Category: Websites

Use the library and your TV for a workout!

- Beth Leave a comment

Watching videos doesn’t automatically make you a couch potato. If your New Year’s resolution is to work on your health and fitness, the Davenport Public Library has some options that may inspire you to start a new routine in your living room, off of your couch.

On DVD, an Afro-Caribbean Step routine is available on Debra Bono Dance Explosion! From the publisher: As a dancer, Debra kept the Afro-Caribbean choreography in mind and you’ll feel at home on the floor or on the step. Enjoy! Contains an 8-minute warm-up, a full 46-minute step workout, a 5-minute conditioning segment, and a 5-minute cool down.

 

If high-intensity interval training is more your style, try 30 Minutes to Fitness on DVD. From the publisher: This  is an interval workout that is designed to burn fat, increase muscle definition and improve overall fitness level. The four different workout principals include low impact cardio, boxing, bodyweight exercises, and compound moves.

 

As Richard says: “SWEATIN’ TO THE OLDIES is the original, and it’s still the best way to get your heart pounding and your blood pumping! Sing along to these great songs as you sweat your way to a healthier and happier you. Now let’s work out!! — xoxo Richard Simmons”

Our video streaming service Kanopy is packed with fitness crazes of yore. Richard Simmons passed away in July of 2024, but his enthusiasm for fitness can be seen in Richard Simmons: Sweatin’ to the Oldies, Vol. 1-4.

Jane Fonda’s 1980s workout videos are remastered and available on Kanopy for streaming.

Another classic on Kanopy is 1982’s Jane Fonda’s Original Workout. From the publisher: This is the program that started it all and became the top VHS tape of all time. This program will give you total body aerobic, strength, and flexibility workout, while building and maintaining cardiovascular health. Three more remastered workouts round out Joan Fonda’s offerings on Kanopy.

Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast December 2024 Wrap

- Brittany Leave a comment

All three Davenport Public Library locations are closed today and tomorrow in observance of Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not here for you! In addition to using our online digital resources while we’re closed, you can listen to Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast online. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our December episode!

Celebrate Humbug Day on December 21st

Humbug Day is a day to vent stress before Christmas by channeling your inner Ebenezer Scrooge. The hosts compiled a list of some of their favorite curmudgeons!

Beth’s Favorites:
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Brittany’s Favorites:
The Long Game by Elena Armas
Bruce Series by Ryan T. Higgins
Crankenstein Series by Samantha Berger and Dan Santat
Goodnight Already by Jory John

Stephanie’s Favorites:
Assistant to the Villain & Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Family Search

The Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, which means The Library has access to more genealogy resources to help make more family discoveries. There are only a few hundred affiliate libraries in the country. This designation means our community has greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources through FamilySearch. This popular web service has over 6 billion searchable names and 2 billion images of historical genealogical records, plus the helpful assistance of knowledgeable employees.

Festivus: An Airing of Grievances – 2024 Reads Edition

In honor of Festivus on December 23rd, Beth, Brittany, and Stephanie aired their grievances book style for a second year! Below are titles that frustrated them the most! Feel free to hate read with them in the coming year! Or, simply love them! We won’t judge!

Beth’s Grievances:
The Black Belt Librarian by Warren Graham
Just My Type: A Book About Fonts by Simon Garfield
So Much for That by Lionel Shriver

Brittany’s Grievances: 
One Hundred Moments of Us by Jon Rance
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

Stephanie’s Grievances:
The Aurora Teagarden Series by Charlaine Harris

Ancestry Library Edition

Ancestry Library has over 1.2 billion records in over 3,000 databases. Ancestry Library is a must-have resource for anyone doing genealogical research. Ancestry Library is an in-house only resource, so you do need to be in one of our buildings to access the databases and records. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ancestry Library does not let you build your own family tree and save it. If you find a record that is important to you, you can email it to yourself.

The Gift of a Reading Recommendation!

To celebrate the holidays, your Checked In hosts exchanged the gift of a reading recommendation. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well while working together here at The Library, so we’re going to make personalized recommendations to each other! The titles are below!

