Snohomish Library

The Bicycle Tree

2011-12-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

If you were to ask people today what comes to mind when they think of the City of Snohomish they might say antiques, historic homes, hot air balloons, or maybe corn mazes. However, if you had asked this question a hundred years ago they very likely would have mentioned The Bicycle Tree.

Longtime residents of Snohomish might have memories of a bicycle tree but they might not realize there have been two of them.

According to a February 27, 2002 Snohomish County Tribune article, the first Bicycle Tree was a 600 year old western cedar located on Airport Way.

It resided on land purchased by Mr. Abel Johnson in 1877. This property had a road built on it that went right by the tree.

In late 1800s bicycling became a very popular activity throughout the United States, so much so that it has been called a "bicycle craze". The City of Snohomish was not immune to this craze and a bike path was constructed alongside the road on Mr. Johnson's property and around one particular tree.

A January 2nd, 1914 Snohomish Tribune article reviewing the history of the tree explains that Lew Paramore, a Snohomish druggist and an officer in the local bicycle club got the idea that a tunnel could be carved through the tree.

In 1898 Jonathan Milligan, a giant of a man, was hired to carve out the tunnel for the sum of $15.00 (other accounts say $25.00). Some accounts state that Milligan noticed the center of the tree was rotten and therefore knew it would be an easier job than it appeared. ( Milligan is pictured below with Herman Siewert. )

In our archives we have a 1960 letter from the Snohomish Librarian Geraldine Earls describing the history of the Bicycle Tree. In that letter she states the inside of the tunnel was finished off by a local carpenter named William Tetzlof.

As with most local history stories some of the facts are difficult to nail down. Ironically, the exact date of when the first Bicycle Tree came down appears to be one of those tricky details. Different sources have the date anywhere from 1924 to 1928. The picture below is from River Reflections volume 1 and the caption states 1928. The letter from Geraldine Earls states 1926.

It is not clear where this confusion stems from, we have been able to find articles in the Everett Herald and Snohomish Tribune that mark the date of the fall as December 2nd, 1927. A December 3rd, 1927 Everett Herald article states: "A combination of decayed roots, earth softened by rain and flood water and an unusually strong gust of wind at 2:45 p.m. Friday caused the tree to fall."

However, this is not the end of the Bicycle Tree story. The February 27, 2002 Snohomish County Tribune article states that soon after the fall of the first Bicycle Tree, another tree across the street was soon given the name, even though for decades it lacked the tunnel. Finally, in 1971, the tunnel of the second Bicycle Tree was carved out.

Unfortunately, the fate of the second Bicycle Tree is not so glorious. Over the next years it was vandalized and on a number of occasions set on fire. Later, for safety, the weakened tree was cut off just above the tunnel. It was finally removed in February 2002.

A testament to the popularity of the original Bicycle Tree is the existance of a large number of photographs. You can find an article on the HistoryLink website which includes a slideshow of postcards here: http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8526

A large photograph is also on display in the Snohomish Library's Local History area.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Give the Gift of Books

2011-12-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." - Jacqueline Kennedy

Consider giving the gift of books this holiday season to the children in your life. Here are some of my favorites!

For Younger Children

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
The animals gather for a party while Bear sleeps soundly.

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
A grandmother helps ease her granddaughter's fear of thunderstorms with a delicious treat.

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
An imaginative bunny uses an ordinary box to create extraordinary adventures.

Just One Bite by Lola Schaefer
The story of eleven animals and their life-size bites.
We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems
Gerald and Piggie discover how wonderful it is to be read.

For Older Children

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull
A group of friends realize that magical candy is not as wonderful as they originally thought.
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass
Jeremy Fink will finally learn the meaning of life, if he can just figure out how to open it.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
The Tuck family knows the secret to living forever, but what happens when others find out?
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson and his friends are on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Four lovable sisters meet a very interesting boy for some surprising summer adventures.
Of course, these are also available at the library.

Jen - Snohomish Library

Libraries, Pianos and the Female Invasion

2011-11-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

We often give tours of the Snohomish Library to various groups. These could be school groups, community groups, or visitors from other library systems coming to admire our wonderful building.

A popular stop on these tours is the piano that is in our meeting room. Popular because the story that accompanies it ties it to the earliest library in Snohomish.

1873 saw the formation of The Atheneum Literary Society in the city of Snohomish. Its founding members contributed books from their private collections to create a library of over 300 volumes.

On September 14, 1877 the Society opened a two-story building on First St and Avenue D.
It is at this point in the story that the piano makes its appearance.

On page 50 of The Snohomish Story: from ox team to jet stream (Snohomish Homestead Centennial July 21-26 1959) it states:
"In February 1878 the women of the community raised funds to buy a piano and had it installed in the new library. This piano was, without doubt, the first such instrument to be found in Snohomish County."

This by itself makes for a pretty good story. However, in the Snohomish Library's pamphlet file we have a collection documents from the library's history and one in particular that puts a slightly different spin on it.

This documented is headed "Snohomish Library and the Community It Serves" and is dated June, 1984. It states:
"The Society erected an impressive, two-story structure on First Street and Avenue D and in 1877, women members were recognized. (Earlier, some ladies presented a piano to the club - thought to be the first in Snohomish County - and, as the men must have been aware of the campaign for funds raised over a period of two years to purchase it, the women were invited to join the club!)"

This makes it sound like the women of the community had to buy their way into the Society with the piano, making for a much better story. A story that this male librarian, surrounded and outnumbered by females, finds very amusing.

Checking this story is very difficult because our newspaper archive does not stretch back to the years 1877-1878. Also, we don't have any proof that the piano in our meeting room is the piano donated to the Atheneum.

However, it appears that the age of the piano at least pre-dates the time it would have been presented to the Atheneum.

The piano was manufactured by the Chickering Bros. out of Chicago and the serial number inside is 12995.

A little research in the Pierce Piano Atlas shows that pianos made by the Chickering Bros with serial numbers between 10000 and 15400 were made between 1850 and 1855. Making it a very good possibility that this is the very same piano from 1878.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

The British are Coming, the British are Coming!!

2011-10-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Relive the heady days of the British Invasion of the 1960s, or find out for the first time why this event was so musically significant. Richie Unterberger, well-known rock historian and reviewer, will entertain you with his understanding of this watershed of rock history. Join us at the Snohomish Library on Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 and prepare to have your consciousness expanded once again.

Sno-Isle Libraries have many CDs, DVDs and books on the groups that comprised this invasion. Here are a few:

The Beatles

The Rolling Stones

The Yardbirds

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers

The Kinks

Eric Burdon and the Animals

The Zombies

Who are some of your favorite groups from the British Invasion?

Eileen--Snohomish Library Reference

Do It Yourself (with a little help from the library)

2011-10-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed by the crafts, projects, and hobbies our customers are working on. Here's a sampling of things people have asked about recently: deck building, birdhouses, gourd crafts, knitting, wire jewelry, and Mexican pastry making.

Sno-Isle Libraries has a huge number of books to assist with these projects, but there are also a variety of online resources available to use 24/7 in the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a library card number! Take a look: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1246&cid=951.

Two of my favorites are -

Hobbies and Crafts Reference Center: Trying to make a last minute Halloween costume? Look no further! This database has full text articles from more than 740 magazines and books, and access to over 720 videos. It offers detailed "how-to" instructions and creative ideas to match the interests of almost every hobby-enthusiast.

Home Improvement Reference Center: As an owner of a "fixer upper," this database definitely comes in handy. Repair information is available for thousands of projects, including electrical, outdoor, plumbing, woodworking, maintenance, and remodeling. Currently being featured are articles about weatherizing your home and a video demo of how to clean gutters.

As always, if you have questions about these or other online databases, just ask.

Out of curiosity, what project have you been working on recently?

Jen - Snohomish Library Reference

Snohomish History: The General Hospital

2011-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

From River Reflections vol II page 77

Did you know that the City of Snohomish once had a hospital?

It opened in 1904 and closed for the first time in 1949. It was reopened in August of 1950 but very quickly was turned into a nursing home until its final closure in 1970. The building was torn down in 1973.

Occasionally, we will have customers approach us at the Information Desk and tell us that they were born in the old Snohomish Hospital. Other times it will be relatives of people who were born there that are gathering information for a milestone birthday celebration.

Often they are looking for a picture or some information about it. The best place I know to gather information is from River Reflections II published by the Snohomish Historical Society. On page 77 there is a whole article about it.

What makes this question so interesting is that the library is sitting on the exact spot where the hospital was once located. (It feels like the Information Desk, where I work, would be inside the old hospital.)
We can see this by looking in our microfilm collection of Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. (Click on the picture for a larger image.)

The microfilm reel has maps of Snohomish from a number of different time periods. The map above is from the one dated 1905. You will see that at that time the street we now know as Maple was called Lake. (You can also see that the railroad depot was located in what is now the library's parking lot.)

This is a 1908 map that shows an additional structure was added behind the hospital. It is labeled "Wards".

This map is from a later date. The notation is a little confusing but it seems to be an amended 1908 map from 1954. Lake is now called Maple and you can see the hospital's footprint has changed. This is explained in River Reflections II. Apparently the back building was moved to line up with the front house and then the space between the buildings was enclosed.

Included in the River Reflections II article is this image of a 1947 bill for a fifteen days stay at the hospital. A grand total of $22.50.

Times sure have changed!

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Mission: Good Grades

2011-09-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

School has started which means homework is sure to follow. Don't worry, Sno-Isle Libraries are here to help! Our mission is good grades. We have a huge variety of online tools available 24/7 for students in elementary, middle, and high school. All you need is a library card. Take a look!

KIDS click here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2777
TEENS click here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2782

Still skeptical?

Come to Mission: Good Grades on Saturday, October 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Snohomish Library.

- See the Matt Baker Comedy + Stunt Show.
- Win fun prizes and giveaways.
- Enter a drawing for a new iPod.
- Earn $250 for your school library.
- Discover incredible homework tools.

Visit http://www.sno-isle.org/ for more information.

Jen - Snohomish Library

Online Learning and the Library

2011-09-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Online: adj. 1. connected to a computer or computer network.

Not long ago, this definition of the word 'online' was unfamiliar, and used rarely in daily conversation. Much has changed in recent years!

Today, being online is not only familiar but encouraged. Options include applying for jobs online, paying bills online and shopping online.

Sno-Isle Libraries is online, with a website that provides you with access to the library’s full collection of books, cds, dvds, databases and eBooks.

Online learning is one growing option for people whose schedules and interests are varied. Online learning may mean taking a distance course through a college or university, or deciding to learn a new skill on your own.

Sno-Isle Libraries provides links to some online learning resources here:

http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1246&cid=987

Use these resources to take a practice test, learn a language, better understand computer software or chat with a tutor. All you need is a computer and a library card.

If you don’t have a computer, come in and use one here at the library. They're free! If you don’t have a library card, come in and get one at the library. They’re free!

From home or in the library, Sno-Isle Libraries is here to support your learning. Take a look!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Another One for the Times Have Changed File.

2011-08-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I really enjoy looking through the archive of Snohomish Tribune newspapers we have here at the Snohomish Library.

I thought I would write this blog about Labor Day and decided to look through some old Tribunes to see how it was celebrated in the past. Instead, I was quickly distracted by all the articles that I found about the county fair.

September 22, 1911 Snohomish County Tribune
Main building of the Snohomish County Fair 50X300 feet with Ell 30X50 feet

What caught my attention as I was looking through the September 1911 and 1912 issues were the articles about the "Baby Show" competition.

Now it has been awhile since I have been to the fair, but I don't recall ever seeing a baby contest. Do we still have them? If not, I wonder when and why the tradition died off?

I find it very amusing in 1912 alongside Dr. H. K. Stockwell's winning White Orpingtons and Anna Martel's prize for pumpkin pie we have Mrs James Moore's baby winning the "Fattest baby under one year" contest.

It makes one wonder if she and her baby trained for the event.

In addition to what appears to be overall winners in certain age groups, a sample of the winning mothers from 1912 are:

Under two years of age and whose birthday is nearest to May 24. Mrs. G E Weasman (This one confuses me. Not sure what is significant about that date.)

Prettiest blue eyed baby under two. Mrs . Allen Huntley

Prettiest girl baby under one year. Mrs. Rees Jones

Prettiest curly haired baby under two years. Mrs. Cecilia Levy

Blackest eyed baby under two. Mrs. Fred Smith

Baby boy under two with reddest hair. Mrs. roy Durr

Stinkiest diaper under two. Mrs. Barry Schmelly (OK. I made that one up.)

While reading through these articles I was thinking I really would not have wanted to be one of the judges. My thoughts were echoed in the article about the 1911 Baby Show. In that article it states:

"During the show one old gentleman was heard to remark to another, 'Well I'd sure hate to be one of the judges and have to face them there women with kids that didn't get prizes.'"

September 22, 1911 Snohomish County Tribune

The photo above is the only picture I could find about this event. However, it appears to be from a similar event from the prior year.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

One-on-One Service at Your Command

2011-08-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wished you had a librarian sitting on your shoulder helping you do research, despite the ease that many searches can be done on the Internet? Well, now you have the next best thing! We have a service called “Book a Librarian” that enables you to make an appointment with a library staff member so that we can spend quality time helping you develop your search strategy.

If you’re a student and have an assignment to research a person and write a paper about their life and accomplishments, we can direct you to, and show you how to use, the many online sources you have available for doing research without even leaving the comfort of your home.
If you’d like to find books on modern art, we can help you formulate your search to target the most relevant items in the library catalog.

If you’d just like to learn how to place holds in our catalog, or how to make lists of books for yourself, we’d be happy to sit down with you and show you how to do these things.
If you have questions about technology, such as how to download e-books or how to use Microsoft Word, we can also help with that.

Just ask a staff member to schedule a “Book a Librarian” session for you and we’ll do our best to get you up to speed in the research or technical area you’re interested in.

Eileen--Snohomish Reference

Sno-Isle Libraries Help You Get There

2011-08-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

The world is a big place and we maneuver it in many ways. We are travelers and armchair travelers. We are students and lifelong learners. We are curious about what happened before, what is happening now, and what might happen in the future.

Maps are essential tools for understanding how the world worked and how it works today. Perhaps you need to get from home to an appointment across town. A vacation may take you to a different state, or outside of the country. You may be reading a book that talks about historic trade routes or see an article that mentions a location you have not even heard of.

Sno-Isle Libraries provides links to a variety of recommended websites for maps. You can see them here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1246&cid=988

These are excellent resources for maps of cities, towns, states and countries, both current and historical. There are maps of military battlefields and campaigns. Interactive maps, vital statistic maps, topographic maps. For current events, try the ‘Places in the News’ maps found in the U.S. Library of Congress Map Collection. Based on recent news, the first two maps you find when you click on this link are Norway and Sudan.

Maps provide us with a visual perspective that the written word alone cannot provide. Our understanding of an event or a place becomes clearer when we can see it.

The public library has long been a place dedicated to helping people find the information they need for whatever reason they need it. The recommended map websites continue that dedication, in a very accessible way.

You don’t have to leave home to see these maps via the Sno-Isle Libraries website. But we hope you will come visit us anyway, and discover all the wonderful resources provided to you by your library.

The map of all our library locations is here: http://www.sno-isle.org/!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Education as Entertainment

2011-07-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

Last year I wrote a blog about Sno-Isle’s “hidden” collection of DVDs. These are the educational DVDs that most of our libraries have interfiled with their books.

In that blog I emphasized the point that although we identify them as “educational” you can find a lot of entertaining content in this collection.

However, I feel there is nothing more “entertaining” than a really good “educational” DVD and one of my all-time favorites is the Connections series hosted by James Burke.

