Kids

Have you ever finished reading a book and still had questions about something in it? Maybe the story took place in a country you've never visited. Perhaps the main character loved a sport you've never played. Or maybe the book introduced you to something completely amazing, and you're dying to learn more. It happens to readers all the time. And Karen, the Kid Zone's nonfiction librarian, answers Hoover's thirst for knowledge with her newest line of displays connecting popular fiction books to their Dewey Decimal numbered tie-ins in the nonfiction section. The displays always feature four books. The current titles are:

Have you ever been in a huge crowd, looking for a friend or family member? You know what they're wearing, so you think they'll be easy to spot. But you just can't find them? Well, did you know that there is a series of books that has been turning this kind of situation into a super-fun challenge for 25 years? That's right, people. Where's Waldo? is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012. Waldo first appeared in a book in 1987. Since then, he's shown up in tons of unlikely places, surrounded by interesting objects and Waldo Watchers (those other people who insist on wearing red-and-white stripes to confuse us). Creator Martin Handford says, "I can't tell you how pleased I am that Waldo has taken on a life of his own.

We're trying something new this fall. It's called Library Skills 101, and it's geared for the many homeschool families who use the Hoover Public Library. Students in grades 3-8 (and their parents) are invited to come to the Kid Zone on Friday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. They'll learn the ins and outs of our very large library by embarking on a fun scavenger hunt. There will also be a session on navigating our online catalog. Since the catalog covers all departments in forty libraries across Jefferson County, this can be a challenge even to the most tech savvy individual.

If you haven't discovered TeleTale yet, you've been missing out. Big time. Call 444-7838 to hear one of your favorite librarians read a new story to you every week. Listen to old favorites and new releases. It's the perfect way to pass the time when you're in line, settling down for a nap, or just looking for a laugh.

Lots of attention has been focused on the Red Planet ever since NASA's rover Curiosity completed its 354 million mile journey to Mars. You can get the latest news on this historic mission at NASA's Mars Science Laboratory website. But you can get tons of great background information in the Hoover Public Library's Kid Zone. Satisfy your curiosity with one of these ten titles about our planetary neighbor.

School is starting a little later this year, which means local kids will be looking for stuff to do. The Hoover Public Library has to take a break from programming in order to get ready for a fall chock-full of fun, but you can still count on us to keep you entertained.

A.B.C. = August Blog Challenge will give you a new puzzle to solve each week. All of them are book-based and will require a little sleuthing. Our first one is called Nonfiction ABC, Easy as 123. Match the Dewey Decimal Number listed with the correct subject. Clue: the subject starts with the letter before the number. When you're finished, check your answers by clicking on the blue. Good luck!

London 2012 Olympics
July 27 - August 12, 2012

The theme for the upcoming Olympic Games is Inspire a Generation. Great books have the power to inspire, so I've put together an in-no-way-all-encompassing list of amazing children's fiction and nonfiction titles about the Olympics. And a few books about London, too. Let the inspiration flow.

Our favorite animal "dude" is back at the Hoover Public Library.  Safari Greg combines the skills of a master magician, the humor of a comedian, and the knowledge of a wildlife biologist in an animal show full of fun and surprises.  Check out his Facebook page for a sneak peek.

Safari Greg
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

These are popular shows and are always crowded.  Please give yourselves ample time to get to the library, find a parking spot, and find your seat.  Doors open 30 minutes before the show begins.

Don't let the mustache fool you! That is Lee Bryan. You may know him as That Puppet Guy. He's an Atlanta-based puppeteer who's bringing the Fee-Fi-Fo-FUN to our Library Theatre this summer.

The Giant, the Beanstalk & Jack
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012
10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

The Hoover Public Library will be closed this Wednesday, July 4, 2012 in celebration of Independence Day. That means there will be just three opportunities to see Walkabout Puppets present Mr. Blister's Toy Circus in The Library Theatre -- Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.

Fun and laughter are the order of the day when Mr. Blister's Toy Circus comes to town! See the incredible performing toys go through their paces -- Madame MooMoo (queen of the unicycle), Steenko the Strongman and more! This production is presented in a European puppetry style where the puppeteer is in full view and participates in the action as an actor.

It's Week 3 in our Dream BIG 4 Real series. Here are just a few of the amazing books we have about Camping Out. Add them to your summer reading list today!

1. The Boys' Book of Survival: How to Survive Anything, Anywhere by Guy Campbell
J 796.54 CAM

2. Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide, From the Backyard to the Backwoods by Lynn Brunelle
J 796.54 BRU

Dream BIG 4 Real is a weekly list of amazing informational books that tie in to our Summer Reading theme, Dream Big READ. Don't forget to include nonfiction books in your summer reading log. Now, let's get this reading party started with books about Following Your Dreams!

1. Ballerina Dreams: A True Story by Lauren Thompson
J 618.92 THO

2. The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley
JB HAW