Meet Ana
We are thrilled to welcome Ana as a new full-time employee at the Mebane Public Library. Mebanites might already recognize her from her time as a part-time employee, but we are honored to have her become full-time and see the additional creative flair she’ll bring to the library.
How long have you worked with the County?
About two years.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Mexico and I grew up in Graham, NC.
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about movies.
Do you have a hobby?
I don’t have any hobbies, but I do like traveling, going to new cafes, and visiting the dog park.
When you were little, what was your dream job?
I wanted to be a singer growing up.
What was the best part of your week/weekend?
The best part about the weekend is taking my dog to the park and letting her lay in the grass for hours.
If your life was a song, what would the title be?
It would be Set Fire to the Rain by Adele since that is the only song I know the lyrics to.
Are you involved in any community projects or organizations?
Not at the moment, but I am interested in joining a park clean-up.
What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
This isn’t weird but I have tried seaweed and it tastes very fishy.
What’s your favorite TV Show?
Probably Gilmore Girls because of the fall vibes which is my favorite season.
What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
A matcha latte and a sweet treat.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
I recently learned how to make buttons.
Back to School
Back to School
If you have kids heading back to school this month, you know it can be a time of anxiety and excitement. This collection of books will help your student get through those back-to-school jitters!
Back to School by Wanda E. Brunstetter – Brunstetter is a popular Amish romance writer who also writes an adorable series of books for elementary school readers! In this book, Rachel is happy to be back in school, but not so happy that Orlie is there, making her life miserable. Kids will see themselves in Rachel as she tries to get along with a classmate that is just, well, ornery!
Back to School, Backpack! by Simon Rich – Going back to school is exciting, but it also can make you anxious. Backpack isn’t sure he’s ready for the crowded halls, scary bathrooms, and lonely cafeteria tables at school. Kids will identify with Backpack as he names some of the fears they have about school. This would be a great conversation-starter with your young child about their fears!
Back to School is Cool! by Jim Jenkins – This is an easy reader, so young readers will feel accomplished when they read this book to themselves. Pinky Dinky Doo’s little brother is nervous about school starting, so Pinky tells him about her worst hair day ever, which happened to be on picture day. Pinky’s reassuring words will help kids feel more comfortable about starting school.
Louise the Big Cheese and the Back-to-School Smarty-Pants by Elise Primavera – Louise wants to be the best this year, and make straight As. But she has the hardest, toughest teacher ever. Will that end her dreams to make the grade? This illustrated chapter book will delight students, whether they are overachievers like Louise or not!
Tiny Goes Back to School by Cari Meister – This Level 1 easy reader uses simple wording to tell a compelling story. Tiny the dog is having trouble obeying commands, like sit and come. Tiny’s family decides to send him back to school, but will Tiny ever learn? Kids who struggle with certain skills will identify with Tiny and be motivated to keep trying!
Llama Llama Back to School by Anna Dewdney – Llama Llama isn’t ready for summer to end – he’s loved backyard camping and picnics and time to play with his friends. He’s nervous about school starting again, but with the help of his momma and his friends, maybe it will be alright. This beloved character will make young kids feel understood if they’re nervous about school, too.
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.
Summer Listening – The Glass Library
Sometimes in the summer, you need a great book to listen to on the way to a great vacation spot, or while you’re working. I’ve been enjoying one bookish, magical series that is available through Hoopla!
The Glass Library Series by C.J. Archer
The Glass Library series is the textbook definition of a glacially-slow-burn romance, while also ticking the fantasy, mystery and historical fiction boxes.
The Librarian of Crooked Lane is the first book in the series. Sylvia Ashe is now without family in the world (at least, family she knows of). Her mother never discussed her father, and now that she and Sylvia’s brother are both deceased, she is curious. Her brother left a diary that mentions silver magic and the name India Glass. She never thought that they were descended from magicians; after all, she’s just an ordinary woman!
