From Our Blogs

Book and activity ideas for all ages.

  • You and Your New Sewing Machine

    From my readings on social media, I’ve learned that a number of us are acquiring sewing machines in December. People are excited about the opportunities and asking advice, talking about first projects and worrying about machine settings. There is also a bit of worry about running your thumb under the needle (ouch!). Sorry to say … Read more

  • New DVD List: December 2024

    Here is a new DVD list highlighting various titles recently added to the library’s collection. “Godzilla Minus One” – Website / Reviews  An Oscar winner for visual effects, this Japanese sci-fi/action film takes place in post-war Japan as traumatized survivors must fight off a giant, devastating monster. “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On” – Website … Read more

  • 2024 Staff Picks

      Young Adult books aren’t just for teens! In fact, many of our staff regularly read YA so we asked them what their favorites were this year. We asked them to describe their favorite books in three words and to rate them on a scale from 1 to 5 stars. Check out some of their … Read more

  • Sustainable Swaps for the Holiday Season

    Co-written by Max Carmony and Maggie M. Getting ready to celebrate the winter holiday season? Some simple changes can make your holiday more sustainable. Instead of buying rolls of wrapping paper, try wrapping gifts with re-purposed materials. Newspaper, magazines, paper bags and the kraft paper that often comes as packing material in boxes all make … Read more

  • First Thursday Book Discussion: “Hello Stranger”

    When I heard that “Hello Stranger” by Katherine Center was going to be the next First Thursday book, I had my doubts about how much there would be to discuss. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance novel, but it’s not what I usually expect to read for a book club. If that’s … Read more

  • Q&A With Mollie Jackman, Author of “Ornithomancy”

    Mollie Jackman is a Columbia, MO author whose debut book is “Ornithomancy.” The book offers poetry and illustrations that explore loss and how we get through it. Jackman is a graduate of Lindenwood University with an MFA in writing who runs a freelance business as a writer/editor and has a job as a full-time copywriter. … Read more

  • Teen Reader Reviews: J. R. R. Tolkien Books

    We’ve had several staff blogs about J. R. R. Tolkien (read them here, here and here) but now it’s time to hear from our patrons! Check out what our readers had to say about this beloved book series. Whether you are reading them for the first time or for the umpteenth time now is the … Read more

  • Reading Harder in 2024: The Finale!

    2024, what a year, huh? It feels both like forever ago and just last week when I started the Read Harder Challenge. For anyone following along, or anyone who read the blog title, you might think, “this is it! Michael is going to share their last four books of the challenge!”, and dear reader, I … Read more

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