Showing posts with label Homewood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homewood. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Vintage Children's Series is Back!


The Homewood Public Library Children’s Department is proud to add to our collection the republished This is series by M. Sasek. The This is series focuses on different famous cities and countries with beautiful vintage illustrations created by Sasek. 


Originally born in Czechoslovakia, Sasek studied to become an architect before following his dream of becoming a painter. The destinations in the This is series depict the major locations, but also the quaint streets and people that modern day books forget. Originally printed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the timeless illustrations still hold up beautifully and help capture the essence of every city and county.




Be sure to check out these new additions! This series is definitely one that the whole family will fall in love with.



Tuesday, March 8, 2011

2nd Book of Rick Riordan’s The Kane Chronicles series, The Throne of Fire, to be released in May 2011

Last May Rick Riordan introduced a new series with the first installment of The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles Book 1). Riordan, whose fame skyrocketed with the success of the Percy Jackson series, introduces children to the history of Egyptian Mythology in this new and exciting series. Told from the point of view of Sadie and Carter Kane, children of two famous Egyptologists, this series is slammed packed with adventure and intrigue. The second installment, The Throne of Fire, is set to be released in May. Check out this teaser for The Throne of Fire:


Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians. And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family. To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished. First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?
Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride. ~Goodreads.

There is now a record up for The Throne of Fire so you can go ahead and put a hold on it. If you haven’t started the Kane Chronicles series you can check out Red Pyramid today!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Christmas Book Review for December 19th

Here is Ms. Robin's pick for December 19th!

Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear! by Don and Audrey Wood



This book is a great holiday edition from the Mouse and Bear series. Little Mouse has so many presents this Christmas! But Bear never gets a single present, not even from Santa. Mouse learns the true spirit of Christmas as he shares his holiday with a friend in need

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Christmas Book Reviews for December 17th and 18th

Here is Ms. Judith's pick for December 17th:



Duck & Goose: It’s Time For Christmas
by Tad Hills

If you are fan of the Duck & Goose series by Tad Hill, then you will definitely want to check out this new holiday board book. Goose is too busy catching snowflakes, making a snowgoose, or skating. It is up to Duck to remind him what time it is!


and here is Ms. Heather's pick for December 18th:


Morris’s Disappearing Bag by Rosemary Wells

All of Morris’s brothers and sisters think he is too young to play with their Christmas presents on Christmas morning. That is until Morris gets the best gift of all, an invisible, disappearing bag! The whole family has a great time with the new gift until bedtime. Hopefully they can remember where they put it….

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christmas Book Review for December 15th

Here is Ms. Mollie's pick for December 15th

If You Take A Mouse To The Movies by Laura Numeroff



“If you take a mouse to the movies, he’ll ask you for some popcorn. When you give him popcorn, he’ll want to string it all together. Then he’ll want to hang it on a Christmas tree.” In this holiday version of the classic If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, the mouse experiences all joys of Christmas and lots of holiday fun.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Christmas Book Review for December 11th

Here is Ms. Mollie's pick for December 11th

Jeannette Claus Saves Christmas by Douglas Rees



It is Christmas Eve and Santa Claus has a nasty cold. He has been coughing and sneezing up a storm, but who can deliver the presents if Santa is sick? Jeannette Claus, his daughter, steps in to save the day. But will she be able to deliver all the present to all the little boys and girls all over the world in time?

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas Book Review for December 9th

Here is Ms. Laurie's pick for December 9th!

Hark! The Aardvark Angels Sing by Teri Sloat


Set to the tune of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, Sloat creates a magical world where aardvarks help with the holiday mail. Aardvarks as mailmen? If you don’t believe it, simply check out Hark! The Aardvark Angels Sing!

You Wouldn't Want To... Series



The You Wouldn’t Want To… series is an entertaining and educational way of looking at some of the more grisly periods of history. By providing cartoons, helpful hints, and eyewitness narrative, children are introduced to particular historical events, people, and movements that have made history. These nonfiction books are great tools that help children understand how history was shaped and changed. In the Children’s Department, we recently added many of the You Wouldn’t Want To… books to our collection. Here are some of the newer ones we just received today:

You Wouldn't Want To Be An Egyptian Mummy!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Christmas Book Review for December 8th

Here is Ms. Laurie's pick for December 8th



I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by John Rex

Don’t want a doll, no dinky Tinkertoy, I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy. And only a hippopotamus will do! This beloved children’s class is a must for any Christmas. The book even comes with the sheet music in the back! Be warned though, after you and your family have finished the book, the song will be stuck in your head!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Chanukah Book Review #7


The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes by Linda Glaser
Rachel loves her mother’s latkes! So does everyone else apparently, because lots of unexpected guests are coming over tonight! But there isn’t enough potatoes or eggs or chairs! What are they going to do? Rachel suggests they ask their neighbor Mrs. Greenberg, who is always offering to help, but stubbornly refuses to come over and bother them. Luckily, Rachel is also stubborn and is determined that Mrs. Greenberg is not going to spend Hanukkah alone.

