Monroe Library

Monroe Teen Advisory Board writes a story.

2012-01-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know about the Monroe Teen Advisory Board, or TAB, they are a group of teens, ages 12-18 or in grades 6-12 that meet once a month at the library. These teens meet to discuss books they've been reading, talk about what's going on at the library, share ideas for improving the library, take part in activities and crafts, and do other fun stuff! Currently, the group is made up of students from Park Place Middle School, Hidden River Middle School, and Monroe High School but anyone between the ages of 12-18 or in 6th-12th grade is welcome to join the group!

At our last meeting, the group and I took part in a creative writing exercise. If you've ever played Mad Libs, it was similar to that, but with a little twist. We began by having the group supply certain details like a man's name, a woman's name, an animal, a job, a problem, a bad habit, etc. We then plugged these details into a paragraph I had previously written, in 'Mad Libs style', to kick start our story. Next the group members each took turns adding a sentence until we completed the tale! I'm going to share our awesome story with you below. The original paragraph will appear in red text, with the group's 'Mad Lib' style additions written in black. I've also listed my co-author's names in colored text above the story. Each author's contributions to the story will correspond with the color in which their names appear in the following list:.

Authors:

Joseph

Brendan

Janey

Cassie

Amy

Silvia

Chuck (Teen Librarian)

'Mad Libs' words

The Adventures of Charles and Bellatrix

One day, Charles and Bellatrix were sitting with their shark named Shredder in the Pacific Ocean when they suddenly ran out of food! Charles has a bad habit of breaking drinking glasses, but nevertheless he and Bellatrix head off to the White House, where Bellatrix works as a Tae Kwon Do instructor, to help solve their food problem. Despite Bellatrix's obsession with teddy bears, they are confident they will succeed!

On their way to the White House, they ran into a fire demon named Lucifer. Two seconds after, Bellatrix confessed that she had psychic powers passed down from her family, and Charles was awestruck with his mouth hanging open.

But then Lucifer at Bellatrix, and Charles thought she died. But then Bellatrix fought Lucifer from the inside while Lucifer ate Charles.

After Charles was eaten, Shredder came to the rescue with Bellatrix's legion of teddy bears at his aid! Bellatrix then uses her psychic powers to send Lucifer into Outer Space!

But before Lucifer goes, he upchucks them and Charles uses alchemy to turn a broken drinking glass into a sword. When Lucifer comes back down, he uses his gummy ray and turns the teddy bears into gummy bears! It so happens that Bellatrix goes 'Donkey Kong', and sends Lucifer into a dark vortex, which turns out to be a black hole.

The End!

The Monroe Teen Advisory Board is still a very new group - we've only been meeting for a few months, but we have a lot fun. If the group sounds like fun and you'd like to know more email Teen Librarian Chuck Pratt at cpratt@sno-isle.org

Anya and Her Ukulele!

2011-12-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

I wanted to to share a little information about a wonderful program we hosted last month at the Monroe Library that featured one of our local teens performing music at the library. Her name is Anya, and as you can see from the YouTube videos below she sang and played music on her ukulele for a crowd of over 50 people from Monroe and the surrounding communities this past November.

I first met Anya at the Monroe Library's summer talent competition called "Monroe's Got Talent". It was held this past June and Anya won first place in that competition when she sang the Jason Mraz song "Grenade", which you can hear her play below:

After hearing Anya play, we thought it would be fantastic if she came and played a concert for people in Monroe at the library. The YouTube videos you see in this post were recorded at that program. Anya packed out the library's community room, resulting in a 'standing room only' performance for the people who did not make it in time to get a seat; she really put on an entertaining show with her music and stories about the ukulele and it's history! Anya did a great job and the library was really lucky to have her perform!

Not only did she play some traditional music, hymns, and covers of popular music during her performace, but Anya also played "The Lonely Children", an original song for which she wrote all the music and lyrics:

If you were lucky enough to attend Anya's performance, I'm sure you walked away smiling. If you missed this wonderful program, don't fret because there are lots of interesting and fun programs held each month at the Monroe Library. Link Click here to check out our calendar of upcoming events and make your plans to attend an upcoming library program!

2011-10-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens
Clue #4 - Week #4 (October 24th-30th)

This Historic building is located on Main Street in Monroe, and is known to many as a HALLmark of our downtown. The building was completed in 1908 and over time many changes were made to the location. At one point or another, the Monroe Fire Hall, Monroe Library, Evergreen District Court, Monroe Police Department, and the offices for the City of Monroe were all located in this building. Today, it houses a museum and is home to the Monroe Historical Society.

*To participate, all you have to do is take a picture of the landmark described in this clue with your cell phone or a digital camera and email it to cpratt@sno-isle.org with the phrase “Photo Scavenger Hunt Entry” in the subject line. (Or, you could drop off an actual photo at the Monroe Library). If you don’t have a camera, it’s OK if you find a picture of the landmark on the internet and submit that picture. Entries should be submitted before midnight on Sunday of each week – a new clue will be revealed each Monday on the Monroe Library Blog and posted on the Teen Board at the library. One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries each week and will receive a prize. One grand prize winner will be drawn at random from all contestants who have submitted a photo of the correct landmark for each of the four weeks of the contest. All landmarks will be located in Monroe, WA. Contest is open to teens between the ages of 12-18, or in grades 6-12.

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens Clue #3

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens
Clue #3 - Week # (October 17th-23rd)

It was really cool and refreshing to see this famous advertisement in downtown Monroe get a recent facelift and new paint job. In fact a whole laundry list of people were pleased to see how well the recent renovations to this large ad for an American icon turned out. You’ve probably noticed this sign more than once if you drive through downtown Monroe very often. It promotes a product that is often advertised as “the real thing” and that you are often told to have with “…a smile”.

*To participate, all you have to do is take a picture of the landmark described in this clue with your cell phone or a digital camera and email it to cpratt@sno-isle.org with the phrase “Photo Scavenger Hunt Entry” in the subject line. (Or, you could drop off an actual photo at the Monroe Library). If you don’t have a camera, it’s OK if you find a picture of the landmark on the internet and submit that picture. Entries should be submitted before midnight on Sunday of each week – a new clue will be revealed each Monday on the Monroe Library Blog and posted on the Teen Board at the library. One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries each week and will receive a prize. One grand prize winner will be drawn at random from all contestants who have submitted a photo of the correct landmark for each of the four weeks of the contest. All landmarks will be located in Monroe, WA. Contest is open to teens between the ages of 12-18, or in grades 6-12.

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens Clue #2

2011-10-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens
Clue #2 - Week #2 (October 10th-16th)

Sometimes when visitors come to Monroe and see this awesome facility, they leave feeling for evergreen with envy. In fact, I’d say it’s fair to say that happens quite a lot. This landmark, which is actually a group of buildings and other facilities, is located on a stretch of land that used to be the Snohomish County “Poor Farm” as far back as the 1890s. If you like fireworks shows, car races, swap meets, equine events, dog shows, or many other events that attract large numbers of people from the community, then I’ll bet you’ve visited this place at least once!

*To participate, all you have to do is take a picture of the landmark described in this clue with your cell phone or a digital camera and email it to cpratt@sno-isle.org with the phrase “Photo Scavenger Hunt Entry” in the subject line. (Or, you could drop off an actual photo at the Monroe Library). If you don’t have a camera, it’s OK if you find a picture of the landmark on the internet and submit that picture. Entries should be submitted before midnight on Sunday of each week – a new clue will be revealed each Monday on the Monroe Library Blog and posted on the Teen Board at the library. One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries each week and will receive a prize. One grand prize winner will be drawn at random from all contestants who have submitted a photo of the correct landmark for each of the four weeks of the contest. All landmarks will be located in Monroe, WA. Contest is open to teens between the ages of 12-18, or in grades 6-12.

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens Week #1

2011-10-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

Picture It! Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens
Clue #1 - Week #1 (October 3rd-9th)

Since this is the first week of the photo scavenger hunt, I’ll give you a condensed version of a clue that leads to the landmark I’m looking for, so you should milk this for all it’s worth. The landmark in question is about 150 feet tall and almost 11 feet in diameter at its base. On March 23rd, 1944 a fire destroyed the facility (which was processing flax into linen for the war effort during World War II) that this landmark was attached to, so it is all that remains of a much larger building. Even though the rest of the building burned many years ago, this landmark remains the tallest structure in downtown Monroe.