Gabriel Glass survived the Great War without a scratch, despite being on the front lines for the entire war. He is artless (without magic), even though his mother India is a famous watchmaking magician. When he saves someone in a boating accident, staying underwater much longer than they ought he should be able to, he can’t escape the reporters digging into his life. He denies he has magic, but many people don’t believe him.
Sylvia chases down Gabe at an opening gala for the Royal Academy Art Show in London, posing as a waitress to approach him. She hopes that she can talk to his mother and find out why her brother James had her name in his diary. Of course, his parents have just left for a trip to America, and her asking him gets her thrown out of the party and fired summarily. Gabe is at first unwilling to help her, but as she and her best friend Daisy leave the party, someone tries to kidnap Gabe. His best friend Alex, whose father works for Scotland Yard, and Gabe’s cousin Willie (a smart-talking cowgirl from the United States) act as his bodyguards and foil the plan (although Sylvia’s well-placed kick might have helped as well).
Gabriel comes to the library where Sylvia works, and accidentally gets her fired. He enlists her help in finding out who stole a painting from the Royal Academy, and promises to help her research her heritage and find out if she has a magical ancestor. He also gets her a job in the Glass Library, a library of texts about magic that his family has contributed to heavily.
There is much to enjoy with this series of books. In each book, there is a mystery to solve, as well as the overarching mystery of who are Sylvia’s family, and does she have magic? It is fascinating to see the world of the 1920s in England, when roads had both horse and carriages and motorcars, single working people still lived in boarding houses, and the aristocracy still held an enormous sway on society and life.
If you love magic, these books show a different, perhaps more realistic view of magical use. Magicians have just one specialty, and often just one spell. Paper magicians own paper factories, and know a spell that makes paper stronger. Ink magicians enchant ink to make it last a long time and stay sharp and legible. It is very different from most magic systems where magicians can do multiple spells in multiple disciplines.
And if you’re looking for a very (very, very, very) slow-burn romance, you’re going to love this series. Gabriel and Sylvia get closer and closer as the series continues, but never admit their feelings to each other. Their best friends Daisy and Alex also flirt and bicker, but never (at least not yet!) act on their feelings. I will admit to yelling at the audiobook in my car, “just KISS already!” But the tension between them is truly enjoyable and I know that when they do kiss, it will be worth it.
Book five, Secrets of the Lost Ledgers, comes out this September. Until then, use Hoopla to catch up on the story!
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.
Introducing Fiero Code!
The Alamance County Public Libraries is proud to now offer Fiero Code as a free resource available to our patrons. Through this unique electronic resource, library patrons can use their library cards to learn to code, a tool that not only entertains but will provide a valuable life skill throughout their lives.
With positions in the Information Technology focus becoming one of the most in-demand and lucrative fields, learning to code with easy to follow video and written tutorials from Fiero Code will provide the foundation for meeting requirements for entry-level information technology positions.
Use your library card today to explore a new interest, discover a talent, and create opportunity for your future. Explore today!
Unlock levels to upgrade your robot while you learn how to design and code for video games, websites, animation, and/or programs. Everything is at your own pace with no age restrictions but basic computers skills are required i.e., manipulating a mouse and keyboard, navigating through a website, and watching instructional videos. No previous knowledge is necessary, just an interest in learning and the willingness to follow the instructions. Have fun!
If you’re interested in taking some of your skills to another level, keep your eye out for programs in our Discovery Lab at the North Park Library. Opportunities to utilize some of the hands-on equipment – Dash and Dot robots, Makey Makey STEM packs, Code-a-Pillar, Tinkercad, and more can help you as well.
The Four Agreements
Miguel Ángel Ruiz Macías, better known as don Miguel Ruiz, is a Mexican author. The most popular of his works “The Four Agreements, has been translated in 52 languages. A phenomenally written book, describing the source of self-limiting beliefs that humans make with themselves that causes their own needless suffering and robs us of joy. Based on ancient Toltec Wisdom, The Four Agreements offer new simple life goals that can radically and rapidly transform our lives. Short read, easy to follow along this book would be perfect for many ages and many stages. From the young adult just piecing the puzzles together to the grandparents reflecting on the legacy they are leaving behind. The Four Agreements is a must read for anyone committed to living life fully!!
