top of page

Search Results

Search this site

251 results found with an empty search

  • 3D Printing: A new dimension of pain

    We do a lot of printing here at Caldwell Public Library ! So much, in fact, that we just added another Mobile Printer  that allows patrons to print documents directly from their own devices. Pretty cool, huh? But that’s not the only kind of printing we do on the daily. Tucked away in the deepest bowels of the library (near my cubicle), another type of printing happens—the 3D kind. *Put on your 3D glasses* Yes, 3D printing was a pretty big deal when it became commercially viable for the general public. For years, only hobbyists with the know-how and drive to tinker were printing in the third dimension at home. Then came easy-to-assemble kits, followed by complete pre-built units, further lowering the barrier to entry so that anyone with a modest budget could get up and printing on their own. As 3D printing became more reliable and accessible, libraries became early adopters—introducing and educating the public on the new and wonderful possibilities of this amazing technology. The first RepRap machine at the Science Museum in London. For years now, we’ve offered 3D printing services to the public. Patrons can submit a file through our website, and we’ll print it in PLA plastic for the low price of $0.05 per gram  of material used. If there are structural, size, or other design issues that may affect the print, we follow up to get clarification or explain why the print might not work. We also offer consultation appointments where we can go over how our machines work, file and design considerations, or the overall feasibility of a project and how it will print. For instance, we exclusively use FDM machines which are not the greatest if you want really small and highly detailed prints. Game miniatures as an example, are much better suited for printing on Resin printers. It's just melted plastic, nothing magical. But it feels like magic watching something form layer by layer, brought forth from the computer world into ours by a little whirring machine. Much like their 2D counterparts, however, 3D printers come with their own technical hassles—which is precisely what inspired this post. The machine, the myth, the legend that is the Ender 3. Over the weekend, I added a few upgrades to my humble Ender 3 printer, a process that took many hours and resulted in a great deal of frustration. In the end, though, I printed the best test file I’ve ever seen my machine produce. When I returned to work on Monday, I needed to replace the hotend on one of our Prusa MK3 machines. A straightforward task—until a multimeter revealed the thermistor wiring was toast. You win some, you lose some. The average home printer. While 3D printing may be more refined, user friendly, and more hassle free than it's ever been, it can still be a major pain. And while many newer brands are advertising that they make the process so simple that it "just works", 3D printing can still require a large time commitment, some technical expertise, and a bit of tinkering. Much like regular document printing, if you’re just interested in the final result and don’t want to deal with the printer itself, we’re here for your 3D printing needs as well . Below are a few of my favorite websites for finding free 3D models for printing. Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects Cults・Download free 3D printer models・STL, OBJ, 3MF, CAD 3D models database | Printables.com To submit a print simply click here to review our 3D printing policy and upload a file.

  • Meet The Bridgertons

    To say that I’m not a big adult fiction reader would be both true and, perhaps, an understatement. Even more challenging for me are adult romance novels. It’s not that I’m a skeptic when it comes to love and romance—if anything, I’m more of a realist. In both books and movies, my preferences tend to lean toward action, adventure, and comedy as the central themes. That said, I have come across a series that I’ve genuinely grown fond of: Julia Quinn’s novels about the Bridgerton family. Bridgerton  is a series of Regency-era romance novels that follow the eight siblings of the noble Bridgerton family as they navigate high society, love, marriage, happiness, adventure, and the occasional scandal. Each book centers on the love story of one sibling and the challenges they face while navigating the marriage market of the time. Some of the highlights for me included the meddlesome mothers and the way Quinn emphasizes the societal expectations placed on women during that period. I especially enjoyed how each character forges their own, often against-the-grain path to happiness despite the sometimes suffocating social constraints. Another fun and distinctive element of the series is the presence of a gossip columnist, Lady Whistledown, who appears throughout the books. Each chapter opens with her observations, setting the tone and framing the narrative for what is about to unfold. The popularity of the novels eventually led to a Netflix adaptation, and the newest season—Season 4, Benedict’s Story —is set to premiere on Netflix on January 29. The series doesn't follow the books in the same order but is relatively close to the same storyline. Here's a look at the books in order: The Duke and I (Daphne's Story) The Viscount who Loved Me (Antony's Story) An Offer from a Gentleman (Benedict's Story) Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Colin's Story) To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise's Story) When he was Wicked (Francesca's Story) It's in His Kiss (Hyacinth's Story) On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory's Story) Happy reading!

