Youth Services @ Baraboo Public Library

2011-09-11T21:57:00.001-05:00

Past readers of this blog will remember The Mysterious Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick. Perhaps, with the upcoming release of Selznick's new book, Wonderstruck, and the beginning of a new school year, I should introduce myself. Who is this person who is taking over Chelsea's wonderful blog? I'm Jean, the youth services librarian, and I look forward to keeping you posted about lots of great books and programming.

Before I tell you about this book, I'd like to remind you that our Fall weekly programs for children start this week! Check out our website for the schedule:
http://www.baraboopubliclibrary.org/youth/index.html#Fall

And now...WONDERSTRUCK

Selznick's Wonderstruck, is a remarkable "novel in words and pictures." Like his Caldecott Honor-winning The Mysterious Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck is told through both prose and carefully placed sections of wordless, meticulously shaded and textured pencil drawings which evoke mystery and curiosity. Through multiple devices, Selznick twists and knits pieces of history and personal and public artifacts to tell a story of a boy finding his connection in the world. Two main plot veins are artfully crafted to sustain suspense--one about a twelve year old boy, Ben, in 1977 in Minnesota, and one about a girl, Rose in 1927 New York. There is a museum involved too...but you'll have to discover the rest of the plot for yourself! I assure you that you won't soon forget this book.

Brian Selznick's acknowledgments and bibliography at the end of Wonderstruck will satisfy you wonderers and explorers of history and information. He credits the book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg (1967) as one of the books that inspired him--another fun museum story.

Wonderstruck will be on our shelves soon! In the meantime...did you know you can place hold yourself, from your library account on the internet? Stop in and ask, and we'll show you how.

Come to the summer reading program family potluck!

2011-08-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

Please join us at our "Family Traditions" potluck,Wednesday August 3, from 12:30-1:30 pm in our program room! Bring a favorite family dish to pass, and share a story about it too, as we celebrate the end of a successful "One World, Many Stories" summer reading program!

And, kids, don't forget to bring in your reading booklets to cash in your book bucks for prizes by August 13. Parents who registered 0-3 year olds in the reading program: bring in their booklets too, in order to fill out entries for the babies' prize drawing!

We are looking forward to author Kashmira Sheth's visit!

2011-07-25T08:33:00.002-05:00

Who Loves the Library?

2011-07-23T20:23:00.002-05:00

Mr. Anne and I had a lot of fun at Downtown Baraboo's Old-Fashioned Festival today!

Visit Baraboo Public Library's Facebook page to see who loves the library!--and see other photos and video clips from our summer programs.

This is the last week of our regular weekly programs until mid-September, but there are two more special events coming up:

Author Kashmira Sheth will visit this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to share two of her beautiful picture books with us. She will also show us how to tie a sari and how to make a paper boat like the characters in her books. Each participating family will receive a signed copy of one of Ms. Sheth's books to keep!
The Family Traditions Potluck is August 3, from 12:30-1:30! Bring a food to share that is traditional to your family's heritage, or just a family favorite. Everyone will get a chance to share a story about their family's dish. (We will provide plates, cups, silverware, napkins, and beverages.)

Great new search possibilities in LinkCat!

2011-04-17T14:45:00.002-05:00

Our South Central Library System's impressive new LinkCat will be available starting Monday, April 18! Need to find a book? Check out this YouTube video for a brief introduction on how to search: http://www.youtube.com/user/SCLSUTube

And don't forget--in anticipation of this change, Baraboo Public Library won't open until noon on Monday the 18th.)

Explore the World of Hugo Cabret!

2011-01-27T14:47:00.003-06:00

ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together...in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. (from the author's website)

Whether you love mysteries, historical fiction, adventure stories, or just a really good read, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is sure to spark your imagination. Author Brian Selznick uses black and white pencil illustrations framed to look like movie stills to tell large sections of the story, seamlessly moving back and forth between textual and visual narrative. Part graphic novel, part novel, and completely unique, this 2008 Caldecott Award winner for distinguished illustration has become a favorite of young readers, parents, and educators alike.

We're very EXCITED to be able to celebrate The Invention of Hugo Cabret with our patrons! First, pick up a copy of the novel at the Youth Services Desk, and read the book! Next, come to one of our upcoming programs:

Book Party
Friday, February 25, 10:30-11:30 am

It's Chelsea's last day of work in Baraboo, and she can't think of a better way to celebrate than by sharing Hugo Cabret with fellow book lovers! If you've read the book, join us for some spirited discussion and lots of fun activities based on Hugo's adventures. For ages 7+.

Animation Workshop
Friday, March 4, 10 am - 12 pm

Hugo is fascinated by the movies, and much of this novel relies on illustrations that form an almost animated narrative to complement the text. Discover your own inner filmmaker, and learn to create short, animated stories. For ages 8+.

The Films of Georges Melies
March 4-6, times TBA

French filmmaker Georges Melies created some of the first silent films to venture outside the realm of realism. His fantasy epics took audiences to exotic locales, lost worlds, and even to the moon. Hugo idealized Melies, and now is your chance to see these pioneering early movies on the Al Ringling's big screen!

Hope to see you soon at the Library! For more information about any of our programs, and to pick up a copy of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, visit us at the Youth Services Desk.

And check out author Brian Selznick's website for more information on the book and its upcoming film adaptation by Martin Scorsese (yeah, that's right).

The Best of 2010!

2011-01-18T10:14:00.007-06:00

It's that time of year - awards season! And just like everyone else, librarians love to hand out honors to the best books of the year. Here are a few of the award winners that you can check out today from the Baraboo Public Library!

Newbery Award - honors the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Past winners include such classics as The Giver, Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and A Wrinkle in Time.

