Tualatin Public Library Blog

Stay Tuned….

tualatinlibrary — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:07:39 +0000

The Tualatin Library Blog is on “hold” pending a review of public records policy. Once the policy is in place, we will resume posting news and other fun library events and information. In the meantime, you can stay in touch with happenings at our local library by checking out the library’s page through the City of Tualatin’s website HERE.

Fall into a book!

tualatinlibrary — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:38:04 +0000

There are many opportunities to get lost in a book, especially now that the weather is turning cooler (and eventually, wetter). For Adults, there is the monthly book discussion group (click here for the schedule). Anyone can attend the discussion groups at any time. For the October 7th meeting at 7 pm, the discussion will be on That Old Cape Magic by Robert Russo. For Kids, be sure to check out the “Read to Christopher the Dog” opportunity on Thursday, October 1st. Kids can practice reading with this gentle listener, just sign-up for your own 20 minute session here. Don’t forget the weekly storytimes for Babies thru Preschoolers (click here for the calendar of events).

Broadway Tails a Great Tale

tualatinlibrary — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:23:56 +0000

Broadway Tails by William (Bill) Berloni (792.028): Click here to reserve/hold.

As a 19-year-old in 1976, Bill Berloni was living his theater dream. A theater major, Berloni was spending his second summer in a row working for a small regional theater where many future Broadway shows got their start. One day he was given an impossible assignment: find and train a dog for an upcoming show without spending any money. Like any good trouper in the theater he got busy and in a very short time trained the dog who would eventually go on to play Sandy in Annie. Berloni had found his calling and spent the next 30 years training every conceivable animal for some of Broadway’s greatest achievements and not a few flops. Broadway Tails tells his thoroughly enjoyable story from his first dog pound visit to the present in a manner that can only be called heart warming. Any person interested in animals, especially rescue animals where Berloni gets nearly all of his actors, will love this book. Those interested in the backstage aspects of Broadway productions will also enjoy the behind-the-scenes look he gives us. Though written for an adult audience, I read large parts of it to my pet-obsessed ten-year-old daughter, who demanded frequent rereadings of the best parts.–Chris

Children’s Books and Songs CDs by John Lithgow

tualatinlibrary — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:30:08 +0000

Grown-ups remember John Lithgow from movies like Footloose, Harry and the Hendersons and the television show 3rd Rock from the Sun. But kids know him as a children’s book author and a fine one. His latest, I Got Two Dogs is about two very different but special dogs and an owner who loves them dearly. The story reads much like a song and includes a CD so that you can listen to the tune.

Other books by Lithgow include, I’m A Manatee,

and Marsupial Sue Presents The Runaway Pancake

Most of Lithgow’s books include a CD to listen to the author tell the story or hear the tune that goes with the story.

He also has several music CDs that are absolutely delightful. One of my favorites is Singin’ In The Bathtub

Request a few of John Lithgow’s titles for kids through www.wccls.org today!–Jaime

Commons Kick-Off a Great Time

tualatinlibrary — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:21:44 +0000

We had almost 100 people at last week’s (June 16th) event, even though school wasn’t out yet. There was dancing, laughter and lots of joy on the Commons with Rich Glauber’s Music in Action. Last night, June 23rd, 190 people enjoyed corny jokes, magic and balloon tricks with Jay Frasier. Everyone had a great time. Be sure to join us next Tuesday night, June 30th at 7pm at the Commons with music from “Recess Monkey”. We’ve had wonderful weather each time, and the Tuesday nights are sure to get even bigger and better as the summer continues.–Abigail

Audiobook Recommendation

tualatinlibrary — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:43:01 +0000

Are you going on a long trip this summer? Audiobooks are a great diversion when you’re stuck in a car for hours. The Lightning Thief: book 1 of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan might be a great choice for you and your kids, 8 and older on that next road trip.

Strange things are going on all around Percy Jackson. He’s a great kid, but he’s always in trouble at school. When he learns he is a demigod, the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, his mother sends him to a summer camp for demigods where he and his new friends set out on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

This is a fast-pace, suspenseful story that will make you wish the car trip were longer.

Book Review: Southern Storm: Sherman’s March to the Sea

tualatinlibrary — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:33:06 +0000

If you enjoy Civil War history, you may want to check out a new book by Noah Andre Trudeau. Trudeau continues his series of Civil War histories with Southern Storm: Sherman’s March to the Sea which details General William Sherman’s campaign from after the fall of Atlanta in September, 1864 to the fall of Savannah the following December. It is a day by day account, told from both military and civilian perspectives.
As in Trudeau’s other books, the level of detail the author includes is staggering. This level of detail is great if you want to really drill down into the subject, though a more general reader may be overwhelmed by such completism.
Since Sherman’s March was such a success for Union forces, it’s hard to think that anyone ever thought the plan would not work. Trudeau is very good at showing us the uncertainty Sherman had in launching his march and the criticism leveled at him by others in the early part of the campaign. As with many popular history books, I wish there were more and better maps, but this is a minor criticism of an excellent addition to Tualatin’s History section.—Chris

Volunteer at the Library

tualatinlibrary — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:10:11 +0000

Did you know that the Tualatin Library counts on the help of volunteers (140-180 per month) who put in thousands of hours of time to help check in books and media, shelve items, repair items, assist with special events, such as Summer Reading sign-ups (going on now) and many others important needs? It’s true. Take for example Molly Burns, she volunteers at the Library as well as for the Tualatin Historical Society. Molly puts together the Historical Society Display (located across from the DVD section) which currently features a look back at Tualatin’s old schools. Molly’s favorite book as a child was Hitty–Her First 100 Years which she read as a 4th grader. She has loved reading ever since.