These agreements can be found in various places (sometimes worded in different ways) from religious scriptures to universal laws.
- Be Impeccable with Your Word: Move with integrity; Say only what you mean.
- Don’t Take Things Personally: This agreement is a superpower. What others say & do is a projection of their own reality.
- Don’t Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really what.
- Always Do Your Best: Though your best will change at different times, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgement self-abuse and regret
My favorite thing is that the agreements will put the responsibility back on us (the individual) accountability is at the forefront and that I appreciate.
Nicole Givens is the Children’s Programming Coordinator for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at ngivens@alamancelibraries.org.
Steamy Reads for the Summer
When the temperature rises, so does our love of a good steamy romance! Here are some perfect choices for summer reads at the pool or on vacation.
At first spite : a Harlot’s Bay novel by Dade, Olivia – Athena is living in Spite House, which is an apt name for our 10-foot wide house attached to her ex Johnny’s house on one side, and just four feet away from her ex’s older brother on the other side! She wants to hate Johnny’s older brother Matthew, but he’s helpful, and listens to her, and he’s very sexy, even if he did convince Johnny to leave her.
Birding with benefits by Dubb, Sarah T. – The year of “yes” leads Celeste to agree to partner with John for a birding event (never mind that she knows nothing about birding). But several days in the Arizona wilderness with a patient teacher, who she realizes she is very attracted to, leads to them upgrading their relationship to “birders with benefits.” But when the event is over, will he fly away?
Triple sec : a novel by Alexander, T. J. – Mel is a bartender at an Instagram-worthy spot, and sees the good and the bad (mostly the bad) of dating every day. When Bebe and Kade walk into the bar, she’s intrigued by Bebe. Bebe and Kade have an open relationship, so Mel overcomes her hesitations and agrees to go on a date with Bebe. But she also feels chemistry and connection with Kade. Can they make a polyamorous relationship work?
Blood on the tide by Robert, Katee – Romantasy hits the high seas with Blood on the Tide. Lizzie is a vampire who is on the rampage, trying to get her family’s heirlooms back from the vicious Cŵn Annwn. She rescues a selkie named Maeve, who can help her get through the Threshold. Maeve forms an uneasy partnership with Lizzie to get her skin back, but she can’t help falling in love with the vampire’s bites.
That time I got drunk and saved a demon by Lemming, Kimberly – Cinnamon wants to live a quiet life, but that’s not to be, after she saves Fallon, a demon. Fallon is determined to kill the evil witch who is enslaving his people, and he’s dragging Cinnamon along for the ride.
The prospects : a novel by Hoffman, KT – Gene is the first openly transgender professional baseball player. When his former teammate/rival Luis is traded to his minor league team, their chemistry on and off the field is horrible (at first). But spending all that time together on the field and on the bus leads to tension and electric glances between them. Can they make their major league dreams come true?
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.
Discovery Lab at North Park Library
North Park Library is creating a new space for the community called Discovery Lab, a makerspace to ignite the imagination, give access to specialized equipment, and help build a community of idea makers. A makerspace is a place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. We are taking that to the next level, where participants will learn new skills through programs and classes all at no cost. The lab will go from a No Tech area for our smallest patrons to start their journey of discovery to hands on areas of arts, crafts, fiber technology, engineering, woodshop, digital media, robotics, gaming, and 3D design.
The No Tech area will hold a Lego® building wall, a magnetic wall, ramp construction sets, Lincoln logs, and MagFormers Tileblox for early imaginative learning. The special purchase of a wind tunnel where even toddlers will be able to see and connect the concept of force. This area will be a space for the youngest makers to explore STEAM through storytime programs and then independent play with the subject matter.
The space will progress to simple craft supplies, such as markers, construction paper, playdough, glue, and scissors. Also offering art supplies such as paints, canvas, and all the tools needed to create a work of art. We will host programs like Artist in Me where we will showcase books about artist and then recreate a work of art or host an artist to come in and teach their craft to older participants.
