Ready, Set, Library!
What’s Happening at Your Library: April 2024
Database Update:
Universal Class
Access to Universal Class will end on April 30, 2024.
We are currently evaluating similar databases to replace Univeral Class. If a new database is selected, it will be available beginning in the new fiscal year on July 1, 2024.
Stay tuned!
National Poetry Month is in full swing, and we had a blast celebrating with Magnetic Poetry for Kids! Despite the small turnout, the event was a huge success. It was amazing to see everyone getting creative with the magnetic words, coming up with their own unique poems, and expressing themselves in such a fun and interactive way.
For those who missed out, don’t worry – there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming events and activities that will allow you to explore your creativity and have a great time doing it. Poetry is a fantastic way to express yourself and connect with others, and we hope that you will join us in celebrating this beautiful art form throughout National Poetry Month.
In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas for future events. We love hearing from our community and are always open to new suggestions.
Something New is Coming!
We have some exciting news to share! Lilly, a talented young artist, will lead a mural project with support from the Eagle Scouts and the EHS Art Club. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this beautiful vision to life. Take a peek in the Karen Tamerler Children’s Meeting Room.
Hot Titles
We Recommend These Best Sellers
The Teacher
Something isn’t right at Caseham High School. Last year, the school was rocked by a scandal. Addie is a pariah and will do anything to get through the year and keep her secrets. Someone in this school will do anything to keep voices silent.
Empress of the Nile: the Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt’s Ancient Temples from Destruction
In the 1960s, the Aswan High Dam project threatened to submerge over a dozen ancient Egyptian temples. Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt took on this unimaginable project of dismantling fragile sandstone temples and rebuilding them on higher ground. She told one reporter, “You don’t get anywhere without a fight, you know.” She had helped preserve a crucial part of its cultural heritage and, just as important, made sure it remained in its homeland.
We’ve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Healthcare
Einav, Liran, Finkelstein, Amy
The American health insurance system needs reform. Existing proposals focus on expanding one relatively successful system piece or building in piecemeal additions that miss the point. Health economist Liran Einav and MIT economist MacArthur Genius Amy Finkelstein argue that our healthcare system was never deliberately designed but rather pieced together to deal with issues as they became politically relevant. Their original argument and comprehensive blueprint for an American universal health insurance system will surprise and provoke.
The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women: Balance Your Hormones to Lose Weight, Lower Stress, and Optimize Health
Designed specifically for women of all ages and their unique needs, this go-to guide provides the steps to take control of your health–for good. In this guide, Ramos shares easy-to-use fasting protocols that can be incorporated into your busy schedule, information on how to eat to feel full and energized, and how fasting can support your health by balancing your hormones. These tips can help balance stress levels and avoid weight gain and even depression.
The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee
Seventeen-year-old Korean American Mina Lee’s life is disrupted when she finds herself sucked into the world of her own webcomic.
Infinity Alchemist
Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic, so when Lancaster College of Alchemic Science rejects Ash, he is forced to learn alchemy in secret. When the condescending apprentice Ramsay Thorne discovers him, Ash is sure he’s about to be arrested—but instead of calling the Reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer. Ash’s journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power.
Celebrations & Dates of Note
National Poetry Month
Let’s celebrate this month. Share a poem on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem on April 18, 2024. Or, you can also celebrate with our booklist if that is more convenient!
Eid al-Fitr
For those celebrating Eid Al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan’s fasting period) or those interested in learning about the world’s cultures, check out Hoopla’s list of Arab Heritage.
Hoopla is a free at-home streaming service courtesy of your library for Parkland School District and Northwestern residents only!
Autism Awareness
For 2024, the focus is on stories of empowerment, challenges faced, and the victories achieved by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and autism advocacy.
Earth Day: April 22
Trees will be distributed this week for families enrolled in the Neighborhood Forest Free Trees for Kids program.
Arbor Day: April 26
Celebrate by planting your new tree!
Passover: April 22-30
Passover begins at sundown on April 22, a holiday commemorating the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction.
National Superhero Day
April 28
Let us honor real and fictional superheroes who serve and protect while fighting evil. We are familiar with fictional superheroes. However, real-life superheroes live right here with us in our daily lives. People like firefighters, police officers, librarians, and teachers help us daily.
