Advice

by Kaitlynn Faber Kaitlynn Faber No Comments

Building New Traditions through Books

Building New Traditions through Books

by Crystal Hicks, Collection Services Manager

One of my favorite parts of being a parent is building new traditions with my child. There are many opportunities throughout the year as seasons change and birthdays come, but winter traditions are some of the most fun to me. During a season that’s bitterly cold, it’s nice to create some brightness and warmth through meaningful family time and shared activities.

The list below includes books that have inspired new traditions in my household (crafts, cooking and baking, and of course reading), which I hope we continue for many years. All book summaries are taken from the Manhattan Public Library’s online catalog.

“Thankful” written by Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Children’s Picture Books

“’I am thankful for a home where I am safe and warm. Thankful for parents who read me stories and comb my hair gently, gently. Who whisper the same poem every night when they tuck me in.’

“When the first snow falls, a little girl writes down the things she’s thankful for on strips of paper and links them together. As one idea leads to another, her chain grows longer. There’s so much good in her life: a friend, things that are warm, things that are cold, color, things that can be fixed. This beautiful story is a much-needed reminder to observe and honor life’s small joys.”

“The Shortest Day” written by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis

Children’s Holidays Neighborhood

“A celebration of the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper’s poem ‘The Shortest Day’ captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before—and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!”

“Penguin’s Christmas Wish” by Salina Yoon

Children’s Holidays Neighborhood

“Penguin can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with his family and friends. But when things don’t go exactly as planned, Penguin learns to find holiday magic in the most unexpected places.”

“My First Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen

Children’s Nonfiction

“Cooking is not only fun, it’s a powerful learning tool. It’s an amazing way to learn about the world. But even more important, cooking is one of the best ways to spend time together. In the kitchen, your family can leave screens (and worries) behind and enjoy making something delicious to share. What the young chef or the grown-up takes on will differ depending on age, ability, and interest. Don’t be afraid to try new things or to make mistakes. The good news is that the results will be tasty no matter how you get there. All the recipes in this book are kid tested and kid approved. This means that thousands(!) of kids (and their grown-ups) across the country tested these recipes at home, giving us feedback to help make sure that everything we publish is as delicious and doable as possible. Happy cooking!”

“Dorie’s Cookies” by Dorie Greenspan

Adult Nonfiction

“Over the course of her baking career, Dorie Greenspan has created more than 300 cookie recipes. Yet she has never written a book about them—until now. To merit her ‘three purple stars of approval,’ every cookie had to be so special that it begged to be made again and again. Cookies for every taste and occasion are here. There are company treats like Portofignos, with chocolate dough and port-soaked figs, and lunch-box Blueberry Buttermilk Pie Bars. They Might Be Breakfast Cookies are packed with goodies—raisins, dried apples, dried cranberries, and oats—while Almond Crackle Cookies have just three ingredients. There are dozens of choices for the Christmas cookie swaps, including Little Rascals (German jam sandwich cookies with walnuts), Italian Saucissons (chocolate log cookies studded with dried fruit), and Snowy-Topped Brownie Drops. And who but America’s favorite baker could devise a cookie as intriguing as Pink-Peppercorn Thumbprints or as popular as the World Peace Cookie, with its 59 million Internet fans?”

I hope you can stop by to find some books that bring warmth to your holiday season, either by supporting your family traditions or by giving you a fun break from the hustle and bustle.

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.

by Kaitlynn Faber Kaitlynn Faber No Comments

Baby’s First Book Recommendation

Baby’s First Book Recommendation

by Rachel Carlson, Circulation Manager

There are many things to prepare for when you find out you’re expecting a baby. Diapers. Wipes. Clothes. I knew I’d need all those things, but what I wanted for my baby were books. Enough books that he could pull five off the shelf at one time. Or read different books during playtime, bath time, and bedtime. We received the staples. Books about a ravenous inchworm, a lost teddy bear, llamas, and anything with “bed” in the title. However, when it was finally time to read to Baby C, I was surprised which books engaged him, and which books I read desperately— book in one hand, hobbling after him with the other. So instead of an inflated list of literary award winners or famous authors, I’ll provide you with recommendations from my nine-month-old.

In the beginning, newborns have notoriously bad eyesight. Their retinas are still developing during the first few weeks of life, which eventually allows them to see patterns in light and dark ranges. During this time, he recommends high contrast board books like “Black & White: A High Contrast Book for Newborns” by Tana Hoban. The book has an accordion design, so it can be placed upright next to the infant during the sometimes-dreaded tummy time. Baby C specifically recommends the black page with white buttons.