 Beth’s Recommendations:
To Stephanie: Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster
To Brittany: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Brittany’s Recommendations:
To Beth: The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
To Stephanie: The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont

Stephanie’s Recommendations:
To Brittany: The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
To Beth: The Less People Know About Us by Axton Beth-Hamilton

Looking for Your Next Read?

Library patrons can get reading recommendations from library staff any time of the year! There are options for everyone to help discover your next great read!

 

Wintry Romances

Beth and Stephanie welcomed our amazing editor, Claire onto the pod to talk about favorite wintry romances! Below are the titles discussed in the segment.

Stephanie’s List:
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Beth’s List:
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews

Brittany’s List:
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot

Claire’s List:
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

What Our Hosts Read In November

Beth’s Reads:
Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Stephanie’s Reads:
All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris, narrated by Therese Plummer
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Under the Oak Tree: The Comic adapted by namu, illustrated by P., and original story by Suji Kim
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, narrated by Allison Hirato
Cover Story by Susan Rigetti, narrated by Carlotta Brentan
Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris, narrated by Therese Plummer
The Last to Pie by Misha Popp
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Hometown Betrayal: A Tragic Story of Secrecy and Sexual Abuse in Mormon Country by Emily Benedek
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, narrated by Emilia Fox

Brittany’s Reads:
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter, narrated by Angel Pean
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot

If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!

We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

- Jill Leave a comment

Have you ever thought about writing a book? Perhaps you’ve imagined yourself putting pen to paper for a short story or maybe a memoir? Well, now is the perfect time to take that first step toward your goal! November has become known as National Novel Writing Month or (NaNoWriMo for short). The nonprofit organization by the same name (nanowrimo.org) issues a write-a-thon type challenge each year to aspiring writers all around the world. You can join this creative writing community and find the inspiration you need to make great progress. There’s even a non-fiction writer’s counterpart through the Literacy Archive (literacyhive.org). This year’s theme is Why Don’t You… The Literacy Archive website indicates that this year’s challenge “is designed to stimulate discussion around hobbies and leisure activities and to encourage young people to try something new.”

Want to connect in person? The Quad Cities has its own valuable writer’s resource in The Midwest Writing Center (mwcqc.org), which has it’s own contests and local support network. But, perhaps you don’t want to connect with other would-be writers. You can still find inspiration and fire up your writing muscles this November. Even if you don’t have experience and don’t know where to start, the library has resources for you. Check out some of these titles to help you learn how to build a writing habit, improve your writing skills, and find your voice:

 

BOOKS ON HOW TO WRITE:

Write your novel in a month : how to complete a first draft in 30 days and what to do next by Jeff Gerke

Refuse to be done : how to write and rewrite a novel in three drafts by Matt Bell

Unleashing your inner author : a step-by-step guide to crafting your own bestseller by Bill Vincent

Write your first novel by Gilbert Morris and Steve Laube

How to write a mystery : a handbook from Mystery Writers of America by Lee Child

Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus

Janet Evanovich’s how I write : secrets of a bestselling author by Janet Evanovich

Write for life : creative tools for every writer : a six-week artist’s way program by Julia Cameron

Write it all down : how to put your life on the page by Cathy Rentzenbrink

 

Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast October Recap

- Brittany Leave a comment

In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our October episode!


Interview with Sydney from Family Resources 

Beth, Brittany, and Stephanie welcomed Sydney from Family Resources back onto the podcast to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Prevention Month. To learn more about Family Resources, you can visit their website here!

 


Interview with Christina and Jessica from the Putnam Museum 

Beth and Brittany interviewed Christina and Jessica from the Putnam Museum and gained behind the scenes information about some of their favorite exhibits! Visit the Putnam for free by checking out a Community Experience Pass!

 


New Fiction and Nonfiction Titles Coming to Simply Held Patrons!

