Summer Reading 2014

Don't forget to sign up for our annual summer reading club! You have until July 12 to sign up and get all your reading done to be eligible for prizes. 

Don't know what to read? Check out these recommendations or ask us at the information desk!

Let us know what you're reading this summer in the comments or on any of our social media sites. 

Friday Finds for April 11, 2014

This is a sometimes weekly blog post featuring what the Dorris Van Doren staff members are reading, watching, playing, making, or listening to. Share your finds with us here in the comments, on Twitter (@elpasolibrary) or Facebook (ElPasoPublicLibrary)!

Patron Pick: No Jumping on the Bed by Tedd Arnold
A couple of weeks ago, a little boy about 4 or 5 years old gave us a great recommendation. We were helping his older sister find a book when he showed us this book:

He told us that we should read this book because his school library has it and it's funny. We couldn't agree more. You can request this children's classic at any library.

Staff Pick (Lisa): Boxers & Saints by Gene Luen Yang
I ordered these graphic novels for the library based on their subject matter and high praise, but I probably wouldn't have read it if it weren't for YALSA's The Hub Reading Challenge. I've fallen a bit behind in the challenge, so I thought this two-volume set would catch me up quicker (it counts as 2 books). I was hesitant to read these graphic novels because I wasn't a fan of American Born Chinese, Yang's other highly acclaimed and award-winning graphic novel, but I ended up liking the story and artwork of Boxers & Saints a lot.

These graphic novels are told by two different points of view (hence the two volumes) during the Boxer Rebellion in China. It's an interesting and heartbreaking look at a time in history that is hardly covered in literature and often forgotten. Some might find the violence and bloodshed excessive; I would recommend it for older teens and adults. It's better if you read them in order, but it's not completely necessary. That said, I agree with others that have said it would have been better if the volumes were just combined into one complete alternating story.

This graphic novel set was a 2013 National Book Award finalist in the young people's literature category, and also made it onto YALSA's 2014 lists for Great Graphic Novels and Popular Paperbacks. Find out what else I've read for the challenge at Goodreads.

Watch the book trailer for Boxers & Saints:

Friday Finds for February 28, 2014

This is a sometimes weekly blog post featuring what the Dorris Van Doren staff members are reading, watching, playing, making, or listening to. Share your finds with us here in the comments or on twitter (@elpasolibrary) and we'll retweet you!

This week, we have two recommendations for your listening and reading pleasure!

Lluvia: Carrie by Stephen King (Playaway)

This is the well known story of the creepy girl with telekinesis, in which the 70’s movie was based on, and this audio version of the book is so entwined with the film version that Sissy Spacek does the narration. What makes the difference in this edition of the novel is the introduction done by the author Steven King, in which he recounts the heartbreaking inspirations for the main character. That is when you realize that, telekinesis aside, Carrie is a real girl with real problems and that changes the whole story. It goes from creepy girl to painfully bullied girl and you feel for her. I recommend reading the novel for more a human connection to the character that the films do not seem to reach.

Lisa: The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence (ebook)

If you tuned into this blog a couple of weeks ago, you'll know that I'm participating in YALSA's The Hub Reading Challenge. Click here to read about it and find out what I read first. 

This is the second book that I read for the challenge, and I loved it, but not at first. It took me time to get into it because it begins with the end of the story, and I wasn't clear where the author was going. It's about a British teenager who is famous for surviving being struck by a meteorite when he was ten. Alex ends up befriending an elderly American. The book is about meteors, epilepsy, Kurt Vonnegut, marijuana, and more!

It's funny, sad, and endearing. Check it out! Unfortunately, we only have it available as an ebook. 

This book won an Alex Award, which is given to 10 books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12-18.

Friday Finds for February 14, 2014

This is a sometimes weekly blog post featuring what the Dorris Van Doren staff members are reading, watching, playing, making, or listening to. Share your finds with us here in the comments or on twitter (@elpasolibrary) and we'll retweet you!

This week, we have two book recommendations!

