This week is Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week, and libraries across the state will celebrate the event with storytimes and activities. According to the State Library of Kansas, “Kansas Reads to Preschoolers highlights the importance of reading to children with a goal that every Kansas child from birth to age five is read to during the week.” This is an opportunity for libraries, preschools, daycare providers, parents, and guardians around Kansas to all share a book with the young children they care for and/or work with.
This year, everyone in Kansas is reading The Napping House to preschoolers. The book is about a cozy bed, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing–WAIT! There’s a surprise in store, and little ones will want to discover it over and over again. So pull on your sleeping cap and snuggle in for a timeless cumulative tale that’s truly like no other.
My fellow Children’s Librarian, Zuki, and I will be going around to the different preschools in town, reading The Napping House along with other books and making crafts. We will also be giving out a free copy of the book to every child!
The library is having a special Pajama Party on Saturday at 1 pm to celebrate Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Week! Kids and their parents are invited to wear their favorite PJs while they enjoy free snacks, games, crafts, and stories. Every child who attends the party will receive a free book to take home.
The library has several other activities coming up through the end of November:
- Storytimes are every Tuesday at 10 am and Thursdays at 6 pm. All ages of children are welcome as we share stories, songs, crafts, and more! Plus, every child gets a free book at every storytime, thanks to our Budding Bookworms program.
- Tuesday at noon, bring your lunch and join the Library & Lunch discussion. This month, we’re discussing books by authors we’re thankful for.
 Jerry Barlow will be at the library on Tuesday at 6:30 pm for a free concert! Enjoy Celtic guitar, history and humor as heard on NPR and PBS. His music consists of a synthesis of traditional music from the British Isles and his own original Celtic-inspired compositions. Barlow brings the songs alive by sharing the history, legend and humor behind the music.
- Adults, join us for a fun time at Game Day on Friday at 2 pm! Play Mexican Train Dominoes, the card game “5 Crowns,” or Spoons! Adults only.
- Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a 3D Printer? Then come to our Beginner’s 3D Printing Workshop, next Monday (20th) at 6 pm! We will walk through the process of finding a print-ready file online that you can print as-is or alter to fit your needs. Sign up at the front desk or on our website, lmlibrary.org
- The library will close at 1 pm on Nov. 22 and be closed on Nov. 23 & 24 for Thanksgiving. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday.
 What’s happening this week at the Library
- Tuesday at 10 am Storytime – Listen to stories, sing songs, and do a craft. Storytimes are open to children of all ages.
- Thursday at 6 pm Storytime – If you can’t make it to the morning storytime on Tuesday, you can come to the evening Thursday one instead.
- Thursday at Noon Bunco – Join us for Bunco, a popular dice game. Seating is limited. Call 626-0180 or go to our website lmlibrary.org to signup.
- Friday at 1 pm Games and a Movie – Play fun board and card games at 1:00 p.m. followed by a fun Halloween movie at 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday at 2 pm Halloween Party – Make slime, play games, listen to spooky stories, and get candy! Fun for all ages.
 Lunch with the Authors
Join us for lunch with NY Times and USA Today best-selling authors Jodi Thomas and Linda Broday on Wednesday, November 8th at Noon. Attendance is limited, so sign up on our website, by phone 626-0180, or at the library.
Linda Broday is a bestselling author of historical western romance. She lives in the Texas, where she grew up watching TV westerns and wishing that the cowboy got to marry the pretty woman he fell in love with, instead of riding away into the sunset all by his lonesome.
Her newest book, an anthology “Christmas in a Cowboy’s Arms” was released in early October. Another book “To Marry a Texas Outlaw (Men of Legend)” will be released in early November.
Jodi Thomas is a bestselling author of over 40 novels and 13 short story collections. Her stories travel through the past and present days of Texas and draw readers from around the world. Jodi Thomas enjoys interacting with students at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, where she currently serves as Writer in Residence.
When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Thomas enjoys traveling with her husband, renovating a historic home, and “checking up” on their grown sons and four grandchildren.
Western Romances
In honor of our visiting authors, we’ve put together a display of western romances, including books written by Jodi Thomas and Linda Broday as well as other authors. Here are two.
