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A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Archives for August 2024

Take a look at a new book!

August 25, 2024 By Jill Martinson

Not sure what to check out at the library? That’s o.k. A major perk of public libraries is the opportunity to come in without preconceived ideas of what you’re looking for and just check out books that catch your eye. I enjoy perusing the shelves for topics new to me, that broaden my interests. Smiley Library’s new book section is the perfect place to start browsing. Here are a few of the gems I found.

The title is what first captured my attention, “Tap Dancing on Everest: a Young Doctor’s Unlikely Adventure” by MiMi Zieman. A twenty-five-year-old medical student and only woman with a small expedition of mountain climbers acts as their support doctor as the team attempts a new and extremely dangerous route up the East Face of Everest without using supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support. This true story opens at Advanced Base Camp where Zieman and a photographer, Joe, search the endless white mountain slope for the climbing team, which is progressing toward the summit. It had been days since they last saw them. The team is in what is called the Death Zone, an elevation above 26,000 feet. Zieman explains that “no climber has ever survived more than three days in the Death Zone without supplemental oxygen.” It was now towards the end of day six. This memoir drew me in from its opening pages. Along with recounting her daring adventure, Zieman fill us in on her family background, upbringing as a daughter of Jewish immigrants in New York, her personal struggles, and path to Everest. An exceptional and honest read.

The cover is what got me on the next one. It shows a retro pic of four girls, looking hip and holding guitars. Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders tell their story in “The Other Fab Four: The Remarkable True Story of the Liverbirds, Britain’s First Female Rock Band.” It was 1962 when Mary, age 16, along with her friend and cousins, first saw The Beatles play at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and that’s precisely what inspired them to form an all-female band. Untroubled that no one knew how to play, or even owned instruments, they were determined to follow their dream. With a lot of practicing along the way, and few band-member changes, Mary, Valerie, Sylvia, and Pamela became the Liverbirds. Follow their story as they gained notoriety, played alongside the Kinks, and the Stones, and found an extensive fan base in Germany. Of course, in addition to reading their book, I had fun checking out their music videos, too.

After exploring our new books, head over to the displays, located near the front entrance and circulation desk. We change these out often, highlighting collections of topical interest. There are always unique items to peruse here. Gamers take note! Our current glass display case features a look into gaming’s past. Which retro games do you recognize? We’ve got video games for check out, too. They’re located at the end of our new book section by the reference desk.

Come in and find a treasure of your own. We’ll see you soon.

Filed Under: What's New

Adult Literacy Program publishes Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Vol. 7

August 18, 2024 By Diane Shimota

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is preparing to publish its seventh volume of Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, composed of writings from adult learners and tutors who participate in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. This year’s collection includes the voices of over 40 authors, including young voices from the Family Literacy Program. As tutor Claudia Guillaume wrote in the anthology’s introduction, “Welcome to Our Stories,” each story “adds a unique perspective…that illustrates the courage to accept challenges and overcome learning and language barriers while navigating daily life with resourcefulness, determination, and grace. This anthology is a reflection of the heart, soul, and imagination.”

Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Volume 7 will soon be available at A. K. Smiley Library for checkout. In the interim, we would like to share a few of the authors’ messages.

Peter Cruz, author

Author-learner Pedro Cruz wrote “The Freedom to Read,” a story illustrating several ways that the adult literacy program is important to him. He wrote, “When I began the program, I was hesitant to read a book. Now I am eager to check out my next book.” He shared that his self-esteem and confidence have increased through reading a wide variety of books. Pedro wants to read about history, different cultures and experiences, and different types and styles of photography. “I want people … to be more active in supporting your local libraries and your literacy program. I advocate for you to help people to understand how important the freedom to read is and how valuable the literacy program is to us and to our community.”

Several stories in this anthology included descriptions of how the lives of the authors have changed when they overcame the challenges they faced due to their low reading and writing skills. One author wrote about how his reading has improved a lot over the year and a half that he has been part of the literacy program. “I have read about 20 books…. I like to read biographies, true stories that encourage me to work harder.” Now, when he goes out to eat, he can read the menu. He reads books to his young granddaughters and he is able to pay attention to details like paying his own bills. The literacy program has given him confidence and he expressed his gratitude for all of the help he has been given.

Stories in this collection reflect the wide range of writing levels of adults in the literacy program. Each author worked diligently through the writing process with the assistance of a volunteer tutor. By working with their tutors, learners develop vital literacy skills that help them overcome obstacles in their lives.

On September 17, the Redlands City Council will consider the approval of a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 29, Adult Literacy Day in Redlands. In prior years the City Council declared Adult Literacy Day in Redlands to emphasize the importance of literacy in employment, family education, and civic engagement.

