How is everyone doing at home? Though it can seem like the days blur into one another and spring weather might not actually ever arrive, something that I have been focusing on to put me in good spirits is thinking about what I can look forward to in the coming months, rather than focusing on what I can’t do. For example, I’m looking forward to decorating my new home, celebrating my one-year wedding anniversary with my husband, and reading all of the awesome books that will be published!
I’m a huge fan of the graphic novel and comic format, and am particularly excited about some forthcoming titles that I was able to get a sneak peak of earlier this week in a fun Library Journal webinar. Despite being at home, my friend and fellow comic loving librarian Megan and I were able to chat during the webinar and share our excitement in real time! Thanks technology.
Take a look below to see some of the new graphic novels I’m stoked to read!
Don’t forget that while you can’t put items on hold at the moment, you can still add titles to your wishlist, and you can still read plenty of comics and graphic novels on Hoopla (including some stellar bonus borrows that won’t affect your monthly borrow limit!).
What are you looking forward to? Have you read any amazing comics or graphic novels this past month? Share your thoughts in the comments!
I got actual mail, not a bill or political ad, twice last week! Both the sweet card from a dear friend on the West Coast and a postcard from a nearby friend lifted my spirits in a way that our texts to one another never do. Don’t get me wrong-technology is great, but even now, when we can facetime, houseparty and zoom with our loved ones, sending a handwritten something shows someone selected that card, blank or otherwise, for you. Words were considered, the address was double-checked. It’s thoughtful, traditional, nostalgic.
When I was little, because she loved to send cards, herself, my Mom took me to the old Bedford, Ohio post office all the time. Imagine a historic building, smelling of soap and paper (not unlike a library), with it’s high wood counters and walls of brass public boxes filled with secrets covered by stamps. It’s easy to see how I fell in love. As an adult, I have used my post office as much as possible. I am reluctant to pay bills online; I want an excuse to use the John Lennon stamp or the Love stamp, to make the walk to the mailbox.
But now, stuck at home, and inspired by the best of friends, I’ve started to write one note or card to mail to a loved one each day. Bonus, I’ve just had to order a few new books of stamps from the U.S. Postal Service
The real bonus is supporting the Postal Service. I mean, my mail carrier has been out there there every day, showing her worth. I want to thank her. I want her to keep her job. I want my goodies from Etsy to arrive and I want to see the surprise in the box at the end of my driveway every day.
And, really, how amazing is it that the structure to deliver a hand-written note exists? Now more than ever, we should celebrate the United States Postal Service. The mail matters. Show some love. Send a card!
Well. I’m still not over seeing so much snow fall but Mother Nature knows her business -and who am I to tell her she’s wrong? Maybe this is it though and I can put my boots away now… maybe?
There’s so much going on in the World and it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed, but this week I focused everyday actions I believe will have a positive impact: shopping small to help local businesses, sending my mail-in ballot, reaching out to friends and family with a phone call. I’ve also enjoyed a few other lovely distractions like: making Peanut Butter Bread (with chocolate chips), Some Good News with John Krasinski, and I’m looking forward to watching Capital in the Twenty-First Century on CIFF44 Streams, RRPL’s 2020 Community Partner film!
And this coming week? I still have a pretty tall stack of books I’d like to read but they’ll (still!) be there later, right? So I’m wondering, do you have any suggestions for me? Something to read, to make, to bake, to buy (local please), or the best snack ever? Maybe you want to help me pick one of these Virtual Volunteer opportunities? Let me know!
The collection can be searched just like previously highlighted museums. They offer the ability to sort it by region and time period making the navigation very easy.
The current special exhibition, Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation, has a devoted page to experience the work virtually. There are publications, essays, videos, a playlist, and a slideshow of images.
One of the small ways I’ve found some joy lately is to overindulge in catchy old jams. Thanks to Hoopla, I’ve been able to load up my phone and take the party anywhere in my house or yard. Check out some artists and albums I’ve had in the rotation:
You’ll need your Clevnet library card information to initially create a Hoopla account. You can sign up for an instant digital Clevnet card here. We have also started staffing the library phone line Monday-Friday 11 am-2pm so give us a call if you have any questions.
What songs have been bringing you joy? Let me know in the comments.
As you may have guessed, I love books. My home library includes a little bit of everything- classics, poetry, science fiction, horror, graphic novels, and a variety of cookbooks that I’ve been gifted or picked up throughout the years. Traditionally, my home library organization mostly consisted of “put the books wherever they fit” and “let’s start stacking books under the coffee table”… but my husband and I recently purchased a new home and I now find myself with more space and shelving than ever before! I have a dedicated cookbook area in my kitchen, plenty of time to try out recipes that have long sat flagged with Post-it notes, and no plans to leave the house (except for groceries) for some time- could there be a more perfect time to experiment in the kitchen?
Today I’m sharing a few cookbooks I’ve been working my way through, along with links to some favorite recipes I have (successfully!) made myself so you can try at home.
Both The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook and the follow-up Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman are fabulous, and Deb writes with such a conversational and encouraging tone, you will feel emboldened to try even her most complicated recipe. She is a home cook from NYC and her tasty comfort food is perfect for the stress we might all be feeling right now. I recommend making her one-pan farro and tomatoes– an easy dish that requires few ingredients and even fewer pots and pans!