Paola: Tandem by Anna Jarzab 

I was captivated by this book not only because of the new perspective on parallel worlds but also because it was entertaining and fun to read. I enjoyed the relationship between the main characters and although there is romance throughout the book, it didn’t overpower the conversations or chapters in the book. This book also included some action and mystery scenes making it a well rounded book. Overall I found this book to be refreshing and I would recommend you to check it out and give it a try.

Lisa: Far Far Away by Tom McNeal

This is a book that I would've never picked up on my own if it wasn't for the Hub Reading Challenge that I'm participating in. The Young Adult Services Library Association has a YA literature blog that hosts a Reading Challenge every year after the Youth Media Awards (Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, etc.) are announced. The goal is to read 25 books by June 22 from a list of award winners and book lists. For details on how you can participate and the list of titles, visit this blog post.

The title and book cover of Far Far Away did not appeal to me, but I did like the premise. Jeremy can hear voices of dead people in his head from time to time. One ghost hears of Jeremy's gift and is told that harm will eventually befall Jeremy. That ghost is the narrator and happens to be the famous Jacob Grimm. Jacob finds Jeremy and is determined to protect him from the "Finder of Occasions," which could be anyone in the small town of Never Better. 

I really liked this book and the way the story unfolded. It had a dark and foreboding tone. There are plenty of fairy tale references, but the book stays realistic, never making it a fantasy or paranormal novel, with the exception of Jacob's ghost of course. This book also made me want to learn more about the Grimms. 

Far Far Away is a National Book Award Finalist and on YALSA's 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adults list. 

Blind Date with a Book

Happy Valentine's Day from the Dorris Van Doren Library!

Whether you've got a Valentine or not, the Dorris Van Doren staff has arranged some very eligible book bachelors for you. Visit our new books area to find the blind date display. These books have been selected by staff members and wrapped to conceal their identities. A few subject keywords have been written on them to help you determine if you'll hit it off. After you've found your blind date, take it to the circulation desk or self-check out machine to check out and take home. Unwrap the book, and if you find that you're not a match, there's no need to commit. Simply return the book and no one's feelings will be hurt.

If blind dates make you nervous, take a look at our display in the lobby for suggestions or visit the information desk. One of our matchmakers, aka librarians, will try to find the right book for you.

Not ready for a blind date? Try these suggestions!

Friday Finds for January 24, 2014

This is a weekly blog post featuring what the Dorris Van Doren staff members are reading, watching, playing, making, or listening to. Share your finds with us here in the comments or on twitter (@elpasolibrary) and we'll retweet you!

R E A D I N G

Leslie: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain

Life in England's Dark Ages and Camelot are the backdrop of the story. The main character's humorous exploits while introducing modern ideas make it a fun read.

Also currently reading Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool.

Aracelli: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney
Gregg Heffley is growing up, but his misadventures make for a very funny book. I was laughing out loud reading the latest book in the Wimpy Kid series.

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
Carey and her younger sister have been abandoned in the woods by their drug-addicted mother. They have had no contact with the real world in six years. When they are “discovered” and forced to live with their father, Carey finds it difficult to adjust. This YA book reads like an adult book; it is heartbreaking, yet uplifting.

Lisa: The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppet by Tom Angleberger 

I'm in the middle of this fourth book, and still loving the Origami Yoda series. 

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

I'm still in the first pages of Artemis Fowl, and I'm having a hard time getting into it. I really hope it gets better, because I've been blindly recommending this series for years based on rave reviews from both teens' and adults' that come into the library.   

W A T C H I N G

Andrea: Dracula (NBC television series)

Tonight is the season finale of NBC’s latest show “Dracula”. So far the show has taken a different approach to Bram Stoker’s classic novel. While it is still set in Victorian London, the revamped series has breathed new life into Dracula (also known as Alexander Grayson in this series). I have really enjoyed this show and hope others have as well. If you have not seen this show, the past episodes are available online and can be found at www.nbc.com/dracula/. The finale tonight looks to be very explosive; I look forward to seeing how it all comes together.

