Category: News you can use

PALESTINE 1936: the great revolt and the roots of the Middle East conflict by Oren Kessler

- Jill 2 Comments

“Exceptional…opens new vistas on troubles past and present.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Key to understanding the current situation between Israelis and Palestinians.” – Booklist (starred review)

When Oren Kessler’s first book, Palestine 1936: the great revolt and the roots of the Middle East conflict,was published earlier this year, while lauded, its true significance would not be felt until now. With the recent surprise attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7, and the following response including a declaration of war on Hamas by Israel, this book is more important than ever in understanding the complex history which has shaped the present state of affairs. Kessler addresses this complicated topic by utilizing only recently declassified documents as well as memoirs and other sources to draw a thorough examination of this formative and often overlooked period.

In his book, Kessler relates key events from the period of 1936 to 1939 that laid the foundation for the establishment of Israel as a state in 1948 and for the current Arab-Israeli conflict. That period itself is a complicated time in world history, as political tensions were already heightened and ultimately ignited World War II. Kessler believes that events almost 90 years ago, and just prior to the second World War, have so shaped the attitudes and posture of the conflict that it will ultimately lead to tragedy for both Jews and Arabs. Primarily, Kessler suggests that many Arabs in the region are unwilling to accept Jewish equality, political or social, let along their right to an ancestral homeland. He believes that this is the true core of the conflict and not one easily resolved.

“Oren Kessler is a journalist and political analyst based in Tel Aviv. He has served as deputy director for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, Middle East research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society in London, Arab affairs correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, and an editor and translator at Haaretz English edition.” –  orenkessler.com

If you want to more fully understand the current state of affairs in Palestine and the war that is now commencing, Palestine 1936 is a must read. In addition, the Davenport Library has a number of other books that you might find informative and enlightening on this topic and as well as closely related topics.

                         

A Lethal Obsession : antisemitism from antiquity to the global Jihad by Robert S. Wistrich

Master of the game : Henry Kissinger and the art of Middle East diplomacy by Martin Indyk

RAF : the birth of the world’s first air force by Richard Overy

Footnotes in Gaza by Joe Sacco

1917 : war, peace, and revolution by D.(David) Steveson

Decolonizing Palestine : the land, the people, the bible by Mitri Raheb

Tehran children : a Holocaust refugee odyssey by Mikhal Dekel

Remember Us : my journey from the shtetl through the Holocaust by Martin Small

I Am Not Your Enemy : stories to transform a divided world by Michael T. McRay

Bethlehem : biography of a town by Nicholas Blincoe

The Lemon Tree : an Arab, a Jew, and the heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan

19 varieties of gazelle : poems of the Middle East by Naomi Shihab Nye

Things you may find hidden in my ear : poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha

Chronicle of the Old Testament kings : the reign-by-reign record of the rulers of ancient Israel by J.W. (John William) Rogerson

New moons : contemporary writing by North American Muslims by Ali Kazim

 

Social Work Spotlight: Bridge Appointments

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BRIDGE APPOINTMENTS

This month, our resource spotlight focuses on Bridge Appointments, a newly introduced service now available to Eastern Iowa residents through the Eastern Iowa Crisis Region System. While many are familiar with the crisis system’s emergency hotline, few may know about the additional support services it offers, all aimed at strengthening our communities.

Bridge Appointments were created in response to the lengthy and intimidating process many individuals face when seeking psychiatric care, especially if they are inconsistent with provider visits. So, what exactly are Bridge Appointments?

Bridge Appointments, as defined by the Eastern Iowa Crisis Region System, are appointments with a psychiatric provider to bridge the gap for individuals needing behavioral health medication. Through telehealth, individuals requiring these medications can receive a psychiatric evaluation and prescription, helping them until they can secure ongoing psychiatric care.