 Indigo Lake: A Small-Town Texas Cowboy Romance (Ransom Canyon)
by Jodi Thomas
From the Book Description
Blade Hamilton is the last of his line. He’s never even heard of Crossroads, Texas, until he inherits land there. Riding in on his vintage Harley-Davidson, Blade finds a weathered ranch house, an empty prairie and a dark river that cuts a decisive path between the Hamiltons’ land and that of their estranged neighbors.
When Dakota helps a stranger on the roadside, she isn’t prepared for the charisma of the man on the motorbike—or for the last name he bears: Hamilton, of her family’s sworn enemies, representing all she’s been raised to loathe. The problem is, it looks like Blade is in town to stay, and there’s something about his wolf-gray eyes she just can’t ignore.
Lauren Brigman feels adrift. Unhappy in work and unlucky in love, she knows she ought to be striving for more, but she’s never truly at peace unless she’s at home in Crossroads. If the wider world can’t satisfy her, is home truly where her heart is?
 To Love a Texas Ranger (Men of Legend)
by Linda Broday
From the Book Description
Gravely injured on the trail of a notorious criminal, Texas Ranger Sam Legend boards a train bound for his family ranch to recuperate – only to find himself locked in battle to save a desperate woman on the run. Determined to rescue the beautiful Sierra, Sam recruits an unlikely ally. But can he trust the mysterious gunslinger to fight at his side?
Sam is shocked to discover his new ally is not only an outlaw, but his half-brother. Torn between loyalty to his job and love of his family, Sam goes reeling straight into Sierra’s arms. Yet just as the walls around his battered heart begin to crumble, Sierra is stolen away. Sam will risk anything to save her―his life, his badge, his very soul―knowing that some bonds are stronger than the law…and some legends were born to be told.
 Fall has arrived, and it’s a great time to curl up with some hot chocolate and a good book from the library! We even have audiobooks on CD and self-contained mp3 players, if you would rather listen to a story. And, don’t forget about our wide selection of DVDs, if you want to watch a movie and relax.
If you would rather get out of the house, you can come to the library and have fun inside at one of our great events! Here’s what’s coming up at the library in October:
- Storytimes are Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 6 pm. Join us at Storytime for stories, songs, crafts, and more! Plus, every child gets a free book to take home at every Storytime.
- We have a special Fire Prevention Month Storytime this Saturday (14th) at 1 pm! Come learn about fire safety with the Liberal Fire Department and Sparky the Fire Dog! Listen to stories, make a fun craft, and see a real fire truck!
- Join our Beginning Computer Class every Tuesday at 11 am! It’s a fun morning of learning how to use a computer, presented in both English and Spanish. For more information, call us at 626-0180.
- Come to our Beginner’s 3D Printing Workshop on Monday the 16th at 6 pm to learn how to use the library’s 3D printer. We will walk through the process of finding a print-ready file online that you can print as is or alter to fit your needs. Sign up online or at the front desk.
 The Friends of the Library are having a Book Sale Oct. 16 – 20th! Monday evening, October 16th from 6 pm – 8 pm, will be the Book Sale reception for Friends of the Library and Library Board members only. The Book Sale will be open to the public Oct. 17-20 during regular library hours. Books will sell for $1.00 each on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday everything will be 1/2 price. Everything that’s left on Friday will be free. Funds from the Book Sale go to the Friends to help support library programs including Baby’s Bookshelf, Budding Bookworms, and our Summer Reading Program.
- Tuesday, October 17 at noon is Library & Lunch! Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of the books Welcome to Harmony, Sunrise Crossing, and Wild Horse Springs by Jodi Thomas.
 USD 480 has no school on Oct. 20 and 27. We will be playing board games at 1 pm on those Fridays, followed by a family-friendly, Halloween-themed animated film at 2 pm! Free popcorn and drinks will be served during the movie.
- Join us for our popular dice game, Bunco, on Thursday, Oct. 26 at noon! Registration is required, so talk to Shannon! Adults only, snacks provided.
- Our Halloween Party for all ages will be on Saturday the 28th at 2 pm. Wear your Halloween costume! Make slime, play games, listen to spooky stories, and get candy!
- This month’s Recipe Swap is on Monday the 30th at 6:30 pm! Bring something you’ve made (along with the recipe) to share and enjoy everyone else’s creations! This month, we’re making Halloween food.
At the library, we have a lot of great events for all ages. Here’s what’s coming up at the library:
- Monday, USD 480 students are off from school. Come play board games at 1 pm, followed by a family-friendly movie at 2 pm! Free popcorn and drinks will be served during the movie.
- Tuesdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 6 pm, join us for Storytime! Listen to stories, sing songs, make crafts, and more! Plus, every child gets a free book to take home with them, thanks to our Budding Bookworms program.
- This Tuesday, the library will be holding a voter registration drive for National Voter Registration Day. If you have moved, changed your name, newly turned 18, or if you are a newly naturalized citizen, you may need to register or update your voter registration! Come to the library Tuesday and we can help you get registered.
- Recipe Swap is on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Bring something you’ve made (along with the recipe) and enjoy everyone else’s dishes! This month, we’re making Italian food.
- Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a 3D printer? Then come to our Beginner’s 3D Printing Workshop, Monday, Oct. 2nd or 16th at 6 pm! Seating is limited, so sign up on our website at: http://lmlibrary.libcal.com/event/3541332
- Saturday, October 14 at 1 pm, join us for a special Fire Prevention Storytime! The Liberal Fire Department will be here, along with Sparky the Fire Dog!
Since this Saturday is the Duck Festival, I thought I would recommend a few good books about ducks!
 The Duckling Gets A Cookie!?
By Mo Willems
The pigeon from “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” is back, in all of his indignant, passive-aggressive glory. He is overwrought this time at one gross injustice: a cute little duckling is now on the scene and has been rewarded a cookie (with nuts) for doing nothing more than asking for it politely. Pigeon pulls out all of the usual pigeon stops—coy glances, cartwheels, and crocodile tears—in the hopes of securing a cookie for himself . . . but will it work?
 Duck on a Bike
By David Shannon
Duck decides to try and ride a bike and soon influences the rest of the farmyard animals to try after a group of kids leaves their bikes outside the farmhouse. “[T]he result is one swell read-aloud, packed with freewheeling fun,” says Cahners Business Information.
 Five Little Ducks
By Ivan Bates
Mother duck and her five fuzzy little ducklings venture out for a long walk one lovely spring day. One by one each plump little duckling wanders off in search of a very special present. When all have disappeared, lonely mother duck lets out a very sad quack and all her ducklings come waddling back! Each proudly carries a wonderful and thoughtful surprise for loving mother duck. A favorite children’s song brought to life with irresistible illustrations.
 Ducks!
By Gail Gibbons
This non-fiction book describes how ducks swim, dive, feed, communicate, build nests, and raise their young as well as offers information about how conservation groups are trying to protect many ducks and their habitats. Kirkus Reviews says, “Young readers will enjoy this appealing introduction to the familiar waterfowl by the prolific science writer.”
What’s happening this week at the Library
- Tuesday at Noon Library and Lunch – Bring your lunch and join in on the conversation. The September book discussion pick is “Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly.
- Tuesday at 10 am Storytime – This week daytime storytime is starting its new day and time. Listen to stories, sing songs, and do a craft. Storytimes are open to children of all ages.
- Thursday at 6 pm Storytime – If you can’t make it to the morning storytime on Tuesday, you can come to the evening Thursday one instead.
- Saturday at 1 pm Mexican Independence Day Party – Kids, celebrate Mexican Independence Day at the library. Make a craft, play games, and enjoy free food & drinks!
 Talk Like a Pirate
Ahoy mateys! Breakout your tricorne hat, eyepatch, and stuffed parrot. Next Tuesday, September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Be the best-spoken pirate on the block once you’ve taken advantage of the Pirate language course from Mango Languages. Mango Languages is offered free to Kansas residents through the State Library of Kansas. Just go to http://kslib.info/mango get started.
Besides learning to speak like a pirate, you can also choose from more than 70 other language courses. Have you always wanted to learn, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish? Maybe you’d like to brush up on your American Sign Language. Or maybe you’re drawn to something a bit more unusual. How about learning Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Scottish Gaelic, or Shakespearean English?
Pirate Books
Check out a few of these pirate themed books.
Pirate hunters : treasure, obsession, and the search for a legendary pirate ship
by Robert Kurson
Finding and identifying a pirate ship is the hardest thing to do under the sea. But two men—John Chatterton and John Mattera—are willing to risk everything to find the Golden Fleece, the ship of the infamous pirate Joseph Bannister. If Chatterton and Mattera succeed, they will make history—it will be just the second time ever that a pirate ship has been discovered and positively identified…But it’s only when they learn to think and act like pirates—like Bannister—that they become able to go where no pirate hunters have gone before.
