Summer Library Program -- For Adults

The theme for this year's Summer Library Program is "Build a Better World." The Summer Library Program's (SLP) kick-off party for children is Monday, June 5, 2017 and the closing party is on Thursday, July 20, 2017. In between, there are plenty of activities and challenges for the kids and families to participate in, but that doesn't mean that those without children and those who are young-at-heart cannot participate.

I am issuing an Adult SLP reading challenge for any adult who wants to participate.Come into the library and check-out a book, audio book, mp3 audio book, or go online and check-out any e-book or e-audio book. Need ideas on what to read? We will have a table front-and-center of book selections that fit with this year's theme (both fiction and non-fiction). Once you've finished, let us know how you liked it. You can write a mini review on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WCVPLibrary), or our Twitter account (@WCVPLibrary use #AdultSLP). If you want, we'll have cards you can fill out and leave at the display table.
Why would you want to do any of this? Well, for one thing, it's fun and, more importantly, it helps us to see what our patrons like to read. You might also find some new author or genre to add to your reading list and you will definitely be setting a good example for any young people you know. So... Build A Better World: Read!

Humorous Movies

I recently spent some "brrrr-y" days watching movies at my house. Two of my recent favorites were Despicable Me and The Lottery Ticket. Despicable Me stars Steve Carell and is a wonderful story about a villain named Cru who is trying to pull off the greatest "steal" ever by stealing the moon. He and his thousands of adorable minions (trust me, you'll think they are cute too) invent gadgets and steal things in their attempt to make Cru (voiced by Steve Carell) the "World's Greatest Villian." While on this journey Cru ends up adopting three orphaned girls, and the way they wrap Cru around their fingers is one of sweetest things I have ever seen. This movie is rated PG (Rude Humor and Mild Action) and is a great family movie night pick.

The Lottery Ticket is a great "what-if" movie that describes what happens when a young man from the local neighborhood wins the lottery. Kevin Carson (played by Bow Wow) buys a lottery ticket on a whim and ends up winning $370 million--the bad news is that the lottery office is closed for the long July 4th weekend and Kevin must figure out how to keep a lid on his good fortune and survive the three-day weekend. This movie is full of twists and turns and very funny scenes, and the viewer discovers, with Kevin, the "good, the bad and the ugly" in his friends. There is a brilliant cast in this film (Brandon T. Jackson, Naturi Naughton, Loretta Divine, Ice Cube, Bill Bellamy, T-Pain, Ketih David, Terry Crews, and Mike Epps) and it is truly a great experience to watch it. The movie is rated PG-13 (Sexual content, Language including a Drug Reference, Some Violence and Brief Underage Drinking) and could be a great choice for a couples movie night.

Halloween is Not Just for Kids!

The creepy, crawly, Halloween season is fast approaching! If you’ve been invited to a party and can’t quite figure out what costume to wear, do not fear. The library has plenty of books that can help you find the perfect outfit. Halloween: A Grown-up’s Guide to Creative Costumes, Devilish Décor and Fabulous Festivities by Joanne O’Sullivan is a great book that can help you create fabulous adult costumes with a small amount of effort. This book contains directions to create costumes designed just for adults; you'll find everything from a sublime dancing queen to a fierce samurai warrior. It also includes suggestions for creating the right atmosphere for your home and yard with decorations that range from eek to chic. I especially enjoyed the “tried and true” projects that demonstrated transformations of old favorites -- jack-o'lanterns -- as well as yard figures, window and mantel treatments, and seasonal tableaus. In my opinion, why should you settle for an ordinary Halloween party that centers around apple bobbing or taffy pulling? Go for something more sophisticated and pick one of three themes with full party plans that guide you every step of the way, from the invitations to the activities. This book proves that Halloween bewitchment appeals to adults, too!