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The mission of the Caldwell Public Library is to "provide services and information to connect, enrich, and inspire our community." Library staff strive to provide the best possible experience for our users - both in-person and online. We understand the importance of building trust with our users and helping them find the resources they need. Over the next several months, we will highlight each of our staff members and the work they do to provide excellent library services to you - our users. Hi there. My name is Shelly, and I am the latest face to the staff of Caldwell Public Library. My job title is Technology Assistant, and assisting people with all facets of technology is what I do. Prior to working at CPL, I was a web/software developer for a school district in California, but I took an extended break to raise my kids. During my time as a stay at home mom, I became involved in community organizations which allowed me to flex my IT skills for a cause. I love being a technology assistant because this position allows me to be involved in every aspect of Information Technology at the library. At various times, you can find me involved in one-to-one tech appointments, 3D printing, Mobile MakerSpace, or hardware/software research and development (i.e. sitting in front of a computer in the recesses of the library). If I still have your attention and you are still interested, I love information. My favorite authors (for the time being) are Charles Bukowski, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Christopher Moore, and Anthony Bourdain. My IT influences are my father, my husband, and Bob Bemer. You can always ask me about my favorite passions aside from reading and IT which include music, baking, cooking, watercolor/oil painting, printmaking, sewing, and other fiber arts. Assist technology? I think that should be reversed. Tech’s the assistant. -Chris Ferguson

As Idaho begins the long process of reopening and many of us return to work, I have been reflecting on how I’ve used my extra time at home. Yes, I worked most of the shutdown, but I still found myself with an abundance of free time. How did I fill that space in my day? Aside from the usual distractions like reading, and those centered in front of a screen such as video games, movies, and binge-watching TV series, I was thankful for the opportunity to work on my music. Without the creative outlet of my guitar and my band, I may very well have succumbed to absolute, bone-crushing boredom. Which got me thinking, what can libraries offer to aspiring musicians? With many people still trying to maintain social distancing and a lack of community and social events, this is still a great time to conquer a new skill or explore a new hobby. Adversity becomes opportunity. What better way to defeat boredom than to pursue an interest you may have in music? Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time, trying to rekindle a love of music, or honing your skills, your local library has resources for any skill level or ambition. After all, your Caldwell Public Library card is a passport to lifelong learning. What sort of materials do we offer? Let’s begin with the obvious answer, books! If you’re just starting to play, we offer instructional books on a wide variety of instruments and styles. Learning classical piano? We’ve got that. Want to shred like your favorite ax-wielding rock star? We’ve got that too. But perhaps you’re needing a bit of inspiration. How about one of our many books on famous musicians, their careers, their gear, or the story of their lives? Personally, I’m eager to read up on some of the classic amplifies in rock history to help me perfect my tone. Caldwell Public Library and other Lynx consortium members carry a fantastic selection for our patrons, giving you a plethora of choices as you identify your interests. Our selection of books isn’t limited to how to play manuals and artist biographies. If you’re already an experienced player, you might be looking for new pieces to perform. We also offer a great selection of sheet music and guitar tablature in many different genres. Alternatively, if your goal is to introduce young ones to the joy of music with some hands-on projects, why not take a look at “Making Musical Instruments with Kids” for some easy DIY fun? No matter your age or skill level, we have something to fit your needs. Our materials for the ambitious up and coming pop star aren’t limited to the pages of our print selection. From CDs to musicals on DVD, to instructional DVDs, to online sources for streaming music, the library offers a wide array of methods for teaching, inspiring, and enjoying music. My playlists in our music app Freegal, are growing exponentially! There always seems to be something new to listen to. A simple search of our catalog will place these items at your fingertips and our website provides access to all of our digital collections and apps. As we move beyond quarantine and back into the motions of everyday life, reflect on the things that motivate and excite you. Take time to invest in yourself and your hobbies. And remember, your local library is here to help you in this endeavor. Don’t let downtime get you down. Our curbside service continues for patrons to receive holds and we’ll see you June 1st for holds pickup, and computer usage by appointment. Just think, a trip to the library could be the first step on your path to the Grammys.