I am totally obsessed with Sister Pie bakery. My brother-in-law lives in Detroit and whenever I visit we make sure to schedule a stop at this awesome bakery, snagging pie slices and cookies to take back with us (or consume entirely on the drive back home). I highly recommend making the sweet beet pie or the honey lemon meringue- both are crazy delicious and included in the cookbook!
Liddon’s cookbook is full of healthy vegan recipes and usually utilizes pantry staples and basic ingredients, so you don’t need to go to any specialty stores for ingredients (and nobody wants to go to a basic grocery store now, let alone a specialty store!). Try this quick pantry dal that you can make with basically whatever veggies you have around the house.
Fun fact- Gerard grew up right here in Northeast Ohio! She lives in Colorado now but there are definite Midwest influences in many of her recipes, and she particularly adores broccoli cheddar soup recipes inspired by her childhood love of Panera Bread. Her crinkle top brownies are my absolute favorite brownie recipe, but be warned you may be tempted to eat the whole pan. Exercise extreme caution.
Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero
This was one of the first cookbooks I ever purchased (I own the original edition but the 10th anniversary edition has new recipes and updates!) and it is still one of my favorites. With extensive recipes for every occasion and meal, these vegan recipes are so delicious and flavorful you don’t need to be vegan to appreciate them. Time consuming and oh so delicious, I highly recommend making her eggplant moussaka with pine nut cream. It has been my go-to recipe for potlucks and parties for years, but also a great family dish for home because it will provide delicious vegan leftovers for days!
Don’t forget you can access an amazing array of cookbooks to browse as well through our digital library! And most of the cookbooks highlighted above include a recipe link to the author’s blogs, which are full of hundreds of more delicious recipes. Another great place for recipe discovery online is from the New York Times Cooking site, who are currently allowing free access to many more recipes than usual for non-subscribers.
What fun and exciting dishes or baked goods have you whipped up at home these past couple weeks? What do you have planned for April cooking? I’m hoping to try out some more Sister Pie recipes!
Need to step out of time and take your mind off of things?
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore is about a woman who wakes up every New Year’s Day (her birthday) at a different phase of her life. In this way, Oona has the advantage of knowing her future but does not have the ability to change it (mostly). This wild romp of a read, ultimately an uplifting story about self-discovery, may leave you wondering how everyday small decisions influence your life trajectory. Don’t get caught up on the complicated time-travel elements in this novel, just enjoy the ride.
For something completely different, travel in time to the 9th-century by watching The Last Kingdom, a BBC historical drama adapted fromBernard Cornwell’s best-selling series of books “The Saxon Stories.” Combining historical figures and events with fiction, this series recreates the history of King Alfred the Great and his desire to unite the separate kingdoms that become England. Currently filming its fourth season, The Last Kingdom, with its breathtaking cinematography and glorious fight scenes, should be on the watch-list of fans of Game of Thrones and Vikings.
The weather is getting nicer and nicer, what a lovely thing! And (again) as I have more time at home right now, I’m looking at the backyard and thinking… what about a vegetable garden this year? I do get plenty of sun in the yard and there’s room for a small patch of produce, what do you think? Should I go for it? Raised bed or dig up some dirt? Let me know!
While you’re pondering my situation, you’ll also want to consider this:
Cox is giving a deserving teacher a $1,000 “home classroom” makeover… and we need your help
Teachers have made incredible strides in the past few weeks to ensure students stay connected to their schooling while learning remotely. Do you know of an educator who has created a dynamic virtual classroom, or is building lessons that help kids thrive in a digital learning setting? If so, we want to hear about it – and potentially award that teacher with a $1,000 virtual classroom makeover!
Click the button below to nominate an educator that is taking virtual classroom instruction to the next level. We may share their successes on our social media pages, showcase them in a TV spot, or even award them with $1,000 in equipment and technology! NOMINATE A TEACHER NOW
And after you’ve recognized a deserving teacher, I think you deserve to watch the Great Depression Cooking channel on YouTube. These are new videos, but Clara is sweet, funny, and has good words of wisdom -all the things I need (and maybe you need?) right now! I love it when she cooks with dandelion greens!
For this weeks post rather than highlighting the digital resources of one institution I thought I would showcase multiple online exhibitions and content from cultural organizations in our area.
The Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is now posting weekly videos on their YouTube channel highlighting different parts of the monument’s history. This series can be used as a supplement to US and Ohio history lessons.
The Akron Art Museum‘s YouTube channel has past artist and curator talks as well as promotional/documentation of past exhibitions and events. They also have a prompt/activity page that uses pieces from their collection.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has a dedicated page to all their virtual resources during their closure. These series of videos are a great way to learn not only about prehistoric life but about local Ohio wildlife.
The Cleveland Metroparks website features not only information on their available outdoor resources but also a Virtual Classroom. This page has information on the new programs created at this time as well has past digital content available.
MOCA Cleveland‘s Facebook Page features videos highlighting the staff of the institution. A great way to learn about all the different jobs within a museum as well as to get to know the people.
Read it or Weep 