Book Bingo!

Have you ever played Book Bingo? No? Well, today is your lucky day! The Library just posted a Winter 2021 Book Bingo card, that will run January through March.

You can find a blank template (and how to play) under the "Book Bingo" highlight on our Instagram page. While you're there, make sure to give us a follow, to keep up with the fun and shenanigans that take place over there.

If you've never played Book Bingo before, basically you're given various prompts (ex. "a book with snow on the cover"). You can decide to go for a 3-in-a-row Bingo OR complete the whole card (8 books + a free space). I have a feeling it's going to be a long winter, so I'm going to try and fill my card ... 

Please join the fun, and don't forget to tag us @ArchdaleLibrary and use the hashtag #ArchdaleReads so we can cheer you on and share reading ideas.

New Year, New Blog!

 Hello, hello!

It has been awhile since we last met in this place, but with the world still so topsy-turvy, the time seemed right to return. It was also past time for redecorating, and updating the name as well. So many changes in this little corner of the Internet!

One very cool addition is the page tabs (just under the title banner): you'll find one for each of the Library's two book clubs: Book Break (the traditional book club, where everyone reads the same book), and Book Bites (the unbook club, where readers meet to talk about the books they've read and loved). Since we cannot meet face-to-face right now, and you can't come browse the shelves, you might be wondering what to read next ... please check these pages for a list of titles discussed, and maybe find your new favorite read. 

What else can you expect to find here in 2021? All sorts of things! Like so many, I had no idea 2020 would end up the way it did, so I hesitate to make predictions about 2021 ... but I want this space to be a fun one. Featuring books and bookish related discoveries, but also sharing information about Library services and other things that are good to know. 

You can also follow the Library on our various social media channels - all linked on the sidebar. We post important updates to our facebook page, as well as offering virtual children's programming to help keep your little one (or you!) entertained.

Speaking of virtual programming - one positive of this new approach is you can easily enjoy the programs offered by all the Randolph County libraries! Check out these links for more virtual fun:

• Archdale Library Facebook Page (Storytime videos)
• Asheboro Children's Room Virtual Programs
• Liberty Library Storytime Songs
• Ramseur Library Storytime with Tammy
• Randleman Library Preschool Storytime
• Storytime with Melina & Savvy (ASL)

Do you Instagram? Did you know the Library is on Instagram? Our feed features many pictures of cute stuffed animals getting into mischief in the Library, as well as other Library fun. Keep an eye out for a new Winter Book Bingo card going live soon!

Until next time ...

... Stay warm, stay safe, and happy reading!

What I've Been Reading: Summer 2015, pt. 1

Summer reading is upon us, and if you aren't sure what to read next, maybe I can help ... I've been reading a lot of different things lately, and I thought I'd share some of them with you.

Rebel Queen (Michelle Moran)
I have enjoyed Moran's historical novels in the past, and this may be my favorite. The British conquest of India is not a period I know well, and I certainly was unaware of the "Rebel Queen" who tried to keep her country safe -- not just from British Imperialists, but Indian contenders as well. Moran's writing is beautifully detailed, historically rich without being cumbersome. (I'm a bit of a fangirl, ha), and her characters have so much life and depth. An intriguing and engrossing read.

We Should Hang Out Sometime (Josh Sundquist)
I'm trying to read more nonfiction this year (I'm regretfully behind my goal), and this was a fun, quirky read I picked up on a whim. Sundquist has only had one girlfriend in his whole life -- for 23 hours, in the 8th grade. In an attempt to figure out why he is perennially single, he looks at every girl/crush/attempt-to-date and gives each case an in-depth analysis. More than a humorous memoir on trying - and failing - to understand the hows and whys of relationships (can't we all relate?), this is an honest and entertaining read about, well, people.

The Library of Unrequited Love (Sophie Divry)
This may not be universally adored, and some people may find it downright strange, but I absolutely loved this little book. It's different and unconventional and I was laughing out loud during some points. The premise is simple: a librarian discovers a patron spent the night locked in the library, thus prompting a long and lovely monologue that covers just about everything under the sun. There were startlingly true observations about libraries and people and just the human experience. It's fun and quirky and maybe I'm weird, but I loved it, so very, very much.

Things We Know By Heart (Jessi Kirby)
Oh goodness. This book. Sometimes you read things that just ... strike home ... The story itself bears no resemblance to my life (Quinn's boyfriend, an organ donor, was killed in an accident, and she has found the boy who received his heart), but that's a minor detail. This is a story that drew me in and wouldn't let go. I devoured it. The reading felt real and raw and that kind of tangled-up-beautiful-mess that is life. (Sidenote: I love all epigraphs at the beginning of the chapters. So. Cool.)

So there's a glimpse of what I've been reading, and believe me, it's just a glimpse. I'll post some more mini reviews through the summer -- in the meantime, what have you been reading?

Friday Ramble

Another Friday, another ... month? How is it October already? And more: Books checked out today are due October 24th; meaning we are 2 months and 3 weeks away from Christmas Eve. Just in case anyone was curious. Personally, this is a startling fact that leaves me searching for paper and pen to start scribbling down gift ideas for people. I'm running out of time! (I'm totally kidding). Though it's never too early to start brainstorming. Just, maybe not today ... for today, let's indulge in a Friday ramble instead. Deal?

Christmas Books
Okay, so maybe we can talk a little Christmas - but it's book-related, I promise! October is the magic month when Christmas books start being published. It's a little weird to me, but since Hobby Lobby and WalMart are already decking the halls, I guess it makes sense. Have you checked on upcoming Christmas-themed releases? When do you start reading Christmas book? I find that I can't read anything truly Christmassy until November. But I've already got a list of festive titles I want to read this holiday season. (Yes, it's an actual list. I believe in reading preparation).

