Basketball Is for Everyone

Posted on Thursday, March 16, 2023 by Karena

I’ve noticed a particular reaction when I mention my interest in NBA basketball – surprise. Is it because I’m built like the opposite of a basketball player? It’s true, my height better qualifies me to be the person who rushes to the floor with a towel after a player has fallen and left a sweat stain.

Maybe it’s because I’m not a man, which excludes me from the boisterous sports fan stereotype. Maybe I look more like the type to go home after work and curl up with a good book (I do, during halftime). In any case, I’m here to speak my truth: I love watching basketball. More than I love a lot of things. Continue reading “Basketball Is for Everyone”

The Selector’s Selections: February 2023

Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 by Brianna

It’s February, and the books that caught my eye this month all happened to have romance. If rom-coms (or rom-drams) aren’t your thing, stick with the first book! It’s got plenty of demons and monsters and magic. The other two are decidedly fluffier!

Wildblood” by Lauren Blackwood

Victoria is a Wildblood. Kidnapped as a child for her rare magical abilities, she has worked for the Exotic Lands Touring Company as a jungle tour guide ever since. The jungle is full of deadly spirits and creatures, and Victoria and her fellow Wildbloods use their magic to protect wealthy clients on their tours. Now Victoria is eighteen and due for a promotion in the company that will afford her more freedoms than she’s ever had. But she’s instructed to only act as support on her next expedition, letting her competitive and vindictive ex-boyfriend take the lead. The tour is for American gold miners who are headed to the most dangerous part of the jungle, where all the fiercest beasts are drawn to the gold in the Gilded Orchard. As the tour progresses, Victoria and the lead goldminer, Laertes Thorn, begin to fall for each other, and she has to decide if advancement in a corrupt company is really all she should hope for. This fast-paced adventure deftly balances fantasy and folklore with themes of colonialism and slavery. Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: February 2023”

Library Spotlight: Southern Boone County Public Library

Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 by Megan

We asked our patrons to share what they love about their library! We received some wonderful comments and each month we will feature quotes from our patrons and library staff, highlighting the things that make their buildings so special. This month Eric S. is our guest staff member from the Southern Boone County Public Library in Ashland.

"Our librarians are extremely kind." - Jessica

Continue reading “Library Spotlight: Southern Boone County Public Library”

Live for the Applause?

Posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 by Dana

 

This year for Winter Reading, we are thinking of our community. We want to take time to take care of ourselves and each other through service. If you’re looking to feed your creativity and help make something awesome, think about volunteering at a local theatre.

Community theatres are always ready to get more people involved in every capacity. The obvious things are acting and directing, but there are so many other ways to contribute! Continue reading “Live for the Applause?”

The Selector’s Selections: January 2023

Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 by Brianna

I love snuggling up under a pile of blankets (and my dog!) and not moving for hours, and these new books provide a wonderful excuse! Use them if you need inspiration for Winter Reading, our reading program where you set your own goals. For example, you could make your Winter Reading goal: Read a new book with a person of color on the cover! Just saying.

Friday I’m in Love” by Camryn Garrett

Look at this dress! How can you not pick this book up? Mahalia had been looking forward to a Sweet Sixteen party for years, but when her birthday rolls around there’s no way her single mother can afford it. It doesn’t help that Mahalia’s best friend got a super extravagant party. On top of dealing with her party disappointment and awkward crush on the new girl at school, Mahalia is struggling with how to come out to her mom. Then she decides that she’ll throw herself a coming out party, with rainbow everything and tons of dancing. She starts to save every penny from her afterschool job, but as her home life and school start to spiral out of control, the party may be just out of reach. Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: January 2023”

Becoming Your Own Producer

Posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 by Karena

What do Steve Lacy, Billie Eilish, and Clairo have in common?

They’re three huge names in music and songwriting, with several international tours and viral hits between them. But before the big stages, they were recording and producing music in their bedrooms – and you can, too. Continue reading “Becoming Your Own Producer”

Best Books We Read in 2022

Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 by Megan

We asked our staff about the YA books they read in 2022 (not necessarily published in ’22) and here are their selections. Whatever you like to read you’re sure to find something great on this list! While most of the responses we got were unique, below are three books that were recommended by multiple people. You can find the complete list here — Staff YA Reads of 2022. Continue reading “Best Books We Read in 2022”