By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette
“The Wild Robot” movie is out and filling up theaters, but did you know that before it was a movie, it was a book? The Mary J. Barnett Library has a three-book series written by Peter Brown that follows Roz, a robot who finds herself on a remote island with no idea of how she got there. After surviving a storm and a bear attack, she realizes that she must adapt if she is to survive. Before long, the island begins to feel like home, until one day, she begins to recall her past.
This No. 1 New York Times bestselling illustrated middle-grade novel from a Caldecott Honor winner tells an extraordinary story full of action and thought-provoking questions as a robot learns to survive — and live — in the wilderness. Not only do we have the series in print, but we also have it on Playaway audiobooks. Come in and check the books out because you know the book is always better than the movie.
We have other new books that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school students including the 12th “Spy School” book and “The New Girl” graphic novel by Cassandra Calin.
For young patrons who love non-fiction, we have a new book from National Geographic Kids entitled “Weird But True, World 2024.” Discover Earth’s strangest natural wonders, animals, festivals, ancient architecture, news and more in this annual compendium of everything “Weird But True!” fans love… and then some. Readers will journey across the seven continents, dive into the ocean, and even blast off into space to discover a whole wide world of weird. From volcano-surfing in Nicaragua to a beach in Japan where the “sand” is shaped like stars to extreme ironing competitions in the United Kingdom, “Weird But True! World” offers an unparalleled adventure-filled exploration of our world’s amazing uniqueness.
And speaking of kids, we are working to update our children’s section of the library. Above is the before and after plan for the donor tree in the juvenile section of MJB Library. If you would like to support this project, you can pay for a square foot of the mural for $18. The old donor tree leaves will be repurposed to create the beautiful butterflies pictured in the new design. Please make checks payable to the Guthrie Center Friends of the Library to contribute. Donations of a foot or more are greatly appreciated. Checks or cash may be dropped off at the library during library hours.
Story Hour
Our preschool Story Hour is every Friday at 10 a.m.; the theme will be pumpkins on Friday, Oct. 9. On Oct. 18, story hour will feature spooky books and crafts. Halloween will be the focus of Oct. 25.
Programs
Donald Todd, Jr. will present his program entitled “A Tale of Two Soldiers” on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. The encore performance of this program will chronicle the story of how his father, Dr. Donald Todd, Sr., and Dr. Herbert Neff came to start a medical practice in Guthrie Center that thrived for decades.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Michelle Cowan, an Iowa author, will present a book talk at 10 a.m. Cowan will discuss her book “Better, Not Bitter.”
Cookbook Club
Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. will be the regular Cookbook Club meeting. This month’s featured cookbook is “Good Lookin’ Cookin’ ” by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George. Stop by the library to choose a recipe
Boo Bash
The fifth annual Li-BOO-ary Bash, a not-so-scary Halloween celebration at the MJB Library, will be on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-7:15 p.m. Stop by our family-friendly event featuring games, a photo booth, a “spooky walk,” and a treat at the end.
Our toddler corner is becoming a popular place for little people and their caregivers. In this fun Needle Felting class, participants got to craft their very own adorable pumpkin and acorn. The 14 participants in the Needle Felting class proudly display their completed projects. On Oct. 2, the MJB Library and Art on the Fly hosted an enjoyable Needle Felting class that everyone loved.
