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.

Fabric craft fanatics, are you looking for inspiration on your next crocheting masterpiece? Check out the following new books and let your fingers fly!

“Lulu’s Crochet Dolls: 8 Adorable Dolls and Accessories to Crochet” written by Sandra Muller, under the pseudonym Lulu Compotine, features dolls depicting all four seasons, each with a story to tell. Louis, who carries a satchel to school, can’t wait for autumn kite-flying weather and watching the antics of a squirrel friend. Caroline embodies spring while tending her flower garden and listening to bird song. Summer finds bathing beauty Agatha at the seaside, decked out in swimsuit, cap, and arm floats. A cup of cinnamon hot chocolate warms up Celia during the cold winter weather. Enjoy crocheting these endearing dolls and more. Don’t forget their accessories, which just adds to their charm. Step-by-step instructions, patterns, and pictures accompany each doll. I’m sure you’ll want to make all eight!

Welcome to the whimsical world of Impkins. Megan Lapp helps you create your very own unique and mythical amigurumi creatures in her book “Crochet Impkins.” Once you’ve decided on your Impkin’s body, arm, belly, and face type, it’s time to add some personality. Ears are always a good start, but what about adding a snoot or horns, perhaps an antenna? Some Impkins will take flight with wings, others have reptilian scales. It’s up to you. I just know that mine will definitely have a top hat for a touch of sophistication.

“Colorful Baby Crochet: 35 Adorable and Easy Patterns for Babies and Toddlers” by Laura Strutt offers patterns to make all the cozy and comfy things little ones need: booties, blankets, chunky sweaters, and toys too. My favorite is the striped romper. Hand-making a gift is truly special and baby will love it, too. Quickly now, start making some booties, the baby’s feet are getting cold!

The official start to baseball season is under way and exceptional books are in the lineup for fans of the game. Hope you’ll find one that knocks it out of the park.

April 15 is Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball commemorating the day Robinson made his debut as the first Black athlete to play in major league’s modern era. The year was 1947, and when Robinson took the field that day as a Brooklyn Dodger, the historic occasion marked the first steps towards ending over 60 years of segregation in professional baseball. “True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson” by Kostya Kennedy focuses on four major chapters in the life of this incredible baseball hero and civil rights leader. A wonderfully unique book, it’s a great look into both his professional and public life.

Not your typical baseball book, the engaging read, “The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams” by Adam Lazarus examines the connection and surprising friendship between two iconic figures, astronaut John Glenn and baseball icon Ted Williams. Both became Marine pilots during the Korean War serving in the same squadron and flying several missions together. Coming from different backgrounds with vastly different personalities, Glenn eager to serve while Williams extremely reluctant, they both had something very significant in common. They both were great pilots. Through letters, diaries, and military records, learn the story of these two remarkable men who met in the airways above Korea, their diverse lives after the military, and enduring friendship.

As a child, a friend of mine and her family were hardcore Los Angeles Dodger fans and secured season tickets to watch them play for many years. I was lucky enough to be invited along on occasion and enjoyed watching these all-star players during the 70s and early 80s. Names like Tommy Lasorda, Steve Garvey, and Fernando Valenzuela were familiar to me. Of course, there was also the “Penguin,” a nickname given to Ron Cey due to his waddling running style.

In “Penguin Power: Dodger Blue, Hollywood Lights, and My One-in-a-Million Big League Journey,” author and former Dodger’s third baseman Ron Cey, along with Ken Gurnick, recounts his life in baseball. From college to the professionals, playing for the Dodgers and Cubs, Cey shares insights and opinions on teammates, recalls childhood idols like Willie Mays, weighs in on who were the best owners, and reveals celebrity encounters he’s had along the way. If you remember Major League Baseball from the 70s and 80s, this is a fun reminiscence into Los Angeles Dodger history and background on an outstanding player who was a six-time All-Star and the World Series Most Valuable Player in 1981.

Enjoy our new baseball books and be sure to catch a local softball or baseball game when you can. Redlands has amazing youth, adult, high school, and college teams that would love your support.