Simply Held is a service that automatically places holds on new titles for patrons participating in the program. Never worry about remembering when your favorite author comes out with a new title again! We have you covered! We also have a variety of theme options if you are looking to add a new author to your lineup! New titles coming to Simply Held in October are as follows:

New Fiction Titles:
Diverse Debuts: Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
Graphic Novel: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
Historical Fiction: The Unicorn Woman by Gayl Jones
International Fiction: Aednan by Linnea Axelsson 

New Nonfiction Titles:
Biographies: Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life by Eric Weiner
Cookbooks: The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook: 125 Recipes Enhanced With Mediterranean Flavors by Ymuna Jawad & Julia Clancy
Social Justice: Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau
True Crime: Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story by Max Marshall

 

New and Upcoming Mystery Titles

An exciting fall of new mystery releases is almost upon us!  There are some additions to some series favorites and some debuts as well.  Visit our website for a full list of reading recommendations, including the newest titles on our shelves. 

What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley   
The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt  
The Grey Wolf  by Louise Penny
Killing Time by M. C. Beaton
A Messy Murder by Simon Brett
Brew Unto Others by Sandra Balzo

Celebrate Techies Day on October 3rd with our TechKnow Collection

The Library has a wide variety of Tech Know items available for check out! These items check out for one week and do not renew. Check out the wide variety of gadgets below that can be found at each location. Visit our LibGuide to learn more about our collection and how to access them!

What Our Hosts Read In September

Brittany’s Reads:
The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey narrated by Shakira Shute and Raphael Corkhill
Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen and narrated by Carolina Do and VyVy Nguyen 
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson and narrated by Marcella Cox
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda and narrated by Rebekkah Ross 

 

 

Beth’s Reads:
The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Tumble by Celia C. Perez

Stephanie’s Reads:
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle, narrated by Julia Whelan
Weyward by Emilia Hart, narrated by Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow
How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena, narrated by January LaVoy
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton, narrated by James Cameron Stewart
The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney, narrated by Katherine Press and Stephanie Racine

If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!

We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.

Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast August Recap

- Brittany Leave a comment

Each month, we release a new episode of Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our episode!

Nostalgia Reads

We’ve talked a lot about what books we read when we were younger that have stuck with us, but we’re not done with that topic just yet! Below are the titles discussed in the episode!

Stephanie’s Picks:
Amelia’s Notebook by Marissa Moss 
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney 
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka 
Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder 
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch 

 

Brittany’s Picks
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
There was an old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Beth’s Picks
The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club

Our resource spotlight shines on Gilda’s Club Quad Cities, newly known as Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club. Since 1998, Gilda’s Club has been a pillar of hope and support for cancer patients and their families. From its beginnings at the Mansion with the Red Door on River Drive to its current locations inside the Genesis Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club Davenport, and the UnityPoint Health – Trinity Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club Moline has continually expanded its services, reaching nearly 4,500 individuals.

Value Line

Value Line is the most trusted and prestigious name in the investment field. For more than 75 years, Value Line has been synonymous with trust, reliability, objectivity, independence, accurate information, and proven performance for investors. Click on the title to learn more about this free resource!

 

Retellings!

Are you a fan of retellings? Here we have gathered a list of classic literature retellings, reimaginings, and remixes. 

Stephanie’s Favorites:
Jane Eyre retelling
   – The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
King Arthur legend retelling
   –Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Pride and Prejudice retellings
   –Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin 
   –Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Romeo & Juliet retelling
   –A Pho Love Story by Loan Le 
Sherlock Holmes retelling
   –A Study in Scarlet Women (book 1 in the Lady Sherlock Series) by Sherry Thomas
Trojan War retelling
   –A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
The Odyssey retelling
   –Circe by Madeline Miller
The Wizard of Oz retelling
   –Wicked by Gregory Maguire 

Brittany’s Favorites:
Arsenic and Old Lace 1944 comedy with Cary Grant
   –Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
Cinderella
   –Cinder by Marissa Meyer
   –The Cinderella Murder by Mary Higgins Clark
   –An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Little Red Riding Hood
   –Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
Dr. Moreau inspired reads
   –The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Alice and Wonderland
   –The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Historical Retellings
   –My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand
Jane Austen
   –Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
   –Sense and Second Degree Murder by Tirzah Price 