Sorry Marie Kondo fanatics, I like junk. Correction, I love junk like an ancient dragon loves the mountains of gold that make his nest. Would be bargain hunters beware, I am on the hunt for another board game for my collection and I’ve got a coupon! Apologies to my wife, but I’m sure I can make room for a few more. But what drives this compulsion? Why do I have shelves full of various items that I do not really need, but absolutely must have. Is this a hobby or an obsession? The things we collect are an extension of ourselves, a manifestation of desire. Collecting is a joyous experience. For many, building and maintaining a collection is a welcome escape from the expectations of daily life. For fun or profit, for the shelf space it holds or the thrill of the hunt, collecting stuff is one of humanity’s oldest hobbies. This is by no means an anti-minimalist manifesto, nor an endorsement of hoarding. Rather, consider this post a celebration of our infinite creativity and its products. In short, this post will take a very brief look into what motivates collectors and then highlight some of the many objects that interest them. And if any of these objects interest you, you will find links to related materials in our catalog. Why do people collect? There is a certain satisfaction that comes from having things. A primal response from the dark corners of our Sapien brains that relishes not in the abstract concept of ownership, but the hard facts of weight and matter in hand. Shirley Mueller, MD, in her brief article “The Psychology of Collecting” outlines several motivations. Pride in the object, its subject, or in its acquisition can be a driving factor. The history of the object or its historical significance or context may entice some collectors. For others, the discipline and expertise of acquiring and maintaining a collection provides an intellectual satisfaction. However, Mueller speculates that anticipation may be the experience that unites most collectors. Like a child on Christmas morning, “the collector’s desire allows her or him to imagine anything she or he wants to about the desired returns the object will bring”. Obviously, there are overlaps with bargain hunters and shopaholics in this assessment of a collector’s reasoning and impulse. Those of you that have found yourself on an online shopping spree can agree. But there are some clear differences. Collections are often assessed by their value or rarity. Although those quantifiers can be useful, they cannot be applied universally. Many would say their collections are invaluable, even if they are primarily composed of things society at large would deem junk. I for one refuse to part with my antiquated CDs. In fact, I continue to purchase them used. Which brings us to what people collect. While the list of things that are not sought by some type of collector might be more concise, we must start somewhere. When the subject of hobby collecting is raised stamps come to mind immediately. While not as popular as it once was, there is still a thriving community with the American Philatelic Association boasting more than thirty thousand members! Coins, marbles, glassware, plates, fossils, and books are other extremely popular and sought after by collectors. If you know what to look for, antique stores, junk shops, and thrift stores house hidden treasure in every aisle. While stamps, plates, and the like remain popular for collectors, they represent a somewhat antiquated or cliched view of the hobby. As trends and interests change collectibles do as well. Many of us remember the Beanie Baby craze, and anyone who went to school in the 90’s and early 00’s can tell you exactly where the phrase “gotta catch ‘em all” originated. Toys are an extremely popular item to collect and there is no shortage of merchandise and intellectual properties to choose from. Toys from the ’80s are in vogue with television programs like The Toys that Made Us and many long-running toy franchises like Star Wars are often sought after by collectors. I swear this post was not solely to justify my spending habits. But framing purchases with my interests and hobbies in mind has made me more aware of why I seek out the things I do. My collections feel modest and I’m by no means an expert or completist. However, I know what objects I want to add to them and why. When you begin to appreciate an object beyond its practicality, raw value, or perceived status, and really try to define what attracts you to it, you learn more about the circumstances of its being. A collection isn’t merely a grouping of purchases, it’s a statement of individuality and an exercise in self-discovery. I know I don’t need every old Avalon Hill game I come across, but I know what space they fill in my house and in my heart.

Masquerade in the Key of Crime is the first album from New York-based band, The Stryder. Released in September of 2000 through Equal Vision Records, it’s also their best. Granted they only released two as a group. What is the meaning or significance of the title and how does it relate to the album conceptually or artistically? I haven’t a clue, but the imagery is nice and thematically consistent with the album’s feel. Why review a twenty-year-old, relatively obscure album from a band that is no longer together? Because it’s totally decent and totally free for our patrons to stream. If you’re reading this review and you haven’t seen our post regarding our music streaming service Freegal, I recommend checking that out first. Being a musician and home studio hobbyist, I’d like to believe that I have a pretty analytical ear. However, what makes music appealing is highly subjective and dependent on listener preferences. If you’re a rock or indie rock fan I think this album will interest you. Firmly in the Emo / Post-Hardcore / Indie phase of the early 2000s, the band’s sound is reminiscent of acts like Saves the Day, Brand New, The Get Up Kids, and the like. If you’ve never heard of these genres or bands, don’t worry about the particulars of subgenres or influence. It’s a rock album through and through. Before tackling individual tracks, I’d like to address the overall sound of the album. Oddly enough, I stumbled across this group while researching guitar tones. The guitars are crunchy, articulate, and dynamic in the mix. These tonal characteristics allow them to pull off more subdued and gentle lines that pepper the album while still retaining a good bite. The drum mixing complements the tone and style well. The kick response