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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April 2020 - Posts
Create It!

Library Assistant Stacy demonstrates two methods for making watercolor art without using watercolors!

 Supplies:
- Thick paper (cardstock, sketch paper, etc.)
- Water
- Washable markers
- Sponges
- Q-tips



Stay tuned for part two!

Show us your watercolor creations in the comments!
Posted by [email protected]  On Apr 22, 2020 at 4:05 PM
  
"A Snicker of Magic" by Natalie Lloyd
Chapters 11 - 19

Want to read along and join the discussion? Check out "A Snicker of Magic" by Natalie Lloyd on Hoopla Digital!

A Snicker of Magic


Discussion Questions:
- Felicity’s talent is to see words; Frannie Jo seems to hear music around her; Mama used to paint and Uncle Boone can see color in music. Do you think Aunt Cleo has a talent? Can you guess what it could be? 

- We now know what "a snicker of magic" means. Do you remember what Jonah said it is?

- Can you think of someone in your life that could use some help from the Beedle? How could the Beedle make a difference? 

- Now that we know Felicity is related to the Threadbare Brothers, do you think her family is cursed? Do you think she’ll be able to figure out how to break the curse?

- Jewell Picket’s Lube & Dye is a mechanic shop AND a beauty parlor. What a weird combination! What kind of combo shop can you think up (two of your passions put together)?

- Make a prediction - do you think Felicity will be able to persuade her mother to paint the Gallery?
Posted by [email protected]  On Apr 20, 2020 at 9:37 AM 1 Comment
  

**Video may contain spoilers**
Join APL staff each week for a discussion of some of their current reads! Each week they will discuss a book from a different genre. Join the discussion live on at Facebook.com/AuroraLibrary each Friday at 1 p.m. (MST) and leave your thoughts in the comments below! (See discussion questions below - questions may contain spoilers!)

The next discussion will be at 1 p.m. on April 24, 2020 on our Facebook page and will feature "Truth or Beard" by Penny Reid (available instantly on hoopladigital.com).


Discussion Questions for "Wuthering Heights"
- Why does Emily Bronte have so many different people telling this story? What is the effect of hearing the story filtered through so many different narrators? Are there characters that never get to tell their points of view?
- Do you continue to root for Heathcliff even knowing all of the horrible things he does? Why or why not? Do you think he is cruel? Is his cruelty justified?
- Are there any characters who are truly likable or sympathetic?


Posted by [email protected]  On Apr 19, 2020 at 8:50 AM
  
Check It Out!
a movie review by Kristin S.



 
Featured movie

Ex Machina
 
What's the basic plot?
A programmer wins a mysterious contest and is taken to his eccentric CEO's remote mansion to complete a challenge. The challenge? To prove whether an android is sentient or not, using whatever questions he can devise.
Ex Machina scene
 
Why you might like it
This visually stunning sci-fi piece is both fast-paced and introspective. Like most good science fiction, it centers on the question, "What makes us human?" However, the further down the rabbit hole the movie draws you, the more you aren't sure what to expect from its answer. There's a tension in the dynamics between the three main characters that quickly leads you to wonder if something else is happening behind the scenes. 

The cinematography is stunning. Frequent wide shots leave the characters feeling lost in an environment that is both vast and uncertain. The movie makes use of visual language just as often as spoken to tell its story by framing shots on things like the cracked glass in the corner of Ava's room that allude to a darkness beneath the bright facade. The mansion's architecture is a mixture of futuristic and natural, with large slabs of stone and lush trees paired with glass walls and diffuse floor lighting, and this backdrop gives the film a distinct visual flavor. The CGI used to create Ava is both interesting and well executed, but it's used with a subtlety that doesn't overshadow the acting within the scenes.   

Overall, this movie does an excellent job of balancing philosophy and suspense, and keeps the viewer guessing throughout. If you're a fan of shows like "Westworld", definitely give this a shot. 
Ex Machina scene
  
Reasons you  might not like it
This movie can be dark and tense at times, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. It addresses sexuality and adult themes in ways that can be brash or vulgar. There is a creeping feeling of danger and distrust throughout the film. Don't go into this if you need a happy ending. 

There's also a painfully awkward dance scene. 
Ex Machina scene
 
Who's in it?
Alicia Vikander, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson
 
Where to watch it
Every title I recommend is available for you to watch instantly, for free, using our digital library services. "Ex Machina" can be accessed using our Hoopla service, with a direct link here:
https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12454577

Don't have a library card? Don't worry! You can sign up for a virtual library card from home by following these instructions.

Let us know what you thought of the movie in the comments below!


Posted by [email protected]  On Apr 17, 2020 at 11:51 AM
  
Check It Out! hoopla digital
by Kristin S. 

hoopla digital

hoopla digital is a free library service that lets you check out materials on your computer, smartphone or tablet. Hoopla has a wide range of content, including:
eBooks
Digital audiobooks
Music
Movies
Television shows
Comics

Everything on Hoopla is available instantly, meaning no hold lists. There are no fees or fines. When an item is due, it simply disappears off your device. 

Aurora Public Library patrons can check out up to 14 items each month. Your checkout limit resets to max on the first day of a new month, even if you still have items from the previous month checked out.


Watch the video or check out the steps below to get started with hoopla!




 1) If you are using a computer, visit hoopladigital.com. If you are using a smartphone or tablet, search your App Store or Play Store for the Hoopla app and download it. 
Getting Started on Hoopla - Step 1
 

2) Choose "Get Started Today" on a computer, or "Sign Up" on a phone or tablet.
Getting Started on Hoopla - Step 2
 

3) Enter your email and choose a password
Getting Started on Hoopla - Step 3
 

4) Choose Aurora Public Library (CO) - Be sure to select Aurora, Colorado
Getting Started on Hoopla - Step 4
 

5) Enter your library card number
Getting Started on Hoopla - Step 5
 

And you're done!

To find an item, choose the category you'd like to browse from the menu. You can also search for a specific item by typing the title in the white search bar beside the word "Everything" (on a computer), or by touching the magnifying glass and typing your search there (phones or tablets).
How to use Hoopla
 

To check out an item, simply select it and hit "Borrow".
How to use Hoopla
 

It will say beneath the item how long you may borrow the item for. Books and audiobooks you will have access to for 21 days, music for seven days, and movies for three days.
How to use Hoopla
 

To view the items you have checked out, click "My Hoopla" then "Currently Borrowed" (on computer) or use the back arrow to return to the home screen (phone or tablet).   
How to use Hoopla

If you have any questions, please visit hoopla's help page or click here for information about how to connect with APL staff.

Tell us in the comments what your currently enjoying from hoopla!
Posted by [email protected]  On Apr 15, 2020 at 3:41 PM
  
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