Katiem's blog

Do you know what MDBC stands for? Mother-Daughter Book Club. No, it's not a new program here at the library. It's a great book series for ten to fourteen-year-old girls. What makes it great? Two things --

1. Four very different middle schoolers are forced to join a book club. With their mothers. The horror! But instead of disaster, unlikely and unexpected friendships are forged.

2. Each book in the series is tied to a classic piece of literature. And, amazingly, the storylines in those books are still relevant to these modern girls' lives.

I am a bit obsessed with words. I routinely throw interesting words into my conversation, without missing a beat. My entire family teases me about it. My coworkers do too. But, really, why say "note" when you can say "missive"? I can't help it. I'm a reader. Luckily, I have a friend equally fascinated by word choice. I call him "Walking Websters" and thoroughly enjoy our email and face-to-face conversations about the English language. I can't wait to disclose this vital information -- Tuesday, October 16, 2012 is Dictionary Day. Why? Because Noah Webster, the father of the modern dictionary, was born on October 16, 1758. Dictionary Day is exciting news if you're a wordie like me.

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White was published on October 15, 1952. It was named a Newbery Honor Book in 1953. It has been translated into more than 30 languages, sold more than 25 million copies. It was ranked #1 in the Scholastic Parent & Child magazine's recent list of 100 greatest children's books. It was turned into an animated musical in 1973 and a live-action movie in 2006.

Have you discovered the Friends Gallery at the Hoover Public Library? Simply take the stairs or elevator in the lobby down to the first floor. The hallway between The Library Theatre and our meeting rooms has been converted into an art gallery. Our feature artist for the month of October is Kate Merritt Davis. During the months of November and December, her art will be displayed in our Administrative Gallery.

Remember how I promised a monthly blog series called Reading Snapshot? Well, I keep my promises. Here's what we're currently reading.

Jan Thomas is a rising star in the world of picture books. Her titles feature minimal but hilarious text, simple but expressive illustrations. And she throws in the occasional turnip. Discover her in E THO today!

There's lots of new stuff in the Kid Zone. Five Preschool Nook Tablets are available for in-house check out in the picture book room. They are jam-packed with interactive books and educational games. You can also access our entire Tumblebook Library. Check out procedures are the same as for in-house laptop checkouts.

My little sister devoured the R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series when she was a kid. I'm a big chicken, so I wasn't a fan. One of the ways she loved to torment me (as little sisters are required to do) was by sharing the juiciest tidbits from the books. I remember being especially disturbed by the ventriloquist doll that was alive and the Halloween mask that wanted to become your real face. CREEPY!!!

If you haven't heard of Rick Riordan, you've been living in a post-apocalyptic bunker, cut off from the world. He's the #1 New York Times bestselling author of three different series-- Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and Heroes of Olympus. He's also penned a few of the 39 Clues titles. He's a big deal.