I wish I could remember which of my high school teachers introduced me to them. I would give him full credit because they inspired my young mind.

I have always had an interest in history and these productions certainly helped to fuel it. However, they also gave me an appreciation for the sciences and the tremendous impact they have on history. All in a clever, rapidly moving, fun package.

The show was hosted by the wonderful James Burke, a science historian with a sense of humor delivered in a dry British style.

Each show would examine the impact and domino effect of scientific discoveries up and down the historical timeline and around the world. This has our lucky host bouncing all over the globe to the location of the next technological advancement, giving the show the added feel of a travelogue.

Sno-Isle owns all three of the runs of Connections. Check ‘em out!

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Library Sleepover

2011-07-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

This week, Snohomish Library welcomed twenty special guests for a sleepover. As you can see, they had a wonderful time!

"Builda" loved reading books about other bears.

This group spent lots of time putting together puzzles.

It was hard to pull "Quatchi" away from the computers.

"Seahawk Turtle" checked out a book to take home.

The stuffed friends were great listeners during storytime.

"George" played hide and seek.

Everyone lined up for a group shot before leaving.

But no matter how much fun they had, there's no place like home. Our stuffed friends are now reunited with their happy owners. We can't wait to see them again next year!

Jen - Snohomish Library

Reading Together

2011-07-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

As an adult, I look back on the summers of my childhood and remember things like the ice cream truck, playing outside with neighborhood friends on days that seemed to last forever, and the summer reading program at my public library.

I had a special piece of paper for the summer reading program, and when I finished a book, the librarian would use a rubber stamp on my paper to mark my progress. I thought it was great.

Sno-Isle Libraries still provides that excitement through its summer reading programs for children and teens. But did you know that adults are included too?

The Summer Reading Program for adults runs from June 1 – August 1 this year. All the details are here:

http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=5739

It’s as easy as writing a review of the books that you read during this time, and then sharing them with us. Writing reviews will put you in a raffle for some great prizes (the grand prize is a Nook Color eReader) and the library gets to display the insights and interests of its readers.

Here at the library, we are always letting you know about books we like or recommend. This is a great chance for you to do the same!

Sno-Isle Libraries takes very seriously the responsibility we have to make your public library the place you want it to be. Through the summer reading program, we build community as we learn a little more about each other.

We’ll even give you a stamp if you ask! :)

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Declaring Independence

2011-07-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Fourth of July is a celebration of our Declaration of Independence from England. However, we are not only celebrating the document itself but also the courage of those founding fathers. By affixing their names to that document, they were all committing acts of treason against their King.
Despite this monumental step they all took for us, many of them are unknown and unheralded. Honor them by taking a few minutes to learn their names and little about them. The National Park Service has a nice website with brief biographies here.

Intrigued? Want to know more? Check out the following Sno-Isle Libraries books.

The signers: the fifty-six stories behind the Declaration of Independence

by Dennis Brindell Fradin

The signers of the Declaration of Independence: a biographical and genealogical reference

by Della Gray Barthelmas

Signing their lives away: the fame and misfortune of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence

by Denise Kiernan & Joseph D'Agnese.

The Library of Congress has a wonderful website devoted to the Declaration of Independence. You can visit it here.
It is really amazing the historical documents you can view online, including Thomas Jefferson’s “Notes on Debates and Proceedings on Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation”.

Take a look at the top of the Library of Congress page, there is a very interesting timeline.

Notice that July 2nd was the date that the Continental Congress actually declared independence. In fact, John Adams wrote that July 2nd would be the day celebrated in history.

Also notice that it states that most of the signers did not sign until August 2nd. Almost a full month after the day we celebrate.

I suppose all countries need a “birthday” and we had to pick some date. Calling the Declaration our "birth certificate" fits so well.

However, one could just as easily pick the day the Constitution was ratified. After all, that is when our country, as we know it today, was officially defined. Of course, identifying that date is just as slippery.

Personally, I like to think of the Declaration of Independence as our divorce papers, filed by our founding fathers. We then had to endure a long legal battle (aka The Revolutionary War) before we could truly declare ourselves independent.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

S.U.M.M.E.R.

2011-06-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

When you were in school, did you ever write an acrostic poem? Perhaps you used your name and then wrote attributes to describe yourself. In celebration of the arrival of Summer (despite what it looks like outside), I thought an acrostic was in order.

Sign up for Summer Reading at the library. There are opportunities (and prizes) for all ages. Kids win a free book, teens are in the running for an iPad or iPod Touch, and adults have a chance at a Nook eReader. Visit our website for additional information: http://www.sno-isle.org/.

Unwind with a good book, movie, or music. Take a look at some of our favorites.
Books: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2649
Movies: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2612
Music: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2648

Magic and much more! Families are invited to Summer Reading Kickoff events at all Sno-Isle libraries. Find a magic show or other fun event near you: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=5677. Click on Find Programs & Events.

Make something. Summer is a good time for home improvements and hobbies. Sno-Isle Libraries have online resources to help: http://www.sno-isle.org/index.cfm?ID=1246&cid=951.

Explore what's happening in your community. Snohomish and Island counties are busy places: http://www.snohomish.org/ and http://www.whidbeycamanoislands.com/.

Road trip and take us with you! Sno-Isle has a mobile site perfect for when you're on the go: http://m.sno-isle.org/.

What are your summer plans?

Jen - Snohomish Library

If you liked...

2011-06-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder where to turn to find books similar to others that you liked? Librarians call this quest looking for “read-alikes”. One super easy way to find lists like this is to put a search like this “dan brown read-alikes” into your favorite search engine. You will find lists, mostly constructed by various libraries, of authors or books that are comparable to the one you liked.

There is a way you can be much more specific in trying to pinpoint some element of the book that you particularly would like to see in other stories. Your Sno-Isle library card provides you with access to a database called NoveList Plus. This is a great resource for readers in many different ways, including finding your read-alikes. Here is a link to it.

Once you get there, you have multiple options. The simplest one is to click on “Author Read-alikes” on the right side of the page. This takes you to a huge alphabetical list of authors. Choose the one you like in order to find out which other authors write similar types of books. For example, if you really liked Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series, you can learn about Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, as well as others that are comparable in some way.

To find books that share similar specific elements that you enjoy, from the NoveList Plus main page, search for the title of a book that you like. I did a search for Something Borrowed, Something Bleu, by Cricket McRae. On the right side of the page, there is a “Search for More” option. I chose to focus on the elements “women artisans” and “women detectives”.

That search gave me the name of another author, Barbara Burnett Smith, who also writes mysteries that include a crafting element.

Try it--you'll like it, but don’t forget to check with your library staff for reading suggestions as well !

Do you have any read-alike suggestions to share for your favorite authors?

Eileen--Snohomish Reference

Library + Student = Success in School

2011-06-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

It’s June, and while the school year is coming to a close, here at the public library we know it isn’t over just yet.

Each year we see many students with school projects and papers right up until the very end of school. And sometimes these students are in a bit of a panic because they are working under a very finite deadline.

Sno-Isle Libraries to the rescue!

The library subscribes to a large and growing collection of electronic resources that include databases, eBooks, magazines and newspapers. It’s a second library that can be accessed with your library card number from any computer. And this library is open 24 hours a day to help students meet their deadlines.

One of these resources is the Gale Virtual Reference Library. (we call it GVRL) It’s a collection of full text eBooks covering a wide range of subjects. And when I say eBook, I mean the actual book is online through the library’s website – from table of contents to index, and has a full citation for a bibliography.

Need a history resource? There are over 100 separate eBooks to choose from in the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Have a science topic to research? Search the 57 science related eBooks in the GVRL.

Looking for literary criticism of a particular book? The GVRL has them.

Look for the GVRL in the A to Z title list here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1246, or ask your librarian for help.

One search looks at hundreds of books. All from the comfort of your home. In the middle of the night. When the paper is due tomorrow.

Who doesn’t need this?!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Reference

Tools for Job Seekers

2011-05-20T16:19:00.000-07:00

It goes without saying that there are a lot of people out there looking for work. We help them in the library every day.

Often I am helping individuals who have worked with their hands their whole life and are struggling with just the mechanics of using the computer. Sometimes they are wrestling with Microsoft Word trying to put together their resume. Other times they are just looking for ways to expand their computer literacy.

It is very rewarding to help these individuals. Any time you can relieve someone of that amount of frustration, it is a good feeling. Sometimes they just need a quick piece of advice to overcome some obstacle and other times we arrange a Book A Librarian session where I can give them some extended one on one time.

Sno-Isle Libraries has a resource that enables people in this situation to help themselves. It is called Learning Express.

Learning Express provides a wide variety of instructional tutorials for all ages. But there are two that I want to emphasis for job seekers.

Once you log into this resource look for two links:

Popular Software Tutorials
Look here for instructional tutorials on WordPerferct, MS Access, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS Powerpoint, MS Word, and a variety of operating systems.

Workplace Skills Improvement
This link will lead you to guides covering Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviewing.

If you are frustrated give them a try.

Right now I am diving into MS Access and will be using Learning Express myself!

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Why Do You Like the Library?

2011-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Snohomish Library recently welcomed a local preschool for a storytime and tour of the building. A week after their visit, we received a "Thank You" caterpillar with wonderful hand written notes from each child.

Front of caterpillar -

Back of caterpillar -

Each preschooler shared why they like the library. Interestingly, their comments echo those of our older (and taller) customers.

Convenient Return Process
"I liked watching the books dropping in the containers." - Lucia

Access to Technology
"I like the computer." - Joselyn

Borrower Privileges
"I liked getting my library card." - Gavin

Great Programs and Events
"I like the librarian reading us the books." - Asia

Something Special for Everyone
"I liked the electric panels that were on the floor." - Maddox

I couldn't have said it better myself. Why do you like the library?

Jen - Snohomish Library

The Public Library - An Original Green Resource

2011-04-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

What a perfect start to Earth Day – the sun is starting to peek out, the temperature is slowly rising, birds can be heard, and the green smells of spring have finally arrived. Whether inspired by the holiday, the changing season, or just generally interested in reducing your impact on the environment, I encourage you to consider the public library.

Libraries have been helping communities to “reuse” since before it was called that. Take home a book, a movie, music, an audiobook, and when you are done return for another community member to use – no trash, no waste, no clutter in your home. Find something of interest by searching the catalog, place a request, then come pick up at your local library.

You can even download audiobooks, ebooks, music and movies, or use our research databases from home, saving yourself and the environment the drive to the library.

Want another way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on gas? Take advantage of the free events for children, teens, adults, the whole family, offered at your local library. All of the Sno-Isle libraries offer regular programs - use the calendar of events to find what fun events are coming up in your community.

These days, thanks to a partnership with the Snohomish PUD, the library can even help you save money on your utility bills and reduce energy use. Check out a Kill-A-Watt meter and accurately analyze electrical use in your home.

Of course, with information being our business, we also have great resources to help you learn about many ways to be more environmentally friendly.

Want to be more green in your home?

Interested in green building?

Thinking about starting a vegetable garden?

A general guide on green living?

This are just a very small sampling of the types of books and other resources we have available. Come on in or contact us at the library to find out more. Happy Earth Day!

Chy – Snohomish Library

Tools of the Trade

2011-04-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

The best tools are those that don’t feel like a tool at all. They feel like an extension of your hand. When we pick them up, these stop being something separate and become a part of us. When we use our favorite tools the work feels like less work.

I would imagine a musician develops this same connection with a specific instrument.

The electrician might have the same wire stripper for 30 years, one that can be pulled from a well-worn holster, used and returned without a conscious thought.

A cook has this kind of relationship with their whole kitchen, as well as individual utensils. They can move effortlessly around the kitchen, pulling needed items from drawers without thinking and when they pull that certain sauce pan out, it just feels right in their hand.

Librarians have the same seamless connection with their catalogs. The catalog is how we interact with our library, it enables us to see and understand our collections. This in turn allows us to help you, our customers. Librarians find their joy by putting the perfect book in the right person’s hands. Our catalog is the tool we use to do this.

If your librarian looks like they have lost their joy or are a little haggard lately, let me explain why.

To put it in culinary terms: Polaris has remodeled our kitchen and rearranged everything!

Imagine you have decided it is time to remodel your kitchen. You would make decisions on how you would like it arranged, improve the layout, add a few cupboards and maybe get a new refrigerator. You would have the opportunity to fix all those things that annoyed you.

The morning after all the work is done you get up and walk into your kitchen. It looks glorious! You are so happy you decided to go through all the hassle of the remodel.

Let’s make a cup of coffee to start the morning. Now where did we decide to put the coffee grinder?

Suddenly you realize that making breakfast is going to take 3 times as long because your new layout is all different. Everything that used to be effortless now requires thought.

The whisks are on that counter now? The eggs are in the door of the refrigerator? Where is that pan!

All of this doesn’t mean that remodeling was a bad idea. It just means you have lost your kitchen Zen and you will need a few repetitions to get it back.

The same is true for your librarians and our new catalog. Remodeling to Polaris was a great idea but we all have a lot of repetitions to go through before it feels like our favorite tool again.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

For the Love of Learning

2011-03-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

If you read any of the Sno-Isle Libraries blogs, or use our website, you have no doubt seen information about the new online library catalog that is coming soon. The catalog system is called Polaris and we are very excited about it. You can see some details here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=5612

A new catalog also means taking another step in the lifelong learning process, for both library staff and library user. Library staff is currently in training so we can help you get to know your new library catalog quickly and easily.

Another way the library supports learning is through the database called Learning Express Library. It is one of the many online databases to which Sno-Isle Libraries subscribes. You can find it here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1300 or by going to the library website at www.sno-isle.org and clicking ‘databases and research’.

Learning Express Library includes occupation practice tests, GED and college preparation tests, computer skills tutorials and much more. And, like all of the library’s electronic resources, Learning Express is available to you 24 hours a day.

Whether it’s practicing for the SAT exam, learning more about Microsoft Word, discovering all of the wonderful new features of the new library catalog, or finding the perfect book, your library supports your lifelong learning endeavors.

Let us know how we can help you!

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Homework Crisis? You've Come to the Right Place

2011-03-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

We've all been there...
- You need one more source for a report on the Civil War or
- Your child's math homework is beyond your comprehension or
- How do you diagram a sentence again?

Look no further! Sno-Isle Libraries is here to help with all your homework needs. We have a variety of online databases available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week designed to assist students in every grade and subject. Take a look here http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2777 or here http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2782.

In addition to databases, you can also access HelpNow from Brainfuse. This free service allows you to connect via chat with a qualified tutor for help with specific questions, general concepts, and paper proofreading. All you need is a library card. The links above have more information.

And finally, if you prefer help in-person, come to Study Zone at Snohomish Library most Wednesdays (March-April), 3:00-5:00 p.m. Take advantage of a quiet study environment or learn about the library's great resources. For more information, visit http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1207 and click on Events and Programs.

Jen - Snohomish Library

Learning About North Africa

2011-02-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

Like many of us, my attention in recent weeks has been drawn to the events in North Africa and the Middle East. It is hard not to be interested in these world-changing events. Watching these developments reminds me of what it felt like twenty years ago when the communist regimes of Europe were falling.

One thing I realize as I cast my gaze towards Egyt or Libya, though, is how little I know about these countries and their people. I bet you know where I am headed with this - what better place to learn more than at the library!

Of course we have many great books on the region, and a search of our catalog or a trip to the reference desk will help you find those. A lesser-known gem for learning about other countries that we have available, though, is in our online resources. CultureGrams is a collection of reports on the land, culture and people of more than 200 countries.

