Where The Child Things Are
National Hugging Day
By: Melissa Hilt, Community Engagement Librarian
Today, January 21, is National Hugging Day. If you are like me, you might be surprised to find out that hugs have their own day. Now this doesn’t mean hugs are only good to give or receive one day a year. Did you know that hugging has both physiological and psychological benefits? Actual Scientific Benefits
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GEPL’s Mock Caldecott Awards
By: Heather McCammond-Watts, Youth Department Director
Every year, we are excited to see which children’s books will earn coveted nominations for the Newbery, Caldecott, and Coretta Scott King book awards. The American Library Association announces the winners at their midwinter meeting on the last Monday in January, and children’s librarians across the country shout with glee when their favorites are chosen!
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New Year, New Decade: How Will You Embrace the Year(s) Ahead?
By: Amy Waters, School Liaison
JANUARY Expand your reading choices Make a resolution this year to read more diversely in 2020. Sure, check out those well-loved favorites, but add some new genres and authors, too. From board books to older fiction, there are great authors to be discovered. Here are just a few (ask at the Youth Desk for more
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2020: The Year of Frida
By: Katy Almendinger, Early Literacy Librarian
I love living near Chicago. We’re so lucky to be a frequent stop on world tours for popular artists and performers. My favorite thing to do is experience Broadway in Chicago—Hamilton, anyone? Chicago’s home to famous museums and other historical landmarks. In 2020, I’m looking forward to seeing world famous art right here in Glen
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(Books) These Days
By: Christina Keasler, Youth Department Assistant Director
‘Tis the season! All the top toy lists are out, and while browsing through toys filled with slime or “fart-inspired” scents, I’m asking myself, “What is it with kids these days?!” However, I remind myself that it’s not really kids these days. When I was a kid, my favorite summer reading theme was B.A.R.F. (Books
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Cookie Day
By: Cathy Mori, Youth Librarian
One of my favorite days of the year is Cookie Day. You might not have heard of Cookie Day unless you participate in a version of it yourself. For me, Cookie Day happens annually in December and involves myself, my sister, and two of our childhood friends who gather for a day-long cookie baking extravaganza.
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Screen Time Struggles
By: Kate Easley, Youth Librarian
As the weather gets colder and snowier, kids start to spend more time indoors. What’s more appealing than an iPad or TV? It’s an ongoing struggle many parents face: children want more and more screen time, yet the research is showing that screen time isn’t great for kids. So, how best to minimize technology usage
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The Gift of Reading
By: Tom Malinowski, Middle School Librarian
As a librarian, do I support people buying books? Yes! But then am I somehow encouraging people not to use the library but a bookstore instead? Reading is reading whether the book is borrowed or bought. Before I became a librarian, I bought my fair share of books. One of my librarian duties is collection
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Weathering Sadness During the Holidays
By: Amy Waters, School Liaison
As the holiday season approaches, many people are making plans to spend time with friends and family. Maybe a trip is in the works, or perhaps your family will be hosting out-of-town visitors. The bustle and excitement of the season is something to look forward to. But sometimes, this time of year coincides with changes
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Little Chefs
By: Heather McCammond-Watts, Youth Department Director
Autumn is the perfect opportunity to spend time in the kitchen with your kids. Cooking is highly creative and is a surefire way to connect. Cookbooks written especially for kids break down each task into more manageable parts and give you tips for success. Kids can chop safely with either plastic knives or butter knives.
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