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Cooking the Books — Yummy: A History of Desserts by Victoria Grace Elliott

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

Welcome to Cooking the Books, where we try recipes found in, well, books! This month, Children’s Assistant & STEM Specialist Ms. Meghan tried out a recipe from one of her recent favs:

Yummy: A History of Desserts by Victoria Grace Elliott has been on my TBR (To Be Read) list/mountain for over a year now, so I was excited to have a chance to finally get around to it.

This is a nonfiction graphic novel for kids (but readable and enjoyable at any age!) about the history of desserts from around the world. Specifically, it focuses on ice cream, cake, brownies, pie, gummies, and cookies. These tales are introduced to us by Peri, a food sprite, and her sprite friends Fee and Fada. The history of each broad category of delectable dessert is told through a combination of history lessons, story times, science labs, interview corners with famous foodie figures, and recipes! The pages are jam (ha) packed with information and colors, and can at times be a bit difficult to follow. But overall I really enjoyed this book and learned all kinds of fascinating facts, like how in the mid 1800s street vendors used to sell ice cream by the ‘lick’ (exactly as hygienic as it sounds), and the science of how the butter in pastry dough leads to those lovely flaky layers.

I chose to make the Funfetti Cake recipe in cupcake form, as opposed to an 8×8 inch baking pan, since that would be the easiest way to share it with my discerning critics/co-workers. This recipe produces a very wet batter. It was quite messy spooning it into the cupcake liners. I also filled them completely full; this was a change from my usual ‘fill ⅔ full’ method of baking, but hey, I’m following the recipe! Fortunately for my oven, they didn’t overflow during baking like I feared. I did need to add two minutes to the upper range of the baking time listed by the recipe to get them to cook through. Upon removal from the cupcake tray, the paper liners were soaked through with oil.

The cupcakes are incredibly dense and moist. There’s a good flavor, with a hint of tang from the sour cream (which was a new cupcake ingredient for me). If I make these again, I’ll do a frosting from scratch, as I found the canned Pillsbury vanilla to be too sweet for my taste. While my husband and I found this recipe to be a bit too dense and moist, my coworkers disagreed. These traits were mentioned in every review, and almost always positively. ‘Much more flavor than a box mix’, ‘would happily eat again’, and ‘festive and fun for kids!’ were highlights of the reviews. While I found the recipe less than stellar, I really did enjoy the book and look forward to the companion Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments, which comes out in December.

Cupcakes: 8/10 stars (based on all reviews)

Book: 4/5  stars (based on my own opinion)

The Recipe:

Funfetti Cake

Ingredients:
1 c sugar
½ c butter
¼ c sour cream
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ c flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 c milk
½ tsp salt
½ sprinkles
1 can of your favorite frosting!
(and more sprinkles)

Requirements:
8×8 – inch cake pan or 1 cupcake tin
Mixer with beater attachment
Whisk and spatula
2 large mixing bowls

 

Instructions:

  1. Make sure the butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk are all room temperature!
  2. And before you start, preheat your oven to 350 F. Prepare your pan! If you’re using the cake pan, grease with butter. If you’re making cupcakes, line the cupcake pan with liners
  3. NEXT, cream the softened butter and sour cream with the sugar! Make sure you beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.
  4. THEN, beat in one of the eggs until the mixture is fluffy. Then, beat in the other egg until fluffy! Add them one at a time to keep the batter light!
  5. ONCE MIXED, stir in the vanilla.
  6. IN A DIFFERENT BOWL, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  7. FOR THE NEXT STEP, you’ll be taking turns between adding the flour mixture and the milk. Always make sure to mix it in completely before adding more! Add half the flour and mix in with the spatula.
  8. THEN add all the milk and mix.
  9. FINALLY, add the rest of the flour and mix!
  10. NOW’S THE FUN PART! Add the sprinkles! Gently mix until they’re evenly spread, but not for too long.
  11. FINALLY! The batter is ready! Pour into the cake pan and smooth the surface. Or, if you’re making cupcakes, spoon carefully into the liners.
  12. NEXT, bake at 350! The cake will need 30-35 minutes. The cupcakes will need 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean!
  13. WHEN IT’S DONE, let it cool COMPLETELY! If you have a cooling rack, use that! If you frost it while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt and get EVERYWHERE!
  14. WHEN IT’S COOLED, DECORATE IT!