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool - This one slipped past a lot of libraries, but our copy has just arrived. Don't miss this warm and intriguing page turner following 12 year old Abilene Tucker as she tries to unravel the mysteries of Manifest, Kansas.

2011 Newbery Honor Books include two great novels for upper elementary and middle school readers:
One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams tells the story of 11 year old Delphine as she and her two sisters journey to Oakland in 1968 to meet their estranged mother, a poet and member of the Black Panthers. An illuminating look at an often overlooked era in American history, authentically and engagingly told. + GAR

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm offers more historical fiction as 11 year old Turtle journeys to Key West in the 1930's. The author of Babymouse draws on her own family's stories for this tale of crazy cousins and tropical adventure. +HOL

Caldecott Medal - honors the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Past winners include The Polar Express, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Snowy Day.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead - This staff favorite tells the story of an elderly zoo keeper who cares for his animal friends with sensitivity and patience. But when Amos gets sick, it's the animals who hop a bus to his house to repay the kindness of their zoo keeper. Stead's gentle and expressive illustrations perfectly match the story, and give each character personality and depth. E STE

2011 Caldecott Honor Books include Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier. Check out our Resource Spotlight on our Youth Services website for a detailed review of this beautiful book. +738.092 HIL

The Batchelder Award - given to an American publisher for the most outstanding foreign language children's book translated into English and published in the United States.

These books offer insight into the contemporary lives of children in other countries while also touching on those subjects that affect children universally. Watch for these titles coming soon to the Baraboo Public Library:

A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Bondoux, translated by Y. Maudet (France)

Honor Books include Departure Time by Truus Matti, translated by Nancy Forest-Flie (The Netherlands), and Nothing by Janne Teller, translated by Martin Aitken (Denmark).

Theodore Seuss Geisel Medal - honors the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished beginning reader book. Fans of Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggy series will know that his books have frequently been honored by this relatively new award.

Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Allison McGee, illustrated by Tony Fucile - This unique beginning reader features simple sentences with advanced vocabulary that will challenge and tickle young readers. Look for it in our chapter book section - the little blue dot indicates that it is a great choice for kids eager to make the leap from easy readers to chapter books. +DIC

2011 Honor Books include the latest Elephant and Piggy story, We Are In a Book by Mo Willems (J WIL), and Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same by Grace Lin (J LIN), both fun and engaging reads that parents will enjoy along with their young readers.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal - honors the most distinguished informational book. These titles are great for use in the classroom or just for learning something new at home.

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Bird by Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop is part of the award-winning Scientists in the Field series. Young readers will be fascinated by this story of one scientist's crusade to save a rare endangered species numbering fewer than 90 birds left in the wild, brilliantly illustrated by Bishop's stunning photographs. +639.97871 MON

2011 Honor Books include Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenburg and Sandra Jordan, the behind the scenes story of the collaboration the created "Appalachian Spring," with graceful, energetic illustrations by Brian Floca. +798.2 GRE

Other awards to check out:

the Pura Belpre Awards honor the best Latino/Latina writers and illustrators whose works affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.
the Coretta Scott King Awards honor the best African American writers and illustrators for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions to children's literature.
the Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

For a complete list of 2011 winners and honor books, check out the Association of Library Services to Children's website, or ask a librarian for help! Hope to see you in the Library again soon!

Winter Holidays at the Library

2010-12-03T11:25:00.006-06:00

It's the time of year when our shelves light up with shiny new books about this joyous season! So here's a peek at some of the recently arrived titles now waiting for you to come and take them home:

Jackie's Gift by Sharon Robinson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Viking, 2010)
When the Robinsons move to a white neighborhood, it's only the Jewish family next door that welcomes them, and in return, Jackie brings them...a Christmas tree?! Jackie Robinson's daughter shares a true story of prejudice, friendship, Christmas, and Hanukkah in 1940's Brooklyn.

Tacky's Christmas by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger (Houghton Mifflin, 2010)
Fans of Tacky the Penguin will enjoy this holiday installment, complete with an audio CD of Tacky holiday songs!

Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Shane W. Evans (Katherine Tegen Books, 2010)
When Granna Rabbit gets sick, Li'l Rabbit sets off to find something to make his grandmother's Kwanzaa extra special, and ends up doing more than he ever imagined to spread the spirit of Kwanzaa. Includes an introduction to the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.

Small, Medium, and Large by Jane Monroe Donovan (Sleeping Bear Press, 2010)
In this beautifully illustrated wordless picture book, a girl receives three friends for Christmas: a miniature horse, a dog, and a cat. Kids of all ages will enjoy telling the story as the four very expressive friends spend a wonderful Christmas Day with all manner of wintery activities. A current staff favorite!

12 Days of Christmas by Rachel Isadora (Putnam, 2010)
Set in Africa, this vibrant edition of the classic song features Isadora's lively and colorful oil and mixed paper illustrations.

It's Christmas, David! by David Shannon (Blue Sky Press, 2010)
Christmas is coming, and David is trying to be good, but it's awfully hard! Will David's worst nightmare come true, or will Santa put him on the "nice" list this year?

Santa Duck and His Merry Helpers by David Milgrim (Putnam, 2010)
Santa Duck is so proud to be Santa's helper, but when his brothers and sisters decide they want to be helpers too, all the helping gets out of hand. Will Santa Duck be able to teach them the true meaning of Christmas, or does he have something he needs to learn himself first?

Dewey's Christmas at the Library by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter, illustrated by Steve James (Little, Brown, 2010)
Dewey the Library Cat is back with holiday adventures at the library, of course!

O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions by Jacqueline Farmer, illustrated by Joanne Friar (Charlesbridge, 2010)
Learn all about the tradition of the Christmas tree, from its history to its lifecycle and many different species. Entertaining and informative!