Read up on statistics, lifestyle and society information. In addition, and this is what makes this a favorite resource for me, there is added multimedia content. Watch video clips, see photos and slideshows, get recipes, read interviews with regular people and profiles of famous citizens.

Navigate to CultureGrams by starting at http://www.sno-isle.org/ then clicking on Databases & Research then choosing the Society & Culture link, and finally selecting CultureGrams from the list of resources. This is premium content, so you will need your library card to log in, but once you do you have access to an incredibly rich collection of cultural information from around the world.

- Chy, Snohomish Library

If You Like Diary of a Wimpy Kid...

2011-02-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite parts of being a librarian is matching readers with books. Sometimes a child or teen comes to me knowing exactly what they want, they just need help finding it. This is especially true of very popular titles.

"Do you have Diary of a Wimpy Kid?" "Where is the Percy Jackson series?" "What section is Captain Underpants in?"

However, popularity often means a book is not immediately available and has a waiting list. In the meantime, what is an eager reader to do? Sno-Isle librarians have created Read-Alike book lists to help!

For Kids: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2630&list=Read%2DAlikes.

For Teens: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=3148.

If you like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, then try Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf: A Year Told Through Stuff by Jennifer Holm or Please Write in this Book by Mary Amato. If you're lost without Twilight, try Marked by P.C. Cast or Sunshine by Robin McKinley.

Check out the lists for even more suggestions. Who knows? You may find a new favorite!

Jen - Snohomish Library

Learning As Adults

2011-02-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Free classes and programs for adults are offered throughout the Sno-Isle libraries. These important and worthwhile events recognize that, as adults, we do not lose the desire to learn. In fact, quite the opposite. Adults are more energized and motivated than ever to engage in lifelong learning.

The Snohomish Library is one of several branches taking a closer look at what we offer to adult learners, and we would like to hear about the topics that interest you.

What kind of class or program would you attend at the library?

Would you come during the day? In the evening? On a weekend?

Would you participate in an online program?

Your public library is full of resources to help you pursue interests, develop skills, and satisfy curiosity.

Comment here with your ideas and let the library support your lifelong learning goals!

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as long as we live.” – Mortimer Adler

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Homeschoolers Welcome

2011-01-21T11:05:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling parents and their children are some of my favorite library patrons. Their enthusiasm for the library is usually evident from the moment you meet them.

They also tend to be our more knowledgeable patrons. More often than not, when a homeschooler asks for help, it will be a challenge. They will have already checked the obvious places and I will have to work extra hard to find something they haven’t already discovered. This is when my job gets fun.

Another reason I enjoy helping homeschoolers is their assignments. Usually it is a topic the student has chosen themselves so they are motivated and excited by it. Even if the student didn’t create the topic, chances are the parent has developed something interesting for their student to dive into.

Helping students from public schools, we see a lot of the same assignments each year. The “wax museum”, write a children’s book about an animal, read two books by an author and research their life, or genre fiction assignments are all very familiar to us. I enjoy the looks on student’s faces when I can guess the assignment they are working on. This never happens with a homeschooler!

Recently, the old Snohomish High Freshman campus was being used by Machias and Riverview Elementary while their schools were being rebuilt. Those schools took advantage of their close proximity to us to make many visits. For many of these visits we provided instruction and tours.

These visits got me to thinking about our homeschooling families. If you are a homeschooling family, we can extend this same service to you as well.

Just getting started homeschooling?
Talk to a librarian about setting up an introductory tour and presentation about library resources.

Interested in learning how to use the catalog? (Or the new one when it arrives.)
Set up an appointment for you and your students with a librarian.

Already a savvy library user but want to be shown some advance research skills?
Tell us what you are researching and we can show you some lesser known resources and research tips.

We already do many of these 30-40 minute sessions with individual patrons who need help with library resources. We call these sessions a “Book a Librarian”.

Come get some one-on-one time with your librarian.
Homeschoolers are most definitely welcome!

Nate - Snohomish Library

Post Holiday Blues

2011-01-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Starting in November, life is busy. There are meals to plan, parties to attend, gifts to purchase, cards to mail, relatives to hug - the list goes on and on. And then, as quickly as it arrives, it's over! The holiday season has passed and you're back to school, back to work, back to routine. This can be a relief and leave you feeling blue all at the same time. If you're like me, you may need a few ideas to weather the winter doldrums, and the library can help!

1. Download music on OverDrive.
Browse the free options for your listening pleasure:
http://overdrive-audio-books.sno-isle.org/742C1263-63B3-4621-8003-F727028E98D7/10/365/en/BrowseMusic.htm.

2. Join an online book discussion.
Be part of our online book group: http://sno-isle.ning.com/. This month, we're reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

3. Learn a new language.
This language learning course will help:
http://libraries.mangolanguages.com.access-proxy.sno-isle.org/sno-isle/login?u=35461.

4. Become our friend on Facebook.
This is a great way to connect with us:
http://www.facebook.com/SnoIsleLibraries.

5. And of course, visit the library!
We have 21 locations to choose from:
http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1177.

What are your ideas for chasing away the winter blues?

Jen - Snohomish Library

Album Of The Year - Your Library

2010-12-20T19:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone has certain sights, sounds or events that evoke for them the coming of winter and the end of the year holiday season. For me the sure sign that New Year's is on its way is when I start to see Best Albums of the Year lists. Since I was in my teens I've enjoyed looking at these lists, debating their merits, discovering new music.

There are tried and true classics like those put out by Rolling Stone and Spin magazines. I always enjoy the list at Pitchfork , and the outstanding allmusic has a series of lists by genre and editors' favorites. There's the Best Ever Albums website which claims to collate lists from all reputable sources into overall rankings. Locally, indie radio station KEXP has some great lists, including the DJs' Top 10 Albums - you can even vote for your favorites in the popular Listener Top 90.3 Countdown.

Part of the fun of reading and debating these lists is discovering new music. Now, I've bought and collected music for years - CDs, downloads, even actual records - and one of the best kept secrets for music discovery has always been the public library. Not sure whether you want to shell out for a band, artist or genre you're unfamiliar with? Curious about Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy now that you've seen it so well ranked? Check the CD out from the library and have a listen!

Searching or browsing from our music page is a great place to start. Or just come in to the library and browse through what is on the shelf.

Some of my favorites this year?

Expo 86 by Wolf Parade

Heaven is Whenever by The Hold Steady

Transference by Spoon

Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty by Big Boi (almost for the title alone)

This Is Happening by LCD Soundsystem

All available at the library. Place a hold, have a listen, let me know if you agree or think I am crazy. What were some of your favorite listens this year? Or some of your all-time favorites?

Chy - Snohomish Library

Holiday Shopping Made Easy

2010-12-09T13:20:00.001-08:00

The Oak Harbor Library recently posted gift book recommendations on their blog, inspiring me to create a list of my own. Books are wonderful gifts for the child in your life - they can be used over and over again, they open doors to new people and places, and they jump start imagination like nothing else (even the latest and greatest toys, in my opinion). So, without further ado, here are a few ideas for holiday shopping made easy.

Picture Books

Sleepy, Oh So Sleepy by Denise Fleming

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Christian Stead

Oh No! (Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World) by Mac Barnett

Early Readers

Let's Say Hi to Friends Who Fly! by Mo Willems

Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Chapter Books

Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

Non-Fiction Books

Built to Last by David Macaulay

Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy

Bones: Skeletons and How They Work by Steve Jenkins

What are your favorite books to give or receive?

Jen - Snohomish Library

EReaders vs Books: Which Do You Choose?

2010-11-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

I recently passed through a well known bookstore, and was not surprised to see a good sized gathering of customers at the kiosk that displays and gives information about this bookstore’s eReader. I paused briefly to hear the employee explaining all the benefits.

In August of this year, Smithsonian Magazine ran an article about how reading may change with eReaders on the scene.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/specialsections/40th-anniversary/Reading-in-a-Whole-New-Way.html

Many other articles are out there, showing the ongoing and diverse opinions in the eReader vs. book debate.

There are advantages and disadvantages.

On the pro side, an eReader would be perfect for travel, especially now that luggage weight is so carefully monitored by airlines.

An eReader would save space any where it was stored, compared to a shelf of books.

Remember the last time you had to pack up and move your books? EReaders aren’t heavy.

And on that same note, the eReader would not hurt as much when you fall asleep and drop it on yourself in bed.

On the con side, there is debate about eye strain, and environmental concerns about creating more e-waste.

Another con is the ‘cozy factor’. Curling up with a good eReader just doesn’t sound right.

One of my favorite things to do (no surprise) is to browse at the public library. When I go to the shelf to find a book I already had in mind, it never fails that I find many more choices on either side of that title, wonderful books that I didn’t even know I wanted. Online browsing is different.

Water/coffee damage on either a book or an eReader, is bad news. But the eReader would be much more expensive to replace.

Luckily, you do not have to take sides at the Sno-Isle Libraries. Along with our robust collection of books, music and dvds, the library has a growing collection of e-books that can be downloaded to many (not all) eReaders for free. In other words, no matter how you like to read your books, your public library is there for you! http://www.sno-isle.org/.

What are your thoughts?

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Snohomish Bookmark Artists

2010-11-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

Every year Sno-Isle Libraries has an annual Bookmark Contest as part of Children's Book Festival. On Monday, we celebrated the winning artists from Snohomish Library. Congrats to the winners!

Josephine - Preschool

Ashlynn - First Grade - Dutch Hill Elementary

Kiilee - Fifth Grade - Emerson Elementary

All three winners celebrating together!

Bookmarks are available at the library and on our website: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=3167.

Jen - Snohomish Library

Fill a Box Sale on November 20

2010-11-12T11:09:00.001-08:00

Snohomish Library is excited to partner with Uppercase Books for the Fill a Box Sale on Saturday, November 20. Stop by Uppercase Books from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It's a great way to start your holiday shopping!

For one day only, fill a box with books for $8.00. Thirty percent of proceeds benefit the Friends of the Snohomish Library.

Also, join us for a special family storytime at 2:00 p.m. presented by the library. Do you know the old lady who swallowed a pie? Come meet her and hear other fun Thanksgiving songs and stories.

Uppercase Books is located at 611 2nd St. in Snohomish. Give them a call at (360) 568-5987 or check out their website http://www.uppercasebooksandcollectables.com/.

See you there!

Jen - Snohomish Library

The Library Is A Center For People, Ideas and Culture

2010-10-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Mission statement of the Sno-Isle Libraries says that our libraries are to be a community doorway to reading, resources, and lifelong learning, and a center for people, ideas and culture.

One of the many ways the Snohomish Library brings this statement to life is to feature monthly displays of artwork by local artists.

There is a lot of artistic talent in Snohomish. So far this year we have enjoyed the work of painters, photographers, glass artists, fiber artists, and quilters – just to name a few.

The art at the Snohomish Library is viewed by thousands of people, encourages community involvement, creates community pride and it’s great free publicity for an artist!

We are currently taking requests for the 2011 schedule of art. If you are interested in sharing your art, we want to hear from you!

Call the Snohomish Library at 360-568-2898 or email jforman@sno-isle.org to find out more about this opportunity.

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Ah, Autumn

2010-10-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

In the fall, my inner photographer always wants to come out. I find I take random shots of scenery far more in this season than in any other.

Since I work in Snohomish, I'm treated to views of venerable trees turning every hue of gold, russet and crimson imaginable along the streets lined with Victorian houses. I feel like I'm back east, or ready to step right into a Norman Rockwell painting. The added sensation of the crisp air just makes the illusion complete.

The library has many books on photography, from very basic and classic information on how to compose a shot to how to get the most out of a digital camera, to how to manipulate your images using software like Photoshop. We also have "coffee table" books so we can all see and be inspired by what the masters have produced.

Here are just a items from Sno-Isle's photography collection:

What brings out your inner photographer?

Eileen

Snohomish Library Reference

Meet A Local Author

2010-10-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Local author Karen Kincy will be discussing her supernatural mystery Other at the Snohomish Library on October 21st at 5:00.

Inspired by her home town of Snohomish, Other is set in the small Washington town of Klikamuks. It is the story of Gwen, a typical sixteen year old except for the kinds of secrets she keeps.

Gwen is an Other, with the power to shape shift and being an Other is not something one reveals lightly. After all, most people in Klikamuks don't think much of werewolves and vampires.

Just when Gwen is considering sharing her secret she discovers someone is murdering Others.

Who can she trust with her secret, when it is her secret that is putting her in danger?

Come listen to Karen Kincy talk about her book and its upcoming sequel Bloodborn.

Nate Cushman - Snohomish Library Reference

Finding The Next Book To Read

2010-09-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

What to do you when the stack of books on your nightstand dwindles away?

How do you find something to read while you are waiting for your favorite authors to finish their next book?

I would imagine we all have different techniques when we are stumbling around for that next read.

As a librarian, you would think that I wouldn't run into this problem. But it is true, even though books are always passing in front of me, I will still find myself in need of a book.

Here are a few ways that I refill my reading supply.

1. Browse the New Book collection in the library.
Every Sno-Isle library has an area where they keep a collection of recently published Fiction and Non-Fiction books.

2. Visit the Recently Added Items area of the Sno-Isle website.This is the ultimate “New Book” area. The advantage is this will list books from all over the library system, including those that have waiting lists.

3. Look around for Blogs that write about the kinds of books you are interested in.
A few that I visit are:
Realms of Speculative Fiction
Dark Wolf’s Fantasy Reviews
A Dribble of Ink
Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist
These writers will often get pre-published / advanced reader copies of books. So they help you find out about upcoming titles.

4. Most authors who have a website will list what they are currently reading. Visit your favorite author’s site and find out what they like. You might be surprised.

5. Take a look at Sno-Isle’s “Your Favorites” or "Recommended Reads" lists.

6. Do you listen the radio? Most radio shows maintain on their website a list of books that they have discussed. Chances are, if you like the radio show, you will like the books they list.

7. Do what librarians do and read a trade magazine like Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, or Booklist. They contain prepublication notifications and reviews. Sno-Isle has copies of these journals that you can place on hold and check out.

Of course, these are is just some of my methods. I am sure there are lots more out there.
How do you go about finding your next read?

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month

2010-09-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

The American Library Association first declared September as Library Card Sign-Up Month in 1987. Since then, libraries across the country take time each September to remind their communities about the value of having a library card.

Getting a library card is free and easy. And it's your key to all the library has to offer.

So who can get a library card? For those of us who use Sno-Isle Libraries, the details are here: https://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1243

And what does a library card do for you? You will need a current library card to access most library resources, like checking out books and dvds, using the eResources available through the library website, and accessing the internet at the library. But there is so much more!

Here is a list of 52 ways to use your library -- one idea for each week of the year:

http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card/52ways.cfm

It's September! If you've never had a library card, or you need a new one, now is the perfect time. Sign up for your card at any Sno-Isle library, or online at www.sno-isle.org.

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Homework Help on the Sno-Isle Website

2010-09-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Are you a parent or teacher?

Have we got good news for you!

A new school year is upon us, and Sno-Isle Libraries has an entire Homework Help web page devoted to resources for parents and teachers and the children you care about.

Teachers have a wonderful resource available to them to help prepare for projects or units -- Assignment Alert. Let Sno-Isle librarians do the footwork for you as we gather materials for your students' assignments. All we need is for you to fill out the form indicating your needs -- books, databases, other resources -- and give us a little time to fulfill your request. We will even place holds for you!

Clicking on the HelpNow link directs you to the BrainFuse HelpNow online tutoring center. Here K-12 students can take advantage of the chat tutoring service from qualified teachers, 7 days a week until 10:00 p.m., as well as many other services such as the writing lab -- students submit a file of their paper and it is critiqued and returned within 24 hours! Take a few minutes to watch the information videos about Help Now on the Homework Help web page.