September Is Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

September is Library Card Sign-up Month and we are celebrating with libraries across the country!

Do YOU have a library card?

Join us during the month of September as we show you why having a library card is ELEMENTAL!   Throughout the month, Galesburg community members are encouraged to come to the library and sign up for a library card! Here is what you need to do:

  • If you live within Galesburg City Limits, stop by the Check-Out desk with your ID and proof of address
  • If you are a student attending Carl Sandburg College or Knox College, stop by the Check-Out desk with your ID and Student ID cards
  • If you are a student between the ages of 5- 18, but live outside of Galesburg City Limits, you are eligible to receive a library card at Galesburg Public Library. Have your parent bring in an ID (unless you are 16 or older, then just bring in your ID)
  • If you are veteran, you and your family are eligible to receive a free library card. Bring in an ID and let us know (if you live outside Galesburg City Limits).

In addition to signing people up for library cards, we are also waiving the replacement fee for library cards if you live within Galesburg City Limits and have lost your card. Each person who signs up for a library card or comes in for a replacement card during the month of September will be entered for a chance to win a library themed prize.

With your library card, you have access to: games, puzzles, pickleball paddles, disc golf discs, hot spots, cakepans, books, audiobooks, databases, book club kits, museum passes, movies, magazines and so much more.   Get ready to ‘Fire up your imagination’ or ‘Dive into a new hobby’ with your library card today.

Once you have your library card, make sure you stop by the Check-Out Desk to try the new Self-Check Kiosk. All items can be checked out at the kiosk unless they need to be unlocked or are a book club book.

If you aren’t able to enjoy the benefits of having a library card in person, we also offer a Home Delivery service for those who are unable to leave their homes due to age, disability, injury, illness, or lack of access to transportation. Give us a call at 309-343-6118 to sign up for this service.

You can also apply for a library card online and we will mail it to you. Simply fill out this form.

Are you ready to get your library card so you can see for yourself why a library card is ELEMENTAL?

Beyond Books: Audiobooks, Magazines, and Online Resources

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

Photo of Galesburg Public LibraryDid you know that the library offers more than just books? It’s true! In addition to books, we also offer audiobooks, magazines, and access to a variety of online resources.

Audiobooks come in many different formats. You can check out books on CD, Playaway, or digitally on Axis360 or Libby. Playaways are little MP3-like devices that require one AAA battery, which are available at the Check-Out Desk, and headphones or an aux cord and speaker. Axis360 and Libby are apps that can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet and require you to log in with your library card number and PIN. Once you’ve logged in, you can browse thousands of books available at your fingertips.

The library also offers a wide selection of magazines. Check out back issues of several of our titles for one week at a time. Find a new recipe in Bon Appetit or discover nature’s beauty in National Parks!

Your library card allows you to access a variety of databases from home as well. Simply log in using your library card barcode number and your PIN to access a wealth of information on an assortment of topics. Looking for inspiration on how to use chanterelles in recipes or how mace is related to nutmeg? AtoZ Food America has the answers! Need to create or update your resume but aren’t sure how to get started? Cypress Resume will help you choose a format, walk you through putting in your work history, and help you choose skills that match your expertise. When you’re finished, Cypress Resume will generate a PDF file of your completed resume. If you homeschool or are thinking of homeschooling, you can browse learning plans and worksheets for Math, Science, and more for Pre-K-Second Grade.

What will you check out next with your library card?

It’s Not to Late! Sign Up for Summer Reading Today

Published on by admingale

June may be coming to a close, but our Summer Reading Program is far from over! Here’s a sneak peak of some of the events we’ve got coming up next month for children and families at Galesburg Public Library.

