First off, we have two new additions to our collection – one of which is The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook.  It is filled with strange and interesting recipes that will get you even more involved in the suspenseful trilogy.  The Wall Street Journal provides the following review for this work:

“In the postapocalyptic fantasy series The Hunger Games, starving characters eat whatever they can kill or forage: wild dog, horse, tree bark, mouse meat….fans have become obsessed with the food in the books, trying home preparation of dishes such as fire-roasted rabbit and seaweed bread. This month, The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook was published, with 150 recipes for rustic, gamy fare including fried squirrel and raccoon in bacon drippings, though none for dog. Food, and the lack of it, is a recurring theme in the dystopian trilogy.”

If district 4’s seaweed bread and capitol creamy spinach fettuccine aren’t enough to hold you over till March 23^rd, we have yet another book for you to feast your eyes upon: The Hunger Games Tribute Guide. Amazon.com provides the following overview of this book:

Here is the ultimate guide to the twenty-four Tributes participating in Panem’s 74th annual Hunger Games. Follow the Tributes’ journey from the Reaping to the Games, with a look at all the highlights along the way–the Tribute Parade, the stations of the Training Center, the interviews, and more. Get exclusive information about the Tributes’ strengths and weaknesses, their weapons of choice, and their experience in the Capitol before entering the arena.

If you’re a little behind and have yet to read The Hunger Games, we’ve got you covered! The Nola Brantley Memorial Library owns five copies of this book (Overkill? Maybe. Ensuring a copy is in your hands as soon as possible? Absolutely!).  If another branch is closer to you, the Perry and Centerville Libraries also own this book. In fact, if you don’t have time to sit down and read a physical work, the Perry Public library owns all the audio books for this trilogy! Now that’s what I call having your bases covered!

The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook can be found under Dewey number YA 641.5 BAI

The Hunger Games Tribute Guide can be found under Call number YA F HUN

To check for availability of The Hunger Games, contact your local library branch.

Yeah, us too.  We’ve all had some favorites this year.  Here’s ours:

Some of our "zombies" who participated in the program and dressed accordingly

Our teen “zombies” were designated by wearing purple headbands while the “humans” wore yellow armbands with a blue flag.  The object of the game was for the “zombies” to find the “humans” and take their blue flag.  Upon losing their flag, the former human had to report to “zombie base” to be crowned with shame – a zombie headband! The humans, however, didn’t go down without a fight.  All designated humans were equipped with “ammo” which consisted of stretchy frogs and balled-up paper wads (inventive, right?).  If a zombie was struck by one of these items, they had to freeze in place for 5 seconds – long enough for the human to escape! After every human had been transformed into a zombie, the game was over.

 After this initial game, we convened to explain another mission where the humans were to capture the randomly scattered red flags and take them back to “human base.” The problem was that the zombies were carefully guarding these flags. The humans, however, were very clever – they used their ammo, captured all the flags and won!

Overall, this was a very fun evening, and our teens enjoyed every minute.  If you are disappointed about missing out on this event, don’t worry! All Macon State College students will have their opportunity to participate in this program on March 1 from 5:30-7:30 PM.  If you aren’t quite in college yet, check back with us this summer – we will be hosting another epic zombie battle with our teens. Be here at your own risk . . . dead or alive!

Computers and the internet have the capability to help you in staying connected with family and friends, applying for jobs, and keeping informed with current events. Your children or grandchildren are online, let’s get you online and up to speed as well!

The Fort Valley State University Mobile Information Technology Center is scheduled to arrive at each Houston County Public Library Branch to teach a variety of computer classes. Each class has 20 workstations available. Participants must pre-register so be sure to call and reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Three different classes will be offered: Basic Computers, Online Job Searching, and Cyber Safety. Basic Computers is exactly what it sounds. Basic Computers will cover logging onto computers and basic applications such as email. Online Job Searching will give you the tools you need to successfully search for job opportunities and submit applications. Cyber Safety covers internet safety and security to keep children safe and give parents more peace of mind.

The upcoming schedule for February is:

Tuesday, February 14th at Nola Brantley Memorial Library in Warner Robins
Basic Computers 10:00 – 12:00
Online Job Searching 2:00 – 4:00

Wednesday, February 15th at Perry Public Library
Basic Computers 10:00 – 12:00
Online Job Searching 2:00 – 4:00

Thursday, February 16th at Centerville Public Library
Basic Computers 10:00 – 12:00
Online Job Searching 2:00 – 4:00

The Mobile Information Technology Center will return monthly for scheduled training sessions. Find your library down below and be sure to sign up in advance to secure your spot!