  • Recommended Reading: 2026 Anticipated Releases

    Happy holidays! The New Year is approaching and if you’re anything like me, you’re planning your reads for 2026 so you can meet your new year’s resolution of, ambiguously, “reading more.” Last year, I wrote a blog post about the Caldwell Public Library staff’s anticipated releases for 2025, and ended up reading several of the books my coworkers recommended on the way to blowing past my goal of 100 books read in 2025! This year, CPL staff recommendations are a little less book-heavy, but look just as enticing. Hope you enjoy them! Michael (2026) Recommended by Ginny This 2026 release follows the life of music icon Michael Jackson, who will be portrayed by his nephew Jafaar Jackson. It releases on April 24 and will likely hit home video (and therefore library shelves) in the summer. While you wait, take a look at this biography of the King of Pop , or read about him through his own eyes wit h his autobiography , Moonwalk . You might also listen to some of his music on CD . Hell’s Heart by Alexis Hall Recommended by Virginia Hell’s Heart will be bestselling author Alexis Hall’s first foray into science fiction. Marketed as Gideon the Ninth meets Moby-Dick , Hell’s Heart puts a queer sci-fi spin on the Herman Melville classic. It will release on March 12th, so while you wait, you might read or reread Moby-Dick to best appreciate Hall’s retelling, or read some of her other works. I recommend Boyfriend Material . Read This To Look Cool: Essays and Overthinkings by Maeve Dunigan Recommended by Erica Writer for the New Yorker Maeve Dunigan’s first full book is a witty essay memoir collection. Featuring essays about everything from Victoria’s Secret to her elderly cat to the time she endured a ruptured appendix in McDonalds so as to seem cool and undramatic, it will be a hit with satire fans. If you liked I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson, Read This To Look Cool will be up your alley. Mouse: P.I. For Hire Recommended by Michael This video game’s art style is loosely based on early sketches from the Mickey Mouse cartoons . The first-person shooter is being developed by Fumi Games and published by PlaySide Studios Limited for a March 19 release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. While you wait for release, check out Cuphead , which some have said is an inspiration for Mouse: P.I. For Hire. Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) Recommended by Ginny and Erica The sixth installment in The Hunger Games film franchise will feature Joseph Zada, Ralph Fiennes, McKenna Grace, and many others. Adapted from Suzanne Collins’ 2025 novel of the same name, the story follows 50th Hunger Games victor Haymitch, who fans of the series will recognize as Katniss’ alcoholic mentor. While you wait for its November 20 release, read Sunrise on the Reaping or the original trilogy .

