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.

by Kaitlynn Faber Kaitlynn Faber No Comments

Little Apple Pride

Little Apple Pride

by Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

The Ex-Girlfriend of My Ex-Girlfriend Is My Girlfriend: Advice on Queer Dating, Love, and FriendshipApril is significant this year for many reasons: a once in 20 years eclipse, the first day of spring, Earth Day, Library Workers Appreciation Day, and Manhattan’s Little Apple Pride Festival. Little Apple Pride takes place on Saturday April 20th at City Park. The Parade and vendor booths start/open at 3pm with entertainment at the Band Shell going until 7pm. Come visit the Manhattan Public Library booth from 3-6 in the Wefald pavilion. We will have plenty of Proud Reader swag and smiling faces!

 

This year, our public services librarians created a list of non-fiction books to feature in our subject resources brochure that will be going to the event and will be located throughout the library. This brochure and our other subject resources are available online at https://mhklibrary.org/home/online-resources/. You will find the list of books below, but the handout also includes national and local resources and their contact information. As always, all information for these titles has been taken from our catalog, which can be accessed at https://catalog.manhattan.lib.ks.us/polaris/default.aspx.

 

Adult Nonfiction Books:

“Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex”

by Angela Chen.  “Journalist Angela Chen creates her path to understanding her own asexuality with the perspectives of a diverse group of asexual people. Vulnerable and honest, these stories include a woman who had blood tests done because she was convinced that ‘not wanting sex’ was a sign of serious illness, and a man who grew up in a religious household and did everything ‘right,’ only to realize after marriage that his experience of sexuality had never been the same as that of others. Disabled aces, aces of color, gender-nonconforming aces, and aces who both do and don’t want romantic relationships all share their experiences navigating a society in which a lack of sexual attraction is considered abnormal. Chen’s careful cultural analysis explores how societal norms limit understanding of sex and relationships and celebrates the breadth of sexuality and queerness.”

“The Ex-Girlfriend of My Ex-Girlfriend Is My Girlfriend: Advice on Queer Dating, Love,and Friendship” written by Maddy Court and illustrated by Kelsey Wroten.

“Court answers anonymous queries from lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and people of marginalized genders. She tackles first loves, heartbreak, coming out, and queer friendship—all answered with the warmth and honesty of the gay big sister you wish you had. The questions reflect real experiences that aren’t often represented in the media, and the answers offer an important reminder that loving ourselves takes patience, effort, and the support of our friends and communities.”

“¡Hola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons” by John Paul Brammer

“The popular LGBTQ advice columnist and writer presents a memoir-in-essays chronicling his journey growing up as a queer, mixed-race kid in America’s heartland to becoming the ‘Chicano Carrie Bradshaw’ of his generation.”

 

 

Young Adult Nonfiction Books:

“Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality” written by Eliot Schrefer and illustrated by Jules Zuckerberg

“This groundbreaking illustrated YA nonfiction title from two-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer is a well-researched and teen-friendly exploration of the gamut of queer behaviors observed in animals. In sharp and witty prose—aided by humorous comics—Schrefer uses science, history, anthropology, and sociology to illustrate the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world. Interviews with researchers in the field offer additional insights for readers and aspiring scientists.”

“Coming Out: Insights and Tips for Teenagers” by Kezia Endsley

“offers compassionate insight into the hows and whys of coming out. Whether you are struggling with coming out yourself or wanting to help a friend or family member, this book seeks to provide answers to some of the questions you may have. Written from the perspective of the LGBTQIA+ community with firsthand accounts from fellow teenagers, this book addresses the issues and concerns of today that will resonate with anyone wishing to come out and live a happy, fulfilled life surrounded by people who love and accept them. You will learn -how to know when you or a loved one is ready to come out -who to tell first -how to deal with unsupportive people -how to deal with homophobia -how to move into loving self-acceptance.”

“What’s the T?: No-Nonsense Guide to All Things Trans and/or Non-binary for Teens”

written by Juno Dawson and illustrated by Soofiya

“Discover what it means to be a young transgender and/or non-binary person in the twenty-first century in this candid and funny guide for teens from the bestselling author of ‘This Book is Gay.’ In ‘What’s the T?’ Stonewall ambassador and bestselling author Juno Dawson is back again, this time with everything you’ve wanted to know about labels and identities and offering uncensored advice with her trademark humor and lightness of touch. It is informative, helpful, optimistic, and funny but with a good dose of reality and some of the things that can downright suck too. ‘What’s the T?’ tackles the complex realities of growing up trans with honesty and humor and is joyfully illustrated by gender non-conforming artist Soofiya.”

 

 

I hope to see you exploring our library and visiting us at events throughout the summer! 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.

 

 

 

# # #

Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

by Kaitlynn Faber Kaitlynn Faber No Comments

Home for the Holidays: New Recipes for Old Traditions

Home for the Holidays: New Recipes for Old Traditions

By: Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Art of the Pie: A Practical Guide to Homemade Crusts, Fillings, and Li – Kitchen Arts & Letters

From one feast to another, winter months are filled with reasons to cook, join with family and friends, and eat our hearts out. In my family, feasting also comes with the tribulations of food allergies and aversions. For years, I’ve struggled to find things that will satisfy everyone. You won’t find a casserole on our feast table for several reasons, most because we are picky creatures with even pickier tiny humans to feed. I am also allergic to mushrooms and according to the folks I feed, green bean casserole just isn’t the same when made with cream of chicken soup. I often resort to making copper pennies but am always on the search for a great recipe to bring green beans back to the table.

