Magic Valley Reads!

THURSDAYS  ~ 6:30 PM

FEBRUARY 18     ~~     MARCH 3     ~~     MARCH 17

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We are excited to share a new program with our community: Magic Valley Reads! It’s a reading and discussion series which will highlight Idaho authors, history, and culture. We hope to make this a yearly event, and since so many of you have let us know you enjoy local topics, we hope you’ll join us!

We’ve chosen three books to inaugurate our season:

The series will kick off on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18 with our guest, CSI’s Dr. Jim Gentry. He’ll be here at 6:30 PM to talk about his recently-published book, Meeting Needs and Developing Opportunities: A History of the College of Southern Idaho. A discussion of the book will follow his presentation.

On THURSDAY, MARCH 3, we’ll discuss Moscow native Carol Ryrie Brink’s classic novel, Buffalo Coat. Copies of this book have been generously loaned to the Library by the Idaho Commission for Libraries in celebration of Idaho Day on March 4.

The series will come to a close on THURSDAY, MARCH 17 with a discussion of Gifts of Heritage, edited by Donna Scott and ZoeAnn Shaub. The book offers a number of Twin Falls memories, and to end the evening, participants may share their own Magic Valley stories for inclusion in a volume that will be archived in the Library’s celebrated Idaho Room.

Check out the 3-book set, and get more information at the Reference Desk (or call 733-2964 ext. 200).

 

 

 

Great Online Resource: Chilton Car Repair Library

On an almost daily basis we see patrons who are looking for car repair information. Inside the Library, we have the actual print copies of the Chilton repair manuals, and while you’re welcome to make photocopies, most of those are for in-house use only. But, if you have access to the Internet, the Idaho Commission for Libraries provides the online Chilton Library.

Start at the lili.org webpage, and click “Chilton Library” from the Featured Resources section. Then just plug in your city and zip code for access. And, while you’re there, you might just check out the other nifty databases the ICfL provides to Idaho citizens!

Take Ten: Get Organized!

Don’t you love this time of year? I’m not talking about the weather, or the fact that the holidays are finally over, or even that Downton Abbey is back. I’m talking about the many ways in which January is a good month for organizing.

Even if you don’t make resolutions, it’s still hard to not want to change something up in January. Reason 1 – It’s a new year,  and don’t we all want to have a clean slate to start it off? Reason 2 – You might have gotten new stuff for Christmas, which means you might want to get rid of old stuff. Reason 3 – Tax season is approaching, and it might be better to tackle the paper mess now rather than on April 14. And, Reason 4 – Organizing bins/containers/baskets/whatever are on sale!

Maybe it’s because I’m a librarian, but I think organizing is a great activity to while away the month – what else are you going to do – ice fish? To help you get started, here a few books that might inspire or cajole (or maybe even, shame) you into getting yourself and your stuff together. Have fun!

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Buy Shoes on Wednesday and Tweet at 4:00: More of the Best Times to Buy This, Do That, and Go There – Mark de Vincenzo

Get It Together: Organize Your Records So Your Family Won’t Have To – Melanie Cullen

Getting Organized in the Google Era: How to Get Stuff Out of Your Head, Find It When You Need It, and Get It Done Right – Douglas C. Merrill

How to Organize Just About Everything – Peter Walsh

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing – Marie Kondo

Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life: Train Your Brain to Get More Done in Less Time – Paul Graves Hammerness

(The Nest) Home Design Handbook: Simple Ways to Decorate, Organize, and Personalize Your Place – Carley Roney

Secrets of an Organized Mom: From Overflowing Closets to the Chaotic Play Areas: A Room-by-Room Guide to Decluttering and Streamlining Your Home for a Happier Family – Barbara Reich

The Simple Living Handbook: Discover the Joy of a Decluttered Life – Lorilee Lippincott

Weekend Makeover: Get a Brand New Life by Monday Morning – Jill Martin and Dana Ravich

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***And, in case you need a little break, or would rather do your organizing vicariously, here’s a mystery series involving a professional organizer.

Organize Your Corpses; The Cluttered Corpse; Closet Confidential – Mary Jane Maffini