Joani and Misty

A familiar face in the children's room, a successful author, and an unabashed dog lover, Joani Ascher gave a delightful interview on the Coffee with a Canini blog. You can read it here:

http://coffeecanine.blogspot.com/2010/10/joani-ascher-misty.html

In Praise of Picture Books


You may have seen the article on the front page of the October 8th New York Times: “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children.” Based on information from booksellers and publishers, the article reports that the sale and use of picture books are declining. It paints a grim picture for the future of picture books.

We disagree. The picture book is alive and well at the Maplewood Library. Over 25,000 picture books have been checked out since January. Picture book nonfiction is also in high demand, with over 13,000 items circulated this year. Patrons carry out arm loads of these illustrated treasures every day. Our New Picture Book section is one of the hot spots in the library. Parents complain if we don’t maintain a good supply and variety of picture books.

Library Storytimes – where picture books are prominently featured – are at maximum capacity. We see kids snuggling with a parent to read a picture book, rather than using the computer. Older children, as well, respond with interest and excitement to picture books. Stories rule! And illustrated stories are in big demand for all ages.

The Times article credits the decline to the economy, the high cost of children’s hardcover books, and parental pressure for children to read above their age level. We do see these trends, but the public library has become the antidote to escalating book costs and a strained economy, as well as a place to escape from TV.

Public libraries are the community voice for the future of books and reading. We embrace the idea of universal reading via e-Books and interactive stories for children. We subscribe to TumbleBooks Online stories so that kids can enjoy their beloved picture books in new and exciting ways. But, despite all the wonderful new technologies, there still is no substitute for the sit-on-your-lap-and-read-with-a-parent picture book. We think picture books have a long and vibrant future. And the community of readers that calls itself Maplewood seems to agree.

Maplewood Memorial Library Children’s Librarians


To read the original article in the Oct 8th, 2010 NYT, click on http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=picture%20books&st=cse&scp=1

To read some of the letters in response to the article, click on http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/opinion/l14picture.html?ref=todayspaper

Adult Health Screenings

Free Adult Health ClinicsFor Maplewood residents: blood pressure, and carotid artery screenings, medication and health counseling. Staffed by Maplewood Health Dept. nurses.
Call for an appointment: 973-762-8120, ext 4300. Walk-ins will be accomodated as time permits.
Saturday, October 30
10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Main Library

Help Your Aching Back!

Back Pain Management


The team of specialists at the St Barnabas Institute for Pain Management will guide you through their interdisciplinary approach to back pain relief. They will cover:
●Pain Rehabilitation
●Pharmacological Management
●Interventional Pain Procedures
●Integrative Medicine Modalities

October 13, 7:30 pm at Main Library.
To register, email TeamLINK@sbhcs.com or call 1-888-724-7123.

Maplewood Library at Green Day

Thanks to all our patrons who stopped by our table at Green Day last Saturday.

We enjoyed making recycled map hats with the kids and chatting with our 'fans'.

Congratulations to the winners of our book raffle. Five adults received 'Do One Green Thing' and five children won 'Eco Mazes'.

Green Day IV

Visit us at Green Day this Saturday, October 9 in Memorial Park. You can make a recycled map hat and enter our free book raffle.

Once each hour we will raffle off Do One Green Thing (for adults) and EcoMazes (for kids). Or just come by and say hi! We'll be there from 11-4.



Fun With Science

A dozen young scientists cheered as red foamy lava oozed out of their volcanoes covering cars, animals, and lakes. Hilton Branch's "Hands-on Science" workshops encourage kids ages 7 - 10 to roll up their sleeves and make a science-y mess. In this case, the mess was a mixture of dirt and glue wrapped around a small soda bottle to create the volcano. On and around the volcano, the scientists added glitter, matchbox cars, animals made out of clay, and "lakes" made from bottle caps filled with blue glue. A shout rang out when the vinegar reacted to the baking soda and everything in its path was destroyed.


The Hands on Science series continues with Owl Pellets on November 9th and
Test Tube Adventures on December 14th. Both are from 3:45 -to 5 pm.
Registration: call Hilton Branch Library 973/762-1688. Classes size is limited.