Families who homeschool will appreciate the link to Homeschooling Resources. Here are lists of Washington homeschool organizations, curriculum tips, and a link to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction which directs you to state homeschooling resources and education centers.

Homework Help can also get you to our Ask a Librarian service, where you can ask your questions via email or an online chat. Trained reference librarians are always available to help you.

So let us help you with your homework -- click on the Homework Help link found on the Sno-Isle home page and start exploring the many free homework resources made available to you by Sno-Isle Libraries.

Debbie -- Snohomish Librarian

Brain Food on the Internet

2010-08-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

I spent a large portion of my childhood living in Alaska. Whenever people ask me what it was like I usually say: “When I lived there I couldn’t wait to leave. When I left, I really missed it.”

I think many adults would apply that same statement to their time in school.

By this I don’t mean the social/emotional rollercoaster of high school and college. I have no desire to cover that ground again. Rather, it is the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas and be challenged intellectually that we miss, to live The Life of the Mind.

As I look back on my time in school I am surprised by the classes that stand out for me. One would think they would be history classes I took from some of my favorite professors. (I majored in History.) Instead they are the classes outside my field of study, classes that challenged me and exposed me to new concepts. The Astronomy 101 class I took over Christmas vacation, the course in Logic that I almost failed or the class on Third World politics from the professor I detested; are all times when I was challenged and felt the most intellectually alive.

Once you enter the “real world” your time and energies become occupied with jobs, bills, and raising children. When I find time for intellectual exercise it usually takes the form of a television documentary or perhaps a Scientific American article read while waiting in a dentist’s lobby.

So how does one get that intellectual spark when you are mired in the everyday life?

Of course, you could just browse the shelves of your local library.

But you can also recapture that sense of cerebral wonder by visiting some of the following websites. Each offers video presentations by a tremendous variety of speakers.

In many ways it feels like walking down the hall of a university and randomly choosing a lecture to sit in on.

TED Ideas Worth Spreading

FORA.tv

PopTech

Take a look. Hopefully something you see will fire your interest and intellectual curiosity.

When it does, come do the library and we will find you more fuel for that fire.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Why Summer Reading?

2010-08-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down, and with it this year's summer reading program. Here at the Snohomish Library we have only our big finale program next Tuesday remaining. More and more children are bringing back their reading logs and claiming their prizes. I thought it would be good to re-examine the reasons we go through all the work involved in providing a children's summer reading program at all the Sno-Isle libraries.

Why summer reading programs? Research supports the conclusion that children who read for pleasure all summer forget less of what they learned the previous school year, and return to school in the fall more ready to learn.

Reading for pleasure increases reading skills, which contribute to greater success in all school subjects.
Reading for pleasure creates lifelong learners by offering children a wealth of interests to explore.
Library summer reading programs provide children with incentives and opportunities to read for pleasure.

Why the library? The major reasons are simple:

Public libraries are open all summer.
Public libraries provide free access to resources for all demographics.
Public libraries have the books!

It goes without saying that most public schools can't offer the same. Over 30 years ago, researcher Barbara Heyns made a statement that still rings true today: "...I will argue that at least one institution, the public library, directly influences children's reading. Educational policies that increase access to books, perhaps through increased library services, stand to have an important impact on achievement, particularly for less advantaged children." (Summer Learning and the Effects of Schooling, 1978)

Why a theme? Our annual summer reading themes capitalize on the interests of kids to motivate them to read more. Yesterday we showed the movie Flipper to a group of around 60 children and caregivers. I created a table display with 20 books on the subjects of dolphins and other cetaceans. At the end of the program, every book was taken by children to check out! The Make a Splash theme gave us ample opportunity for providing kids with a variety of water-related subjects to capture their interest.

Why activities and "entertainments"? Snohomish Library's first Imagination Station craft program this June drew almost 200 school-age children plus siblings, parents, grandparents and caretakers, for a total attendance of more than 300! Free library programs for children, promoted throughout the community, draw kids and their families from diverse backgrounds to the library, where they can make the connection between personal interests and library resources. In other words, the summer reading program has great potential not only to educate and entertain children, but provides first-time visitors with an introduction to library books and services.

Why do we care? The mission of Sno-Isle Libraries is to be a community doorway to reading, resources, and lifelong learning, and a center for people, ideas, and culture. We care because we believe this. I know I'm only one of many library staff who chose their professions for this reason.

So, when it comes to providing summer reading programs at our libraries:

Why not?!

Debbie, Snohomish Children's Librarian

Best Bets at the Library

2010-08-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

Best Bets is a browsing collection of popular, high demand paperback books, located near the front of every Sno-Isle Library.

These particular copies cannot be placed on hold, allowing the library to display them in this fashion, and make for a wonderful surprise when that certain book you have wanted to read just happens to be there on the shelf when you arrive at the library.

The Snohomish Library receives Best Bets books three times each week, so the choices are always new and different – you never know what you’ll find!

Just today I saw Best Bets copies of:

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Come in and take a look at this collection. A really good read is waiting for you!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

City of Snohomish History Resources

2010-07-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here at the Snohomish Library Information Desk we often find ourselves researching into the history of the City of Snohomish. This experience is usually equal parts frustration and gratification. However, it never fails to be an education.

The frustrations lie in the small number of resources available and in their limitations as reference tools. Very few of our Local History tools are indexed.

Our collection of the Snohomish Tribune newspapers is a perfect example. It contains an amazing amount of information, but we have few ways of actually knowing where the information lies.

Researching a family history? The Snohomish Tribune newspaper might contain a number of very informative obituaries, but before we can find them we need to come up with names and death dates. Then we can check the papers around those dates.

Looking for history on the Snohomish Armory? I can tell you there was a Special Edition in the October 1928 Snohomish Tribune. However, I can’t tell you how much work it took to find it!

To make matters worse, we have a number of resources that cover the whole State of Washington or the County of Snohomish. These materials might have excellent information on the City of Snohomish, but without an index it is very difficult to find it.

This blog will be an attempt to outline the resources we have on the history of the City of Snohomish.

First you should know we have a separate area devoted to material that covers the history of Snohomish and Island Counties. This is our Local History collection. This collection includes a stand-alone shelf that holds books in Dewey Decimal order. Going to 979.771 is a great place to start. There you will find the following titles:

1. Early Snohomish by Snohomish’s very own Warner Blake. This is a short and accessible history of Snohomish. It is also the best place to go to find a collection of historic photographs of Snohomish.
2. The Snohomish Story: from ox team to jet stream created by the Snohomish Centennial Association in 1959. A collection of historical sketches covering such diverse topics as “Pilchuck Jack and Julia”, “County Seat Fight”, “Early Snohomish Churches” and “The ‘Three Earls’ of Snohomish”. Contains historical photographs.
3. River Reflections (part I and II) compiled by the Snohomish Historical Society. Similar to The Snohomish Story, these books are a collection of short sketches with photographs. Luckily, it also has a companion Name Index volume that allows us to quickly find information on individuals.
4. Snohomish County: an illustrated history by Cameron, LeWarne, May, O’Donnell, and O’Donnell. Here we start moving into books that cover more than just the City of Snohomish. It does have an index to assist in research.
5. An Illustrated History of Skagit and Snohomish Counties A massive volume that contains an overview of Snohomish starting on page 331. In other parts of the volume there are biographical sketches of early pioneers. This is another of our resources that has a separate Name Index volume.
6. Journal of Everett and Snohomish County History We have bound together volumes 1-8 of this periodical which contains a number of articles related to Snohomish, including the two part “Adventures of Old Ferg” and “Sailor on the Snohomish”.
7. Everett and Snohomish County: a pictorial history by Robert Humphrey. A nicely illustrated history of the county. Chapter Three covers the City of Snohomish.
8. The History of Snohomish County vol. 1 and 2 by William Whitfield. Volume One contains general historical information and Volume Two has biographical profiles.
9. Snohomish County in the War by William Mason. A listing of those soldiers from Snohomish County who served in The First World War. Includes brief service descriptions for individuals as well as some Divisional history.

Because of the scarcity of local history resources often a researcher will need to look in resources that on their surface don’t appear to cover the topic. For example, you never know if that book on the City of Everett might have a few treasured facts about Snohomish in it! So don’t limit your search.

Another reason not to limit your search to the 979.711 is related to the way librarians catalog books. Here are some great resources that just happen to be shelved with a different Dewey number.

1. The Flood of the Century published in 1991 by The Advanced Placement American History Class, Snohomish High School. A wonderful little book about the Snohomish flood of 1990. Given this call number because it is a natural disaster. 363.3493 FLOOD
2. And we will not forget: history of the Snohomish School District 1866-1994 published by the Snohomish School District. 371.0109
3. Kla Ta Wa: Snohomish High School Yearbook (1932-) This is an amazing historical collection. I have written about it in another blog here. 373.9797 SNO
4. Proceedings, Snohomish Community Study, 1957-1958 A great snapshot of what Snohomish was like during this time period. It contains all kinds of statistical data and information. My favorite parts are the comments recorded from the community meetings. 309.26 PROC

Finally, don’t limit yourself to the books on the shelf in the Local History area.

Use our archive of local newspapers, which includes not only the Snohomish Tribune but also fragments of the Snohomish Advance, Weekly Sun and Eye. The older papers have a number of gaps and missing copies. However, some of the gaps in the print copies are covered in the microfilm. So check both!

The microfilm for the Snohomish Tribune runs roughly 1892 to the present.

We also have a run of the Everett Herald on microfilm for the years 1921-1942 and 1944-1948.

Our microfilm collection also contains a very interesting resource from the Sanborn Map Company. Sanborn was an insurance company that made detailed maps of cities for fire insurance purposes. These maps will describe the structures on residential lots within the City of Snohomish. This includes carriage houses, sheds, wells, and outhouses that might no longer be there. Our microfilm has maps for the years 1905, 1908, and an amended 1908 map that contains information for 1943 and 1954. Unfortunately this is one of the few resources we have for people researching the history of their home.

Information and clues for Local History research can often be found in genealogical resources. Because of the scarcity of resources for both kinds of research, they often go hand in hand. Be sure and take advantage of Sno-Isle’s genealogical databases found here. They contain a vast treasure trove of information from Census Records to Draft Registrations, full text family histories to Immigration records. All of which can be valuable when researching local history.

My last piece of advice is to take advantage of your librarians. Every time we help someone with their research we learn a little more and add a new trick to our bag of research strategies.

Just remember, local history research often requires a lot of time and often a circuitous route to the answer.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

For Reading Out Loud!

2010-07-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

Sno-Isle's Summer Reading Program asks children and their families to set a goal toward the amount of reading they want to do throughout the summer. Reading aloud to your children is a pleasant way to work toward this goal.

When my adult children were much younger we spent many summer days and nights each year camping. I’m talking about sleeping on the ground in a tent, cooking, eating, and washing up outside, setting up an elaborate system of tarps to keep the inevitable rain off our card- and game-playing area, and sharing a “family” book each night. I have always enjoyed reading aloud, and found these camping trips a great time to share the pre-Disneyized versions of several classics with my children. The chapter or two we read each night were highly anticipated, and made the entire get-to-bed process go much more smoothly!

Adults and children alike enjoyed these bedside (sleeping bagside, that is) stories, even the youngest, and my kids got a chance to hear the sound and cadence of beautiful language as well as a good yarn! Young children may not catch all the subtleties of the books you read aloud, but they will certainly follow much of the story line. Don’t underestimate the interest level of the picture book set!

Below are some titles you might want to try. Remember, when you read it’s highly desirable to change your voice to fit different characters, and ham it up whenever possible!

Our favorites:

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie – there’s much depth to this book that is only hinted at in film versions, but even my children were aware of the thoughtlessness and conceit of Peter, and had a sense of the bittersweet ending. And of course there are pirates, and some very funny dialog!

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers – Julie Andrews in the Disney film was much too sweet! The real Mary Poppins was sarcastic, conceited, and sometimes even a teensy bit cruel before showing her soft side to her charges. The book has many colorful characters, and a sweet and grave magic as well.

Stuart Little by E.B. White – the films in no way reflect Stuart’s quiet dignity and great intelligence. He was born a mouse to a human family, which in the book seems quite natural, but of course he faced many unique challenges. His creative solutions to his various dilemmas make for a delightful story, and the yearnings of his heart were understood even by my young sons. I am very happy to note that one of them recently finished reading this book aloud to his children -- my grandchildren, who are 4 and 5, -- and they loved it!

Two more titles that lend themselves well to reading aloud:

The Great Wheel by Robert Lawson – originally published in 1957, this is a story of the creation of the first Ferris wheel, showpiece of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Woven into this history is the story of a young Irish immigrant, Conn Kilroy, who came to Chicago and helped get the wheel rolling, so to speak. Black and white drawings by the author add much to the book, and are full of idiosyncratic faces!

The Penderwicks :a summer tale of four sisters, two rabbits, and a very interesting boy by Jeanne Birdsall – this contemporary story of four sisters and their widowed father is deceptive, because it is written with the same care and evocative language as some of the older classics I remember as a child, yet the sisters are definitely all American strong individuals. The tone is gentle without being maudlin, sweet but not saccharine, and the Penderwicks seem the kind of family you’d like know personally. If you haven’t read it (there is a sequel as well: The Penderwicks on Gardam Street), I believe you’re in for a treat, even if you don’t read it to children!

So find a comfy spot, preferably outside and maybe even while camping, and take this opportunity to try reading daily to your children from any of a huge number of wonderful stories available from the Sno-Isle Libraries! Someday you too may be happy to hear that your children are doing the same for your grandkids!

Debbie -- Snohomish Library

How To Find That Perfect Book

2010-06-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great season to read.

Students have more leisure time when they are out of school. Those of us who work may take a vacation, or at least take advantage of evenings that seem longer because the sun does not set until after 9pm.

If you need some help finding that perfect book for your summer reading, we can help.

Besides visiting your local library, you can use your Sno-Isle library card at the library’s website to browse NoveList Plus, a database full of recommended reads, author read-alikes, lists of award winning books and more – for all ages. You'll find it here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1246&cid=971

NoveList Plus is just one of the many electronic resources available to you through the library website. These eResources are an extension of your local library - available any time you need them – 24 hours a day.

So what will it be this summer: Mystery? Biography? Travel memoir? Science Fiction? Classic? The library has it all, plus ways to help you find it.

What book do you recommend for a good summer read? Let’s share some titles here!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Speculative Fiction Recommendations

2010-06-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

In previous blogs I have written about my affection for books from the Fantasy genre.

I freely admit that Fantasy is not a genre that many reader's care to sample. You either like it or you don't. Because of this I try to be very careful in my recommendations to a wide audience.

However, there are some books that are written in such a way that the "fantastic" elements only slightly color the story or perhaps the writing is so well done that it will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

Guy Kay Gavriel is such writer and is newest book Under Heaven, is just that type of book.

Gavriel's books often have a setting that are historically recognizable, but are still vividly unique creations. For example, The Lions of Al-Rassan has the political and cultural feel of medieval Moorish Spain. The Last Light of the Sun has that of pre-Norman England, with competing Viking, Welsh, and Saxon interests. A Song for Arbonne reads like a travelogue to early Renaissance Northern Italy.

In Under Heaven, Gavriel takes us to an imagined version of the Tang Dynasty of China where Shen Tai is mourning the death of his father, a great Kitai general. To honor his father, Tai is spending two years at the site of his father's greatest battle against the Tagur, burying the bones of the soldiers that still lie scattered across the field.