  • Movie Night: Christmas Classics

    I don't know if you've noticed, but by golly there are a lot of Christmas movies out there! Take a quick look at the front page of any streaming service and I can guarantee that there's a collage of sweaters, smiling faces, and snowy backgrounds decked out in holiday cheer. It's a homogenized motif of formulaic holiday slop designed for mass consumption. In fact, they all probably look a lot like the covers below. Is it a real movie, or is it ChatGPT? Now I'm not the ultimate arbiter of good taste and there's no judgement here if a certain greeting card company's films are your jam. It's just like - my opinion, man. But I'm a creature of habit, and something about the holidays only exacerbates this particular quirk of my character. I need the familiar comfort of my favorite childhood Christmas films to settle into the season and banish the existential dread of another passing year. That's the magic of these classic Christmas films; they transport us back to a simpler time where our greatest concern was what we'd find under the tree. Alright, I'll wrap up this old-timer 'back in my day' diatribe and present you with a few of my favorite films for the season. All of which of course, will have catalog links for your requesting pleasure. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989 PG-13) My family and I went and saw this at the Egyptian Theater in Boise last year and it was a blast! There were people dressed up as characters from the film and the energy was great. Chevy Chase is hilarious as Clark Griswold, the "last true family man" who wants nothing more than a good ol' fashion Christmas with his family. But nothing seems to go smoothly for the Griswolds, and their extended family isn't helping matters. Christmas lights that won't turn on, grouchy neighbors, delayed bonuses, and Christmas trees combusting all threaten Clark's perfect Christmas and sanity. Anyone that has tried to host for a holiday can relate and will surely see the humor in the Girwold's Christmas vacation. A Christmas Story (1983 PG) This is the Christmas movie. You'd have to be from another planet to have not seen this one yet. TV channels would run marathons of just this movie all Christmas day! Is that still a thing? Anyway, it's the classic tale of an average, all American boy's Christmas set in the 1940s. Ralphie just wants an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot, range model air rifle for Christmas but parents, teachers, and even Santa himself tell Ralphie he'll shoot his eye out. Narrated by an older Ralphie looking back on his childhood, A Christmas Story is filled with quirky and memorable gags that have become a deeply ingrained part of the Christmas zeitgeist. Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 PG) Jim Carrey was a huge comedy star in the late 90s and early 2000s and thus an obvious choice to play one of Dr. Seuss's most memorable characters, I guess. Stretching a children's picture book into a feature length film is well - a stretch, but with great sets, makeup, and actors this adaptation is both true to the original story and uniquely its own thing. Carrey brings his all to the role and really embodies the character giving us a crude, loud, and loathsome Grinch that you just love to hate. Is it the best Grinch movie ever made? No, that would be the original animated film . Is it the best live action Grinch film? Absolutely.

  • Food Resources and Budgeting

    As the holidays draw near, I am reminded that this is a tough time for many in our community. Financial and food security is a constant concern as energy bills rise and pantries go bare. Raised by a single mother who had five children to feed, I was always surprised and impressed by how she made it work. We had different ways to make a dollar stretch, and sometimes dinner was just a "mystery box" challenge where we would find random stuff in the cupboards and see what creative concoctions my mother would come up with. While writing this post, I wanted to incorporate examples of easy budget family meals, books that highlighted meal prep and getting the most out of what you already have, and showcase some of our community resources and food pantries. Meal prep and budgeting books: Fifty Frugal Recipes: When Cooking on a Budget Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day Whole Food for Your Family: 100+ simple, budget-friendly meals Ten Dollar Dinners Favorite low-cost meals: Food pantries in the Caldwell area: This can be a difficult time of year, so here at the library we've put together some Thanksgiving dinner in a bag kits. Inside you'll find all the fixings a classic holiday meal for two, just ask anyone at the front desk for a bag. Our front entrance also houses a free community pantry year-round, stocked from generous community members. It's our sincere hope that these resources and ideas can ease some of those worries and frustrations faced by our community. From all of us here at the Caldwell Public Library, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

  • November is International Games Month!

    Many a summer evening we'd go out and play disc golf after I got home from work. Those after dinner outings were the perfect time to go out and take a walk around the park as the sun slowly set and the temperature began to cool. Now, it's dark by the time I get home! As the seasons change, so too do our habits. With the chilly weather creeping in and the sun disappearing ridiculously early, it's time to gather around the table for some indoor gaming fun! It's no coincidence then, as we're drawn inside to escape winter's chill, we celebrate International Games Month! An annual promotion and celebration of all things gaming by the American Library Association's Gaming Round Table , "International Games Month is an initiative run by volunteers from around the world to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games." Here at the library, we're celebrating with a display featuring books about card games , game design , children's games , and table-top RPG systems. You can also find a few printed free TTRPG packets to take home and play! While you're here, don't forget to check out our board game collection over by our activity kits. There you can find classics like Risk , Monopoly , and Rummikub , along with newer game like Ticket to Ride , Bears vs. Babies , and Pandemic . For even more gaming fun, check out ALA's Games and Gaming Round Table website for information about the social value of gaming and links to more free games you can print and play! Looking to connect and play board games with others in your community? Come join us for our monthly Board Game Night , first Tuesday of every month! Bring your own game or pick one from our selection. Hope to see you there!

