eleanor West herself-- dearly wishes to return to their other place... but most of them never will.

Layered on top of this marvelous fairy-tale-esque story is a murder mystery. Who is killing the residents of the school, and why?

The characters are fascinating, diverse, and more than slightly creepy. The situation is mesmerizing. And this is just the beginning of the series!

I tore through the first book in the series in a single rainy afternoon, and then promptly downloaded the audio edition to experience it again. And then I discovered the sequels-- my own private doorway to other strange and fabulous places. 

Are you still talking? Shhh. I'm reading.

Blood, minor cussing, some sexual situations, cultural and gender diversity, death and dark themes, love, friendship, and plenty of magic.

Highly recommended for anyone who is still waiting hopefully for a Hogwarts letter, ages 12 to adult.

Aarene Storms is a librarian who reads and reviews books for all ages.  She can be reached at aarenex@haikufarm.net


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Online Adult Programs available every week via the King County Library System - all free

Wednesday, September 29, 2021


The King County Library System KCLS has put many of their programs online so that it's possible to discuss books with a Woodinville club, get genealogy help from the South King County group, take arts classes, and get Medicare advice - all from your computer.

The following programs are available every week but these are specific to the Week of October 4, 2021

Here are resources if you need help finding something or signing up:
Visit kcls.org/events to see all events and filter by age level, type of program, and date.

Programs available every week:

Daily Arts Activities by SilverKite!
https://bit.ly/KCLS_SilverKite

Day and topics vary – check the link above for schedule.
Description: For all ages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Silver Kite Community Arts is offering online intergenerational workshops, talks, social hours and performances FREE for KCLS patrons. We hope that by offering these opportunities, we are providing stimulating creative engagement opportunities and social connection during this challenging time.

Register at silverkite.us/kcls You will see "GUEST AREA." Enter KCLS2020 for the password and choose your classes. You will receive an email confirmation with a list of supplies and access instructions before the class.

Your Next Job
https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/civics-and-social-services/your-next-job

Monday--Friday, 10am-5pm
Description: For adults. Get free one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions online or by phone. We can help you find your next job or learn new skills.

For speakers of Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya and Vietnamese.

If you have a question or need help, 206.386.4636.

Register for an appointment at SPL's Your Next Job page:
https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/civics-and-social-services/your-next-job

In partnership with The Seattle Public Library, Sno-Isle Libraries, Seattle Jobs Initiative, Puget Sound Welcome Back Center, Building Our Bridge and Korean Community Service Center.

Reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities is available by request. Please contact the library at least seven days before the event for ASL interpretation, captioning services and/or other accommodation for online programs. Send your request to access@kcls.org.

Plaza Comunitaria-Tutorías para adultos/Tutoring for Adults
https://bit.ly/KCLS_Plaza

Monday, 10am-1pm; Wednesday, 5:30-8:30pm; Saturday, 10am-1pm

Description: Mientras las bibliotecas están cerradas, llámenos para comenzar sus estudios desde su casa.

Comunicate con Teresa, 425.369.3443, tlcid@kcls.org

Programa individual para personas adultas de cualquier nacionalidad. Recibe ayuda virtual gratuita en español de un tutor voluntario. Consigue tu certificado oficial de primaria y secundaria de la SEP (Secretaria de Educación Pública de México). Horarios flexibles, dependiendo de la disponibilidad de tutores.

Individualized program for adults of all nationalities. Free virtual tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults seeking to obtain their elementary and/or middle school official diploma from the SEP (Mexican Secretary of Public Education). Flexible hours, depending on tutors' availability.

Digital Navigator Appointments
https://bit.ly/KCLS_TechTutor

Tuesdays, 1-7pm; Thursdays, 10:15-10:45am

Description: Would you like help to do something on the computer or online – setting up email, filling out a form or getting on social media? Do you need affordable options for getting your own computer, device or in-home broadband connection? A Digital Navigator can help achieve your tech goals. In a 30-minute appointment online or by phone, your navigator will help you find ways to learn the skills you want or understand your options for the in-home connection you need.

To make an appointment to meet online or by phone to get one-on-one help with your questions, call 800.462.9600 or click here: https://rooms.kcls.org/appointments/digitalnavigators

Talk Time
https://bit.ly/KCLS_TalkTime

Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm; Wednesdays, 7-8pm; Thursdays, 10-11am

Description: Practice speaking English with other English language learners online!
Learn about American culture and meet people from around the world, while connecting from home!
Register with your email and we will send you the link to join the Zoom meeting.

Community Resource Center
http://bit.ly/KCLS_Resource_Center

Tuesdays, 1:30-3pm; Wednesdays, 2-4:30pm
Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 (walk in help available at Auburn Resource Center, 2818 Auburn Way N)

Description: ALL ARE WELCOME! GET THE HELP YOU NEED AT THE VIRTUAL RESOURCE CENTER.

We are living in stressful times and you may find yourself in need of support.