La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story by Antonio Sacre, illustrated by Angela Dominguez (Abrams, 2010)
Enjoy Christmas with a Cuban-American family in the heat of Miami as they celebrate the traditions of La Noche Buena.

Eight Winter Nights: A Family Hanukkah Book by Laura Krauss Melmed, illustrated by Elisabeth Schlossberg (Chronicle, 2010)
Short poems tell the story of one family's Hanukkah traditions, from "Polishing the Menorah" to "Opening Presents." Includes information on the holiday and Hanukkah vocabulary.

This is just a small sampling of the many holiday books, including craft and cooking books, available in the Youth Services Department. Celebrate the holidays with us, and stop by today!

Happy Winter!

The Newbery is Coming!

2010-10-08T11:13:00.004-05:00

What's a Newbery, you ask? The Newbery Award is given annually to "the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." Every year, the members of the Association of Library Services to Children select a panel of teachers and librarians to choose the Newbery winner. These educators read hundreds of books searching for the best of the best, and in January, they announce their selection - it's like the Oscar's for librarians! Previous winners of the Newbery include Shiloh, Sarah Plain and Tall, The Giver, Holes, and A Wrinkle in Time.

Now it's your chance to form an opinion on which book of 2010 most deserves this award! Amanda Struckmeyer at Middleton Public Library is hosting a Mock Newbery discussion on Sunday, November 14 from 1:30-4:30 pm. Amanda served on the 2009 Newbery committee that selected The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.

So how does it work? If you are a parent, teacher, librarian, kid, or anyone interested in children's literature, join us for a friendly discussion on this year's best books. Amanda has identified 10 frontrunners:

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis
Keeper by Kathi Appelt
A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata
Mockingbird by Katherine Erskine
One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
The War to End All Wars by Russell Freedman

Read as many or as few as you like, and then come and tell us what you think! We'll choose a winner, and maybe a couple of honor books as a group (just like the real committee), and then in January, you'll be able to weigh in on the actual winners. Do you agree or disagree? Were there any others that we never saw coming?

Contact Chelsea in Youth Services for more information and to obtain copies of the books. If we have enough interest, we can organize a carpool or rides down to Middleton for those that need them.

Go Back to School with the Library!

2010-09-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

As you head back to school this fall, don't forget about all the great resources available at the Baraboo Public Library!

- Left your book at school? Don't panic! We have most elementary and secondary textbooks used in the Baraboo School District. They can't be checked out so they'll always be available at the Library for those homework emergencies.

- We've got the books, magazines, and online resources you need for every kind of assignment from book reports to science projects. Just ask a librarian and we'll be happy to help you navigate.

- Educators! Looking for new materials for those old lessons? Our staff will gladly recommend great new fiction and nonfiction titles in any area you might need. Pick up a copy of our teacher resource brochure for more information on how we can help. And don't miss our latest newsletter featuring new titles for curriculum use, now available in Youth Services.

- We understand that not everyone likes to read, but those book reports will just keep coming! Ask us for help on finding something to satisfy even the most reluctant readers!

And, of course, there's nothing better than you're very own library card! Make sure your kids are able to access everything they need for school, plus books, music, and movies to keep them busy on the weekends! There are no age restrictions, so get a library card today!

Celebrate Grandparents!

2010-09-10T10:40:00.003-05:00

Sunday, September 12 is National Grandparents Day! If you're a grandparent, we want to know what your favorite books were when you were a kid. Stop by the Youth Services Department and look for the pumpkin display. Submit the titles you loved, and we'll post the responses so that others can explore those great classics from the past. We look forward to hearing from you!

And while you're here, check out a book to share with a special senior in your life. New arrivals include:

Our Grandparents: A Global Album by Maya Ajmera

I Call My Grandma Nana by Ashley Wolff

I Call My Grandpa Papa by Ashley Wolff

The Really Useful Grandparents' Book by Eleo Gordon

Grandpa's Music: A Story About Alzheimer's by Alison Acheson

For those of you caring for elderly family members, don't miss our upcoming Third Thursday program, Caring for the Elderly, presented by Jim Pritzkow of the Sauk County Aging & Disability Resource Center - September 16 at 6:30 pm in the Lower Level Program Room.

We are lucky to have many wonderful grandparents visiting the Library every week with their grandchildren. Thank you grandparents for everything you do for the children in your life! We look forward to seeing you in the Library again soon!

Summer Fun Continues!

2010-07-21T16:31:00.006-05:00

The summer is flying by, and there's no shortage of fun activities happening at the Baraboo Public Library!

Our teens experimented with "Just Add Water" cooking, making bread, cookies, and even cakes with just some water (and a few other fun ingredients to decorate). The swimming pool cake shown here has Jello in the center, a chocolate graham cracker diving board, and even jelly floating rings! Delicious and decorative.

Upcoming teen events include an Iron Chef competition and a showing of Jaws. Ask at the Youth Services desk for more information. Teen events are open to those completing grades 6-12.

Our school age kids are busy creating fun things with water too. The 4th and 5th grade tweens shown here are creating home-made snow globes with water, corn syrup, and a lot of glitter and sequins.

Anne Moser from the UW Madison Water Library visited the week of July 15 to share her pet frogs, Read and Reread, as well as lots of fascinating information on frogs and toads. All of our storytimes enjoyed Anne's stories and crafts, and the tweens made toad houses out of clay pots. They're sure to be a hit with area amphibians. Check out the "This Week in Storytime" feature on the Youth Services web page for instructions on making a foam frog. Thanks, Anne!

Our second performer of the summer was Geoff Akins, a bubbleologist from Illinois. His amazing bubble skills impressed our crowd of almost 150 parents and kids of all ages! We were so lucky to have him come visit us. Our final special event of the summer is our water carnival at Ochsner Park on Monday, August 2. Hope to see you there!