  • Idaho Family Reading Week 2025

    November is be a busy month at the library! As folks prep for the winter holiday season, we're excited to celebrate with seasonal fall crafts and decor . Here at the Caldwell Public Library we're also getting in the festive spirit for another November celebration: Idaho Family Reading Week, which we'll celebrate from November 17th to November 21st. Idaho Family Reading Week is an weeklong celebration during which families are encouraged to read together and visit their local libraries to explore resources. This year the theme is Stories Under the Stars, inviting you and your family to cozy up with a twinkling tale and get some good reading in after dark. Whether family reading takes place at home or the library, at doctors' offices or laundromats, at the park or the pool, or anywhere your family reads, it's a crucial support of early childhood literacy. We're excited to celebrate Idaho Family Reading Week under the stars with you this November. See below to find out about some of the stellar programs we'll be offering during Idaho Family Reading Week! Kickoff The Family Read Week Kickoff on Monday 11/17 at 6pm will feature STEM activities for all ages. Activities like galaxy glow jars, glow-in-the-dark puffy paint, and glowing kinetic sand will light up your evening! Afterschool Fun On Wednesday 11/19 at 3:30pm, kids aged 5-12 can come to Afterschool Fun and make Starry Night Lanterns inspired by the Vincent Van Gogh painting. Teen Thursday Teens aged 13-17 can hang out with friends, create galaxy slime, and enjoy snacks on Thursday 11/20 at 4:30pm with Teen Thursday: DIY Starry Night Slime . Storytimes Spanish and English Storytime on Tuesday 11/18, Music & Movement on Wednesday 11/19, and Preschool Storytime on Thursday 11/20 will feature stories, songs, and activities about space, stars, and the night sky. Pajama Storytime Special On Thursday 11/20 at 7pm, come enjoy a special Pajama Storytime themed around the night sky. It's a great way to get the day's energy out of your little ones right before bed!

  • Hoopla Halloween

    The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing, and the librarians have pulled their cardigans out of the closet—it’s officially fall! And what’s the best part of fall? That’s right: pumpkin spice eggnog! (Oh, and Halloween. Halloween’s pretty great, too.) Yes, it's beginning to look a lot like Spooktober which means it's the season for scary movies. If you've been keeping up with Caldwell Public Library happenings, then you know we started offering the digital service hoopla . If you're still in the creepy crawly dark about this hip new platform offering eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video streaming you can read more about it here . All done learning about or signing into hoopla ? Great! Let's get scary! Shriek if you know what I did last Friday the 13th (R, 2000) Remember Scary Movie : the parody of Wes Craven's Scream featuring endless references to other horror and slasher films aimed at teenagers that is exactly as sophisticated as the title implies? This film is the exact same concept, released the same year but direct to video. Shriek is a little rougher around the edges than it's more iconic cousin, but it's still a good, albeit dumb time. A masked killer menaces the town of Bulimia Falls where a group of teenage friends grapple with the guilt of what they did (or didn't do) last Friday the 13th. Tom Arnold is the standout here as the inept Deputy Doughy who's primary concern is figuring out who stole a Halloween mask and fake dog poop from the mall. There are a lot of great gags too, like the killer randomly snatching teens in the background. Not every joke lands, but the movie keeps a quick pace, always ready to offer up another goof. SHIYKWIDLFT13th may not be a great film, but it's a fun movie if you want to turn off your brain for an hour and a half. Phantasm (R, 1979) Watching Phantasm is like having a waking nightmare. It's scary sure, but there's a dreamlike surrealness to the film that is difficult to convey. Supposedly, the film is actually based on a nightmare that writer/director Don Coscarelli had as a teenager. The plot is impossible to predict and sometimes even follow. If you think you know what's going to happen next your expectations are sure to be subverted. Mike and his older brother Joey are just trying to find a new sense of normality after the sudden death of their parents. But strange things are happening around the local mortuary, and they all seem to be connected to the eerie Tall Man. An independent, low budget cult classic, Phantasm is a scream. The Spider Labyrinth (Unrated 1988) Beautiful as it is bizarre, this Italian horror film from Gianfranco Giagni is a Lovecraftian thriller that will leave you stunned. A young American researcher, Alan Whitmore, is called to Budapest to assist on a secret project. However, his contact Professor Roth, is murdered shortly after he arrives, found hanged and covered in spider webs. As Alan digs deeper into the murder of Roth and his work, he becomes the target of an ancient and terrifying cult. The film is well paced and effective at building tension. The creature effects are suitably creepy and unsettling with an ending critter that left me speechless. If you enjoy Italian horror ala Dario Argento , this is sure to please.