Once he’d lost interest in the bland circle and square shapes, he began showing interest in

Tabitha Paige’s watercolor books. Her “Our Little Adventures” series follows various woodland creatures on their adventures at the farmer’s market, in the wildflower meadow, and through the forest. Tabitha Paige is a certified speech language pathologist who writes and illustrates the board book series. I loved the themes of friendship and compassion, and he loved the illustrations of meadows, wildlife, and flowers.

Before long, he entered the busy, scritchy-scratch phase. For babies that have begun to explore through touch, he recommends the “That’s Not My” and “Never Touch a” series. As an adult, I would say the plot line of “Never Touch a Snake!” is lacking and a bit nonsensical. However, he found the bright colors and different textures very engaging. For a baby with two dogs at home, “That’s Not My Puppy…” is a relatable and entertaining read. The touch and feel aspect of these books helps an otherwise very busy baby engage with the book, instead of crawling away from it.

After both of his parents came down with the stomach flu, the quest to avoid screen time took a bit of a hiatus. Thus began his passion for Ms. Rachel— of YouTube fame, not his mom. He quickly picked up on classic nursery tunes. We began gravitating toward books that could be sung to popular melodies. Even if he began to lose interest in the words and images on the pages, I could typically reel him back in with a familiar, interactive song that he enjoys. In a similar vein, he’s enjoyed books that involve silly animal sounds like Sandra Boynton’s Halloween themed “Boo! Baa, La La La!,” and Christmas themed “Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La!” which can also be sung.

For other new parents, my advice is to let go of perfectionism. It’s okay to only get through half of the book (or two pages) before they lose interest. I’ve learned to focus on creating a positive experience with books, even if the experience is chewing on them. Aim for books you both enjoy. Personally, I like the tactile books and the opportunity it provides for questions and commentary. The books with paragraphs of text can wait, even if that includes some of the classics. Babies are often excited about what we’re excited about, so if we find ourselves frustrated attempting to read a complex board book, they might find books frustrating, too. I find it much better to read a silly book than no book at all.

Our Winter Reading Challenge kicks off on December 1, and parents can log their time spent reading to children toward their goal. The only books added to my “completed” shelf in the last nine months have been made of cardboard. If that describes your life lately, you’re not alone! New parents can also sign up their child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through Konza United Way to receive free books through the mail. Don’t forget to sign up for Manhattan Public Library’s “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” in the Beanstack app, too. Kids can earn prizes while preparing for a lifetime of learning. Parents can also visit the library’s website to find dates and times for upcoming Storytime 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.

by Kaitlynn Faber Kaitlynn Faber No Comments

Winter Reading

Winter Reading

by Kaitlyn Ring, Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Each winter I find myself wanting to get through all those books that have been waiting on my shelf all summer long. The days are starting to feel so short and there is no better remedy to these dark nights than getting into bed and reading a good book. Manhattan Public Library’s winter reading challenge can help you track those books and reach your reading goals! Enjoy cozy winter tales and snowy trails while tracking your reading and earning online badges.

📅 Program Dates: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

🎉 Who Can Join? All Ages

💰 Cost: Free

How it works 

    • Set your own reading goal. You can choose one of our reading levels to work toward, from Snuggly Hedgehog (5 hours) up to Majestic Moose (25 hours).
    • Earn 1 point for every minute you read or listen to a book.
    • Log your reading time using the Beanstack app—create an account or sign in if you’ve joined past MPL reading challenges. Or track your reading on a paper log available from the Children’s Desk or 2nd Floor Reference Desk.
    • Complete fun activities for extra points (found in the Beanstack app under “Activities” or “Badges”).
    • All reading counts: books, magazines, graphic novels, audiobooks— even being read to!

Note: This challenge doesn’t include prizes or coupons, but it’s a great way to read together as a community and celebrate your progress! Let’s see how many winter reading hours we can put in together!

Personalized Reading Lists

Need some suggestions for what to read this winter? Personalized Reading Lists (PRLs) are a perfect option to get recommendations for books you will love without having to do the research yourself! PRLs are librarian-created lists based on the information you give us about your reading interests. To get your own PRL, you can complete the application form 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.

Recommended Reading

While you wait on those PRLs, here are some new books out this fall that would draw any reader in!

“The Everlasting” by Alix E. Harrow 

“Sir Una Everlasting was Dominion’s greatest hero: the orphaned girl who became a knight, who died for queen and country. Her legend lives on in songs and stories, in children’s books and recruiting posters―but her life as it truly happened has been forgotten. 

Centuries later, Owen Mallory―failed soldier, struggling scholar―falls in love with the tale of Una Everlasting. Her story takes him to war, to the archives―and then into the past itself. Una and Owen are tangled together in time, bound to retell the same story over and over again, no matter what it costs. 