*To participate, all you have to do is take a picture of the landmark described in this clue with your cell phone or a digital camera and email it to cpratt@sno-isle.org with the phrase “Photo Scavenger Hunt Entry” in the subject line. (Or, you could drop off an actual photo at the Monroe Library). If you don’t have a camera, it’s OK if you find a picture of the landmark on the internet and submit that picture. Entries should be submitted before midnight on Sunday of each week – a new clue will be revealed each Monday on the Monroe Library Blog and posted on the Teen Board at the library. One winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries each week and will receive a prize. One grand prize winner will be drawn at random from all contestants who have submitted a photo of the correct landmark for each of the four weeks of the contest. All landmarks will be located in Monroe, WA. Contest is open to teens between the ages of 12-18, or in grades 6-12.

Birds, Pajaros, Aves, Uccelli, Oiseaux

2011-06-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

I am new to Washington and one of the most amazing things about this state is the wonderful wildlife - the birds, namely.

I come from Arizona where pigeons are considered pests, not beautiful, white symbols of peace. We also have hummingbirds, which are very interesting and probably my favorite bird. But that's because beyond pigeons and hummingbirds, I don't know any other birds. I take that back. I think the state bird of Arizona is the cactus wren although I've never seen one.

Here in Washington, you can't help but pay attention to them. They are swooping overhead, on a mission to find the perfect twig for the fluffy bird nest they're building. Those nests are the coziest looking baby beds I've ever seen. I can say that because here at my new place of work, the Monroe Library, there is a bird's nest right outside my office window. A co-worker later told me that the nest building bird is a robin, "a plain old robin," she said. But these robins have orange bellies and are large! They don't seem ordinary to me.

I was walking into the library one day when I saw what looked like a blue cardinal. I stopped and stared because it was almost the coolest thing I'd ever seen in my entire life. It was like the fairy tale "Mr. Blue Bird on my shoulder" song from childhood. Only, it wasn't a blue bird and it wasn't a cardinal either. I was later told by a co-worker that it was a Stellar's Jay. How does everyone know the names of these guys?!

Even if I didn't have birds swooping over my head, building nests outside my office window and stopping me mid-stride just by the sheer burst of color catching my eye, I wouldn't be able to ignore the birds. Everywhere people are talking about birds. One of the nearby elementary schools I visit is known all over the world by bird people for it's unusual resting spot for a bird called Vaux's Swift. These birds migrate to the area every year and swarm an old chimney and people come with blankets and chairs to witness the birds come in swarms over the school.

There's a nest up there, I promise. Think down comforter.

I was commenting one day on this Audubon phenomenon when one of my bosses said, "that's because they are a big deal here. People like birds." This was after I had called the whole group I was with "birders". It surprises me that I can talk to just about anyone if I start with a bird conversation.

She's right. Washingtonians just like birds. Just the other day, a library customer came up to me and said, "you should come look over here, there's a nest just outside the window that's just hatched some baby birds". And so I did, me and the other 12 or so Washingtonians. Kids had their eyes glued to the support beam outside, where the beautiful robins that had just been born, their beaks reaching for the sky. If I were those birds, I wouldn't ever want to leave that oh-so-fluffy nest. Those birds will fly the coop some time soon, though, just like I did. I left my home in Arizona and migrated to Washington, the land of birds. I'm glad I did.

Do YOU Know Your New Librarians?!?!?

2011-06-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been inside the Monroe Public Library in a while, you might see some new faces the next time you visit. Shannon Dye was recently hired as Monroe's new Children's Services Librarian and Charles Pratt is the new Adult/Teen Services Librarian. Both Shannon and Chuck have been on the job for a few months now and are very excited to join the staff at the Monroe Library and to become part of our community. Shannon comes to Monroe from Arizona and Chuck joins us from Kentucky. Both have several years of experience in public libraries and are thrilled to be in the Pacific Northwest. Recently the Monroe Monitor did a story on Chuck and Shannon which you can read to learn a little more about them. If you haven't been to the library recently, please stop in and say 'Hi' to our new librarians and the rest of the staff. We'd love to talk about the Summer Reading Program, help you find research for a homework assignment, show you how to download eBooks or audiobooks, or just talk about a good book with you!

When You Can't Tie a Tie...

2011-04-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

One afternoon this week, a young man came into the library looking like he was in a hurry to get to an important appointment. He was wearing a white dress shirt with an untied tie and slacks. He carried a suit jacket on a hanger that appeared to have a dry cleaner tag still on it. He rushed up to the customer service desk and quickly asked, "Do you know how to tie a tie?" Monroe Library staff quickly polled each other on whether or not anyone knew how to tie a tie. Teen Librarian, Chuck Pratt, came to the rescue with his tie tying skills, and the young man soon had a perfectly tied tie. With the tie tying emergency taken care of, the young man found that he even had time to spare and took a moment to sign up for a Sno-Isle library card.

So, if you should happen to need help tying your tie or you need to sign up for a library card, come on over!

Leaders are Readers

2010-12-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Monroe community leaders Mayor Robert Zimmerman and City Councilmember Tony Balk took time to honor Children's Book Festival Bookmark Contest winners in November.

Tony and Robert posed for READ posters with some favorite books.

Tony Balk talked about his earliest library memories--of the marble staircase in the big city library where he spent many childhood hours. Tony remembers grooves worn into the steps from constant use.

Robert Zimmerman recalled not reading much as a child and how as a parent he reads every day to his children, an important family time for him.

Chilling at the Library

2010-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

If there was one thing you could change about the library to make it more comfortable, what would it be?

Maybe you would like all the chairs to be covered in bright orange fake fur.

Maybe librarians should look at how the furniture is arranged at the end of the day and not move it back to the way it was in the morning.

What's your "serenity spot" in the library?

Celebrating 29 Years of "Banned Books Week" - Sept. 25 - Oct. 2

2010-09-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 29th anniversary of Banned Books Week!

According to the American Library Associations (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), the ALA OIF "receives hundreds of reports on book challenges, which are formal written requests to remove a book from a library or classroom because of an objection to the book's content. There were 460 recorded attempts to remove materials from libraries in 2009 and more than 11,000 attempts recorded since the OIF began compiling information on book challenges in 1990. ".

In celebration of Banned Books Week, here is the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom list of the "Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2009"

1. ttyl, ttfn, l8r, g8r (series), by Lauren Myracle

Reasons: Drugs, Nudity, Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group

2. And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson

Reasons: Homosexuality

3.The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chabrosky Reasons: Anti-Family, Drugs, Homosexuality, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Sexually Explicit, Suicide, Unsuited to Age Group.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Reasons: Offensive Language, Racism, Unsuited to Age Group

5. Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer Reasons: Religious Viewpoint, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group

6. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerReasons: Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group

7. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi PicoultReasons: Drugs, Homosexuality, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Sexism, Sexually Explicit, Suicide, Unsuited to Age Group, Violence

8. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things by Carolyn MacklerReasons: Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group

9. The Color Purple by Alice WalkerReasons: Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group

10. The Chocolate War by Robert CormierReasons: Nudity, Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group

All of these titles are available at your local Sno-Isle library!

Happy reading!

*We're on Facebook!

Just search for "Sno-Isle Libraries" to gain access to current updates, information on library events and more!

"Online Tools for Success" Videos on YouTube

2010-08-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know Sno-Isle offers many online resource tools through our website? Watch these videos to see how Sno-Isle Libraries' FREE online tools can help!

CAREER ACCELERATOR

BUSINESS DECISION

REFERENCE USA

These databases and more can be found through our website under Databases & Research.

*We're on Facebook!

Just search for "Sno-Isle Libraries" to gain access to current updates, information on library events and more!

Hot enough for ya?

2010-08-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Need a place to beat the heat this week? Then come on down to the Monroe library! Soak up some a/c, and take a look at our new display of books about arctic exploration!

For adventurers, climbing the Seven Summits--including Everest--and reaching all four Poles is the Holy Grail of world exploration. David Hempleman-Adams became the first man on the planet to do it. In Walking on Thin Ice, the world's most accomplished explorer recounts the final leg of his extraordinary15-year odyssey.

In the nineteenth century, theories about the North Pole ran rampant. Was it an open sea? Was it a portal to new worlds within the globe? Or was it just a wilderness of ice? When Sir John Franklin disappeared in the Arctic in 1845, explorers decided it was time to find out. In scintillating detail, Ninety Degrees North tells of the vying governments (including the United States, Britain, Germany, and Austria-Hungary) and fantastic eccentrics (from Swedish balloonists to Italian aristocrats) who, despite their heroic failures, often achieved massive celebrity as they battled shipwreck, starvation, and sickness to reach the top of the world. Drawing on unpublished archives and long-forgotten journals, Fleming tells this story with consummate craftsmanship and wit. Ninety Degrees North is a riveting saga of humankind's search for the ultimate goal.