  • Tell All Your Friends: A hoopla Album Review

    This album is more than 20 years old! Does it now qualify as Dad Rock? I've been wanting to talk about this album FOREVER ! Unfortunately, it hasn't been available on the library's free music streaming platform, Freegal . However, now that we've begun to offer hoopla , I can finally tell all my friends here on the Caldwell Public Library blog about one of my favorite albums. If you haven't checked it out yet, hoopla is an all-in-one streaming app offering movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and more! You can read more about it here , or log in here with your Caldwell Public Library card and start browsing! Taking Back Sunday's debut album, Tell All Your Friends remains one of Emo's most influential albums. Released in 2002, it quickly became the template from which generations of bands would source their sound for years to come. The album was RIAA certified gold in 2005, and went platinum in 2023, proving the album's lasting impact and keystone status as one of the genre's best. Taking Back Sunday began in the burgeoning Long Island Emo/Hardcore scene in 1999, and the band continues to tour as of the writing of this blog, with their last album releasing late 2023. Tell All Your Friends has been analyzed, critiqued, reviewed and written about extensively as one of Emo's most foundational albums, but what exactly makes this album great? I know an album is a certified banger when I don't skip a single song. However, if you've never heard a TBS song before, pull up the album and start on track 3, "Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team)". What a great title, right? So dramatic! All the staples of classic Emo are here: exaggerated vocal delivery, clean instrumentals that break into hard driving, distorted choruses, call and response vocal lines, and lyrics chronicling jealousy and depression heightened to an absurd degree. It's a little melodramatic but also a bit tongue in cheek. Adam Lazzara and John Nolan scream their hearts out at each other above tight knit rhythm guitars and flowing leads, while Mark O'Connell's drumming provides dancy, grove inspired back beats that propel the songs forward with an infectious rhythm. "You're So Last Summer" is a great example of TBS's ability to write poppy, punk infused anthems with clever hooks. This track also includes one of my favorite stanzas that shows the band's proclivity towards conflicting, dissonant declarations in their lyrics. "I'd never lie to you, unless I had to I'll do what I got to Unless I had to I'll do what I got to The truth is you could slit my throat And with my one last gasping breath I'd apologize for bleeding on your shirt" 'I'd never lie unless I needed to, and really, I'm the victim here'. Gas lightening has never been so smooth. Really, it's an album that rewards attentive listening. There's plenty of catchy sing-alongs to bang your head to, but repeated listens reveal the depth and cleverness present not only in the band's exceptional word play, but layers of sound and structure. Sign into hoopla, give it spin, sing your heart out, and try to absorb all of that youthful energy and angst. I know I could use some.

  • Storytimes and Classes and Programming, Oh My!