Stop by the library and check out our displays. Then, tell a real-life superhero how thankful you are for them!
Cheers for Fifty Years!
On Saturday, April 13th, 2024, the Parkland Community Library (PCL) is celebrating its 50th anniversary during National Library Week! Join us for a day of music, food trucks, balloons, and more. Read more here: Cheers to 50 Years Celebration.
Theme
The theme for National Library Week 2024, “Ready, Set, Library!,” promotes the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us the green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. Find your crew at your library’s author talks, workshops, and book clubs.
We encourage everyone to stop in and renew or sign up for a library card this week!
Days of note during that week are:
Join us Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day
Right to Read Day is a National Day of Action supporting the right to read. The State of America’s Libraries Report is released, including the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023.
We are hosting Not on My Bookshelf: How Banning Books Reduces Us All. This program will discuss the current state of book censorship in the United States and how you can help! #RightToReadDay #UniteAgainstBookBans
Why you should fight book bans:
A small but vocal group is driving the current flood of book bans nationwide in schools and public libraries. It’s important to counter those voices by uniting to support the freedom to read in your local community.
- Reading is a foundational skill critical to future learning and exercising our democratic freedoms.
- We can trust individuals to make their own decisions about what they read and believe.
- Parents have the right to guide their children’s reading but should not make decisions for other parents’ children. Specifically, a small group of parents should not dictate what books other people’s children can read.
- Young people deserve to see themselves reflected in a library’s books.
Tuesday, April 9, is National Library Workers Day, a day to recognize the valuable contributions made by library workers. Please nominate your favorite librarian who has made a difference in your and your family’s lives!
Wednesday, April 10: National Library Outreach Day, a day for dedicated library professionals who meet their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to urge members of Congress to protect the freedom to read.
Saturday, April 13: Cheers to 50 Years Celebration wrap-up event for NLW and Anniversary.
No matter where you find yourself on the roadmap through life’s journey—preparing for a new career, launching a business, or raising a family—your library provides an inclusive and supportive community where everyone belongs.
Get ready to explore, become inspired, and connect with your library this National Library Week. Libraries are there for you to the finish line.
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery and Pura Belpré award-winning author Meg Medina will be the 2024 Honorary Chair.
“I’m thrilled to serve as the honorary chair of National Library Week for 2024! Libraries connect our communities and enrich our lives in ways we may not realize, and one of my greatest pleasures is discovering the unexpected and beautiful things libraries offer. From book groups to the Library of Things, providing a safe after-school hangout space, and so much more, libraries support us wherever we are on the roadmap through life’s journey. Join me and the American Library Association in celebrating the gift of libraries everywhere and the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us daily. Ready, Set, Library!”
Eclipse Glasses-Sold out!
Thank you for your interest. Don’t miss this celestial event on April 8 about 2 pm in Lehigh Valley!
PCL Teens: Solar Eclipse Oven
Monday, April 8, 4:30–5:30pm
In honor of the solar eclipse, teen will make delicious recipes in hand-crafted solar ovens! RSVP.
The Lehigh Valley is in the path of a total solar eclipse. Those in the will experience up to 4 minutes of darkness as the moon passes before the sun, temporarily blocking its light.
Never look directly at an eclipse! Those who look directly at this event focus the light of extreme intensity directly onto their retina.
Made possible by:
“The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources.
STAR Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners led by the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL).
Funding is provided by the National Science Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, NASA Office of STEM Engagement, and the NASA Science Mission Directorate.
Annual Report
23-2024 We are pleased to announce that the 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available for viewing. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our patrons for their continued support and participation in the various programs offered at the library. Your engagement plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and enriching community. As a…
December News
What’s Happening at Your Library In December 2024, the library is abuzz with activity as we gear up for the holiday season. Our news round-up includes updates on new acquisitions, upcoming events, and exciting collaborations with local community organizations. We constantly work to enhance our collection and provide resources catering to our patrons’ diverse interests.…
Hublet Tablets
New for November 2024 Starting in November 2024, the Parkland Community Library will offer six self-service Hublet Tablets for use within the library building. These new devices aim to provide valuable digital experiences for patrons, featuring profiles that educate, entertain, and enhance engagement with library services. If you forget your device or need an extra…