But that story always ends the same way. If they want to rewrite Una’s legend―if they want to tell a different story–they’ll have to rewrite history itself.” 

 

“The Staircase in the Woods” by Chuck Wendig

“A group of friends investigates the mystery of a strange staircase in the woods in this mesmerizing horror novel from the New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Book of Accidents.’ 

Five high school friends are bonded by an oath to protect one another no matter what. 

Then, on a camping trip in the middle of the forest, they find something: a mysterious staircase to nowhere. 

One friend walks up and never comes back down. Then the staircase disappears. 

Twenty years later, the staircase has reappeared. Now the group returns to find the lost boy—and what lies beyond the staircase in the woods. . . .” 

 

“And Then There Was You” by Sophie Cousens

“What if you could date someone perfect for you in every way? There’s just one catch… and it’s a big one. Stuck in a PA job and living at home with her parents after a painful breakup, thirty-one-year-old Chloe Fairway isn’t where she wants to be in life. The last thing she needs is to face the people who once voted her ‘most likely to succeed’ at her upcoming ten-year college reunion. And she definitely doesn’t want to see her former best friend, Sean Adler, who is now a hotshot film director living the life Chloe dreamed of.  

Desperate to make a splash–and to save face in front of the man who might be the one that got away–she turns to a mysterious dating service. Enter Rob, her handsome, well-read, and charming match, the perfect plus-one to take to her reunion. The more she gets to know him, the more perfect he appears to be. Could it be that this dating service knows what she needs better than she knows herself? And can she overlook the one big catch? 

 As Chloe reconnects with old friends, she begins to question everything she thought she wanted. Maybe, just maybe, revisiting the past is exactly what she needs to move forward.”

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. 

by Brea Braun Brea Braun No Comments

Expanding Space, Growing Gratitude

Manhattan Public Library Receives Help from Youth Volunteers

We’re excited to share a big behind-the-scenes update: our volunteer book sorters officially have a new home base! With some changes we have made to our library’s lower level, we were able to transform a section of that space into a dedicated work area for sorting donated books—an essential task that supports our Rosie’s Corner bookstore and our annual spring booksale.

This move wouldn’t have been possible without the help of 28 outstanding student volunteers from Kansas State University’s TRiO Upward Bound program. These students traveled from Salina and surrounding areas to lend a hand—and despite a booming thunderstorm, they helped us move and reorganize hundreds of items with enthusiasm and care.
Over the course of the evening, volunteers moved 190 empty boxes, 170 full boxes, and a long list of bulky items—including shelving units, book carts, tables, chairs, a file cabinet, flat carts, and even a set of rolling stairs. It was a massive team effort, and their hard work helped us accomplish in one evening what would have taken us days.
Upward Bound is a federally funded college preparation program that supports high school students in achieving their postsecondary goals. The program provides academic enrichment, personal mentoring, and guidance on college applications, financial aid, and scholarships.

The students who helped us came from schools across the region, including Clay Center Community High School, Clay Center; Ell-Saline Middle-High School, Brookville; Lincoln Junior and Senior High School, Lincoln; and Newton High School, Newton. Throughout the Summer Upward Bound students participate in rigorous academic programming—and community service projects like ours.

Why This Move Mattered

Our previous sorting space—though carefully organized—was significantly smaller, and it limited how many volunteers could work comfortably at once. With donations coming in year-round and sorting happening continuously behind the scenes, we’ve long needed a space that allowed for more flexibility and breathing room.
This newly opened area offers just that. Volunteers will now be able to spread out, sort and process donations more efficiently, and better prepare materials for both ongoing sales at Rosie’s Corner and our annual book sale in the spring. It’s a simple change, but a meaningful one—and the result will be felt by our library supporters and shoppers all year long.
We’re so grateful to the Upward Bound volunteers who made this transition possible. Your time, effort, and energy were a gift to our team—and a reminder of how powerful community support can be.

 

 

by Brea Braun Brea Braun No Comments

A Legacy of Service: Marlene Moormann’s 43 Years

Marlene working hard by hand preparing books for our collection.

For over four decades, Marlene Moormann has been a cornerstone of the Manhattan Public Library, her dedication and quiet influence shaping the institution in profound ways. As she embarks on a well-deserved retirement, the library and the community reflect on her remarkable 43-year journey. Marlene’s story is one of connection and commitment. A talented wood carver and guitar player with a love for bluegrass and old country music, Marlene also has deep ties to Manhattan. While the town was once a distant treat for her family, it became her cherished home.

