A Way For Teens To Find More Reading Ideas

I want to make sure you have plenty of books on your "wish to read" list. You may have noticed the new area on the library catalog that links to best seller and suggested reading. This is a great way to check out new books straight from the library catalog. Some of the lists you can link from there are some of the bestseller lists including: New York Times Fiction, New York Times Nonfiction, Publisher Weekly Fiction, Publishers Weekly Nonfiction, LA Times Fiction, and even more! If you click on the "more best seller lists" like LA Times, Library Journal, Washington Post, Christian Booksellers Association, and Barnes and Noble.


If the bestsller lists aren't enough for you there are even more selections with the suggested reading list. Directly from the catalog you can link to the National Book Award for Fiction, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Edgar Award (Mystery), Hugo Award (Science Fiction) and World Fantasy Award. To access more click on the more recommended reading lists to access suggested award winner from Fiction, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, Horror, Biography, Cookbook, Travelbooks, Children's, Western, Mystery, Fantasy, and Young Adult.





I am here to tell you there even are more lists and suggestions out there! To take you directly to the source I have included some links to some of the “Best Books of 2010” lists below. Three books from each list are highlighted in this blog, to read the rest of each list click on the link provided. Not all of the “best of lists” have been awarded for 2010 yet. But if you want to look at the current nomination list I have included that link for you. (You could even vote for your favorites!) These lists can be used to start building your hold list for 2011, or even as gift ideas for people on your holiday shopping list. Happy Reading!

YALSA Top 10 Books of 2010

YALSA Top Reads of 2010

YALSA Top 2011 Nominations

Happy Reading!

Internet Browsing On Thanksgiving

The Mukwonago Community Library wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! On this turkey day if you find yourself browsing the internet we have a few suggestions of websites you can visit to keep the Thanksgiving theme.

Websites for Children:

Plimoth Plantation Museum
This website has a special interactive lesson for young children K-6 that will teach them about the original Thanksgiving. Take a peak inside a Colonial English settler’s cottage and learn about the Wampanoag Indians that helped them survive their first winter.

Scholastic’s Mayflower Tour
This is a great website for K-6 children to take an inside look of the Mayflower. Also peak around to see what was served at the first feast and learn about the Pilgrims' daily life.

Websites for Everyone:

Hulu Presents: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Hulu is a free website and trustworthy website that allows you to watch television and movies at home on your computer. A perfect holiday treat is watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with your family.

The History Channel’s Thanksgiving
The History Channel’s website has a great background on Thanksgiving history and short videos on subjects like the Mayflower, Pilgrims, and even pumpkin pie!

Watch the Macy’s Day Parade Online

NBC is posting the Macy’s Day Parade online.

Spotlight on Subscription Database: Learning Express

Learning does not have to be expensive or time consuming. The library offers a vast variety of learning resources to you for free. One of those awesome tools available at the library, or on your home computer, is the subscription database Learning Express. It is a resource that offers self-paced learning videos and study materials from improving your grammar, learning computer skills, through obtaining American citizenship. The subjects offered are listed below and each has its own Learning Center. Each Learning Center has different tools that include quizzes, instructional videos, tutorials, and practice material.

I recently used it brush up on some computer skills for Microsoft Excel 2007. In college I had taken formal courses on computer skills including the Microsoft Excel 2003. When the new program of Excel 2007 came out I felt like I had to learn an entirely different program! Over time I found out how to do a lot of things through trial and error. Talk about time consuming…. Even though I found my way around Excel 2007 from my own experience I wanted to see if there was anything else I could learn so I checked out Learning Express’ Advanced Video Tutorial for Microsoft Excel 2007.

After watching the video I felt like an old dog that could learn new tricks! I was expecting a long and droning video that lasted forever. Instead I watched an easy to follow video progression course where you could skip ahead according to what tasks you want to learn. Each section of video is from a minute to four minutes long. So in under fifteen minutes I learned a few new ways to collaborate and share my spreadsheets, how to merge files, and a few new protection features for more private documents. (Warning: learning can be addictive.)