Beth’s Favorites:
Remixes — Classics presented as graphic novels
   –The Alchemist – original by Paulo Coelho; graphic novel by Derek Ruiz
   –Diary of a Young Girl – original by Anne Frank; “Anne Frank’s diary : the graphic adaptation” by Ari Folman
   –The Giver by Lois Lowry ; adapted and illustrated by P. Craig Russell
   –The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood; art and adaptation by Renee Nault
Little House on the Prairie
   –Caroline by Sarah Miller
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
   –The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Bible – Book of Genesis
   –The Red Tent by Anita Diamant 

FRIENDS

August 17th is National Nonprofit Day! Did you know that we have a non-profit group that raises funds and manages an endowment portfolio to support The Library? The FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library is a 501(c)3 organization powered by members and volunteers that advocates, volunteers, and runs used bookstores in all three locations giving money back to the Library for programming and other services! We are so grateful for their support in enriching the lives of our community! To learn more about the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library, click on the title of this section!

Emotional Reads

With the recent box office success of Inside Out 2 and after being inspired by another library, we showcased titles that gave us all of the feels (good and bad!).

  Brittany  Beth  Stephanie 
Joy  Anything by Emily Henry   Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater 
Sadness  Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls  Burial Rites by Hannah Kent 
Anger  Normal People by Sally Rooney Maus by Art Spegelman   Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall, illustrated by Hugo Martinez 
Disgust  A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis  Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David Alexander Robertson 
Fear  Room by Emma Donoghue Devil in the White City by Erik Larson  American Predator by Maureen Callahan 
Envy  The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren Anything by Mindy Kaling  Soulmate Equation & The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Embarrassment  The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro Really Good Actually by Monica Heisey  Hello Stranger by Katherine Center 
Ennui  Last One Home by Debbie Macomber Blankets by Craig Thompson  The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Anxiety  Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson  Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter 
Nostalgia  A Nice Place on the North Side by George F. Will Landline by Rainbow Rowell  Throwback by Maurene Goo 

 

What Our Hosts Read In June

Beth’s Reads:
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

Stephanie’s Reads:
Lethal Licorice by (Book 2 in Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series) by Amanda Flower 
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Solomon
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller
The Red Harvest: A Novel of the Terror Famine in Soviet Ukraine by Michael Cherkas

Brittany’s Reads:
Bear with Me Now by Katie Shepard
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!

We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.

Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast July Recap

- Brittany Leave a comment

Each month, we release a new episode of Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our episode!

Favorite Audiobook Narrators to Celebrate World Listening Day on July 18th 

To celebrate World Listening Day, the hosts came up with a list of some of their favorite audiobook narrators!

Stephanie’s Picks:
Julia Whelan
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Zachary Webber 
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez
The Happy Ever Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Vikas Adam
Evander Mills Series by Lev AC Rosen
Jim Dale
Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Cassandra Campbell
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Full Cast Narrators
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstren
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Sadie by Courtney Summers
One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose
American Gods by Neil Gaiman 

Brittany’s Picks
Read by the Author
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Zeno Robinson
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour

Beth’s Picks
Full Cast Audiobooks
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman

woman laying in the sun readingLibby App

Are you struggling to find time to squeeze in a Library visit or to read a physical book? Libby has you covered! Download the Libby App to access thousands of Audiobooks and e-books for free with your Davenport Public Library card! All items will check out for up to 21 days and will automatically return. Place holds on up to 10 titles and check out 5 items at a time to ensure that you are never short on content to read! Download the App today!

National Parks and Recreation Month Interview

During this segment, Brittany and Claire interviewed Becca Niles from Davenport Parks and Recreation about some of their amazing projects. During the interview, they also discussed partnerships between The Library and Parks currently in progress and for those occurring in the future. If you are interested in Parks programming, follow this link to visit their website!