Fast-paced and filled with suspense, fascinating characters, history, and adventure, Pirate Hunters is an unputdownable story that goes deep to discover truths and souls long believed lost.
The only pirate at the party
by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke Passey.
From the book description
Dancing electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling shares her unconventional journey in an inspiring memoir. A classically trained musician gone rogue, Lindsey is the epitome of independent, millennial defined success: after being voted off the set of America’s Got Talent, she went on to amass more than ten million social media fans, record two full-length albums, release multiple hits with billions of YouTube views, and tour sold-out venues across the world.
Golden Lion
by Wilbur Smith
From the book description
He saw his father executed in battle. He spent his youth avenging that death. And now Henry “Hal” Courtney is a man with a ship – and a family – of his own.
But fate had not finished with Hal. On a voyage among the eastern shore of Africa, a powerful enemy abducts his wife, the fearless warrior Judith… and with her Hal’s unborn child. Hal must track his nemesis across desert and ocean, through the slave markets of Zanzibar and the dangerous waters of the coast, in pursuit of the woman he loves, the child he sired, and the glorious destiny that awaits him.
Bursting with action and suspense, heroism and heartache, this unforgettable novel proves once more that Wilbur Smith is the world’s greatest adventure writer.
Pirate
by Clive Cussler
From the book description
Going on a treasure hung. X marks the spot. It’s a children’s rhyme for a reason. While wealth can be lost or stolen, and even found again – if husband-and-wife treasure hunters Sam and Remi Fargo are on the case – a long-forgotten map is just the stuff of bedtime stories. Like Long John Silver and Robin Hood.
But when Sam and Remi try the unthinkable – a relaxing vacation and a visit to a rare-book store – a very real dead body suggests what they hold in their hands is an actual, ink-on-paper guide to a historic fortune.
Buzzing with Sam and Remi Fargo’s chemistry and wit, Pirate reinvents the classic treasure hunt as only a Clive Cussler adventure can.
 What’s happening this week at the Library
- Tuesday at 6:30 pm Recipe Swap – Join us for Recipe Swap and share your favorite recipe with fellow patrons who share your passion — cooking! Every month is a different theme! This month’s theme is “Garden Fresh”.
- Thursday at 4:30 pm Lego Day – Kids, come use your imagination to build something great!
The Library will not have Storytime this week, because we are taking a short break after the flurry of activity that is Summer Reading. But daytime Storytimes will resume on Tuesday, September 12th at a new time, 10 am, and evening Storytimes will resume on Thursday the 14th at 6 pm.
We will be closed next Monday, September the 4th, for Labor Day.
Space Opera
Space Opera is a type science fiction that is full of adventure and drama. It occurs at least partly in space or involves space travel. I’ll show some of the books from our Space Opera book display here, but if you think these books look interesting, there are plenty more to check out in the display at the Library.
The collapsing empire
by John Scalzi
From the book description
Our universe is ruled by physics. Faster than light travel is impossible―until the discovery of The Flow, an extradimensional field available at certain points in space-time, which can take us to other planets around other stars.
Riding The Flow, humanity spreads to innumerable other worlds. Earth is forgotten. A new empire arises, the Interdependency, based on the doctrine that no one human outpost can survive without the others. It’s a hedge against interstellar war―and, for the empire’s rulers, a system of control.
The Flow is eternal―but it’s not static. Just as a river changes course, The Flow changes as well. In rare cases, entire worlds have been cut off from the rest of humanity. When it’s discovered that the entire Flow is moving, possibly separating all human worlds from one another forever, three individuals―a scientist, a starship captain, and the emperox of the Interdependency―must race against time to discover what, if anything, can be salvaged from an interstellar empire on the brink of collapse.
 Star wars: Thrawn
by Timothy Zahn
From the book description
One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe…Grand Admiral Thrawn has earned an iconic status among the greatest Star Wars villains.
But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy.
 Slow bullets
by Alastair Reynolds
From the book description
The survival of civilization depends on one woman – and her archenemy.
A vast conflict between hundreds of worlds appears to be finally at an end. But even as the cease-fire takes effect, a conscripted soldier is captured by a renegade war criminal, and left for dead.