is punchy, and the snare is tight and bright, with a wide reverb and heavy diffusion that give it an almost 80’s like effect. Vocals are well seated and the backing harmonies sound great but are too reserved and sparse to be of note. As for the low end, it’s unfortunately absent. The bass, when you can distinguish it, tends to follow the guitar lines and never really cuts through the mix. I won’t bore you with a track by track analysis, but we’ll look at a couple of the standouts. The album opener “Sucker” is a good introduction to what this band has to offer. Fast-paced drums, hammered guitars, and strained vocal lines pounce at the listener. The band's post-hardcore influences shine in this first track showcasing their ability to add a bit of rhythmic variety to what would otherwise be a basic power chord drive. The vocals are plainly presented with a simple verse-chorus structure that the instrumentation takes full advantage of by way of transitional refrains. The stripped-down lyrics deal with the expected themes for this style. “Your excuses and your lies” howls singer John Johansen, his angst directed at a lover that apparently played him for a fool. Overall, “Sucker” is typical of the album’s sound. The third track, “11:11” appears to be the fan-favorite based on listener reviews posted around the web. However, the real gem on this album comes from the next track, “My Plastic You.” Here the band exercises a little restraint and pulls back on the highly energized openings of previous tracks, instead opting for a soft vocal-driven lament about a long-distance relationship. After a brief build up the song rips open into staccato with pounding distortion, thundering drums, and the vocal chorus. The album has some great vocal hooks and “My Plastic You” is a prime example of their ability to write ear warming melodies. There are quite a few honorable mentions in the album’s track listing such as “King of Coronas,” “Sexy Black Train,” and “Intoxicated.” These tracks are solid bangers and the rest of the album is no slouch either. The only real low point here is the closing song “Key of Crime.” A meandering, mostly acoustic affair. This cut fails in its attempt to end the album on a softer, more emotional note. Rather it compels the listener to end the album abruptly rather than endure the boredom of the final track. Masquerade in the Key of Crime is an excellent representation of the general mood and direction of indie rock during its time. A sonic time capsule, the album captures a youthful innocence in its performance. It’s a solid album and a great debut for an unknown band. If you dig this band’s sound, I highly recommend Fairweather’s If They Move, Kill Them, also released by Equal Vision Records and available on Freegal. While The Stryder won’t be replacing any of my current favorite bands, I’m grateful I came across them. Did you give it a listen? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the album. And if you enjoy these types of reviews please let us know in the comments.

I’m not the handiest guy around, but I get by. I’ve changed sink faucets, doorknobs, garbage disposals, light fixtures, and even a toilet. I’ve also got the tools for most projects. They’re literally everywhere! Which admittedly makes them difficult to locate at times. But when it comes to home renovations or any type of serious remodeling beyond painting a wall, I’m out of my element. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, but I am afraid that I don’t know what I’m doing and could be making things worse. So when my wife and I finally decided to remodel our basement I barely knew where to begin. So I started at the library. I’d been putting off this project as long as possible but knew eventually something needed to be done. After several minor leaks and a desire to relocate our hobby spaces to larger quarters, I was finally pushed into action. I knew I’d be doing all of the demolition and as much of the new installation as possible to cut costs. It may come as a surprise to you but I’m not a millionaire, so the more I could do on my own to save money the better. Once I decided on a relative course of action, I grabbed as many books on remodeling as possible, particularly regarding basements. The LYNX! Consortium has no shortage of books on remodeling, renovations, and construction. In addition to the general guides for basement remodels, I also picked up a book specifically on drywall and another on framing. After all, the bulk of what’s to come involves these two processes. While the more generalized books on renovations addressed these in brief, it’s a good idea to get as much foundational information as possible. These more targeted resources gave me some hints and tricks on dealing with out of the ordinary or particularly cumbersome issues that may arise. While I definitely borrowed more resources than I needed, I found a ton of great information. Yes, there were quite a few books that I flipped through for an hour or so and returned. But there are also items I still have out for continued reference. I also quickly discovered what was most helpful to me when perusing a D.I.Y. book. Detailed Pictures and Illustrations Easy to Understand Steps A Detailed Index Additional Resources or Citations Advice on when to Seek Professional Assistance Having easy to understand and well-organized steps is essential. Pairing these with pictures or illustrations of the work being done means nearly anyone can follow along. It’s difficult to remove ‘X’, but avoid damaging ‘Y’, when you don’t understand the terminology being used or have a clue what either thing looks like! Detailed indexes can save you time and headaches when trying to navigate your project. And, listing additional resources, or advising when work may require a professional, is extremely valuable to a novice. While I’m still in the middle of my remodel, I feel good about the progress I’ve made and the work I’ve done. These resources gave me the basic knowledge to make informed decisions about my remodel. They eased many of my anxieties about the process and gave me direction. I went from being overwhelmed by the scope of the work, to confident that I could at least do something. I’m basically done with the demolition, and ready to have a professional cut my foundation for egress windows. I feel empowered to take on other renovation projects as well. And when it comes time for the next big project around my house, I’ll jump onto the Library’s catalog and find some inspiration.