For more information on all the fun happening at the Library, stop by the Youth Services Department or call 356-6166.

We're making waves!

2010-07-08T15:44:00.006-05:00

Summer is off to a great start at Baraboo Public Library! Our younger kids have been enjoying bath time, shark, and water-themed storytimes.

Check out our Library Club kids sporting their stylish jellyfish hats! And stop by the Youth Services department to admire our collection of beautiful rainbow paintings and other creations by summer library program participants.

Weekly programs for kids ages 0-18 are going on now! Schedules are available in the Youth Services department or on our website. No registration is necessary to participate - just show up!

The babies of babygarten just LOVE their bubble machine. If you're a fan of bubbles or are curious about the many different things that you can do with bubbles, don't miss our next special performer!

Jeff Akins will be presenting his Bubble Wonders show on Thursday, July 15 at 10:30 am in the lower level program room. Families and kids of all ages are invited to attend. Seating is first come, first served, and no registration or ticket is necessary. We'll see you there!

For more information on all the fun at Baraboo Public Library, stop by and see us or call 356-6166. Summer is flying by - don't be left behind!

Summer is here!

2010-06-14T09:23:00.004-05:00

Make Waves @ the Library this summer with our reading incentive program! Kids in preschool through completed grade 5 can earn Book Bucks by reading, having someone read to them, and listening to audiobooks. Save up your Book Bucks for prizes in our Splash Store! Registration starts June 14, so stop by Youth Services today!

Your baby or toddler won't be left out of the fun this summer! Register for our Read-to-Me program and earn raffle drawing entries for reading books together and even sharing songs and rhymes. You and baby will have a chance to win board books, sippy cups, bibs, and other fun prizes!

And don't miss our kick-off performer, Charlie Williams AKA The Noiseguy! He'll be presenting Sound Waves, a splishy splashy sound effects show for kids of all ages. Friday, June 18 at 10:30 am in the Library Program Room.

This is just a taste of all the fun going on at Baraboo Public Library this summer! Call 356-6166 for more information, or stop by and see us!

Don't forget to give us your input on our summer schedule! Take a quick survey to tell us what you think! All responses are confidential and anonymous (that means we won't know it's you, and we won't share what you've told us).

See you in the Library!

Thanks, BATCOW!

2010-05-21T09:11:00.005-05:00

On May 20, Barb and Ken Bowman of Bat Conservation of Wisconsin (BATCOW) stopped by the Library to spread the word about the importance of bats in our ecosystem.

We learned about the different kinds of bats in Wisconsin and around the world, how to make a bat house, and how to deal with bats outside and in our homes.

Barb and Ken even brought a few of their friends for us to see! These little brown bats were rescued and now live with the Bowman's. They fostered over 200 bats this winter! Everyone really enjoyed the program, and we all learned a lot about this commonly misunderstood creature.

For more information on bats and bat conservation, check out their website at http://www.batcow.org/. BATCOW will be presenting a program at Mirror Lake State Park in Lake Delton over Memorial Day weekend. Contact the Park for more information.

This was the final Third Thursday program for the spring. Join us again in September for another series of educational and fun programs for all ages!

May Your May Be Merry!

2010-05-05T16:53:00.003-05:00

Here's a sneak peak at some of the exciting things coming up in May in Youth Services:

May 3-6 is our last week of spring storytimes. We hope to see all of our regulars and plenty of new faces this summer when our storytimes begin the week of June 21. Stay tuned for more information on our Summer Library Program.

The fourth and fifth graders of Tween Scene celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Mexican-themed Pictionary, paper flowers, and tin art! Our last Tween Scene for the spring will be May 19 - we'll be creating our own pieces of art with old, worn out books.

Chelsea, Gail, and Anne will be visiting all seven elementary schools May 10-26. Watch for our wacky "Make a Splash" skit at a school near you! Penny will also be stopping by the middle and high school over the next three weeks to share the teen "Make Waves" summer program. We'll see you there!

Bat Conservation of Wisconsin will be sharing information and REAL LIVE BATS on Thursday, May 20 at 6:30 pm as part of our Third Thursday programs. Bring your family!

And of course, don't miss the annual Friends of the Baraboo Public Library Book Sale, May 12-15. We have hundreds of donated and ex-library books to sell at bargain prices. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Library and will be used to purchase computers and books for the Library.

It's a busy month, and we hope you'll come join us! For any questions about these events, call the library at 356-6166.

It's Your Lucky Day!

2010-04-13T18:26:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Seairra Montellaro and Cordell Mueller! They are our latest winners of the Lucky Day prize drawing!

Our Lucky Day collection contains high-demand titles that you would normally have to wait months to get. These new release teen and children's novels often have more than 100 holds on them, but the copies in the Lucky Day collection cannot be put on hold or sent to other libraries - they are just for Baraboo patrons.

Checkout is for two weeks with no renewal, and overdue fines are 10 cents per day, but if you return the book on time, your name will be entered in a prize drawing. About every 6 weeks, two winners will be drawn to choose a free book from our prize stash.

So, if you're waiting to read a popular title, check the shelves next to the new books. It just might be your lucky day!

Here's just a few of the titles available in our Lucky Day collection right now:

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5) by Rick Riordan
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga, Book 4) by Stephenie Meyer
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 4) by Jeff Kinney
Witch and Wizard by James Patterson
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Emperor's Code (39 Clues, Book 8) by Gordan Korman

Spring is Here!

2010-04-09T14:27:00.004-05:00

We're celebrating this beautiful season in all of our programs! From kite-making with Tween Scene to bicycle safety (and fun) with Library Club, to the little ones of Babygarten with their colorful parachute, everyone is getting in on the spirit of spring!