During the Golden Era of Exploration, Captain Robert Scott and his competitor Roald Amundsen conquered the unconquerable: Antarctica. This perilous race to the South Pole claimed the life of Scott and became the stuff of legend, as well as endless scrutiny. In this compelling, meticulously researched history of Captain Scott and his fatal journey, renowned modern-day explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, holder of ten world expeditionary records, has written the definitive book on the hotly debated subject.

Summer Reading Isn't Just for Kids!

2010-06-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

From June through August, adults can participate in our Adult Summer Reading program by submitting book reviews. For every three reviews submitted to the Monroe Library, adults will receive a gift card to a Monroe business (Sweet Indulgence, Chocolate Moose, Pet Pros or Main Street Books), or they can choose 2 free passes to the Seattle Museum of History and Industry.
In addition, Sno-Isle will choose a Reader of the Week for 7 weeks this summer. The winner will be featured on a READ poster and will get to share their personal booklist on our website. Check out next week's winner--it's one of our patrons from Monroe!
You can either fill out an online book review or stop by the library to pick up a review form. We look forward to seeing what you're reading this summer!

Iron Man 2 or Robin Hood?

2010-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

As usual, there are a number of movies coming out this summer that promise to draw extensive crowds and earn the honor of being called a summer blockbuster. Some of the “summer” movies are already out even though summer doesn’t actually arrive until June 21. Iron Man 2 and Robin Hood are already out in theaters. Shrek Forever After, The A-Team, Toy Story 3, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and quite a few more are coming soon to a theater near you.

While you are choosing which movies to go see, don’t forget that Sno-Isle has a great selection of former summer blockbusters and award winning movies to check out. Come check out old favorites or movies that you missed in the theater!

Which movies do you plan to see this summer?

Down the Highway

2010-05-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

We have staff who ride Harley’s and Honda’s (with dogs in tow!), several who have beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, and dogs of various sizes and breeds. We umpire baseball games, play yu-gi-oh! card games, do trivia, knit, crochet, cross stitch, and sew…….and let's not forget read.

I have worked for Sno-Isle libraries for 20 years. The library has always been a part of my life since I was very small child. I have a son 20 and a small dog, a chug (Chihuahua and pug mix) named Chico. I live on a farm that has 70 goats, 7 Llamas, 4 horses, 8 quail, 1 duck, 3 roosters, 1 hen, and 4 other dogs. We also have a big vegetable garden. I also like to ride Harley Davidson motorcycles! A couple of years ago I took a trip to bike week in Sturgis South Dakota. This trip is the one that I decided I needed a bike of my own! To plan for this trip I first picked up Rand McNally Road Atlas. We looked at the various different roads we could take to get there. When we picked out different stopping points I used the keyword option in our catalog to put in the different areas, such as Yellowstone. I had actually been to Yellowstone about five years prior so I was familiar with several books that I had used before but really liked Yellowstone & Grand Teton the best. Once I took the course for motorcycle riding and got my license, I started looking for a bike. I first purchased a 1986 Harley Davidson Sportster that is the traditional Harley Davidson blue, turquoise to me. I then found a 2006 Harley Davidson V-rod and fell in love with its beautiful burgundy color and comfort. My son also rides so we often go together. For rides around the sound I have used the Backroads of Washington: your guide to Washington’s Most Scenic Backroad Adventures by Diana Fairbanks and Exploring Washington’s Backroads by John Deviny. Where will my next ride take me?

We'll Help You Escape

2010-05-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

This week we've seen rain, sun, hail, wind, thunder and lightning. When the weather gets crazy, there is nothing I love more than picking up a novel and reading about characters who live in or travel to foreign countries. Here are some books that have recently helped me escape:

Upside Down, Inside Out (Australia)

DMZ (Colombia)

Chateau of Echoes (France)

The Accidental Mother (England)

Moon Over Tokyo

Here are two series I highly recommend because their fast pace kept me hooked from the very beginning.

The Russian Trilogy by Hynd, Noel, with books set in Kiev, Madrid and Cairo

Task Force Valor Series by Holton, Chuck, with books that take place in the Middle East, Panama and Chernobyl

If you don’t know what to read and need some inspiration, check out our Recommended Reads under the “Books, Movies, Music” section of our website. There are many different categories of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from cozy mysteries to green living, from time travel fiction to family finance.

Sno-Isle also subscribes to a fantastic database called NoveList Plus. Select “Databases and Research” on our home page, choose “Books and Literature” under subjects, and then click on NoveList Plus. You will find a big selection of author read-alikes, so if you’re in the mood to read something similar to Dick Frances, for example, see what they suggest. You can also find books by category for children, teens and adults.

And as always, we are happy to help you find something to read! Please don’t hesitate to ask!

Download EBooks From Sno-Isle's Web Site

2010-04-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Very exciting news that eBooks are now available from the Sno-Isle Web site through OverDrive. EBooks are books that you can download to your pc or mac and then transfer to some brands of readers, phones, etc. Of course I had to try it out right away! I don't own a reader, but I tried it out on my laptop and I really liked it. I thought I wouldn't like reading from a screen, but it was OK, and I can see there are definitely times when I will use this service. For example: even though I work in a library sometimes I actually run out of books to read, or the books I have aren't what I am the mood to read at the time. Also traveling - planning how many books I will need to bring is always a hassle...I don't want to pack too many, but I don't want to run out. Then there are those appointments that I drive my Dad to every week with nearby free WIFI that I take advantage of, now I can check out an eBook, when I forget to bring a book along.

It's easy to use with just your library card, the Sno-Isle Web site, and a pc or mac, and in just a few clicks you can download and start reading!

I was able to check out Mitch Albom's "Have a Little Faith" as an eBook. I was planning to get in the hold queue after hearing good things about it and I was suprised to find it available for check out as an eBook.

FarmVille: Do You Play?

2010-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

When I first got a facebook account, I was inundated with a barrage of invitations that I received from friends to play online-virtual-social games. Truth be told, these invitations puzzled and annoyed me. I didn't know a thing about those games.

A recent article at CNN.com estimates that approximately 75 million people play FarmVille each month. Is it just me, or does that seem like a LOT of people?

Well, the invitations from friends continued to pour in and guess what? I succumbed, and I am now a faithful FarmVille player.

Each day I plant my own crops, fertilize my neighbors' crops, feed the neighbors' chickens, and send my neighbors virtual gifts. Some of these activities result in almost daily, multiple posts to my profile and my friends' homepages. If you're not into FV, these posts may annoy you. I'm sorry, but my FV neighbors love them!

Because of the many postings generated by FV and other social games, a facebook group was created and entitled "I don't care about your farm, or your fish, or your park, or your mafia!!!" According the the CNN.com article, the group once boasted of over 5 million members. I recently tried to access the groups profile, but I couldn't find it. Perhaps, the group members all started playing FarmVille and subsequently disbanded.

A recent study was cited in the Seattle PI and related information regarding library computer use. "A third of Americans 14 and older - about 77 million people - use public library computers..." At Sno-Isle Libraries, customers can enjoy up to two hours of computer time each day.

Hmmmm. I wonder how many of them play FarmVille. Do you?

Three Dudes and You're Out

2010-03-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

What I have learned at the Monroe Police Department's Citizen Academy:

Cops have a sense of humor and a knack for finding gross and funny movies on YouTube. Have you ever seen a wood spider under the influence of caffeine? TCP? Crack?

Cops have a depth of knowledge that astounds me. Did you know that a police Drug Recognition Expert crams the equivalent of a first-year medical school physiology course into one month?

Traffic stops are the most dangerous work that cops perform. Did you know that Timothy McVeigh was arrested because of a routine traffic stop?

Cops are passionate about keeping us safe.

Did you know that the Monroe Police Department's Community Service Officer has had extensive training in how to choose a child restraint system that fits your child and vehicle and that she will schedule individual appointments with parents, grandparents or others who transport children in their vehicles to advise on that fit?

A detective told our class "DUI is one crime I can interdict. Every DUI is one less death."

Did you know that there are more DUI-related deaths annually than the total number of combat deaths in the Vietnam War?

Want to be a cop?

The library has books and electronic resources to prepare you for a career in law enforcement.

Police Officer Exam

Just don't say DUDE! more than three times in the presence of an officer.

Librarian Field Trip

2010-03-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of attending the Children's Literature Conference in Bellingham last weekend. This served as sort of a librarian field trip, and brought back grade school memories especially since I got to ride on a (shuttle) bus, eat a box lunch, and listen to professionals (in this case authors for children and teens) talk about what they do.

