Blog

The bridge between the library and your hobbies.

By Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

Did you know that January is known as national hobby month? Who better to help you find a new hobby, or extend your knowledge of your favorite hobby, than a librarian? Whether you’re a yarn crafter, sketch artist, or you want to start gardening, the library has your back. All shelf locations and book descriptions can be found in the Manhattan Public Library catalog located at https://catalog.manhattan.lib.ks.us/polaris/default.aspx.

Let’s start with yarn crafting. With knitting and crocheting I notice it helps lower anxiety and stress by stimulating the release of serotonin. Serotonin promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. Both yarn crafts exercise both sides of the brain. Finishing a knitting or crocheting project can boost your mood and self-esteem. Your local library has over three-hundred and seventy-five books on yarn crafting.

Popular knitting books that are available at Manhattan Public Library include “The Principles of Knitting,” by June Hemmons Hiatt. According to the Manhattan Public Library catalog, “Reading the Principles of Knitting is like having a knitting mentor by your side who can answer any knitting question you have in an honest, intelligent, informed manner.” Also available are, “The knitter’s handy book of patterns: basic designs in multiple sizes & gauges,” by Ann Budd, and “No pattern knits: simple modular techniques for making wonderful garments and accessories,” by Pat Ashforth. The publisher’s notes states that, “No pattern knits is a knitting book with a difference, it shows and tells how to leave patterns aside and make beautiful clothing and accessories from simple geometric shapes. You can learn how to create sweaters, bags, hats, cushions, socks, scarves, and ponchos using just a few easy-to-learn stitches.”

From sources across the web, drawing is considered to be one of the top ten hobbies in the United States. Twenty-five percent of hobbyist are sketch artists. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced your library has seventy books on how to draw and sketch. One available is, “Drawing for beginners: simple techniques for learning how to draw,” by David Sanmiguel, Sterling publishers convey, “For anyone who wants to learn how to draw, this colorfully illustrated guide introduces the fundamental techniques necessary to build essential skills. The first section covers the tools – the various types of media and paper you need to get started. Then you’ll learn about the basic methods for creating effective drawings step-by- step, from making basic shapes to enhancing them with highlights and shading. Then you’ll continue studying techniques but apply them to common subjects in artistic drawings – landscapes, still-life, and figure drawing – through exercises using various media. Hone your abilities with practice, enjoy the process, and create your own works of art with confidence.” “Drawing course 101,” by Robert Capitolo & Ken Schwab is another resource that can be checked out by inspiring artists. catalog, Sterling Publishing Company also states that, “This book successfully combines theory and practice, this on- the-page course provides the tools and information necessary for any artist to develop strong observational, organizational, and expressive drawing skills.”

Gardening is another activity in the top ten hobbies in the United States. You can choose from just over one-hundred books at the Manhattan Public Library. If you’re a beginner a, “Beginner’s guide to garden planning and design: 50 simple gardening ideas for adding style & personality to your outdoor space,” by Helen Yoest, could be a good fit for you. Creative Homeowner Press publisher explains that, “In this book Helen has outlined 50 ways to add style to express one’s personal creativity in the garden–when in fact her 50 will inspire at least 50 more ideas. Rather than force her own creative ideas on you, author, gardener, and horticulturalist, Helen Yoest teaches you how to recognize and act on your own creativity.”

It could be possible that your ground isn’t habitable for a garden. “Container gardening: the permaculture way: sustainably grow vegetables and more in your small space,” by Tsimba, Valry, might be a good one for you to check out. According to the Manhattan Public Library catalog, it is, “Based on the author’s own experience growing a lush permaculture garden on her balcony, this book teaches anyone, anywhere to grow fresh, healthy produce in containers, free of chemical fertilizers or insecticides.” What if you want to be creative in your gardening venture? You can ask yourself, why grow the same dull vegetables and herbs that fill every grocery store? If you’re putting in the effort growing your own vegetables, why not make it something spectacular! Mitch McCulloch author of, “The seed hunter: discover the world’s most unusual heirloom plants,” exclaims that, “There’s a thrilling diversity of rare and unusual heirloom plants out there–a riot of beauty, color, and flavor that can only be experienced by growing your own

The most popular hobby or activity that Americans divulge in is self- care. Self-care to me means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your live in many different ways. Self-care can help you manage stress, decrease your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care day by day can have a big impact. If your plan of action for self-care agrees with mine, the library has an astonishing fourteen-hundred books on self-care!

Lastly, we cannot leave out antiquing, stamp collecting, fire-arms, or fashion. There are so many hobbies out in the world, go out and find the one that fits you best, and remember your local library is there to help you every step of the way.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

Chilling reads for chillier days

By Audrey Swartz, Reader’s Advisory Librarian

It’s cold. Like the arctic cold. Bone-deep cold, as my grandfather used to say.

It’s the kind of cold where this Michigan girl breaks out her long, heavy winter coat and tall, furry mukluks. In the almost 9 years I’ve lived in Kansas, this is one of the first winters that has been like this.

