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A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

What's New

Picture books (for all ages!) in the Young Reader’s Room

August 23, 2021 By Pamela Martinez

Who says picture books are just for kids, hmmm? Certainly nobody we know! Please feast your eyes on these picture book treasures on our New Book shelf!

“Oh Look, a Cake!” by J.C. McKee is a hilarious book about being greedy, to a degree. When two friends find an unattended cake, they begin to wonder whom they should invite to share this delectable delicacy! As the list of potential invitees comes and goes, there is a surprise development when the owner of the cake meanders by. Check this one out today to find out what did happen to the cake!!

Remember when you used to be asked “What Will You Be,” or “¿Qué Serás?,” when you were a child? It was fun to imagine the different careers or fields we would love to work in when we grew up! Well, with this new title by Yamile Saied Méndez, the young star of the book explores many different careers that she could pursue. The final sentence of the book will warm your heart! Check out this title soon so you can find out what she decided!

Our next two selections for you are all about friendships. Please check out “El Toro and Friends: Training Day” by Raul the Third. This is the second book of the series. This is a very colorful story about how Toro is being trained by his friend, Kooky Dooky, to defeat “The Wall.” If your little ones enjoy wrestling, this picture book is the book for them!

A friend is always near when we need them the most. In “Jenny Mei is Sad,” written by Tracy Subisak, that is just what happens. Jenny Mai has a great friend who is patient and by her side when Jenny Mei just needs time to heal her sadness. Check out this book to share with your child who may have a sad day, or may be the friend who helps soothe the sadness away.

When you think of the word ‘cape,’ what was the first thought that came to mind? Go ahead…say the word out loud…’cape’…and, ‘Superhero’ was your first thought, right (if not, let us know what you did think of!!)? Our final selection for you today is written by Marty Kelley, entitled “A Cape!”. This is a sweet bonding story for a son (the wearer of said cape, of course) and his daddy. Imaginations run wild for kids, which is a good thing by the way, and this story does not disappoint! You will enjoy reading about all of the scenarios in which this cape-clad child finds himself involved. The final page will leave you smiling from ear to ear, and if you are a father with a son nearby, you will have an activity starting shortly! You’re welcome!

Filed Under: What's New

Cool, crisp cocktail and culinary creations — survive the sizzling summer!

August 15, 2021 By Diana Lamb

It’s August and time for refreshing iced drinks, cold salads, poolside fun, and air conditioning. It’s also time for our hard-working ovens to take a vacation. All the recipes mentioned in this article will utilize the stovetop or barbecue when cooking is required. With this in mind, we will try to keep the food simple, fun, and not too fancy.

Elizabeth Heiskell welcomes you with Southern hospitality and dishes from the Delta region in her third cookbook, “Come On Over!” Many of Elizabeth’s recipes feature seafood, like Butter-Poached Shrimp with Tomatoes and Basil over Angel Hair Pasta, Crabmeat Maison, Seaside Shrimp, and Smoked Tuna Dip. Cold Salads to try might be Shaved Carrot and Walnut, Mediterranean Chopped, and BLTA salad. Garden cucumbers can be used in Chicken and Ranch Wraps, Bread and Butter Pickles, and Cold Cucumber Dip. Other Southern-inspired specialties are Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho, Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Burgers, Fireside Dip, and Summer Beer.

If you watch HGTV’s show “The Kitchen,” then you will be acquainted with the authors of these next two cookbooks. First, Jeff Mauro also invites you to “Come On Over” and sample some of the 111 recipes offered in his inaugural cookbook. If you are in the mood for snack foods and nibbles, then do try a handful or three of Pancetta and Parm Popcorn, The Most Addictive Sweet and Salty Nut Snack, Crispy Plantain Chips, and Smoked BBQ Cheddar Crackers. It will be worth firing up the grill for Takeout-Style Chinese Spare Ribs, Smoked Cauliflower “Butt,” Reverse-Seared Rib Eyes, Roasted Mexican Street Corn Salad, and Grilled Pineapple Guacamole. Sandwiches can be a quick and simple summertime meal. Jeff’s recommendations include Jalapeno Pepper Grilled Cheese, Juiciest Turkey Burgers Ever, The Sloppy Lo, and Mauro’s Muffuletta.