Librarians tend to treat writers like rock stars and in this case we got to see a Hall of Fame lineup of Newbery-, Caldecott- and Printz-award winning authors Linda Sue Park, Gerald McDermott, and John Green. Each author talked about their work and how they connected with their readers in a variety of different ways. Park used baseball as an analogy, McDermott showed a student film he had made as a young author, and Green used Internet memes such as Kanye's "Imma let you finish" and video blogs.

In fact Green's entire presentation was based on humor, but quite profound as he explained the Internet is not just a place to find silly jokes and videos, but a tool for establishing connections between authors and readers, teachers and students, and even (if I can extrapolate a bit) librarians and patrons. His example was a video blog that he records to communicate with his brother (but one that is followed by thousands of teens... and more than a few librarians) on Youtube in which he talks entirely about The Catcher in the Rye, was watched by 90,000 people. My example (viewed by far fewer people... but more than a few librarians) would be these blogs that staff put out there to tell our patrons about books, reading, the library system, or a librarian's day. They may seem kind of dull or pedantic (really, who gets THAT excited about databases?) but they offer a way for libraries to connect with their users and show them the variety of ways libraries are working to matter in their lives.

So Long Booklist....

2010-03-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

Like many, I keep a long list of books I would like to read in the future. Over the past few weeks, I have been working my way through the list at an increased pace because of some great news I received in December. At the end of last year I was very fortunate to learn that I have been appointed to the 2011 Robert F. Sibert Award committee, a committee that selects the most distinguished children's nonfiction book published the previous year. Aside from being a great honor and an opportunity to take a part in advocating for children's informational books, it also means I will be reading A LOT of children's nonfiction. In fact, the first box of books arrived yesterday. After bringing the box in the house, I made a point of finishing Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places, crossed it off my list, filed the list under “open January 2011” and embarked on what is sure to be an informative and busy ten months.

For more information about the award and to view previous winners click on Sibert Award

Do You Prefer Cats or Dogs?

2010-03-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

When it comes to cats and dogs, I am definitely a dog person. I have a Jack Russell/cocker spaniel mix and a beagle/cocker spaniel mix. For the most part, the Jack Russell is obedient and calm, except when he hears the doorbell or spots another dog while we're on a walk (and then he become ferocious)! He absolutely loves watching tv, and jumps up and barks at the screen any time he sees an animal.

The beagle is affectionate, playful and very disobedient. There is almost nothing she won't eat, including diamond earrings, library books, anything out of the garbage, and my favorite shoes. She has made me late to appoinments by escaping out the front door and running around the neighborhood. She loves diving into the pond and mud by my house, attempting to get the ducks. She ruined my in-laws' perfect backyard by digging numerous holes. She howls and gets frantic when we go somewhere in the car. She follows me around so much that I trip over her. Despite all that, I can't imagine life without my dogs.

If you're a dog lover like me, check out some of these library books. I even added a few for all you cat lovers out there.

Inside of a Dog

100 Ways to Understand Your Dog

Do You Look Like Your Dog?

Dog Joy

Woof

I am the Cat, Don't Forget That: Feline Expressions

Do Cats Hear With Their Feet?

Happy Cat, Happy You: Quick Tips for Building a Bond with Your Feline Friend

Planet Cat: A Cat-alog

Which pet do you prefer? Do you have any stories to share?

Do You Know Who You Are?

2010-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Find Out With Sno-Isle Libraries Online Genealogy Databases Have you heard of the new TV show about celebrities researching their family trees? Well guess what, Genealogy Databases are available at the library for free. Ancestry Library Edition is available from library pcs and there are several other databases including HeritageQuest Online that are available from home too, all you need is a library card. And don't miss the recommended Web Sites.
Personally, I haven’t found a famous connection on my family tree, but I have found research posted by relatives who have traced one family name back to the 1600s. I also have found that my Grandmother's family traces back to a crossing from Germany to the Colonies in 1730. During the crossing a child was born to that family and the child’s name was Mary. My Grandma’s name is Mary, my Aunt’s name is Mary and my middle name - you guessed it - Mary. My Grandma always said that Mary was a “family name,” but now it has a bit more meaning for me. (photo of my Grandma Mary W. College Spring Break 1920 Montana)
There's a family rumor that President Zachary Taylor is a distant relation, but I haven’t found that “leaf” yet on the family tree.
Have you had any interesting finds or surprises while researching your family tree?

Unexpected Questions, Unexpected Answers

2010-02-22T14:49:00.001-08:00

One of the more unpredictable aspects of being a librarian is the questions you will get on any given day and the information you will use to answer those questions. The other day I was struck by the variety of 3 questions I received while working on the information desk, and additionally the answers I was able to provide.

Our first patron was a young boy of about 8 asking for Louis L'Amour. I showed him where the books were located on the highest shelf and offered to get him a stool to reach them. "No," he responded, "On tape." So I walked him to our talking book section... and again offered to fetch him a stool as they were again on the top shelf. I thought it was remarkable that a kid so young was reading (or in this case listening to) Louis L'Amour cowboy stories when his peers were checking out Magic Treehouse and Captain Underpants.

Our second patron was a teenage girl wanting to put up flyers advertising her availability for odd jobs. She wanted my assistance in designing a flyer that would get noticed. I sketched out a couple ideas and told her to put it together in Microsoft Publisher as she would have a better, more attention-getting result.

And our third patron was a teenage girl working on her culminating challenge project. She was studying professions and needed to interview someone working in the career she was interested in pursuing. The difficulty was that she had chosen actor as her profession and neither of us knew any who hung around the Sky Valley. What I did know (or was able to find out) was that Seattle had a Screen Actors Guild chapter which might be able to help her out. In addition Monroe's own flim-making Stipek triplets have worked with library in the past and I gave her their website and email addresses thinking they might have connections since as the Monitor reported they recently met with Anthony Hopkins.

Three young patrons, three very different questions and answers. And a three-time Best Actor nominee. Just another night at the information desk.

Download Audiobooks at Home

2010-02-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

Audiobooks have become a very popular format for people to experience great literature. Most popular books also come out in an audio version. These audiobooks are great for people in many different situations. They can help pass the time if you have a long commute every day to get to work or a road trip that you are taking to visit family for a holiday. They are also very helpful for our senior citizens who may be experiencing difficulty trying to read the small print found in most books. Even children can enjoy these audiobooks as a way to get more involved in literature and stories.

We currently have a system in place powered by Overdrive that allows you to check out and download audiobooks straight to your home computer even if the library building is closed. In some cases, you can then burn the audio on cds or even transfer it on to your portable music device (like the ipod). There is a program you must install on to your computer before you can use the system, but it is a fairly simple process. Just follow the directions in the "Quick Start Guide". I strongly encourage you to give this system a try. Also check out the music and video that you can download to your computer as well.

We would love to hear about your experiences using this library resource. Let us know what you like (or don't like) so we can help improve everyone's experience with downloading library materials. If you have any technical problems, please check out the FAQs or submit a technical support request. Enjoy!!!

What do the Volunteers at the Monroe Library do?

2010-02-01T14:45:00.001-08:00

Do you ever wonder who cuts those little scratch papers that are by the computers? Who fills the plastic bag holders? Who gets your holds out on the hold shelf so quickly? How come those pencils are always sharpened and filled so perfectly? Notice how the paper is always filled and ready for you to print or copy?
Our volunteers are very valuable here in Monroe. We have several volunteers who come in daily to help us with opening procedures, pull books to fill holds, file our holds while we process the delivery, clean our book drop bins, shelves and table tops, help book mobile with cleaning of their childcare books, sharpen our pencils, cut scrap paper, and fill our plastic bag dispensers. We also have a Tech Teen program where the teens teach an internet and Library database class once a month!

Thank you volunteers for all the great work you do!

We do have openings for volunteers, contact cbly@sno-isle.org for more information, or just come by and see me!

What DO librarians read?

2010-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

Occasionally on the front page of the Sno-Isle website you might see a banner titled "What We're Reading". You might wonder, "Who are the 'We' in the title?" In this case it is the Reader's Advisory Committee, who is in charge of this banner, picking titles for the book club kits, and a yearly Reader's Advisory training.

One of the common misconceptions of library employees is that they get to spend all day reading. This is very rarely the case. As a rule we do tend to read a LOT of books, but on our own time. The Reader's Advisory Committee is one of the ways we share that collected knowledge with others and with our patrons.

