Library Word of the Week - Halloween Edition

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love dressing up and pretending to be something spooky.

Did you know there is a story behind our jack-o-lanterns? 

"Every October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps in the United States and other parts of the world.Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns”—the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack—originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities." 
(from http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/jack-olantern-history) 

Read the legend here: Stingy Jack

And don't forget, that Halloween itself is also known as:

1. Samhain (pronounced /ˈsɑːwɪn/ SAH-win or /ˈsaʊ.ɪn/ SOW-in Irish pronunciation: [sˠaunʲ]) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year.

Have a fantastic and safe Halloween everyone! 

IB Trip to Springfield Armory

The IB History students took a trip to the Springfield Armory.

Check out pictures on the HSC website here: IB Armory Trip

Plus, I was able to take the coolest video of a musket blank fire:

Scary Reads for Halloween

Halloween is the best time to find a scary story that makes you need to sleep with the light on. Come down to the library and check out a few scary reads for this Halloween!

Library Word of the Week ... The Words of The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is one of my favorite books and movies. Some of the words can be a little new or difficult, so here's a quick list of some. (Full list here). 

tribute

something given or done as an expression of esteemEXAMPLE SENTENCE:But in District 12, where the word tribute is pretty much synonymous with the word corpse, volunteers are all but extinct.

plummet
drop sharplyEXAMPLE SENTENCE:I'll never know because just as he's opening his mouth to continue, Haymitch plummets off the stage and knocks himself unconscious.

yearn
desire strongly or persistentlyEXAMPLE SENTENCE:For a moment, I yearn for something . . . the idea of us leaving the district . . . making our way in the woods . . . but I know I was right about not running off

plait
weave into plaitsEXAMPLE SENTENCE:Sweet, tiny Prim who cried when I cried before she even knew the reason, who brushed and plaited my mother's hair before we left for school, who still polished my father's shaving mirror each night because he'd hated the layer of coal dust that settled on everything in the Seam.

scorch
become scorched or singed under intense heat or dry conditions
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:In his arms, he carried two large loaves of bread that must have fallen into the fire because the crusts were scorched black.

Ms. D just finished reading .... Lockdown

Creepy cover for a really creepy book. 

Goodreads says: 

Beneath Heaven is Hell. Beneath Hell is Furnace. 

Furnace Penitentiary: An underground hellhole. A place of pure evil with walls soaked in blood. Murderous gangs and vicious guards rule the darkness. Horrific creatures steal people away in the dead of night. And the impossible - escape - is the only hope.

I really didn't think I would like this book. I thought it would be like a bad prison break movie. However, it turned into a real page-turner and I'm going to start on the second one Solitary very soon. 

Highly recommended for those who like a fast pace, unknown creepy monsters, and a bad guy narrator who isn't as bad as everyone thinks. 

Ms. D just finished reading ... What Happened to Goodbye?

This was my first foray into a Sarah Dessen novel. I know she's a little romance, a little teen angst, so I wasn't sure if I would like it. What Happened to Goodbye was a good story, even if a little predictable. 

GoodReads says: 

Who is the real McLean? 

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out. 

It is a cute story, maybe preferable as a "Beach Read." Something light, makes you happy at the end. Recommended for those looking for something fun. 

Library Word of the Week - Words of Maze Runner

With the Maze Runner movie out (and the book being pretty great too), I thought I'd share some words from the book that might be uncommon. (Full list is here). Be sure to check out Maze Runner, and it's other related titles: Scorch Trials, Death Cure, and the prequel: Kill Order. 


dilapidated

in deplorable conditionEXAMPLE SENTENCE:An odd, dilapidated wooden building near one of the corners of the square contrasted greatly with the gray stone.

gnarled

used of old persons or old trees; covered with knobs or knotsEXAMPLE SENTENCE:A few trees surrounded it, their roots like gnarled hands digging into the rock floor for food.

menacing

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developmentsEXAMPLE SENTENCE:For some reason the clothing here surprised Thomas; it seemed like everyone should be wearing something more menacing— like prison garb.

predicament

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying oneEXAMPLE SENTENCE:His mind functioned without flaw, trying to calculate his surroundings and predicament.

Library Word of the Week: The Words of Divergent

This week the library is featuring series fiction. One of my current favorite series is Divergent by Veronica
Roth
My favorite faction in the world of Divergent are the Dauntless. You'd think I would like the Erudite, but I think they hoard information like a dragon hoards gold. Information should be free to access for everyone.

abdignation
the act of renouncing or rejecting something
self-denial.

amity
a state of friendship and cordiality
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
A group of Amity girls in yellow and red sit in a circle on the cafeteria floor, playing some kind of hand-slapping game involving a rhyming song.


candor
the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
Candor values honesty, but our faction, Abnegation, values selflessness.

dauntless
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
In front of it is a large metal sculpture that the Dauntless climb after school, daring each other to go higher and higher.


divergent
tending to move apart in different directions
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
People who get this kind of result are…” She looks over her shoulder like she expects someone to appear behind her. “… are called… Divergent.”


erudite
having or showing profound knowledge
EXAMPLE SENTENCE:
At another set of tables, the Erudite chatter over books and newspapers, in constant pursuit of knowledge.



More words here: http://www.vocabulary.com/lists/258534#view=notes

Ms. D just finished reading ... Divided We Fall

I am usually not a fan of war novels, unless they're science fiction. Modern war novels are generally too close for comfort. This one certainly was. This is a very realistic novel, and honestly something that could happen.