When Scur revives, she finds herself aboard a prisoner transport vessel where something has gone terribly wrong. The ship’s dying computer is waking its passengers, combatants from both sides of the war forced into hibernation. Their memories, embedded in bullets, are the only links to worlds they can’t find a a planet they don’t recognize
Now Scur must keep the peace. And when an old enemy reappears, the stakes are much higher than just her own life.
 The long way to a small, angry planet
by Becky Chambers.
From the book description
When Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, she doesn’t expect much. The patched-up ship has seen better days, but it offers her everything she could possible want: a spot to call home, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and some distance from her past. And nothing could be further from what she’s known than the crew of the Wayfarer.
From Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, to Kizzy and Jenks, the chatty engineers who keep the ship running, to noble captain Ashby, life aboard is chaotic and crazy – exactly what Rosemary wants. That is until the crew is offered the job of a lifetime: tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet. Sure they’ll earn enough money to live comfortably for years, but risking her life wasn’t part of the job description.
It’s almost back-to-school time, but we still have some fun events planned before then! Here’s what’s coming up in the next couple weeks at the library:
- Tuesdays at 11 am, join our Beginning Computer Class. It’s a fun morning of learning how to use a computer! In English and Spanish. For more information call 626-0180.
 Let’s Rodeo!: This Wednesday at 3 pm, Poppa D. Clown will show us all the cool things that rodeo cowboys and cowgirls do. Try bareback riding, bull riding rope, barrel racing, and roping.
- Adult Game Day: This Thursday at 2 pm, relax and play Dominoes or the card game “5 Crowns.” Adults only.
- Lego Day: Every Thursday at 4:30 pm, use your imagination to build something great with Legos!
- Every Friday, Play fun board and card Games at 1 pm! Followed by kid-friendly Movies at 2 pm—Popcorn and drinks will be served!
- Beginner’s 3D Printing Workshop: Monday the 21st at 6 pm. Do you have questions about 3D printing? Come to our beginner’s workshop to learn how to use the library’s 3D printer. We will walk through the process of finding a print-ready file online that you can print as is or alter to fit your needs. Sign up online at http://lmlibrary.org/blog/2017/07/25/beginners-3d-printing-workshop-august/ or at the front desk.
- Recipe Swap: Tuesday the 29th at 6:30 pm. Bring something you’ve made (along with the recipe) to share and enjoy everyone else’s creations! This month’s theme is “Garden Fresh.”
Since we are soon coming upon the time when kids will head back to school, I thought that I would recommend some good back-to-school books for young children.
 Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! By Hyewon Yum – It’s a child’s first day of kindergarten, but who is worried about all the new people and the different things he’ll meet–the child? No! The mother. In a refreshing reversal of roles, the child takes it upon himself to comfort and reassure his mother that everything will be fine, she’ll get used to him going to big-kid school, and yes, he is ready for the first day of kindergarten.
Bear’s Big Day by Salina Yoon – It’s Bear’s very first day of school! He wants to be grown up, so he leaves his stuffed bunny Floppy at home along with all his familiar things. But being away from his best friend is hard–and the first day doesn’t turn out quite how like Bear wanted it to. Bear learns that the first day of school might not always be perfect, and being grown up doesn’t have to mean giving up the things he loves.
Tool School by Joan Holub, art by James Dean – Five independent little tools, including a hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, saw and pliers, meet on their first day of school, where they make puzzles and play games before discovering that a building project must be completed through cooperative teamwork.
 Another Summer Reading is coming to an end. Kids and teens, be sure to turn in your completed reading logs by this Friday, July 28th to earn Summer Reading prizes. Adults, turn in your Summer Reading Bingo card with a bingo by Noon this Friday to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing.
What’s happening this week
- Tuesday at 11:15 am Birth to 3 yr-olds Storytime – We will have special storytimes for each age group during Summer Reading. Listen to stories, sing songs, and do a craft.
- Tuesday at 2 pm 7 to 11 yr-olds Storytime
- Tuesday at 6:30 pm Recipe Swap – Bring something you’ve made (along with the recipe) to share and enjoy everyone else’s creations! This month, we’re making cookout food.
- Thursday at 11:15 am 4 to 6 yr-olds Storytime
- Thursday at 4 pm Building Challenge – Kids Summer Reading – Complete a fun challenge using Legos, blocks, and other building materials!
