Handmade Holidays: Druzy Stone Essential Oil Necklaces

Essential oils can be dropped onto the lava beads on this necklace before wearing to give off a lovely subtle scent.

Supplies needed:
Essential Oil
10mm black lava rock beads
Crystal/Labradorite pendant
Golden spacer beads
Various 8 or 10 mm round or flat semi-precious stone beads
Jump rings
Stainless steel gold plated chain
Eye pin with loop on one end
Pliers: flat nose, round nose, cutters

These are great directions on how to make a loop in an eye pin (in this case for the top of the necklace)

Handmade Holidays: Infused Vinegars

To make your own infusion use 1 cup loosely packed fresh herbs per 2 cups of vinegar. If using dried herbs use 1/2 cup herbs per 2 cups of vinegar.

Always use glass jars with plastic or cork tops, not metal (it will react with the vinegar.) If using a metal lid like a canning jar lay a piece of plastic wrap over the lid and then screw in the metal lid so the vinegar has no contact with the metal.

Always wash all jars, utensils, etc in hot soapy water before using so they are sterilized.

There are a ton of different methods and recipes out there for making infused vinegar. Some heat up vinegar, some don't. For this project we are following directions provided in the book Herbal Vinegar by Maggie Oster (available as an ebook on Hoopla)

You can use different kinds of vinegar with different results.

1. Wash canning jar and 10 ounce glass bottle with cork and their lids in hot soapy water. Rinse well with hot water. Fill a large deep pot about half full with water. Place the jars upright into the pot; add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Bring the water to just before a boil and leave in pot for 10 minutes. Add the lids to the pot, and then remove the pot from the heat. This will sterilize them.

2. Thoroughly rinse herbs or other fresh ingredients. Zest lemon by using a vegetable peeler to remove strips of the outer skin (zest), leaving the bitter white pith behind. Peel shallot's outer skin and slice into narrow strips.

3. Put fresh ingredients into mason jar. Use glass (not metal) measuring cup and measure out 10 ounces of vinegar, pour vinegar into mason jar.

4. Steep in a dark place at room temperature for 2-4 weeks. Do not put in the sun to steep. Shake contents occasionally to make flavorings are always completely covered by vinegar so that they do not mold.

5. After 2-4 weeks or til the taste is to your liking, strain the vinegar. Place a funnel into the glass jar, line it with a coffee filter and pour the contents of your mason jar mixture into jar. If the mixture going into the glass bottle is cloudy repeat the process with another coffee filter.

Shallot, Tarragon & Lemon Vinegar Recipe
Adopted from this Eating Well Recipe

10 ounces cider vinegar
1 shallot peeled and quartered
2 strips of zest from lemon
3 sprigs fresh tarragon

To gift create a unique tag to tie around the neck of the bottle. Include a recipe for how to use the flavored vinegar.

Recipe to use your vinegar in:
From this site: https://www.thegunnysack.com/garlic-and-herb-chicken-marinade-recipe/

Garlic and Herb Chicken Marinade Recipe
Prep Time: 35 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Serves 4

2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp minced onion
2 tsp roasted garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vinegar
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

1. Mix together sea salt, minced onion, roasted garlic powder, black pepper, coriander, parsley, and paprika.

2. Put the spice mixture, olive oil, and vinegar into a gallon sized ziptop bag. Add two pounds of boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. Toss to coat well, place in the fridge and marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.

3. Grease the grill grates, discard the marinade and grill the chicken over medium high heat for about 5 minutes per side for a total of about 10 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Handmade Holidays Natural Pinecone Wreaths

Pine cone wreaths that use wires to affix the pine cones to the wire frame look wonderful but can be very time consuming to make. This small wreath is a quicker version that uses hot glue to adhere the pine cones and decorations to the frame.

Supplies Needed:
18 mini pine cones Can be bought on Amazon or Oriental Trading
20 medium sized pine cones (purchase online or at craft stores)
Artificial bird
8" diameter green wire wreath form
Hot glue gun
Hot glue sticks
White acrylic paint
Paper plate
Foam brush
Burlap or raffia ribbon to hang and/or make a bow on
Various dried flowers, moss and natural decor. I used acorns, dried flowers and dried Eucalyptus all purchased from Michael's Craft Store.

1. Plug in your hot glue gun and get glue sticks queued up

2. Lay out your pine cones on the outer most ring of the wreath. Move them around until everything fits into place.

3. Once you have everything all set the way you like then one by one start gluing the pine cones to the wire frame. Try putting the glue on the pine cone then sticking it to the frame. If this technique does not work well for you try putting the glue on the frame and sticking the pine cone to it.

4. Once the outer ring is complete, do the same using the medium pine cones to the innermost ring.

5. Use mini pine cones in different directions to fill in the gap between the outer and inner rings.

6. Once all your pine cones are affixed flip it over and add some extra hot glue to the back of the wreath to any pine cones that are loose.