To qualify for this free service:

  • You must be an Eastern Iowa resident aged 12 or older.
  • It’s available to residents of Scott, Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, and Muscatine counties.
  • You must have a scheduled ongoing psychiatric care appointment before a bridge appointment can be scheduled.
  • A care coordinator will be assigned to assist you through the process.
  • No insurance is required, as the Eastern Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region funds the service.

If you need a bridge appointment referral, you can visit the Davenport Public Library, where a social worker can assist you. Alternatively, you can contact any Eastern Iowa Region Crisis System staff member.

For more information about Bridge Appointments or if you have questions, please email amy.gold@unitypoint.org or danielle.atta@unitypoint.org or visit https://easterniowamhds.org/eastern-iowa-crisis-system.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or requires emergency assistance, please dial 988 or contact the 24-Hour CRISIS LINE at 855.581.8111.

Solar Eclipse Glasses Available!

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We have solar eclipse glasses available while supplies last at the Davenport Public Library locations. Stop by the front desk to pick up your glasses. Glasses are available on a first come, first serve basis, so we won’t be allowing any holds. The annular solar eclipse is this Saturday, October 14th, so make sure to get your glasses!

According to NASA, “an annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon.”

Curious what the October annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14th and the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 will look like? You can check out an eclipse simulator online. If you are unable to see the eclipse in person, you can watch a livestream online through the NASA website.

It’s incredibly important when you are wearing your eclipse glasses that you follow some important tips for eye safety. NASA has put together a handy website with tips for the annular solar eclipse and eye safety.

Fun fact: you can save your glasses until next spring when a total solar eclipse happens on April 8, 2024. Your glasses are also only good for three years, so you should discard them after those three years.

We hope to see you to pick up glasses for the eclipse before Saturday, October

Sewing Machines and More!

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Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? This came about in 1982 when President Ronald Reagan set out Proclamation 4976, which made September National Sewing Month.

Want to learn how to sew? We can help you here at the Davenport Public Library. In addition to the many books on sewing that the library has available for checkout, we offer something unique! At the Library | Main, you can find the Studio 321 Makerspace available for our patrons to use. The Library has created a Makerspace, which is a place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment and knowledge. The Library Makerspace is designed to encourage individuals to innovate, explore their creativity and ingenuity, and to collaborate with and inspire others. What does this have to do with sewing, you might ask? Well…. the Studio 321 Makerspace has sewing machines available for you to use in the library!

The Heavy Duty 4432 sewing machine is designed with your heavy duty projects in mind, from denim to canvas. With adjustable presser foot pressure, you can also sew very lightweight sheers, and the stainless steel bedplate allows fabrics to glide over the machine with ease. Among the 110 stitch applications is a one-step buttonhole. The Heavy Duty 4432 features a 6.25″ sewing space (needle to tower) and 4.25″ height, free arm, extra high pressure foot lifter, and variable needle positions.

Want to use the Makerspace? Here are some tips!

  • Makers must read all policies and sign the Makerspace Waiver and Release of Liability.
  • Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the Makerspace waiver. Anyone under 11 must have an adult present during use of the Makerspace.
  • Makers agree to follow safety protocols and all instructions including those from Library staff and equipment manuals. Some equipment may require training from a staff member.
  • An orientation session will be conducted by Library staff upon a maker’s first visit. For subsequent visits, makers may request training from staff, if needed, when making an appointment.
  • Reservations for the Makerspace may be made at the Public Service Desk, by calling 563-326- 7832, or by visiting the library’s website at www.davenportlibrary.com. Check in at the Public Service Desk on the day of reservation

Curious what else is available in the Studio 321 Makerspace? Look below!

Library Closed for Labor Day

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All three Davenport Public Library branches will be closed Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, September 5th.

Even though the physical libraries are closed on September 4th, you can still access our digital content and online resources with your Davenport Public Library card. You can use your card to access FREE digital materials, including eBooks, digital audiobooks, magazines, movies, and music online 24/7.

Whether you are looking for digital media materials for adults, teens, or children, Davenport Public Library has you covered. You can easily download an app to your mobile device or access these services online.