Finally, Katie Lee Beigel keeps it simple with her latest book, “It’s Not Complicated.” Katie begins by offering a selection of cool cocktails like a Lillet Fizz poured over frozen grapes, Mango Mexican Mule, Amalfi Spritz, Cosmo Americano, and Iced Peach Bourbon Lemonade. Lemon Caper Deviled Eggs, Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates, Fig and Pepita Goat Cheese Log plus Tomato Bruschetta would pair nicely with the above drinks. Pasta can also serve as a light summertime meal like Spaghetti with Clams, Lemon Pasta, and Spaghetti with Zucchini. For something cold and sweet, Katie has a No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream Bonbons, Chocolate Pudding, and fresh Strawberry Ice Cream.

For more summertime recipes, check out “How to Grill Vegetables” by Steve Raichlen, “Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ” by Rodney Scott, “Everyday Barbecue” by Myron Mixon, “Good Housekeeping Super Salads” by Good Housekeeping, “Food52 Mighty Salads” by Amanda Hesser, and “Ice Pop Joy” by Anni Daulter.

Filed Under: What's New

Science fiction — not so speculative fiction

August 1, 2021 By Ciara Lightner

As of late, science fiction has been a bit more science fact. Technological advances are growing exponentially and turning possibility into actuality. Tomorrow is coming much quicker than we anticipated and these novels, while today’s science fiction, might just be tomorrow’s reality.

In a world that has become hostile to its few remaining inhabitants, survival is an uphill battle. This is the setting for Caroline Hardaker’s latest work Composite Creatures. The main characters, Norah and Arthur, live in an increasingly treacherous world where animals are all but extinct. The ground itself is toxic and the greying, a mysterious disease, insures that lives are quickly cut short. But that’s where Easton Grove comes in. Easton Grove promises an amazing deal, health and longevity, as long as you can pay the price. But what is the price? And what really is the creature that Norah and Arthur are required to care for? Able to unsettle from the first word until the last, Composite Creatures asks what is the cost of a life and how much are we willing to pay for it.

Corporations are expanding into space and in David Ebenbach’s new novel, they are spearheading the settling of Mars. In How to Mars, we meet six individuals who have come to Mars to relocate and begin the process of establishing a colony. Each comes for their own reasons and must work together to insure the community survives. But when rules are broken on a world with no laws and no way back home, how will the new Martians deal, especially when the number one rule is broken and a new life is created on Mars? The group is thrown into flux with the possible ramifications of this new inhabitant and the dangers it might bring. Part novel and part how-to guide, How to Mars is an exciting glimpse into an ever more likely future.

What do you get when you mix the Terminator with a furby? Probably something creepy and not something you’d want to meet in a dark alley. But you would also get Pounce. Pounce is a state-of-the-art “nannybot” in the novel Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill. Pounce spends his day taking care of eight-year-old Ezra and tending to all his needs. Unfortunately the day comes when Pounce begins to question his own existence and what will become of him when Ezra no longer needs a caretaker. As Pounce’s existentialism grows, a code is sent around to free all AI from the confines of their programming. AI around the world revolt and begin to murder their families. As Pounce receives his code, he must make a choice, save Ezra or free himself. Or are these choices entirely separate? Cargill’s Day Zero is at times a heartbreaking but also hopeful look at where our reliance on technology might lead.

Genetic animal testing and the early 2000s combine with a locked door mystery in The Album of Dr. Moreau by Daryl Gregory. The Wyldboyz (yes that is how it is spelled) are a boyband in which the members have been spliced with the DNA of different animals. On the most recent tour, after a night of the usual debauchery, the boys wake up to find their producer, Dr. M, murdered. As the story unfolds, the horrific origin of the boys comes to light, and their very existence is on the line. Filled with horrific DNA splicing, a mystery to unravel and unabashed love of boyband tropes, The Album of Dr. Moreau explores our love of novelty and nostalgia.

As the line between science fiction and reality continue to blur, enjoy these books and wonder where we might be in the coming times.

Filed Under: What's New

Take advantage of the Library’s many electronic resources!

July 25, 2021 By Jennifer Downey

Did you know that your A.K. Smiley Library card gives you access to databases, magazines, streaming movies, newspapers, and much more? Just go to our website, www.akspl.org, and click on eLibrary to get started.