However, his life changes when a Taguran princess honors his labors with a gift so fabulous that it propels Tai into the sublte world of Kitain imperial politics and intrigue.

I enjoyed this book on a number of different levels. As always, Gavriel has created a wonderful world to explore and this time around I think he bested himself in creating some very memorable and well drawn characters. The exotic location and customs were a nice change from his usual faux-western settings.

In a world where woman are treated either as flowers to be isolated and protected or as chattel to be bought and sold, Gavriel manages to create a number of very strong and decisive woman who drive the events of the story along.

While Under Heaven is a book I can comfortably recommend to any reader, Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shadows of the Apt series is one best read by those who are already devotees to the Fantasy genre.

I am very pleasantly surprised by how much I am enjoying this series. (My son is as well. We have been fighting each other over the volumes.)
Surprised, because on the surface it does not seem like something I would like.

First, the author has taken a very interesting departure from traditional Fantasy characters. His world is populated by insect kinden, people or nations that have traits or characteristics of various types of bugs. The aggressive and expansionistic wasp-empire, engineering minded beetles, ant cities with telepathic citizens, mysterious Moth kinden, manipulative Spider kinden, or the master warrior Mantis kinden.

I was not sold on this concept from reading the blurb and online reviews but I am very glad I dove into it. Tchaikovsky pulls it off. Empire in Black and Gold, Dragonfly Falling and Blood of the Mantis are all excellent books.

Another aspect of this series that had me concerned going in was the way the author handled technology. In a pseudo-medieval world Tchaikovsky has thrown very prominent elements of technology. This includes trains, steam powered tanks, projectiles fired with compressed air, and airplanes powered with springs and counterweights. In the speculative fiction world this is called Steampunk.

For me, the jury is still out on the Steampunk nature of the books. They are very enjoyable but I am not sure if it is despite this feature. There is lots of action and the plot moves along well. A new element to this imagined world is introduced each volume, which is what keeps me hooked in and ready for the next installment.

Unfortunately, the fourth book in the series, Salute the Dark, is not due out until September. Hopefully it will be a long warm summer between now and then.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Adult Summer Reading Program

2010-06-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

A summer reading program for children is a familiar and long standing tradition at public libraries.

But Sno-Isle Libraries offers even more. Alongside the children's summer reading program that runs June 1 through August 31, is a similar program geared for teens, and a reading program for adults!

As adults, we don't outgrow the joy of reading and sharing good books. Our imaginations and desire for life-long learning does not end. Let's celebrate that this summer!

All the information you need to participate in the Adult Summer Reading Program is here:

http://www.sno-isle.org/cr/adultsummerreading/

Come and see us at the Snohomish Library and start your summer of reading. I'll even give you a sticker or a hand stamp if you ask... because kids shouldn't have all the fun!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Civil War Battlefields

2010-05-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

For years my father and I have been talking about heading back east and visiting some of the Civil War battlefields. This month we finally were able to make this dream a reality.

After a little research and trip planning I decided that we would limit ourselves to the Manassas, Antietam and Gettysburg battles. It is my understanding that these battlefields are the best preserved.

Before I left, one of my co-workers asked me what it was going to be like there. I jokingly said, "Like a golf course with cannons on it."

As you can see from the photo below, I was not entirely wrong. This is Manassas, looking down the Union line on Henry Hill with Mathews Hill in the background.

So why go, if all you are looking at is grassy fields?

For me there were two reasons; to pay my respects and to continue my education.

I would never consider myself an expert on the Civil War or even a "Civil War Buff". There is certainly no shortage of books that I have yet to read. But you can only learn so much from a book.

For example, the Museum at Gettysburg is one of the finest I have ever visited. Exhibits would raise questions only to answer them around the corner. It was an excellent mix of media presentations, artifacts, and text.

This trip certainly raised my respect for our National Park Service. Not only have they done a marvelous job of expanding, preserving and maintaining these areas, in many cases they have actively altered the landscape to recreate how it was during the time of the battles.

In addition to preserving the parks, Park Rangers provide excellent educational tours of the battlefields. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they don't have uniform presentations. Each ranger is allowed to express their own views and develop a tour unique to them. Below is our tour guide telling us about the Bloody Lane.

If you are planning to visit these parks, be sure and take the time to take a guided tour. Some of the battlefields even have licensed professional guides. At the very least, download some of the recorded podcasts that guide you around various areas of the park.

Visiting the battlefields allows you to actually walk the ground where events took place. That is a perspective that you just can't achieve from looking at maps or photographs.

It is awe inspiring to walk through the Cornfield (pictured below) knowing the level of sacrifice that took place on that ground.

I also learned a new term by walking the park. The sycamore tree in the middle of the picture below, right next to Burnside's Bridge is called a "Witness Tree". It was there in 1862.

Walking the parks gives you an understanding of the terrain that you can't get from a book or pictures. Pickett's Charge is probably the most famous event from any of the battlefields we visited; walking in those footsteps gives you a tremendous appreciation for the bravery of those involved. Walking this ground was equal parts education and tribute.

Above is a picture from the Union "Angle" across the open ground to the massive Virginia monument in the tree line.

There were a handful of monuments that I wanted to see while I was at Gettysburg. In a battle that was full of heroism these monuments mark those events that resonated with me. I wanted to visit these markers and pay my respect.

On the left is the left flank marker of the 20th Maine.

The center picture is a monument to the 1st Minnesota.

On the right is a monument to Captain Bigelow and the 9th Massachusetts.

I feel very lucky to have been able to make this trip. I am already looking forward to a time when I can take a similar trip with my son.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Visit Your Farmers Market

2010-05-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Sunday afternoon activities is to explore the Farmers Market. There is so much to see - fresh fruits and vegetables, bouquets of flowers, dried salmon, local cheeses, and delicious pies! Even if you don't buy anything to take home, it's a great place to eat lunch. There are always quesadillas, crepes, wood-fired pizza, and ice cream. And, it's a wonderful opportunity to interact with your community and neighbors.

Need more information? Check out the Snohomish County Farmers Market website: http://www.snohomishmarkets.com/

The city of Snohomish hosts its market every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at First and Cedar in historic downtown.

Other helpful tools are the Farmers Market Finder and Harvest Schedule created by Puget Sound Fresh: http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farmers_markets.htm

http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/harvest_schedule.htm

Tell us what you think! What do you like most about the market?

Jen - Snohomish Library

Have You Ever Wondered...

2010-05-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

The mission of Sno-Isle Libraries is to be a community doorway to reading, resources, and lifelong learning, and a center for people, ideas, and culture.

This statement is what your public library is all about, and it creates one of the best aspects of my job as a librarian: I never know what question I will be asked next.

Thousands of people come to the Snohomish Library every month, each with a unique interest, question, need or idea. We try our best to help them all.

Being a question and answer person, I enjoy imponderables – those fun questions like “why is abbreviation such a long word”? or “why isn’t phonetic spelled like it sounds”?

With research, the origins of imponderables can often be found. Many times, as is the case with “why do ‘fat chance’ and ‘slim chance’ mean the same thing” it is multiple word meanings and usage that the English language is so famous for.

Whatever the reason, odd questions and answers are fun to learn and think about. Many have been gathered together in collections that you can find at the library. Look for these titles:

Why do pirates love parrots? / David Feldman
What makes flamingos pink? : a colorful collection of Q & A's for the unquenchably curious / Bill McLain.

The book of general ignorance / John Lloyd and John Mitchinson

Are lobsters ambidextrous? : an imponderables book / David Feldman

Imponderable or not, your question matters. Be curious! Look for answers!

The library door is always open. And I mean that literally. If your library building is closed you can ask your question electronically here: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1174

So, I will leave you with this: why do we say something is out of whack? What's a whack?

Share your favorite imponderable here!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Kids Cook

2010-04-30T08:47:00.001-07:00

If you're a faithful reader of this blog, you know we sometimes write about cooking and cookbooks. But it's not just adults that enjoy being chefs, kids do too. Over the past few months, I've traveled to several Sno-Isle libraries to present "Kids Cook!" We read a story about a silly cooking fiasco, play games, create recipe books, and of course, cook.

On Saturday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m., all school-age children and caregivers are invited to this fun program at Snohomish Library. Put on your apron, grab your spatula, and join us!

If you can't wait to get started, check out these cookbooks for kids available at the library.

The Mix-It-Up Cookbook by American Girl

Kids Cook 1-2-3 by Rozanne Gold

Kids' Fun & Healthy Cookbook by Nicola Graimes

Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook by Georgeanne Brennan

Holy Guacamole! and Other Scrumptious Snacks by Nick Fauchald

See you on May 15th!

Jen - Snohomish Library

Library Volunteers Help Us Serve You

2010-04-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

As National Volunteer Week winds down, we'd like to note just how helpful volunteers are at the Snohomish Library. In 2009, our 13 regular Snohomish volunteers and numerous short term volunteers served 1,526 hours, which is equivalent to a 30 hour per week paid position. Our short term volunteers are often those who need to complete community service hours for high school graduation and our long term volunteers are people in a variety of situations who commit to an ongoing weekly schedule, often continuing for years.

All of these volunteers have helped us tremendously in doing various tasks such as putting book carts in order; cleaning books for our library and for Sno-Isle's Mobile Services Department; straightening and cleaning the book shelves; help with putting packages together for children's programs and keeping our DVDs in order. These jobs aid us in serving you better by helping us get books back on the shelves more quickly, making the library more welcoming by being tidy with clean and attractive materials, and by giving librarians more time to plan programs instead of having to count numbers of name tags for storytimes.

Several of our past volunteers have applied for Sno-Isle jobs and are now working with us in paid positions.

3 cheers for Snohomish Library Volunteers!

Eileen and Vina -- Snohomish Library

Explore Your Community

2010-04-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

I pulled a muscle in my back recently, and spent several days lying flat.

Besides realizing that my ceiling could really use a fresh coat of paint, I was able to take a look at the newspaper, something I do not typically have time for on a busy work day.

Each Thursday the newspaper includes an Arts and Entertainment insert, and highlights various events and activities going on around the region. The range of different happenings is amazing!

Music and dance performances, nature walks, museums and galleries, sporting events, festivals, street fairs and farmer's markets. Here are links to some online events calendars in the Puget Sound area:

http://www.snohomish.org/index.php?page_id=399
http://www.heraldnet.com/section/ENT
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/

And remember! The public library is a vital part of each community. Sno-Isle Libraries also offers an ongoing calendar of free programs for all ages. To see what's happening at a library near you, visit: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=1840

My back is better. I am up and about and painting the ceiling has quickly moved down my to-do list, replaced by a visit to the new Meerkat exhibit opening May 1 at the Woodland Park Zoo. Much better.

What is your favorite community event?

Jennifer --Snohomish Library

Lego Movie Magic

2010-04-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things I get to do here at the Snohomish Library is put together programs for teens.

It provides a neutral setting, disconnected from expected library behavior, in which we can get to know each other. Usually this takes the form of them crushing me at computer games. Rock Band, Dance Dance Revolution, and various Wii games are all arenas in which my humility is maintained.

Recently we tried something different that proved to be a lot of fun for everyone. We made movies using Legos.

Here is what we came up with.

We only scratched the surface of the possibilities for this program. On youtube.com there are some amazing examples of how good these movies can be.

There is a very good chance I will try this program again. I enjoyed it just as much as the teens did.

Keep an eye on the Snohomish Library Programming Calendar for more upcoming programs.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

In the "You Learn Something New Every Day" Category...

2010-03-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Like many of my colleagues, I love working in the library for numerous reasons. One of my favorites is that there's just no telling what the next person you interact with is going to have on their mind. Here are a few examples of what we deal with at the Information Desk every day...

We recently heard from someone who grew up in Machias, Maine and wondered if the Machias near Snohomish had any relationship to the Maine town. In Place Names of Washington by Hitchman, we learned that our Machias was, indeed, named after Machias, Maine by M. L. Getschell (the 's' was later inadvertently dropped from his name), who had grown up there.

Then there was the question from a mom whose 4 year old was going in for tonsil surgery and she was looking for some appropriate books to help relieve the anxiety about the surgery. Of several books we have in the library, two that we recommended were Good-Bye Tonsils by Julaina Hatkoff and Emma Kate by Patricia Polacco.

Snohomish Library is the nexus of the Sno-Isle Libraries' universe for finding obituaries for anyone, far or near. Our staff has gotten to be very good at this, and you can always ask us for help, but here are some resources available through our website that you can check for yourself. These can all be found under 'Research Tools', then 'Genealogy'.

We frequently use Ancestry (not available from home) or HeritageQuest to verify dates for an individual. We have more recently acquired World Vital Records, which should serve the same function for a broader geographic area. For actual obituaries, America's Obituaries and Death Notices includes information from many newspapers around the country from 1985 to the present.

Another question we recently worked on was from a writer who wanted information on what it would have been like to be a teenager in the Ukraine in the 1980s. This one provided us with some difficulties, but we were able to direct our client to information in another of our databases-- History Resource Center: World.

One of our other branches sent us an inquiry about mining in the vicinity of Index. We do have some maps and other print library resources, but I found it interesting that there is a Washington Prospectors Mining Association (http://www.washingtonprospectors.org/) located in our nearby city of Marysville.

I hope these examples have led you to believe that you can ask us anything, because we love it when you do! What are some things you've always wondered about but were afraid to ask?

Eileen--Snohomish Library Reference

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

The cherry trees are blooming, the tulip bulbs are sprouting, and the weather forecast is calling for a delightful 67 degrees this weekend. Spring is here... and you can get ready to welcome it!

Grab your shovel and start planting. We have books to help:

Chase away the dust bunnies with this Spring cleaning checklist:

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/spring-cleaning-checklist

Join in Snohomish's historic Easter celebration:

http://www.cityofsnohomish.com/EasterPoster2010.htm

Keep the kiddos busy during Spring Break. Click on Snohomish for an events calendar: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=2600

Follow local college teams as they compete in March Madness:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/tournament

Put away the heavy stew recipes and try something lighter:

We want to hear from you! How do you welcome Spring? What are your favorite gardening or Spring recipe books?

Jen - Snohomish Library

Breaking Out of Your Reading Rut

2010-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Readers can often get stuck in a rut. They find a particular genre or kind of novel that they like and then read exclusively those kinds of books.

I am guilty of this myself. In previous blogs I have written about my love of Fantasy or Science Fiction books. My rut can be so deep that sometimes I would rather read a lackluster book from these genres than branch out and try something different.

Understanding this about myself I will often try and force myself out of the rut and pick up something completely different. Usually the easy way out for me is to pick up a nonfiction book. However, recently I made a successful foray outside my rut in a different direction.

The book I read was Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar. The premise is simple and very clever. What if Superman had crashed landed in the Soviet Union instead of the United States? How would the Man of Steel be different if he had been raised on a collective farm?

I can hear you all laughing now. This is not much of a departure for someone who likes to read Science Fiction!
However, what makes this book so different is that it is a Graphic Novel. This means it looks a lot like a comic book, something I rarely read.

Sno-Isle Libraries has a healthy collection of these books and they are extremely popular with our teenage customers. Our library maintains a separate collection of them in the Teen collection areas. However, Graphic Novels can also be found in the Adult Fiction and Juvenile Fiction areas. The books in the Teen and Adult Fiction areas will all have this label on their spine.

I would encourage you to take a look at these alternative formats. You can choose from an impressive variety of them.

Can’t bring yourself to read a comic book? I suggest you start with the Maus by Art Spiegelman. In 1992 it was given a Special Citation by the Pulitzer Prize Board. It is the story of a son trying to understand the experiences of his father during the Holocaust. Because it is the true story of the author and his father, it can be found in nonfiction section of the library.