 

This year I’ve been consulting Manhattan Public Library’s vast cookbook collection and have found several recipes that sound delicious. To keep it simple, I choose to make the “long-cooked green beans with oregano” featured in the “Fine cooking Thanksgiving cookbook: recipes for turkey and all the trimmings.” This recipe takes about an hour to prep and fully cook. Don’t fret, these were great at room temperature and were still a hit the next day.

 

My only true complaint, has nothing to do with the recipe and more the amount of cooking in the kitchen at my house. My mother and I always split the cooking jobs. She handles the turkey while I handle the sides and pies. Since these need to be tended to throughout their cooking process, it made the kitchen a bit crazy for the last hour before meal time. If your house is a one-cook kitchen, one would need to make sure their time management game is strong or this would be a great dish to bring to a meal. I recommend it and will be making these again for my picky veggie kiddos.

 

In my house, rolls are definitely the most loved and eaten side dish. My oldest, on feast day, ate 16 rolls. She is a carb machine. Whatever recipe I was going to try this year, I needed to make a lot of them and make them ahead of time. I eventually picked the “honey-oat pan rolls” in the “Taste of Home 201 recipes you’ll make forever: classic recipes for today’s home cooks.” This recipe was incredibly easy to double and only took a few hours of my pre-feast day meal prep. Having never made rolls from scratch, I was nervous, but this recipe was easy to follow and a huge hit. I will absolutely be making it again and probably tripling it this next time if my children continue down their carb loving paths. Sides have long been my favorite part of feast day, and I am aware most people come for the pie.

 

In my quest to find a pumpkin pie I don’t hate, and that my pie loving family will still enjoy, I turned to Kate McDermott and her cookbook “Art of the pie: a practical guide to homemade crusts, fillings, and life.” Her pumpkin pie reflects the classic recipe you can find on any can of pie filling with the exception of switching out the evaporated milk for lite coconut milk. She concedes that you can use evaporated milk if you like, as I was trying something new, I went with the coconut milk. While this recipe didn’t change my mind on pumpkin pie, it was a major success with the family. The coconut milk added to the savory nature of the pie, which my mother appreciated, and did not take away from the apparent deliciousness. My youngest daughter is a pumpkin pie fanatic and devoured an entire quarter of pie by herself. As this creation did not add any more work to my pie-making time and is a new family favorite, I will continue to make it for our feasts and will concede I am not meant to like pumpkin pie. All the recipes I tried on my family this year were a hit and did not disappoint. I hope you had a wonderful time feasting and enjoying your time with your families, given or found.

 

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. 

Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

 

 

by Kaitlynn Faber Kaitlynn Faber No Comments

Snowy Kids’ Books and a Winter Reading Challenge

Snowy Kids’ Books and a Winter Reading Challenge

By Jennifer Bergen, Program and Children’s Services Manager

The library is trying something new with the new year – a winter reading challenge. We invite everyone of all ages to register for the Winter Reading Challenge and see if you can read at least 4 hours in January. You can also complete winter reading activities like reading aloud to someone, or telling a friend about a good book. This is just for fun, with a prize of a free book when you complete the challenge.

Reading aloud to your kids counts as reading time for both you and them. If you are looking for some good winter themed stories to read by the fireplace, here are some new and old titles to try.

Snow Song by A. K. Riley and Dawn Lo is a beautifully illustrated poem that delights in snow.  Bundled up children are shown walking through the snow, gathering to sled and ice skate and make snow angels. If snow days seem magical to your children, this is the right book. Snow Song is also available as an ebook on Hoopla using your library card number.

Cozy is Jan Brett’s newest picture book, and it does not disappoint. Cozy is a magnificent musk ox who allows smaller animals, one at a time, to take shelter under the warmth of his long, thick fur. He sets “house rules” so the animals will get along – lemmings, a snowshoe hare, arctic fox and more. With a backdrop of snow and northern lights, Cozy is the perfect hero of this story reminiscent of The Mitten. Brett’s traditional side panels on illustrations give kids a chance to guess which animal will be next to join. Brett studied live musk oxen at a farm in Palmer, Alaska to make Cozy come to life. You can even watch Jan Brett read Cozy right now on youtube, and read her older, beloved tale The Mitten as an eBook through Sunflower eLibrary or the Libby app.

A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett is a quiet story about a polar bear who wakes up. Where is he going? The illustrations by Shawn Harris are captivating in their expansive white spreads of snow and blue sea. This short tale will easily lead to other winter bear books, such as Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Bear Has a Story to Tell by Phillip C. Stead, which can be viewed as read-aloud stories on BookFlix through the library’s website.

Blizzard by John Rocco is a favorite read-aloud choice, even for older kids. It recounts the author/illustrator’s own experience during a blizzard. At first the snow is exciting, but then it gets so deep, and snowplows cannot handle the load. The young boy is able to leave his house through a window, and uses makeshift snowshoes so he can walk on top of the snow and not sink. Pulling a sled, he begins a journey to the store, stopping by neighbors’ houses on the way to see what they need most. It’s an uplifting wintry tale that will make every kid wish they could be that hero in the snow.

Don’t forget about wonderful classics like Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day or Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon. Both of these stories show the quiet mysteriousness of snow, and the invitation the white-covered world gives to be explored, by yourself or with others. Both of these titles are made into short videos using the book illustrations on our free digital service, Kanopy.

More children’s books about winter and snow will be in our display section of the Children’s Room, which is open for browsing by appointment. Librarians can also pull books on topics or genres of your choice with our Quick Picks for Kids service by calling 785-776-4741 ext. 400. We hope kids and adults will enjoy participating in the Winter Reading Challenge this month.

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