Another portion of Learning Express that I tried out was the Workplace Skills Improvement area. In this economy it seems like everyone has to learn how to make a stellar resume, search for every possible opportunity of employment, and interview well. The tools available can help you improve your skills in all of those areas. It was kind of fun to take the career placement test and search for jobs all in one screen without bouncing to multiple websites.

I was also very impressed with the College Preparation area. I wish I would have had this when I was preparing to go to school. I think I would have scored a little better on my placement testing. So if you are gearing up for ACTs or SATs (or know someone that is) I suggest using the quizzes and study guides to brush up on your skills. There are a lot of books and software out there that will try to charge you an arm and a leg for a product that isn’t even as good as the one for free at the library.

I haven’t even touched on all the subjects and tools available through Learning Express. Why don’t you check it out and leave some of your thoughts in the comments. To access the database please have your library card number ready and access the database from the library website. You will have to create a user name and password to access the lessons, but this will also aid in tracking your progress.

Elementary School

Math Skills Improvement
Reading Skills Improvement

Middle School

Math Skills Improvement
Reading Comprehension Skills Improvement
Writing Skills Improvement
High School Entrance Exams Preparation

High School

Math Skills Improvement
Reading Comprehension Skills Improvement
Vocabulary and Spelling Skills Improvement
Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement

College Preparation

ACT Preparation
Advanced Placement (AP) Preparation
CLEP Preparation
CUNY Skills Assessment Tests Preparation
PSAT/NMSQT Preparation
SAT Preparation
THEA Preparation
TOEFL iBT Preparation
TOEIC Preparation

College Students

Math and Reasoning Skills Improvement
Reading Comprehension Skills Improvement
Vocabulary and Spelling Skills Improvement
Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement
Graduate School Entrance Exams Preparation
Technical and Career College Skills

Computer Skills

Adobe Flash Courses
Adobe Illustrator Courses
Adobe Photoshop Courses
Corel WordPerfect Courses
Microsoft Access Courses
Microsoft Excel Courses
Microsoft Outlook Courses
Microsoft PowerPoint Courses
Microsoft Project Courses
Microsoft Publisher Courses
Microsoft SharePoint Designer Courses
Microsoft Visio Courses
Microsoft Word Courses
Windows and Mac Operating Systems Courses

GED Preparation

GED Practice Exams
GED Preparation Courses
GED Skills Improvement
Spanish-language GED Preparation

Workplace Skills Improvement

Business Writing
Job Search, Resumes, and Interviewing
TOEIC Preparation

Occupation Practice Tests

Air Traffic Controller
Civil Service
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
Cosmetology
Electrical
Emergency Medical Services
Firefighter
Law Enforcement
Military
Nursing and Allied Health
Plumbing
Real Estate
Teaching

Skill Building for Adults

Math and Reasoning Skills Improvement
Reading Skills Improvement
Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement

U.S. Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Preparation

Recursos para Hispanohablantes

Mejora de las habilidades de lectura y escritura
Mejora de las habilidades matemáticas
Preparación para examen GED

Hey Teens! Do You Have Game?

Attention K-12 kids, do you have game? There is no school the day after Thanksgiving so come on down to Mukwonago Community Library to challenge your friends to different board games or come to make some new friends! Old-Fashioned Game Day will be taking place on Friday, November 26th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Here are just some of the games that we will have ready for you to play.

Gobble Up Some Great Movies @ Your Library this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a great time to share thanks and food with your loved ones. Try a new tradition this year by watching a Thanksgiving themed movie. Below are a few suggestions for you to Gobble up! Have a Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at the Mukwonago Community Library!


Thanksgiving Themed Movies

Midnight Magic Library Events

Come see the magic start coming to life at the Mukwonago Community Library with the events and donations leading up to Midnight Magic! This year the Friends of the Library are once again participating by having a silent auction, raffle, and bake sale on Saturday, December 4th.

The silent auction and raffle have already started at the library with signup sheets and items on display in the library lobby and on top of the large print shelves. Come in anytime the library is open and place your bid on the signup sheets for the silent auction or purchase tickets for the raffle. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. The final drawing is December 4th at 6:00 pm.

