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Library WINTER 2021–2022 One Book author / p. 1 Quarterly Book clubs / p. 4 Life Changes picture books / p. 11 the magazine of the Vernon Area Public Library NEWS Get a library card Convenient book returns Library Quarterly Online at VAPLD.info/card. Begin Return materials 24/7 at the library Editor using your card number online as drive-up slot or in: Catherine Savage soon as you receive it in your email Buffalo Grove Writer & Editor (usually within 24 hours). Grove Shopping Center Becky Ferguson 197 McHenry Rd. Designer northeast corner of Lake-Cook Access your account Sadie Frey and McHenry roads Go to VAPLD.info/account and log Long Grove Contributors in with your library card number Sunset Grove Shopping Center Laura Cohen, Kelsey Cole-Burns, and PIN (usually the last four digits 4190 IL Route 83 Heather Hageli, Pam Minarik of your phone number). southeast corner of Route 83 Photo credits and Aptakisic Road In the Vernon Library app: p. 1: Laurie Frankel photo by Natalia download for free in your app store. Dotto; p. 10: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings artwork by Bisa Butler/ Attend an event photo by Margaret Fox Borrow View upcoming lectures, discussions, classes, To find books, e-books, audiobooks, What do you think? performances, and storytimes: movies, music, video games, and VAPLD.info/calendar. other materials available for Send feedback about the Library checkout, go to VAPLD.info. Events are free and open to all. Quarterly to [email protected]. To request materials for pickup from Sign-up is usually required; see the library Holds shelves (default) or individual event listings for details. Stay up to date at the drive-up window, log in with your library card number and PIN Closed-captioning is available for Sign up to receive occasional (usually the last four digits of your most online presentations; see emails from the library: phone number). individual event listings for details. VAPLD.info/subscribe. To find articles from magazines, newspapers, and journals, go to Board of Trustees VAPLD.info. Change the search box option from “Catalog” to Marc Fenton, President “Articles” in the dropdown Jonathan Passman, Vice President menu before you search. Victoria Thompson, Treasurer Laura Caplin, Secretary Max Boton George Goldstein Akrom Hossain 2 2021-11 VOGUE 22.5K NEWS LQ interview: Author Laurie Frankel One Book, One Community is hosted each year by Vernon Area, Indian Trails, and Cook Memorial public libraries. This winter’s series, the sixth annual, is an opportunity to join your neighbors in reading and discussing This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. The novel has drawn lots of praise, with the New York Times Book Review calling it a “deeply satisfying…intimate family story.” We had a chance to ask the author a few questions. Your writing centers on family — meeting challenges, If a reader takes just one message from This Is How It making things work, come what may. Are there other Always Is, what would you like it to be? authors with this focus who inspire you? Wider ranges of normal make the world better for everyone! Some books I adore about families: We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler, The World According Can you tell readers about the significance of the title? to Garp by John Irving, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon, Tolstoy’s Anna I can, but I can’t take credit for it. The line in the book is mine, Karenina (which famously starts off with musings on this very but it was a sales rep reading an early draft who realized it point), A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth L. Ozeki, Beloved by wasn’t just a line but the titular line. It was certainly the idea Toni Morrison, The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. There with which I went into the book. Most parents won’t have a are threads of Shakespeare in all my novels, and Shakespeare transgender child, but most parents will have a child who (who, of course, is great on everything) is especially great on is sometimes gender nonconforming, and all parents will families. sometimes have a child who is nonconforming somehow. Transgender kids are presented so often as so unusual and so anomalous, but in fact, I think this is how it always is. Every What are the challenges of portraying family dynamics in parent I know has had the experiences described in this novel, fiction today? and if the particulars vary (and they do, endlessly) the core — I love writing about families, especially unusual or that part where your kid needs something and you’re not sure nontraditional ones. I think, in fact, writing about families is what but you are sure you’ll go to the ends of the earth to do getting easier rather than more challenging as we expand the best you can to figure it out — remains the same. our definition of what and who we count as family. Of course family dynamics are endlessly complicated — by definition, they’re the people we’re stuck with, even if they’re people we’ve chosen to be stuck with — which sometimes makes for tough trips home or tough evenings around the dinner table or tough vacations but also makes for excellent novels. One Book, One Community kicks off at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, in the library lobby with a book giveaway of This Is How It Always Is. A finale event with author Laurie Frankel caps the series on February 26. In between, participate in book discussions and programs that explore the themes of the book. For more information, visit 1book.org or pick up a program booklet at the library. 