7. Squeeze a small amount of white paint onto a paper plate. Use a foam brush and dip into paint. Make sure not too much paint is on the brush. Gently paint the pine cones to give the allusion of snow on them. Be careful not to go into the grooves of the pine cones, just gently brush the surface of them. Too much paint and it will look like your wreath got caught in a snow storm! If you prefer a naked wreath you can skip this step too.

8. Let paint dry and start hot gluing the bird and any other decorations you like.

9. Use raffia to make a hanging string in the back of the wreath.

10. Feel free to use ribbon or raffia to make a bow at the bottom of your wreath. 

You are done! Hand your beautiful and lovely smelling decoration on your door or gift it to a loved one :)

Handmade Holidays Stenciled Tea Towels

Tea towels are everywhere now with cool designs and cheeky sayings. Stenciling with paint is a cheap alternative to silk screening or iron on designs. This project was created (and images below) from these directions: https://makinglemonadeblog.com/diy-tea-towel-tutorial-stamped-kitchen/ 

Supplies Needed:
Steam Iron
Water for Iron
Linen Flour Sack Towels 28x28
Liquitex Fabric Effects Medium
Acrylic Paints ( I like Liquitex Basics brand)
Stencils: these are the ones I purchased
-Martha Stewart Large
-Phrases
-Borders
-Birds
-Letters
Foam brushes 
Paper plates
Plastic Knife to mix paint
Blue painters tape
Table covering (I use white tablecloths)

1. Start by washing and of course ironing the towels.

2. Prepare your paint on your plate.  If you have fabric paint, then you can skip this step.  If you have craft paint, mix it with a two parts paint, one part Fabric Painting Medium using the plastic knife.  It’s great stuff to have on hand, by the way– even though it’s white, it won’t change the color of the craft paint you are using.  It turns any craft paint into fabric paint!

3. Lay out the towel and decide where you want the design to be.  Unless you are doing an allover design, it might help to first fold the towel as though you are hanging it.  See which part is showing, and that’s the part you’ll want to paint.  Feel free to mark with seamstress chalk or tape if you wish.

4. Place a piece of cardboard underneath the fabric so paint doesn’t bleed through.

5. To stencil the towel:  Tape your stencil in place using an easy release tape like painters or masking tape.  Use a foam brush to lightly tap paint all over the stencil. Use a different foam brush for each color. If you only have one wash it between uses and make sure all the water is dry otherwise the water from the brush will make the paint bleed on your towel.

6. Wash and dry foam brush between colors and be careful to not smear the other paint on the towel if you are working on different areas.

7. Let dry for 24-48 hours, and heat set with an iron.

Book Discussion: Among the Hidden by Laurie Halse Anderson

The author doesn't specify the setting for Among the Hidden. Where do you think it takes place? When do you think it takes place?

In the book the population code came about because of a supposed food shortage. Can you think of any examples in our society where regulation this extreme might happen?

Why is access to information so important in the story?
Everyone needs information to make decisions, and the more information one has, the better one is able to think about all the consequences of one's choice. For this reason, the Government controls access to information and is able to control the decisions people will make. As Mr. Talbot puts it, "Totalitarian governments never like truth" (p. 135); by truth, he means more than one set of facts. For instance, the Garners are afraid for Luke because the Government gives it out that Thirds can be tracked in many different ways. The Government doesn't have that capability, but the Garners, without any other sources of information, don't know that. If the Garners had had more information, like Jen and her family do, they might have made a different decision and have let Luke use the computer or watch television. They also might not be so afraid of the Government.
Mr. Talbot explains that Luke has read propaganda from both sides -- but still doesn't have the whole picture (p. 134). Even the underground resistance is controlling information to convince people to agree with them. They emphasize some information and downplay or leave out other facts in order to make a point. But there are even more facts than the Government or the underground are publicizing. Luke and Jen's experiences themselves are information about the Population Law.

What does the story tell you about the power of fear? What constitutes courage or bravery in this book?

Where does Luke's bravery come from?

How does isolation affect the characters?

Mr. Talbot says, "People seem to work hardest when they are right on the edge of survival" (p. 136). What does the story say about the truth of that statement?

The last time Luke saw Jen, he told her, "It's people like you who change history. People like me - we just let things happen to us." What does this mean? Are you a person who makes things happen or are you a person who watches things happen?

How are the mothers in the story different from the fathers?

The characters show a wide variety of attitudes toward the laws. Jen says, "Government Leaders are the worst ones for breaking laws" (p. 72). Jen's mother conceived Jen with fertility tests; Jen went to a playgroup of Baron Third Children and some had pets (p. 102); Jen has junk food (p. 93). The Barons seem to regard laws as made to be broken. But almost the only examples of the Garners breaking the law are having Luke and eating the meat from the hogs, though eating meat is outlawed (p. 80). The Garners break some laws, but on the whole, they do not question them.
"Hope doesn't mean anything. Action's the only thing that counts." Jen (p. 113). Is Jen right?