Many Ways to Listen

There are many ways to enrich your life through listening with your Davenport Public Library Card, below are a few of our favorites!

QC Beats
QC Beats is an online streaming audio collection of original music featuring Quad Cities musicians and artists. QC Beats is built in partnership with Davenport Public Library, Bettendorf Public Library, and St. Ambrose University Library.

Freegal
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.

Physical Items
The Library has music CD’s, audiobooks on CD, and playaways to check out to listen through your stereo or headphones. By clicking the link above, you can begin searching for your next great listen!

If you are looking for a program to join, consider looking into our Audiophiles Walking Club beginning in August!

three women sitting near podcasting equipment

What Our Hosts Read In June

Beth’s Reads:
If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos
The Boys in the Cave: Deep Inside the Impossible Rescue in Thailand by Matt Gutman

Stephanie’s Reads:
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
Poppy Done to Death (book 8 in the Aurora Teagarden mystery series) by Charlaine Harris
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
Full of Myself: A Graphic Memoir About Body Image by Siobhan Gallagher
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O’Connor (book 1 in Irish Village Mystery series)
The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson (book 2 in The Agathas Mystery series)
Puzzled: a memoir about growing up with OCD by Pan Cooke
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

Brittany’s Reads:
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok

If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!

We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.

Social Work Spotlight: Clock Inc.

- Stephanie Leave a comment

Embracing Community and Inclusivity with Clock Inc.

In our ongoing efforts to highlight community resources, we focus on one of the few local organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ population. Resources and services targeting this community are scarce, making the services provided by Clock, Inc. invaluable in promoting inclusivity and acceptance.

Clock, Inc. was established in 2018 with a mission to provide a non-judgmental, secure, and dependable community center for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization is dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation among LGBT+ individuals and creating a community where everyone can feel comfortable being their authentic selves.

Since its inception, Clock Inc. has been a catalyst for change, serving over 2,000 LGBTQ+ individuals in the Quad cities. Its services and reach continue to expand, leaving an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring hope and transformation.

Clock Inc. provides various community-accessible resources. These resources include free chest binders for transitioning individuals, mentoring for youths and adults facing challenges, and ensuring vital transgender clothing is available for those in need. The organization is pivotal in ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported, safe, and included in their lives and community engagement. In addition, Clock Inc. focuses on raising awareness and enhancing knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues, promoting inclusive language in all settings through partnerships with human services organizations and corporate entities.

Some of the valuable services provided by the Clock Inc. to support and uplift the LGBT+ community include:

Groups: Clock Inc. provides regular meetings that offer peer support and a sense of belonging.

Counseling: Professional mental health services tailored to the needs of LGBT+ individuals.

Training: Educational programs aimed at fostering understanding and inclusivity.

Workshops: Clock Inc. provides skill-building sessions on various topics relevant to the community.

Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced members of the community.

Safe Space: A welcoming environment where individuals can feel secure and accepted.

Computer Lab: Access to technology for education, job searches, and more.

Binder Program: Providing chest binders for trans and gender-diverse individuals through its partnership with GC2B, the gender-affirming apparel company.

To learn more about Clock Inc. and LGBTQ+ resources in the Quad Cities, please visit their website at www.clockinc.org or call 309-558-0956.

If you or anyone you know needs help, call or text 988.

Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast May Episode Breakdown

- Brittany Leave a comment

Each month, we release a new episode of Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our episode!

AAPI Heritage Month Reads

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Below are some of our favorite titles written by AAPI authors!  

Learning and Literacy Collection

All three Davenport Public Library branches have a Learning & Literacy Collection. These collections contain materials that are not easily confined in either the adult, young adult, or juvenile collections. Patrons can find guidance on many topics that can be difficult to talk about such as abuse, death, mental health, sex education, as well as books about homeschooling, engaging reluctant readers, job searching, and so much more! Because the Learning & Literacy Collection covers such a rich array of topics, we have a helpful LibGuide to help those interested to better navigate the collection.