There are varying ideas why, but they all end up with the same conclusion: stay inside and stay warm. In my house, there are a few things we do when we are stuck inside. If it’s up to my 7-year-old, we play endless rounds of Uno (yes, you can stack Draw 2s). If it’s up to my 11-year-old, we are hiding in our rooms reading. If it’s up to me…well, there are several options: reading, movie marathon, or LEGO.

As I’ve already written a LEGO article and Uno is a house-rules game, here are some chilling reads sure to make your blood boil.

New in 2025 from our adult horror collection we have the following books:

“Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix: “Set in Florida in the 1970s, Grady Hendrix’s newest novel follows five young women in a home for unwed mothers who find a guide to witchcraft. They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened. Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified and alone. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who knows she’s going to go home and marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who. Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid — and it’s usually paid in blood.”

“Wake Up and Open Your Eyes” by Clay McLeod Chapman: “Noah has been losing his polite Southern parents to far-right cable news for years, so when his mother leaves him a voicemail warning him that the ‘Great Reawakening’ is here, he assumes it’s related to one of her many conspiracy theories. But when his phone calls go unanswered, Noah makes the drive from Brooklyn to Richmond, Virginia. There, he discovers his childhood home in shambles and his parents locked in a terrifying trancelike state in front of the TV. Panicked, Noah attempts to snap them out of it. Then Noah’s mother brutally attacks him. But Noah isn’t the only person to be attacked by a loved one. Families across the country are tearing each other apart — literally — as people succumb to a form of possession that gets worse the more time they spend glued to a screen. In Noah’s Richmond-based family, only he and his young nephew Marcus are unaffected. Together, they must race back to the safe haven of Brooklyn — but can they make it before they fall prey to the violent hordes?”

“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones: “A chilling historical horror novel set in the American west in 1912 following a Lutheran priest who transcribes the life of a vampire who haunts the fields of the Blackfeet reservation looking for justice. A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar life over a series of confessional visits. This is an American Indian revenge story written by one of the new masters of horror, Stephen Graham Jones.”

“But Not Too Bold” by Hache Pueyo: “The old keeper of the keys is dead, and the creature who ate her is the volatile Lady of the Capricious House — Anatema, an enormous humanoid spider with a taste for laudanum and human brides. Dalia, the old keeper’s protegee, must take up her duties, locking and unlocking the little drawers in which Anatema keeps her memories. And if she can unravel the crime that led to her predecessor’s death, Dalia might just be able to survive long enough to grow into her new role. But there’s a gaping hole in Dalia’s plan that she refuses to see: Anatema cannot resist a beautiful woman, and she eventually devours every single bride that crosses her path.”

It is early in the year, but these horror books are sure to keep you warm over the chilly days and nights we have coming. Keep an eye out for more new items by browsing our New Book section located on the first floor.

There is something for everyone, and I am sure you will discover a great read!

Audrey Swartz is the adult services and readers’ advisory librarian at Manhattan Public Library

New Year, New You? Definitely New TBR

By Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

It’s almost 2025; when you read this, it will be. The new year is an encouragement to make change, pick up new habits, new hobbies, be a better version of yourself, and for some to grow through and over trauma. For others, the new year is a reason to celebrate with friends, partake in excess, and perhaps enjoy a kiss at midnight. This librarian sees it as a chance to learn from what has happened and move on. To start planning the January birthday parties and the summer vacation travels, to make realistic goals and snuggle my kiddos a little closer. To be a better version of myself, not a new version, and to fill my to-be -read list (TBR) with new books!

Unsurprisingly, I have two large stacks of books on my desk that encompass every kind of print book we have at the library. I do not tend to discriminate on genre or age range but I have noticed my adult nonfiction stack growing and growing. After this last year, I find the need to connect more with reality, pull myself out of my strictly reading romance for fun, and incorporate more diversity into my favorite pastime. Below you will find my TBR for 2025. All the books are available at Manhattan Public Library and are currently located in the ‘New’ sections of our collection.

Books from our Children’s Collection:
“Spooky lakes: 25 strange and mysterious lakes that dot our planet” written and illustrated by Geo Rutherford.
“The great influenza: the true story of the deadliest pandemic in history” written by Catherine Frank
“The Doomsday Archives: The heart-stealer mask” written by Zack Loran Clark.
“Ghostly, ghastly tales: frights to tell at night” written by Anastasia Garcia and illustrated by Teo Skaffa.
“Gods don’t cry: unsung stories of Ireland’s forgotten immortals” by Ellen Ryan and illustrated by Connor Merriman.
“John the skeleton” written by Triinu Laan, illustrated by Marja-Liisa Plats, and translated by Adam Cullen.
“An animal a day” written by Miranda Smith, illustrated by Kaja Kajfež, Santiago Calle, Mateo Markov, and Max Rambaldi.

Books from our Young Adult Collection:
“Kill the beast: a tale of everyone’s favorite guy” written by Serena Valentino.
“Riot act: act I” written by Sarah Lariviere.
“A witch’s guide to burning” written and illustrated by Aminder Dhaliwal.
“Queer mythology: epic legends from around the world” written by Guido A. Sanchez, illustrated by James Fenner.

