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December 4 2020

Children’s Librarians Recommend: Let Us Pick Your Next Read!

While the Shorewood-Troy Public Library has temporarily shifted to a lobby pickup, grab and go method, the staff of the Children’s Department is still available to browse for you! We love giving out reading recommendations, so now is the perfect time to ask for help!

Ms. Shalyn loves to read graphic novels, mysteries, anything historical, funny, and horror. If you’re looking to read a middle-grade, spine chilling thriller, she’s sure to have a recommendation you’ll love!

Ms. Mara loves to read widely – graphic novels and middle grade chapter books are her favorite. Much like Ms. Shalyn, Ms. Mara reads a variety of genres, so she’s sure to be able to find a title your child will love. If she had to pick a favorite genre, it would be funny, but only by a little!

Ms. Lori is an expert all things for littles – including board books and picture books! If you need a fantastic read aloud for your class, or sensory filled board books for your itty bitty, Ms. Lori is sure to have a fantastic suggestion for you!

Ms. Lesley loves all things non-fiction! If you need a true, fun-fact filled book, she’s sure to have a recommendation for you. If you’re an adult reader who is looking for your next great biography, feel free to ask Ms. Lesley for her latest favorites!

November 9 2020

Thank You, Veterans, for Your Service!

STPL Adult & Teen Staff Slider

Veterans Day 11/11

Wednesday, November 11, is Veterans Day, a day to honor those Americans who have served in any war. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those who gave their life fighting or Armed Forces Day, which celebrates those who are currently serving in any branch of the Armed Forces. Arlington National Cemetery performs a National Veterans Day Ceremony at 11AM in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, celebrating the armistice that was signed by the Allied Powers, Germany, and France to signify the end of World War I. The document was signed on November 11, 1918, at 11AM, which is why we celebrate 11/11. In 1954 Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day, honoring all American veterans who have served in all wars, not just those who had fallen in World War I.

Want to thank a veteran? Check out this website with 8 great ways to express your appreciation!

Submitted by Melissa, Adult & Teen Services Assistant

September 29 2020

Do You Know What Librarians Run On?

STPL Adult & Teen Staff Noteworthy Days and Events, Slider coffee, coffeecup, coffeemug, cothas, deathwishcoffee, kopiko, kremacoffee, lattes, librarians, nationalcoffeeday, starbucks

If you guessed coffee, you’re absolutely right!! Well, here at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library, anyway. Working at the library, I have found my book-loving, coffee-chugging people.

And today, Sept 29, is the day we have been waiting for –National Coffee Day! I’m excited to coffee talk with you!

You might not know that in my past (retail) life, I was a barista for 8 years. I am what you call a “coffee snob.” Yes, I buy whole beans from local coffee shops. Yes, I grind my own beans, and no, I am not in a relationship with Mr. Coffee, who would be my Mr. Right. However, I am an independent woman who brews her own coffee in a pour-over.

Without further ado, please meet your favorite librarians and their favorite coffee beverages in their favorite mugs.

Usha, Circulation Assistant: Cothas Coffee South Indian Coffee
Jennie, Director: McDonald’s or Dunkin’ with cream and sugar
Becky, Outreach Librarian : Salted Caramel Mocha
Rachel, Marketing: Starbucks Verona (or other dark, roasty coffee) with a healthy dose of real cream
Lori, Children’s Programmer: Kopiko Brown Coffee (I will verify it IS so good!)
Kimberlee, Programmer: Pepe Power Costa Rican from Krema with cream and stevia
Lesley, Children’s Assistant: donut shop coffee with white chocolate peppermint bark creamer
Julie, Adult & Teen Services Manager: Conquistador at Ten Drops and Sovereign’s Irish (adult) Coffee
Shalyn, Asst. Director & Children’s Manager: Death Wish Coffee

By Kimberlee Patton, STPL Adult & Teen Programming Librarian

September 28 2020

Banned Books Are Here to Stay

STPL Adult & Teen Staff Slider banned books, gone with the wind, harry potter, librarians, to kill a mockingbird

Banned Books Week started in 1982, but books have been banned much longer. Today, you can still find books being banned and challenged. Because of efforts from librarians, teachers, students, and communities, banned books continue to be available.

I would like to introduce you to some favorites of the Reference Librarians at the Shorewood-Troy Public Library.

One of Julie’s favorites is Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret? by Judy Blume because it was probably the first book she read as a kid that talked about all the weird stuff your body is going (or about to go) through.

Becky’s is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. “This book will always hold a special place in my heart, simply for the fact that it was the first book that my dad and I ever bonded over and could discuss together. I’ve read it both in school and as an adult, and every time I’ve read it, it leaves me with this sense of responsibility. It makes me feel like I need to stand up for what is right in the world and be a better person.”

Melissa’s is Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell because “I just love Scarlet. She is her own person and she goes after what she wants, even though she really shouldn’t. I like her spirit.”

One of Kimberlee’s favorite banned books is The Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson because “it brought me back to childhood when my friend and I would play in the open field. The imaginary world the characters play in are such a beautiful juxtaposition to the real world they live in. And the ending was beautiful, definitely have a tissue.”

Kimberlee Patton, STPL Adult Program Coordinator

September 1 2020

Remote Learning Tips from a Veteran Teacher

STPL Adult & Teen Staff Families, Parenting, Slider

By: Melissa
Shorewood Troy Library
Adult Services Assistant

Are your children starting the school year remotely? Here are a few helpful tips to start the school year off on the right foot for both you and them!

1. Create a home learning space and personalize it!

Is there an outlet nearby to keep the laptop charged?
Is the sun directly hitting the computer screen? Is there not enough light to work by?
Is the workspace big enough for the computer as well as scratch paper and other supplies?

2. Post a copy of the daily school schedule so it’s easily accessible for everyone.

Print out the schedule with times.
Make sure to note what is a live session or pre-recorded session.
Have a daily to-do list and mark off assignments as they are completed.

3. Have all regular school supplies on hand. Students will need them.

Loose leaf paper
Writing utensils
Coloring supplies

4. Encourage movement breaks.

Everyone needs to get up and stretch! Take a few minutes to refresh!

5. Reduce other distractions, if possible.

Try to isolate children from each other, if possible.
Have children who are close together use headphones to block out other noise.

Looking for more resources? Check out these articles!
22 Remote Learning Tips for Parents Helping at Home

8 Tips to Help our Child Focus and Stay Engaged During Distance Learning

Home Classroom Design Ideas for Online Students