The Teens decorated a number of new recycling bins that are now available for patron use around the Library. Look for them upstairs near the copiers and the self-check, and in Youth Services, near the art table and the Teen Space. For your paper scraps, plastic, glass, and all other recyclables, we encourage you to use these lovely bins.

And don't forget to come celebrate Earth Day with us on Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 pm in the lower level program room. Sauk County Land Conservation will be stopping by to ring in the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with families and individuals of all ages. No registration necessary.

Whether you're looking to escape the rain with a cozy read, or need a good story as you relax in the warm spring sun, stop by the Library and see us! Happy spring!

Become a Fan of Baraboo Public Library!

2010-03-12T09:10:00.003-06:00

Now you can find us on Facebook! If you have a Facebook account, just search for "Baraboo Public Library," and click on "Become a Fan!"

Check out photos and videos, receive automatic notifications about Library events, and let us know what you think about books, programs, and other Library resources. Come connect with us!

Now Featuring - Book Lists!

2010-03-01T11:18:00.002-06:00

Are you a parent, teacher, or homeschooler looking for recommended titles on certain subjects? Instead of taking a chance on a keyword search, ask a librarian!

We have begun creating a collection of bibliographies (also known as book lists) on a variety of subjects. These resources come from top journals such as Horn Book, Book Links, and School Library Journal, and are compiled by teachers and librarians.

We are also featuring one list per month. You'll find copies in the Youth Services Department - look for the "Book List of the Month" container on the table in the picture book area. In February, we featured books on the Olympic Games. Watch for a new list coming in March!

And if you need something specific, try asking at the Youth Services Desk! Our file is growing, and we would be happy to share with you.

Don't forget to check out our journal selection for yourself! From Mailbox to Practical Homeschooling, we have lots of great curriculum ideas at your fingertips.

The Winter Olympics are Coming!

2010-02-09T16:37:00.002-06:00

The 21st Winter Olympic Games will take place Feb. 12-28, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, and sports fans everywhere are gearing up!

Stop by the children's department at the Baraboo Public Library for your Winter Olympics fix! We have biographies of famous Olympic athletes like Michelle Kwan, Bonnie Blair, and Wayne Gretzky, books to help you perfect your ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing skills, and even books on the history of the Olympic Games.

Looking for lesson plan ideas? Ask a librarian to connect you with materials on the science behind snow and winter sports. Check out a book about curling, bobsledding, or luge and learn something new.

Can't find what you're looking for on our shelves? Pick up a list of recommended titles on the Winter Olympics at the Youth Services desk - we'll be happy to help you place some holds.

Happy winter!

The results are in!

2010-01-18T11:45:00.008-06:00

This week, the American Library Association announced its Youth Media Awards recognizing the best in publishing for children in the past year. Whether you're an educator looking for new materials or a child of any age in need of a good read, check out one of these staff favorites that was honored this year!

John Newbery Medal (for most outstanding contribution to children's literature)

Winner: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Miranda, a sixth grader in the 1970's, is struggling with the loss of old friends and the surprising new friendships that she is tentatively forming. And then she begins to receive letters from the future... Stead perfectly balances authentic early adolescent emotions and experiences with a time-travel mystery that makes this an exciting and engrossing read.

Honor Books:
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Frustrated by her family's lot in life, Minli leaves her village and her parents behind in search of the Man in the Moon, the only one who can change her family's fortune. In this Chinese fairy tale reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, Lin seamlessly weaves together traditional folktales with Minli's journey creating a luminous tale of love and family. The book itself is also stunning, with beautiful color illustrations and headings.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

It's 1899 and Calpurnia Tate would much rather be exploring the woods with her eccentric grandfather than learning how to be a lady from her mother. Over the course of the summer, Callie's eyes are opened wide to the wonders of biology and the natural world around her even as she struggles to find her place as a young woman in the 19th century. An accessible historical novel full of humor, warmth, and an illuminating vision of science at the start of the 20th century.

Randolph Caldecott Medal (for most distinguished American picture book for children, awarded to the illustrator)

Winner: The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

This wordless retelling of Aesop's fable will have children of all ages pouring over the pages. Pinkney's watercolor paintings are full of movement and life, and rich in detail. Don't miss the hidden paintings under the dust jacket on the front and back covers!

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award (to an African American illustrator for an outstanding inspirational and educational contribution to children's literature)

Winner: My People illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Smith's photographs are the perfect complement to this classic poem by Langston Hughes. Images of African American children and adults of all ages shine out from the dark backgrounds of the pages, smiling, laughing, and expressing the glowing beauty about which Hughes wrote so eloquently.

Schneider Family Book Award (for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience)

Winner, middle grades: Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Jason, an autistic middle schooler, is most comfortable online where he can share his imaginative writing on a site called Storyboard. While daily interactions with "neurotypicals" confuse and agitate him, online he can make friends and feel like he belongs. An opportunity to meet an online friend face to face throws him for a loop as he finds himself struggling to come to terms with the way others see him. A funny but powerful book that offers readers a glimpse inside autism and its effect on young people.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (for most distinguished beginning reader book)

Winner: Benny and Penny and the Big No-No by Geoffrey Hayes Honor Book: Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith

These two titles are actually graphic novels just for beginning readers. The combination of illustrations and simple text is perfect for those just starting to read. Look for these and other TOON Books in our graphic novel section.

These are just a few of the great books being honored. For a complete list, check out the American Library Association website. And stop by the children's department to pick up these and other award winning books!

New Books for Winter Break!

2009-12-07T13:25:00.003-06:00

Looking for good reads to enjoy over the holidays? Check out one of these new books waiting just for you at the Baraboo Public Library!

New Picture Books:

Always in Trouble by Corinne Demas, Pictures by Noah Z. Jones (Scholastic Press, 2009)
Emma's dog Toby is always in trouble - every day of the week, he finds something to get into. But when Emma sets out to reform Toby, she gets much more than she bargained for!