Books from our Graphic Novel Collection:
“H.P. Lovecraft’s the call of Cthulhu” adaptated and illustrated by Gou Tanabe.
“Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s Indigenous peoples’ history of the United States: a graphic interpretation” adapted and illustrated by Paul Peart-Smith, edited by Paulk Buhle and Dylan Davis.
“Beneath the trees where nobody sees” written and illustrated by Patrick Horvath, lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
“Indiginerds: tales from modern indigenous life” edited by Alina Pete; cover artist, Brit Newton; proofreader, Abby Lehrke; publisher, editor-in-chief, C. Spike Trotman; print technician, additional lettering and design, Hye Mardikian.
“Brittle Joints” written and illustrated by Maria Sweeney.
“Something, not nothing: a story of grief and love” written and illustrated by Sarah Leavitt.

Books from our Adult Collection:

Nonfiction:
“How to dungeon master parenting: a guidebook for gamifying the child-rearing quest, leveling up your skills, and raising future adventurers” written by Shelly Mazzanoble.
“Free to be: understanding kids and gender identity” written by Jack L. Turban.
“How would you like your mammoth? 12,000 years of culinary history in 50 bite-size essays” written by Uta Seeburg.
“Raised by a serial killer: discovering the truth about my father” written by April Balascio.
“By the fire we carry: the generations-long fight for justice on native land” written by Rebecca Nagle.
“Men Have Called Her Crazy” written by Anna Marie Tendler.
“How to Date Men When You Hate Men” written by Blythe Roberson.
“It was you all along: what if you’re the one you’ve been waiting for?” written by Russ.
“The great good place: cafes, coffee shops, bookstores, bars, hair salons, and other hangouts at the heart of a community” written by Ray Oldenburg.
“The widow’s guide to dead bastards: a memoir” written by Jessica Waite.
“The 1619 Project: a visual experience” edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman, and Jake Silverstein.

Fiction:
I’ll be honest here, there aren’t any on my list. I default read fiction so in an effort to be more intentional about my reading I’m leaving it off on purpose. My goal is to finish up, well catch up, on one of the many series by author J.R. Ward. I gave the Fallen Angels series a try when the first book came out and wasn’t in the mind-space for it, so I am going to try again.

That’s it! Everything on my list for next year. If you are having a hard time figuring out what you are going to read, please feel free to stop by and chat or fill out a personalized reading list request that can be found on our website at https://mhklibrary.org/personalized-reading-list-2/

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Manhattan Public Library serves more than 75,000 people in the Riley County area through curated book and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

 

A Message from Our Director

By Eric Norris, Director

I am more surprised every year about how fast the time goes by, it just seems more sped up than the previous year and accelerates more in the later months. And the old cliché once again proves true, time certainly flies when you’re having fun!

2024 was a big year for the Manhattan Public Library: we met goals, exceeded expectations, and started making plans for the year ahead. As we turn the last page of this year, let’s take a quick look back at just a few highlights:

 

Strategic Planning

Early in the year we developed our strategic plan around the mission to enhance quality of life by connecting the community to information and innovation, and to provide a welcoming, safe, and fun place for all. Our values – Community, Intellectual Freedom, Inclusion, Hospitality, Public Service, and Access – helped shape our mission into six goals:

• Supporting lifelong enrichment, literacy, and well-being.
• Connecting people with community resources and one another.
• Building volunteer and partnership opportunities.
• Making library resources and public spaces more accessible.
• Expressing our value.
• Creating a sustainable infrastructure for Manhattan Public Library.

In a three-year cycle, we will review what was accomplished in the current year, prepare for the upcoming year, and plan out projects for the year after that, around the goals identified above. This will help keep our services and projects relevant and timely.

 

Summer Reading: “Adventure Begins at Your Library!”

And what an adventure it was for all of us! A total of 3,339 readers signed up for the reading challenge this year and by age group the breakdown was 559 pre-K, 1,518 elementary age, 289 teens, and 975 adults.

The number of readers was similar to last year, but they were challenged more this year as we tried a new prize structure, ranging from 10 hours of reading up to 200 hours total as the highest prize goal, and those readers certainly rose to the challenge. Readers logged 4,682,396 million minutes read, which is twice as much as 2023! I know I’ve used a lot of exclamation points already in this article, but that stat certainly called for another.

Summer Reading was made possible with the help of $5,800 from the Manhattan Library Association for supplies, prizes, and marketing. The Manhattan Library Foundation provided $9,800 for prize books. We received $3,200 from other donors including Pediatric Associates, Community 1st Bank, and Goblin Games. In-kind donations are an important part of the program, providing free food coupons from Vista, Raising Cane’s, Papa Murphy’s, Varsity Donuts, Baskin Robbins, and Sonic, and free entry passes to the Sunset Zoo and the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

A Summer Reading highlight for the year is Kathy Pauls, the volunteer librarian at Riley County Jail, who administered our Summer Reading program for prisoners at the jail with 40 participants.

