The Imaginative Worlds of Chris van Allsburg

You are probably already familiar with author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg from his best known children’s books: The Polar Express and Jumanji. Both have been turned into extremely successful feature films. They also both earned Van Allsburg a Caldecott Medal for best illustrated children’s book in the year they were published.

Van Allsburg’s work features detailed drawings in a limited range of colors and with unusual perspectives. Look closely and you’ll almost certainly find something surprising, or even other-worldly. Although his books are usually in a picture book format, they are suitable for older kids and adults, as well. You’ll need to spend some time on each page, soaking up the words and the illustrations, to appreciate the richness of the art form.

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris van Allsburg Jumanji by Chris van Allsburg

Queen of the Falls by Chris van Allsburg Just a Dream by Chris van Allsburg Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg

The Widow's Broom by Chris van Allsburg  Ben's Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg and others

 

In 1984, Van Allsburg published an unusual book called The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, consisting almost entirely of strange and haunting illustrations. These illustrations were often used in schools as writing prompts. In 2011, a group of young adult authors were asked to write a collection of short stories based on the Harris Burdick illustrations. You can read the stories in The Chronicles of Harris Burdick.

 

 

 

Bleak Books with Olivia: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Have you ever read a book all the way through just to close it for the last time and say “wow, that was bleak”? Well, I’m here to make the case for those dark, dreary, haunting, and disturbing reads that keep you up at night long after you put them down. Welcome to Bleak Books with Olivia, your resident creepy book lover at the Aurora Public Library District.

So, you’ve just finished reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (or maybe you’ve seen the movie instead, I don’t judge!) and you’re on the hunt for another gripping thrill ride full of mystery, intrigue, and tons of dark academia themes. Why not reach for another Tartt novel? This sprawling narrative about a young man’s desire to just be something other than ordinary takes our main character, Richard, to dizzying highs and deep, deep valleys of low points as he tags along with quite possibly the most interesting people on campus: the tight-knit group of Classics students at Hampden College and their enigmatic professor, Julian Morrow.

The beginning of The Secret History shoves us face-first into the drama of it all: one of the Classics students has been murdered, and it was a group effort between the rest of the Classics Clan, as I like to call them. Now, you may be saying “Whoa! Spoiler Alert!” but this is all made clear in the exposition of the novel, just a few pages in, and even can be read on the jacket. The big mystery of the novel is why a group of friends this close would murder one of their own in cold blood? What does he know? Donna Tartt promises we are bound to find out.

The reveal is beyond jarring. While the beginning of the novel is slow and steady, introducing each member of the Classics Clan to Richard in painstaking detail, the moment we know why our dear friend Bunny is going to be murdered, we’re sent into a tailspin. We are taken alongside Richard as he makes the journey from average college student to an accomplice to murder, and Donna Tartt makes this transition so smoothly that you don’t even think to balk at this change in demeanor. The seduction to the mysterious, intriguing, and dangerous lives of Richard’s friends makes him blind to their true natures. Only after Bunny is gone do we see the group unravel. The act tears them apart in very unique ways, as the act of murder would to any sane person. And only then does Richard realize he has never truly known these people and never will.

What is so remarkable about this book to me is how I realized slowly that I am Richard. I too am just along for the ride, so in love with these interesting students that I can’t see they have manipulated me as well. I hate to admit it, but as the book came to a close, I still found each character so intriguing that I had forgiven them for their crimes and still wanted to sit down for a cup of coffee with them in the Hampden library. How twisted is that? Now, that is good writing.

Thank you for joining me on this dissection of one of my favorite Bleak Books. I hope to see you again sometime soon! Please take a look in the Adult Fiction section on the second floor of the Aurora Public Library for my favorite Bleak Books (including this one!) If you meet me in the library and have any Bleak Books suggestions, please let me know! I’m always looking for a new book to disrupt my life for a couple of weeks.

 

“Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement” Program

Are you a Jazz aficionado, or are you interested in learning more about this uniquely American form of music? Here’s your chance to learn not only about how Jazz evolved, but about the contributions of jazz musicians during the Civil Rights Movement. Join us on Zoom for this virtual program on Thursday, February 18th at 6:30 PM.

Galen Abdur-Razzaq is a master flute player who has performed around the U.S. sharing both his love of jazz and his knowledge of how this art form became an integral part of American culture. During the program, Galen will be performing and discussing the contributions of jazz musicians in the struggle for equal rights.

Because this program will be presented using Zoom, it’s necessary for each person to register in advance. A Zoom invitation will be sent to your email a few days prior to the performance. If you are not familiar with Zoom, feel free to call the Library and ask for Peggy. I’ll be happy to talk you through it or even do a practice session for you. You can Zoom from a computer, tablet, or smart-phone.

Spread the word and invite your friends to join also! There’s no limit on audience size. Just call 812-926-0646 to register and provide an email address for the invitation.

 

You can preview some of Galen’s music at: https://flutejuice.net/downloads

Galen Abdur-Razzaq

Miss Benson’s Beetle

Have you ever had one of those days when you just can’t take it anymore? Have you felt like you needed a new start, perhaps a chance to follow your lifelong dream? Miss Benson had one of those days! Humiliated by her students, she steals a pair of boots and sets sail to New Caledonia to search for a legendary golden beetle.

This novel is a light read filled with quirky characters who are trying their best, but who keep making horrible choices. I would recommend this book to readers who like to read about interesting places and who believe you’re never too old to change. Although the book is set in the 1950s, it raises very contemporary issues such as body image, gender roles, and PTSD. The plot will make you laugh, but still give you something to think about.

You may be familiar with the author Rachel Joyce from her earlier book The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, which is about a different type of journey. Miss Benson’s Beetle is also a perfect choice for readers who enjoyed Where’d You Go, Bernadette, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, or This is Your Life, Harriet Chance.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick This is Your Life, Harriet Chance by Jonathan Evison

State and Federal Tax Forms

Yes, it’s that time of year again! We know you may be eager to get a tax refund, and we’re happy to help you find the forms you need.

The Library District has not yet received the 2020 Federal tax forms from the IRS. As soon as they are received, we’ll make the forms available at both branches. Meanwhile, you can download the federal forms you need from the IRS web page.  This webpage lists every single IRS form or publication, so you will need to type 1040 into the “FIND” box to navigate to the most commonly used forms for individuals. You’ll see both the 1040 form and the much longer 1040 Instruction Booklet.

The State of Indiana will not be mailing copies of the 2020 tax forms to individuals or to public libraries. You may download and print your Indiana tax forms here. We have one copy of the instruction booklet at each branch library and can also print any forms you need.

If you want to use one of the Library’s public computers to print forms or to file your taxes, remember you will need either a Library card or a photo ID to use the computer. Printing will cost you $0.10 per page for a black and white copy.

Please keep in mind that the Library staff is unable to offer any tax advice. You will need to be able to tell us which forms you want to have printed.

 

Best of 2020

Our patrons checked out over 34,000 books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs in 2020! That’s a lot of reading, watching, and listening! Here are the items people checked out the most in 2020!

*Data is as of 12/28/2020

CD

The CD section includes both Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Audiobooks. Our patrons checked these items out over 350 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 Long Range by CJ Box

#2 Twisted Twenty-Six by Janet Evanovich

#3 The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

DVD

The DVD section includes both films and tv series. Our patrons checked these items out over 4,000 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 Game of Thrones Season 1

#2 Game of Thrones Season 2

#3 Outlander Season 4

E

The E section consists of easy picture books. It does not include board books, easy chapter books, or ABC books. Our patrons checked these items out over 6,000 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 Chicken Big by Keith Graves

#2 Ladybug Girl by Jacky Davis

#3 Dinosong by Tim McCanna

FIC

The FIC section includes both paperback and hardback Adult Fiction books. Our patrons checked these items out over 6,500 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 Hush by James Patterson

#2 Moral Compass by Danielle Steel

#3 Cajun Justice by James Patterson

 

JFIC

The JFIC section is comprised of both paperback and hardback Juvenile Fiction books. These items were checked out over 2,500 times. The most popular items were:

#1 Lord of the Fleas by Dav Pilkey

#2 For Whom the Ball Rolls by Dav Pilkey

#3 Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey

LP

The LP section includes Large Print Adult Fiction and Nonfiction books. These items were checked out over 1,500 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 A Cat Named Brat by Lydia Adamson

#2 Deceived by Irene Hannon

#3 A Cousin’s Challenge by Wanda Brunstetter

MAG

The Mag sections includes all Magazines. These items were checked out over 1,000 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 People

#2 Food Network

#3 Country Homes & Interiors

NF

The NF section includes all Adult Nonfiction books including Oversized and Biographies. These items were checked out over 1,500 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 Caring for Your Baby and Young Child

#2 Nolo’s Essential Guide to Buying Your First Home

#3 Magnolia Table Volume 2

TFIC

The TFIC section includes both paperback and hardcover Teen Fiction books and Graphic Novels. These items were checked out over 800 times. The most popular titles were:

#1 Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer

#2 Arch Enemies by Marissa Meyer

#3 Supernova by Marissa Meyer

 

There you have it! The most popular items of 2020! Have you read these titles yet? You can place a hold* on these items by clicking on the link, selecting “Place Hold,” and signing in with your library card number and pin. You can also call us at 812-926-0646 (Aurora) or 812-954-4151 (Dillsboro) and we will place a hold for you!

