National novel writing month is underway

Creative writing can be defined as the art of making things up and this November has been especially creative at the Library. Throughout the month, the Young Adult section is promoting National Novel Writing Month - or NaNoWriMo for short - and has challenged the patrons to write as many words as possible this month. One librarian has taken up the challenge and is struggling to meet the 50,000 word goal by the end of the month. Anyone else who wants to participate is welcome to set their own goals and see what they can accomplish.

This international event has sparked a Tweens and Teens Writers Group, encouraging young writers to explore and expand their craft and skills in a safe and friendly environment. They intend to continue in the coming months and will touch on the craft of fiction, poetry, creative essays, and journaling. Sharing of work is encouraged as this helps build the writer's voice and gets feedback from their peers, which lets them know where their writing excels and what skills they need to work on. The group also introduces other forms of creativity that they may not have thought to explore before; how many tweens or teens would think to write a creative essay?

We also had the honor of hosting a number of creative events including a reading and book signing by local author Dave Stoufer this week. We have also experienced a number of art displays. These have included a World War II display, art from the United Presbyterian Home, and the middle school art class.

November is drab and cold, reminding us of the approaching winter as the days get shorter and the fall colors dull into a waiting gray. But this is also the time to encourage our own creativity and make our days and lives brighter through crafts, arts, and hobbies. Write something. Doodle with a crayon. Brighten the world around you in a way only you can.

New materials:

The following books were given in memory of Norma Meyer by her family and friends:

My Father's Words by Patricia MacLachlan

Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson

Max Einstein: the Genius Experiment by James Patterson

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny

The Collector's Apprentice (large print) by B. A. Shapiro

Beauchamp Hall (large print) by Danielle Steel

The Story Collector by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Adult fiction:

You Don't Own Me by Mary Higgins Clark

Look Alive Twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

Jerusalem's Queen by Angela Hunt

The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson

The Feral Detective by Jonathan Letham

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

The Air You Breathe by Frances De Pontes Peebles

Sourdough or, Lois and Her Adventures in Underground Market by Robin Sloan

A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling

Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steel

Family Trust by Kathy Wang

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow