The one and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate ; illustrations by Patricia Castelao has been awarded the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature for the year 2013. This heart-moving tale about a captive silverback gorilla was inspired by a true story. Ivan has spent 27 years of his life at The Big Top Mall, a cheap roadside circus attraction, confined to an enclosure of glass, metal, and concrete. He has become numb to his existence, watching TV, dabbling with art, and eating food thrown to him. Bob, a spunky dog, and Stella, an aging elephant are his only friends and companions. Ivan's melancholy life begins to change, however, when Ruby, a young vibrant elephant appears on the scene and Stella dies from neglect. Stella's dying plea to Ivan is help Ruby escape.

Along with the 2013 Caldecott Medal Winner, the 2013 Caldecott Honor books have also been announced. This year five picture books were selected to receive the Caldecott Honor. Those five recipients are:

Creepy carrots! by words, Aaron Reynolds ; pictures, Peter Brown

Extra yarn by Mac Barnett ; illustrated by Jon Klassen

Forty years ago, on Januuary 27, 1973 the Paris Peace Accords were signed - ending the Vietnam War. During the long conflict, the United States suffered over 58,000 soldiers killed and approximately 153, 000 wounded, as well as 1,943 missing in action.

A bright shining lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam by Neil Sheehan

Ending the Vietnam War: a history of America's involvement in and extrication from the Vietnam War by Henry Kissinger

According to a September 2012 study by Pew Internet of older adults who are online, 50% of adults ages 50-64 report being active on a social networking site. An even more substantial increase in social media use this year were older adults ages 65 and older, which reported being active on sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. More so than in 2011, 34% of seniors are now using social networking sites which was up from 26% in 2010.

Computers for seniors for dummie [Large print] by Nancy Muir

Using the internet safely for seniors for dummies [Large print] by Linda Criddle and Nancy Muir

Do you have an itch to build your own car? What about a tower taller than you? Come to our Lego Fun program Friday, February 22, 2013 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. All ages are welcome. It's going to be a blast!

Join us on Monday, February 18 from 12:00-8:45 PM for an all-day family movie extravanganza.  You may bring pillows, snacks, even your own comfy blankets or chairs. 

12:00-1:00 - Wallace and Gromit shorts (G) Join the loveable duo of Wallace and Gromit; inventors of all manner of useful devices.
1:00-3:00 - The Incredibles (PG). A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world.

2nd-5th Graders: Join us Tuesday, February 19th at 7:00 PM in the Purple Room for science demonstrations and hands-on experiments using items you can find in your own kitchen or pantry! See the incredible bouncing egg, create a secret message or painting with invisible ink, and more.  Registration begins January 25 and is limited to the first 25 kids, so sign up today!

Are you a creative kid? This program is tailored to kids who are 7 to 10 years old. Let your creative side flow in our monthly crafting program, Creatapillars. Our project for February will be working with salt dough. We will meet on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Registration will begin Friday, January 25. See you there!

[Caterpillar by Rickydavid is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]

On Thursday, February 14 at Noon we will be discussing:

Lives like loaded guns: Emily Dickinson and her family's feuds by Lyndall Gordon — In 1882, Emily Dickinson's brother Austin began a passionate love affair with Mabel Todd, a young Amherst faculty wife, setting in motion a series of events that would forever change the lives of the Dickinson family. The feud that erupted as a result has continued for over a century. Lyndall Gordon, tells the riveting story of the Dickinsons, and reveals Emily as a very different woman from the pale, lovelorn recluse that exists in the popular imagination. Gordon digs deep into the life and work of Emily Dickinson, to reveal the secret behind the poet's insistent seclusion, and presents a woman beyond her time who found love, spiritual sustenance, and immortality all on her own terms. An enthralling story of creative genius, filled with illicit passion and betrayal.