You can inspire a young reader by volunteering for Tualatin Public Library’s Summer Reading Club. This great program has two-hour shifts available from June 1 through June 21. Volunteers will assist children and youth sign up for the Summer Reading Club. This great opportunity is ideal for teens and adults. The two-hour shifts are available during library hours, you can sign up for one or multiple shifts. For more information call 503.691.3070 or visit the city’s website here.

What’s New this Week

tualatinlibrary — Thu, 28 May 2009 22:01:56 +0000

Every day we have new items! Some of these might be very popular, so it may be necesary to place an item on hold. Don’t forget to sign up for our Summer Reading Program (see older post below)! Here are just a few of the items new this week:

For Kids: Books–We have at least eleven (11) new Eyewitness Books! These are fun and informative books for kids to explore the world. Some new titles include; Volcanoes and Earthquakes, Soccer, Ancient Egypt, Castle, and Sharks. All include bonus CDs. DVDs–We have many new dvds for kids, including how to cook snacks and lunches–perfect for summer! CDs (Music)–Soundtrack from Madagascar Escape 2 Africa and Walt Disney Presents La Vida Mickey.

For Teens: Check out Uncool: A Girls Guide to Misfitting In by Erin Elisabeth Conley, or Eminem–The Way I Am–includes CD. For some great summer reading ideas, check out the Oyan Book Rave at http://www.thebestlibrary.org/joomla/content/view/359/362/

For Adults: Books–We have The Return of Depression Economics by Paul Krugman, and Charles and Emma: The Darwins Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman. DVDs–we have some great excercise videos, the TV series America’s Test Kitchen (seasons 6-8), and a History of Britain–the Complete Series from the BBC. Audio Books–Letter to My Daughter by Maya Angelou, and Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintencance by Mark Richardson.

Summer Reading at the Tualatin Library

tualatinlibrary — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:11:55 +0000

The Summer Reading Club promotes the joy of reading for all ages. We have reading clubs and programs for babies, children, teens and adults!

Babies and Young Children All year long we have programs for children up to 6 years of age. This summer from June 18-August 13, we have Storytimes for Families, Thursdays at 10:00am and 11:00am in the Library Community Room. Our active storytimes are packed with books, puppetry, music and more!
Kids Summer Reading signups begin June 1^st at the library, and kids ages 0-12 years receive a free book when they sign up!

Join us for free Summer Reading Family Nights on the Tualatin Lake Commons for the whole family every Tuesday at 7:00 pm, starting June 16 through August 11. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and we provide the entertainment. For our first event we present Rich Glauber’s Music In Action! Tuesday, June 16, 7:00 pm. Join Rich and experience his high-energy, interactive mix of songs, movement and comedy, using guitar, accordion, voice and some props (scarves, percussion, etc.) The focus is on building community spirit and fun through music. Rich performs in both Spanish and English. See the full schedule of events at www.tualatinlibrary.org.

Teens Teen Summer Reading 2009 Express Yourself @ Tualatin Library! June 1-August 31 Open to teens entering 6^th grade and up.

Kick-off event: Teen Extravaganza! Friday, June 19th, 2-3:30pm at Tualatin Community Park–What’s happening this summer? Come to the Teen Extravaganza and find out. Carnival games, food and fun.

For each book you read, enter the title and a 1-2 sentence description, along with your name, phone, and email either online at www.tualatin.library.org or in person at the library. Weekly winners will be drawn at random. You can enter one time per day. Prizes include books, gift cards, and other random stuff.

Adults Tualatin Public Library’s 2009 Summer Reading for Adults. For every book you read, you can enter our drawing for a chance to win gift cards, free movie tickets, and more! All entries will be eligible for the Grand Prize. Open to Tualatin residents ages 18+. Drawing slips are available in the library, beginning June 1, or submit your entries online at www.tualatinlibrary.org. At the end of summer we will draw from all entries for one grand prize winner. The grand prize this year is a gift certificate for two adults to stay two nights at Kah-nee-ta High Desert Resort in Warm Springs, Oregon!

Adult Summer Reading Kick-Off Event–Sunday, June 21, 2:00-4:00 pm at the library. All ages welcome. We kick off the summer with free live music by the Oregon Beetles, food, and crafts at this fun afternoon event.