 

Community Events

This year we were present at three community events: Manhattan Pride, Juneteeth Celebration, and Everybody Counts. We met neighbors, saw warm familiar faces, and made a lot of new friends. We have toured groups of school children, community organizations, visiting librarians, scouting troops, and the Boys & Girls Club through the library, as well as visiting many classrooms and in-service events in the school district, and KSU students at Hale Library. We also hosted dozens and dozens and dozens of story times, programs, trainings, and community events.

Through the Enjoy & Share program, we have left books to, well, enjoy and share, at various places across town including the Manhattan Airport, Cats Cupboard, Jardine, Islamic Center, Flint Hills Breadbasket, Hale Library, Be Able, Stonecreek Family Physicians, and Shepard’s Crossing. With this program we deliver popular and gently-used books to various locations in the community every month. You can enjoy these books while waiting or take them with you on the go. There’s no need to check the books out, just pass them along to others when you’re finished!

 

The Manhattan Library Association

The Manhattan Library Association (MLA) is the official name for the Friends of the Library. Through used book sales and membership dues, MLA raises money to support library programs and purchases. MLA is a volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations to MLA may qualify as tax deductions.

MLA raises money through two ways, one is Rosie’s Corner where donated books and books withdrawn from the collection are sold at very reasonable prices. Rosie’s Corner is located on the west side of the building, outside of the Community Room right by the old entrance. The second way is the annual book sale, which is held every year in the library, usually in late February. Last year was a big, busy one and sales reached $11,800. The sale is held over three days starting on Friday evening which is open only to MLA members. Memberships start as low as $10 for an individual and $15 for a family.

 

Expressing Value

And did you know, a homeowner with a $200K property in Manhattan pays less than $10 per month in taxes for access to the library’s vast wealth of resources, from over 1 million resource items to engaging programs and events for all ages and interests, all free of charge. From skills training to language learning to business development, the library empowers individuals and strengthens our community at its very core.

 

Important Dates to Remember:

• Closed Dec. 24 and 25
• Closing at 6pm Dec. 31 and Closed Jan. 1
• 2025 Book Sale: Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

Don’t miss out on all the library has to offer! Visit mhklibrary.org or follow us on social media for the latest updates, events, and resources.

 

Happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Eric Norris, Director

Winter Reading Challenge 2025

By Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

 

The cold weather has me wanting to curl up with a hot beverage and read a book, or ten. While I normally will do this without needing any reward, we at Manhattan Public Library do want to reward you for your winter reading! If you haven’t already, head on over to our reading challenges webpage at Manhattan Public Library’s Beanstack Reading Challenges, and join Manhattan Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge: Light Up the Mind. Record your reading time and complete some fun activities to earn badges.

 

• What are the dates? The challenge runs December 1st through February 28th.
• Is it free? Yes, it’s free and you get prizes for signing up, meeting the halfway goal, and completing the challenge.
• Who can join? Adults, teens, and all children!
• Did you say prizes? Yes! All participants will receive a small prize for signing up, there is a selection of fidgets to pick from or a handy-dandy ice scraper for these frosty mornings for meeting the halfway goal of 1500 reading points, and a free book for completing the challenge by earning 3000 reading points.
• How do I get points? Points can be earned by reading (each minute = 1 point) and completing activities in Beanstack, such as visiting the library or having a hot drink while you read. Log the time you spend reading or listening to books. Get extra points toward the goals with repeatable activity badges. You will get 5-20 points per activity.
• Does it matter what I read? No! You can read anything, not just library books. Magazines, graphic novels, and audiobooks also count for your reading time.

 

Once you have registered, you are free to start reading and recording your minutes. Take some time out and explore the activities, another great way to earn points. Several of the activities are repeatable, like writing a book review, visiting the library, and having a pajama day! There are activities that encourage us to explore nature, our community, and library resources. Did you know that we create personalized reading lists? Or that we have monthly email newsletters, based on subjects, that recommend books?

 

Personalized reading lists (PRL) are a wonderful way to access new books without having to do the legwork, and a great way to earn up to 40 points. These librarian-created lists offer the opportunity to explore new genres, authors, and even new formats. We currently have two ways to fill out your personalized reading list request: you can complete one online or in person. To locate the online form, you will need to first go to our website at mhklibrary.org. Click on “Recommendations,” which is located directly under the catalog search box. This will take you to our “Books & More” page. Click on the “Personalized Reading List” option, MPL Personalized Reading Lists Form, and begin to fill out your form. If you prefer a paper option, you’ll find physical forms located near each service desk. When you complete a physical form, write as neatly as possible and make sure to return it to the Reference Desk, located on the second floor.

 

Our monthly email booklists are another easy way to get reading recommendations based on topics. The sign-up link is located on the same page as PRLs, you will just have to scroll down a little further to select the “E-mail Book Lists” option, MPL E-Mail Book Lists Form, and fill out the sign-up form. There are over 20 topics to choose from including Nature & Science, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Current Events. There is no paper option for this, but we can assist you in signing up at the second-floor Reference Desk.