Want to enjoy the best parts of camping without having to pitch a tent? Stop by the library’s Storybook Garden on Tuesday, July 11th at 6:00 PM for a Campfire Singalong led by local musicians Meg and Casey Robbins. You’ll gather around a fire with other families to sing songs and enjoy free s’mores provided by our friends at Cornucopia Natural Market and Deli.

Young thespians can hone their skills in a free “Voice for the Young Actor” workshop offered by theater professor Robbie Thompson on Friday, July 14 at 10:00 AM. Aspiring actors in grades 4-6 will learn techniques to help them free their natural voice in order to command the stage! Beginners are welcome, so feel free to check it out even if you’ve never been in a play before.

Like Pokémon? We’ve got two programs just for you. First, bring your Pokemon cards to the library on Saturday, July 15, from 10:00 AM to noon for some friendly competition. You’ll play, trade, and even go home with some free cards from the library’s stash. Then on Thursday, July 20 at 6:00 PM, bring the whole family for an interactive showing of the film Detective Pikachu (Warner Brothers, 2019). Register in advance in the Children’s Room and you’ll receive a bag of props to help you enjoy the movie in a whole new way.

If it’s magic you’re looking for, stop by the library on Friday, July 21 at 10:00 AM for a free show by Mikayla Oz, the current recipient of the International Rising Star of Magic Award. Mikayla is based out of Iowa but travels worldwide performing magic with her “assistant” Bubbles the Bird. You don’t want to miss this interactive family show.

For more information on these events or on how you can get more involved in our Summer Reading Program, just stop by the Children’s Room.

From the Children’s Room — April 2023

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

Check out these awesome new science books that just arrived in the Children’s Room! Put one on hold today. Then join us on Wednesday, April 19 at 6 pm for Get Charged! Family STEM Night. We’ll learn about electricity and circuits through fun hands-on activities. Recommended for kids ages 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required. You can drop by the Children’s Room to register, call (309) 343-6118, or email children@galesburglibrary.org

The Monkey Trial: John Scopes and the Battle Over Teaching Evolution by Anita Sanchez

Revealing little-known facts about the fight to teach evolution in schools, this riveting account of the dramatic 1925 Scopes Trial (aka “the Monkey Trial”) speaks directly to today’s fights over what students learn, the tension between science and religion, the influence of the media on public debate, and the power of one individual to change history.

Arrested? For teaching? John Scopes’s crime riveted the world, and crowds flocked to the trial of the man who dared to tell students about a forbidden topic—evolution.

The year was 1925, and discussing Darwin’s theory of evolution was illegal in Tennessee classrooms. Lawyers wanted to challenge the law, and businessmen smelled opportunity. But no one imagined the firestorm the Scopes Trial would ignite—or the media circus that would follow.

As reporters, souvenir-hawking vendors, angry protestors, and even real monkeys mobbed the courthouse, a breathless public followed the action live on national radio broadcasts. All were fascinated by the bitter duel between science and religion, an argument that boiled down to the question of who controls what students can learn—an issue that resonates to this day.

How Old is a Whale? Animal Life Spans from the Mayfly to the Immortal Jellyfish by Lily Murray, illustrated by Jesse Hodgson

We are all on Earth but for a fleeting moment, yet no two lives are the same. From the delicate mayfly, which lives for just a few precious hours, to the death-defying immortal jellyfish, this book about animal life cycles is a celebration of creatures big and small.

Beautifully written by best-selling children’s author Lily Murray, this book explores life spans across the animal kingdom, beginning with the very shortest and ending with the longest. Learn about the lives of the incredible monarch butterfly, the mysterious axolotl, the grand Galápagos tortoise, and many more in this uplifting and eye-opening book. Discover creatures who are born within a day of their mothers and others who stay infantile for almost one hundred years.

The Egg Book: See How Baby Animals Hatch, Step by Step! by Robert Burton

Learn about the remarkable beginnings of life with this adorable book of baby animals hatching from their eggs.