This sweet story also includes a recipe for potato latkes. They sound yummy!!
Potato Latkes
(For 5 or 6 people)
Ingredients:
6 healthy-sized potatoes
1 egg
1 small onion
3 tablesppon matzo meal, or bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
Oil – enough to almost cover latkes in frying pan

Scrub potatoes. Grate the potatoes and onion. Pour off extra liquid. Add egg, matzo meal and salt. Mix.
Drop potato mixture into hot oil with a tablespoon. Fry both sides until golden brown. Drain on a clean towel.
Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce.
Eat them in good health!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Chanukah Book Review #6

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel


On the first night of Hanukkah, Hershel enters a small village, expecting to see the village lit up with the lights of Hanukkah. Instead, he finds the village dark and cold. He discovers that the villagers live in fear of the nasty goblins who haunt the synagogue. Hershel promises to rid the village of these goblins, but will he be able to? And what happens when Hershel has to face the King of the Goblins? Written by Eric Kimmel and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins is a classic among Hanukkak picture books.

Christmas Book Review - December 6th

Here is Ms. Dona's Christmas pick for December 6th.

Emma’s Christmas by Irene Trivas


Emma is a sweet simple girl, who loved living on a farm. She loved her farm so much, she even turned down the Prince when he asked her to marry him. Too bad the Prince doesn’t give up that easily! This is an endearing rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas that will put a smile on your face!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Chanukah Book Reviews 4 & 5


Join a young boy as he counts the lights around him and relates them to every night of Chanukah. Written by Michael J. Rosen and illustrated by Melissa Iwai, this sweet and simple story is great to teach young children about Chanukah.


Moishe the Milkman has always been a kind hearted man, giving to his neighbors when he had nothing for himself. But one night, Moishe is gifted with a magical frying pan that produces an endless and delicious supply of latkes.
Check out this video of Bob Saget telling the story of Moishe and this magical frying pan!


Christmas Book Reviews - December 4th and 5th


Here is Ms. Candice's pick for December 4th


The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket
This is a quirky Christmas tale about a lonely lump of coal, who dreams of being an artist. He tries to make it big in an art gallery and in a Korean restaurant, but it seems there are no Christmas miracles for this unlucky lump of coal. That is until he meets Santa Claus. Will Santa be able to give this lump of coal his true wish? Miracles can happen even to those who are small, flammable, and dressed all in black.

And here is Ms. Robin's pick for December 5th



Bear Noel by Olivier Dunrea
The animals in the forest are patiently waiting. They hear him jingling the bells and tramping through the snow! Bear Noel is coming and he is bringing Christmas with him! Dunrea’s beautiful snow covered illustrations create a magical setting for this warm story about Christmas in the forest.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

25 Days of Children's Christmas Books

In celebration of Christmas, the Children's Department has decided to showcase our favorite 25 Christmas books. Everyday, leading up to Christmas, we will feature one of our favorites holiday books. You can click on the title of the book to reserve your copy! Be sure to stop by the Children's Department and check out our holiday decorations!


Here is Miss Judith's Pick for December 1st -
Ever thought about what your favorite four-legged friend would want for Christmas? Radzainski looks into the hearts of man’s best friend for a sweet story about the simple things that dogs love. If you are a dog lover, go ahead and check out What Dogs Want For Christmas, because it is sure to be a new Christmas favorite!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

First Day of School Books for Kids

As the last days of Summer dwindle down, parents are gearing up to send their kids back to school. For some children, this might be their first year of school or maybe their first year in a new school. If they are nervous or scared, try reading some of these books to them to help calm their nerves.


I am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child
Lola is not so sure about school. After all, why would she need to count up higher than ten when she never eats more than ten cookies? Ten is enough! She certainly does not need to learn her letters to write a note to a friend. Calling on the telephone is more friendly and straightaway. It is up to Lola’s big brother Charlie, to persuade her that school is worthwhile. But what about Soren Lorensen? Lola’s invisible friend does not want to go to school either! Charlie certainly has his work cut out for him!
No matter how convinced your child is that they don’t need school, I am Too Absolutely Small for School will teach them how important learning their numbers, letters, and making new friends is.