Log-in or call for free information and access to:

*Cash assistance *Employment and training *Education *Housing *Food assistance*Health / medical care *Legal assistance *Dispute resolution *Mental health treatment *Substance use treatment *Transportation / ORCA Lift

Online Access: Log in via Zoom anytime during the listed open hours. Use - https://tinyurl.com/virtualresourcecenter

Meeting ID: 930-683-3892, Password: 459890

Telephone Access: If you do not have computer access, contact the Virtual Resource Center at one of the following phone numbers during open hours. 253-215-8782

In collaboration with The City of Shoreline, The City of Redmond, The City of Auburn, and King County District Court.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Class
https://bit.ly/ESLKCLS

Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 28-December 14, 6-8:50pm. No class on November 11 and 25.
Description: For immigrants, refugees and U.S. citizens in the state of Washington.

Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills with an experienced instructor.

This class is for high beginner and intermediate level students.

Please register. You will be sent a Zoom link. To register, for more information or technology concerns, contact the instructor, Alex Griffin, agriffin@highline.edu.

Closed captioning is available for online events. Captioning is auto-generated. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request for all events. Contact the library at least seven days before the event if you need accommodation. Send your request to agriffin@highline.edu.

Questions about Medicare?
https://bit.ly/KCLS_SHIBA

Every other Wednesday, 12-4pm. Please follow the link above for specific dates.
Description: For adults. The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a free, unbiased and confidential counseling service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioners (OIC).

SHIBA's trained and impartial volunteers are available to assist consumers with their Medicare related questions. Register online for a one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone.

Genealogy Help with Eastside Genealogical Society
https://bit.ly/KCLS_Genealogy

Wednesdays, 1-3pm
Description: Are you just beginning your family history research? Or have you hit a wall in your research? Wherever your ancestors are from, volunteers from Eastside Genealogical Society are waiting to assist with genealogical research. You can arrange a virtual help appointment by registering here. You will be contacted via email with a weblink to enter your individual teleconference help session at least 1 hour before your session. Please register at least 24 hours before the help session.

Small Business Counseling-Navigating COVID-19
https://bit.ly/KCLS_SCORE
Day varies – check the link above for schedule.

Description: For adults. One-on-one counseling with a SCORE mentor to help you with your startup or assist with your existing business including navigating COVID-19. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Register online for a virtual one-hour session that will be conducted over the phone or computer.

A SCORE Counselor will email you about your meeting preferences.



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Do you maintain a Little Free Pantry?

Monday, September 27, 2021

Greetings to all of the compassionate people who are maintaining and stocking Little Free Pantries. We know where all the pantries are but not the contact information for the people who maintain them. 


We are occasionally sent questions about specific pantries, so would appreciate having your contact info. Send to Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com

The following was sent to Andrea Petrusky who set up the first Little Free Pantry in the area, in the Ridgecrest Neighborhood. It is from Jessica McClard, who started the original LFP in Arkansas.
~~~
In partnership with Celadon Books and Dr. Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, I’m thrilled to invite you to participate in a day of “Sharing the Hope” on Saturday, October 16, 2021.

Celadon Books has arranged for 350 book reviewers and booksellers across the U.S. to share food and a copy of Dr. Goodall’s upcoming book in local pantries across the country on the same day. 

Each person will share a photo and location of the pantry they visited on Instagram and encourage their followers to go share food as well. This day of action is in direct response to Dr. Goodall’s call to end food insecurity while spreading her message of why we can all have hope for the future.

If you would like to join this day of hope on October 16, please fill out this form, and Celadon Books will send you two copies of The Book of Hope – one to place in your pantry and one to keep – along with an instruction sheet for posting on social media.

Your pantry address will be added to Celadon’s map of food + book drop locations, and the photo that you post will be shared by Celadon Books’ Instagram account that day.

Those who want to participate in this day are also invited to Dr. Goodall’s live, virtual book launch event on Wednesday, October 20 at 12 p.m. EDT! Celadon Books will send you a link to join this special event with a live audience Q&A, and they will send a link to the recorded event afterward for those who could not attend live.

Thank you for continuing to share hope with your communities through your pantry!

Sincerely,
Jessica

P.S. Make sure to follow Dr. Goodall on social Instagram: @JaneGoodallInst and Facebook.com/JaneGoodall and learn more about #TheBookofHope @CeladonBooks.

Here's the form to get your books!
https://celadonbooks.com/little-pantry-stewards/



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Summer Readers at Richmond Beach Library

Sunday, September 12, 2021

The Richmond Beach Library is proud of these summer readers who added their name to our participation poster. 
Alexis, Ali, Alysh, Annika, Bronwyn, Brook, Brooklyn, Cary, Charlie, Claire, Cora, Daniel, Dylan, Elliott, Eric, Eric, Esme, Everett, Fiona, Gemma, Genevieve, Grace, Graham, Hannah, Henri, Henry, Jack, Joanna, Jordan, Karami, Kari, Kathryn, Katie, Laura, Leo, Lily, Lucy, Mac, Mahima, Malaina, Maya, Micah, Mila, Naomi, Noah, Norah, Oliver, Piper, Rose Quinn, Ruby, Trevor, Valerie, Violet, Zara, Zoey 

Happy Fall, y'all--and keep on reading!  --Aarene Storms, librarian, Richmond Beach Library



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