Aurora Public Library Blog

Welcome to Aurora Public Library’s blog. A place where our library staff share their thoughts, insider knowledge and overall love of all things book and community.

Feel free to comment on posts, re-blog and enjoy. To ensure a civil and focused discussion, comments will be held for a brief period before being published.



Recent Posts
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February 2021 - Posts
Read It!

APL Reader's Corner
with Tessy & Nicole

Welcome to APL Reader's Corner! This month we are reading “Carnegie’s Maid” by Marie Benedict.
Let us know what you think about the book in the comments! Check it out instantly as an eBook from hoopla digital here.

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 19, 2021 at 12:26 PM
  
Make & Learn

Welcome to Make & Learn! In this program, our librarians will be sharing easy-to-make games and activities that support cognitive development and practicing early literacy skills.

In this video, Miss Karen shares a fun and easy DIY using recyclable materials! Make your own cardboard snake that can be used to help practice measuring (and makes for a fun pet too!).

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 18, 2021 at 10:40 AM
  
Readers' Realm

Reader's Realm: Fantasy
with Lisa


The fantasy continues! Keep commenting or join in now. 
A new discussion topic will be posted each week from now through February 24. Then, on to a new genre/category!



Feel free to post as much as you like.  You’ll have to click on the title of the post to get to the comment page. Be sure to read others’ comments and respond to them.  Let’s get to it!

The group traveling together in my book, the boy, Princess Anne, Plain Anne, and the goblin have  a lot of adventures.  What adventures or difficulties are your characters facing?  Does it fit with the fantasy idea?  Please include the title and author of the book you’re reading in your post (some of us want to add to our reading list!) 

In "The Goblin’s Puzzle" by Andrew S. Chilton the group faces many trials, both independently and as a team.  The boy and the goblin escape slavery, Plain Anne escapes a dragon, the boy bests an ogre, the team saves Princess Anne from that same dragon, and now they are in a terrible position with the Duke, who may be a sorcerer,  who wants to marry the princess, take control of the lands, and just get rid of the boy, Plain Anne, her father, and the goblin.  I like the different fantasy creatures that have entered the story; it keeps it lively.  How will they get out of this jam?  I guess I’ll have to keep reading. 

What’s happening in your book? 
Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 17, 2021 at 11:05 AM
  
Read It!    

Family Book Club: "Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers" by Shauna Holyoak
with Tess

Welcome to Family Book Club! This is an exciting club for families who love to read and is appropriate for ages 8-15. The books chosen are always within the third to sixth grade level but both younger and older kids will enjoy them! If your child is younger, I encourage the family to read the book aloud together or listen to the audiobook (if available)!

Kazu Jones

In February, we will be reading "Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers" by Shauna Holyoak. This is a fun mystery set in Denver, Colorado! Kazu Jones sets out on a mission to discover who is dognapping all the pooches of the city!

We will be having a special virtual event on March 1 at 5 p.m. to meet the author, Shauna Holyoak, on WebEx! Register here to receive the WebEx link.

This event is in collaboration with Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) and their Young Reader's Book Club.

Copies of the book are available for checkout at Tallyn's Reach Library. If this is not your home branch, please put the book on hold via the catalog or give us a call at 303.627.3050. Copies are also available through JCPL and Prospector.

Discussion Questions for Chapters 11-21
1. The evidence March finds on Mr. Crowley's computer is suspicious. Do you think he's involved with the dognappings or just interested in the case? 
2. Do you think Mr. Crowley knows what Kazu and March did?
3. Kazu has been lying and keeping secrets, which makes her tummy hurt. Has this ever happened to you?
4. Do you think doing wrong things (computer hacking, garbage looting) makes up for a good thing (potentially stopping the dognappings)?
5. Are you more or less convinced that Mr. Crowley is involved after their conversation at the bus?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and read chapters 22-32 for next week's discussion!

Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 16, 2021 at 1:52 PM
  
Mental Health Spotlight

Mental Health Spotlight: Addiction

Resources listed are for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat a condition without the guidance of a mental health professional. If you or someone you know is having a mental health emergency, please call 911 or Colorado Crisis Services at 1.844.493.TALK.

Hey teens! Interested in mental health?

Each month the Aurora Public Library focuses on a different topic related to mental health. Swing by the Aurora Central Library's teen area to browse YA novels and nonfiction related to the monthly topic. Whether you or someone you know is facing a mental health issue, or you are just interested in the topic, APL has information, resources and reading materials for you.
Remember, your mental health matters. 

This month’s Mental Health Spotlight is on addiction. 

ad·dic·tion: the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing or activity.
- When Does Something Become an Addiction
- Concerned you may be abusing substances? Take a self-assessment quiz to see how your habits and usage may be influencing your life.

Having an addiction does not make you a bad person. 
- What does addiction feel like?
- Many people think of addiction in terms of substances, like drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. These substance addictions are severe and very common. This article breaks down the top 10 in this category.
- However, behavioral addictions, while often overlooked, can seriously impact a person’s life. Some examples include gambling, shopping, food, sex, internet/social media. Check out this article for more examples of behavioral addictions.

Recovery is possible.
- Are you struggling with an addiction? Support groups can be helpful. Learn about different types of support groups here. 
Find a support group meeting.
- Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Aurora for teens & online Alcoholics Anonymous meetings

Is someone you know struggling with an addiction? 
Parents, significant others, family members and friends who are battling an addiction can cause stress, anxiety, fear and isolation to those who love them. You are not alone. Al-Alon and Ala-Teen offer resources and support groups to those affected by someone who is addicted. Visit their website for more information.

Real teens share their stories of addiction
Meet Hailey
Meet Michael
Meet Savannah
Meet Tyelur

Substance use resources for teens 
7 Things People in Addiction Recovery Wish You Knew
- 23 Recovering Addicts Share The One Thing They Wish People Understood About Their Addictions
- How to Talk About Addiction with a friend or loved one
- How to Help an Addicted Friend or Relative

Explore Young Adult novels that address addiction


For more resources for all ages, visit the nonfiction department at your local library and look for call number 362.292. Resources are also available at Aurora Mental Health.

Check back in March for our next Mental Health Spotlight!
Posted by [email protected]  On Feb 16, 2021 at 1:28 PM
  
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