Lisa: The Hangover Part III

It of course wasn't as funny and creative as the first one, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be either. I felt like they tried really hard to break the Hangover formula and use offensive humor that just fell flat. They also focused more on side characters Alan and Chow. When the movie ends, don't hit stop right away; stick around a bit for another scene.

L I S T E N I N G

Leslie: Gods of Guilt (Playaway) by Michael Connelly

M A K I N G

Don't forget, we have several books on knitting and also subscribe to Creative Knitting magazine, which can be checked out!

Leslie: Knitting a scarf for her husband

Friday Finds for January 17, 2014

This is a weekly blog post featuring what the Dorris Van Doren staff members are reading, watching, playing, making, or listening to. Share your finds with us here in the comments or on twitter (@elpasolibrary) and we'll retweet you!

This week, our staff is into zombie books, reminiscing about obscure animated movies, and playing some addictive games (during their personal time of course).  

READING

Lluvia: World War Z by Max Brooks (Playaway*)
It is a thinking man’s zombie book. It is politically and culturally relevant to an almost believable level. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
*Playaways are little devices that have audiobooks already loaded onto them. You simply plug in headphones or an adapter to listen. View the collection here>>

Angie: Dark Wolf by Christine Feehan

I just finished reading “Dark Wolf” book number 25 in Christine Feehan's Carpathian Series. I really enjoyed the book. The series does have to be read in order.

Lisa: Zom-B Angels
This is book 4. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I'll just say this is where we find out the origin of zombies in this series (!). I don't like committing to series fiction, but this one has me hooked and looking forward to reading Zom-B Baby. They're really quick reads.

WATCHING

Joe: Pinchcliffe Grand Prix
I was watching TV the other day and something I saw reminded me of one of my favorite animated movies. It's called "Pinchcliffe Grand Prix". It's a stop-action film from Norway by Ivo Carpino that came out in 1975. Nearly everyone I've ever told about the film has never heard of it. It's worth looking for, although it's not available at the library or on Netflix.

Lisa: We're The Millers
I didn't expect this movie to be so funny. It's worth watching if you're not offended by cursing, drug material, and crude humor. There are highly improbable and ridiculous situations, but the humor helps you overlook them.

PLAYING

Angie: 

Animal Crossing: New Leaf (System: Nintendo 2DS / 3DS, Genre: Simulation) - Like
Hometown Story (System: Nintendo 3DS, Genre: Role Playing) - Hooked on it

Bravely Default Demo (System: Nintendo 3DS, Genre: RPG) - Will be buying the game. It’s really good.

Lisa: 

Candy Crush (iOS)
I know I'm late to the party, but I finally downloaded this game and it really is addictive and strangely satisfying to match colorful, little candies. Don't worry, I won't be sending you a Facebook game request. I believe I'm on the 11th stage of addiction; sometimes I see candy when I close my eyes. See Buzzfeed's The 12 Stages of Candy Crush Addiction.

Beat the Thanksgiving Break Boredom

The Dorris Van Doren staff wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Downloadable magazine

Don't forget we'll be open from 9 am-5 pm today (November 27, 2013), closed Thursday and Friday, and open Saturday, 9 am-5 pm.

Sometimes having a lot of time off, along with tryptophan and carbs pumping through your veins can leave you a little bored. The public libraries may be closed Thursday and Friday, but we can still help you fight the boredom!





Make a New Tradition
All El Paso Public Libraries are now accepting poetry entries for our annual poetry contest. Entries are due January 31, 2014 (one entry per participant please). If you're in grades 1-12, you can enter! If not, then you can encourage the children and teens in your life to enter. You can make it an annual Thanksgiving tradition to read and write poetry during the break.

Collect Donations
We're hosting two different donation drives here at the Dorris Van Doren and you can help! The boxes are up front, near the circulation desk. One box belongs to the Girl Scouts, who are collecting gently-used winter clothing (any size) up until the end of next week. The other box belongs to the Ronald McDonald House, which will be collecting new, unwrapped toys up until December 16.  