The next area of Discovery Lab will hold Fiber Arts to showcase one of the counties longest industries textiles. From crochet, quilting, and simple sewing to sewing machines. We will also teach dying techniques, and design. We will have Circuit cutters and vinyl press to create more appeal or products for the budding learners. Programming will be across all these fields and will also give cosplay tutorials for the more adventurous crafters.
Advance to the engineering area where we will hold a lot of cardboard and wood. We will have Makedo SCRU sets for designing structures for the younger participants for cardboard construction and some basic kits like Keva Planks, erector sets, and simple machine kits. With these kits we will host programs from bridge building to ship construction, pine wood derby to rocket design. For older participants we will have basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, measuring tapes, to electric tools like drills and sanders. We will have programs where participants can learn how to build simple structures like bird houses or bat boxes. To How-to programs hosted by construction professionals to teach people how to fix or design simple household items.
Digital Media is a big thing now and we want help interested patrons learn how to use and create content. This area will need computers and computer software like Power Director, Abode Premier, or VideoPad, headphones, and microphones for how-to programs from using your phone or computer to create, edit, and upload digital content. Photography tutorials where patrons using their own equipment can learn how to get the best images through the teaching of a professional photographer. The patron will also be able to create original music with an Akai professional lpk25 keyboard and the LPK25 Editor software. We will also be able to create content for the library with these technologies.
Electronics and Robotic is a hot job for the millennial generation with game systems becoming more advanced and robotics being integrated into many industries. We will give even the youngest participants the ability to learn how to code and create with Dash and Dot robots and Code-a-pillar. The middle grade and up can learn how to create their own circuit boards and games with the Makey Makey STEM pack and Tinkercad software, engaging them with plenty of hands-on circuitry projects to help them boost their creativity skills. We will host programs from paper circuits and conductivity labs to robotic creations. We will also have game consoles for game nights and VR headset for experiencing the newest form of gaming.
Finally, we will have our 3D design area that will use the same computers from other areas of Discovery Lab to design and create 3D creations. Using Tinkercad software and our Flashforge 3D printers we will teach the basics of dimensional designing. We will also host more advance nights where makers from the area will be able to come together to work on projects and problem solve issues they are having with their design concepts. The younger designers will be able to experience insta ready designs with our 3D Doodle pens.
In conclusion, our Discovery Lab will be a benefit to our community through teaching basic problem-solving skills through creative programs, facilitating ideas, innovation and encouraging patrons to think outside the box. By offering these collaborative programs, we are creating learning experiences that will help patrons connect concepts they have learned in our programs to real-world applications and build perseverance, “failure is a lesson not an end” to inspires further investigation and learning.
Stay Out of the Heat!
When the temperatures are high, stay inside and read books about summer with your little ones! We recommend visiting the library as well, and enjoying our air conditioned children’s areas.
Summer by Wenxuan Cao – Teach your children about kindness and sharing with this delightful picture book! Each animal wants to have the small sliver of shade for themselves. However, after fighting, they realize that they can give each other shade if they work together!
Sari-sari summers by Bontigao, Lynnor – Nora loves her grandmother’s sari shop so much! When the temperatures soar, and no one is coming to the store, she takes matters into her own hands. She gets ripe mangoes from the tree outside and makes refreshing mango ices to share with their customers.
Hot city by Joosse, Barbara M. – Where do you go when the buses are expelling dragon fire, and your snow cone melts immediately? The library! We can’t argue with this book’s logic, as Mimi and Joe escape the heat at their local library and let their imaginations run free.
Think cool thoughts by Perry, Elizabeth – The hottest day of the year has Angel’s family feeling down. They decide to sleep on the roof that night, leading to an extraordinary night for Angel (and the relief of a rain shower the next morning).
Hot dog by Salati, Doug – It’s just too hot in the city, and this dog has had enough! He plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, and his owner picks him up. They travel by taxi, train and ferry to reach the beach, where they find cool water, stiff breezes, and all the room in the world to run!
Mary Beth Adams is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries. You can reach her at madams@alamancelibraries.org.