If you don’t have a Library card, you can register for a Digital Access Card that will give you immediate access to all Davenport Public Library online resources. Once you register, you will receive a temporary barcode number. Your account will be confirmed by the Library within two business days, and your permanent barcode number will be emailed to you. Be sure to choose “Digital Access Card” when you register online.

Curious what resources we have available?

Digital Content:

  • Libby – All you need to access eBooks, digital audiobooks, and digital magazines is your Davenport Public Library card. We recommend downloading the Libby app for best performance.
  • Freegal Music – Freegal Music gives you access to millions of songs from over 40,000 labels. Stream 24-hours a day. Download up to 5 songs per week.
  • TumbleBooks – Both children and their parents will enjoy this online collection of animated, talking picture books that teach kids the joys of reading in an exciting, new format they are sure to love.
  • QC Beats – Built in partnership with Bettendorf Public Library, St. Ambrose University Library, and River Music Experience, QC Beats is an online streaming audio collection of original music featuring Quad Cities musicians and artists.
  • Kanopy – Kanopy provides a variety of popular and classic movies, documentaries, and foreign films to stream. Kanopy Kids includes parental controls. The Great Courses present a wealth of learning.

In addition to our digital content, we also have a wide variety of online resources and tools available for you to use. Whether you are interested in starting a business, purchasing a new car, looking for a place to move in retirement, or helping an elderly parent get the services they need, we’ve got resources and to assist you.

Have fun exploring and we will see you back in person on Tuesday, September 5th!

YWCA Iowa Empowerment Center is on a Mission!

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YWCA is on a Mission!

We are starting a new segment on the blog: a monthly social work spotlight submitted by the library’s very own social worker, Quinn! This month our resource spotlight will focus on families as August marks the back-to-school period for families within the Davenport Community School District. As the new school year begins, many families encounter challenges in ensuring a seamless transition while also securing the well-being of their loved ones. Statistics reveal that 33% of families in the Quad Cities struggle to meet their fundamental needs.

YWCA Quad Cities Empowerment Center, part of  YWCA Quad Cities, is a place dedicated to providing essential resources that support families in overcoming challenges and ensuring their well-being as they work towards their goals. The center is designed to help families and individuals stay out of poverty long term. Its mission is to uplift women and their families by offering various resources and opportunities designed to be easily accessible.

Serving as a pivotal resource hub, YWCA Quad Cities Empowerment Center is a sanctuary for women and families seeking support and individualized assistance plans. These plans help identify impactful solutions that resonate for each individual fostering confidence, independence, and self-worth regardless of age, gender, race, or geographic location and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

These, amongst others, are the services provided by the YWCA Cities Empowerment Center:

  • A Clothing Closet, which contains all types of clothing for women, men, and children.
  • An Immediate Needs Pantry, which includes a variety of shelf-stable food items, cleaning and laundry supplies, feminine products, hygiene products, and baby items like food, formula, diapers, and wipes.
  • A Learning Center, which offers access to computers, printers, free Wi-Fi, and various continuing education programs, all provided free of charge. Additionally, the center offers resume and job search assistance.
  • Crisis funding is available for those in immediate need when resources permit.
  • ThePlace2B, a drop-in center located at the Rock Island YWCA facility, which offers resources to at-risk and homeless youth.

YWCA Quad Cities’ Empowerment Center is currently located at 1225 E River Dr., Ste 140, Davenport, IA 52803; a move to a much larger facility is in the near future – you’ll definitely want to stay tuned for more information on this. To learn more about YWCA Quad Cities and its programs and services, please visit their website at www.ywcaqc.org  or call 563-340-0310 for more information or to seek assistance.

New Resource: Special Collections Indexes

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Welcome to the Special Collections Indexes

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center is pleased to announce a new index search website, Special Collections Indexes, which will replace our “Local Database Search”. It features over 35 indexes to historical and genealogical resources held in Special Collections. Users will be able to search across the indexes using Search All Indexes page or search individual indexes depending on the information need.