Download Magazines

Dowloadable magazine

This is one of our favorite new services we offer. You get to download and keep new digital magazines for free! There are many popular titles to choose from and recent back issues are now available. Find some last minute Thanksgiving ideas with the Food Network Magazine and five other cooking magazines. Get crafty with Cloth Paper Scissors and two other craft magazines. Peruse the ESPN Magazine while watching the football games. For more information and instructions, read our previous post about Zinio.

Downloadable Music 

Download Books, Movies, & More
If you can't make it to the library in time to check out materials, visit our digital library, OverDrive. You can download books, audiobooks, music, and movies. It may seem like there aren't many movies to choose from, but there's actually a pretty good selection of indie, foreign, and documentary films. If you're feeling guilty about feasting, there are also yoga and workout videos!

It can be a little confusing at first to get started, but depending on what device you'll be using you'll need to download software and/or apps, have an Adobe ID or Amazon account, and have your library card and pin number handy. Visit the Help Center to get started

Request Materials and Make Lists
Keep track of materials you've checked out or want to check out by creating lists. You can print, email, and text the lists to yourself if you wish. Remember that creating lists does not mean you have requested items; you must click on "Place Hold" to be placed on a waiting list or request items be sent to your branch. To create lists or request materials, simply login to your account using your library card and pin number. Be sure to type in all letters and numbers without the spaces.  

Research
Why would you want to research during the break? We don't know, maybe you're getting a head start, have a last minute assignment due, or want some reliable medical information. We have access to subscription databases through TexShare that contain information and articles from books, magazines, and journals you can't access through Google or Bing. You can also study and take practice tests with Learning Express. All you need is your library card and a login and password (ask for it at the information desk).

Dowloadable movie

Dowloadable movie

Dowloadable movie

Dowloadable movie

50 Years After JFK

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination, and thousands of published books later, there are still many theories with no consensus. This year alone saw 150 books published on Kennedy.

The following is a list of books that the El Paso Public Library owns that were published within 2012 and 2013. The list is a combination of new adult and children's non-fiction and fiction novels. Visit this link to request the books or visit your nearest branch to request and check out other books and movies about JFK.

Where Were You? America Remembers JFK

This book accompanies the NBC documentary that will air today at 7 pm our time. 46 people were asked to remember the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated and speculate on what might have been since then. Interviewees consist of former heads of state, politicians, authors, journalists, performers, musicians, and more. You can also visit NBC's commemorative and interactive site: http://nvcdn.nbcnews.com/_util/jfk50/

End of Days: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

A minute-by-minute account of the day President John F. Kennedy was shot, told by James Swanson, author of the New York Times bestseller Manhunt, which brought the Lincoln assassination to life. In End of Days, he reveals Lee Harvey Oswald's bizarre history of violence and follows John and Jacqueline Kennedy's wildly successful swing through Texas and their fateful Dallas motorcade ride. Swanson combines extensive research with his storytelling abilities.

The President Has Been Shot! 

James Swanson was busy this year. Right before End of Days was published, this book was released for youth, grades 7 and up. The book includes archival photographs, explicit diagrams of the assassination scene, source notes, and a bibliography that includes conspiracy-focused literature.

Hit List

Authors, Richard Belzer and David Wayne set out to uncover the truth about the many witness deaths tied to the JFK assassination. For decades, government pundits have dismissed these "coincidental" deaths. Some of the deaths seemed purely coincidental; heart attacks, hunting accidents. Others clearly seemed noteworthy; witnesses who did seem to know something and did seem to die mysteriously. The findings were absolutely staggering: some cases were clearly linked to a "clean-up operation" after the murder of President Kennedy, while others were the result of 'other forces'.

The Third Bullet

Bestselling author Stephen Hunter, continues his fictional thriller series starring Bob Lee Swagger, a legendary Marine sniper hero. In this title, Swagger probes the lingering mystery of John F. Kennedy's assassination and exposes the mastermind behind the third bullet. Why did the third bullet explode? The Warren Commission had no idea, but Bob Lee Swagger knows. 