I have been privileged to be on the committee for two years now and it is easily one of my favorite library activities (and I get to play Rock Band with teenagers on a regular basis). Each one of the committee members contributes a week or two of titles to What We're Reading every couple of months and we put a lot of thought into the titles we pick. They can be new titles that we're really excited about or older titles that may have slipped under the radar. In all cases they are books we feel strongly about and hope you will give a chance. Check one out today.

Everyone should wear slippers at the library

2010-01-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

On January 5th, we began a new series of storytimes called Pajama Storytime. We had an enthusiastic group of pajama wearing, blanket and stuffed animal toting children who came to listen to stories, sing songs, and make crafts. As the storytime presenter, I got to wear a bathrobe and slippers. I wish I could wear slippers at the library every day!

We will be continuing the series once a month over the course of the year. The next one will be on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:00pm. I hope to see you at Pajama Storytime. Don’t forget to bring your slippers!

"Twilight" Star comes to Monroe?

2010-01-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Twilight fans is that... no I guess it is just a cardboard cutout of our favorite Vampire checking out the new DVD bins at the Monroe Library. Find great movies at your library or go to the Sno-Isle website and place holds on you favorite titles. Some favorite Vampire movies that you can find in the Sno-Isle catalog include:

Twilight
Fright Night
Underworld

I'm already thinking about my veggie garden for 2010

2010-01-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it's January and I'm already thinking about what I will plant this spring in my vegetable garden. Last year's garden was such a success that I want to get a head start on planning for this year. The seed catalogs started arriving after Thanksgiving, and now I actually have time to read them and find some good gardening ideas from the books at the library.

Here are a few gardening books I am currently reading:

"Green Gardener's Guide" by Joe Lamp'l

"The Frugal Gardener: How To Have More Garden For Less Money" by Catriona Tudor Erler

Find more books about gardening at the Library!

u CAN Rd Ths!

2009-12-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations. If you are reading this, then:

1. You are literate.

Okay, it's quiz time.

Which country has the highest literacy rate?

Cuba, with 99.8%.

What place on the list does the United States occupy?

Tied for 19th, with 99.0%.

Statistics per United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Report 2009.

2. You probably live near America's Most Literate City: Seattle!

That's right. Seattle has just been named #1 on the 2009 list of America's Most Literate Cities, by Dr John W. Miller, President of Central Connecticut State University. The annual study, which originated in 2003, "focuses on 6 key indicators of literacy: newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment, and internet resources," according to the AMLC webpage at http://www.ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=5390

So rejoice. High literacy rates correlate with lower crime rates, better health, and higher productivity. And early literacy programs, according to the Economic Policy Institute, "contribute to long-term economic benefits for the community and the nation".

We have much to be thankful for.
We are among the lucky ones.
We can read.

Vampire Tales That Satisfy Your Hunger

2009-12-28T15:51:00.000-08:00

So you’ve seen New Moon, read all of the Twilight Saga, and now need something new to sink your teeth into? Or are you always looking for a book with bite? The library has a great selection of vampire books, both for the reader just getting into the world of paranormal novels, and for the reader who has been addicted to vampires since the first Anne Rice novel. Below are just a few of the selections you can discover at your local library!

Bitten and Smitten by Michelle Rowen – You know a blind date is bad when you are first turned into a vampire, and then your date gets staked by hunters!

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris – Read the series that spawned hit show True Blood!

I’m the Vampire, That’s Why by Michele Bardsley - Broken Hearts was a town going south, until a rouge vampire turns all the single parents, and a large group of vampires decide to make it their new home.

Undead and Unwed by Mary Janice Davidson - You know you are having a bad week when you are mugged, laid off, and killed by a car – only to come back again as a vampire!

Zen and the Art of Vampires by Katie Macalister – While on a singles cruise, a women gets stuck between the desires of two Dark Ones, and the destructive intent of the group out to destroy all Dark Ones.

Demon in My View by Amelia Atwater Rhodes – A young writer attracts the attention of several vampires, turns out her books are based far more on fact then fiction.

Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan – A young boy agrees to become the assistant of a vampire, and travel around the world with him.

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schrieber – A new family moves into the creepy mansion up on the hill in Dullsville, sparking rumors of vampires, and the interest of a local goth girl.

Vampire Knight by Hino – Cross Academy has two classes, what the day class doesn’t know is that the Moon class is made up entirely of vampires.

Vampire High by Douglas Rees – As his fellow classmates show an aversion to sunlight, and superhuman strength, a boy begins to realize that things just might not be what they seem at his new school.

Happily Obsessed

2009-12-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

I admit it--I'm hooked ,addicted, obsessed. It's harmless--- it's TV series on DVD!
I'm not much of a TV watcher. I'd rather be reading.

That said, it began with the TV series "Slings and Arrows", the hilarious send-up of a Canadian professional regional Shakespearean company of actors. I watched as many episodes as I could each and every evening. When I'd watched them all, I felt like life was not worth living.

I just finished " Mad Men Season One" and it's the same thing all over again. I have Season Two on hold so I have something to live for.

I don't subscribe to cable TV but I can get these series at the library!

Winter Extravaganza-mania!

2009-12-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

Monroe will be hosting seven programs for school aged children over the next two weeks! Today we're starting off with a puppet show by talented puppeteer, Jean Mattson. Tuesday the 22nd we will feature a Mail Art program followed by Winter crafts on Wednesday the 23rd. Next week starts off with Beads and Beading on Monday, Fabulous Flying Fun on Tuesday, Wonder and Joy in a Homemade Toy on Wednesday at 11:00am and, later that day, Birds of a Feather . All programs start at 2:00, unless otherwise noted. For more information about the programs, please go to the Events and Programs page from out homepage. See you at the library!

DVD genre shelving

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

We have now been separating our DVDs by genre for a few weeks. Our goal was to make it easier for everyone to come in and locate a movie that you are interested in. With this new layout, we hope to expand our collection even further to provide an even better selection.

We would really like your feedback on this new set-up. What do you like and/or dislike about these changes? Is there anything we can do to improve your experiences when looking for DVDs?

Also, if you find a DVD that you think should be classified in a different genre, please pass this information on to a staff member so that we can reevaluate it.

Computer Changes

2009-12-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

You may have already noticed that we made a few changes to some of the computers here at the Monroe Library. We hope that it will make it easier for you to use our resources efficiently and effectively.

All of the computers that used to allow just 30 minutes of use at a time, have been extended to 60 minutes. This should allow more people to accomplish everything they need to get done without logging in multiple times. Along with this change, we have now added two more computers that you can use. The computer in the teen area that was originally for catalog and database use only has been converted, as well as the computer that was designated for access to the World Wide Newspapers database.

Let us know what you think of these new changes. We are constantly trying to find ways to better serve your needs. Leave a comment here or pass it on to any staff member.

The Kindness of Strangers

2009-12-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

I was going through the day's mail on my arrival at work, as usual tossing most of it in the recycle bin.

Among the junk mail was an envelope hand-addressed to me, with a Yakima return address.

Inside was a hand-written note and an enclosed advertising brochure.

"Dear Ms. Lewis,

This piece of mail got stuck inside some of our mail.

I don't know if it's something you really need, but I decided to send it on. The last time I tried to return something to the P.O. tht was incorrectly delivered to us, the clerk discarded it saying it was just junk mail.

I would like to think that if my mail gets delivered to the wrong place, tht someone would take the time to get it to me.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas."

I did indeed toss the brochure, but I have thought about the note that came with it ever since. A stranger on the other side of the state took time and spent money on a stamp to do for another person what she would want done for her, and to top it off, wrote me an inspiring note.

The Librarian's Evolution

2009-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about being a librarian is that you are always learning something. It is impossible not to pick up knowledge when exploring the information requests that come into the information desk from our diverse population of library users. The Sno-Isle system firmly believes educated librarians offer better service, so it provides a number of trainings that bolster the knowledge of library staff in a number of crucial areas.

In the last month or so I've benefitted from a number of training opportunities the Sno-Isle system has made available. Hopefully the information gained will benefit both me and the library patrons I serve on a daily basis.

I was able to attend a book talking boot camp program offered in partnership with the King County system. This training was offered to library staff serving youth with the intent of making them more dynamic presenters and giving them the tools to interest young people in books. With all the distractions our youth are dealing with daily, I'm always looking for ways to break through to them to promote reading.

Along the same lines I was able to also attend The Mysteries of the Teenage Brain. The library system invited an educational consultant and expert on how the brain of a teenager develops to enlighten library staff about the emotional roller coaster that is the teenage way of thinking and strategies to approach, educate, mentor, and hopefully understand and empathize with teenage library users and better meet library needs which they might not be able to vocalize.