Same, Same by Marthe Jocelyn, Illustrated by Tom Slaughter (Tundra Books, 2009)
In this very simple picture book for preschoolers, young readers are invited to discover the many similarities found in very different parts of the natural world. Each grouping links to the next - a tambourine is a round thing, but also a thing that makes music, while a bird makes music, and is also a thing that flies. Bright, simple illustrations make this book great for even the littlest readers!

Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move by JoAnn Early Macken, Illustrated by Pam Paparone (Holiday House, 2009)
From tumbleweed plants to locust tree pods to dandelion puffs, seeds travel around our world in many different ways. This accessible, beautifully illustrated book offers a simple introduction to the science of seeds for younger readers.

New Chapter Books:

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus, Decorations by Mark Burgess (Dutton, 2009)
For the first time, A.A. Milne's family has authorized an official sequel to the original Winnie the Pooh stories! Don't miss these brand new adventures of Christopher Robin, Piglet, and the rest of the gang!

The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes by Kelly Easton, Illustrated by Greg Swearingen (Wendy Lamb Books, 2009)
Part Pippi Longstocking and part Matilda, Liberty Aimes has finally had enough of her cruel parents. When she accidentally stumbles across her father's wild laboratory, she takes off (literally, thanks to one of his strange concoctions) and sets off on a series of truly outlandish adventures.

Crows and Cards by Joseph Helgerson (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009)
It's 1849, and young Zebulon Crabtree has left home for the first time to work as an apprentice to his uncle. But on the river boat on his way down to St. Louis, he takes up with a gambler and quickly becomes embroiled in more trouble and adventure than his innocent mind could have ever imagined. A hilarious and thrilling tale in the tradition of Mark Twain.

New Nonfiction:

How to Get Rich on the Oregon Trail by Tod Olson, Illustrated by Scott Allred and Gregory Proch (National Geographic, 2009)
Young explorers and history buffs will pour over this guide to what life was like on the Oregon Trail! Fun cartoon illustrations are paired with actual photographs, flyers, and other documents from the era to provide lots of fascinating information on the trials and triumphs of the brave souls who set out for the West. Look for other titles in this series!

The Vietnam War: A Primary Source History by Andrew Mason (Gareth Stevens, 2006)
This series presents important events in US history through the interviews, government documents, newspaper articles, and other primary source material of the time period. We also have titles from this series on Pearl Harbor, the Great Depression, and various aspects of World War II. A great way to teach US history while also introducing older elementary readers to the importance of primary sources in research.

Turkey Bingo is Back!

2009-11-19T17:14:00.003-06:00

Don't miss out on this chance to make a stylish turkey hat (see left) and play picture bingo for a chance to win the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner! Yes, the grand prize is a turkey!

Bring your family and join us on Monday, Nov. 23 at 6 pm in the lower level program room of the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is necessary.

We hope to see you there!

Celebrate Boofest at Baraboo Public Library!

2009-10-26T11:52:00.004-05:00

Join the Youth Services department for a spooky and funny puppet show with live musical accompaniment!

By the Light of the Halloween Moon will feature life-size puppets created by librarian Anne Horjus and handled by library staff, and music performed by Baraboo's Emma Horjus on violin and Reedsburg's Bonnie Johnson on cello. Bring your trick-or-treaters to the library program room for a spine-tingling treat!

The show will be dark, so for those who might prefer a less-spooky option, coloring sheets and gentler tales will be available in the Youth Services Department.

Boofest is Friday, Oct. 30 from 3-5 pm, and the puppet show will run intermittently during that time. We hope to see you there!

Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers

2009-10-05T14:22:00.000-05:00

Looking for books for your emergent reader? Don't forget to check out our graphic novel section!

As kids learn to read, they use pictures as clues to help them decode text. In graphic novels, simple text is paired with images depicting the story's action, making it easy for even beginning readers to follow a plot. Look for these recommended titles at the Baraboo Public Library:

Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest by John Lechner
Otto's Orange Day by Frank Cammuso
Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith
Benny and Penny in Just Pretend by Geoffrey Hayes

More graphic novels for beginning readers will be coming soon, so stay tuned. You can also ask a librarian to help you order other Toon Books (a great publisher for this level) from other libraries.

Unfamiliar with our graphic novel section? Look for the sign hanging over the chapter book area!

Celebrate Banned Books Week!

2009-09-30T15:58:00.006-05:00

Stop by the Baraboo Public Library and help us celebrate Banned Books Week, Sept. 28-Oct. 2!

Test Your Wits - Answer our daily trivia questions and you'll be entered in a drawing for one of three grand prizes!

Expand Your Horizons - Check out our display of the American Library Association's frequently challenged titles. Take one home and form your own opinion!

Make a Statement - Sign up at the upstairs circulation desk to spend 30 minutes reading in our "Restricted Section" (see photo). Chains are optional. Show your support for the right to read!

We hope that this program will spark discussions, and remind everyone of the importance of our intellectual freedom! Exercise your right to read, think, speak, and learn without boundaries!

For more information on banned books, check out the American Library Association's website.

Welcome Fall!

2009-09-14T10:36:00.004-05:00

Our fall storytimes are starting this week, and we're very excited to see everyone back in the library! Make sure to check out our website or stop into the youth services department to pick up a schedule.

As school begins, don't forget about all of the great resources that the library has to offer. Our textbook collection is a great way to see what your child is learning, provide them with a little extra practice, or help them finish an assignment when they've left their textbook at school.

We also have a new brochure available for homeschoolers, teachers, and other educators that outlines the many resources that the Baraboo Public Library has to offer. Pick one up today!