We encourage you all to explore this new resource for accessing historical and genealogical materials.

Special Collections Indexes was created by the Davenport Public Library’s Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and Information Technology Department to provide greater access to local historical and genealogical resources by publishing indexes to these materials. Indexes were compiled by the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society volunteers, library volunteers, and the Special Collections staff. Through this dedicated work, over 35 indexes are available for research use. Resource categories include cemetery records, religious institutions’ records, military records, Scott County records, local newspaper articles, local history publications, additional resources, and Iowa patents and inventors.

Search Tips

General Search Techniques

While searching this site, use spelling variations for names, places, and subjects. List these out before the search and cross them off as each one is searched.

If a specific search is not returning results, try expanding the search by removing search conditions. Search with as little data as possible to return all possible results, including misspelled words, abbreviations, etc.

When searching for a person omit entering a first name to see all possible first name variations in records results.

Search All Indexes

Enter a last name, a first name, a single keyword, and/or year in the appropriate search box. Click on the blue “Search” button at the bottom of the form. The results will displayed in a separate sections organized by its resource categories. Each index is listed separately. If an index has returned results, it will display “Search has __ matches” on the left side of the column. Click on the “Click to view results” button on the right side to view the index’s results. Scroll the entire page to see all resource categories.

Results may be printed using the browsers’ print options.

Search All Indexes does not include the Iowa Patents & Inventors index.

Search Individual Indexes

Use the Search Builder to create your search. Select the “Add Condition” button under Search Builder. Select the “Data” drop down-menu to choose an options to search (“Data” options vary by index). Then select the “Condition” drop-down menu and always select “Contains.” Enter a “Value” term corresponding to the “Data” selected, such as last name, first name, corporate name, year, or keyword. Press Enter on the keyboard to return results.

Example search: “Last Name” was selected for “Data”; “Contains” was selected for “Condition”; “Donahue” was entered for the “Value.”

Search results will be listed in a table of entries pointing to a resource to find more information.

Results may be downloaded as a PDF document or printed by using these icons.

Advanced searches are created by clicking on “Add Condition” button to add additional rows of “Data,” “Condition,” and “Value.”

July is Lakes Appreciation Month!

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Did you know that July is Lakes Appreciation Month? Established by the North American Lake Management Society over twenty years ago, Lakes Appreciation Month is an annual celebration of all inland bodies of water. Iowa established Lakes Appreciation Month in 2019.

Looking for a way to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month? Try something from this list from the North American Lake Management Society:

  • Organize a shoreline cleanup
  • Develop an educational self-guided lake tour
  • Organize a hike or biking event with a focus on your local lake
  • Reach out to a local restaurant about hosting a “Lakes Appreciation Night” with a percentage of the proceeds donated to your local lake association
  • Enjoy your local lake, pond, or reservoir with fun summertime activities, such as: boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or rowing; swimming; SCUBA diving; fishing; or enjoying the natural scenery with friends and family
  • Help monitor your local waterbody or watershed
  • If you manage a lake, host an activity. Bring enough sampling gear, id keys and other materials for everyone to join in.
  • If you don’t manage a lake, ask your local lake agency about shadowing a lake manager for a day
  • Start a watershed storm drain stenciling program
  • Have your septic system pumped if you live close to a waterbody
  • Go birding or take pictures at a lake or pond (don’t forget your mask!)
  • Tap into your artistic side and draw or paint a lake scene for your home or office. Be sure to send us a copy!
  • Organize a lake field trip for students

Looking for more resources? Check out Libraries Love Lakes, an outreach project established in 2019 that was inspired by NE GLEON (the Northeast Global Lake Ecological Observation Network).

Want a physical material to check out? We’ve gathered a list of nonfiction titles about lakes available at the Davenport Public Library.