And earlier this week I was able to take part in a Reader's Advisory training on inspirational and Christian fiction. I am fortunate enough to be on the Reader's Advisory committee and each year we organize a training for our fellow staff members on a topic or genre they might not know much about. This year we picked a genre that has a lot of depth and a fervent readership that library staff might not be overly familiar with. Librarians can't read everything, and these trainings help fill some gaps in knowledge and give library staff the tools to guide readers in the right direction though the landscape might be foreign.

While times are tough and budgets are tight, Sno-Isle remains commited to educating and strengthening library staff so that we can always be improving the service we offer our patrons.

December 7th...

2009-12-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Remember that day?

68 years ago, my mom remembered waking up to the roar of low flying aircraft. going outside & seeing Japanese airplanes flying over homes and then... explosion after explosion of noise. She was 25 years old, born and raised in Waimea, Hawaii. She was living in Honolulu & working as an usher at a theatre. An infamous day in our history... 1941.

Come and check out our display and visit the World War II Veteran's Audio stories on our web page.

- Joanne

Memories of Pearl Harbor Day

2009-12-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Where were you on December 7th, 1941?

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a definitive moment in the annals of World War II and in American history.

In 2007 and 2008, Sno-Isle Libraries was privileged to be involved in a project to record the audio stories of veterans here in Snohomish & Island Counties who volunteered to share their memories of World War II.

These recordings are destined to be a part of the Library of Congress's Veterans History Project, which is accessible at http://www.loc.gov/vets/

Selections from those recordings are now available here on our website. Check out http://www.sno-isle.org/?ID=4247

Pearl Harbor Day

Let us never forget.

New Year's Reading

2009-11-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

Check it out (as we say in the library biz):

New magazine subscriptions for 2010 at the Monroe Library

ADDitude

Cloth, Paper, Scissors

Gold Prospector

Hobby Farms Home

Knit Simple

Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade

Shop Smart

Sports Northwest

and, for kids:

Kiki

Something to inspire everyone.
Come take your pick.

At the library.

It's COLD Out There

2009-11-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

When the mercury takes a dive, hop on in to your local library.

We've got DVDs you can share with your snuggle bunny,
dance-music on CDs to wiggle & warm your toes by,
recipe books for making the perfect eggnog
and dictionaries you can use to look up "nog".
(What DOES it mean?)

We've got warm-weather armchair travel adventures.
(Fiji in February, anyone?)
How about a hot bestseller?
Or maybe you need to research a good electric blanket
and want to see the safety ratings.

Come on down
....................and slosh on in.
It's w-a-a-a-a-arm in here.

Without Libraries....

2009-11-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

> A self-described illiterate person needing to apply online for unemployment benefits.

> An older adult, new to computers, needing to set up an email account before she could apply for a job.

> A local employer who receives resumes from jobseekers who don’t have the computer (or, often, the computer experience) needed to use his company’s online application system.

> A retired gentleman, subsisting on the declining value of his fixed income, wanting to turn his hobby into a business.

> A homemaker, in the midst of a job search, interested in volunteering here as a way to bolster her resume.

Without libraries, where would these people have gotten assistance?

These are all real people who came to us for help, just in the last month.

Real people.

................................... Like you.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Like me.

Libraries.

So much more than just books.

Not just books...

2009-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

and cds and DVDs and computer use. I was recently reminded of the important part the public library plays as a community gathering place during our Spanish language storytime. We had a very large crowd gather to kick off the weekly event with pizza and juice, financed by our wonderful Friends of the library group, followed by stories, rhymes and a bit of dancing. Finally, the children, and a few adults, worked on a craft to take home. Throughout the program I was amazed by the growth we have had in attendance and how many friendships have been created and fostered at this event. In fact, after the program many attendees will often take their children to the children's area to play while the adults continue to visit. Overall, I think this is testament to the fact that the library serves as a very important "third place."

Papercutting program

2009-10-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

World Papercutting Projects: More to Explore!

A member of the Guild of American Papercutters presents series of three free programs for adults at 2:00 pm Saturdays October 17, 24 and November 7. Please register at www.sno-isle.org --attendance is limited. All supplies are provided.

Even teens not immune to economic woes

2009-10-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

The library is always looking for ways to meet the needs of the community it serves and in today's economic climate those services can be as varied as providing a computer to update a resume or check online job ads to providing free entertainment options with our collection of books, DVDs and other media.

Even area teens are learning to cope with cutbacks and economic instabilty. The Monroe Library has offered Teen Gaming on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. The program is a way for teens to get together and socialize over video games, card games and board games. Until recently teens have been content with playing Rock Band or other multiplayer video games. But lately we have seen a number of teens embrace older games like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon and look for opportunities to reuse and recycle their old collectable cards at game days.

Also recently teens have brought in board games such as Last Night on Earth (a zombie-themed action game) to share with friends. Teens too are looking for ways to stretch their entertainment dollar and Teen Gaming offers a way for them to embrace even older entertainments with a new group of friends.

While teens aren't facing the same pressures and challenges their parents might be, it is interesting to see how our times do affect them and how the library is responding to their unique needs and wants.

Free Computer Class at the Monroe Library

2009-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the opportunity to work with three of Monroe Library's Tech Teen Volunteers as we team taught the Beginning Catalog and Internet Computer Class. Pictured starting on the left, back row: Tech Teens Florence, Zulqurnain, and Sohaib; front row: student Marilou. The Tech Teens help teach the class and provide one-on-one help to the adult students.
This is a free class for adults who want to learn how to use the Sno-Isle Libraries catalog, and databases, as well learn about searching the Internet and setting up a free email account. Students come to the class for various reasons including: wanting an email account to connect with family and friends, learning how to use the Sno-Isle catalog and databases, and wanting to aquire skills to search online resources for employment. In 2009 about 50% of the participants in the class are seeking skills to search employment resources, which is an increase over past years.

Upcoming classes: Saturday October 17th 10am-11:30am and Saturday November 7th 10am-11:30am. Please register at the Information desk or call 360-794-7851. Hope to see you there!

Read Them Before You See Them!

2009-09-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

Recently, the titles of some brand new movies can be spotted on our library shelves, only they won’t be found in the DVD section! There have always been movies in Hollywood based off of books. From the well known Stephen King novels, to cult classics like Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, to children’s stories such as Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, book titles appear throughout the history of Hollywood. Lately it has become even more popular to use books for films. No longer are these films for children or devout followers, and it seems like almost every month a new one is being released.
By the end of the year we will see the release of a variety of novels for all ages. Children can enjoy the books Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs by Judi Barret and Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak coming to life on the screen. Teens can enjoy the first few books from Darren Shan’s creepy series Cirque Du Freak in the new movie The Vampire’s Assistant, and even adults get their day with the new drama The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and the return of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s well loved detective Sherlock Holmes.
All of these books can be found at your local library. So pick up a good book, and it just might by the next big box office hit!

The great value of craft programs.

2009-09-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

At one of our craft programs during this past year, we had a Spanish speaking father and son come. The son had a look of excitement and expectancy as he looked around the room at the various projects to do. As they went from table to table, the father would encourage his son to try each thing on his own. Whenever his son had a hard time doing something on his own, his dad would do a little bit to demonstrate how to do it. Then the little boy would try again. One example was when the craft required using scissors. The little boy was trying to cut out a circle, but he felt frustrated. His dad did a little bit, and then encouraged his son to try. They took turns like that several times, and I could see the little boy gaining confidence through each attempt. Later, the son was making greeting cards. At times the little boy needed help with spelling and asked his dad for help. When the dad didn’t know how to spell it, the dad would ask me. I found it so heart warming that he was willing to ask so that his son could write the words he wanted to say on the greeting cards. The little boy and his dad stayed longer than any of the other attendees. He worked so diligently on each project, and his dad helped him so patiently. As they were leaving the little boy asked for a bag to carry his works of art home, because it was raining. I apologized that I didn’t have any. The dad said that it was all right. He said he would carry them under his coat. He explained that they had walked to the library for the craft program, and that his son just loves to walk. It was just really a privilege to watch a parent work so patiently with his child, spend so much time waiting and not rush the child, and knowing the whole time that they would be walking home in the rain. It really gave me a new and greater view of the value of craft programs. I recently saw the little boy come into the library after school with his backpack, and I was reminded of his efforts and enthusiasm as he worked on his projects at the craft program. No doubt his experiences at that library program and others helped to prepare him for projects at school.

The Monroe library has just started a new series of preschool storytimes on Wednesdays at 10:30. After each preschool storytime, we have a craft table set up to offer preschoolers the same opportunities to create and learn like the little boy in the story above. If you have a preschooler, please come and check it out! Also, watch our calendars throughout the year for other free craft program opportunities.