Find out all about how eggs hatch step by step in this fascinating baby animal book for children. Many animals start life inside eggs and this book explores these magical capsules in detail, with stunning photographs of the moment the creatures emerge.

Featuring more than 20 animals – including a penguin, a tortoise, and even a slug – this book documents the moment of hatching in detail. Children aged 5-7 can learn how birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates hatch from their eggs, as well as what happens inside an egg’s shell.

Eat Your Rocks, Croc!: Dr. Glider’s Advice for Troubled Animals by Jess Keating, illustrated by Pete Oswald

When animals have problems, they call on Dr. Sugar Glider to help!

Help me, Dr. Glider. My stomach is killing me! I eat all the same food as my family, but I’m the only one that feels sick. What’s wrong with me?

Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it’s a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice!

From powerhouse duo Jess Keating (Pink Is for Blobfish) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald (The Bad Seed), Eat Your Rocks, Croc! features hilarious stories, charming illustrations, and awesome true facts that will leave young readers enthralled by the real world of the animal kingdom. Robust back matter, featuring a glossary and a list of the featured creatures, makes this the perfect fit for the school curriculum.

Okapis by Joyce Markovics

This high-interest narrative nonfiction title introduces young readers to okapis–rare giraffe-like animals that live in African forests–and an amazing scientist who studies them. This book is packed with exciting wildlife encounters, basic facts about okapis, and first-hand accounts from a scientist at work in the field. Each book includes a table of contents, sidebars, glossary of key words, fast facts, index, and author biography.

All book descriptions courtesy of the publisher.

NEA Big Read Returns for 2023!

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

This April, the Galesburg Public Library will host its 15th National Endowment for the Arts Big Read!

The Big Read annually provides support to selected libraries and nonprofits around the country to host community-wide reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read title. Organizations apply for funding through a grants program managed by Arts Midwest, and can receive a grant between $5,000 and $20,000. This year, the Galesburg Public Library was 1 of 62 organizations to be awarded a grant. Every year, the Galesburg Public Library gives out free copies of the Big Read title, as well as free copies of the teen and children’s tie-in titles, and hosts book discussions, cultural and musical events, and craft programs, all designed around the themes in the Big Read title. The NEA Big Read in Galesburg is presented in partnership with the Galesburg Public Library Foundation and the Galesburg Community Art Center, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The 2023 Big Read title is Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. Yu is a Taiwanese American writer and screenwriter. Interior Chinatown tells the story of a young Asian American man trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood, and the discrimination he faces and he is continually relegated to the bit character of “Generic Asian Man”. The book, written as a screenplay, tackles themes of race, stereotyping, and pop culture. In addition to Interior Chinatown, we have a teen tie-in novel, Our Wayward Fate by Gloria Chao, and a children’s tie-in book, Front Desk by Kelly Yang. A limited number of free copies of both books are available, and we will have discussion of each of them in April.

We will launch our National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program with an improv comedy show at The Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, April 1 at 8:00 PM. The kick-off event will feature Stir Friday Night, the longest-running Asian American comedy team in Chicago. Alumni of Stir Friday Night include Danny Pudi from Community, Steven Yeun from The Walking Dead, and Mary Sohn from AP Bio. The group will perform their newest show, the Improvised Martial Art Movie, a 60 minute completely improvised fight choreography experience. The show is free, and is rated PG-13 and geared towards adults. Free copies of Interior Chinatown will be given away, as well as copies of the tie-in books while supplies last.

The Big Read will run the entire month of April, and will feature many other exciting events. On Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 PM, join us for a presentation by Dr. Ada Cheng, an educator-turned artist, storyteller, and creator. Dr. Cheng will weave personal stories to highlight the myth of the model minority, the negative impact of stereotypes on Asian Americans and their mental health during the pandemic, and the various laws and regulations that have contributed to the construction of Asian Americans as the “other”. The event is free and open to all ages. For adults, there will be several craft events, all led by the Galesburg Community Arts Center. These include a clay workshop and an ink bonsai tree class. Each week during April, Xiaoqi Wu of Eastern Therapeutic will lead four sessions of her intermediate tai chi routine upstairs at the library. The classes are free and open to anyone, but aimed toward people who have done tai chi before. There are also several opportunities to discuss Interior Chinatown with others who have read it.