Nola Brantley Memorial Library 478.923.0128

Centerville Public Library 478.953.4500

Perry Public Library 478.987.3050 ext 21

The S.T.E.P. program was conducted by Yolanda Young, Children and Young Adult Specialist at Perry Library. The program focused on language and literacy development. Parents were informed of ways to build a reading environment within their homes and creating a communication rich environment. Singing, playing and reading are great ways to bond with baby and build language skills. In addition to this open discussion, moms and babies enjoyed story time! They danced, sang, and performed finger plays.  Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown was read aloud.

New mothers and fathers often spend their time bonding over sleepless nights, juggling new responsibilities and the general wonder of watching their new baby discover the world around them. Every new parent faces challenges of parenting for the first time and depends upon their support system of friends, family and community. Teen parents aren’t any different. Perry Public Library is pleased to welcome these families into the library and become part of their community support system.

Children will have a colorful month during our scheduled story times. Each week we will explore a new color. We encourage the children to wear or bring something of that color to the weekly activities. The week of 2/6 is blue, 2/13 is red, and 2/20 is orange. The final week of February will wrap it all up with painting! Please dress for the potential mess! The children’s program schedule is as follows: 

Mondays:

Lapsit (12 – 24 months) 10:30

Toddlers (2 – 3 years) 11:00

Thursdays:

Preschool (3 – 5 years) 10:30 

Our Homeschool Writing Workshop is offered on Thursdays at 11:15 and is focusing on Skits, Monologues, & Plays this month.

Teens will revisit the Graphic Novel topic with a visit from Ray Snyder, Comic book creator & professional inker for Marvel and DC Comics. Mr. Snyder will be the special guest of Perry Public Library on February 28th at 6 pm. Our young adults between the ages of 11 – 17 are encouraged to sign up early for this event!

We certainly haven’t forgotten our adults this month either! Saturday the 18th will bring a Natural Hair Workshop with Binai English, a natural hair stylist. The focus of this workshop will be transitioning from relaxed hair to natural and basic maintenance.

And last but not least is our “Love is in the Air” event on Tuesday, February 14th from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Activities will include storytime & crafts with Ms. Yolanda for the children, a scavenger hunt for teens and love poems & love letter readings for adults. And we will end the evening with a light reception and the Cupid Shuffle. So you see, there is something for everyone and every type of love. Spaces are limited, so call today to RSVP. 987-3050 ext 21.

Below is a highlight of programs being held during the month of February at the Nola Brantley Memorial Library:

February 11: READing Paws

Come join us for great fun as we read to some very lovable therapy dogs! These furry friends are back for the third month in a row, and we are excited to once again offer your kids the opportunity to read to them in a comfortable and welcoming environment. This is a great way for your child to exercise newly-developed reading skills or practice fluent literacy. The program is for ages 5-18 and reading slots are available between 12 and 2 PM.  Sign-up is required – spaces fill quickly, so register your child today!

February 21: Fun With Duct Tape

On this night, we will once again gear up for our monthly teen Wii night for ages 10-17. We will be playing exciting games such as Mario Cart and dance experiences. Be sure to bring a friend and your appetite because we will have food! The program will be from 6-7:30 PM. Sign-up is requested.

System-Wide Events

Pancake Breakfast – Saturday, February 11th

Join us on this day for a great breakfast together, served to you by familiar library faces! We are partnering with Applebee’s to help us raise money for our upcoming summer reading program. We will be offering up some great food and fun times for every age, all for a good cause! The breakfast will take place on February 11 from 8 to 10 AM at the Applebee’s restaurant in Perry. Contact your local Houston County Public Library branch to purchase your tickets today!

Computer Classes at your library

Starting this month, Fort Valley State University will offer computer classes at each Houston County Library branch! February’s schedule is as follows:

Nola Brantley Memorial Library – Tuesday, February 14th

Centerville Public Library – Thursday, February 16th

Perry Public Library – Wednesday, February 17th

On these specific days, the library branches will host a basic computer class from 10 AM -12 noon and an online job searching class from 2-4 PM.  Contact your local library branch for more details or to sign up for a class.

Remember!

All Houston County Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, February 20th for President’s Day. All libraries will re-open on Tuesday, February 21st during regularly scheduled hours of operation.