How much you recall about World War I probably depends on how long it's been since you set foot in a classroom. The quality and breadth of that information depends on where and when you attended class, and perhaps more importantly who provided the lesson. Often overshadowed by the only other war to achieve the title of world war, the Great War, as it was known during its time, is a fascinating conflict that drastically altered warfare and the rules by which nations fight. Looking back more than a hundred years later it’s amazing how much has changed socially and politically, but shocking how little we’ve learned when it comes to resolving international disputes peacefully. Growing up in the 90’s the history channel was an endless stream of background noise for my father’s weekend naps. The grainy black and white films of WWII battleship barrages and daring dogfights will forever be embedded in my memories. However, I barely recall seeing any programming about the first world war. In fact, I barely recall my high school's curriculum regarding the subject other than the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. After watching director Sam Mendes’ fantastic war film 1917, I was inspired to explore the subject deeper. 1917 is beautiful, traumatic, graceful, and haunting. Following two British soldiers on a mission to deliver a message across enemy lines before tragedy befalls their comrades, 1917 is a very focused film that tells a deeply personal story in the midst of a global conflict. Comprised of extremely long shots that follow our protagonists beat by beat, the cinematography is wonderfully orchestrated and often visually stunning. World War I: The Definitive Visual History, delivers exactly what the title promises. Chronicling every major conflict, political movement, and social upheaval prior to, during, and immediately after the war, this weighty book is packed with information. Filled with charts, maps, and images taken during the war, The Definitive Visual History is as complete and concise as possible. This book does an excellent job of illustrating the scope of the first world war, while also providing plenty of context and details. World War 1 in 100 Objects, is a fascinating look at a variety of artifacts from the war. This carefully curated collection of objects include the iconic German pickelhaube, small bits of rusted barbed wire, and soldiers’ personal effects. These objects are used to take the reader on a tour of the war’s products and evolution. Framing the conflict from each individual piece, the book offers unique perspectives and insight into how and why the war was fought. The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry, provides a very intimate look into war and its effects. This collection highlights the contrast between the optimistic, patriotic poetry that inspired readers with nationalistic fever at the start of the war, and the shocked and disillusioned reflections that followed as its brutality dragged on. Capturing the experience from a personal perspective, this collection provides a deeper understanding of the emotional turmoil and suffering experienced during WWI. A Higher Form of Killing looks at three specific events that altered the scope of war and introduced civilization to industrial conflict on a global scale. The first use of poison gas, aerial bombing of cities, and the sinking of the Lusitania by submarine are used to mark the beginning of weaponized mass destruction. Highlighting the horrors of mechanized warfare, A Higher Form of Killing identifies a turning point in human history and a move towards science as the most important weapon of all. Finally, World War I Primary Sources is a great resource for anyone studying or writing on the war. Providing documents, letters, reports, and many other artifacts from the war, this collection of first hand accounts and contemporary commentary is a must for those seeking a closer look at the period. Perhaps the foreignness of the time and the absence of living accounts has created a distance from the war that makes it seem like ancient history. But one hundred years is merely a grain of sand in the hourglass that is our shared history. Often misrepresented as a war without purpose, meaning, or direction, the origins of the conflict may seem inexplicable. The lessons appear opaque and perplexing. Too often framed as a worldwide madness that resists elucidation, the scars of the Great War remain. However, there continues to be a wealth of commentary, documentation, and historical research keeping the memory of this profound and tragic event alive in our collective conscience.

It’s time for another Freegal album review! If you’re unfamiliar with Freegal you can read all about it in our Easing into E-Resources blog series. Basically, Freegal is a music streaming platform that is available for free to our patrons. Pretty cool, right? This time we’ll look at the Bayside / Name Taken Split EP. Wait, wasn’t this another Freegal album review? Why are there two band names, what is a split, and what the heck is an EP? Well, a split is a type of compilation that typically only features two artists. Each artist provides a few songs and splits the album. On vinyl, this split would be physical as one artist’s tracks would occupy either the A side or B side, and the other artist would be featured on the opposite side. Splits are typical of independent artists and labels, particularly in underground music. By nature, they are less of an investment as a physical release and a good way to expose audiences to a label's related bands or sound. More of a novelty or promotional gimmick in the age of digital distribution splits continue to be released in a number of formats by various groups and artists. And an EP, that’s just a short album. EP is an acronym for extended play, as opposed to a single. While the history of the term goes back to the early days of commercial music releases and is steeped in the technical limitations of various physical formats, its contemporary use is simply to designate a release that’s not quite album length. Wasn’t I supposed to be reviewing something, now where was I? Bayside / Name Taken Split EP is an interesting little release from the early years of the 3rd wave of Emo. Released in 2003 through Dying Wish Records this is one of Bayside’s earliest official releases and Name Taken’s last release prior to their first album. As with most splits, one band steals the show for me and that’s Bayside. This release really hooked me and got me interested in the band. Name Taken, on the other hand, was alright. Their sound was far less distinct than Bayside’s and I found my attention waning during their half of the EP. No surprise here, this is another Punk / Post-Hardcore / Emo album from the early ’00s. I’ll do another genre someday, I promise. Dynamic rhythms, punishing power chord drives, and petty vocal aggression define this release. Bayside’s half has a great hands-off sound where the production is concerned. In fact, I’m fairly certain that the tracks featured here were actually the recordings for their second Demo. Name Taken’s half is certainly cleaner but lacks the character and charm achieved by Bayside. Instead of achieving a more professional sheen and clarity, the production leaves them sounding like too many of their peers, and