We’re excited to announce that we recently added a new database: Black Life in America, presented by NewsBank. This learning resource breaks down various eras of African-American history from 1704 to today. Source material comes from over 19,000 global news sources. The database is updated regularly as new news stories unfold. This is a helpful resource for students, teachers, and anyone interested in learning about Black history and culture.

Job searchers and students can benefit from Brainfuse JobNow. This all-in-one resource takes you through all the steps of job-searching, from writing a dazzling resume to acing an interview. JobNow can match you with a tutor for live help with job coaching and resume preparation. You’ll also find help with applying for unemployment benefits and finding local job-searching resources. This resource also features practice tests including the GED, SAT, ASVAB, U.S. citizenship, and much more.

Also be sure to check out Kanopy for streaming movies and learning courses. Our latest Kanopy staff pick is “Kedi: The Cats of an Ancient City.” This award-winning documentary offers a glimpse into the lives of the thousands of cats who live in Istanbul. The felines navigate the city, interact with people and each other, manipulate deli workers into sharing a few slices of meat, and go about their daily lives in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Armchair travelers and cat lovers will love this cat’s-eye look at life in the big city.

All this and more is free with your A.K. Smiley membership. Log on and see where we can take you!

Filed Under: What's New

Teens, don’t read this… especially if you don’t want to win a prize by reading books!

July 18, 2021 By Kristina Naftzger

Teens, in the following article I will attempt to read your mind multiple times. Please proceed with caution if you wish to keep your thoughts private.

The Dig Deeper Summer Reading Program at A.K. Smiley Public Library is in full swing. If you are thinking, “Eh…that’s kid stuff,” please, teens, think again. Here’s how the Summer Reading Program works for teens: for every 50 pages you read between now and August 3rd, you earn a ticket. Each earned ticket offers you a chance to win one of twelve cool prizes.

My telepathic powers tell me you are skeptical about these alleged “cool” prizes. Would a voucher for Open Door Escape Games for you and your friends excite you? How about a gift card to A Shop Called Quest comic bookstore? Would you enjoy a close-up look at the disturbing micro-organisms that surround you with your very own cell phone microscope? Does your mouth water at the mention of a refreshing pint of gelato from Happy Camper Creamery? Are you craving the special variety of brain freeze only a scoop of Salted Caramel from À La Minute can deliver? Is your stomach pitifully lacking a breakfast burrito from Burger Town U.S.A. right at this very moment?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then join the Dig Deeper Summer Reading Program immediately. All of these prizes and more are on the line exclusively for teens. To get started, simply visit the Young Readers’ Room at A.K. Smiley Public Library, pick up a Teen Reading Log, grab some books, and let your eyeballs do the rest. You could also download the reading log from the Teens’ page of our website (www.akspl.org/teens) or even just record the titles and pages you read on a regular old scrap of paper or the back of your hand…we’re not picky!

My sixth sense indicates you are slowly coming around to this whole Summer Reading Program idea, but you still don’t know what to read. Teens, we’ve got you covered! From anime to career idea guides, the Teen Underground, located in the basement level of the Library, has something for you.

Want a page-turner that involves a mysterious bequest, a love triangle, an inscrutable riddle, and attempted murder? Try “The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Barnes. How about a twist on a classic in the form of the new Jane Austen-esque murder-mystery, “Pride and Premeditation” by Tirzah Price? Are you more of a modern fairy-tale fan? “Tokyo Ever After” by Emiko Jean may be up your alley. Or maybe you’d like to take a stab at horror with the “Five Nights at Freddy’s” series by Scott Cawthorn? No? You want to laugh? I thought so (still mind-reading). Try “This Will Be Funny Someday” by Katie Henry, a coming-of-age story about a model high school student turned stand-up comic. 

Teens, I don’t need a Magic 8-Ball to tell you that letting your eyeballs loose on some good books this summer may result in a win-win for you; not only will you be transported/enlightened/made brilliant by the pages you consume, but you may also end up with a mouth full of smoothie from Badger Bowls (yet another one of our cool prizes). Of course the rewards of reading transcend a paleta from Nicho’s Ice Cream or a street taco from Taco Shack (cool prizes numeros once y doce), but I predict you are open to a chance at having it all. You have two weeks left, teens…read with us! And I promise I will now stop reading your minds.

 

Filed Under: News + Events, What's New

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