Over the years, we’ve had conversations and interactions with patrons that, let’s just say are interesting. We’ve also overheard things that make us laugh out loud as well. So we thought we’d share some of those ‘interesting’ interactions with you guys.
-While helping a patron in the computer lab, he wanted to save his documents to a ‘slash drive.’
-A patron called in to see when his items were due back. He was afraid they were due today…nope, you just checked them out today.
-A little boy is in the computer lab playing a game. He brought a ziplock bag with a slice of pizza, and a snack cake for his lunch.
“Is your refrigerator running?” “Why, yes, yes it is.”
-The library was pranked by some kids. They asked me, while giggling uncontrollably, if our refrigerator was running, and then after a brief pause hung up. I didn’t even get to tell them we had two refrigerators running!
-An older patron came in wanting some advice (not a book), on how to get rid of rodents in his garden, After Googling some DIY’s, I told the patron I had a groundhog in my backyard, and he said “You should catch it, they are good eating.”
Deep characters, an amazing (single) setting, gorgeous writing, a lavishly constructed story with a most satisfying ending, this book has it all. I was so happy to hear that Amor Towles had a new book on the way, and I was eagerly awaiting it. This book absolutely exceeded all my expectations, and I had high expectations after Rules of Civility.
Amor Towles’ “A Gentleman in Moscow” book on CD is available at the Derby Public Library, as is the book.
Setting: The book takes place almost exclusively in the grand Metropol Hotel, which sits across the street from the Kremlin. I love books in which the setting is more than the just the location of the story, but this setting becomes such an integral part of the story but in such a way that it never gets in the way of the story. The hotel comes to life under the pen of Amor Towles, in such a gratifying way. It ages over the course of the story (which takes place over a little more than 30 years beginning shortly after the Bolshevik revolution), gracefully and wonderfully. And the beauty of Towles’ writing is that the reader is never burdened by excessive descriptions, just spare, lilting writing that transports to you to the Metropol and its lobby, ballroom, restaurants and most of all the belfry.
Characters: Count Rostov nearly jumped off the pages into my imagination and in the best way possible. The other inhabitants of this confined, yet limitless setting, are each so clearly painted that I felt like I was walking alongside them, or joining them in a meal, or eavesdropping on their conversations. The Count, Andrey, Emile, Anna, Nina and Sofia, and even the more minor characters are so alive.
Writing: Stunningly gorgeous. I’m not exaggerating. If I could even dream to put together words and phrases and sentences the way Towles does I would be deliriously happy. I highlighted sentences in my Kindle. I almost never do that. I have this as an e-book, but I went out and bought it in hardcover, because this is most definitely a book I will read again and again.
I took a few weeks to read this book. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because I wanted to make the pleasure of reading last as long as possible. I savored every minute of reading. I didn’t want it to end, but I wanted to know how it ended. And the ending was so satisfactory.
I’ve waited a few days to write this review, because I can’t get this book off my mind, and I want to write a review that will do this book justice. I received an e-galley of this book from NetGalley.
Oversize white cotton underwear can hold seven children. This is what Hannah Adamson discovered when she presented an underwear-themed story time to the Derby community. Adamson has been a member of the Derby Public Library Youth Services staff for over five years and has led the Preschool Storytime program for a year. By incorporating books, songs, flannel stories, and interactive iPad games into her program, Adamson has increased attendance and inspired young children to think, create, and explore.
Her story time reached a new creative level when she thought of the underwear. Having discovered numerous pictures books with an underwear theme, Adamson decided to try something different. The response to this idea was unprecedented.
What was the underwear-themed story time like?
We read books related to underwear, danced to a song about getting dressed, and watched an adaptation of The Emperor’s New Clothes. The best part of the story time was using a giant, novelty pair of underwear. We read a book called One Big Pair of Underwear by Laura Gehl and had the kids step into the underwear together. We talked about colors, sharing, taking turns, and counting.
How did you become the “underwear librarian”?
Miss Hannah leads a story time with children’s books that feature underwear, and sees how many children can fit in the giant pair of underwear.
I presented at the Kansas Librarian Association conference in Wichita and briefly mentioned the story time to the audience. Librarians were thrilled to hear this idea. Later when I went to the Scholastic books table, the representative said they had sold out of Laura Gehl’s book. People were calling me the underwear librarian! It was great. Sometimes I worry that my ideas are too silly, but I think story time should be fun and conceal the fact that we’re teaching early literacy skills.
What would you recommend to parents who are trying to engage their children in reading? How would reading about underwear be helpful?
Children’s librarian Hannah Adamson holds up the giant pair of underpants that can hold seven children.
Reading a picture book takes five to ten minutes. You can use something as silly as underwear to show your children how fun reading can be. Reading interactive books like the ones about underwear can start a conversation with your child. Ask about the colors of the underwear they have. Use the books to talk about potty training. It’s okay if they don’t sit still. Just keep at it. You’ll be building skills and creating lasting memories.
Miss Hannah recommends:
One Big Pair of Underwear by Laura Gehl
Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman
Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera
No! That’s Wrong! by Zhaohua Ji and Cui Xu
Toca Tailor Dress-Up App
Preschool Story Time is on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 AM.
Welcome to the official blog of the Derby Public Library in Derby, Kansas. We’re excited to begin sharing great information about the library, books, reading, and more with you through this blog. We hope you’ll engage with us by leaving comments and sharing your thoughts on our posts.
Visit us here often for reviews of books, newly released or out for a while. Find out what’s happening with library programs. Read about the books that our book clubs have selected each month.
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