the things that make them unique get lost in the crowd. Rather than harp on the Name Taken section which I was less than enamored with, I’ll focus on the good here. And the good here is Bayside. Bayside’s contribution to the split consists of four tracks: “Loveless Wrists”, “Cold and Blue and Lifeless”, “Just Enough to Love You”, and “Answers We’ll Never Get”. The first three tracks Bayside serves up are absolutely killer. If you don’t find yourself singing along to these choruses then you might need your hearing checked. Anthony Raneri’s vocal performance is the perfect amount of strained amateur and confident rock star. Some of the highs may sound a little bittersweet, but the backing vocal harmonies add just the right amount of zest to make these lines really pop. The vocal duet in the middle of “Cold and Blue and Lifeless” is a good example. During an instrument break, the vocals ride through with an excellent hook and harmony. The lines are as follows: Trippin over my words And now you're trippin on me Isn’t that funny? Couldn’t you just laugh until you choke? I wish you would So your face could match your eyes Cold and blue and lifeless How did I ever Fall for you? More than a little melodramatic and a fair bit violent, the commitment to selling the emotion here pays off. I couldn’t count the number of times these lines have randomly popped into my mind and I find myself humming the melody. The guitar work on these tracks manages to carry a lot of angst and grit while following some pretty conventional pop progressions. The frequent rhythm changes and breakdowns keep a sharp edge on the guitar lines and hold the listener’s attention while remaining very accessible. Many of the licks thrown in between chords absolutely shred, while others add a subtle melody and depth to the composition. It certainly helps that Bayside utilizes two guitars on these tracks and actually lets them play off of one another. Duel guitar lines can become tedious if it’s a competition or an excuse for one player to show off. The drums and bass are well seated in the mix and complement the songs’ aggressive but emotive tone excellently. The bass feels prominent when it should shine and settles back into the mix when the guitars need space. The full mix feels much wider than it sounds at first. The use of compression is heavy enough to keep everything contained and in line, but doesn’t make these songs sound crushed or lacking in dynamics. I would be very interested to know what medium these were recorded on because they carry a sort of warm, analog tone. I could carry on for much longer than I’m sure my readers could stand about all the little things that just tickle me about this split. I could write a whole post on the design of the album art alone. It’s a superb composition, with beautiful balance and color. If you’re in the mood for something a little obscure, a little dramatic, a bit aggressive, and infinitely catchy give this EP a chance.

Microbiology. A big word for a small world. There are so many things that occur on the microscopic level on our planet and in our bodies, and sometimes these tiny organisms affect our daily lives, wreak havoc, and even control our thoughts... But maybe I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the basics. What is helping us, what is harming us, what is out there, and what can we do to help ourselves understand the complexities of a very influential tiny environment that is quite literally affecting the entire world at this very moment in very large ways. What Is Microbiology: According to Microbiology Society, “Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye.” There is more than just one type of microorganism, though, and some of them are helpful to our body and our environments, and some of them are harmful to us. I learned from the article above that there are seven classifications of microbes: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, archaea, and prions. To do more extensive research on the topic, I would recommend reading each of the sections in that article and then move to one of our amazing library resources. There is so much to learn, and your library card can help you find the information you need at any time! For this blog, we are going to focus on two main microbes: bacteria and viruses. Helpful: Gut bacteria and body bacteria help us out in many ways, from regulating our immune system to helping us keep unwanted weight off. Microbes help bodies of all ages, from newborn to adult. Sometimes it’s enough for them to be around us, as they provide defensive space around us from other harmful elements. Want to learn more? Read up on the article 6 Great Things Microbes Do For Us! Fungus and bacteria in soil and plants help create food for us, enrich nutrients, and replenish oxygen levels in our environment. From The Impact of Microbes on the Environment and Human Activities, we learn that "The most significant effect of the microorganisms on earth is their ability to recycle the primary elements that make up all living systems, especially carbon (C), oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N)." What a huge impact that microbes have on everything around us! Harmful: Some bacteria can be very harmful to the body. One such is Helicobacter pylori. In the article, Helicobacter pylori: A Noble Pursuit, from the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, Dr. Barry Marshall talks about the early stages of developing treatment and how he conducted his first study of this bacteria on himself to make a path to discovery. Viruses are one of the most harmful microbes for humans, animals, and other living creatures to be around. While viruses are contracted in various ways, they still provide a very serious threat to our population. Without appropriate measures for combating these organisms, entire social structures can be affected. We have absolutely seen this today as we are in the middle of this intense pandemic. Every precaution must be taken to ensure the safety of our communities until progress is made on finding cures or solutions to this strain. For more information on our latest virus, visit the CDC website. For More Information Available in our Collection: This subject is vast and so intriguing that I encourage you to take some time to explore it further. We have so many books in our collection on the topic and they are all available to you with your library card. Here are just some of the few I found that you can find throughout Treasure Valley. Click the titles to put any of them on hold, and then book a curbside appointment to pick them up: Non-Fiction: Microbiology for Dummies by Jennifer C. Stearns The Hidden Half of Nature: The Microbial Roots of Life and Death by David R. Montgomery Good Germs, Bad Germs: Health and Survival in a Bacterial World by Jessica Snyder Sachs Audiobook: Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain For Life by David Perlmutter For Kids: Microbiology by Dan Green Microscopic Life by Richard Walker Invisible Allies: Microbes That Shape Our Lives by Jeanette Farrell What's Living In Your Kitchen? by Andrew Solway Happy reading and remember that your librarians are here to assist you in finding a wide range of topics for you and your family. Drop-in, send us a message on the website, or give us a call and let us know how we can assist you!