- Friday at 1 pm Games and a Movie – Kids Summer Reading – Play fun board and card games at 1:00 p.m. followed by a movie at 2:00 p.m. about small blue creatures.
- Saturday at 1 pm End of Summer Reading Party Kids and Teens – Eat some ice cream and celebrate all that you’ve done during Summer Reading!
Lunches – Lunches are still being served, courtesy of USD 480’s Summer Food Service Program, from 11:30 to 12:30 in the Downstairs Activity Area at the Library. This program is open to all children and teens, ages 1-18. Lunches will continue to be served until August 11th. No registration or identification required. For more information, contact Connie Vogts at 620-604-1204.
Superhero Fiction and Nonfiction for Adults
Superheroes aren’t just for kids. Here are a few of the books about superheroes that we have for adults.
 Indigo: A Novel
by Charlaine Harris, Christopher, Jonathan Maberry, Kelley Armstrong, Kat Richardson, Seanan McGuire, Tim Lebbon, Cherie Priest, James A. Moore, and Mark Morris
From the book description
Investigative reporter Nora Hesper spends her nights cloaked in shadows. As Indigo, she’s become an urban myth, a brutal vigilante who can forge darkness into weapons and travel across the city by slipping from one patch of shadow to another. Her primary focus, both as Nora and as Indigo, has become a murderous criminal cult called the Children of Phonos. Children are being murdered in New York, and Nora is determined to make it stop, even if that means Indigo must eliminate every member. But in the aftermath of a bloody battle, a dying cultist makes claims that cause Indigo to question her own origin and memories.
In a brilliant collaboration by New York Times and critically acclaimed coauthors Charlaine Harris, Christopher Golden, Kelley Armstrong, Jonathan Maberry, Kat Richardson, Seanan McGuire, Tim Lebbon, Cherie Priest, James Moore, and Mark Morris join forces to bring you a crime-solving novel like you’ve never read before.
 Marvel Comics: The Untold Story
by Sean Howe
From the book description
An Unvarnished, unauthorized, behind-the-scenes account of one of the most dominant pop cultural forces in contemporary America
Operating out of a tiny office on Madison Avenue in the early 1960s, a struggling company called Marvel Comics presented a cast of brightly costumed characters distinguished by smart banter and compellingly human flaws. Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, the Avengers…quickly won children’s hearts and sparked imaginations.
Throughout this decades-long journey to becoming a multibillion-dollar enterprise, Marvel’s identity has continually shifted, careening between scrappy underdog and corporate behemoth.
For the first time, Marvel Comics reveals the outsized personalities behind the scenes. Drawing on more than one hundred original interviews with Marvel insiders then and now, Marvel Comics is a story of fertile imaginations, lifelong friendships, action-packed fistfights, reformed criminals, unlikely alliances, and third-act betrayals.
 Level Up Your Life: How to Unlock Adventure and Happiness by Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story
by Steve Kamb
From the book description
Jason Bourne. Indiana Jones. Steve Kamb? For the past 5 years, Steve Kamb has transformed himself from wanna-be daydreamer into a real-life superhero. Not only that but he actually turned his life into a gigantic video game, flying stunt planes in New Zealand, gambling in a tuxedo at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, and even finding Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef. To help him accomplish all of these goals, he built a system that allowed him to complete quests, take on boss battles, earn experience points, and literally level up his life. Best of all he did all of this without breaking the bank.
If you’re somebody who’s always dreamed of adventure and growth but can’t seem to leave your hobbit-hole, this book is for you.
In Level Up Your Life, you’ll meet more than a dozen of these members of The Rebellion: men and women, young and old, single and married, from all walks of life who have created superhero versions of themselves to live adventurously and happily. Adventure is out there, and the world needs more heroes. Will you heed the call?
July is here and the weather is hot. But inside the library, we’ve got a lot of cool programs for all ages! Our Summer Reading Program continues throughout July, so make sure to keep reading and recording the books you’ve read! Here’s what we’ve got going on at the library in July:
- Want to learn how to paint with watercolors? Then join our Beginning Watercolor class, Monday the 10th and 17th at noon. Learn the basics of watercolor painting, including using the color wheel and different color tones. Attend one or both sessions. Adults only.
- Our weekly storytimes feature fun stories, songs, and a craft! Plus, every kid gets a free book to take home and keep! Tuesday at 11:15 am is our storytime for ages birth – 3 years. Tuesday afternoons at 2 pm, ages 7 – 11 years are invited to storytime. Ages 4-6 years can come to our storytime on Thursday at 11:15 am.