Some additional favorites are:

300 by Frank Miller

Sin City by Frank Miller

Watchmen by Alan Moore

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore

Already read Graphic Novels? What are some of your favorites?

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Have You Heard This One?

2010-02-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Urban legends. You know one. Those told-as-true stories that happened to ‘a friend of my friend’s cousin’s friend’.

These American folklore narratives travel the halls of schools, around campfires, through offices and email. Wherever people are gathered - and in countless variation - this contemporary oral tradition flourishes.

Maybe it’s the rat accidentally battered, fried and served at a chicken restaurant.

Or the guy with the hook for a hand who favors young couples in their cars.

How about that poor woman who comes home from work to find her beloved Doberman sick and choking? She rushes him to the veterinarian and goes home to wait for the doctor’s results. When the call comes the message is: ‘get out of the house immediately! Grab your cell phone and call the police’! Why the urgency? Because the veterinarian has just removed three human fingers from the throat of the woman’s dog. Fingers belonging to a burglar who is still hiding somewhere in her house!

And who can forget the spiders that hang out in beehive hairdos or in cactus plants?

Collections of these stories can be found at the Sno-Isle Libraries. Some examples are:

The Encyclopedia of Urban Legends by Jan Harold Brunvand (known as the ‘unchallenged master’ of urban legends)

Alligators in the Sewer by Thomas Craughwell

Urban Legends: The Complete-As-One-Can-Get-Guide to Modern Myths by N.E. Genge

Urban legends. You know one.

Take a minute and share your story here. Help keep the tradition alive!

Jennifer -- Snohomish Reference

On My Way to the Olympics

2010-02-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Next Friday, the world will watch as the 2010 Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver, Canada. Since it is so close to home, my husband and I, along with two dear friends, decided to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Last Spring, we completed the frustrating online ticket purchase process and became owners of seats at one of the qualifying rounds of Men's Curling. The cost was prohibitive to even get close to a medal ceremony, let alone for a well known event like figure skating.

We've spent the last few months learning about curling, finding a place to stay, and making sure our passports are up to date. Now we're ready to hop in the car and go! We can't wait to explore Olympic Village and soak in the sights.

Sno-Isle Libraries has a Winter Olympics page on its website featuring book recommendations and helpful links: http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=4265. Take a look to learn more!

Whether you're traveling to Vancouver or enjoying the games in your living room, there's something for everyone. Which event do you like to watch?

Jen - Snohomish Library

You Are What You Have to Eat

2010-01-29T15:53:00.000-08:00

Food Security means many things to many people. One interpretation is to ensure that you and your family have sustenance that you can rely on in the event of a disaster. We’ve all seen how long it can take to get help to those in need after Hurricane Katrina, and now the earthquake in Haiti.

FEMA recommends that you have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your emergency stores for your family. Most preparedness experts recommend that you store, and rotate, as much as you have space for.

The library has many books to help you with this task. I am featuring just a few, in some different food preparedness categories, here.

For an overview, Food Security for the Faint of Heart by Robin Wheeler is excellent. She includes information on how to use, or not use, food from your freezer when the power goes out.

OK, what do you do when the power does go out, and then stays out for a long period of time? One easy solution is to make sure you have your food stored in ways that don’t require electricity keep it safe. Now, you can buy canned or dried foods for your emergency stash, but here’s where you can take the concept of food security farther. If you grow and preserve your own food, you can continue to produce food for your family no matter how long the emergency lasts.

Well-Preserved: Recipes and Techniques for Putting Up Small Batches of Seasonal Foods by Eugenia Bone covers preservation of several types of foods: fruits and vegetables, as well as beans, nuts, fungi, meat, poultry and fish. I would call this a beginner’s book. It makes food preservation seem less scary than some of the more in-depth volumes.

Jennifer MacKenzie’s The Dehydrator Bible includes how to dehydrate many different types of foods as well as numerous recipes for using them. One of the most intriguing is the barbecue sauce leather! (Of course, if you've ever had some smear under the cap, you know that's an easy one.)

Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits & Vegetables by Mike Bubel discusses another method of storage that doesn’t require electricity. Bubel covers how to harvest for best storage life, storage requirements of different crops and how to find space for a root cellar when you don't have a basement.

Speaking of harvesting, here are a few resources for growing your own.

Steve Solomon, the founder of Territorial Seeds, knows how difficult vegetable gardening can be in the Northwest. In Gardening When it Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times, he helps you focus in on growing the most nutritious and productive vegetables to keep your family going.

In Edible Heirlooms: Heritage Vegetables for the Maritime Garden, Bill Thorness discusses his favorite varieties for our area. Growing heirloom or open-pollinated varieties allows you to save the seed and be confident that you will get the same plant next year. (Hybrids do not necessarily come back true to type from saved seed.)

Seed to Seed: Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners by Suzanne Ashworth is the acknowledged bible of seed saving, published by The Seed Savers Exchange. It briefly covers all aspects of growing, harvesting seed and starting the plant the next year for most types of vegetables.

One thing I learned from Food Security for the Faint of Heart is just how nutritious sprouts are. If you don’t have a green thumb, sprouts are for you! Ann Wigmore’s The Sprouting Book will help you sprout and cook with many more types of seeds than the usual alfalfa and mung bean.

I recently read Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-Mile Diet by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon and I was struck by how much they missed breads and other grain-based foods. I think I would miss those too if I couldn’t get grains and if you agree, you might check out Gene Logsdon’s Small-Scale Grain Raising and get started on your own backyard full of “amber waves of grain.”

My final suggestion, for the ultimate in food security, is Wild Harvest: Edible Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Terry Domico. This book has good color pictures, is arranged by season, and in addition to just describing the plants and which parts are edible, Domico also gives his opinion on the taste of many of the plants and has left out those that “offer very little in nutrition and taste.”

So... grow it, preserve it, reproduce it, rotate it and practice cooking it over a camp stove (outside only, please!) or a wood fireplace. The more food security your family has when the big one hits, the more freedom you will have to come to the aid of your neighbors.

What books related to food security would you all recommend?

Eileen - Snohomish Library Reference

Speaking of movies…..did you know?

2010-01-22T16:47:00.001-08:00

In last week’s blog, Jennifer wrote about the effect movies have on the interest in the books they were based on. This week I thought I would write about the library’s DVD collection.

By now, most of our library customers are aware that Sno-Isle Libraries maintains a collection of DVDs. We have them shelved in the children’s area in addition to the large collection that is near the check out stations. We call this section the Adult DVDs to distinguish it from the ones in the children’s area. ( A unfortunate term which usually is greeted with a wry smile.)

For the most part, the DVDs located in the children’s area are those that have a G Rating. All the others are filed in the Adult area.

Recently we divided the DVDs in the adult area into categories to make it easier to find a movie you want. These categories are: Action, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy, Foreign, Horror, Musical, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense, Television Series, War, and Western.

However, did you know there is a whole other area where you can find DVDs in the library?

Many DVDs are interfiled with the non-fiction books throughout the library.

For example, Ken Burns’ famous documentary The Civil War is filed with the Civil War books.

Rick Steves’ travel DVDs are filed right next to his books.

Looking for instruction on how to lay down that new flooring? We have DVDs right next to the books in the 690.16 area.

How about one of Michael Moore’s “documentaries”?

Looking for a concert DVD of the Rolling Stones? Bob Dylan? U2? Pearl Jam? Look in the 782.4216 section.

So the next time you come to the Snohomish Library looking for something to watch, don’t just stop at the DVD shelves in the entry way. Browse the non-fiction shelves as well.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

The Book or the Movie: Which Do You Choose?

2010-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Today, Alice Sebold’s acclaimed 2002 novel, The Lovely Bones, opens as a motion picture.

The book begins like this: ‘My name is Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was 14 when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.’ It is a story of life following an unspeakable tragedy and became a #1 national bestseller for Sebold.

It is the latest in a long list of books that have been adapted to the big screen.

At the public library, we always see a renewed interest in any book, regardless of its publication date, if it is made into a movie. Over the years, I have had many conversations with library customers about this topic. Comments like:

“I’m going to stick to the book”
“I saw the movie, but the book was SO much better”
“They did a pretty good job telling the story in the movie”
“The movie left out my favorite part!”
Or, “That’s not what Edward was supposed to look like!!”

are common.

Coming to terms with someone else’s interpretation of a story you have read, and characters you have imagined, can be challenging, maddening, or surprisingly in sync with your own mental pictures.

Last year Hollywood released movie versions of Angels and Demons, My Sister’s Keeper, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, New Moon, Precious ( the book is titled Push) and Where the Wild Things Are, to name just a few.

What is your preference? Do you only read the book? Only see the movie? Or do you do both and enjoy (or face) the comparison? Let’s keep the conversation going.

Jennifer --Snohomish Library

Need Tax Help?

2010-01-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

It's time to start thinking about taxes, April 15 will be here before we know it. Fortunately, Snohomish Library is here to help.

To get started, pick up tax forms and instruction booklets in our Copy Room. If you don't see what you're looking for, a librarian at the Information Desk can usually print additional forms from the IRS website.

Next, come to our special program, "Organize Your Tax Papers and Reduce Stress," on Saturday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Learn simple ways to set up filing systems, keep your CPA happy, get your taxes done faster, and reduce paper piles year round. That's something we could all use help with!

Finally, if you need individual attention, these organizations may be able to assist:

United Way of Snohomish County: http://www.uwsc.org/4_7.php

AARP Tax-Aide: http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/

For a hassle-free, headache-less tax season, remember to take advantage of your library's resources!

Jen - Snohomish Library

Become Reacquainted with John Denver

2009-12-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Snohomish Library will host a special program of John Denver’s music on New Year’s Eve, at 3:00. Musician Bryan Stratton will guide us through the life and music of this gifted and socially conscious man, on the 66th anniversary of his birth.

We know what a remarkably talented song writer Denver was, with top-selling albums and many awards for his music. What is less well known is that his lyrics honestly “reflect the conscience of a concerned citizen.” Denver actively served on national and international commissions studying world hunger, in addition to supporting many environmental organizations. He was awarded the Presidential “World Without Hunger” Award as well as the Albert Schweitzer Music Award “for a life’s work dedicated to music and devoted to humanity.”

Denver once stated in an interview with Rolling Stone "I don't mind if {critics} call me the Mickey Mouse of rock." Whether or not that’s how you’ve thought of him, join us to learn more about this giving man and jam with the sing-along!

Eileen - Snohomish Library

The Pursuit of Happiness

2009-12-24T14:49:00.000-08:00

Once again we’re counting down the days until a new year begins. And once again many of us are planning to make resolutions for the coming year, resolutions to make us healthier, wealthier, smarter, more successful, and in short – to make ourselves happier. This age-old search for making our lives better has spawned countless “self-help” books, which are well-represented in the Sno-Isle collection. Why not resolve to read a book or two on happiness during the first months of 2010? Perhaps one of the following will strike your fancy:

The Ultimate Happiness Prescription: 7 keys to joy and enlightenment, by Deepak Chopra, describes how to experience joy in spite of the unique challenges of today's world.

The author of Happiness from the Inside Out: the art and science of fulfillment, Robert Mack, uses examples from his own compelling life story, describing the three main aspects of a happy life and then revealing the habits that make people happy.

Creating Your Best Life: the ultimate life list by Caroline Ada Miller, suggests that assembling a goal-setting list may be more beneficial than making New Year’s resolutions!

The message of Live Your Bliss: practices that produce happiness, by Terry Cole-Whittaker, is that we are perfect as we are, and already have everything we need to manifest our dreams – we just need to recognize it and claim it!

Those of you who perhaps don’t trust the happy Pollyanna-ish hype might find the following more to your liking:

Against Happiness: in praise of Melancholy, by Eric G. Wilson

The Positive Power of Negative Thinking, by Julie K. Norem

Bright-sided: how the relentless promotion of positive thinking has undermined America, by Barbara Ehrenreich

Stumbling on Happiness, by Daniel Gilbert

Whether you’re a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” sort of person (and whether you make resolutions or not!), have a wonderful 2010, and enjoy your personal pursuit of happiness. Hopefully your search will bring you in to one of the Sno-Isle Libraries, where you will find friendly library staff to help you on your quest.

Happy New Year from all of us!

Debbie - Snohomish Library

Calling All Local Artists and Collectors!

2009-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Each month, the Snohomish Library features the artwork of local artists on the walls of the library, and in the two lobby display cases. Currently, we have digital prints of Hawaii hanging in the library, one display case full of railroad memorabilia and one case full of books and items all about cold weather drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

We are currently taking requests for the 2010 schedule of art. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing art or collections at the library, we want to know!

There is a lot of artistic talent in Snohomish. By displaying artwork at the library, thousands of people will see your talent, and you will receive free publicity for a month. Or, instead of art, maybe you have a collection of something special that we could all enjoy.

During this past year our displays have included a turtle collection for Earth Day, quilts, Bakelite items, and artifacts celebrating both National Historic Preservation Month and the 150th anniversary of the City of Snohomish.

Do you have something you would like to share with your community? Call the Snohomish Library at 360-568-2898 or email jforman@sno-isle.org to find out more about this opportunity.

We hope to hear from you!

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

A view from the inside

2009-12-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

I’m a chef. I am perfectly comfortable working with knives and fire, but I’ve known for years that it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life. I made the decision about three years ago that it was time for a change and applied to the University of Washington’s Information School to pursue my Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. I am now a week and a half away from graduating and am about ready to take a deep breath and enter the world of professional librarianship.

Working as an intern at the Snohomish Library has allowed me to add practical experience to the theory learned during my course work. First, let me say this: There is no substitute for experience. Standing at the Information Desk fielding questions from people of all ages and walks of life about every subject I could imagine required me to think creatively and quickly, to smile and be patient, and to draw from an ingrained service perspective to do my absolute best each and every time.

I can compare it to the restaurant world. Like a hostess, the librarians at the desk smile and are happy to greet each person who approaches. Like an accomplished server, the librarian can multi-task and take care of multiple patrons at a time, without losing focus or forgetting what each really desires. Like a good cook, a librarian can decipher what a patron asks for and translate it into a bite (or entire meal!) of information that the patron can consume. I am really not trying to simplify the process; most people have experienced eating in a restaurant and have no trouble expecting excellent service and a tasty product. However, I have found that people are still sometimes hesitant to approach the Information Desk to ask a question.

This is the one thing that I’d like to share about my experiences as an intern at the Snohomish Library. Take advantage! Use the library as a space, as a resource, as the place to go when you don’t know something. And take advantage of the librarians and staff. Ask for book recommendations, help with homework and job searches. Take advantage of the people who are here to serve you and the tools that they have and the knowledge they draw from. Sit at one of the computers or tables and expect excellent service and a quality product. Enjoy the atmosphere. Treat it like your favorite restaurant, where you are recognized and appreciated. And don’t worry, you never have to tip!

Leah - Snohomish Library Intern

Drinking Green Tea in Japan

2009-11-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

I just returned from two weeks in Japan. In a June blog entitled Green Tea, I had written about my decision to return with my mother to the land where we were both born. The first photograph is me in front of the Kyoto Prefectural Library, the first public library in Japan. Below is a photograph of my home town, Tokyo, as viewed from the Tokyo Tower.

My daughter joined us on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Her book for her sojourn in Japan was Eat, Pray, Love: one woman's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is peeking out from behind her box lunch.

My book of choice was Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. This children's book was made into an animated movie by Hayao Miyazaki. He also created the movie My Neighbor, Totoro, and at this shop we found an array of stuffed animals from that movie.