Peter Pan
Here's an interesting thought for you ... The resurgence of Peter Pan-themed books and etc. Since I'm a fan of Peter and his Neverland, I find it fascinating. Sometimes, the new take is a very, very loose take indeed - like Second Star, a contemp YA that deals with some pretty heavy stuff. And sometimes, a different perspective turns everything you thought you knew on its head - like Alias Hook, a darker view of Neverland life from the eyes of the infamous villain. This morning, I stumbled upon this exciting news about a Peter Pan-based comedy (also links to more info about the next NBC live musical: yup, you guessed it, Peter Pan).

Books on Screen
I've talked about it before, but it really is amazing to me how many books are ending up on the screen right now - big and little. What do you think of this trend? Is it good or bad for readers? Do you love it or hate it? What's a book you would love to see portrayed in the movies or television? I enjoy a good book-based movie, and it doesn't even have to follow the book exactly - if it's still a good story. (Let's face it: some things you can't recreate outside of a page and your own imagination!) I think I'd like to see another Sarah Dessen book turned into a movie ... and we can always use another remake of Pride & Prejudice. Always.

Those are my main rambling points today. I can always find something to say about candy corn, football and my intense anticipation for the final installment of the Hobbit - but I don't want to overwhelm you, ha.

Here's to Fridays, good books, and a world that is paying more attention to things on the page!

Friday Ramble

Somehow, Summer has ended and Fall is slipping its way into our lives. School is back in session, college football season starts now, and September is a few days away. I don't know about you, but I feel like this summer flew by at a startling pace. Summer Reading has been over for almost a month, but it feels like just yesterday I was brainstorming ideas and sketching out the rules. (Or maybe it was -- I know the theme for next year already, and my imagination is giddy with delight. Just wait and see!).

Season changes can be fun times though. Late summer/fall can be a very busy time in the publishing world, and there are a lot of great looking books coming out soon! (Especially true of YA offerings - September alone has so many books!) The weather will eventually start shifting, leading to cooler days perfect for curling up with a good book and light blanket. And the football, always the football.

In the spirit of changing seasons and months, and the loveliness of Friday, how about a quick peek at some of the things I'm looking forward to?

I love the Shopaholic books, y'all. I think they may have been my first true foray in the world of "chick lit," and I've been a reader ever since. Becky Brandon is hilarious, her misadventures so impossible in my world -- but she's also so very real. She's flawed, and I love her for that. Looking forward to see what kind of trouble she can get into in Hollywood (my guess: a lot!) The only thing I'm not keen on is the cover ...

I've already mentioned the oodles of new YA titles coming out. If you want to take a peek for yourself, here's a pretty impressive list (and it only goes through September!) I think 2014 is going to go on record as a great year for books.

In non-book related channels, I'm working on a fun project that is requiring some quality time with this fantastic book ... As a lover of story, fantasy, and maps? This is one of the coolest things you could ask me to do ... Having a lot of fun with my 'research,' and can't wait to share more about the project in weeks to come!

Speaking of awesome 'imaginary' places ... Have you seen the newest addition to the "Darth Vader and Son series" by Jeffrey Brown? The book is Goodnight, Darth Vader, and I love the new poster:

For more information, or to download your own copy of the poster awesomeness, visit the official Chronicle Books site.

So there you have it ... a quick snapshot of Friday fun, and fall expectations.

What do you look forward to most about the changing seasons? Is there an upcoming fall release book that really has your attention?

Book Break Schedule Fall 2014

As summer winds to a close, and everyone starts preparing for the return of school and cooler weather, an exciting thing has occurred at the Library! The Fall 2014 Book Break Reading Schedule has been posted!

The wonderful Book Break readers have a great line-up ahead of them this year. Printed schedules are available for pickup in the Library, but if you just can't wait, here's the list:

September 16, 2014

Guests on Earth (Lee Smith)

October 21, 2014

Lost in Shangri-La (Mitchell Zuckoff)

**Discussion led by Matt Shaw

November 18, 2014

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion (Fannie Flagg)

December 16, 2014

All Through The Night (Mary Higgins Clark)

January 20, 2015

Walking on Water (Richard Paul Evans)

Book Break meets the third Tuesday of each month from 2:00-3:30pm at the Archdale Library. Refreshments are served, and the books are good. Please come and bring a friend!

Friday Ramble

I hope everyone had an amazing (and safe!) Fourth of July! Hard to believe that was already two weeks ago ... and there are only two weeks left of summer reading! This summer is simply flying by. In the spirit of Friday, here are some cool library or bookish things catching my eye this week ...

First, last weekend we had a great group of teens show up for the LEGO Robotics program. It was a lot of fun watching everyone build and program their robots to complete specific tasks. Check out our pictures on facebook!

Post by Archdale Public Library.

And then there's this ...

I have been a fan of Paddington for a long, long time. So to have him coming to the big screen in a few months? Oh yeah. This Librarian will definitely be there!

Actually, there are going to be quite a few books-turned-movies coming out the rest of the year ... You know, like:

• The Giver 
• If I Stay 
• The Maze Runner 
• Gone Girl
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
• The Best of Me
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1

Not to mention the final installment of The Hobbit. Also, I'm a little excited about the next Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

To end my Friday ramblings on a sweet note, check out this listing of bookish cookie cutters.  Because cookies and books are a match made in heaven.

What have you found interesting this week?