For teens, there will be a paper lantern making craft night, as well as a discussion Our Wayward Fate by Gloria Chao. Children can check out the Standish Park Storywalk to read The Ugly Vegetable by Grace Lin, and read and discuss Front Desk by Kelly Yang. There will also be a Big Read kids kickoff event on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:00 PM, where children will be able to taste Chinese treats made by a local Chinese restaurant, and will read stories about Chinese food and do themed crafts.

If you’ve never participated in the Galesburg NEA Big Read before, we hope you’ll pick up a copy of Interior Chinatown, and attend a book discussion or craft event! If you are a regular Big Read attendee, we can’t wait to show you what we have in store for this year. If you have any questions about the Big Read, contact Eileen Castro at eileen.castro@galesburglibrary.org or 309-343-6118 ext. 6. The NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

New YA & Children’s Books — February 2023

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

The Galesburg Public Library has books for all ages! This week, we’re sharing some of our newest children’s and YA books that have hit the shelves. Don’t forget to put one on hold if you want to check it out!

In the Young Adult section, we’ve got five new titles for you to try. The first two are part of the Walking in Two Worlds Series: Walking in Two Worlds and The Everlasting Road, both by Web Kinew. The first book introduces Bugz, a young girl caught between two worlds. In the real world, she’s a shy and self-conscious Indigenous teen who faces the stresses of teenage angst and life on the Rez. But in the virtual world, her alter ego is not just confident but dominant in a massively multiplayer video game universe. Meanwhile, Feng is a teen boy who has been sent from China to live with his aunt, a doctor on the Rez, after his online activity suggests he may be developing extremist sympathies. Meeting each other in real life, as well as in the virtual world, Bugz and Feng immediately relate to each other as outsiders and as avid gamers. And as their connection is strengthened through their virtual adventures, they find that they have much in common in the real world, too. 

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black is another YA title fresh on the shelves. In this fantasy book, eight years have passed since the Battle of the Serpent. But in the icy north, Lady Nore of the Court of Teeth has reclaimed the Ice Needle Citadel. There, she is using an ancient relic to create monsters of stick and snow who will do her bidding and exact her revenge. 

If you want something more spooky, try Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers. Making her YA debut, Cherokee writer Rogers takes her place as one of the most striking voices of the horror renaissance that has swept the last decade. This collection includes werewolves, vampires, and zombies—all the time-worn horror baddies are there. But so are predators of a distinctly American variety: the horrors of empire, of intimate partner violence, of dispossession. And so too the monsters of Rogers’ imagination, that draw upon long-told Cherokee stories—of Deer Woman, fantastical sea creatures, and more.

We didn’t forget about comic fans. The Winter Soldier: Cold Front by Mackenzi Lee chronicles the life of Bucky Barnes. In 1941, as World War II begins, sixteen-year-old Bucky Barnes is determined to enlist in the US army—if only the local commander will stop getting in his way. When Bucky is offered enrollment in a training program with the British Special Operations Executive—the UK’s secret service—he leaps at the chance to become a hero. But Bucky has hardly touched down in London when he finds himself running from a mysterious assassin and accompanied by an English chess champion fond of red lipstick and double crosses. She’s in possession of a secret every side is desperate to get their hands on. If only they knew what it was…

If you’re looking for something for a younger audience, we’ve got you covered. The Mirrorwood by Deva Fagan is a middle grade fantasy. Fable has been cursed by what the people of her village call the Blight, a twisted enchantment that leaves her without a face of her own. To stay alive, Fable has to steal the faces of others, making her an outcast that no one trusts. When the fierce Blighthunter Vycorax comes to kill Fable to stop her curse from spreading, Fable narrowly escapes by fleeing into the thorny woods surrounding her small village.