    This blog post reflects current program offerings as of September 2025. Check out our calendar to see what’s new! One of my favorite parts of our library is that we offer so many fun programs for all ages. From Tai Chi & Qigong classes and Knitting & Crochet socials for adults, to after-school activities of all types for kids and teens, to storytimes at least four days a week for Caldwell’s youngest library patrons, we’ve got something for everyone . And, best of all, every program is free and open to the public, regardless of whether or not you have a library card .  Today I want to spotlight a few of our programs. We’d love to see you there! Early Literacy Program Spotlight: Spanish and English Storytime / Hora de cuentos en inglés y español Weekly: Every Tuesday at 10:30am | Ages 2-6 with their adults Programa semanal: Cada martes a las 10:30am | Edades 2-6 con sus adultos At a special Spanish and English Storytime in April 2025, we had a great time reading Book Fiesta by Pat Mora. At Spanish and English Storytime, we celebrate bilingual literacy through stories, songs, rhymes, and games in Spanish and English. We read each page twice—once in each language—and have a great time talking about the pictures, too! This program places a particular emphasis on children’s literature by Latin American authors, illustrators, and translators. We sing traditional songs in both languages, play games, and learn lots from each other. En la hora del cuento en inglés y español, celebramos la alfabetización bilingüe con cuentos, canciones, rimas, y juegos en inglés y español. Leemos cada página dos veces—una en español y otra en inglés—y ¡disfrutamos de hablar de las ilustraciones! En este programa se enfatiza la literatura infantil de alta calidad por autores, ilustradores, y traductores latinoamericanos. Cantamos canciones tradicionales en ambos idiomas, jugamos juegos, y aprendemos mucho unos de otros. School-Age Program Spotlight: Read to a Therapy Dog Monthly: 3rd Tuesday at 4:45pm | Ages 7-14 So cute, right?! Every month, therapy dogs from Team Idaho Therapy Dogs take over our Community Room to hear stories. Children and teens who want to practice reading can do so in front of a calming, non-judgemental audience. You can read any book you want to these canine pals: check out a book from our shelves, bring one from home, or choose a great read from our in-program selection of picture and chapter books. The best part? Your fluffy, adoring audience also loves to get pets and scratches! Teen Program Spotlight: Teen Thursday Weekly: Every Thursday at 4:30pm | Ages 13-17 Think you can beat your local librarian at Jenga? Our Teen Thursday program encompasses so much. Depending on the week, we do everything from creating art projects, to playing giant Jenga or giant checkers on the library's front lawn, to taste-testing and ranking various foods to crown the best one as Caldwell's Choice. Teen Thursday is a great space for teens to go to build connections with each other as well as library staff… and we love to offer snacks! Adult Program Spotlight: Knitting and Crochet Social Twice Monthly: 2nd and Last Monday at 1pm | Ages 18+ Knit away! Troubleshoot your crochet and knitting issues, create in community, or just make a new friend at our Adult Knitting and Crochet Social. Twice each month, a group meets to socialize, work on projects, and enjoy tea and hot cocoa. It’s a great opportunity to make like-minded fiber arts friends and run any issues by your fellow knitters and crocheters, though no formal instruction is provided.

  • Lefties Unite! International Left-Handers Day

    Hello friends! August 13th was International Left-Handers Day , and being a leftie myself, I wanted to share some fun facts about "South Paws" and introduce you to some of my favorite left-handed authors! Quick Lefty Facts: Lefties make up about 10% of the overall world population, and there is a higher percentage of males being left-handed over females. Lefties are known to have some advantages when it comes to sports (left-handed pitchers) and tend to excel at creative thinking. Lefties are more prone to allergies, migraines and issues with their immune system. Lefties are known to be better at multitasking. We have had 7 Left-Handed US presidents: James A. Garfield, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Famous and influential Left-Handers include: Artists- Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Pablo Picasso, Raphael Musicians- Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Celine Dion Athletes- Babe Ruth, Rafael Nadal, Sandy Koufax, Martina Navratilova Actors- Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga Other Notable Figures- Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Helen Keller, Henry Ford, Ratan Tata .  Notable left-handed authors: Mark Twain , Lewis Carroll , J.K. Rowling , H.G. Wells , Franz Kafka , John Green , Leo Tolstoy , R.L. Stine Enjoy these lovely left-handed reads and celebrate the left-handers in your life. Happy reading!