Luke's family is terrified of the government. Why? What are some of the tactics the government employs to make ordinary families like his feel powerless?

Explore Luke's relationships with his brothers and his parents. How close are they? How trusting?
Does Luke have more in common with Jen than with his own family? Why or why not?

 How are the "barons" different from families like Luke's?

The Internet made it possible for Jen and Luke to connect with other hidden children. It helped them build a community of peers. Do you use the Internet to connect with people who share interests with you?

Why did Jen organize the march on the president's house? Do you think she knew she was going to die? Was she being noble? Was she being foolish? Luke decides not to follow her. What would you have done?

Jen is a third child, but her stepfather is a member of the Population Police, the brutal organization devoted to discovering people like her and bringing them to a harsh justice. Discuss his character. Is he a hero, a villain, or both?

Why do you think Jen's stepfather risks his life to help Luke?

What would happen to your family if third children and beyond were outlawed? Would you have been born?

Among the Hidden is fiction, but in China, there is a law that strictly limits family size. Why might a country do this? Do you agree or disagree with the policy?

You are the chief propaganda officer of the Population Police. Create a bumper sticker or billboard reminding ordinary citizens that third children are against the law.

Book Discussion: Lion Boy by Louisa Young

Charlie states "everyday these days he was allowed to do new things: new things that showed they realized he was growing up. Last christmas hed been allowed to sell the shiny fruits at the market by himself. Parents can you remember when you first had that taste of independance. P36

Although "Lion Boy" takes place not far in the future, the world has changed drastically from the one we live in today. What types of changes have taken place? Do you think these kinds of things could happen? How would your life be different if the world became more like Charlie's

Charlie's mom has recently shaved an Adrinka symbol of two crocodiles sharing one belly into Charlie's hair. They symbol is "...about how, though we all eat with different mouths, we have only one belly between us." What do you think this means? Do you think the symbol has significance to the story?

Charlie must pack quickly when Rafi comes to get him. He packs some practical things like extra socks and food, and he packs comforting things, like his stuffed tiger. What kind of things would you pack if you had to leave quickly on an unknown journey?

Charlie often wishes that he didn't have the responsibility of finding his parents or helping the lions but he continues to move forward with is plans. Have you ever had to do something that you didn't want to do? How did you keep yourself motivated to continue?
Why do you think the author chose to use cats as the animal that Charlie can speak to? How do you think the story would change if Charlie had the ability to speak to a different animal?

The future-world scientists in Lionboy are skillful. They are able to create hybrid animals like Primo,
the unusual lion, by using ancient DNA. What if they had used their knowledge to create the perfect plant? This type of vegetation would be a single, natural resource capable of providing many things to make a polluted world a healthier and happier place.
Directions: Use your imagination to create a plant that is capable of providing positive things for environment and all living things. Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.  Unintended consequences are the unexpected and unplanned results of a decision or action.
Think of at least five unintended consequences that might result when a “perfect plant” is introduced into the environment.
Have you reac any other books like this?
Charlies parents are rumored to have created a cure for asthma. There is some debated that charlies parents were kidnapped because the drug manufacurers dont want a vacine because it dips into their profits. Do you think this is right? Does this happen in our society?
Do you think pharmasutical companies should profit off people being sick? Can you think of an alternative?

Book Discussion: Witness by Karen Hesse

Why she wrote the book:

Karen Hesse was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. She currenlty lives in Brattlebourough VT.
In 1997 while on a flight Karen Hesse was skimming an airline magazine. Contained therein was an article about the KKK in Vermont in the 1920's. she could not believe her eyes so when she went home she researched trying to disprove the article. In her research though she found out the article was in fact true. She read old newspapers from public libraries which inspired some of the details in the book.

When reading each townspersons narrative could you always tell which side they are on?

Which of the characters exhibits true bravery?

Why did the author choose to tell the story through the voices of so many character?

This novel is,written in a series of free verse poems. Was this style,effective. Why do you think so.

Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

Other than racism and bravery what are some other themes?

Can you see any similarities between Witness and Maniac Magee?

Do you think events like this could happen now in this area?

Why do you think Esther talks so funny?
Each of the characters in the book experience or witness a slice of history that they played a part in. Do these witnesses represent particular value?

Throughout history hate groups gain popularity and then fade from view. Why do you suppose this is?

What hate groups do you hear about in the news? What do they stand for and why do you think people join them?

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa has said " If,you are neutral in situations of injustice you have chosen the side of the oppressors." What does he mean by this. Can you think of a time you stayed neutral even though you felt an injustice was being done?

What does witness yeach us about predjudice and how it can be overcome?