Some of the great prizes include rounds of golf, tickets to local events, gift certificates to local retailers, and a large variation of other products. This year the auction and raffle are featuring beautiful handmade items created by talented residents of our community. Below is a picture of just some of the wonderful items we have available. Come see what we have to offer and good luck winning your favorite item. Thank you to everyone that is donating items or volunteering time for this event.

If you have any donations for the silent auction or raffle, please drop them off at the library. We are particularly looking for crafters to donate their hand-made items. Also, if you like to bake for the sale, contact Laura Frisch at 262-363-6411 for more information. All proceeds of the event will go towards the library.

For more information about the magic that is happening in the rest of the community this season check out the Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center website.

Notary Republic Services Now Available


The library now has Notary Republic services available. Those hours are from Monday thru Thursday 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and one Saturday a month. The village of Mukwonago also offers Notary services Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Between the two institutions Notary services are available Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. There is no cost to receive the services. Please ensure you have all parties and documents necessary to complete your notary business. Please call ahead during the hours listed for any questions. To reach the Mukwonago Community Library call (262) 363-6411 and to reach Mukwonago Village Hall call (262) 363-6420.

Auto and Small Engine Repair Information @ Your Library

Is your rusty Chevrolet held together by chicken wire? The Mukwonago Community Library has resources that can help you maintain, fix, or learn about your truck, van, car, ATV, snowmobile, or tractor. These resources include subscription databases on the internet as well as print manuals. The subscription databases are great because they are accessible 24/7 from your home computer, and all you need is your CAFE library card!

SUBSCRIPTION DATABASES

Auto Repair Reference Center™
If you are looking to repair your vehicle the Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC) database is a great resource. With an easy to use interface that contains a comprehensive collection of automobile repair reference information. ARRC contains information on most major manufacturers of domestic and imported vehicles, with coverage on over 35,000 vehicles from 1945 to now. It has a variety of information including almost a million drawing and photographs, 99,000 technical service bulletins and recall information, and over 158,600 wiring diagrams. All of these are easily printable and most include specifications and maintenance schedule. It is also a great resource because it is continually updated, so check for your automobile here. Please only use this database in Internet Explorer, it may not work properly in other web browsers.

Small Engine Repair Reference Center™
If you are looking to repair your ATV, mower, tractor, motorcycle, Jet Ski, snow blower, or other small engine the Small Engine Repair Reference Center subscription database is a fantastic tool. This comprehensive resource contains 410 reference books in full text with original photos and illustrations that guide the user through every job that goes back 25 years. It aids in detailed engine and transmission disassembly and is searchable by product type, brand, model type, and engine type. Most articles are printable PDF which makes transporting this information to your shop or garage easier than ever!

PRINT MANUALS

The library has a collection of print manuals available for you to browse through. The largest resource for the print collection is our collection of Chilton repair manuals. We just received the new 2010 editions, so look for them on the shelves in the near future! The reference manuals are not available for checkout, but you can look at them in the reference collection and photocopies can be made for 15 cents per page. Other manuals include Outboard Motor, Haynes, and other general information items.
If you are looking for a manual to take home with you and we don’t have it available in the library, stop by, call, or e-mail the reference desk. Through Interlibrary Loan we may be able to borrow what you need from another library in the state.
Good luck with your repair or project!

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Today’s blog article was written by the newest edition to the Mukwonago Community Library staff, Tristan Kelly. Tristan will be a new face behind the reference and circulation desk most weekdays in the afternoon and evening hours. She just graduated this year from UW-Milwaukee with a Masters in Library and Information Science and is excited to be working here. She loves a good challenge so make sure to bring in your reference questions!

Welcome Tristan!

Long-time librarian Janet Kosky will be sorely missed, but I believe you will all find Tristan Kelly, our new librarian, to be a friendly, knowledgeable and helpful presence at the library. Tristan started on Monday and is rapidly learning our library. Say “Hi” to her next time you’re in.