  • Collection Spotlight: Youth World Languages

    I love seeing our busy Kids & Family section during the summer! Each of our children’s collections has a special place in my heart. Some of my favorite nostalgic childhood reads are in the Picture Books & Board Books. I love the revival of classic series as new Graphic Novels. Nonfiction recalls many fond memories of school projects. And Media offers me options to watch all kinds of kids and family movies completely free with my library card . I know much of the community already knows those shelves well, so today I want to spotlight one of our most underappreciated collections: the Youth World Languages section. As the presenter for our weekly Spanish and English Storytime , I spend a lot of time thinking about, reading, and evaluating books that are a part of this collection so I can put forward the best possible program for our Spanish-speaking and Spanish-learning young patrons. I’ve compiled quite a few fun facts and favorite books so that you, too, can share multilingual and multicultural materials with your family. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite! CPL's Youth World Languages section. What languages do you have? You may have noticed the World Languages section before, but did you know it features books in more languages than just Spanish? We have circulating youth collections in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, French, Mandarin Chinese (options for traditional and simplified characters), and a few items featuring Braille text. My First Board Book Under the Sea by Donovan Bixley features Maori vocabulary. Many of these collections have books available in bilingual formats, too. The majority of our bilingual offerings are Spanish/English, but we also have a few bilingual Chinese/English, Arabic/English, and French/English books. We even circulate a board book featuring vocabulary in Maori , an indigenous language of New Zealand! What books do you have? Le Petit Prince by Antione de Saint Exupéry is available at CPL in its original French. Many classic children’s titles are available in translated Spanish versions, like La oruga muy hambrienta ( The Very Hungry Caterpillar ) by Eric Carle and Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal ( Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ) by J. K. Rowling. We circulate some titles that have only ever been published in Spanish - so far! Try Instrucciones para convertirse en pirata by Erika Zepeda and Cinco ovejitas by Andrés and Ana Guerrero. We also circulate a copy of The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in its original French: Le Petit Prince . And many popular titles are most likely to be available in their Spanish version, since their English counterparts are so popular. If your readers are fluent enough in Spanish to read Dog Man / Hombre Perro , I Survived / Sobreviví , or Magic Tree House / La casa del árbol , you might have better luck finding those super-popular titles in Spanish on our World Languages shelves. Erica's Recommendations Bye Land, Bye Sea by René Spencer and Rodolfo Montalvo follows two characters who understand each other well despite their different backgrounds: a Spanish-speaking boy and an English-speaking girl who encounter each other, lost at sea. It is a great storytime pick for a fully-bilingual crowd. Sisters, Rain Or Shine / Hermanas, llueva o truene by Nelly Buchet (translated by Mariana Llanos) is another one of my favorites. A bilingual edition of Buchet’s Big Sister, Long Coat , the story follows two sweet sisters around the city on an unexpectedly rainy day. As the big sister, I hope I can always be there for my little sister, come rain or shine. Finally, I read Across So Many Seas / A través de los mares by Ruth Behar in English , but this lyrical multigenerational chapter book comes in Spanish as well. Spanning nearly 6 centuries, it tells the story of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, from the Spanish Inquisition to modern Miami and making stops in Istanbul and the Cuban countryside on the way. Bye Land, Bye Sea by René Spencer and Rodolfo Montavo is a great storytime choice for a Spanish & English bilingual group.

Call us:

208-459-3242

Find us: 

1010 Dearborn St. Caldwell, ID 83605

Follow Us:

  • facebook
  • White Instagram Icon
  • Twitter Clean
  • TikTok
  • Youtube

Subscribe to our newsletter

bottom of page