*Holds cannot be placed on DVDs.


 

Bleak Books with Olivia: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Have you ever read a book all the way through just to close it for the last time and say “wow, that was bleak”? Well, I’m here to make the case for those dark, dreary, haunting, and disturbing reads that keep you up at night long after you put them down. Welcome to Bleak Books with Olivia, your resident creepy book lover at the Aurora Public Library District.

Now, I know what you may be thinking. “Why would anyone read something that makes you feel so unsettled after you finish it? Where is the happy ending? Who would want to read that?” I get it. Books can be an escape from everyday life. They can act as a retreat. But isn’t there something that’s just so inviting about reading a book where all the characters are horrible people who keep doing the wrong thing over and over again and the book always ends in a jarring way that sets you off-kilter for weeks? No? Well, let me play devil’s advocate.

So let’s begin with the classic that started it all and the book that got me REALLY into dark reads: Wuthering Heights. This review will be spoiler-free!

So, you’re wandering through the stacks on the second floor of the Aurora Public Library and pick up this book, thinking “I need a nice romance. It’s set in late 18th century England in the stunning moors of Yorkshire, and I love period dramas! Why not?” Not quite. Wuthering Heights is a narrative, not about love, but about obsession and revenge at the hands of a ruthless, heartless man. Heathcliff, an orphan boy living on the streets in Yorkshire, is taken by a family out on the moors and turns out to be their worst nightmare.

Cathy, the only daughter of this family, spends almost all her waking moments with Heathcliff. All this time spent together can only lead to one thing: a childhood crush. But, as it always is with Olivia’s Bleak Books, wrong place, wrong time. No matter how many times Cathy and Heathcliff link up throughout their lives, there is always something in the way. Husbands, wives, children, money, vengeful drunken brothers, ghosts, property ownership, the rich kid across the moors… you name it, Heathcliff and Cathy probably dealt with it. Heathcliff goes absolutely bonkers over the edge with his obsession over Cathy and his revenge on the family who took him in. One would argue (me, I would definitely argue) that spite is the only thing that keeps Heathcliff going. The book ends in a devastatingly haunting fashion, complete with misty graveyards and ghosts and no real happy ending whatsoever… well, maybe a little bit, but I’ll leave that up to you to decide.

Overall, my favorite thing that will keep bringing me back to this novel for years to come is how it feels very much my own. It is cold, dark, and mysterious. All the characters have fatal flaws, and I would despise to meet them all, but oh, how I wish I could visit the moors and peek into a day in the life of Heathcliff. So, five stars to the 18th-century version of Days of Our Lives. It’s got all the drama, intrigue, violence, and shock of a modern-day soap opera, and I just ate it up.

Thank you for joining me on this dissection of one of my favorite Bleak Books. I hope to see you again sometime soon! Pleaser take a look in the Adult Fiction section on the second floor of the Aurora Public Library for a display of my favorite Bleak Books (including this one!) Discussions over many of them will be soon to follow. If you meet me in the library and have any Bleak Books suggestions, please let me know! I’m always looking for a new book to disrupt my life for a couple of weeks.

Local History Library

The Local History Library of the Aurora Public Library District will be open by appointment only during January 2021. This is to allow for some reorganization that will allow the staff to better serve the needs of the Library community.

To request an appointment time to use the Local History Library, please call 812-926-0646. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule. Meanwhile, you may continue to use Ancestry.com from a public computer at either the Aurora Public Library or the Dillsboro Public Library. Heritage Quest and Newspaper Archive are available to use from any computer.

January Take It – Make It Craft

We may not have snow on the ground, but at the Aurora Public Library District we are still hoping for snow and we’re reading books about snow! Stephanie has prepared a Take It – Make It craft for January, so you can have some snow fun, too. Just stop by the Aurora Public Library or the Dillsboro Public Library to pick up your craft kit to complete at home. While you’re in the Library, be sure to pick up some winter books to read!

Once your craft has been completed, you can email Stephanie at stephanie@eapld.org if you would like your picture to be shown on the Library’s social media page. Make sure to mention in the email that it’s OK to share your craft.

We love seeing all of your craft projects!