Are you unfamiliar with this series, but think the name sounds familiar? Maybe it's because you saw the 2007 film, Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg!

Parkland

This book was originally published in 2007 under the name of Four Days in November. The book was re-released this year with a new title and cover to match the new motion picture starring Zac Efron, Marcia Gay harden, and other stars. In the book, Vincent Bugliosi analyzes JFK's assassination and its surrounding conspiracy theories drawing on forensic evidence, key witness testimonies, and other sources to explain what really happened and why conspiracy theories have become so popularized.

You can request both book and DVD at any El Paso Public Library branch.

Top Down

Famed journalist and news anchor, Jim Lehrer was actually a reporter in Dallas on November 22, 1963. He draws from his own experience to create a fictional account of a Secret Service agent who made the fateful decision to remove the security bubble from John F. Kennedy's parade car. The character struggles with suicidal feelings of guilt until a young reporter endeavors to determine the day's outcome if the bubbletop had been in place.

Who Really Killed Kennedy? 
In decades of meticulous research, investigative journalist Jerome Corsi has sorted through mountains of evidence. Dissecting the Warren Commission's conclusion, he carefully separates the unlikely from the real, and speculation from facts. Having personally known or met many of the key players in the assassination drama, including a former top Soviet bloc intelligence official, Corsi reveals shocking information for the first time.

The Kennedy Half-Century
Celebrated political scientist and analyst, Larry J. Sabato explores the fascinating and powerful influence JFK has had over five decades on the media, the general public, and especially on each of his 9 presidential successors. Sabato reexamines JFK's assassination using heretofore unseen information to which he has had unique access, then documents the extraordinary effect the assassination has had on Americans of every modern generation.

JFK
This illustrated tribute was written for the kinder through third grade set. The author introduces children to JFK's early life and career, and offers insight into his cultural significance to everyday Americans.

They Killed Our President
The former governor of Minnesota teams up with a successful author and some of the most respected and influential assassination researchers to provide all the conspiracy angles of this notable event in American history.

Killing Kennedy
The host of The O'Reilly Factor recounts the murder of JFK and how gunshots on a Dallas afternoon not only killed a beloved president but also sent the nation into the cataclysmic division of the Vietnam War and its culture-changing aftermath.

A couple of weeks ago, National Geographic aired a movie adaptation of the book starring Rob Lowe. The movie will re-air tonight at 7 pm. Visit the movie's site here. Be sure to also visit their interactive documentary: http://kennedyandoswald.com/#!/premiere-screen
The online documentary follows both Kennedy and Oswald side-by-side, combining soundbites, archival photos, video, and other primary sources.

Kennedy's Last Days
This is O'Reilly's adaptation of Killing Kennedy written for grades 5 and up. The book also includes O'Reilly's memories of the day his high school class learned of the events of November 22, 1963. 

Happy Teen Read Week 2013!

This year marks the 15th year that the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) celebrates Teen Read Week! Libraries all across the nation plan fun programs and displays that encourage teens to read for pleasure and use the library's resources. Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. During this week, teens can also vote for their favorite books to be included in the annual Teens' Top Ten list.

All El Paso Public Libraries are celebrating this week with different events and contests. Here's how the Dorris Van Doren Library is celebrating:

Book-In-A-Jar Contest! Stop in & fill out an entry with your book title guess. You'll be entered in a raffle to win a Teen Read Week prize pack.