Mystery Reads with Merideth

Stephanie and Michelle met with Merideth, Technical Services Supervisor to discuss some of her favorite mysteries that she has read recently. Below are the titles if you would like to place a hold!

Tourist Appreciation Month

May 7th is National Tourism Day. Did you know that with your Davenport Public Library card, you can tour local institutions for free? Davenport Public Library as well as other RiverShare Libraries have community experience passes for various local sites available for checkout. Visit the Figge, Putnam, Quad City Botanical Center, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, German American Heritage Center, and Common Chord by checking out one of our passes! To learn more about what is available for checkout, click here!

If you are looking for something fun finding hidden gems throughout the Quad Cities, we recommend checking out 100 Things to do in the Quad Cities Before You Die by Jonathan Turner. Be sure to place a hold today and create the perfect QC bucket list!  

Older Americans Month Reads

To celebrate Older Americans Month, Brittany and Stephanie discussed some of their favorite reads showcasing characters belonging to the aging population. Below are a few of the titles discussed during our segment.

Brittany’s Titles:
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler
A Fire Sparkling by Julianne MacLean
A Man Called Ove by Frederick Bachman

Stephanie’s Titles:
Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Britt-Marie was Here by Fredrik Backman 
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Turste 

Catch Us OWLT and About This Summer!

It is officially OWL season! For those of you unfamiliar with the Outreach Wheeled Library (OWL), it is a sprinter van equipped with carts full of books! The Community Outreach Team visits, parks, community events, and so much more throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall! If you see the OWL, be sure to stop by and say hello, check out items, get a Library Card, and leave with some Library swag and information!

To catch us OWLT and About, visit our calendar of events!

What Our Hosts Read In April

Michelle’s Reads:
Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien
Misfortune Cookie by Vivien Chien

Stephanie’s Reads:

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
She Kills Me: The True Stories of History’s Deadliest Women by Jennifer Wright, illustrations by Eva Bee
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn (First in the Mrs. Plansky series)
From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty
Parachute Kids by Betty Tang
Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano (Fourth in the Finlay Donovan series)
Murder Before Evensong by the Revered Richard Coles (First in the Canon Clement series)
Cyclopedia Exotica by Aminder Dhaliwal
Transitions: A Mother’s Journey by Elodie Durand
Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline (Second in the Marrow Thieves series) 

Brittany’s Reads:
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Caña (First in the Vega Family Love Stories Series)
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Long Game by Elena Armas (First in The Long Game Series)

 

Social Work Spotlight: Prioritizing Your Mental Well-Being

- Stephanie Leave a comment

PRIORITIZING YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING

May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness and promote the importance of mental health and well-being. Mental health is integral to our overall wellness, deserving as much attention as our physical health. Unfortunately, many misconceptions about mental health prevent people from seeking the help they need.

The reality is that mental health issues are widespread. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness annually. These issues span from anxiety, panic attacks, and depression to more severe conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The good news is that many effective treatments and self-care modalities can alleviate symptoms, and with proper support, individuals can and do recover.

Seeking help can feel daunting, often due to fears, shame, or misunderstandings surrounding mental health. However, it is essential to remember that you are not alone. Many resources are available to support your mental health journey, including professional help, therapy, support groups, and trusted loved ones.

Your primary care provider can be a valuable starting point in your mental health journey. They can offer guidance on whether a referral to a mental health specialist is necessary and provide that referral if needed. Additionally, local community mental health centers offer walk-in options that provide direct access to mental health professionals.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organizes both in-person and virtual sessions to provide support for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges. There are also local support groups available to help foster a sense of community and connection, providing a safe and supportive space for sharing experiences and emotions. Additionally, mental health hotlines are available for individuals who require immediate assistance and support.

In addition to seeking professional help, taking care of oneself is crucial for promoting mental well-being. Sleeping, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing can contribute to overall wellness.

Here are some suggestions for activities that individuals and families can engage in to prioritize self-care:

Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help. Reach out by calling or texting 988 for support.