 

Still don’t know what to read? Come into the library and check out a book from one of our many displays and also earn points for visiting the library. There will be one display in each department dedicated to winter reading, along with displays located throughout the library. Grab a warm blanket, a hot beverage, and join us this winter in lighting up your mind with a good book!

 

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Manhattan Public Library serves more than 75,000 people in the Riley County area through curated book and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

 

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Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Cozy Up With Healing Novels 

By Stephanie Wallace, Library Assistant 2, Adult Services

The turkey and pumpkin pie have been consumed, the Black Friday deals stashed away, and the in-laws are returning home. No matter how you spent your Thanksgiving, it’s been a busy week. After swinging between gratitude, greed, and people-pleasing, I know I’ll need a break. And what better way to relax and recuperate than with a cozy book?

“Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree introduced me to the cozy fantasy genre, and its prequel, “Bookshops & Bonedust,” only reaffirmed my adoration. Baldree’s books star a beefy orc mercenary named Viv who’s learning how to take life slow. In her first adventure, Viv arrives in a new city with the dream to open a coffee shop. In the prequel, Viv’s between jobs and healing from an injury while she helps restore a local seaside bookshop. Both novels blend the vibes of Dungeons & Dragons with comfy, cute fixer-uppers.

If you prefer leaf juice over bean juice and want a little more intrigue, try Rebecca Thorne’s “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea.” It’s the first in a trilogy starring a sapphic couple. Reyna, a queensguard who’s abandoned her post, wants nothing more than to open a tea shop in a remote mountain town and leave her bloody past behind. Her girlfriend, Kianthe is the voice and hands of the world’s magic, a heavy responsibility that only Reyna has helped lighten. But the Queen wants her wayward guard to answer for her betrayal, and the magic leaders of the world are clamoring for Kianthe’s attention. It’s a lot for two women to handle, but thankfully they have allies in their new home and each other to get through it.

Love bookshops but want more magic and the found family feeling of a Hallmark movie? Checkout “The Spellshop” by Sarah Durst. Librarian-on-the-run Kiela barely escapes the burning of her city with a boat full of magical library books and her best friend, a talking spider plant named Caz. While they bunker down in Kiela’s childhood home on a beautiful island with flying cats and mermaids, Kiela is confounded again and again by the unexpected troubles of surviving on her own and the kindness of her neighbors. It takes Kiela a while to learn to trust her new friends, but each step is as sweet as her homemade jam.

Much of cozy fantasy revolves around settling down and building up a new home, but if you’re hankering for a road trip, take “The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong out for a spin. The eponymous fortune teller, Tao, is an immigrant traveler who goes town to town with her loyal mule, Laohu. Though Tao tries her hardest to avoid trouble, it finds her all the same when a pair of adventurers need her help to find a missing child. Before she knows it, Tao finds herself part of an amazing found family, and she needs to muster every ounce of courage she has to keep them safe.

Want cozy but don’t necessarily want fantasy? Allow me to introduce iyashikei, a Japanese subgenre related to slice-of-life. It loosely translates to “healing,” and they’re about contemplative stories that instill readers with a sense of peace or prompt them to reflect on their lives. If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro” (which also has a manga adaptation), you’ve already experienced how iyashikei can be a wonderfully quiet and quaint experience.

Miyazaki’s latest movie, “The Boy and the Heron,” includes a reference to “How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino. Both the movie and the book star young teen boys who are figuring out how they want to live their lives. Junichi “Copper” Honda, the protagonist of “How Do You Live?” earned his nickname because of his similarity to Copernicus. Like the astronomer who disproved the sun revolved around the Earth, Copper’s acknowledgement at the start of the story that the world does not revolve around himself is a watershed moment the narrative comes back to again and again. The book switches back and forth between Copper’s experiences at school and entries from his uncle’s journal, which he is writing for his nephew in hopes that he’ll remember all of the important life lessons he’s learning. Taken together, it feels like a love letter to my younger self and a message that teens today will appreciate.

Finally, to round off my recommendations for the cold weather ahead of us, take a vacation in the mountains with Afro’s “Laid Back Camp,” a delightful iyashikei manga. Join Rin Shima and Nadeshiko Kagamihara, two high schoolers who love camping, and their friends as they travel around Japan’s beautiful, wild retreats. Each volume focuses on a different real-life campground. As the girls explore and unwind, their friendships blossom and warm my heart like their nightly campfires.

As you settle in with your favorite warm beverage and a fluffy blanket or furry friend draped over your lap, I hope one of these titles will complete your perfect, cozy day.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Stephanie Wallace, Library Assistant 2, Adult Services

Teaching Literary Terms and Devices with Children’s Picture Books

By Hannah Atchison, Youth Services Librarian

English was always one of my favorite subjects. But when it came to learning literary terms, I lost interest quickly. College entry tests included them, so unfortunately, they were a necessity. I dragged my feet through it. The way we teach things plays a huge impact in whether the information taught will be absorbed. Using picture books to teach presents the material in both a fun and accessible way. Picture books can teach literary devices and terms in a way that makes learning them both quick and enjoyable. Here are a few fun reads from the children’s section at our library.