Activities:
Create a town newspaper

Book Discussion: Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Studies show that between the ages of 9 and 11 children begin to lose interest in reading for fun. Research also shows that parents' own reading and involvement in their children's reading has a strong impact on their future reading habits. Together gives libraries an opportunity to address these trends by involving parents and kids in discussions about a variety of personal, public, and historical issues through the close reading of selected picture books and novels. Families read a book at home before each Together session. During the session, an open exchange of ideas between parents and children encourages family participation in learning while emphasizing the importance and pleasure of reading.

When you read the first two pages of the book called "about the story" what did you think?

Who is brave?

What are some of the themes in this book?

In what time period do you think this novel took place?

Who is the narrator?

What does running do for Maniac? What do you do when you are feeling upset, sad or lonely to help you deal?

What makes Maniac different from other kids?

What do you think happened in the year after Jeffery ran away but before he arrived in Two Mills.

In the book Grayson asks Maniac about the Beals at home, like for example if they have toothbrushes. Have you encountered people with misconceptions about others who are different? How do you think they got that way? Is there anything you can do to change them

Why didnt Jeffrey see any differences betweem himself and the east enders? P. 58

Can you think of a time when you aknowledged and accepted someone who differed from you?

P86. What does home mean to you?

In the book  maniac teaches Grayson to read.Why Do you really think he didnt know how to read?

What effect do you think Maniac had on the McNabb family?

Why did Maniac bring Mars Bars to the party at McNabbs?

Manic ran in and out of the lives of residents of the east and west end. What do you think he did for the town?

Why do you think the book was broken up into 3 parts?

What do you think will happen to the characters after the book is over?

Harry Potter Trivia Year 2

This was our second year doing a Harry Potter Trivia night and it sold out yet again with 18 teams registered. This event takes about 2 hours and is limited to ages 18+. Big shout out to Kristina Ronald and friends at the Guilderland Public Library for letting me use two of their rounds from a previous trivia night they ran. You will also want to download and install this font on your computer in order to see the fun Harry Potter font on the documents below.

All the rounds were a hit except for the Hogwarts Class Catalog. They thought it was too hard and missed HP in it. So if I were to do this again I would swap that round for something else. 

Round 1: Name the Characters-Name the character from the films whose face is covered with a white circle. We are looking for first and last names of the characters. 

Powerpoint Presentation Questions

Blank Sheets and Answer Key

Round 2: New Phone Who Dis?-Name the character who’s texts appear in blue in these made-up text message exchanges.  We are looking for first and last names of the characters (when applicable.)

Powerpoint Presentation Questions

Blank Sheets and Answer Key

Round 3: Chapter Illustrations- Using the picture “bank” write the correct matching book number in the blank space. Bonus points if you can name the chapter.

Blank Sheets, Questions and Answer Key

Round 4: Hogwarts Class Catalog-I hope you have been practicing for your NEWT’s because in this round we will go through the Hogwarts class catalog and ask you questions based on those classes. Some of the classes you will find represented include: Divination, Astronomy, Herbology, History of Magic, and Care of Magical Creatures. Fair warning, these are real world questions so if you are a good friend who came tonight with not much Potter knowledge this is your round to shine! 

Blank Sheets, Questions and Answer Key

Round 5: Spells-Remember matching games from your years at Howarts. Well, this is like that. On a separate sheet is the word bank (warning there are more words than questions.) Fill in on the answer sheet the correct spell name. Since this is your final round, each correct answer is worth 2 points.

Blank Sheets, Questions and Answer Key

PRIZES:

I made four different prize packs based on the four Hogwarts Houses. First place team gets to pick their prize pack and so on down the line.

Ravenclaw:

-Shirt

-Socks

-Perfume

Gryffindor:

-Shirt

-Socks

-Perfume

Hufflepuff:

-Shirt

-Socks

-Perfume

Slytherin:

-Shirt

-Socks

-Perfume

Buttons, one button per prize pack

Best Team Name: Pez Dispensers 

Last place: I always give out a last place team prize. It is all a lot of fun with a little light teasing but it also keeps teams from leaving early if they have low scores. This game I gave out bags of jelly slugs 

Best Costume: Lunch Bag

Harry Potter Escape the Room

Ages 14+ (too difficult for younger folks)
Escape room designed using the plans of librarian Beth Crawley from the Programming Librarian Interest Group on Facebook

1.  Scenario Card: You must navigate the room and complete the clues in order to find your lost Hogwarts Express ticket and catch your train to Hogwarts on time. Good luck. You have 30 minutes to complete the room and are allowed only 1 hint. If you want a hint ask one of the moderators by yelling “HINT” from the top of the stairs in your best indoor library yell.

The moderator will hand the group a lockbox with a blue multidirectional lock on it with a riddle on the top that reads:

Start at the end.

2. On the table will be three of the HP books. In the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, hidden among the pages is the Marauders Map.

