Author and Illustrator, Maruice Sendak, passed away last Tuesday at the age of 83.  He is best know for his works  “Where the Wild Things Are”, ”In the Night Kitchen”,  ”Little Bear”, and his most recent picture book “Bumble-Ardy”.  To honor Sendak and all his contributions to children’s literature, we have put a collection of his books on display in the Children’s Department.  Come to the library and check one out! 

A hot day today?  Curl up with a pitcher of something cool, lay in the shade, and read a fun summer-themed book!  Try these newer books, or ask a librarian for suggestions!

 And remember, the Summer Reading Kickoff and game start June 14th!

You will win prizes and a book of your choice when you complete the Summer Reading Program!

Meet and greet three nationally known authors this week at 6:30pm at the library!

Each author will read and talk about their books and sign them at the end of the evening. Books will be available for purchase from Just Imagine, Chelsea’s own bookstore.

Would you like to read, share memories with, and grow closer to your child, or Mom or Dad?

Then join us for the Parent/Child Book Club on Monday, January 24, 3:30 PM!!    Ages 9-14, plus parent/guardian.  Registration.  

Studies show that children who read with their parents have higher reading scores!

FREE BOOK!! 

Our book this month is Chasing Vermeer, by Blue Balliett.  Pick up your FREE book, read it together and come to our discussion group. 

Chasing Vermeer is a fun and fast-paced mystery about two classmates who search for a missing painting. Bursting with twists and turns, puzzles, codes, cool illustrations, and quirky characters, the story is filled with excitement and adventure.

We’ll play trivia, solve puzzles, and create our own masterpieces.  Refreshments provided. Try the author’s website for some fun and games in advance!

So pick up your free book now!!

It’s that special time of year again, and special holiday stories and songs for children abound on TV, on CDs, and on library shelves.  Check out the holiday cart in the center of the Media Area for great family movies.  Holiday CDs are to the immediate right of the entrance to the Media Area. 

Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukkah books can be found on display in the picture book area, but most are in the back right corner of the youth area, behind the chaper books.  Ask a librarian if you need help finding our special holiday materials!

Holiday TV Specials:   If you really like holiday TV specials, try Chiff.com  or classic-tv.com for a complete list!

Isn’t the holiday season so much fun? !!

Halloween is full of scary fun, but there should no be no safety fears!

Here are some quick clues to a safe Halloween!

1.  Never walk alone, and never go in a stranger’s house.

2.  Be careful when you cross the street.

3.  Wear reflective tape or clothing or carry flashlights, and make sure costumes are flame-retardent and don’t drag.

4.  Make sure you have large eye-holes in any mask, and that all props are soft or flexible.

5.  Older children out alone should tell their parents where they will be, and be home on time.

6.  Being mean is never cool!  No vandalism to homes, cars or pets.

7.  Keep candy away from pets!  Chocolate is lethal to them.

8.  Don’t eat any candy until a parent or guardian can check it out.

There are many more safety ideas on websites like Halloween Safety and the CDC’s Halloween page.  Try this Halloween game to learn to make the right choices.

And if you really want to be scared, check out the scary stories books in our Book Nook display!

And come to our Chills in Chelsea party(Registration) on Wed, Oct 27, or our fun Not-Too-Scary Halloween Storytime (Drop-in) on Thurs, Oct 28!

Harry Potter casts his magic spell, Lego A Libri!  Read a book!

It’s Banned Books Week at the Chelsea District Library, and time to think about how lucky we are that we have public libraries that bring us all the books and information we want to read, regardless of whether some people think it should be read!

The American Library Association states that a ban or challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.

Check out the fabulous Banned Books display at the library, and see Harry Potter casting his spell over banned books caged in the Hogwarts’ Library Restricted Section.  Pick up a fun bookmark.  And exercise your right to read by chosing a book from the cage that someone at some time has challenged.

A Few Silly Challenges:

 The Carl picture books were challenged because some parents thought that other parents would think that children could be babysat by their pets! 

The Harry Potter books have been challenged because some people think it encourages Satanism.

Read more about it at the ALA website for Banned Books Week

Check out our fun display!!

Thanks to Wags and Whiskers of Chelsea for lending us the large pet cage.

Wednesday, October 20, 3:30-4:30

Sign up for the Guys Read Book Club, and get a free copy of the book, Jason’s Gold, by Will Hobbs!  

Join fifteen-year old Jason as he joins thousands of gold prospectors attempting the difficult journey to the Klondike, one of the richest gold fields in the world.  Follow him along the Dead Horse Trail, as he battles subartic winter, wild moose, and snarling bears.  Will he ever have a reunion with his brothers?  Sign up for the Guys Read Book Club and find out!!

Books are available now at the Youth Reference Desk.  Just sign up and receive your copy. 

Lots of fun activities and discussion!

Island of the Blue Dolphins has been one of my favorite books since Elementary School.  At first, the idea of being left alone on an island sounded scary to me.  What would I do without my parents?  Who would bug me if my little brother wasn’t around?  Who would make me dinner!?  After reading the book, however, I wanted more than anything to have my own adventures.  I too wanted to have a wild dog for a best friend, to cook the fish I caught over a fire, to sleep under the stars.  More than anything,  I wanted an island all to myself where I could do and be whatever I wanted.  I think I would have missed my parents though (and maybe even my little brother). 

– From Alisha, U of M Library Intern

Karen Persello, Lisa McClure, Gijsbert "Nick" Van Frankenhuyzen, Paul O. Zelinsky, Kate Klise, Edith Burney

Chelsea area students were thrilled this April 12th to receive visits by three major authors and illustrators.  Michigan illustrator Gijsbert Van Frankenjuyzen, Caldecott illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky, and author Kate Klise visited Chelsea and appeared at area schools to tell about their craft.  “Nick” Van Frankenhuyzen taught second graders at North Creek to draw using basic shapes, Paul O. Zelinsky showed fourth graders at Pierce Lake how he created the characters for Rumplestiltskin, and Kate Klise discussed with sixth graders at South Meadows how she wrote her books.

Following the classroom workshops, the library held an open house that evening for the community.  “Nick” Van Frankenhuyzen told about raising wildlife and writing books about them, and showed the short film Adopted by an Owl.

Kate Klise showed slides from her new book, Stand Up Straight, Ella Kate.  Paul O. Zelinsky described his search for artistic material, and showed illustrations from his new book, Dust Devil, a sequel to Swamp Angel.

The authors answered questions and signed copies of their books.  Everyone had a marvelous time meeting such well-known artists.!  The following day, Kate Klise, also a writer for People magazine, donated her time at the high school teaching two classes about writing a good five paragraph essay.

Thanks to our wonderful authors/illustrators, and stay tuned for our list of fabulous authors for next year!