The kiddos have something to read here at GPL as well. The Rainbow Snail by Karin Åkesson has educational appeal, as young readers follow a brave little creature’s exciting adventure while learning the colors of the rainbow. In The Longest Journey: An Arctic Tern’s Migration by Amy Hevron, we learn about arctic terns, who in their thirty-year lifetimes, will travel nearly 1.5 million miles—enough to fly to the Moon and back three times! Meanwhile, in Stars of the Night by Caren Stelson, your children can get the perspective of the children who were rescued from Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II, as Hitler’s campaign of hatred toward Jews and political dissidents took hold.

Stop by the library to grab any of these titles—and more!

From the Children’s Room — January 2023: Book Showdown!

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

Each January, the American Library Association hands out its Youth Media Awards to authors, illustrators, and creators. Top among those awards are the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, two of the biggest prizes in the world of books for children and teens!  Librarians, classrooms, book reviewers, and many others are finalizing their predictions as to which book or books they think will come out on top.  

Caldecott: 

The Caldecott award is given …to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.” (https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecott). Essentially it comes down to who created the best pictures used in a picture book.  Past winners of this medal include We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade (2021 winner) and Watercress by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin (2022 winner).   

There’s been buzz about a lot of titles in contention for the Caldecott. Here are a couple of our staff favorites:

Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond and illustrated by Daniel Minter – Blue dives into the history and cultural significance of the color blue from Ancient Afghan painters to what we know it as today. 

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall – take a glimpse into the daily life of the family that lives in this detailed farmhouse. 

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise – Owl always wanted to be a knight since he was hatched. Now he has his opportunity! Does he have what it takes to become one? 

Newbery: 

The Newbery award is given “…to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” (https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newbery)  Recent winners of this award include When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller (2021 winner) and The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera  (2022 winner). 

For this category, these books stand out among staff: 

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat – dive into this Thai-inspired fantasy adventure where Sai must deal with the secrets of her past in order to chart the course for her future. 

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj – Minni (living in the poorest section of Mumbai) knows that water is scarce in her neighborhood and even sees it being stolen one night. She is surprised to find out however, that it runs freely though faucets in the high-rise building she just started working in. Now she has to decide if she should expose the water-mafia boss or keep her head down and say nothing. 

Have you read any of these books? Do you have other stand out favorites? Winners in these categories and many others will be announced on Monday, January 30, 2023. 

New Children’s Books — January 2023

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

2023 has arrived! Visit the library to grab these new Children’s releases before someone else does! If you see something that interests you, give us a call or visit the catalog to put one on hold.

THE FLAMINGO: A GRAPHIC NOVEL CHAPTER BOOK by Guojing

A little girl arrives, excited for a beachy vacation with her Lao Lao. The girl and her grandmother search for shells, chase crabs, and play in the sea, but when the girl finds an exquisite flamingo feather in her grandmother’s living room, her vacation turns into something fantastical.

Fiction, Middle Grade

SHOT CLOCK by Caron Butler and Justin A. Reynolds

Tony loves basketball. But the game changed recently when his best friend, Dante, a hoops phenom, was killed by a police officer. Tony hopes he can carry on Dante’s legacy by making the Sabres, the AAU basketball team Dante took to two national championships.

Tony doesn’t make the team, but Coach James likes what he sees from Tony at tryouts and offers him another chance: join the team as the statistician. With his community reeling and the team just finding its footing on the court, can Tony find a path to healing while helping to bring the Sabres a championship?

Fiction, Middle Grade

WHAT WAS RECONSTRUCTION? by Sherri L. Smith

Learn about a pivotal time in American history and its momentous effects on civil rights in America in this enlightening title about Reconstruction.

Reconstruction — the period after the Civil War — was meant to give newly freed Black people the same rights as white people. And indeed there were monumental changes once slavery ended — thriving new Black communities, the first Black members in Congress, and a new sense of dignity for many Black Americans. But this time of hope didn’t last long and instead, a deeply segregated United States continued on for another hundred years. Find out what went wrong in this fascinating overview of a troubled time.