“The Mitten: a Ukrainian Folktale” adapted and illustrated by Jan Brett has magical, cozy illustrations. A mitten is dropped in the snow. Animals looking for warmth on a cold day climb into the mitten and stretch it until even a bear can fit inside. On each preceding page, there is a small picture on the far panel of the next approaching animal. These illustrations can be used to teach foreshadowing and prediction.

“Amelia Bedelia” by Peggy Parish is a beginning reader with pictures about a young woman working as a maid named Amelia Bedelia who takes everything she hears literally. Her misinterpretations of the tasks she is given have hilarious results that make readers of all ages laugh. Idioms can be a tricky concept to teach, but this book makes the experience fun and memorable.

“The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt uses personification of crayons, giving them human characteristics, to present a fun story from their perspectives. The crayons all have opinions about what they would rather be coloring instead of what they are usually used for. Personification is used in a ton of picture books. This is just one popular example.

“They All Saw a Cat” by Brendan Wenzel is about how perspective shapes what people, or animals in this case, see and understand. Each creature name is listed in all caps and the cat’s description is a short summary of the parts that make up a cat, but each illustration of the cat is a little bit different because of the way each creature sees the world and the cat as it relates to them.

“The Whole Hole Story” by Vivian McInerny is a picture book told using the literary method of stream of consciousness. The main character goes on an adventure as she explores the many imaginary uses of a hole. Each thought and experience slip into the next in a whimsical storytelling experience.

“Snappsy the Alligator: ‘Did Not Ask to Be in This Book!’” by Julie Falatko is one of many picture books we have using metalepsis. If you are not familiar with the term, it may help to understand what a frame story is. A frame story is a story within a story, like a folktale, that provides context for the literary piece. Metalepsis works similarly. The story recognizes that there are multiple levels within it: a “self-aware” book. In this story, the way metalepsis is used is by having a continuous conversation between the narrator and the main character, Snappsy, who is correcting them, ending with the narrator joining the story as a character.

“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin and John Archambault is a classic from my childhood that uses an abundance of alliteration, words that touch that use the same beginning sound or letter. It is also an excellent example for teaching young children how to hear syllables in words by using the rhythm of the text.

“Poopsie Gets Lost” by Hannah E. Harrison is one of my current favorites. Poopsie is a house cat who is being convinced by “the narrator” to leave her home and explore the jungle outside. During the course of the story, both the reader and Poopsie slowly realize that maybe they shouldn’t be listening to “the narrator” after all. It’s a silly and dangerous adventure that also teaches the concept of an unreliable narrator. Don’t worry. It still has a happy ending.

Everything is better with picture books. Why not make the learning experience more fun? Picture books can be used to teach many things. Maybe there are other tricky concepts they can assist you and your students with. If you need help gathering more suggestions, you know where to find us.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Manhattan Public Library serves more than 75,000 people in the Riley County area through curated book and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Hannah Atchison, Youth Services Librarian

To Read If You’re Being Stalked

By Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

I fully intended to give y’all a read list full of great books as it’s getting into cozy season. Unfortunately, Kansas doesn’t seem to have gotten the cool down memo, and a soon-to-be not personal matter has been weighing on me heavily. There is never an easy way to start this conversation, so here I go: I have a stalker. Yes, it is being handled through the legal channels, and yes, I am safe. However, in dealing with all the emotions and behavior, I became really curious about what sort of materials our library has on hand. Not just works of fiction, but if we had anything in non-fiction that would be useful. I should know by now that the answer is always “yes, we do.” Below is a list of books that deal with either true stories of stalking or give well balanced advice on how to spot behaviors and avoid a situation developing. There are books that address the complexity of cyberstalking vs. in person. And there is one book that is just for fun because sometimes you need levity in hard situations.

Before I dive in, I want to thank the wonderful officers at the RCPD, who have been very nice, responsive, and understanding; our district court for giving one the ability to file for certain orders completely online; and the crisis center for following up with me. The hugest of gratitude to my library family and their ability to be flexible. Finally, much love goes out to my friends and family, who have been supporting me. Okay, now books!

 

“The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence” by Gavin de Becker

“De Becker has made a career of protecting people and predicting violent behavior. Covering all the dangerous situations people typically face–street crime, domestic abuse, violence in the workplace–de Becker provides real-life examples and offers specific advice on restraining orders, self-defense, and more. The key to self-protection, he demonstrates, is learning how to trust our own intuitions.”

 

“In His Sights: A True Story of Love and Obsession” by Kate Brennan

“Kate Brennan’s visceral memoir lays bare the mind of a stalker and shows how a smart, successful woman can fall prey to a warped and powerful man who has the money and connections to keep her under his watchful eye. Both frightening and insightful, ‘In His Sights’ is a gripping tale of one woman’s descent into the dark side of love and how she has fought–and still struggles–to free herself.”