From GoodReads:

"Danny Wright never thought he'd be the man to bring down the United States of America. In fact, he enlisted in the National Guard because he wanted to serve his country the way his father did. When the Guard is called up on the Idaho governor's orders to police a protest in Boise, it seems like a routine crowd-control mission ... but then Danny's gun misfires, spooking the other soldiers and the already fractious crowd, and by the time the smoke clears, twelve people are dead.

The president wants the soldiers arrested. The governor swears to protect them. And as tensions build on both sides, the conflict slowly escalates toward the unthinkable: a second American civil war." 

This is the first in Trent Reedy's series and I'm really looking forward to the next. I need to know what happens to the characters!

For the simple fact that this book made me uncomfortable, worried, and yet still want to read the sequel, I'll happily recommend this novel, especially to anyone thinking about joining the military!

Series Reads

Have you ever finished a book and thought: "But what happens after?" Series fiction answers that question. Go on, get attached to your favorite character, and read more of their story.

Ms. D can point you in the direction of more series fiction as well, such as Eragon, Bluford High, and Kimani Tru, as well as others. 

Paranormal Events @ Your Public Library

Boo! Paranormal Presentations in October

 

Come join us for ghoulies and ghosties, and long-legged beasties, and things that go bump in the night, this October!

Ghostology 101
October 15, 6:30 – 7:45 pm 
East Forest Park Branch
Sign up online

This is the first in a series of programs designed to both entertain and educate the general public about the world of the paranormal. We’ll explore the basics of paranormal investigations, starting with terminology, equipment, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena), spirit photography and video, as well as “ghost hunting” skills and suggestions. Led by local experts from the Agawam Paranormal team, this fun and fascinating presentation is appropriate for older teens and adults.

Ghostology 201 
October 22, 6:30 – 7:45 pm
Indian Orchard Branch
Sign up online

This is the second in the series and gets into more advanced subject matters including demons, angels, necromancy, exorcism and possession. While it is believed that only a very small percentage of paranormal activity is caused by demons or their like, it is undeniably a very popular topic with today’s public. Here we will try to remove fact from fiction and see just how it all ties together. The program will include some hands-on experiments with the tools used by paranormal investigators including EMF meters, temperature work, and spirit photography. Updated for 2014, this segment is designed for an adult audience and really is not suited for children. Presented by the Agawam Paranormal team.

Mysterious Massachusetts
October 29, 6:30 – 7:45 pm
East Springfield Branch 
Sign up online

Reports of UFO’s, alien abductions, sea serpent sightings, haunted houses and the like abound in Massachusetts. Join library staff member Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe in this hour long review of weirdly fascinating paranormal activity in the Commonwealth. This program is good for teens and adults.

Ghostology 301
November 5, 6:30 – 7:45 pm 
East Forest Park Branch 
Sign up online

Get the lowdown on local haunted places and other paranormal activity in Springfield and its surrounding towns! This fun and exciting presentation is good for all ages, but is intended primarily for adults and older teens.

T-shirt raffle! We will raffle off a free Agawam Paranormal t-shirt at each Boo! program. All attendees who remain present through the end of the program earn a raffle ticket to win the free t-shirt.

Teen Events @ your Public Library

Celebrate Teen Read Week at the Library with programs that help teens Turn Dreams Into Reality!

Do you know what you want to do in life, but are not sure how to make it happen? Or are you trying to figure out what you want to do? At the East Forest Park Branch Library on Saturday October 18 at 12 noon, experts from Holyoke Community College and the UAspire Springfield Promise Program as well as local organizations that mentor teens will show you how to focus on your dreams and turn them into a reality.

Confused by the college admissions process? Learn all about how you can be ready to apply and open the door to college at the Mason Square Branch Library Saturday October 11 at 12 noon, at the Central Library Wednesday Oct. 15 at 6:00 pm, and at the Sixteen Acres Branch Library Tuesday Oct. 21 at 6:00 pm. Cynthia Swan and her staff from Springfield College will answer all your questions and share some of their personal experiences as students. There will be snacks at all the workshops – and pizza at the Mason Square session!

Teens who want a way to build their skills for schoolwork, or who enjoy learning something new online, can come to the Brightwood Branch Library on Thursday, October 16 at 4:30 pm to join educator Scott Wohlers in a demonstration of Khan Academy. This not-for-profit organization aims to the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education for anyone anywhere. Khan Academy’s materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge. A session for students of all ages, and their coaches, including parents and teachers will take place at the Central Library on Monday October 20 at 6:30 pm.

Teens’ dreams of shining onstage can happen when they come to the Teen Talent Show at the Forest Park Branch Library on Saturday October 18 at 1:00 pm. Can you sing, dance, play an instrument, recite a poem, or tell jokes? Show us your unique talent, no matter what it is!

All week, Dreams Into Reality Art Days are happening – check the calendarfor times and days at your branch library. Stop by the teen area at the Central Library, Brightwood, Forest Park, or Indian Orchard and use our art materials to make a poster or a three dimensional creation expressing the Teen Read Week theme “Turn Your Dreams Into Reality.” Put your artwork on display at the Library and earn an energy bar to get you going in making your dreams come true!

For all activities for teens and tweens, make sure you check our online calendar!

Library Word of the Week - Bibliography

Bibliography (may be called "works cited")

noun, plural bibliographies.

1.

a complete or selective list of works compiled upon some common principle, as authorship,subject, place of publication, or printer.

2.

a list of source materials that are used or consulted in the preparation of a work or that are referred to in the text.

3.

a branch of library science dealing with the history, physical description, comparison, and classification of books and other works.

Every paper you write, every PowerPoint you make, should have a bibliography at the end if you utlized other peoples' thoughts or words. You wouldn't want someone to use your paper that you worked so hard for without citing you, so don't do it to other people either.