We’ve all had a certain degree of stress in our lives, especially over the past year dealing with a pandemic. As director, closing the Library for seven months and developing safe practices and alternative ways to serve the public was somewhat stressful, but far less stress than many others were experiencing. Shelby and I heard … Continue reading Big Library Read: The Art of Taking It Easy (April 2021)
Blog
What to Read: Read Across America 2021
Read Across America (observed on March 2) is the nation’s largest celebration of reading, highlighting books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them. Readers who feel included, recognized, and a part of the world are … Continue reading What to Read: Read Across America 2021
What We’re Reading: January & February 2021
Happy New Year! Check out what our staff read to kick off 2021. Don't forget to pick up a Reading Log bookmark for the 2021 Adult Winter Reading Challenge, and join the 2021 Reading Challenge! This book would work for the 2021 Reading Challenge prompt: Read an author's debut novel published in 2021. The Prophets … Continue reading What We’re Reading: January & February 2021
What to Read: 100 Things to Do in Omaha
It's been one whole year since the Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library's last "100 Things to Do in Omaha" excursion. Pre-pandemic, our librarian and a group of patrons would take one field trip each month to a special place in the Omaha metro area, from El Museo Latino to the General Crook House to Boys … Continue reading What to Read: 100 Things to Do in Omaha
What to Read: Black History Month (Picture Book Edition)
Black History Month is celebrated every February, and recognizes the achievements and history of African Americans in the United States. This celebration honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today. … Continue reading What to Read: Black History Month (Picture Book Edition)
Director’s 2020 Year in Review
We started out 2021 with a plan already in place, guidelines to go by, and a little experience under our belts. Last year at this time, it was business as usual, not knowing we were a couple of weeks away from a pandemic that would change everything for the Library, the country and the world. … Continue reading Director’s 2020 Year in Review
2021 Reading Challenge: Read an author’s debut novel published in 2021.
There are so many new authors to discover in 2021. Try something new by reading a debut novel this year! A debut novel is the first novel a novelist publishes. The recommendations below fulfill the Waterloo 2021 Reading Challenge prompt: read an author's debut novel published in 2021. The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. Isaiah … Continue reading 2021 Reading Challenge: Read an author’s debut novel published in 2021.
2021 Reading Challenge: Read a book adapted into a movie or TV series.
There's no greater feeling than learning that a book you love is being adapted for the big (or little) screen. The recommendations below are books being adapted for film or television in 2021, giving you something to look forward to this year! They fulfill the Waterloo 2021 Reading Challenge prompt: read a book adapted into … Continue reading 2021 Reading Challenge: Read a book adapted into a movie or TV series.
2021 Reading Challenge: Read a book about animals, nature, science, or the environment.
Consider the great outdoors by diving into a book about your favorite animal, science phenomena, or place on earth. The recommendations below fulfill the Waterloo 2021 Reading Challenge prompt: read a book about animals, science, nature, or the environment. The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think by … Continue reading 2021 Reading Challenge: Read a book about animals, nature, science, or the environment.
2021 Reading Challenge: Read a nonfiction book written by a woman.
When you think of nonfiction, you may think of large tomes about long-gone presidents. Spruce up your nonfiction experience by reading a work of nonfiction written by a woman! This can include science writing, essays, memoirs and biographies, history, or anything rooted in true events and ideas. The recommendations below are just a few reads … Continue reading 2021 Reading Challenge: Read a nonfiction book written by a woman.