- Don’t forget, USD 480 serves free lunches for kids ages 1 – 18 at the library. Monday – Friday, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, come to the downstairs activity area for a free and healthy lunch. No ID or registration required.
 Tuesday the 11th at noon, it’s our monthly Library & Lunch! Bring your lunch and join us for a discussion of the book Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey.
- This Thursday at 4 pm, kids and teens ages 9 and older are invited to “Build a Mouse Maze!” Build a maze with your team and then program a computerized mouse to go through it!
- Thursday at 6 pm, join us for Bad Art! It will be a fun time crafting art where the worst is the best! We will be making art from leftover crafting supplies. Prizes will be given for the worst project. Adults only.
- Adults, don’t forget to turn in your slips for books you have read by Friday at noon to be entered into our weekly prize drawing! And, don’t forget to keep filing out your Bingo sheet for an entry for the grand prize.
- Every Friday, join us for board games at 1 pm and a family-friendly movie at 2 pm! Free popcorn and drinks are served during the movie.
- Have you ever wanted to learn how to use the library’s 3D printer? Then join our Beginner’s 3D Printing Workshop, Monday the 17th at 6 pm. We will walk you through the process of finding a print-ready file online that you can print as-is or alter to fit your needs. Sign up at the front desk or online at http://lmlibrary.org/blog/2017/06/20/beginners-3d-printing-workshop-july/
- Kids of all ages are invited to our Construction Petting Zoo, Wednesday the 19th from 10 am – noon. See and touch some construction vehicles and learn about what they do!
- Join our popular dice game, Bunco, on Thursday the 20th at noon! This month, it’s Hula Bunco, so make sure to wear your grass skirt! Registration is required, so talk to Shannon. Adults only, snacks provided.
- Do you love building with Legos? Then join our Building Challenge, Thursday the 20th and 27th at 4 pm. Use your imagination to build something great! All ages welcome, join us at one or both sessions.
- Recipe Swap will be on Tuesday the 25th at 6:30 pm! Bring something you’ve made (along with the recipe) to share and enjoy everyone else’s creations! This month, we’re making cookout food.
- Adults, turn in your Bingo card with a Bingo by noon on July 28 to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing!
- Saturday, July 29 at 1 pm is our End of Summer Reading Party for children and teens! Eat some ice cream and celebrate all that you’ve done during Summer Reading!
- Kids and teens should have their summer reading logs turned in by August 4 in order to receive their prizes!
 What’s happening this week
- Tuesday at 11:15 am Birth to 3 yr-olds Storytime – We will have special storytimes for each age group during Summer Reading. Listen to stories, sing songs, and do a craft.
- Tuesday at 2 pm 7 to 11 yr-olds Storytime
- Tuesday at 6:30 pm Recipe Swap – Join us for Recipe Swap and share your favorite recipe with fellow patrons who share your passion — cooking! Every month is a different theme! This month’s theme is “Picnic Foods”.
- Thursday at 11:15 am 4 to 6 yr-olds Storytime
- Thursday at Noon and again at 6 pm Bird Watching – Adult Summer Reading – Learn the ins and outs of effective bird watching in Southwest Kansas. We will meet at Blue Bonnet Park at the gazebo.
- Thursday at 4 pm Building Challenge – Kids Summer Reading – Complete a fun challenge using Legos, blocks, and other building materials!
 Friday at 1 pm Dan Dan the Magic Man – Summer Reading – If We Can Dream It, We Can Build It.” Dan’s magic show will guide you on a journey full of architecture and construction!
Lunches – This summer lunches will be served from 11:30 to 12:30 in the Downstairs Activity Area at the Library courtesy of USD 480’s Summer Food Service Program. This program is open to all children and teens, ages 1-18. No registration or identification required. For more information, contact Connie Vogts at 620-604-1204.
 New Children’s Area Complete
The renovation of the children’s area of the library is finished and it looks great. There are beautiful trees and rolling grassy mounds along the walls. Sarah Foreman came up with the forest themed concept and Mindy Allen painted the artwork on the walls. Cowboy’s Custom Cabinetry made the big tree in the corner storytime area and the tree bookshelf near the entrance of the children’s area.
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