AT THE LIBRARY

December 18, 2008

What’s new in the Children's Department at Rodman Public Library

One of the most enjoyable aspects of reading is the sharing of a good story with someone. For a number of years, the Rodman Public Library and YWCA of Alliance have teamed up in offering a "Mother-Daughter Book Club". Started by former Children's Librarian Pat Stone and Jan Ossler at the YWCA, a small group of middle-school girls and their mothers (or aunts/grandmothers/neighbors/friends) have been meeting at the YWCA one Thursday night a month to discuss books and authors, and in the process strengthening the bonds of family and friendship. Participants have enjoyed other benefits as well, including the development of critical thinking skills and providing a forum for the discussion of important issues. The evening is capped off with refreshments, often tied to some aspect of the book. Past titles discussed have included: Because of Winn Dixie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Tuck Everlasting.

Now facilitated by current Children’s Librarian Janet Metzger in tandem with YWCA partner Jan Ossler, girls ages 13 and older and a female adult partner-reader are invited to explore the wonders of books. Our next meeting will be held at the YWCA on Thursday, January 22^nd from 7:15-8:30 p.m. The title for the month is: Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This short novel is told through journal entries that sixteen-year-old Tish has to write for her English class. In it she describes how her home life revolves around taking care of her younger brother as her mother spirals out of control and her long-absent father returns and stirs up old problems. It takes a caring adult to finally set things right for Tish and her brother.

Titles for the next few months include: Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the BeastBeauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast, by Robin McKinley (February) ; Incantation, by Alice Hoffman (March) ; Cheaper By the Dozen, by Frank B. Gilbreath (April) ; and Homecoming, by Cynthia Voigt (May). Multiple copies of all of these titles are available for one-month checkout in Rodman Public Library's Children's Department. A descriptive brochure with more details is available at the Main and Branch libraries. These programs are free of charge and you may choose to attend any or all sessions as your schedule allows. If you would like to join us or learn more about this program, please call Janet Metzger at Rodman Public Library, 330-821-2665 or stop in to pick up a brochure.