 

 

Shark Week

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Every year, around July or August, Shark Week dominates the media I consume. This year, Shark Week starts Sunday, July 23 on the Discovery Channel. I can still remember the first time I heard about Shark Week. It’s been around since the late 1980s! Every year, Shark Week is celebrated with a week of shark-related content on the Discovery Channel. I can’t wait to see what new shark content National Geographic and the Discovery Channel puts out.

To celebrate Shark Week, we’ve compiled a list of newer titles about sharks for you to check out. Descriptions are provided by the publishers.

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Can’t Get Enough Shark Stuff: fun facts, awesome info, cool games, silly jokes, and more! by Kelly Hargrave

Dive into the perfect combination of facts, stories, photos, and fun all about the world’s most ferocious and fascinating ocean predator-SHARKS! For animal lovers who are absolutely obsessed with everything sharks, this book has it all: tons of mind-blowing facts, exciting games, hands-on activities, hilarious shark jokes, and suspenseful stories from shark experts. It also includes tantalizing tidbits about perplexing prehistoric sharks, the latest info on studying sharks in the wild, and surprising, cutting-edge discoveries about shark behavior. Key features include: A glossary game in the front of the book to learn key terms More than 250 stunning photographs Detailed diagrams and infographics Articles on the latest shark research and hands-on accounts from experts “Fin-tastic Facts” gallery spreads showcasing sharks with the fiercest features, the sneakiest defenses, and more Hilarious shark jokes Hands-on activities you can try at home Quizzes and games to test your knowledge This brand-new series from National Geographic Kids combines fun facts, photos, info-packed articles, and incredible statistics all in a single book. It’s a one-stop shop for everything kids want about their favorite topic. A winning combination of running text and short bursts of information keeps kids excited and engaged as they get all kinds of amazing content about their go-to subject. From telling jokes to friends, to impressing teachers, to absorbing the latest research, kids will love sharing what they’ve learned about sharks and will want to dive into this book again and again.

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Emperors of the Deep: Sharks – the ocean’s most mysterious, most misunderstood, and most important guardians by William McKeever

In this remarkable groundbreaking book, a documentarian and conservationist, determined to dispel misplaced fear and correct common misconceptions, explores in-depth the secret lives of sharks—magnificent creatures who play an integral part in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans and ultimately the planet.

From the Jaws blockbusters to Shark Week, we are conditioned to see sharks as terrifying cold-blooded underwater predators. But as Ocean Guardian founder William McKeever reveals, sharks are evolutionary marvels essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. We can learn much from sharks, he argues, and our knowledge about them continues to grow. The first book to reveal in full the hidden lives of sharks, Emperors of the Deep examines four species—Mako, Tiger, Hammerhead, and Great White—as never before, and includes fascinating details such as:

  • Sharks are 50-million years older than trees;
  • Sharks have survived five extinction level events, including the one that killed off the dinosaurs;
  • Sharks have electroreception, a sixth-sense that lets them pick up on electric fields generated by living things;
  • Sharks can dive 4,000 feet below the surface;
  • Sharks account for only 6 human fatalities per year, while humans kill 100 million sharks per year.

McKeever goes back through time to probe the shark’s pre-historic secrets and how it has become the world’s most feared and most misunderstood predator, and takes us on a pulse-pounding tour around the world and deep under the water’s surface, from the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle to the coral reefs of the tropical Central Pacific, to see sharks up close in their natural habitat. He also interviews ecologists, conservationists, and world-renowned shark experts, including the founders of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior, the head of the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, and the self-professed “last great shark hunter.”

At once a deep-dive into the misunderstood world of sharks and an urgent call to protect them, Emperors of the Deep celebrates this wild species that hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the ocean—if we can prevent their extinction from climate change and human hunters.

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How to Draw Incredible Sharks and Other Ocean Giants

This drawing book for kids has more than 80 creatures of the sea to learn how to draw!