3. On the map, the group will find the names of Moony, Prongs, Padfoot, but NOT Wormtail.

4. Hidden in the room will be a plastic rat. Taped to the bottom of the rat will be this riddle:

When you arrive at Hogwarts
On to your head this is placed
It will then tell you out loud
In which house you will be based.

5. This riddle will lead the group to the sorting hat. Inside the sorting hat will be a lockbox with a red combination lock. The group must use the numbers from the Quidditch match poster to unlock the box. The scores on the Quidditch match poster will read Gryffindor: 30, Ravenclaw: 20, Slytherin: 26, Hufflepuff: blank. This is the code to the box.

6. Inside the lockbox will be four cards, each representing one of the four Hogwarts houses. Each of the cards will have a number in each corner and a scrambled word on the back (this will represent the order of the houses/items). If you unscramble the words they will say: crown, locket, chalice, sword

7. The group will then need to find the four items in the room belonging to members of the four houses:

Ravenclaw: crown 

Slytherin: locket

Hufflepuff: chalice

Gryffindor: sword

8. On each of the items hidden in the room there will be a directional arrow. The group will have to put the items in order as per the numbers on the corner of the Hogwarts house cards.

9. The arrows on the items will open the blue multi-directionallock The combination is up (Ravenclaw), down (Slytherin), right (Hufflepuff) , left (Gryffindor)

10. Inside the multi-directional lockbox there will be a Howler. The Howler will read:

Excuse me!

How dare you lose your train ticket!

I am absolutely disgusted.

You better locate it shortly or you are going to be in serious trouble.

The train will leave without you mark my words.

If you do happen to make it on time just know that

If you put another toe out of line, you’ll be brought straight home!

Oh, and dear, if you’re looking for your next clue,

“I allow thedrinker to assume the form of someone else.”

11. This clue will lead the group to the bottles of potions, specifically the Poly Juice potion.

12. Behind the label of the Polyjuice potion will be XY390. This is the Azkaban number Sirius Black is holding.

13. Tucked behind the frame holding the Wanted Poster for SiriusBlack will be a postcard and blue decoder. Place the decoder over the postcard and certain words and numbers appear.

14. Once decoded, the code will read: I open at the close and 1/2/13

15. Inside the room will be a backpack. Inside the backpack will be miscellaneous items including a lockbox with My golden snitch written on top of the box.

16. When the group uses the code 1213 from the postcard to unlock the box with the 4 number combo lock they will find the goldensnitch and the train ticket (can be printed from the Scenario Card).

NOTES:

BOXES: I could not find lockboxes that would work for me so I made my own. I bought these plain wooden boxes from Amazon. I painted them in metallic colors and added this hardware to them. They came out wonderful and really fit the HP theme. 

POTION BOTTLES: I got the glass bottles from Amazon and printed the labels out. I applied them to the bottles with Modge Podge. I have a soap making business so I have lots of clay, herbs, etc. So I used those to make the potions and powders. Just make sure whatever you use is non-toxic. Some of the ingredients I used: tea leaves, carrot root powder, rose clay, calendula, charcoal powder, food coloring, vanilla, sandlewood. 

POSTCARD: Print out both sides and put together then laminate. To make the decoder I used a large index card and cut out squares to reveal the words I wanted below. A trick is to print a second copy of the postcard text, use an X-acto knife to cut the words out, then put over cardstock and trace the empty squares. Cut those out and you have a decoder you can

lay over the postcard to reveal the hidden message!

RED HERRINGS: 

• I used stuff laying around the library to actually make the room look like a study. In fact we used one of our study rooms! I used this fake brick wall since half of our room was glass and I wanted to obscure the view. 
• I put this cutie in a decorative birdcage I had previously bought at Michael's Craft Store. 
• I made our own Tom Riddles Diary 
• Printed out a couple of Daily Prophets (1) (2) I tea stained them to age them as well. 
• Not really a red herring but thought this would be helpful to put in the room to help those who have not used a combo lock in a while!

Team Sign-up Sheet

Book Discussion: Eileen by Otessa Moshfegh

Discussion Questions:

• How did it feel to be inside Eileen's head? Did you understand her or sympathize with her?
• Is Eileen the hero, villain, or victim of her story? 
• On page 27 Eileen encounters a rape victim wanting to face her accuser at the prison and she denies her access. Eileen says "I don't know why I was so cold to her. I suppose I may have been envious. No one ever tried to rape me, after all. I'd always believed that my first time would be by force." What other ways does violence show up in the book? 
• The book is narrated by Eileen as a much older woman, how does the space between narrative and narrator affect the development of the story?
• The narrator tells us that ‘this is not a love story’ and at times that a certain detail or scene is ‘not the point of this at all’. Do you always agree with her? Does this narrative signposting help us understand the ‘point’ of it all? What effect does this interjection have on the plot?
• Eileen is often obsessing over her own body and describing it terms of shame, disgust, violence and fascination. On page 24 she mentions "I didn't want anyone to think I was susceptible to bad breath or that there were any organic processes occurring inside my body at all. Having to breathe was an embarrassment in itself." What were some other body obsessions she had? How do they contribute to the mood or plot of the book. How do they effect the way you view Eileen?
• Eileen enjoys living in her own filth, is obsessed with her bowel movements, and most of the time she wishes her father were dead. Of her own moral character, she tells: ‘I was a shoplifter, a pervert, you might say, and a liar.’ Do you agree with her self-assessment? How does Eileen’s ‘likability’ affect your reading? Are there moments that shock or awe you? Does liking the protagonist matter?
• In an interview with the Guardian Moshfegh says, ‘Eileen is not perverse. I think she’s totally normal… I haven’t written a freak character; I’ve written an honest character.’ Do you agree? Discuss the different ways truth is explored in the novel.
• At the end of the very first chapter we read: ‘So here we are. My name was Eileen Dunlop. Now you know me… This is the story of how I disappeared.’ And so we learn very early on that something is going to happen, and soon. The novel is peppered with hints of an impending schism. How does this foreboding affect the reading experience? In what other ways does the author build suspense and mystery?
• Eileen tells her story as an old woman, looking back at a twenty-four-year-old version of herself. Her memory, she admits, is fallible and there are some things she remembers more clearly than others. She also benefits from hindsight. How might this unreliable narration affect the story? What is its effect on the plot and perception of the characters? Is the narrator Eileen a different character to the young Eileen?
• Moshfegh admitted she wrote the book "as a fuck-you joke, also I’m broke, also I want to be famous. It was that kind of a gesture." Knowing that does it influence the way you interpret the novel? Could the authors intent have formed who Eileen was?
• Let's talk about Rebecca. Do you think she was a real person or a manifestation of Eileen?

Future Adult Program Ideas

• Get Lowes to come and do how-to demos on things like installing tile, hardwood flooring, building decks, using power tools, plumbing, dry walling, etc.
• Folded book heart https://www.instructables.com/id/Folded-Book-Art-Best-most-clear-Tutorial-available/
• Peep Literary Diorama contest  https://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/art-diorama-contests/ http://blog.fgculibrary.info/2017/03/08/literary-peeps-diorama-contest/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/ProgrammingLibrarianInterestGroup/permalink/1636619973082563/
• Bow making workshop
• Book wreath https://www.vintagepaintandmore.com/2013/11/book-page-wreath-tutorial.html
• Buy blank gift bags and cut out and paste completed adult coloring sheets on them to make cute customized bags. Embellish with glitter, ribbon, etc.
• Bob Ross painting night https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2018/07/04/painting-with-bob-ross-at-your-local-library-you-might-have-to-wait-in-line/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.223f9c83d169
• Canvas Pouring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wpvUXq--ss Do over metal pans to collect the drips
• 
  

Book Discussion: Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue

Winner of the 2017 PEN/Falukner Award
Oprah Book Club Selection

Discussion Questions:

Though they moved to America to find better life as a couple and as a family, both Jende and Neni are inevitably impacted by the way America shapes their own personal identities.

• What are some of the ways in which they change as individuals over the course of the novel? 
• How does their marriage change?
•  Do you feel this is for the better or worse? 
• How does it speak largely to the way America's ideals impact the members of its society? 

Discuss the role of dreams in the novel. 

• How do dreams drive the plot of the novel? 
• What kind of dreams do these characters wish to achieve? 
• What dreams are deferred? 
• How has the American Dream changed in your lifetime? 
• What cost is too high to make your dreams come true? 

How was the author able to cultivate empathy from the reader in regards to Cindy and Clark Edwards?

Jende's lawyer Mr. Bubakar yielded him some advise at one point stating "Immigration is concerned, there are many things that are gray, and by 'gray' I mean the things that are illegal but which the government doesn't want to spend time worrying about. My advise to someone like you is to stay close to the gray area. What gray area is Bubakar referring to?

What role does race play in this novel?

• Bubakar states that "The police is for the protection of white people. Maybe black women and black children sometimes, but not black men. Never black men. Black men and police are like palm oil and water.
• Neni observes in NYC people walking around her were mostly paired up with "their kind." She observes that "Even in NYC, even in a a place of many nations and cultures, men and women young and old, rich and poor, preferred their kind when it came to those they kept closest." What is it that drive humans to seek others like them?

Discuss the character of Vince Edwards. What do you make of his relationship to his family and his thoughts about his country? How do his opinions play a larger role in the novel? What do you think is in store for him in India?

• In a conversation with Jende about how he views America Vince states " That's exactly the problem! People don't want to open their eyes and see the Truth because the illusion suits them. As long as they're fed whatever lies they want to hear they're happy, because the Truth means nothing to them. 

