January at the Shorewood Public Library

What better way to pass the gray winter days than by warming up with a good book? For every book you read or listen to, fill out a reading log and put it in one of our ten great prize drawing gift bags (at the adult information desk). You may submit as many entries as you'd like between January 6 and February 28. Pick up reading logs at any desk at the library.

COUNTYCAT APP IS BACK!

A new and improved CountyCat app has arrived!

If you love having the library on your phone, you will love the new CountyCat app.

The app lets you search for library items from across the county, place and manage holds, renew items, find library events, and have a digital version of your library card on hand.

Milwaukee County Federated Library System is taking feedback on the app in order to make it as close to perfect as it can get. Share your thoughts with us via email, phone or in person!

WINTER STORY TIMES

There's a story time session for every child!

Ages 6 to 23 months: Rhyme & Read Lapsit

A special story time for our youngest learners. Caregiver interaction is a crucial part of Rhyme & Read and you can expect to learn songs and rhymes to use at home, too! Rhyme & Read is Monday mornings, 9:15-9:45 or 10:15-10:45, January 27-February 24. Registration is required and begins January 13. Click to learn more.

Age 2: Toddler Time

Develop your toddler's love of reading and the library in this developmentally-appropriate setting. Toddler Time is Tuesday mornings, 10:00-10:30, January 28-February 25. Registration is required and begins January 13. Click to learn more.

Ages 6 months to 2 years: Rhyme & Read P.M. Plus More

An evening session of early literacy activities for babies six months old through 2 years old, combining elements of Rhyme & Read and Toddler Time so all ages have fun and learn! Rhyme & Read PM is Monday evenings, 6:30-7:00, January 27-February 4. Registration is required and begins January 13. Click to learn more.

Ages 3 & 4: Story Time for 3s and 4s begins again on Thursday, January 16 at 1:00 p.m. Get your pre-school aged child ready to learn in a school environment with this weekly story time. Registration is required and is ongoing. Click to learn more.

LEARN TO PROTECT AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S.

Protect yourself against identity theft with help from the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection presented on Monday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m. in collaboration with the Shorewood Senior Resource Center. You'll learn what identity theft is, and how you can prevent it by safeguarding your personal information and spotting scams.

DR. ERIN WINKLER ON CHILDREN AND RACE

The myth that children are "colorblind" can make it difficult for parents and educators to approach the topic of race with them. Join us Saturday, February 8 at 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the Village Center Meeting Room for a presentation from Dr. Erin Winkler, Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dr. Winkler will share research on how children form ideas of race, and how parents, families, and educators can help children understand racial identity, racism, and racial inequities in age-appropriate ways that empower the young children in their lives.

FROM THE DIRECTOR

As I consider starting a new year and a new decade, I want to bring a heightened awareness to personal and global wellness. I want to ensure that I'm feeding my body healthy, local foods; that I'm reducing the amount of waste I create; that the people in my life know that I care about them through my words and actions; and that I'm focused on equity and making sure people I encounter feel included.

In order to achieve these goals I need to slow down, be fully engaged and present in every interaction. I welcome opportunities to really listen, connect, and hopefully impart that I value each individual and their perspective as I interact with them.

It's a big goal that will require some self-compassion and patience, but I feel optimistic. I look forward to being present with you in 2020 and beyond.

Rachel Collins

Library Director

[email protected]

FROM THE FRIENDS

Each year at its annual meeting in December, the Friends of the Shorewood Public Library award the honor of Volunteer of the Year to a person who exemplifies the organization's mission to serve the Shorewood Public Library and to raise funds to enhance their programming and collections. This year, we gave this award to not one but two people whose volunteer work clearly exemplifies them as "super" volunteers. In addition, we said farewell to two other Board members who have devoted significant time and effort to the library and who will be sorely missed. Friends President Jeannee Sacken shares her thoughts on the super volunteers and the departing board members in this month's blog.

To learn more about the Friends, visit their webpage.

YOUR NEXT FAVORITE BOOK

For even more recommendations, explore our curated booklists on all kinds of genres, topics, read-alikes and more.

Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden

This is a beautiful, slightly surreal coming of age story about confronting adulthood, finding a path, and what it means to offer help. With gorgeously understated artwork, this thought-provoking graphic novel is a meditation on liminal spaces accompanied by car chases, dramatic revelations, and a deeply allegorical journey.

- Recommended by Kate

Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds: 100 New Ways to See the World by Ian Wright

Ian Wright, who runs the popular website Brilliant Maps, presents 100+ maps in easy to understand infographic form that cover topics from history and nature, to crime and punishment and national identity. The data presented in the maps ranges from unbelievable to curious to humorous.

- Recomme nded by Rachel

Best American Short Stories 2019 edited by Anthony Doerr

This long-running series gathers the best short fiction published in the previous year in American publications. Doerr has chosen a interesting variety of voices in this year's collection including both well-known and little-known authors. Recommended for those who don't know what to read next!

- Recommended by Emily