1 NEWS Fiction for Adults Now hear this! Nonfiction for Adults for Families for Highschoolers for Grades 6–8 for Grades K–5 2 NEWS Now hear this! Love stories? Try listening to a book. Audiobooks offer all the enjoyment of the written word, plus other benefits. Accessibility. Audiobooks are a great choice for people Connection. Listening as a family is a shared with dyslexia, low vision, or other conditions that make experience that promotes conversation. traditional reading a challenge. Fluency. For those learning a new language, Understanding. Professional narrators bring the audiobooks build vocabulary and improve written word to life, giving individual characters pronunciation. different voices and adding emotion. Hearing a story this way provides contextual clues, increasing Multitasking. Make chores, working out, or commuting comprehension. more enjoyable by adding an audiobook. Retention. Actively listening while following along with Relaxation. A busy brain can make it difficult to the written version helps your brain store information concentrate on the printed page. Listening to a book in long-term memory — a great strategy for students! helps slow your thought patterns, allowing you to unwind. Plus, you get to rest your eyes! Whatever your reason for listening, there’s an audiobook for you. Download audiobooks using the cloudLibrary, Hoopla or Libby apps; visit VAPLD.info/stream-and-download to get started. Or visit the library to check out audiobooks on CD or Playaway, a portable player containing one audiobook. 3 ADULTS Everybody’s talking about… From media companies to top celebrities, everyone A great story provides a natural launching point seems to be discovering book clubs. And no wonder, for conversation. Cheer or mourn together for your the list of benefits reads like a prescription for favorite characters. Share your surprise or delight. happiness. Hear others’ opinions and new perspectives. Maybe even get an explanation for that confusing ending! A book club is a group of people who each read the same book at the same time, then come together Finally, book groups typically meet on a regular to talk about it. Discussions take place at a group schedule, which lends a rhythm and structure to our member’s house or, more often these days, on days — and, let’s be honest, schedules have gotten video chat. It adds a social component to the a little wibbly-wobbly lately. Having a get-together already satisfying solo activity of reading. on the calendar nudges you to set aside time to read and to set aside time for friends — both of Book clubs come in all sorts of varieties. No matter which make life better. your interests or age, there is one out there for you. Clubs range from small local get-togethers to huge Your library hosts a variety of book discussion national groups like Oprah’s Book Club or Noname groups. They’re free and open to everyone, no Book Club. Even Netflix just started one! library card required (unless you borrow the book from the library, of course). Browse upcoming It’s easy to get started. Joining a book group comes sessions and sign up at VAPLD.info/calendar or by with an automatic “in”: everyone involved loves to calling 224-543-1485. read and you have all read the same book. Right away you have things in common, which is a great foundation for new friendships. 4 ADULTS One Book, One Community Must-Read Nonfiction An annual shared reading experience for all residents Real-life reads that are engaging, informative, and of Vernon Area, Indian Trails, and Cook Memorial library important. Meets monthly. districts, now in its sixth year. Multiple discussions of the MONDAYS, 7 PM selected title take place in January and February at each JANUARY 17: The Falcon Thief by Joshua Hammer library; you are welcome at any of them. This year’s book FEBRUARY 28: Grunt by Mary Roach is This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. Find details and sign up at 1book.org. Thirsty Thursdays: Books on Tap Monthly book discussion for 20- and 30-somethings. Book Discussions with Judy Levin Sign up on Meetup.com. Intriguing reads beyond the best sellers. Sign up early for THURSDAYS, 6 PM this popular group, which usually fills to capacity. DECEMBER 16: A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes THURSDAYS, 10 AM JANUARY 20, FEBRUARY 17: TBD DECEMBER 9: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich JANUARY 13: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk FEBRUARY 10: This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel “This was my first meetup with [Thirsty Thursdays] Own Voices and I had enormous fun. Everyone was very Books by authors of marginalized or under-represented friendly and welcoming. Not only was the groups whose lived experiences enrich their writing. In discussion on the book engaging, but the February we’ll read and discuss The Yellow Bird Sings by conversation in between was stimulating as well.” Jennifer Rosner. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 7 PM Novel Night Captivating fiction you might have missed. Meets every other month. TUESDAYS, 7 PM JANUARY 25: The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline 5 ADULTS Selected events for adults CONSUMER REPORTS On Zoom unless otherwise noted. Most online events offer closed-captioning; check listings. Free and open to all. Sign up (required) at VAPLD.info/calendar Choose top-rated gifts with or by calling 224-543-1485. confidence with unbiased reviews and ratings for whatever is on your shopping list — from air purifiers to smartwatches. Log in with your Vernon Area Library card number Lunchtime Series Recurring Meetups at VAPLD.info/CR. Take a midday break to learn Connect over a shared interest. Join something new. one or more sessions as you like. Impressionist Still Lifes of Food ‘Off the Hook’ Knit & Crochet Group TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1 PM MONDAYS, 7–8:30 PM DECEMBER 20, JANUARY 17, FEB. 21 National Civil Rights Museum Tour English Language Learners WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1 PM Conversation Group Discover Fort Sheridan TUESDAYS, 11 AM INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1 PM DEC. 7, JAN. 4, JAN. 18, FEB. 1, FEB. 15 ROKUS — NEW! Great Decisions Foreign Policy Close-Up with a Vietnam Veteran Discussion Group Check out a portable device MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1 PM Each year’s series is eight sessions loaded with television The American Indian Way of Life over ten months. New cohorts begin subscription services from around THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1 PM in February. the world. Enjoy K-dramas on Viki, telenovelas on Univision, anime FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1–3 PM OR WEDS., FEB. 16, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM on Crunchyroll, African movies on NollyLand, as well as Netflix. To Featured Programs World Language Movie Discussion request one, visit the library or go WEDNESDAYS, 7 PM to VAPLD.info/IntRoku. Meet the Trib’s New Food Critics DECEMBER 15, JANUARY 26 Louisa Chu and Nick Kindelsperger Writer’s Support Group discuss the Chicago food scene and THURSDAYS, 6:30 PM what it’s like to follow in the footsteps DECEMBER 9, JANUARY 13, FEB. 10 of legendary critic Phil Vettel. Reel Talk Movie Discussion THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 7 PM FRIDAYS, 3:30 PM Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes DECEMBER 10, FEBRUARY 18 Spend an evening with award- Games for Grown-ups SENIOR ACTIVITY KITS winning photographer Cal Kothrade Play table games online on Discord. exploring ten sunken ships in the Check out a kit designed to help Great Lakes. SUNDAYS, 12:30–4 PM DEC. 12, JAN. 9, JAN. 23, FEB. 13 spark memories and conversation. MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 7 PM Each kit contains books, DVDs or CDs, and simple games on a theme, such as national parks, the seasons, or pets. Perfect for reminiscence therapy: recalling For a complete listing of events, including positive experiences to promote cooking programs, multimedia lectures, and well-being. Look for the display help for job seekers, visit VAPLD.info/calendar at the library or visit VAPLD.info/SeniorActivity. 6 Hot new releases There’s great reading ahead this winter! Check out any of these buzzworthy titles, also recommended for the readers on your holiday shopping list. Get more suggestions: pick up the 2021 Gift Guide at the library or view it at VAPLD.info/GiftGuide. The Lincoln Highway All Her Little Secrets The Matzah Ball by Amor Towles by Wanda M. Morris by Jean Meltzer The Seed Keeper The Code Breaker What’s the Difference? by Diane Wilson by Walter Isaacson by Brette Warshaw The Sweetness of Water Falling One Last Stop by Nathan Harris by T. J. Newman by Casey McQuiston Count the Ways The Light of Days Nadiya Bakes by Joyce Maynard by Judy Batalion by Nadiya Hussain 7 TEENS Selected online events for teens On Zoom unless otherwise noted. Free and open to all. Sign up (required) at VAPLD.info/calendar or by calling 224-543-1486. 3D PRINTING Bring your ideas to life using the 3D printer at the library. Use Tinkercad or Cura to create an Cookie Decorating 101 Off the Page: Teen Book Club object, then submit your file teens & adults grades 8–12 for printing. Or explore existing Learn creative pre- and post-bake Read something fun, then share designs and download free files at decorating techniques you can use your thoughts with friends old Thingiverse. Get started at for any occasion. and new in a librarian-led online VAPLD.info/3Dprinting. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 7–8 PM discussion. MONDAYS, 7 PM JANUARY 24: The Downstairs Girl Games for Grown-ups by Stacey Lee high school students & adults FEBRUARY 28: One Book, One Play table games together online Community: Felix Ever After using Discord to share a game space by Kacen Callender and chat. JackBox games are always available; let us know if there’s LEARNING EXPRESS LIBRARY plus Take & Make Kits something else you’d like to play. at-home activity for grades 6–12 Practice exams are a great way to SUNDAYS, 12:30–4 PM Reserve your themed kit for pickup become familiar with the test format DECEMBER 12, JANUARY 9 & 23, at the library. Go to VAPLD.info/ and focus your studies. Take PSAT, FEBRUARY 13 calendar and select each month’s ACT, SAT, AP, or TOEFL practice tests listing to sign up. online when you log in with your DECEMBER: Hand Painted Mugs Vernon Area Library card number at VAPLD.info/LearningExpress. JANUARY: No-Sew Scarf Service Project FEBRUARY: Bath Bombs VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING Volunteer wherever you are to earn service hours and give back in a way that works for you. The library volunteer program for grades 7–12 is completely flexible: no For a complete listing application, no training, and no of events, visit VAPLD.info/calendar minimum hours. Fall session wraps up December 10. New opportunities begin January 4. Get the info at VAPLD.info/TeenVolunteers. 8