 

“Stalking Mary: One Man’s Fifteen-Year Obsession with His High-School Teacher” by Eileen Bridgeman Biernat 

“‘Stalking Mary’ is the true account of the kidnapping of Mary and Beth Stauffer, the thoughtless murder of a six-year-old boy named Jason Wilkman, and the psychosexual ploys of a dangerously deranged Shiue. Using court documents, video and audio transcriptions, personal interviews, and thousands of pages from Shiue’s own scripts, Eileen Bridgeman Biernat paints a harrowing picture of two families caught in the grip of a nightmare.”

 

“A Tangled Web: A Cyberstalker, a Deadly Obsession, and the Twisting Path to Justice” by Leslie Rule

“It appeared that Cari had dumped her new boyfriend, quit her job, and relinquished custody of her son to her mother–all by text. Her mother was alarmed and reported Cari missing. Police were skeptical of her claims. While her mother was afraid for Cari, Dave Kroupa was growing afraid of her, for he believed Cari was stalking him.”

 

“Unrequited: Women and Romantic Obsession” by Lisa A. Phillips

“The summer Lisa A. Phillips turned thirty, she fell in love with someone who didn’t return her feelings. She soon became obsessed. She followed him around, called him compulsively, and talked about him endlessly. One desperate morning, after she snuck into his apartment building, he picked up a baseball bat to protect himself and began to dial 911. Her unrequited love had changed her from a sane, conscientious college teacher and radio reporter into someone she barely recognized.”

 

“Nobody’s Victim: Fighting Psychos, Stalkers, Pervs, and Trolls” by Carrie Goldberg with Jeannine Amber 

“We are all a moment away from having our life overtaken by somebody hell-bent on our destruction. ‘Nobody’s Victim’ invites readers to join Carrie on the front lines of the war against sexual violence and privacy violations as she fights for revenge porn and sextortion laws, uncovers major Title IX violations, and sues tech companies, schools, and powerful sexual predators.”

 

“How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need: Survival Tricks for Hacking, Hurricanes, and Hazards Life Might Throw at You” by Judith Matloff

“‘Be Prepared’ is a great motto– but what does it mean in today’s constantly changing world? In an age of mass shootings, devastating natural disasters, and digital attacks, we yearn for some control. As a seasoned war correspondent, Matloff shares her tried-and-true methods to help you confidently handle whatever challenges come your way.”

 

If you or anybody you know is the victim of domestic violence, in any of its forms, I encourage you to reach out to The Crisis Center here in Manhattan at (785) 539-2785. If it is an emergency, please dial 911. If you feel you are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm, please dial 911.

 

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Manhattan Public Library serves more than 75,000 people in the Riley County area through curated book and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

 

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Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Spooky Season = Stephen King

By Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

With the chillier season coming upon us, I tend to look forward to a snuggle on the couch with a blanket, a fire in the fireplace, and a good book. The author I tend to gravitate to is Stephen King. Below you will find the horrors and thrillers you are used to from Stephen King, yet there are some more lighthearted stories that include love, acceptance, and coming of age. He is the “King” for a reason.

“The Shining” by Stephen King

Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote and sinister. The only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted child.

“Misery” by Stephen King

Paul Sheldon is a bestselling novelist who has finally met his number one fan. Her name is Annie Wilkes, and she is more than a rabid reader–she is Paul’s nurse, tending his shattered body after an automobile accident. But she is also furious that the author has killed off her favorite character in his latest book. Annie becomes his captor, keeping him prisoner in her isolated house. Annie wants Paul to write a book that brings Misery back to life–just for her. She has a lot of ways to spur him on. One is a needle. Another is an axe. And if they don’t work, she can get really nasty.

“The Mist” by Stephen King

David Drayton, his son Billy, and their neighbor Brent Norton head to the local grocery store to replenish supplies following a freak storm. Once there, they and other local citizens are trapped by a strange mist that has enveloped the town and in which strange creatures are lurking. The Mist is a quick little journey into the frightened mind, and the way fear plays itself out within a group of strangers.

“Bag of Bones” by Stephen King

“Bag of Bones” recounts the plight of 40-year-old bestselling novelist Mike Noonan, who is unable to stop grieving even four years after the sudden death of his wife, Jo, and who can no longer bear to face the blank screen of his word processor. Noonan receives paranormal visitations and unknowingly falls in love with a young woman and her daughter. He then becomes involved in a very ugly and violent custody battle.

“The Girl who loved Tom Gordon” by Stephen King

Trisha McFarland was to spend Saturday with her older brother, Pete, and her recently divorced mother on a hike in the Appalachian Trail. When she wanders off to escape their constant bickering. Trisha strays deeper into a wilderness full of peril and terror. For solace she tunes her Walkman to broadcasts of Boston Red Sox games and the performances of her hero, number 36, pitcher Tom Gordon. This story explores our deep dread of the unknown and the extent to which faith can conquer it and a girl’s steadfast spirit.