Build confidence, encourage creativity, and expand artistic skills with this amazing collection of easy, step-by-step instructions for drawing sharks and underwater creatures! Encourage kids to broaden their artistic horizons and set them smooth sailing towards tackling fins, gills, tails, and other fishy anatomy. The impressive variety from stingrays and orca whales, to sea turtles and squids in this learn to draw provides hours of independent, artistic fun for kids to enjoy and gain confidence as their skills improve.

Whether they love the secrets hidden away in the depths of the ocean or visiting aquariums, this collection is a hit for fans of all aquatic animals–so grab some colored pencils and get creative!

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The Shark Encyclopedia for Kids by Ethan Pembroke

This encyclopedia highlights 26 different sharks. Alongside thrilling photographs of these underwater creatures, readers learn about what various sharks looks like, where they live, what they eat, and more. Features include information about shark attacks, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

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Sharks!: A Mighty Bite-y History by Miriam Forster

An epic, oversize nonfiction picture book in the vein of Bees: A Honeyed History—all about sharks and their prehistoric predecessors

Sharks are some of the oldest creatures on the earth (or, rather, in its waters). This epic survey follows sharks from their earliest appearance in the Paleozoic era up through the challenges they face today.

Along the way, readers will meet many different sharks from different points in history. They will get an up-close evolutionary look at what makes a shark a shark—like their skin, their teeth, their fins, and more. And they will get a crash course in archeological time, as the book mostly covers prehistoric sharks or modern-day sharks who have been around much longer than humans. Like the hammerhead, who has been patrolling tropical coastlines for more than 20 million years!

With lush illustrations from Gordy Wright and meticulous research from author Miriam Forster, Sharks: A Mighty, Bite-y History is sure to delight shark lovers, science fans, and any reader who loves to discover new wonders about the world around them.

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Weird but True Sharks by National Geographic Kids

Whale sharks have tiny teeth covering their eyeballs! It’s Weird But True! And this fin-tastic, photo- and fact-packed book in the best-selling series is the most jaw-some yet!

Sink your chompers into these wild facts:

Great white sharks can detect a single drop of blood in the water from one-third of a mile away.
Fossilized dino poop has been found with ancient shark bites in it.
Ninja lantern sharks glow in the dark.

They’re all weird, and they’re all true. And there’s A LOT more where that came from!

From bizarre creatures in the ocean today to gigantic prehistoric sharks and even some pop culture shark weirdness, this portable, browsable, supercool book is full of incredible facts, amazing photos, and fun illustrations about everything sharks.

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Do you have a favorite shark? We’d love to hear your thoughts about sharks in the comments.

 

Library Closed for Independence Day / 4th of July

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All three Davenport Public Library locations are closed on Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will be open for regular hours and services on Wednesday, July 5th.

Even though Independence Day is a largely celebrated holiday, I wanted to focus on some smaller known holidays. I found a list on Holidays and Observances website, but I’m going to focus on a few!

Alice in Wonderland Day – Supposedly this is the day that Lewis Carroll, real name – Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, originally told his story to Alice Liddell for the first time before he wrote it down. This first telling would eventually become Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Boom Box Parade Day – In 1986, the local high school of Willimantic, Connecticut had to make budget cuts, which meant there would be no band to play in the July 4th parade. The local radio station 1400 AM WILI volunteered to play music instead. Now hundreds of people march through town with boom boxes tuned to WILI, which plays marching band classics.

Independence from Meat Day – According to sources, this day was created by the Vegetarian Awareness Network in Tennessee with the aim to take a day off from consuming meat. The irony that it takes place on a holiday marked by barbecues is not lost on me.

Sidewalk Egg Frying Day  – Every July 4th, a town in Arizona has an egg frying contest. The catch? You have to fry an egg outside without any electricity or fire! You can use mirrors or magnifying glasses though. Have you ever fried an egg on a sidewalk before?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this dive into unique July 4th traditions and holidays. If you any other favorites, share them in the comments below!