“I always liked Manhattan. It was a fun town to visit. Our family didn’t get to come to Manhattan very often, so it was a big deal,” Marlene recalls. When the opportunity arose to work at the library, she eagerly embraced it, drawn to its vibrant atmosphere and the promise of meaningful work.

Her career began in cataloging, a role that might seem behind the scenes but is essential to the library’s very essence. Marlene’s work ensured that countless patrons could discover the books and resources they sought. Over the years, she witnessed and contributed to the library’s growth and evolution, both in its services and its physical space. In 1998, she was present at the dedication ceremony of the east building as it joined the existing west building, with the addition of the three-story atrium featuring the Aesop’s Fables Trellis sculpture by Kent Bloomer. The library grew again in 2014 with the children’s department expansion. Most impressively, Marlene contributed to the library’s evolution from the physical card catalog system to the digital age.

Marlene and others celebrate the move from the physical catalog to the digital age with an addition to the famous art work, adding “We Did It!”

When asked about her fondest memories, Marlene doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people. “But I would say it has to be working with the staff,” she says. “It feels like such a family doing things together and helping each other.” This sense of camaraderie was particularly evident during monumental projects like the bar code initiative, a years-long endeavor that paved the way for the online catalog. “Probably the biggest project I was involved in and felt like so much was accomplished was the bar code project,” Marlene recalls.

 

“When we moved from the physical card catalog to the online catalog (Dynix), all the books had to have new bar codes put on them. We worked as teams to accomplish this and had fun while doing it. It was a massive project that went on for quite some time.”

Marlene’s journey mirrors the library’s own transformation. She recalls the days when catalog cards were meticulously filed by hand, a stark contrast to the efficiency of today’s technology. “When I first started, there was the card catalog and 2 of us staff members would have to go downstairs each day and file the catalog cards,” she explains. “One would file, the other checked the work the 1st one filed.” Through it all, Marlene’s dedication to service has been unwavering. She has always found joy in helping patrons, particularly the older members of the community. “I have always enjoyed helping the older patrons in any way I can,” she says. “They are so appreciative of all the help they can get, and it makes you feel good.” When asked about her favorite book, Marlene reveals a love for historical fiction, mentioning Terry C. Johnston and the “Titus Bass” series, as well as the “Little House on the Prairie” series, reflecting a deep appreciation for storytelling and connection to the past.

Marlene in 2005 at her newly upgraded workstation.

Marlene’s career is a testament to the library’s vital role in the community. “I think the library is a very important part of the community for everyone that wants to use it in so many ways,” she says. Her contribution, though often behind the scenes, was fundamental: “My career here was spent cataloging items and being able to put things in the card catalog (online later) that patrons could find and enjoy.

If it didn’t get off to a good start with cataloging, it may never have been found and useful for the patrons.” As she looks back on her career, Marlene expresses pride in her commitment to providing timely access to information. “Being able to get books downstairs to the patrons as soon as possible,” she says, “We all know how hard it is to wait for something we want to read when we see or hear about it.” Retirement will bring new adventures, including bluegrass festivals, guitar jams, visits to family, and explorations of the mountains. “I am really into bluegrass and old country music and like to play guitar, so I am hoping to be able to go to some festivals around the region and get in some jams with friends,” Marlene shares. “Also visit my cousin in Oregon and tour the state. Mountains are always calling me, so I look forward to doing that.”

When Marlene isn’t working, she enjoys wood carving and playing Bluegrass music.

Marlene’s advice to new library staff is simple but profound: “Come to work and be loyal to your employer. They are investing in you, and you need to do the same. Work hard every day, and help people along the way, whether it is a co-worker or patron. Find something good in each day, even if it feels like the worst day ever. Sometimes you must think a lot harder about finding that good thing for the day, but it is there.” In her farewell message, Marlene expresses deep gratitude to the library and the community. “It’s been a great career at the library, and I am so thankful to be able to help serve the community, even though it was mostly behind the scenes,” she says. “The community is a great place to live with plenty of activities to participate in. It was a big city for me to move to when I first came here.” Reflecting on her journey from a small town with gravel streets and no library, she acknowledges the significance of her chosen path. “I just want to thank Manhattan Public Library and the community for letting me share 43 years of my life here! Some of the best memories took place in those 43 years, and I’m so glad to have been a part of it!”

 

As Marlene Moormann closes this chapter, the Manhattan Public Library and the entire community extend their deepest gratitude for her 43 years of unwavering service, her dedication to the written word, and the countless lives she has touched. We wish her a retirement filled with joy, music, and the open road.


Enjoy a sample of Marlene’s musical talents here with this clip of her and her band.

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