Monroe Library is open again

2009-09-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Monroe Library was forced to close on Friday, September 4th because of unexpected building maintenance work. The maintenance was taken care of and we are once again open as normal. If you had any holds on the shelf that were supposed to be removed yesterday, they will remain here for you through the end of Saturday, September 5th. If you have any questions, you can contact Betsy Lewis at (360) 794-7851 x 4120 or at Blewis@sno-isle.org.

And the winners are....

2009-08-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last week Jeff Evans performed at Monroe to a record number of attendees. Laughs were had by all but Melany and Patrick were especially excited because they were the lucky winners of the free bikes generously donated by the Monroe/Sultan Masons.

Library Laser Tag

2009-08-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that right. We are having laser tag in the library this Friday night (August 21) from 8-10pm. All teenagers are invited. We'll have organized games, friendly staff, and perhaps best of all, running in the library. You know you've always wanted to.

Totally free of charge. No signups required. Funded by the Friends of the Monroe Library.

It will be less lame than this:

Great week for Monroe youth

2009-08-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Monroe Library has some amazing programs for youth this upcoming week. On Tuesday all school-age children are invited to come to the library for a magic show put on by black belt magician and "Creative Conjuror" Jeff Evans. Don't forget to complete the summer reading program so that you can be eligible to win one of the two bikes given away at this program as well. The show will happen at 2:00 in the meeting room.

If you are a teen, we have a really special program on Friday. You get to play laser tag in the library. I wish they offered me the chance to come play free laser tag in such a large building as the library when I was a teen. You don't even have to bring any equipment. Everything will be provided. This program will occur after hours on Friday at 8:00 pm and is only for teens. It is sure to be a fantastic time. Grab some of your friends and bring them out for this rare opportunity to play laser tag in your very own library.

All of the staff here at the Monroe Library look forward to seeing you at these programs. Don't miss out on such great opportunities.

Free Bikes.....

2009-08-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday August 18th we will have the drawing for the free bikes at the Creative Conjuring Magic show at 2:00. One lucky boy and girl, who have completed the Summer Reading program and attend the program, will ride home on a brand new Mongoose bike generously donated by the Monroe/Sultan Masons.

World Peas

2009-08-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

Guess who's invited to dinner?

"Cuisines of the Axis of Evil and Other Irritating States : a Dinner Party Approach to International Relations" by Chris Fair is just one of hundreds of interesting new books the Sno-Isle Library System has recently ordered.

Why not try a little dinner party diplomacy and serve up some world peas?

___________________

open a book

open your mind

at your local library

___________________

At least YOUR face isn't melting!

2009-07-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Monroe Library will be hosting an impromptu movie program Friday afternoon at 2:30 in our (air-conditioned) Meeting Room. If you are looking for a cool place to get out of the heat and relax for a couple hours please join us for a film that feaures humid jungles, sand-blasted deserts, and melting faces that should make you feel better about the heat wave gripping Western Washington.

Call or ask library staff for film title (though hopefully the melting faces gives it away).

Monroe Library is Officially A Cool Place to Be.

2009-07-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

we know this already, but the City of Monroe has designated us a heat relief center! Come out of the heat and come in to the library!

Trees, Herbs, Flowers, Birds, Beasts and Bugs in Oaxaca

2009-07-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading "A Zapotec Natural History" by Eugene S. Hunn. The author is professor emeritus in anthropology at the U.W. I checked out this book because of my interest in indigenous peoples of Central America. The author writes about the inhabitants of a village in the highlands of the Mexican state of Oaxaca and their incredible knowledge of the local environment.
Dr. Hunn involved children as young as five in his research, paying them a small amount to collect and identify for him as many specimens of plants as they could bring him. Although this wasn't the focus of his research, Hunn was struck by the "precocious" knowledge village children possessed of the natural world surrounding the village. They could name flowers and plants, know their use (one shrub is used to counter the effects of the 'evil eye'. Another protects against witches.

The children acquire their knowledge innately through play, for example. A flower with sticky properties is used in a game. Pine cones become sheep in a corral.

Children are very familiar with their family kitchen gardens, where flowers, fruits and vegetables for medicinal, ritual, and food uses grow.

As I think about library programming for young children, the children of San Juan come to mind. The children are not taught about the natural world systematically through formal instruction.

Acquiring environmental knowledge is akin to learning a first language, Hunn says.

Can the Zapotec languages, culture, and environmental knowledge survive in a global society?

Do YOU hulu?

2009-07-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Remember those old TV shows—before there were 500 channels?

Take your pick!

All in the Family
Twin Peaks
Mork & Mindy

The Monroe Library offers these and many other classic TV shows on DVD.
Just ask at our Information Desk and we’ll help you find a good one.
Unfortunately, the library doesn’t own every great show.
In that case, you might want to try

hulu

a website that lets you watch
individual episodes on your computer.
And the part we like best? IT'S FREE!

hulu has TV shows like

The Colbert Report,
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien

Or take a “staycation” with

National Geographic Travel Videos

How about your favorite

Saturday Night Live episodes, or
The Simpsons.

There’s even the latest

celebrity interviews and
full-length feature films.

So, as we say in the library world:
Check it out!
We bet you’ll be dancing for joy.

http://www.hulu.com/

Jobs at the Evergreen State Fair

2009-07-20T14:38:00.001-07:00

The Evergreen State Fair is hiring!

It’s almost like running away with the circus, except you get to go home at night. And the library can help!

Turn to us for help with your job search.
The Monroe Library offers:

> Books on writing successful resumes

> Online tools for resume writing

> Books with tips on interviewing for a job

> Info on getting a Food Handler Card in Snohomish County

Evergreen State Fair vendors are hiring for:
> Cooks
> Cashiers
> Servers
> Customer Service positions, and
> Helpers

Here’s the link with all the employment details:
http://www.evergreenfair.org/page11363.asp

Many of these positions require a Food Handler Card, so you may need to plan ahead. For Food Handler testing schedules & locations, check here:
http://www.snohd.org/snoEnvHealth/fle/foods/foodSafetyCls.htm

So let us know how the library can help

with your job search this summer!

Big Fun for Little Dough!

2009-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Anybody remember sock puppets? How about bingo, go fish, or jump-rope? These pastimes came to be in a time when money was scarce for many families. And they’re seeing a revival in this tough economy.

The Monroe Library currently has a display of books & movies on nostalgic toys & games like these. Remember toy trains on Christmas morning? Or when was the last time you flew a kite? Lots of ideas for lots of summer fun. BIG fun. For little dough.

Try a few of these:
The Kids Summer Games Book
Let’s Play: Traditional Games of Childhood
Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmakers Who Created Them

The Games We Played: the Golden Age of Board and Table Games

And, as we say in the library world: Check it out!

Lights, Camera, Action!!! at the Monroe Library

2009-07-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

Makeup artists, sound booms, cameras, and actors took over the Monroe Library on Sunday July 5 to film a scene from the feature film "Penny Candy." Check out pennycandythemovie.com.

Monroe summer reading heats up

2009-07-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you were in the library this past week you might have overheard a lot of "oohs" and "aahs" as our summer readers admired one of the bikes to be given away at our August 18th program, Creative Conjuring. Children ages 5-12 who have completed their summer reading goal and attend the program on the 18th will be eligible to win one of two bikes, one for a girl and the other for a boy.

The enthusiasm spilled over into our Spanish Language Storytime when I asked who would like to pose with the bike!

Antelopes and Cowboys

2009-07-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

I love southeastern Oregon, so different from the blue and green Pacific side of the mountains. I just finished reading William Kittredge's The Willow Field, the author's first novel, though he has spent a lifetime writing non-fiction since breaking away from his upbringing on a ranch near Lakeview.

This novel is the story of Rossie and Eliza Benasco's life together in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, and of how Rossie came of age as a buckaroo driving cattle in southeastern Oregon and Nevada. Rossie and Eliza marry in 1934, at age 19, when Eliza was pregnant with another man's child.

I like books with a strong sense of place, and Kittredge certainly knows this country, from Denio and Roaring Springs to Missoula and Hamilton, from the 1920's to the 90's, and all the sweep of the historic west.

Another book you might enjoy is the story of a ranch wife, Judy Blunt, whose autobiography Breaking Clean is the story of how she left that life and became a writer.

Both Kittredge and Blunt are Missoula-based authors.