Though they moved to America to find better life as a couple and as a family, both Jende and Neni are inevitably impacted by the way America shapes their own personal identities. What are some of the ways in which they change as individuals over the course of the novel? How does their marriage change? Do you feel this is for the better or worse? How does it speak largely to the way America’s ideals impact the members of its society?

• Cindy tells Neni that "Being poor in Africa is fine. Most of you are poor over there. The shame of it, it's not as bad for you." "Over here , it's embarrassing, humiliating, very painful." 

How was Neni's blackmailing of Cindy justified or was it?

How did Neni change over the course of the book?

• After blackmailing Cindy Anna confronts Neni and Neni states "If Mrs. Edwards is not happy with her life, let her solve her own problems. I am tired of people wanting me to care about them more than I care about myself and my family."

Does the American Dream fail Neni and Jende?

• They are going back to their county wealthier then when they left

In the aftermath of the collapse of Lehman brothers Clark is able to pick-up the pieces of his life and find a new job as the head of a lobby for credit unions. While at the same time Jende chooses to give up on his family's American Dream and return to Cameroon. 

80's Trivia for Grown-ups

I did this team trivia night on a Thursday evening in April during National Library Week. We had our best turnout yet with 69 adults in attendance. This was one of my favorite trivia nights I have ever done because it was such an interesting mix of people. Unlike pop culture fandom trivia nights this evening brought together people who loved different aspects of the 1980's from movies, to music, fashion and cartoons. The spirits were high and the music round even inspired sing-alongs which I recorded and can be watched on my library's facebook page. 

This trivia night is pretty movie heavy because I figured film was a unifying topic that most people can appreciate. I could have created a dozen more rounds of trivia on different topics! It was actually quite a challenge to limit myself.

Below is the rounds and supporting documents you will need to run this trivia. I tend to make my trivia nights a little on the hard side which die-hards appreciate.

All correct answers are worth 1 point, no points for incorrect answers. Teams turn in their answer sheet for grading to judges after each round. Halftime scores announced during break after round 3. I always go over the answers from the previous round before I start a new one. Instant gratification and all.

Grading Sheet
Team Table Signs

ROUND 1: Name that TV Show or Movie
Questions you read
Answers
Blank Answer sheet for teams
In this round you will read a brief synopsis (found on IMDB mostly) of a movie or TV (at the end.) Teams will write down what show to film you are referring to. Read each twice through.

ROUND 2: Name that Robot or VHS Tape
Powerpoint with answers
Answers for judge
Blank worksheet for teams
A ton of fun! The worksheet looks great printed on 11x17 paper too. Han
d out the worksheet and have teams write in either the name of the robot or the name of the movie. The robots are famous 80's robots

or androids. The VHS tapes I took images of tape covers and photo-shopped the title out. Teams had a blast with this round because they could talk as a team to figure things out and it was more visual/hands-on as opposed to just listening. When you go over the answers you can use the powerpoint and the answers are filled in there. There is also a text only answer key for the judges.

ROUND 3: Mondo Mix Tape
Powerpoint with questions (sound bites built in)
Answers
Blank answer sheet for teams
My favorite round! I used Wavepad Sound Editor to clip mp3 songs into 20 second clips. I tried to crop the song at a chorus so it was more recognizable. Open the Powerpoint and each audio file is embedded into the screen. Play each once through and then ask if anyone wanted any a second time at the end of the round. Teams write down the band, don't need the name of the song. Don't be alarmed if teams starting singing along!

ROUND 4: Traditional Trivia
Questions you read
Answers
Blank answer sheet for teams
This is what you think of when someone says trivia night. A real m
ixed bag of questions. The Stephen King question really threw people! You read the question 2x through and the teams write the answers.

ROUND 5: Movie Dialog
Questions/Script for readers
Answers
Blank answer sheet for teams 
In the beginning of the evening have these printed out and collect them at
the break. Put them in a basket and during this round you will have Reader A, B, or C read the script/dialog from a film. If their name is called to read they earn 1 bonus point for their team. You can have them read twice or once if you are short on time. This is always a good time and gets the audience up and out of their seat. The teams will listen to the volunteers read the lines of dialog and write down the name of the film which it is from.

PRIZES:
You can see from the photos here that I got a mixture of vintage 80's prizes off Etsy and newer replicas from Amazon.com. I made 3 piles of prizes and first place got to choose their pile first and so on down the line.

Best costume won a Teenage Mutant Ninja Tutles Chia Pet

Best Team Name (Skeletor's Legwarmers) won fishnet gloves for their whole team

Last place team won the pictured t-shirt clips. I had a lady from the audience show us how you use them and funny enough the team that won them was all men! I always give a prize to last place as it keeps all the teams from leaving early and is always good for a laugh.

