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  • SummerReads2019Header-01

    #OCLSReads Books for Summer 

    Summer brings longer days and even warmer weather, which means more time for reading—preferably indoors away from oppressive 95-degree Florida weather. But whichever environment you prefer (reading at the beach, at a park, or even relaxing at home), here are some suggestions from two Collection Development librarians to add to your #TBR list this summer.    One…

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  • How to Find Books For a 1-Year-Old

    #OCLSReads: How To Find Books for a 1-Year-Old

    Last year I wrote a post from my 4-year-old’s perspective, listing her top books of the year. Today I’m bringing you some of my 1-year-old’s favorites, and this was inspired by several interactions. As a librarian, many parents ask me for book recommendations, specifically for babies/toddlers who aren’t interested in books yet. They don’t take…

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  • OCLSReads for Black History Month

    #OCLSReads For Black History Month

    Try as I might, I simply cannot recall an instance when I was ever not reading a book. Reading is one of my favorite forms of relaxation, and with it being Black History Month, I believe it’s a superb way to celebrate the occasion. While I am unquestionably a proud proponent for diversity and inclusion…

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  • Best Picture Books of the Year, as Chosen by a 4-Year-Old

    The Best Picture Books of the Year, as Decided by a 4-Year-Old

    My four-year-old loves books. We read up to five before bed, and several more during the day. As penalty for the audacity of having a full-time job, I’m required to bring her home at least three books a day. I guess it’s a good thing I’m a librarian.  As the year ends, there are many…

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  • Follow Your Heart

    Follow Your Heart

    “There are only two ways to live your life,” Einstein said. â€śOne is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” I’m in the latter group and my mantra is, “Everything happens for a reason.” Sometimes I can’t see it right away, but eventually when the dust has settled and I have…

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  • BlogHeader-01

    Rick Riordan Presents

    If you haven’t heard of the popular author Rick Riordan, now may be the time to start listening. In September 2016 Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, announced through Publisher’s Weekly that he would be creating an imprint with Disney in response to commonly asked questions like “Will you be writing…

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  • Learn to Make Soap

    Learn to Make Soap

    I have always been interested in art. As a teenager I would decorate t-shirts with paint and glitter and I also loved to draw. Not long ago, I became interested in the art of soap making as an alternative to store-bought brands. As we've probably seen in the news and online, there are various chemicals that can be…

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  • 3 Must Read Black Panther Series

    Three Must-Read Black Panther Series

    With a seemingly endless supply of blockbuster releases, Marvel Studios is no stranger to box office success. However if the record-breaking advance ticket sales for their newest upcoming release Black Panther are any indication, the studio may find itself responsible for the production of a cultural phenomenon. So, with such a rabid fan base, why…

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  • TopRomance-01

    Romance Favorites of 2017

    So many great romances to choose from in 2017. Here are a few not to miss. Silver Silence by Nalini Singh Continuing the phenomenal Psy-Changeling series, this latest entry focuses on Silver Merchant, Psy and head of the worldwide EmNet, and Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears. What do a silent Psy and emotion-driven changeling…

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  • 10 Excellent Works of Adult Fiction from 2017

    10 Excellent Works of Adult Fiction from 2017

    As 2017 draws to a close, we take this time to reflect on some of the best books of the year.  Social media, migration, gender inequality, love and loss were all hallmarks of 2017 and these issues are all reflected in this year’s literature. Dive on in to some of the best works of 2017…

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