If you appreciate the arts, Smiley Library has acquired a new database to enjoy on your next visit. Alexander Street database offers streaming videos on music, dance, and theater. Watch Tennessee William’s A Streetcar named Desire; listen to the Bossa Nova sounds of saxophonist Stan Getz; and admire Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake performed by The Royal Ballet. This database is only available while you’re at the Library, so when you’re ready to take a break from studying, grab your laptop or get on to one of Smiley Library’s computers and head to www.akspl.org/elibrary. Scroll to the Alexander Street icon and click to get started. Don’t forget to bring your headphones when listening to audio videos, or head over to our circulation desk for a free set of earbuds.

I thought it would be fun to pair some of our new performing arts books with videos from the Alexander Street database. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

Check out the book, “Miles on Miles: Interviews and Encounters with Miles Davis,” edited by Paul Maher, Jr. and Michael K. Dorr, for your reading pleasure. This collection of 30 interviews illuminates the philosophy of life and music from an absolute jazz legend. Before heading home with your book, jump onto a computer to access our new database and watch the quick video Miles Davis: The Cool Jazz Sound. This will be a great introduction into the mystique of Miles.

If you can sing songs from Into the Woods or West Side Story, you may be familiar with this next composer and lyricist. “Sondheim: His Life, His Shows, His Legacy” by Stephen M. Silverman showcases one of the most important figures in American musical theater, Stephen Sondheim. The book provides a detailed background of this brilliant man, along with beautiful photos. Pair this with the short video, Stephen Sondheim: Extended Interview, available through our database, to hear him talk of his life in the theater.

For dance enthusiasts, try “Errand Into the Maze: the Life and Works of Martha Graham” by Deborah Jowitt. This erudite and scholarly book examines the life of this very influential dancer and choreographer of modern dance. Pair this with the video, The History of Modern Dance to get a real feel for the evolution of modern and postmodern dance.

Have a happy and artsy new year!

 

 

 

I’ve been making a real effort to spend time focusing on fitness this fall. Nothing outrageous mind you, just walking or hiking when I can and trying to eat a little better. I’ve even moved my hand weights out of the closet and into the front room, where they now sit glaring at me–I mean motivating me to use them. Baby steps. I am NOT the next American Ninja Warrior and I’m OK with that. I just want to feel more energetic and maybe clear my head a bit. If you’re ready to feel a little healthier too, we’ve got books to guide you, no matter your level of fitness. Check these out.

Think you can’t run a race because you don’t have the typical runner’s physique, or maybe you have health issues? Think again. “Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run” by Martinus Evans shows you the steps to take to become a runner, just as you are. As you can tell by the title, he tells it like it is. Evans started his running journey in 2012 when a doctor told him he was fat and to “lose weight or die.” Well, he decided right then and there, he wasn’t going to be body-shamed and would run a marathon instead. And he did–running over 100 races, including eight marathons. He’ll share everything you need to know to become a runner: training, mental challenges, recovery, all of it. His book is informative, inspiring, and very funny.

Unfortunately for some, aches and pains seem to be unwanted, but constant companions in life. This next book was written to help ease that predicament. To the rescue is “Built to Move: The 10 Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully,” by Kelly and Juliet Starrett. The focus here is not on cardio or strength training. It’s on improving mobility, increasing your range and minimizing your pain. Sounds pretty good. Each chapter will assess your current condition with simple tests of mobilization and balance, like “Sit-and-Rise.” Then you’ll be offered physical techniques designed to help you feel better, move better and incorporate healthy habits. This is an outstanding resource.

If you’ve never heard of rail-trails, they’re typically railroad tracks that have been abandoned and converted into shared public use trails. “Rail-Trails: California: The Definitive Guide to the State’s Top Multiuse Trails” by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy highlights 72 of these pathways. Due to the gentle grades, they are great for runners, bikers, and hikers, many being wheelchair assessible. Whether you’re looking to visit California’s beaches, mountains, or deserts, you’ll find a variety of trails to choose from with descriptions, maps, and mileage for each.

I haven’t forgot about those hand weights. We have a variety of weight training books available for checkout. Designed for men and women, 40 and up, our most recent addition is “Muscle for Life: Get Lean, Strong, and Healthy at Any Age” by Michael Matthews.

Now that you’re excited about fitness, I have some good news. The annual Redlands Turkey Trot is coming up on November 23, 2023! There will be a 5K run/walk as well as a 1K Fun Run for the kids. All proceeds go to benefit Redlands schools and local charities. Find information at: www.redlandsturkeytrot.com