“Dolores Claiborne” by Stephen King

Forced by overwhelming evidence to confess her life of crime, Dolores Claiborne, a foul-tempered New Englander, describes how her fractured marriage years before caused her heart to turn murderous. Suspected of killing Vera Donovan, her wealthy employer, Dolores Claiborne tells police the story of her life, harkening back to the suspicious death of her husband, thirty years earlier. Dolores also tells of Vera’s physical and mental decline and of her loyalty to an employer who had become emotionally demanding and vindictive.

“Gwendy’s Button Box” by Stephen King

There are three ways up to Castle View from the town of Castle Rock: Route 117, Pleasant Road, and the Suicide Stairs. Every day in the summer of 1974, twelve-year-old Gwendy Peterson had taken the stairs, up the cliffside to find solace and escape the teasing of peers. A stranger calls to her. There on a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black coat, and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. On his head was a small, neat black hat. He gives her a beautiful button box. He explains that the button box can cause both chaos and good. Bewitched by the box, Gwendy takes it and goes home to hide it from her parents.

“Later” by Stephen King

Sometimes growing up means facing your demons. The son of a struggling single mother, Jamie Conklin just wants an ordinary childhood. But Jamie is no ordinary child. Jamie has the ability to see what no one else can see and learn what no one else can learn. But the cost of using this ability is higher than Jamie can imagine—as he discovers when an NYPD detective draws him into the pursuit of a killer who has threatened to strike from beyond the grave. It is a terrifying and touching story of innocence lost and the trials that test our sense of right and wrong. It is a powerful, haunting, unforgettable exploration of what it takes to stand up to evil in all the faces it wears.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org

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Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

October Reads
By Savannah Winkler, Adult Services Librarian
When the season begins to change, I often find myself remembering one of my favorite literary quotes: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” This quote comes from L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel “Anne of Green Gables,” in which a young orphan (Anne) begins a new life on a farm in Prince Edward Island. In the same passage, Anne admires the royal crimson orchard, the golden sunshine, and the maple branches she wants to use to decorate her bedroom walls. According to Anne, it would be terrible if we “skipped from September to November.” I have to agree with her. Life simply wouldn’t be as enjoyable without Octobers. The fall season is made even more enjoyable with a good selection of books to read. So, for this list of recommendations, I thought why not combine two of my favorite things: books and October.
I read the children’s book “Small Spaces” by Katherine Arden a few years ago, and now it tops my list whenever I think of the quintessential October story. Sixth grader Ollie couldn’t have predicted the consequences of stealing an old book from a strange woman. Inside the book is a warning to “avoid large places at night…keep to small” and eerie tales about “the smiling man.” However, it’s not until later, on a school field trip to a local farm, that Ollie begins to understand the book’s messages. Amongst a haunting field full of scarecrows, Ollie learns that “the smiling man” may be real after all. I highly recommend “Small Spaces” for some autumnal and lightly creepy reading.
I have to admit that before writing this article, I had never picked up an Alice Hoffman book before. If you’re not already familiar, Hoffman is the author of the best-selling “Practical Magic” series. The books in the series include: “Practical Magic,” “Magic Lessons,” “The Rules of Magic,” and “The Book of Magic.” Each novel follows a different member of the Owens family and their magically complicated lives. Since the 1600s, the Owens women have practiced witchcraft. In “Practical Magic,” sisters Sally and Gillian, raised by their aunts in their whimsical home, are all too familiar with love potions and special herbs. Now in adulthood, they must use their magical knowledge in the face of loss and grief. Hoffman’s mystical and lush writing style is perfect for October. If you enjoy the books, you may also want to check out the library’s copy of the “Practical Magic” film, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Maybe you’re someone who enjoys the spooky more than the cozy. Don’t worry, there’s plenty for you at the library. Although not actually set in October, “The September House” by Carissa Orlando will still get you in the mood for the season. The story follows Margaret as she prepares for another September in her large Victorian mansion. Margaret’s home isn’t like most. Every September, the mansion’s walls ooze blood, and the ghosts come out of their hiding spots. After years of these occurrences, Margaret’s husband finally leaves. But Margaret is determined to stay…no matter what. If you need more tales about haunted houses, “The Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell and “When Ghosts Call Us Home” by Katya de Becerra are two other options for a chilling October night.
Lastly, this wouldn’t be a fall reading list if I didn’t mention some of the many season-inspired picture books in our Children’s collection. “The Scarecrow’s Dance” by Jane Yolen is an atmospheric story about a scarecrow who gives up his post to enjoy an evening dance across his field. If your little one is excited about carving pumpkins, then “Too Many Pumpkins” by Linda White and “Ready for Pumpkins” by Kate Duke are two fun options to read together. And lastly, “I Got the Spooky Spirit” by Connie Schofield-Morrison is a new rhythmic book about a young girl who excitedly prepares for Halloween night.
I hope this list has provided you with at least one or two festive books to enjoy this month. If you’re still looking for more ideas, consider joining in on our Danger and Donuts book discussion from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 24. Also happening this month at the library is our first ever Mystery Writing workshop. Learn how to write a mystery from experienced mystery writer Steven Miller from 6 – 7 p.m. Friday, October 18 in the auditorium. Registration is not required for either of these events.
Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.