Gang Forum - Short Notice

2009-06-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

There will be a forum held in the Monroe Library meeting room tonight (Tuesday June 23rd) from 6:30 till 8:00 to discuss the status of gangs in Snohomish County. Members of the law enforcement community will be on hand to give out information and help answer questions regarding the impact of gangs in Snohomish County. Especially in light of recent events, this forum will share information that is important for all of us to know. I hope everyone gets the chance to come out and hear this important information. People of all ages are welcome to attend.

Summer Reading Program. Don't forget to...

2009-06-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

…sign up for the Summer Reading Program at the Monroe Library!

Summer Reading Program sign-ups are underway at the Monroe Library. Children ages 5-12 can set their own reading goals for the summer. Reading logs are available to keep track of the progress being made toward each child’s individual goal.

All children who reach their goal will receive a free book! The first 150 goal finishers will also receive a free t-shirt! Information about even more fun, prizes, and programs are available when you come in to sign up! Come in today, sign up, and get on your way to claiming these great prizes!

When will I ever have to use Math?

2009-06-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

In my former career as a math teacher, I heard students asking one common question. "When am I gonna actually use this?" Many of us have the mistaken idea that math (at least how we learned it in school) is theoretical and doesn't apply to our everyday lives beyond balancing a checkbook or paying a mortgage.

I just finished reading a fascinating book that might just help us understand more about why math is becoming ever more important. Super Crunchers by Ian Ayres investigates and reveals how technology and specifically statistics is impacting our lives. With the increasing availability of huge amounts of data about all parts of our lives, statistics is showing up in everything we do. Casinos have been using it to figure out how much they can get out of their customers and keep them coming back for more. Online dating sites crunch huge amounts of data to try to match up "compatible" people. Baseball teams have started using statistical measurements to make better business decisions. Even grocery stores can start using data to help tailor their sales and marketing techniques.

This book raises very important issues regarding the changing world that we live in. Where is the boundary line between using personal expertise and relying on statistics? Can statistics really outperform people who have spent their life becoming experts in specific fields? Can all this information actually be harmful? What repercussions are there if we do not become statistically literate? What do we need to know in order to survive in such a data driven society?

The nice part of this book is that the amount of math you need to know to understand it is very minimal. For the most part, it is easily read without complex math knowledge. There are a few times where Ayres brings up some complicated theorems, but if you don't understand those, you will still be able to understand the concepts behind them. I strongly urge you to check out this book for a little more insight into just how important statistics and number crunching will be as we continue to advance technologically.

Download audiobooks, music, and videos

2009-06-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Stop by the libary to check out the Digital Bookmobile in our parking lot. This 74 foot long, 18 wheel tractor-trailer will be staffed by workers from Overdrive (the download service used by Sno-Isle) and by local library employees. You can learn how to use the Overdrive service to download audiobooks and play them on your computer, or even through your portable music device. Videos and music can also be downloaded legally to your computer using this service. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the service and to start tapping into this great resource. There is no charge for this service, so come out and find out how to get started.

The Digital Bookmobile will be in our parking log from 10 am - 5 pm on Friday June 5, and Saturday June 6. If you would like to browse some of the titles that are available check out www.sno-isle.org/overdrive

Get Ready for Teen Summer Reading!

2009-05-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Teens are invited to participate in the Express Yourself Summer Reading program at the Monroe Library.

Like last year you'll have a chance to win prizes for the books you read and review this summer. For every 5 books you read and review online you'll win a gift card to Fred Meyer, McDonalds, or Starbucks. Also there will be weekly drawings for USB lanyards and a Grand Prize drawing for a laptop at the end of the summer. The more reviews you submit, the better your chances to win! The online review form can be found in the Teen section of the Sno-Isle website. You are free to start reviewing on June 8th.

http://www.sno-isle.org/cr/teensummerreading/?ID=entryform

We'll also be doing some fun things at the library all summer long. We will have Teen Gaming every other week on Wednesday afternoons. In June we will be visited by one of Seattle's premeire DJ's to talk about the business and creative aspects of DJing. In July you can express yourself at an open mic night at the library. And in August we'll be playing Lazer Tag after hours in the library. Check the Teen section (or ask Bookz) for dates and times.

http://host5.evanced.info/sno_isle/evanced/eventcalendar.asp?et=Teen+Program&lib=14&dt=dr&ds=2009-6-1&de=2009-12-31

You can sign up for events at the website, but you don't have to sign up at the library to take part in the program. Have a great summer and good luck!

Kate leaves the Monroe library....

2009-05-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

for her annual Monroe School District tour. Students will soon be learning about this year's Summer Reading program at assemblies and class visits in the elementary schools. Then, as of June 8th, children ages 5-12 can come into the library to sign up.

Google Earth

2009-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out some of our new features on the public computers you may have been missing out. For instance, we have now added Google Earth to each computer. With Google Earth, you can view satellite images of all different places around the world. You can pull up images of your own home, a possible vacation spot, or even your favorite place to go on a weeknight, which we all know is your local Monroe Library of course!

It also allows you to see some really cool sights by using a 3D model of some locations. It won't create a 3D rendering of your own house, but try going to some scenic places with large elevation changes like Mount Ranier.

For those people who get really into this, you might even be able to submit your own scenic photos for inclusion in the program using the site http://www.panoramio.com/ which is also owned by Google. So give it a shot the next time you are in the library and find out what amazing things you can discover. Let us know if you find something really fascinating. We would love to see it as well.

(all photos came directly from Google Earth)

Big Read Film Program: Brick

2009-05-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

As part of the Big Read the Monroe Library will be showing the movie Brick on May 21st at 7pm.

Much like The Maltese Falcon, Brick is a noir-ish detective story set in California. The twist is that Brick is set in a high school and all of its characters are teens or young adults. It tells the story of Brendan, a loner whose desperate ex-girlfriend calls him when she gets in trouble. After she disappears Brendan begins looking into her life and cirrcle of friends to get to the bottom of what has happened to her and who is responsible.

Rian Johnson made the film, his first, after being influenced by the works of Dashiell Hammett and tapped a young cast of up-and-coming actors including Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Stop-Loss) and Emile de Ravin (Lost). The film was nominated for a number of awards including an Independent Spirit Award and won at Sundance for Originality of Vision. All adults and teens are invited to join us for our showing of this remarkable film and a discussion to follow.

The Big Read

2009-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Monroe Library is pleased to participate in the Big Read program going on throughout Snohomish and Island counties. The book we are reading is the noir classic The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett.

The Monroe Library will host a book discussion for the novel on Wednesday, May 5th at 7pm.

In addition we will be hosting a film program on Thursday May 21st at 7pm. We will be showing the movie, Brick. The film is neo-noir detective story set in a California high school. Discussion of the film will follow and both adults and teens are welcome to attend.

Snake at the Library!!!

2009-04-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today we had a patron bring his pet snake Slipknot to the library. We couldn't resist the temptation to take a few pictures and enjoy the moment.

Here is Slipknot being modeled by Jesse Cummins

Even our branch manager Betsy Lewis got into the action as Tyler Murphy holds Slipknot.

Fiesta at the Library

2009-04-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

This year we will be celebrating Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros: Children's Day/Book Day with a live Mariachi band! The event will take place this Saturday at 2:00 and will include games, prizes, activities and snacks. I am very hopeful that we will have some couragous attendees willing to dance. Hmmmm....perhaps I'll bring my dancing shoes.

Joe Raiola - Joy of Censorship

2009-04-21T14:09:00.001-07:00

Sno-Isle Libraries brought Joe Raiola, Senior Editor of MAD Magazine, to Monroe on April 16 for a multimedia show, "The Joy of Censorship". Joe toured the Northwest in April and he says, "From Salem to Monroe not one librarian has told me to tone it down. This is very liberating for me --and for the audience. It's like people are rooting for me to address the issues that are relevant to them."

National Holocaust Day Remembered

2009-04-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Sacks, British Chief Rabbi stated, "What we remember, we can guard against." Books are on display at Monroe to do just that for National Holocaust Day. Anecdotal accounts of genocide survivors are ready to check out.

2009-04-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Week:

Monroe Library staff would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers for all the work they do here. Volunteers have helped us with pulling the books for patron placed holds, do opening procedures, place items alphabetically on the hold shelves, look for books that are missing, help with programs, tech teens help teach the beginning catalog & internet classes, wash toys after each children's program, wash books for us and the bookmobile, wash the headphones, and much more! We really appreciate everything you all do!

(Mardi Olsen, Volunteer)

If you are interested in volunteering we have openings for Monday & Thursday mornings 9am helping pull the books for holds, opening procedures, & filing holds. Monday, Tuesday & Thursdays for 3pm & 6pm pulling items for holds.

Please contact Carolyn Morris at 360-794-7851 or visit the Information desk for a volunteer packet.