Finally, we hope to see kids coming to us for leisure reading as much as for school assignments! Graphic novels, magazines, and nonfiction books on all sorts of topics can provide a welcome break for students who may feel that all of their reading time is taken up by assignments. Encourage your children to take time out from school and other activities to read for fun - helping them enjoy reading will make them more enthusiastic learners both inside and outside of school!

Stay tuned for more posts on all the great things happening at Baraboo Public Library this fall!

Goodbye, Summer!

2009-08-07T08:50:00.004-05:00

Our Summer Library Program has come to an end! We celebrated by hosting a Party in the Park on Monday, Aug. 3. More than 80 kids and 50 adults joined us at the Ochsner Park bandstand for bubbles, face painting, games, and more!

As you can see, paper bag hats were all the rage! Participants also made lots of door hangers, pencil charms, and dot paintings. We have included many beautiful pieces of art work in our library art gallery - stop by and check it out!

We'd like to thank all of our great volunteers for helping us out with face painting, bubble blowing, and everything we asked of them! Special thanks to Cindy Bartel of North Freedom for teaching us all how to barn dance, and to St. John's Childcare for being enthusiastic demonstrators and participants! We're fortunate to have so many wonderful teens, adults, and kids to work with!

Summer may be over, but we hope to see you back in the library some time soon! The fall program brochure will be available in the next two weeks. Enjoy the rest of August, and come see us in September as we roll out another season of storytimes and programs for all ages!

Help us collect the 39 Clues!

2009-07-31T14:24:00.000-05:00

Amy and Dan Cahill just discovered that they belong to one of the oldest and most powerful families on earth. Now, they are racing around the world, trying to beat their ruthless relatives to the 39 Clues that will reveal a secret more powerful than they can imagine.

Join us as we explore the world of 39 Clues and try to piece together the mystery! Anyone in grades 3-6 is welcome to attend our programs, whether you're a 39 Clues fanatic or just starting the first book.

At each meeting, kids have a chance to check out the 39 Clues website, chat with other readers, and participate in fun games and crafts related to the countries that Amy and Dan are visiting. In July, we focused on Japan - check out our terrifying samurai hats!

We'll be meeting every 2-3 months as the new books come out. Look for us in the library program room on the third Monday of the month from 3:45-5 pm. Our next meetings will be August 17 and November 16. Ask at the Youth Services desk for the 39 Clues books and audiobooks, and come help us solve the mystery!

Check out the library catalog for the 39 Clues books and audiobooks.

Tween Scene

2009-07-31T14:04:00.000-05:00

Calling all 4th and 5th graders! We know you're too old for storytime, so we've created a library program just for you - Tween Scene!

This summer, our terrific tweens have made colorful paper bowls, Sharpie tie-dye t-shirts, magnetic poetry, and even fashion from common household items. Check out the photos below from our recycled fashion show.

This fall, tween programs will be held on early release Wednesdays (first and third Wednesdays) at 2:45 pm. Contact the youth services department if you have any questions. We'll see you there!

Create-a-Play

2009-07-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

The Atwood Players brought their improvisational theater to the library on July 13. The audience helped choose costumes, props, and even lines to guide the actors, and a few kids even got to test their acting chops! We had a great time making up stories and watching the actors try and keep up with our ideas!

Our last big program of the summer will be our Party in the Park on Monday, August 3. Stop by the Ochsner Park bandstand from 1-5 pm for crafts, dancing, games, and more! Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and join us for a celebration of the end of summer.

Summer Storytimes!

2009-07-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

We've had a busy month at the library! Storytime kids have been finding lots of different ways to Be Creative, from painting to music to poetry!

After learning all about American artist Jackson Pollack, everyone got a chance to splatter some color on our canvas. The finished painting is going to be hung in the stairwell on the way down to Youth Services. Check out the fun effect that we'll be creating with some paint splattered balls suspended in front of it!

This week, storytime kids got to take part in an instrument petting zoo! Teen volunteers and library staff brought their guitars, flutes, cellos, violins, and assorted percussion instruments for everyone to see and touch. We even got make our own instruments - shakers, castanets, and drums! We made a LOT of beautiful, loud music together!

Programs for babies through teens continue through August 3. Contact the Youth Services Department for more information.

Summer programs have begun!

2009-06-30T18:13:00.001-05:00

Summer is well underway at the library! On Monday, June 22, the folk duo of Fox and Branch kept us dancing with their silly songs. We jumped, twirled, sang, and even tried out some new musical instruments!

If you missed the concert, stop by the library and check out one of Fox and Branch's fabulous CD's - the Youth Services staff can help you find one to take home.

Our first week of programming was all about arts and crafts. Kids of all ages came to storytime to learn about papermaking and make their own paper bowls decorated with glitter, tissue paper, dryer lint, and even leaves and bark.

If you're interested in trying this project at home, check out the Youth Services website for instructions and a short book list. Just scroll to the "This Week in Storytime" section at the bottom of the page.

Don't miss our next special performer on Monday, July 13 at 6:30 pm - the Atwood Players will be creating a play around the audience! Families and kids of all ages are invited to participate!

For more information on any of these programs, contact the Youth Services department. All programs are free and do not require advance registration.

Be Creative @ Your Library!

2009-06-18T16:24:00.000-05:00

Summer is finally here! Stop by the registration desk in the Youth Services department to sign up for the Summer Reading Program! Whether you are a reader or a read-to-me, you can earn prizes for reading and for participating in library programs this summer! Just look for the teen volunteer in the blue shirt and get started today!

While you're at the library, don't forget to check out some of the great books about dance, music, art, theater, and poetry that we have on display. And don't miss our weekly programs for babies through teens! Schedules are available online at www.baraboopubliclibrary.org/youth or at the Youth Services desk.

New board games @ your library!