The team names that my creative patrons came up with: Weird Science, Skeletor's Legwarmers, ThunderPuss, Malachi Crunch, The Breakfast Club, L-Squared, Member Berries, Mutually Assured Instruction, Masters of the Universe, The Goonies, Hey You Guys!, Tiff and the Holograms, Back to the Fu-Trivia, The Brat Pack, 13% Attitude, Baby's Corner, the Outsiders, Cat Memes

Book Discussion: Handmaids Tale

Interesting article from 2018 NRP about US birth rate statistics and the fact that we are now not reproducing at a rate which would replace us.

Discussion Questions:

What do you make of the 3 quotes in the beginning of the book?

Gilead's society is obviously quite sexist and repressive, yet do any aspects of it seem to be an improvement over our contemporary society?

• The misogynist and violent sexual treatment of women. Women are held in such esteem that rape is a capital crime. As one of the Aunts tells the Handmaids, "There is more than one kind of freedom….Freedom to and freedom from. In the days of anarchy, it was freedom to. Now you are being given freedom from. Don't underrate it" (emphasis added, p. 24)
• No longer do citizens suffer from confusion in interpersonal relations, nor over one's role, position, and purpose -- these things are settled for them.
• No longer must women suffer the "indignity" of singles' bars, blind dates, and personal ads; no longer must they worry about being beaten by a husband, or being left with children to feed on a measly paycheck. 
•  banned pornography and prostitution
•  sexual objectification -- they no longer have to wear makeup, oil themselves for tanning "like roast meat on a spit" (p. 55), dress in certain ways, or starve themselves and/or have surgery to obtain the right figure (as all bodies are cloaked in uniform, figure-disguising robes).

Though Gilead is a blatantly patriarchal society, do the men really have it better than the women do?

• Some guardians are not even allowed wives. "They will suffer, later, at night, in their regimented beds. They have no outlets now except themselves, and that's a sacrilege. There are no more magazines, no more films, no more substitutes; only me and my shadow [Ofglen], walking away from the two men, who stand at attention, stiffly, by a roadblock, watching our retreating shapes (p. 22)."
• Nor is it much easier for more powerful men. At the ritual Bible reading prior to the Ceremony, Offred sympathizes with the Commander: "to be a man, watched by women….To have them putting him on, trying him out, trying him out…We're all watching him. It's the one thing we can really do, and it is not for nothing: if he were to falter, fail, or die, what would become of us?…[It] must be hell, to be a man, like that…It must be very silent. (pp. 87-88)"
• The women in a way have a name more personalized in the novel. She is Offred meaning of Freds and he is only known to us as the commander.

Who is in power in Gilead? Where does power ultimately reside?

What do you think the colonies are?

Why Scrabble?

• Language is power

What do you think motivates the Commander to risk his life by having a taboo relationship with Offred?

• Moira's speech actually offers two motives: first, his need for the excitement and stimulation of breaking rules; and second, his need to exercise personal power.
• Earlier, the Commander told Offred that men created Gilead partly out of boredom. "There was nothing for them to do…. There was nothing for them to do with women…. [Sex] was too easy. Anyone could just buy it. There was nothing to work for, nothing to fight for….You know what [men] were complaining about the most? Inability to feel. Men were turning off on sex, even. They were turning off on marriage." (p. 210)

What do you think of Offred's relationship with Nick?

• With a man, she no longer needs to fight society; with a man, she can survive, can in fact surrender. Is this the womanist perspective Atwood sanctions? Once Offred has decided to surrender to Gilead with Nick, it does not take long for her to decide to surrender altogether, with or without him: "Dear God, I think I will do anything you like. Now that you've let me off, I'll obliterate myself, if that's what you really want; I'll empty myself, truly, become a chalice. I'll give up Nick, I'll forget about the others, I'll stop complaining. I'll accept my lot. I'll sacrifice. I'll repent. I'll abdicate. I'll renounce….I don't want pain….I want to keep on living, in any form. I resign my body freely, to the uses of others. They can do what they like with me. I am abject. (p. 286)"

What does Moira symbolize in the novel?

• In Jezebels she wears a tattered bunny costume. Submissive and caged animal. 

Why did Attwood make Harvard the "hall of the eyes?"

Do you care for the open-ended ending? Why do you think Atwood chose to do it?

• Did she leave it open in order to not silence our minds and imagination? To give the reader the power. 

How do the last lines of the Historical Notes section connect with the last line of the novel? "As all historians know, the past is a great darkness, and filled with echoes. Voices may reach us from it; but what they say to us is imbued with the obscurity of the matrix out of which they come; and, try as we may, we cannot always decipher them precisely in the clearer light of out own day." The end of the novel is" Whether this is my end or a new beginning I have no way of knowing: I have given myself over into the hands of strangers, becasue it can't be helped. And so I step up, into the darkness within; or else the light.

"

How does the "Historical Notes" section affect your understanding of the novel?

What do you think happens to Offred in the end?