Are you looking for something fun to do at home with the family? Then look no further than our Virtual Fall Craft Series! Each month we will release a video with a new craft on our YouTube channel and Facebook page. These videos work best for folks age 10 and older but can be altered for younger kids as well. To add to the fun, we will make a limited number of kits to go along with the monthly video. Kits will be available one week before the video launches, so make sure to get your kit early! You can request a kit by calling or emailing us while supplies last. If you don't get a kit, don't worry, all the materials for the craft videos can be picked up at a local store. Now without further ado, let's see what crafts we will be doing this fall! September 26, 2020 - Crochet: Pencil Pouch Even though the date has passed, you can still go back and check out the video on our YouTube channel. For this project, we did a simple but longer project that is perfect for school or craft supplies - a pencil pouch! We got the pattern from Persia Lou, so make sure you check out the original post for all the materials you need to complete the project. We made some minor modifications, but the end product looks almost identical. If you're an experienced crocheter this project will only take about an hour. For newbies, it may take several hours, so it's totally fine to work on the project over several days. You can always come back to the video, review what you don't understand, or just pick up where you left off. October 17, 2020 - E-textiles: BookMark This month we learned how to make a bookmark/reading light with sewing and circuitry techniques. You can check out the video on our YouTube channel. While the word "e-textiles" may sound daunting, this project is actually a great introduction to working with e-textiles. So what is an e-textile? Basically, it's a project that incorporates textiles and electronics - think sewing projects with LED lights, switches, and other fun electronics. Some people also refer to e-textiles as "wearable technology," but this project isn't really wearable. You can check out the step by step tutorial on Sew Electric and follow along with the video any time! The entire project should take about an hour, but if it takes you longer, don't stress, just enjoy learning something new! November 21, 2020 - Cross-Stitch: Penguin I'm stoked for November's craft - cross-stitch! This is a craft I just recently picked up, so we will have a guest presenter: Miss Ellie from Youth Services! You probably know her from the teen and tween programs or from seeing her around the library. Miss Ellie has been cross-stitching for several years and is excited to do this virtual program for you. She's re-created a penguin cross-stitch that would make a cute addition to your wall at home, or make a fun gift (it is the holiday season after all). Just like with other months we will have a limited number of kits to accompany the video - so don't forget to request yours! The kits will be available starting Saturday, November 14, and can be picked up curbside or in the library. If you don't get a kit, that's okay! Supplies for this project can be picked up through Amazon or any local craft store. December 19, 2020 - Tree Ornaments Don't miss out on December's tree ornament tutorial! This video will include step by step instructions to make two kinds of tree ornaments. For the first ornament, we will repurpose Mason Jar Lids to make an easy, cute ornament. The project requires minimal equipment and most of the materials will be included in the craft kit that accompanies the video. We will be using instructions from Clean and Scentsible, so if you don't get a craft kit, you can always follow along with the video or check out the instructions from the original website. The second ornament is another simple and fun project that uses minimal materials. We will work off of the instructions found on Ginger Casa. Again, most of the materials can be found in the craft kits that accompany the video, but kits are limited, so make sure you request yours early! Kits will be available one week before the video goes live and will include instructions for self-paced crafting. If you have enjoyed our virtual craft programs this fall, let us know! Reach out to us at infolibrary@cityofcaldwell.org

When your child is three to four years old, you may find yourself wondering whether you need to teach him or her something so s/he is ready for kindergarten in a year or two. What should you teach? And SHOULD you worry about teaching? After all, isn't that what kindergarten is for? Here are a few thoughts to get you started on this exciting journey. Should I prepare my child for kindergarten? This basic question is one you'll need to answer for yourself and your family. Children who have opportunities before the first day of kindergarten to become familiar with basic social expectations, like keeping their hands to themselves and sharing toys, have an advantage in a group situation like kindergarten. Rehearsing and understanding letters and numbers from 1 to 10 is a minimum preparation. Remember being a kid? Kids learn best when it's fun, which usually doesn't look like flashcards and worksheets. Encourage curiosity, take time to help your kids learn new things, and practice seeing the world through your child's eyes: these basics will go a long way toward kindergarten readiness. Is reading to my child really THAT important? Yes, reading together most days really IS important. Reading gives your child a firm foundation on which to build all other academic skills. As you read together, your child learns how to sit and listen, begins to understand that the pages of a book have interesting information, and starts making a connection between the words we hear, the written word, and ideas. Researchers found that children who listened to five books a day from birth to age 5 heard over a million more words on average than kids who aren't read to. This "million-word gap" is truly significant for children in the early stages of understanding and interpreting language. For more information on kids and reading, see the library's August blog post, Helping Kids Get Ready to Read . Besides reading, what matters