My mother and I visited a tea shop in the part of Tokyo where my family lived when I was a baby. This is also the tea shop where my godmother bought her tea. Every six months she sent us tea from this shop until she passed away last year. I shipped ten packages of tea to Washington from this shop to continue the tradition.

Below is a photograph of my mother and her sister walking together. We visited the neighborhood where they grew up and saw the spot where their house once stood before it burned during the war. So many memories flooded back as they tread the paths they knew from decades past. We met with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

And finally my mother and I drank green tea together for the first time in the country where we were born.

Tomi - Snohomish Library

Thanksgiving Tool Kit

2009-11-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and many families and friends will gather to eat turkey, watch football, and most importantly, give thanks. If you're hosting the meal this year or traveling to be with someone who is, here are ideas to make your day even more enjoyable than the last. Think of it as your Thanksgiving Tool Kit!

Keep the kids busy with a hand print turkey craft or coloring page.
http://holidays.kaboose.com/thanksgiving/

Need a last minute recipe for the infamous green bean casserole?
http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Holidays-and-Events/Thanksgiving/main.aspx

Interesting Thanksgiving facts for that inevitable lull in conversation.
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/pdf/cb09ff22_thanksgiving.pdf

For your introspective guests, provide quotes at each place setting.
http://www.thanksgiving-day.org/thanksgiving-day-quotes.html

Survival tips for that long plane or car ride.
http://www.travelsense.org/TIPS/HOLIDAYTRAVEL.cfm

Creative ways to use all of the leftover turkey.
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/holiday-slide-shows/thanksgiving/fresh-ideas-for-leftover-turkey/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen - Snohomish Library

A Second Helping of Books

2009-11-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows our library staff knows that food is close to our hearts. So, I don’t think it’s out of line to talk about food again!

I’ve been interested in growing my own food for many years and am very intrigued with eating local, so have recently been trying more with fall/winter/spring vegetable gardening. My husband and I joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) last winter and asked specifically for the northwest box so we could eat local as well as see what real farmers in our region are able to produce during these less-than-ideal growing seasons.

So, these winter boxes have included a lot of root crops, many of which I’ve never eaten. They have inspired me to make lots of soups, including a very nice roasted vegetable borscht.

Here are some books which I’ve been reading as part of this process:

Eliot Coleman. The Winter Harvest Handbook. Coleman has made a science of how to continue to harvest crops over the winter. Although he is a commercial producer, his tips are very applicable to any gardener.

Solomon, Steve. Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades. A classic by the founder of Territorial Seeds.

Smith, Alisa and J.B. MacKinnon. Plenty : eating locally on the 100-mile diet. Can you imagine trying to preserve and store produce in a tiny apartment in Vancouver? This couple did!

Kingsolver, Barbara. Animal, vegetable, miracle : a year of food life. This family moved from Tucson to rural Virginia to eat locally. Kingsolver is quite preachy, but the relation of the family’s experience is fascinating.

What are you all growing in the winter, here in the Pacific Northwest?

Eileen - Snohomish Library

What's For Dinner - At The Library

2009-11-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

I've got comfort food on my mind -- maybe because of last night's big storm. Admitted foodies, my husband and I love to cook for ourselves and others. Family, friends, or strangers, we enjoy feeding them all.

It's not an original thought. Folks have been sharing food for any number of reasons for a long, long time. A meal delivered to someone sick or mourning. A batch of cookies given as a thank you. Community meals for work parties or to welcome someone to the neighborhood.

And comfort food is a pleasure to cook and to share. Creamy macaroni and cheese, savory meatloaf, biscuits and jam. It's hard to find someone who doesn't enjoy these!

If food like this appeals to you, you may want to try one of the following titles:

EatingWell comfort foods made healthy : the classic makeover cookbook / by Jessie Price & the Editors of EatingWell.

Slow cooker comfort food : 275 soul-satisfying recipes / Judith Finlayson

Best-ever comfort food : over 200 recipes for childhood favourites, family traditions, school dinners, and mother's home-cooked classics / contributing editor, Bridget Jones.

This is just a taste of all the cookbooks waiting for you at the Sno-Isle Libraries. Bon Appetite!

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Partnering with Our Schools

2009-10-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

At Snohomish Library, we love to partner with local schools! It's one way to enrich students' learning experiences and expose them to the variety of library resources available. It's also a way to support teachers and school librarians as they teach their students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the world.

Recently, we've welcomed a number of classes into the library for tours, electronic database instruction, and storytimes. In the month of October alone, over 400 children visited the library as part of their school day. The entire student body at Machias Elementary came to learn about fractured fairy tales and to check out books.

Not only do students come to us, but we go to them! Also in October, we participated in the Glacier Peak High School Career Fair and visited Centennial Middle School to talk about books, teen programs, and Homework Help.

In addition, we joined with Riverview Elementary to provide an after school book club for sixth graders. This month we read The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart and then explored the book during a fun afternoon of activities. December's book club selection is Marley: A Dog Like No Other by John Grogan.

It's been a busy month and a joy to partner with our schools!

Jen - Snohomish Library

Your Library Counts

2009-10-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

It’s common as a year draws to a close, to look back and see what accomplishments were made.

I know… some may say that it’s only October 23, but others may see the end of the year as just a little more than two months away.

I guess I’m in the second group, because I got to thinking about our Snohomish Library and decided to take a statistical look at some of what it achieved this past year.

I chose the month of July, in part because it’s pouring rain outside today and I wanted to remember the extraordinary summer we enjoyed this year. But also because school isn’t in session, and July is a popular month for families to be away from home on vacation, both of which I thought could potentially impact our numbers.

I was surprised (and delighted!) to see these statistics for July 2009 at the Snohomish Library:

23,337 people visited the library
52,080 items were checked out
1,278 people attended free library programs like Summer Reading events, storytime, teen gaming, the adult current events discussion and the movie discussion groups.

In viewing these statistics, I remember that they are totals from just one month, and from just one of the 21 Sno-Isle Libraries.

Statistics are just one part of the story, of course. The Snohomish Library is so much more -- the perfect book, the latest magazine, excellent customer service, wi-fi. The lists goes on.

Visit us this month and see!

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Above and Beyond

2009-10-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

When planning a trip, some people go above and beyond reading just travel guides. Although travel guides can be found at the library, it may be the other items you check out that will change your experience from ordinary into extraordinary. Free resources from the library are helping me at this very moment.

Soon I will be flying to Tokyo with my mother. This will be our first journey back to our birthplace together since our arrival in the United States some time ago. The Japan we have known is not the Japan of today. To learn what we can expect, I checked out new books about traveling and living in Japan.

A Year in Japan by Kate T. Williamson, is a visual feast of traditional Japanese culture still evident today. The book cover above shows a sample of Williamson’s watercolors. They evoke the seasonal changes I remember well.

Japan Ai: a tall girl’s adventures in Japan by Aimee M. Steinberger won first place in my heart. Animation artist Steinberger filled her book with manga-style illustrations of her travels and current Japanese pop culture. My mother also loved the book, and I suggested my daughter read this before she joins us halfway through our sojourn.

While most of the Japanese language CDs were checked out when I wanted to refresh my speaking skills, I found several titles immediately available for downloading from our digital media resources. This week I'll be watching travel DVDs. Thanks to the library’s wide variety of free resources above and beyond what I initially planned to get to prepare for my trip, I am ready for an extraordinary adventure.

Tomi - Snohomish Library

…and you don’t have to pay $19.95!

2009-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

This week a woman came in expressing frustration while trying to research a paper for a college class. She had located titles for a number of articles on teaching nonverbal children with special needs, but was only able to find abstracts and summaries. She did not want to “register” at a website offering scholarly papers for a price and she did not have time to spend in the UW library looking through print journals.

I was delighted to show her some of our premium databases and offer some quick tips on searching for full text articles in the Academic Search Premier database, which provides full text for nearly 4,500 journals, including full text for more than 3,600 peer-reviewed titles. Sno-Isle has provided its patrons with a way to find current, completely cited scholarly and research papers – in full text PDF or html files – at no charge, and which can be saved to a home computer or printed out. She left quite gratified, having quickly located the full text of the first two articles she needed!

Academic Search Premier is only one of the many excellent research databases available to patrons through the Sno-Isle website. Most are easily accessible from a home computer as well as from the library computers. The only requirement is a current Sno-Isle library card number. We have databases that contain information about everything from small engine repair to popular magazine articles to international recipes and maps to military and government news, and much much more.

Next time you take a look at the Sno-Isle website, click on “Research Tools” and check out some of the quality information available to you for free from your library!

Debbie -- Snohomish Library Reference

Kid Readers Recognized

2009-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, four children won a bike donated by the Snohomish Masons, as well as helmet and lock donated by the Snohomish Kiwanis Club. Their names were drawn from hundreds who completed the 2009 Summer Reading Program.

To be eligible, children set a goal to read a certain number of minutes or books. When finished, they earned a certificate, a paperback book provided by the Friends of Snohomish Library, a coupon to Imagine Children's Museum, and a chance to win a brand new bike.

Without the donor organizations, this would not be possible. Thank you for your support! Congratulations to the winners, keep reading!

Jen - Snohomish Library

Library or Bookstore?

2009-09-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

I’m currently in the middle of reading the book The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop: A Memoir, a History by Lewis Buzbee.

Buzbee delightfully relates his experiences of working in two independent bookstores in the south Bay Area that were successful in the 1970s and 80s: Printers Inc. and Upstart Crow. I lived and worked as a librarian near these bookstores at that time and certainly was aware of them, but I realized upon reading Bookshop that I had never set foot in either store. I also noticed that, for a book lover, Buzbee seems to be blissfully unaware of libraries.

That set me to thinking that there must be some fundamental differences between people who borrow books from a library and people who buy books. Although I do enjoy visiting bookstores, I am grateful that I’m primarily a library person. I could never afford my habit otherwise!

What do you think impels some people to bookstores and others to libraries?

Eileen - Snohomish Library

Saving Money at the Library

2009-09-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

How much money can the public library save you? Sno-Isle Libraries is currently featuring a ‘Library Value Calculator’ to help you find out.

Click on http://www.sno-isle.org/page/?ID=4078 to begin. Enter the appropriate number to show your use of different library services and see your savings total!

Based on estimated average retails costs for 2009, the value calculator is a great way to see how your library is working for you. My family of 4 checks out an average of 16 books per month. By borrowing the books from the library instead of purchasing them, we save over 400.00 each month! And that doesn’t even include the money saved by checking out library dvds, magazines and music cds.

Your library is here for you. How much money will you save this month?

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Therapy Dogs Help Kids Read

2009-09-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 26, Reading with Rover returns to Snohomish Library. This free community-based literacy program helps kids strengthen reading skills and improve reading confidence. Children ages 5-11 may drop in between 11:00 and 12:00 to read to a loving canine listener. Take a look at some of the fun!

Reading with Rover will also be at Snohomish Library on Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, November 21 at 11:00 a.m. If you're interested in learning more about this great organization, check out their website: http://www.readingwithrover.org/.

Jen - Snohomish Library

Here Comes Homework

2009-09-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday morning, buses will start, backpacks will zip, and thousands of kids will head back to school in Snohomish. For most, that means the dreaded "H" word - homework!

Whether it's finding the circumference of a circle, analyzing the symbolism in The Scarlet Letter, searching for a picture of a Cherokee dwelling, or learning to make letters into words, Sno-Isle Libraries is here to help!

We have a variety of free online databases and a live homework help chat service available at the click of a mouse. All you need is a computer, Internet access, and a library card. If you are missing any or all of these, come to the library and we'll provide all three (free of charge, of course). We want to help make your school year the best yet!

If you're in elementary school, take a look at this link:
http://www.sno-isle.org/page/?ID=2777.

If you're in middle school or high school, here's the spot for you: http://www.sno-isle.org/page/?ID=2782.

Don't forget, you can always ask a librarian for help, that's why we're here. Have a great week back at school!

Jen - Snohomish Library Reference

The Library Lends a Helping Hand

2009-08-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

"Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine". --Robert C. Gallagher

Sometimes, just knowing where to start is the key to success when making a change.

The Sno-Isle Libraries is providing unique and vital services during these currently difficult economic times. This link from the library homepage shows us 'Tools for Tough Times', a collection of books, databases and websites to help with job searches, creating a personal budget, finding stuff to do in this area and more.

And like all Sno-Isle Libraries services -- it's FREE!

Take a look: http://www.sno-isle.org/page/?ID=3931

Jennifer -- Snohomish Library

Counting Success

2009-08-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

Summer is drawing to a close, and we are seeing more and more completed Summer Reading Logs turned in, and finisher prizes are being awarded to many proud and excited children. We do pay attention to how many children set and reached a personal reading goal over the summer -- after all, our goal is to encourage kids to read all summer so that their brains stay sharp and ready for school in the fall!

However, there are other ways to evaluate success besides looking at "finishers." I'd like to share some numbers with you that may be a little more indicative of actual success:

3437 -- the number of children in 11 Snohomish Elementary schools who were given a presentation about Sno-Isle's Summer Reading Program in May and June by Snohomish children's librarians.
387 -- the number of children who attended 11 programs for school-age children at the Snohomish Library this summer. Eight of these programs were presented by talented and committed Sno-Isle children's services staff.
604 -- the number of children who "dropped in" to the nine weekly Creation Station crafts programs at the Snohomish Library this summer, where they were able to paint, sculpt, create books, weave, and enjoy working with various craft materials, all provided for them.
540 -- the number of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who attended weekly Ready Readers storytimes at the Snohomish Library this summer, while all this other excitement was going on!

These numbers do not include the many parents and caregivers who were also present for these events, which makes them even more amazing! When you consider that most of these families also checked out books and other materials, used library computers, and took advantage of other free services provided by Sno-Isle libraries and the Snohomish staff, I believe you'll agree with me that our summer was indeed a very successful one!

~ Debbie, Snohomish Library

In a Reading Rut?

2009-08-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready to leave on vacation and thinking about the books I want to take with me. I have several in mind, but nothing that is particularly calling out to me.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar predicament? Perhaps your favorite author hasn't published a new book recently or maybe you're just stuck in a rut and need something that will reignite your excitement to read. Fear not! Sno-Isle has a web page just for you.

Take a look: http://www.sno-isle.org/page/?ID=2610. To access it from our homepage, click on "Books, Movies, Music" then "Find a Good Book." There are a number of great features on this page, here are a few of my favorites.

What We're Reading: Are you curious about what librarians like to read? The Sno-Isle Libraries Readers' Advisory Team regularly updates this section with their favorite picks.

Booklists by Topic: This is the place to find lists of books covering an array of subjects and genres, including women detectives, time travel, chick lit, and Northwest authors.

NextReads Email Newsletter: Select your reading preferences and then sign up to receive an online newsletter highlighting titles you might be interested in.

Hope this helps, and if you have other suggestions for escaping a reading rut, let me know!

Jen - Snohomish Library

How Long Should I Cook a Meatloaf?

2009-07-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

I was once asked this question while working at a library information desk. One of the great things about the public library is that any person can ask any question about any subject, and get help that leads them to or toward an answer.

Librarians are dedicated to this kind of public service, connecting people with the information they need - and the variety of questions is endless.

Because of this, the Sno-Isle Libraries responds with as many ways as possible for people to contact the library. Gone are the days where folks had to wait for the library to be open to ask a question.

From the library's homepage click on the link 'Ask A Librarian'. There you will see the ways to reach us.

Work swing-shift? Use the live chat option. You can be connected with a librarian 24 hours a day.

Waiting for your telephone to be repaired? E-mail your question to us.

On vacation and want to renew your library book? Call us toll-free.

And of course we love it when you walk in and ask questions! That's what we're here for.