Check out the 2013 nominees at your library and vote before October 19, 2013 at ala.org/yalsa/reads4teens

• Crewel by Gennifer Albin
• Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (Next in the series: Of Triton)
• Underworld by Meg Cabot (You might want to read Abandon first)
• Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (You might want to read Graceling & Fire first)
• Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
• Skinny by Donna Cooner
• Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross
• Croak by Gina Damico
• The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda (Next in the series: The Prey)
• 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Shadowscale comes out February 2014)
• Wake by Amanda Hocking
• Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
• Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
• Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (Next in the series: Dark Triumph)
• Butter by Erin Jade Lange
• Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
• Every Day by David Levithan
• Son by Lois Lowry (You might want to read The Giver, Gathering Blue & Messenger)
• I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga (Next in the series: Game)
• Pushing the Limits by Katy McGarry
• The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen (Next in the series: The Runaway King)
• Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult
• Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (Rebel Spring comes out in December)
• Insurgent by Veronica Roth (You might want to read Divergent first. Allegiant coming soon!)
• Immortal City by Scott Speer (Next in the series: Natural Born Angel)
• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (The Dream Thieves coming soon!)
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (Rose Under Fire coming soon!)

Summer Events June 17-22, 2013

Register for the summer reading club and keep track of your reading at elpasolibrarysr.evanced.info. Children, teens and adults can register with their library card number. Adults that register online will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad or a Kindle.

Here are the events for the week of June 17th:

Tuesday, June 18 from 4:30-6:30 pm
Tune in Tuesdays is part of the Teen Summer Reading Club. Listen to a half hour audiobook teaser while enjoying snacks. Play board and video games afterwards. This week's featured audiobook is Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross.

Wednesday, June 19 @ 4 pm
Our summer reading club children's programs are on Wednesdays at 4 pm. This week, the West Texas Regional Poison Center will teach us about the venomous critters of El Paso. All ages are welcome.

Thursday, June 20 @ 4:30 pm
Thursday Things is part of the teen summer reading club. Make a craft, play board or video games and enjoy snacks. This week we're making hexagon explosion boxes. Feel free to bring photos or other items you would like to decorate the box with.




Saturday, June 22 @ 2 pm
Don't forget to sign up before Friday for the Cook the Book Club potluck! Choose a recipe to make from this month's selection,The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, make it and bring it to Saturday's potluck.

Saturday, June 22 @ 3 pm
We'll be showing movies that were adapted from books as part of our adult summer reading club. All ages are welcome (movies are rated PG or PG-13). This week's movie is based on the novel One Shot by Lee Child.

Dia De Los Ninos 2013

Back in 1996, El Paso-born author Pat Mora, proposed to create a Children's Day event celebrating children, literacy and bilingualism. A year later, with the assistance of REFORMA (National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos & the Spanish-Speaking), a new holiday was created: El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Day of the children/Day of the books). El Paso, along with Austin, Sante Fe and Tucson, were the first American cities to host celebrations. Now, over 300 libraries across the nation are planning activities that promote literacy and diversity.

El Paso's 17th annual celebration of literacy and health, to be held this Saturday, is changing its venue from Washington Park to three locations. The Main Library, Esperanza Moreno Branch and Dorris Van Doren Branch will have their own Dia festivals where children can receive a free book and enjoy games, activities and live entertainment.

Each year, we hope to encourage children and parents to become more physically active and to read more. Studies show that reading is one of the most important activities in which a child can take part and is one of the primary variables in the academic and career success of young people.

Children will have the opportunity to sign up for Club Rec and library cards. All events will be free and open to the public. In addition, all bus rides for kids will be free to and from the event all day courtesy of Sun Metro. For more information visit call 543-5480.

Here's what the Dorris Van Doren Branch will have scheduled Saturday, April 27, from 12-4 pm:

• Free book distribution
• Games and crafts for kids throughout the day
• A Teen Hangout area
• Jumping balloon 
• Booths represented by various organizations featuring family history, a bubble station, face painting and more.

Entertainment:

• 12:00 pm FM Junkies Band
• 12:30 pm Western Hills Chinese Cultural Program
• 2:00 pm Combo #5 Band
• 3:00 pm Movie Matinee
• 3:00 pm Theatrical Performance – Excerpt from Midsummer Night’s Dream

...and while you're here, check out our spring and poetry month decorations!

Our intern, Lizzie painting the Poetree onto the window.

The Poetree