most? There are a wide variety of opinions on what skills make the most difference in easing the transition into school. Social-emotional learning is often mentioned as a key to feeling comfortable in this early group setting. Skills like taking turns, listening to directions, and waiting to get attention are part of this skill set. Understanding feelings and realizing that everyone has a different way of looking at the world, or empathy, is taught not as a class or by reading a book, but through experience and relationships with family. Let's do this! Kids need chances to try lots of different physical skills as they get ready for kindergarten. From learning to hold a crayon or pencil to jumping and skipping, the more different things you try together the better. One skill that is surprisingly easy to overlook is showing your preschooler how to cut with scissors . There are blunt-tipped scissors made especially for young children. You can start by giving your child narrow strips of paper they can cut with one snip. Show them which hand to use for holding the paper, and how to angle it to get a good cut. So much to learn! I've heard about STEM and STEAM, are those important? Helping your child stay excited to learn and curious about the world are the most important parts of preschool STEM. What's STEAM ? It's STEM -- science, technology, engineering, and math -- plus ART! Sometimes creating something helps young kids understand the abstract concepts of science and math. Where to start with science? Think about what you know: maybe you know about pets, how an engine works, or weather. Perhaps you enjoy rivers and lakes or growing a garden. All those things are science! For math, consider the building blocks of early math: sorting, patterns, counting, identifying shapes, and measuring. Try to find ways to help your child see the numbers in what you do every day: cooking involves measuring, for instance. Groceries have receipts. Go on a Shape Walk and look for all the circles or triangles. Sort the laundry together. Need more ideas? There are lots of books and websites just for you! Try making it a game! It can be tempting to think kindergarten readiness will look like flashcards and memory drills. But how about making learning a game ? It doesn't have to be complicated. Challenge your young scholar to find red items, or to see the letter 'A' as you go through your day. A few rounds of 'Simon Says' are a great chance to follow directions. Create a "Letter Basket" and each week add some items (or pictures of things) that start with the letter of the week. See if your child can help! I want to know more. There's so much to learn as a parent, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. If you need more ideas, ask your librarian to help you find the information you need, or see if storytimes are available near you. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the library programs may be online, but they can still help. See if there's a website you relate to. The folks at Scholastic have a website just for kindergarten readiness. The Child Mind Institute is another organization that can help. Join a group to learn more, like the Ready! For Kindergarten initiative sponsored by the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC). Idaho Public Television hosts Ready to Learn , weekly calendars of fun learning activities to do with preschoolers. Ask questions and find answers. Your child's education is their key to the future.

We are often saturated with information in our daily lives. At this point, we don’t even realize it. One of the advantages of working at a library is that you can see every angle of every topic as the new issues of magazines, newspapers, and new non-fiction books come in. One of the disadvantages of working in a library is that we can forget that not all our communities can see information in this manner, and it can be extremely difficult to navigate through the plethora of information that the community is exposed to. Over time, the manner in which information is presented and framed presents a struggle to determine what information is meant to educate, sell, or sway for various reasons and agendas. Because this topic has a lot of depth to it, and yet, is so relevant to what we have been experiencing over the last few years, I will touch on some library books, blogs, and articles that can help you in your journey through the vast realm of becoming more information literate. Books You Can Check out! The Filter Bubble, What the Internet is Hiding From You by Eli Pariser A guide to how the internet has become so personalized that we may not even be exposed to information that we don't want to see - without us even asking for this service. Feeling comfortable about our own views on the world and our own experiences is pleasant, but confirmation bias can create obstacles when it comes to problem-solving and community building. Filter Bubbles and You by Carol Hand A book for our youth, Filter Bubbles and You is an introduction to the internet and all the ways that your young ones will experience being online. It touches on social media, filter bubbles, and cyberbullying. Filter bubbles create distorted versions of reality and we may be missing out on a world of perspectives and experiences that can stunt our growth and ability to create inclusive, equal, and vital communities. Everybody Lies. Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us About Who We Really Are by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz This book has an interesting perspective on what data trends can show us. Turns out, what we think about ourselves and how we fill out surveys or assessments may be different than what we are actually interested in or how we actually think. The differences are large enough for us to consider how larger issues facing our nation have been bubbling under the surface and have created the current social climate that we are experiencing. Helpful articles, websites, and videos So, what is information literacy? According to common sense education, “information literacy includes the ability to identify, find, evaluate, and use information effectively.” Do you have a presentation or a class to teach about information literacy? This library resource is a great place to grab some lesson plans and teaching materials. Uploaded in 2013, this TedEd video explains how filter bubbles affect what we see online from popular web browsers and social media platforms. Want to know more about how other countries are exposed to filter bubbles? This article from Reuter Institute has an interesting perspective on information literacy issues from the United Kingdom. Tips and Tricks Get out of that bubble! Getting out of our comfort zones is scary and stirs up emotions, but when we let ourselves absorb other perspectives we can try to understand more of what the people around us are experiencing, where they come from, and why they have beliefs or values that they hold dear to them. When we open our minds to other life experiences, we become better community members. This blog from San Jose Public Library does a great job of explaining how to get out of your bubble and out of the habit of confirming our own biases. Also mentioned in the SJPL blog is how to use primary sources as much as possible to determine a situation or an event. A great current example of this is using a local data site that compiles data for the ever-changing landscape of the COVID pandemic, instead of the local news site, national news site, or social media post of the same event. The data site will show you the raw numbers for each city, county, and state, and can help you determine what is happening in your neighborhood. This kind of data is often preferred over what is happening at a national or global level for everyday decisions. For example, this may help you determine if you believe your gym is safe to use for someone who is in a high-risk category, or if that gym is within a hotspot or a red area experiencing a lot of cases and may not be a good place to visit for this week. With a little research and effort, we can continue to develop our perspectives and exposure to information in a healthy way. By developing our information literacy skills, the whole community becomes a safe, prosperous, and inviting place to all of the people who live and work here.

Parents, have you found an opportunity recently to talk with your kids about empathy? You might describe it as really seeing someone else. Not seeing just with your eyes, but with your heart and feelings. The skill of listening is so important to understanding. Another big idea is inclusion, or being intentional about welcoming others who seem different in some way. Let's look at picture books that might help start conversations like these. Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin, illustrations by Lauren Tobia (2015). Have you thought about how amazing your skin is? Enjoy this little book with a small friend, and see how many different kinds of skin are being enjoyed out in the world every day. Manushkin sums it up: "Bouquets of people, blooming and boisterous, brawny and thin, loving each day, happy in our skin!" A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin (2018). Award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin uses her signature style to create a glowing explanation of why the moon looks different at different times of the month. A little girl nibbles away secretly at her mooncake, then giggling when her mama finds the moon all gone. Mooncakes play an important role in the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival; Lin gives readers a peek into Asian-American family and culture. A Caldecott Honor book. Saturday by Oge Mora (2019). This joyful, rainbow-bright explosion of love between a hard-working mom and her daughter will appeal to all ages. While it addresses the way life can fail our expectations, it also shines a hopeful light on how we can respond to disappointment. Walk with Ava and her mother through a splendid day of enjoying being together. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson. (2015). Why? Why do we have to...? Why can't we ...? If your kids pepper you with questions like these, you will enjoy this simple, colorful trip with Nana and CJ. As they wait in the rain, ride the bus and greet people, Nana shares deceptively simple lessons about inclusion and welcome. Winner of the Newbery Medal for children's literature, as well as a Caldecott Honor book. Mommy's Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn (2018). Another celebration of family, the embrace of this book helps us to see life from the eyes of a girl admiring her pretty mommy. When she puts on a khimar (also called a hijab, or head scarf) her mother loves, this girl feels that nothing is out of her reach. A story of love and family that will appeal to all ages. Woke: a young poet's call to justice by Mahogany Browne, with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood (2020). If being 'woke' isn't a term that's familiar to you, this book will give new life and meaning to a familiar word. Browne, Acevedo, and Gatwood spin word pictures about seeing with our eyes open. Their creative poetry is accessible to both children and adults. The message of this book is clear: we need to do what it takes to stay woke. Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney . (2001). A beautifully told and illustrated historical fiction picture book. In a Southern town in the 1950s, 'Tricia Ann hopes to get permission to go 'Someplace Special' all by herself. Her grandmother is hesitant, but feels she's given 'Tricia Ann enough tools to ride the bus and walk through town by herself. Why is this so hard? In the Jim Crow South, an African-American girl by herself faces many challenges, from choosing the right seat on the bus to deciding whether it's OK to sit on a bench. The ending is hopeful; the author's note begins with, "This story is my story." A perfect introduction to a difficult topic for young people. Other books to consider: You Matter by Christian Robinson (2020). Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison . (2019) Fry Bread, a Native American family story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. (2019) Honeysmoke: a story of finding your color by Monique Fields, illustrated by Yesenia Moises. (2019). If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson . (2015)