So the next time you are wondering about something, let us know. Any way you choose.

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!

2009-07-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

You may not be hanging on every word of the Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, but it is always a momentous thing when a new U.S. Supreme Court Judge is appointed. If the Senate votes to confirm her as the 111th Supreme Court justice, Judge Sotomayor will be the third woman appointed to the office, and the first justice of Hispanic descent.

Our Supreme Court has a long history, complete with political intrigues and scandals. It might be interesting to take a little time this summer to read about it. Sno-Isle’s catalog includes several current titles that give some background and opinion of our government’s highest judicial court.

For a comprehensive history of America's highest court and its rulings, from the debates over judicial power in the 1780s to recent struggles over gay rights, the Ten Commandments, abortion, and enemy combatants, take a look at

A People's History of the Supreme Court, by Peter H. Irons.

Lincoln and the Court, by Brian McGinty recounts the history of the Civil War president's relations with the nation's highest tribunal and the role it played in resolving the agonizing issues raised by the conflict.

The Great Decision : Jefferson, Adams Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court, by Cliff Sloan tells the riveting story of John Marshall and of the landmark court case that not only empowered the Supreme Court, but also transformed the idea of the separation of powers into a working blueprint for America's modern state.

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution, author Kevin Raede Gutzman makes his case by unveiling the inconsistencies between constitutional law and the rule of law, and shows why and how the Supreme Court should be reined in to the proper role assigned to it by the Founders.

Acclaimed "ABC News" legal correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg offers an explosive, news-breaking account of one of the most momentous political watersheds in recent American history in his book Supreme Conflict : the Inside Story of the Struggle for Control of the United States Supreme Court.

And finally, for a lighter look at the Supreme Court, check out Margaret Truman’s classic mystery Murder in the Supreme Court - still an entertaining read 27 years after publication!

Debbie -- Snohomish Library Reference

World News

2009-07-18T11:38:00.001-07:00

Recently some Australian friends visited me, and one of them mentioned he likes to keep up with news about Australia by reading an Australian newspaper online. When he told me the name of his favorite newspaper, I said my library carries that very newspaper in our database “Worldwide Newspapers.”

He sighed and said, “Of course, you can’t read the entire paper online; they leave out a lot of things I’m interested in.” I told him our version showed the entire paper, and a reader can turn each page virtually. He was astounded.

This is an amazing resource. Readers can magnify any part of the page and print articles, pictures, or advertisements. It is a great way to keep up with news back home if you recently moved from another country or another state. If you are planning a move to a big city or another country, you can get a feel for it by reading the local newspaper.

Got travel plans? See what is going on at or near your destination by reading the newspaper before you go. Some newspapers in other countries are in English, but if you want to practice reading in another language, you can usually find a newspaper in whatever language you are studying.

Try it out today:
http://www.sno-isle.org/
Research Tools
Newsstand
Worldwide Newspapers.
At “Select Title” use the dropdown menu to choose your country or language.

If you do not find what you are looking for, go back to “Newsstand” and check our other news databases, or contact your local library for more information. You might be able to access an online version which will provide you with a portion of the newspaper you want. Experience a different view of the world with Worldwide Newspapers.

Tomi Whalen - Snohomish Library Reference

Blogging Authors

2009-07-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

I am fascinated by the lives of authors. It's interesting to learn how they decide their next story line, when and where they write, and how they navigate the world of publishing. One of the ways you can learn more about your favorite author is through a blog (similar to this one). Today, many well known authors blog on a regular basis as a way of connecting with their readers.

Since I'm a Children's Librarian, most of the blogs I follow are written by children's and young adult authors. Here are a few of my favorites. Take a look and then try searching in Google for your favorite writers. (Hint: Type the author's name and the keyword "blog" in the search box.)

Eric Carle: http://www.ericcarleblog.blogspot.com/

Rick Riordan: http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/

Mo Willems: http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com/

Laurie Halse Anderson: http://halseanderson.livejournal.com/

Which of your favorite authors do you want to learn more about?

Jen - Snohomish Library Reference

It's All About You, Snohomish!

2009-07-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about this years' 150th Anniversary celebration of the city of Snohomish, and patting myself on the back for finally being able to not just pronounce, but spell, sesquicentennial.

It inspired me to browse a special collection we have here at the Snohomish Library, called Local History Reference.

This collection includes history books about Snohomish like River Reflections, a two volume set covering the years 1859-1980 compiled by a committee of the Snohomish Historical Society, Early Snohomish by Warner Blake, and The Snohomish Story: From Ox Cart to Jet Stream - the publication that was produced to celebrate the Centennial of Snohomish in July of 1959.

The library also has the Snohomish Tribune newspapers back to the late 1800s, and I pulled out some issues and looked at the news of the day over the course of many years. So much valuable information is found here! The town's progress, who the people were and who they are now. Grocery prices, business names, school news and obituaries.

Your town is celebrating 150 years, and your library is proud to be a steward of the written records of such an accomplishment. Come and see!

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

Green Tea

2009-06-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since I moved to the United States from Japan as a very young child, my godparents have been shipping gifts of Japanese food and toys to our family twice a year. It wasn’t until I was about ten that I began to drink the green tea which arrived with every package. For the history of green tea, check out The Book of Green Tea by Christine Dattner. The photographs by Sophie Boussahba make this an outstanding book to browse.

Utilizing a red vine as straw, I would first drink the beverage and then eat the candy, which added just the right amount of sweetness to the bitter tea. Find your own special way to use green tea in a book translated from Japanese called New Tastes in Green Tea: a novel flavor for familiar drinks, dishes, and desserts by Mutsuko Tokunaga. As I grew up, I no longer found the taste of green tea bitter. Now my favorite is GenMai Cha, a blend of green tea with toasted brown rice. There is a chapter devoted to GenMai Cha in the beautifully illustrated book, The Green Tea User’s Manual by Helen Gustafson. Each time I make myself a cup of GenMai Cha, I think of Japan. This evening as I reached for the last container of GenMai Cha in my pantry, a wave of sadness struck me. My father and godfather had both died a few years ago. Last year my godmother passed away. As I stood in my kitchen, I had an inspiration and felt my godparents were giving me one final gift.

Years ago my Japanese mother, my American father, and I came to the United States from Japan, but we never went back together. What I realized in the instant my fingers touched the tea was that I needed to return to Japan with my mother. We will visit her family, find where her childhood home once stood before the War, and pay last respects to her best friend, my godmother. For the first time my mother and I will drink green tea together in the land where we were born.

Tomi - Snohomish Library Reference

Avoiding the Summer Slide

2009-06-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

I’m sure you’ve seen our summer reading program promoted in a number of places -- including this blog -- recently. Encouraging your children to read all through the summer is one of the best things you can do to help them be successful in school!

There is a phenomenon well-known to teachers, called the “summer slide,” which basically is a loss of retained learning from the previous school year. Children can actually lose ground, particularly in the areas of reading and math, when their brains are not engaged by the daily challenge of the classroom.

The authors of a November 2002 report from Johns Hopkins Center for Summer Learning wrote, “A conservative estimate of lost instructional time is approximately two months or roughly 22 percent of the school year…. It’s common for teachers to spend at least a month re-teaching material that students have forgotten over the summer. That month of re-teaching eliminates a month that could have been spent on teaching new information and skills.”

Daily reading is one of the best ways for kids to avoid this annual summer “brain drain” and be prepared for starting school again in the fall. How wonderful it is to have the resources of a great public library at hand to help in this process! Sno-Isle Libraries can offer books, media, and activities to help your children stay at their mental best, prepared for the challenges of a new school year.

With a little encouragement and weekly trips to the library, your children won't even suspect that you've kept them learning all summer long!

Debbie - Snohomish Library Reference

Best Part of Summer

2009-06-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Summer has always been my favorite season. There's nothing like long days, bare feet, eating outside, and packing the car for a trip to the lake. Growing up, one of the best parts of summer was signing up for Summer Reading at the public library.

This summer, children may sign up for the Summer Reading Program at Snohomish Library. Our theme is "Be Creative @ Your Library." By continuing to read throughout the summer, kids will be ready to start school in the fall. Incentives for reading include a new book, a coupon to visit Imagine Children's Museum, and entry in the drawing for a bike.

Not only can kids sign up to read, they can also visit the library for fun and exciting programs on Mondays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. Visit the Sno-Isle website for additional information: http://tinyurl.com/mfat2k.

Even if you don't have children in your life, the library has everything you need for an enjoyable summer - travel books, beach reads, music, books on CD, and movies. Come make us one of the best parts of summer!

Jen - Snohomish Library Reference

Art in Your Library

2009-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Each month the Snohomish Library features artwork by regional artists and groups.

Throughout the year, photographs, watercolor and oil paintings, mixed media, quilts, carved driftwood, collection displays and more, show off the artistic talents of our area.

You will find these pieces in the library lobby display cases, and hanging inside the library at the check-out desk.

Stop in and take a look, read the artist’s statement and enjoy art in your library!

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

A Satisfying Read

2009-06-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have just finished a book and was struck by what a pleasant experience it was.

The book was good. However, I am particularly talking about the experience of reading it.
As I look back on the process of reading this particular book I realize now how important the pace of reading is to me.

For example, if I am really enjoying a book I tend to read faster and faster to the point where I start to miss the things that I am enjoying. It is a very odd sensation to finish a fantastic book with a sense of regret for the way that you read it.

For some reason I managed to read this last book at a pace that left me satisfied at the completion.
Perhaps I just didn’t enjoy the book too much!
Or perhaps for once I actually demonstrated some discipline as a reader!

This might be an odd statement coming from a librarian and a lover of books but I think I had forgotten just how unique the process of reading can be.
It is a passive act that requires engagement.
It is relaxing but requires discipline to be fully enjoyed.

So how much of the pleasure of reading depends upon the mindset or mood of the reader?
How often have you failed to “get into” a book because of you and not from any failing of the book?

It makes one wonder. Instead of saying “That is a good book!” one should say “I enjoyed reading that book!”

If that is true, can we ever confidently recommend a book to another person?

P.S. The book that sent me down this introspective journey was The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Film Noir

2009-05-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

As part of Sno-Isle's month long Big Read celebration I have had the pleasure of showing two movies in the library. They were The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon, both with Humphrey Bogart.

I hadn't seen either movie before and it was an interesting experience for me. I enjoyed both movies but I found the dialog and plots to be hard to follow.

This started me wondering about modern movies and modern movie watchers. I am not an avid movie watcher but I would like to think I am smart enough to follow a storyline.
Are modern movies better at telling stories and writing dialog or are they just dumbed down and simplified?
I am positive this is true for some movies. But for all of them?

Is possible that my difficulty following the plot all stemmed from my inability to follow the dialog?

Perhaps rather than being "simpler" modern movies just speak my language.
I can think of a number of complex modern movies that I was able to understand and enjoy. Movies like Memento or Primer.

So, does it all come down to language? Or are modern film makers/writers just better?

I am not sure what the answer is, but there certainly are differences.

One of the things I liked about the older movies was the amount of implied information you were provided. They didn't have to show you everything. For example, The Big Sleep contains within the plot drug use (opium?) and pornography. However, the viewer is never directly confronted with it.

Sometimes leaving it up to the viewer's imagination is more effective. That seems to be a lesson the modern filmmakers have long forgotten.

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

Books from my youth

2009-05-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

I have been bringing library books home for my children since they were babies. Mostly they have been picture books that we read together.

However, in the last few years I have been choosing books that my son reads for himself. He is an avid reader and has torn through almost all of the contemporary hits for young boys. Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Gregor the Overlander, Bobby Pendragon, Ranger's Apprentice and Redwall are just a few of the series he has devoured.

Recently I had a different kind of experience. I brought him home some books that I had read at his age and now I am very curious how he will react to them.

Rosemary Sutcliff is an author I discovered sometime before middle school and I can point to her as one of the early influences on my interest in history. Her books are not easy reads but they have a wonderfully gritty and realistic quality to them that really captured my attention.
Sutcliff's books are set in England from the Roman occupation through to the early Middle Ages. They all are coming of age stories packed with historical information. The Shining Company and The Eagle of the Ninth are two of her titles that I distinctly remember enjoying.

Bringing Sutcliff's books home got me to thinking about other books that influenced me in that crucial period before middle school. (Before organized sports, girls, and losing myself in the Fantasy and Science Fiction genres.)

I have to mention the Landmark books published by Random House. These were non-fiction books written for children that covered a whole range of historical topics from battles to biographies and pirates to inventions. I can still remember browsing the library shelves looking for that telltale label. (In this picture it is gold.)

After doing a little research I have discovered that there were actually two series of books, Landmark Books and World Landmark Books. It makes me a little sad that these books are not being published anymore.

Finally, I have to mention the westerns by Louis L'amour.

I remember very clearly walking home from school in the 5th grade and buying some books at a garage sale I passed. The books I bought were all westerns by various authors and my mother decided that she needed to preview them to make sure they were suitable for me.

It didn't take long for her to provide me with a rule of thumb. Anything by L'amour is ok, anything else I had to check with her. Lucky for me Mr. L'amour was a prolific writer!

In those days the headboard of my bed was a bookshelf. I soon had it completely filled with his books. My favorites were the ones about the Sackett family.

I wonder what my son would think of them?

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference

What Page Are You On?

2009-05-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

As you know, The Big Read is a program designed to give communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate a single book. Sno-Isle Libraries, in partnership with Everett Public Library, selected Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon as the celebrated title for Snohomish and Island counties in 2009.

Throughout the month of May, The Big Read festivities include book group discussions, film screenings, and events using the book as a point of departure such as mystery-themed activities and music from the 1920s.

Here at the Snohomish Library we kicked off our Big Read month on May 3 with a lecture program starring Dashiell Hammett's granddaughter, Julie Rivett.

A first for Big Read programs around the country is a local geocaching treasure hunt. And the Snohomish Library's very own librarian Nate Cushman was featured (photos and everything!) in a Herald article that gives details about this fun event taking place in Snohomish and Island counties. Check it out! http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090421/LIVING/704219962

The Big Read has something for everyone! For the full calendar of Big Read programs, go to http://www.sno-isle.org/cr/bigread/index.cfm?lid=sil.

What page are you on?

Jennifer - Snohomish Library

It Feels Good To Give

2009-04-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

April 29 - May 3, the Snohomish Library is providing an opportunity for customers to drop off food for the local food bank. Please bring nonperishable food items to the bins in the library lobby. Your donation makes a difference. Thank you!

posted by Snohomish Staff

May means Maltese Falcon!

2009-04-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Sno-Isle Libraries and the Everett Public Library have embarked on a joint venture called The Big Read during the month of May.
The Big Read is an initiative from the National Endowment for the Arts intended to promote reading in communities. For more information about this national program check out their website here.
Throughout the month look for programs and activities celebrating Dashell Hammett's classic book The Maltese Falcon. You can find a list of these activities on the NEA website here or on the Sno-Isle Calendar of Events here.
I want to emphasis one particular event to the people of Snohomish. On Sunday, May 3rd Julie Rivett, the granddaughter of Dashell Hammett, will be speaking at the Snohomish Library. I encourage you all to attend.

This program is very similar to the Two Counties One Book program that Sno-Isle implemented a few years ago with the book Balzac and the little Chinese seamstress by Sijie Dai.

What could be more powerful than getting an entire community together reading the same book? I think discussing a book is one of the best ways to get to know another person. Even if individuals have differing views on a book, that exchange of ideas can only bring people together.(Granted, as a librarian I have a biased opinion.)

So swing by the library and pick yourself up a copy of The Maltese Falcon and join the fun!

Nate - Snohomish Library Reference