The NFL’s Top 100 book is a fully illustrated work that gives the career accomplishments and stats for many popular players in professional football, including Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.  It’s also a great history book since it incorporates interesting details about famous players of the past, such as Lance Alworth, Forrest Gregg and many others.  If your like me, however, there is another aspect of Super Bowl Sunday that is even more near and dear to the heart…

FOOD! And we are all familiar with the typical, year-to-year Super Bowl menu (oh, the infamous hot wings). I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to branch out! Barefoot Contessa takes party foods to a whole new level by offering some unique alternatives to the mundane chips and dip, party mix, and chicken fingers.  One recipe in her Parties! book is perfect for Super Bowl Sunday – Lobster rolls.  This recipe calls for tasty ingredients such as  fresh lobster meat, capers, minced dill, and celery all stuffed into warm hot dog buns. Now that’s  what I call some good party food! I’ll be eating my fill until half-way through the game…

Then I’ll be watching Madonna! Of course, we all know by now that the Material Girl will be offering up a potentially unforgettable half-time show next Sunday…but what do you really know about the singer? Life With My Sister Madonna is a powerful memoir written by her brother Christopher Coccone.  Through most of Madonna’s career, Christopher played an important role in her life as her backup dancer, personal assistant, dresser, decorator, and her art and tour director. Who better to learn about the singer but from the person who knows her best?

Well folks, we hope this helps you plan for your big Super Bowl event! Don’t forget to come check out these books to learn everything you need to know beforehand about one of the biggest games of the year. Of course, you can always visit www.NFL.com to catch up on all things professional football.

The NFL’s Top 100 can be found under Dewey number 796.332 BUC

Parties! can be found under Dewey number 642.4 GAR

Life With My Sister Madonna can be found under Dewey number B MAD

Andi shared 10 easy ways we can all organize and simplify our lives.

1. Use a timer. Commit to working for short time frames. You’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish.

2. Use one calendar/planner to record all of your family’s commitments.

3. Group like items.

4. Edit! We only use 20% of our things 80% of the time. Review your clothes, books, CDs, etc. and let go the items that you don’t love.

5. Keep what you must. Retain necessary paperwork for the required amount of time. Check with an accountant or website such as www.bankrate.com for guidelines.

6. Have a donation blog. When you locate something that you’ve outgrown or no longer need, add it to your donation bag. When the bag is full drop it off at your favorite charity and open a new bag.

7. Stick with what works. If your system works, do it. Don’t feel as though you have to try something new. You’ll save time and money.

8. Handle your mail once. Don’t create a mail pile. Trash the junk and sort the rest.

9. Ask for help. Have a friend, family member or professional organizer help you. Time and work flies when you’re having fun!

10. Relax! Becoming organized is not about perfection. We can’t all be Martha Stewart. Just be proud of the fact you are working on it!

~adapted from Andi Willis’ Ten Easy Ways To Be Organized and Simplify Your Life.

Implement Andi’s recommendations, check her site, or check out some library books to get yourself on the path to a clutter free life!

Both the Centerville Public Library and the Nola Brantley Memorial Library have purchased many new audio books just in time to keep you committed to calorie burning! Below is a sampling of what each library has recently received:

New Audio Books at the Centerville Public Library

One new audio book at the Centerville Public Library is Karin Slaughter’s Fractured.  A review for this work is as follows:

At the start of bestseller Slaughter’s heart-pounding sequel to 2006′s Triptych, wealthy housewife Abigail Campano returns home one day to Atlanta’s posh Ansley Park neighborhood to find a dead girl in the mansion’s upstairs hallway, the apparent killer nearby. Thinking that the girl is her teenage daughter, Emma, the distraught Abby kills the alleged attacker only to realize that the murdered girl is not Emma, but Emma’s friend, Kayla Alexander. Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation soon determines that he has a murder and kidnapping on his hands. Paired with Det. Faith Mitchell, Trent scrambles to put the pieces together and find Emma before it’s too late. Slaughter brings the same raw energy and brutal violence that distinguishes her Grant County series (Beyond Reach, etc.) to this new series with chilling results, while Trent and Mitchell, a pair of complex and deeply flawed heroes, will leave fans clamoring for the next installment. (July) Publishers Weekly. All rights reserved

New Audio Books at the Nola Brantley Memorial Library

The Nola Brantley Memorial Library also houses many new audio books, including Catherine Coulter’s Blindside.  Here is an intriguing review for this work: