Sensory Story Kits Available at MLC

The Mississippi Library Commission has some exciting new resources available for patrons! The agency recently added 15 Sensory Story Kits to its collection. The story kits are now available for loan by patrons of MLC and the Mississippi Talking Book Services.

Each story kit contains a story book that has printed text and illustrations accompanied by Braille. The kits also contain items and toys related to the story. The items provide a hands-on way for children to experience books and aid in comprehension and enjoyment of the story. These story kits were created with young children with visual impairments in mind, but children of all ages and capabilities can use tactile and sensory exploration to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of books.

The story kits are currently available to check out and have a loan period of six weeks. To reserve a kit or request a catalog of titles that are available, please contact Erica McCaleb at emccaleb@mlc.lib.ms.us or 601-432-4116. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Buntin Elected President of CSLP

Congratulations are in order for the Mississippi Library Commission's Senior Library Consultant Mac Buntin. He has been elected President of the Collaborative Summer Library Program and took office 1 June 2015. Buntin is the perfect person for the job. He says, "I believe in what we do. The Collaborative Summer Library Program promotes literacy. I believe in literacy for everyone." Buntin has been a state representative for the all-volunteer CSLP since 2006 and has also served as treasurer and vice-president. He's very proud of the organization, saying "CSLP provides a high quality, affordable summer library program annually." In fact, they're already working on the program for the summer of 2017!

The Collaborative Summer Library Program was started in 1987 in Minnesota. Now, twenty-two years later, all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories are participating members. (Four states are partial members.) Mississippi joined in 2006. Buntin's excitement and love for the program is contagious. The program keeps developing and CSLP tries to appeal to everyone. It targets four age groups: early literacy, children, teen, and adult, so don't think that just because you're not in grade school that you can't participate. Buntin adds, "It's not just 'read a book' anymore." He points to the different theme chosen every year, which has focused on science, art, and other areas, in conjunction with literacy.

We're all awfully proud of Mr. Buntin, librarian extraordinaire.

MLC Reads: June 19, 2015

We feel so lucky to live in a day and age when so many wonderful books are available. This past week, we read some beauties:

The Boston Girl

written by Anita Diamant
three stars

"'How did I get to be the woman I am today?' It started in that library, in the reading club. That's where I started to be my own person." This is a nice book about a grandmother's reflections on her life to her granddaughter. It brushes past historical events with tiny whispers instead of leaving the broad strokes  we wanted. A cozy read, perfect for waiting rooms and airport terminals.

I'm My Own Dog

written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

five stars

I'm My Own Dog is a must-read for dog-lovers, young and old. Not only are the illustrations extremely appealing, the story itself is heartwarming and laugh out loud funny. This picture book is perfect for younger readers because of the large font and the relatively low number of words per page. We highly recommend I'm My Own Dog to everyone who has ever owned-or been owned by-a dog. By the way, this picture book is a Magnolia Award nominee for 2016!

 Saga: Volume I

written by Brian K. Vaughan

illustrated by Fiona Staples
five stars

Wow. The artwork is beautiful. The story is well-written. The dialogue is witty and snarky. The characters are interesting, full of quirks, and loveable. And the whole volume has a nice spattering of what-the-heck thrown in for those of us who are fans of random happenings. Yes, this is vague, but everyone really just needs to read it for themselves.

If that's not tantalizing enough, there's a lie detecting cat in the graphic novel. Now there's absolutely no reason not to read it.

These are the books stacked on our bedside table this week:

• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell and illustrated by Henry Cole
• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
• Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

 Happy reading!

MLC Reads: June 12, 2015

Welcome to the wonderful world of reading at the Mississippi Library Commission. Last week, we had the good fortune to read some really neat books. Here are our reviews:

Jackaby

William Ritter

five stars

What a find! We've had several people recommend Jackaby to us and we're so happy that we finally picked this one up. It's as if William Ritter has conjured the love child of Sherlock and Harry Potter, with all the best elements of each. Jackaby is a paranormal mystery that features an utterly loveable female protagonist, Abigail Rook, and her new employer, the eccentric and mysterious R. F. Jackaby. They encounter all manner of paranormal and magical beings as they are pulled deeper and deeper into a hunt for a serial killer. There's a race to the finish to see if they can catch the killer before he catches them. Jackaby is light on the gruesome factor, heavy on charm and intrigue,  and is destined to become a favorite worldwide. Definitely add this to your to-read pile!