2009-06-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

We've been selected to try out some new board games from Out of the Box Games, a Dodgeville company and the makers of the popular Apples to Apples! The company is working with the American Library Association to create games that fit into a library setting. We'd like to know what you think!

Want to try one out? Stop by the Youth Services desk! We just ask that you keep the game in the library, make sure all the pieces are together when you're done, and let us know what you liked and didn't like about the game! Come see us, and check one out!

Kooper the R.E.A.D. Dog!

2009-05-28T19:55:00.000-05:00

On Monday, May 18, kids stopping by the library got a chance to read to Kooper, one of our two R.E.A.D. dogs! The Reading Education Assistance Dogs program is a national movement to help young readers gain confidence by reading to a patient, attentive audience - highly trained dogs!

Kooper and our other R.E.A.D. dog, Moxie, will be available at the library regularly throughout the summer. Dates will be announced soon. Readers of all levels and abilities are invited to come read with Kooper and Moxie as often as they like. Registration is recommended but not required.

Thanks to Laura and Tiana Kuchta for sharing Kooper with us! For more information, contact the Youth Services Department. And check out our earlier blog post on Moxie's visit in April!

Bear-a-boo Bears Silent Auction

2009-05-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

Looking for a new friend? Take home a Bear-a-boo Bear! For years, these lovable teddies traveled around the country and the globe with Baraboo families on summer vacation. Now it's time for them to retire.

May 18 - June 1, stop by the Youth Services department to place a bid on a bear in our Bear-a-boo Bears Silent Auction. Check back often to see where your bid stands. The bears will go to the the highest bidder at 5 pm on Monday, June 1.

Proceeds from the auction will buy us a new set of traveling bears as well as other programming supplies.

The bears are currently on display in the case outside of Youth Services. Come and take a look! Hattie, Delilah, Skylar, Cubby, Buster, Lacey, Quentin T. Bear, and Sam are waiting to see you!

Culver's Coloring Contest Winners

2009-05-11T13:32:00.000-05:00

In April, we celebrated National Library Week with a coloring contest sponsored by Culver's. Kids 11 and under drew pictures of their favorite books and exchanged them for ice cream coupons - yum! We also picked two grand prize winners:

Grace Schell won a Culver's coloring book!

Carley Gerencser won a Culver's ball!

Congratulations to both of our winners, and thanks to everyone who participated in our National Library Week celebration! All of the drawings are on display on the west wall of the Youth Services department, above the non-fiction.

Great Books for Tween Readers

2009-04-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

If you're a fan of The 39 Clues or the Alex Rider books, or if you just love a good action-mystery, try one of these super exciting new adventure stories:

STORM: The Infinity Code by E.L. Young (Dial, 2008)

Three friends race against the clock to find and dismantle a weapon capable of destroying the planet - mad scientists, world travels, this one has it all!

H.I.V.E. (Higher Institute of Villainous Education) by Mark Walden (Simon & Schuster, 2006)

Like Harry Potter, Otto Malpense is an orphan with special talents. But instead of Hogwarts, he finds himself trapped at a school that trains kids to become evil geniuses! If you like this one, don't miss the next book in the series, The Overlord Protocol.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (Megan Tingley, 2007)

Four extraordinary kids are handpicked to infiltrate a mad scientist's island lair - will they make it out alive? This book is both really exciting and really funny! You won't want to miss the sequel, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.

Like a good mystery? This one of the best that I've read in a long time!

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd (David Fickling, 2007)

Ted and his sister Kat are positive that they watched their cousin Salim board the huge ferris wheel known as the London Eye - so why did he never get off? You'll puzzle over this one right to the end!

Our graphic novel collection is growing! This is one of my favorite new additions.

Jellaby by Kean Soo (Hyperion, 2008)

Portia is struggling to adjust to a new school and a new life without her dad, and now there's a large, purple monster in her backyard! Good thing all Jellaby needs is a few tuna sandwiches to keep him happy. With her new friend, Portia is ready to for some new adventures, including finding out if Jellaby has some connection to her missing father. The graphics in this one are great - Jellaby may not speak, but his big eyes will hook you as soon as you open the book!

Look for these great reads and more in the Youth Services department!

R.E.A.D. Dogs at the Baraboo Public Library

2009-04-21T11:16:00.001-05:00

On April 18, Arie Smouter and his dog Moxie visited the library. They visited with families and even took some time for one-on-one reading sessions.

Moxie is a Bernese Mountain Dog certified through the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program, a national literacy project that pairs beginning readers with highly trained dogs in order to encourage kids to become confident readers. The dogs provide an attentive, patient audience for kids to practice reading without interruption or judgment.

The Baraboo Public Library will be hosting R.E.A.D. dogs regularly throughout the summer - registration will begin in June and is encouraged, but not required. There will also be another chance in May for interested children and parents to meet Moxie and learn more about the program. For more information, ask at the Youth Services desk. To access the R.E.A.D. program website, click here.

International Children's Book Day

2009-04-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

On April 2, we celebrated International Children's Book Day with stories, dancing, puppet shows, and music from all over the world!

Julia retold a Russian folk tale with puppets, and even taught us some Russian words.

Ley played Brazilian music and helped us learn to read Portuguese. She was really impressed with how quickly everyone picked it up!

Cari brought African instruments for us to play and taught us a song in Swahili!

The Lithuanian folk dancers never seemed to get tired of dancing for us!

Thanks to all of our presenters and to everyone who came out to celebrate with us! We are very fortunate to have such a talented and diverse community of patrons!

Welcome!

2009-04-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our blog! We're really excited to have this chance to share all the great things going on in Youth Services. Here you can revisit some of the exciting events from the past few months, check out what the librarians are reading, and stay tuned for book reviews, kid-friendly links, and more!