To place a hold on I am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child, click here.



Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Time to get up, get dresses and get going because it’s Llama Llama’s first day of school! Meet the teachers, find new friends, but wait….why is Mama Llama leaving?
Llama Llama Misses Mama is perfect for either a kindergartener or a preschooler, who does not quite understand that parents cannot stay at school. So if you are worried that your little one will be clinging to your leg on that first day, read them Llama Llama Misses Mama.

To place a hold on Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney, click here.



Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister
There is so much to remember on Digby’s second day at school. Will he know where to hang his jacket and when to listen for his name? Digby’s mother has some special help for her son, who doesn’t feel quite brave enough for school. This reassuring story with winsome illustrations is just right for kids starting school – and those who need a little encouragement once they’re begun!

To place a hold on Take a Kiss to School by Angela McAllister, click here.


First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Starting a new school can be scary – for anyone! Everyone knows the jumble of feelings that go through a child’s head as the first day of school approaches – especially if it’s the first day at a new school. Will they like me? Will I make new friends? What if I don’t like it? These are the questions Sarah Jane Hartwell asks herself as she tries to build up enough courage to embrace her new school. First Day Jitters, with its surprise ending, will teach children that everyone gets nervous on the first day of school!

To place a hold on First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, click here.

We hope everyone has had a great and safe summer! See you in the library!

~ Miss Judith ~

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Stretch your Dollar!


Stretch Your Dollar featuring Lonnie Jones, Circulation Mgr.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

"We Love Homewood Day" One Day Book Sale


We Love Homewood Day is Saturday! We will be handing out $1 off coupons at Homewood Park to spend in the Friends Bookstore THAT DAY ONLY from 10-4, 1721 Oxmoor Road! Come shop for a bargain and have FUN!

Early birds! Download a coupon here.

Deborah Fout, our Director, will be riding in the parade in a cool automobile thanks to Crown Pontiac (who, BTW, provides a vehicle every year!). She will be throwing candy to the parade goers ;^D

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Homewood Public Library from 1941 to Now: Our History

When the Homewood Public Library was established on March 24, 1941, the city was fourteen years old and had a population of 7,397. That first library was located in a small room on the second floor of City Hall, and its opening day collection consisted of between 2,500 and 3,000 books. The library was run by Mrs. J. L. (Mary Katherine) Switzer, a former librarian at the Birmingham Public Library. The library was open Monday through Friday from 2:00-6:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Books could be checked out for seven to fourteen days, but there was a limit of three books per patron. (Only two books could be checked out on a child's card.) Overdue fines were two cents per day. 


Today, the population of the City of Homewood has increased to over 25,000, and the Homewood Public Library has grown with it. Now situated in a 50,000 square foot building on busy Oxmoor Road, the library's collection encompasses over 94,000 books as well as DVDs, videos, CDs, audiobooks, and electronic games. The library's hours have expanded from a mere 29 hours per week (in 1941) to a whopping 67 hours. There is currently no limit to the number of books any patron may check out, and they may keep them for three weeks. The library is a member of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative and serves over 48,000 patrons per month, both from the Homewood community and surrounding areas. No longer just a library, Homewood Public Library is a cultural center, offering programs for adults, teens, and children, Wi-Fi Internet access, computer classes, meeting rooms, and more.

In 2009, Homewood Public Library earned a national Four Star Rating for Library Service in the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service. This system scrutinizes statistics that describe library service outputs, such as visits, circulation, public Internet computer usage, and program attendance. Out of 7,268 public libraries across the nation only 258 received star ratings. Homewood Public Library is one of only five libraries in Alabama to receive such an honor and one of only twelve in the Southeast. This Four Star rating followed the Three Star rating that was received in an earlier Library Journal survey.

In 2004, Homewood Public Library was awarded a Blue Ribbon Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Library Service. This is the highest distinction given to public libraries for excellence in library service. In order to receive this recognition, a library must meet or exceed more than seventy specifications based on the population of the city or county that established the library. To date, only nine libraries in Alabama have received this award. The award was presented by the Public Library Division of the Alabama Library Association. Gov. Bob Riley also presented Homewood Public Library with a letter and certificate of recognition from the governor’s office.

In 2002, the library was voted as Jefferson County's "Favorite Library". 

In 2001, Homewood Public Library earned Three Gold Stars for meeting so many of the established state standards for libraries as outlined by the Alabama Library Association and the Alabama Library Service. In previous years, the library was ranked seventh in the state and was awarded the Certificate of Achievement at the Two Star level.

Check us out on Bham Wiki.