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

written by Philip C. Stead

illustrated by Erin E. Stead

five stars

This is the sweetest picture book ever; no wonder it won the Caldecott in 2011! In A Sick Day for Amos McGee, we meet genial Amos and his friends at the zoo where he works. He makes time to see them every day and they all enjoy their time together immensely. One unfortunate day, Amos wakes up and doesn't feel very well. Luckily for him, his zoo friends pay him a memorable visit. The illustrations are heartwarming and hilarious at the same time. The picture of the animals crammed into the metro bus may be our favorite. Your kids will love the animals' adventure and identify with having to stay home when they're ill. Highly recommended.

Ms. Marvel, Volume I: No Normal

written by G. Willow Wilson

illustrated by Adrian Alphona

five stars

Ms. Marvel, Volume I: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson follows Kamala Khan, a nerdy girl from Jersey City. Kamala is just an ordinary girl until the Terrigen Mist. Now she has extraordinary powers that she must learn to control so that she can save her friends and Jersey City from evil. We thought this was a great graphic novel with a well diversified character list. Wilson did a great job making the characters easy to relate to and Adrian Alphona's artwork is amazing!

We've got these books on our plate for this week. Can't wait to dive into reading them!

• The Boston Girl, written by Anita Diamant
• I'm My Own Dog, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
• Saga: Volume I, written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples

Until nest time, happy reading!

Trademark Basics

The Mississippi Library Commission is pleased to announce that Trademark Basics, an informative workshop, will be held at our facility August 6, 2015 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Organized by Lawrence Smith, our Patent and Trademark Librarian and presented by Managing Attorney for Trademark Outreach at the US Patent and Trademark Office Craig Morris, this event will shed light on the mysterious and complex world of trademarks. A few of the many talking points are:

• Learn how trademark, copyright, patent, domain name, and business name registrations all differ.
• Critical factors to select a trademark that will be both federally registerable and legally protectable.
• The importance of doing a complete search and whether an attorney should be used.
• What may happen if another trademark owner believes it has stronger rights in a mark and issues a "cease-and-desist" letter.
• Information that the USPTO does in the federal registration process and how to avoid "scams" perpetrated by companies that request fees for services not required by the USPTO.

Email Mr. Smith at lsmith@mlc.lib.ms.us to RSVP. Light refreshments will be provided.

MLC Reads: June 5, 2015

Mississippi Library Commission staff read some great books this past week. You're going to need to add these to your to-read pile.

 Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania

Erik Larson

five stars

How does Erik Larson manage to write such beautifully descriptive and engaging books about historical events? He amazes us with each new offering, and Dead Wake is no exception. Larson plunges us into the story of the massive ship Lusitania and its nemesis, submarine U-20. The deaths of nearly 1,200 passengers and crew from the Lusitania set the stage for the United States' entry into World War I. Thoroughly researched with an eye for fascinating details, history buffs won't want to miss this one!

March: Book Two

written by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

illustrations by Nate Powell

five stars

March: Book Two continues John Lewis' powerful story of the struggle for civil rights in America. (Read our review of Book One here. Don't forget--Book One is available in our book-club-in-a-box kit.) It focuses on the first Freedom Rides to the South, the March on Washington, including King's I Have a Dream speech, and the hate and vitriol with which these social pioneers against injustice were met. Unflinchingly honest, this graphic novel is every bit as good as Book One. Look for Book Three next year.

Ship of Dolls

Shirley Parenteau

five stars

Ship of Dolls is a superb addition to historical fiction for middle school readers. The actions and reactions between 11-year-old Lexie, short for Electra, and her grandparents were terrific. Parenteau does a great job of describing their growing love for each other and their transition into a family group. Watching Lexie interact with her peers was equally fascinating. You, too, will want to pull out Louise's hair and stick your tongue out at Jack! Learning about the background of the original "ship of dolls" was an added bonus. Reminiscent of authors like Beverly Cleary and L. M. Montgomery. We can't wait to read the next installment, Dolls of Hope.

Up next on our reading list are:

• Jackaby written by William Ritter
• A Sick Day for Amos McGee written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead
• Ms. Marvel written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by Adrian Alphona.

Happy reading, everyone!