To further celebrate the life-changing impact of literacy, the Redlands community is invited to join the Adult Literacy Program in its Celebration of Authors on Sunday, September 29, at 2:00 pm at The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands. Adult Learners will read from their works which were published in the anthology.  Light refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4110 or email literacy@akspl.org. The next volunteer tutor orientation is scheduled for September 11, 2024, at 6:00 pm at A.K. Smiley Library. Please contact the literacy program to reserve your space.

If you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their life by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Tutoring is free and confidential.

Filed Under: What's New

The back-to-school adjustment: five books to help young students thrive

August 11, 2024 By Pamela Martinez

Back to school week has arrived! Some students are beginning a new era of their school experiences. Perhaps a new school, a new teacher, and new friends are on the horizon. To help navigate these new experiences, here are just a few of the school-themed books we have on hand to help your student adjust to new surroundings. The Youth Services Crew is always happy to offer more titles for you as well!

Here are a few picture books for the younger readers you may like to check out. Llama Llama Back to School written by Reed Duncan will have youngsters eager to head back to school tomorrow!  Kids have had a nice summer break, so how do parents gear up the excitement for the kids to get prepared for school? Llama Llama’s mama is reminding him that school is starting up soon…what’s a llama to do? Check this one out to find out if Llama Llama is school ready.

Libby Loves Science States of Matter by Kimberly Derting will have students excited about science class! Libby and her friends are learning about matter and experiments when a new student enters the class. Will Libby and her friends be able to survive the melting ice cream incident? Check this out quickly and enjoy a cool scoop of ice cream as a treat!

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Back to Scare School is written by Zack Zombie. Seventh grade was a breeze for Zombie. But how will eighth grade be for a successful seventh grade graduate? Filled with humor and perhaps a couple of scary zombie moments, check this book out and have a good old-fashioned scare!

Isabel and her Colores Go to School written by Alexandra Alessandri will have kids excited to get to school as quickly as possible! Isabel is nervous about starting a new school. But as many new kids find out, friendships are easy to make. And with Isabel’s keen sense of drawing pictures, the language barrier can’t stop instant friendships. Check out Isabel’s story today.

Poor David has got his work cut out for him with the dastardly twins, who happen to be his neighbors. David is excited to start school to get a break from the Romero twins, but lo and behold, new triplets who are quite menacing are now students in his school. What is David going to do? Check out Twins vs. Triplets Back-to-School Blitz by Jennifer Torres right away and find out if David is able to fend off all of these obnoxious siblings.

Filed Under: What's New

The sweet and savory sensations of summer dining

August 4, 2024 By Diana Lamb

Summertime and outdoor cooking naturally go well together. If you are looking for some grilling tips and more mouth-watering recipes, then you’ll definitely want to take a look at this book with a napkin at the ready. Pitmaster Moe Cason serves up flame-cooked smokey, juicy burgers, ribs, chops, brisket, and more in his book “Big Moe’s Big Book of BBQ.” Enhance the flavor of your barbecue masterpiece with Moe’s brines, spritzes, spice rubs, and mop sauces. He shares lots of advice and 75 recipes for fun and delicious backyard eats.
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Icy blackberry sage granita, peaches and cream semifreddo, tartufo layered with two flavors of gelato, sweet cherries, and wafer cookies encased in a chocolate candy shell, plus malted milk tiramisu are some of the spoonable desserts from this next selection. “Dolci!” by Renato Poliafito highlights the delectable heritage of Italian and Italian American recipes with an emphasis on desserts and baked goods. Some more melt-in-your-mouth delights are a sunny limoncello pistachio tart, rich chocolate hazelnut cake, panettone bread pudding, also cannoli cake with cinnamon, candied orange and mini chocolate chips.
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Christopher Kimball and his team at Milk Street are a trusted resource for quick, easy-to-prepare, and reliable recipes with an international flavor. Their latest cookbook, “Milk Street 365” is filled to the brim with over 700 recipes accompanied by color photos of each dish. Your dinner plans during summer might include steak salad with walnuts, pomegranate molasses and blue cheese, pita burgers with crisped cheese, Peruvian stir-fried chicken and noodles, toasted tacos with adobo beans, or perhaps spaghetti with lemon pesto.
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Chicken bacon ranch bombs, Fruity Pebble pancakes, animal-style mac ‘n’ cheese, and Pop Tart lava cakes are a sampling of the creative and playful recipes you’ll find in “The Mythical Cookbook” by Josh Scherer. This is not your typical cookbook as there are chapters dedicated to foods that are spicy and deep fried, plus bacon and cheese each get their own chapter. For all the daring and adventurous eaters out there, do check out the last section titled, “Eat Something that Scares You.”

Filed Under: What's New

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