Nonfiction, Middle Grade

A BLUE KIND OF DAY by Rachel Tomlinson

Coen is having a sniffling, sighing, sobbing kind of day.

His family thinks they know how to cheer him up. His dad wants to go outside and play, Mom tells her funniest joke, and his little sister shares her favorite teddy. Nothing helps. But one by one, they get quiet and begin to listen. After some time, space, and reassurance, Coen is able to show them what he needs.

With poignant text and stunning illustrations, A Blue Kind of Day explores how depression might feel in the body and shows us how to support the people we love with patience, care, and empathy.

Fiction, Picture Books

NOODLE AND THE NO BONES DAY by Jonathan Graziano

Noodle is a sweet, silly old pug who enjoys doing all his favorite activities with his favorite human, Jonathan. But one day when Jonathan goes to take Noodle on his morning walk, he finds Noodle still comfortable in bed. When Jonathan lifts Noodle up, Noodle just flops over. It’s almost like Noodle woke up without any bones!

Noodle isn’t sick or sad—but he also isn’t interested in going for walks or sitting outside (he will accept snacks, though). Today, all he needs are extra snuggles and belly rubs. Jonathan soon learns that not every day can be a Bones Day, and sometimes a No Bones Day is exactly what you need to get through the week.

Fiction, Picture Books

A CHILD’S INTRODUCTION TO JAZZ: THE MUSICIANS, CULTURE, AND ROOTS OF THE WORLD’S COOLEST MUSIC by Jabari Asim

Welcome to jazz! Feel the music and rhythms of all the different styles of jazz, from swing and Dixieland to the blues and bebop, with this interactive introduction to the world’s coolest music.

Author Jabari Asim will take you on the journey through the history of jazz as you discover the most important musicians and singers while hearing some really cool sounds. You’ll learn all about the roots of jazz in Africa and New Orleans and how the music traveled to different parts of the United States and around the world. Along the way you’ll meet legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong, who shaped a new form of jazz called improvisation; pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington, who helped create the big band sound of the swing era; and the singer Billie Holiday, whose songs such as “God Bless the Child,” “Don’t Explain,” and “Lady Sings the Blues” have become jazz standards.

Listen along to the sounds of jazz by downloading music and hearing instruments such as trumpets, clarinets, trombones, and even singers scatting as they improvise melodies. With a pull-out poster showing the different instruments of jazz, A Child’s Introduction to Jazz hits the perfect beat and will have you bebopping and scatting in no time!

Nonfiction, Picture Books

All book descriptions are courtesy of the publisher.

From the Children’s Room — December 2022

Published on by Emily DuGranrut

Hi-ho! Ms. Meghan here to talk to you about Animal Explorers!

Before joining the awesome Galesburg Public Library team, I was an animal keeper for over 15 years, and one of the things I loved best about the job was the opportunity to educate visitors about incredible animals. Animal Explorers is a monthly club geared for kids in grades K-3 held in the Children’s Room where I do just that! Every month kids check out a couple pre-selected animal books before the meeting.

 

We focus on a different animal or group of animals each month. One month might be cats big and small, and the next may be primates. Then on the first Thursday of each month we get together to talk about the books and what we learned. We usually watch a couple fun videos of the animals in action, and sometimes I bring in something cool from my zoo days, or borrow some biofacts from a local nature center. I’ll also use my contacts in the zoo world to get neat materials for events like World Lemur Day and World Penguin Day. Then we’ll finish up with a craft or activity. Over the past several months, we’ve made colorful peacock spiders out of paper plates and pipe cleaners, covered up bare polar bears with cotton balls (while learning about their heat absorbing black skin), and made geckos and ‘Christmas lizards’ out of cardboard tubes. There’s also a different button to collect from each meeting.

 

So come join us for a wild time at Animal Explorers the first Thursday of each month at 4 pm. Registration is required.