Happy New Year!

This fascinating documentary film explores the struggles and triumphs of three inner city teens as they strive to use their gift of language to rise above daily struggles.  Words can be very powerful, they can build you up as well as break you down.  This film focuses on the positive aspects of writing and artistic expression at a South Bronx school but also delves into the sometimes not-so-pretty aspects of poverty and single parent homes.  To Be Heard is a “must-see” film.  Check out the film trailer.   You may find this and other great documentaries in the Film and Sound Department at Richland Library.

Last year my New Year’s resolution was to stop making New Year’s resolutions. Clearly, that resolution was an epic fail because I currently have at least three solid resolutions in the works. But this is exactly what makes New Year’s resolutions so great. They can be as grand or as small as we want them to be. What's your resolution? Maybe you want to start your own rock band. Or maybe you dream of finding ways to eat healthier or live green. You may even want to learn how to have an encounter with a vampire.

The library may be closed for the holiday, but you can still get your hands on new books!  Download Gena Showalter’s eBook Alice in Zombieland from OverDrive or 3M, or try one of the other new titles listed below. 

Just in time for the holidays...the next installment of your favorite series may have hit Richland Library's shelves.  Check out these new books by Mike A. Lancaster, Jessica Day George, Philip Reeve,  Anna Godbersen, Sara Shepard, and Robert Muchamore.

There's still time to get creative--The deadline for Kids in Print, the Richland Library's literary magazine for children and teens, has been extended.  Submissions will be accepted through January 4th.  So start sketching, snapping black & white photos or writing your own poems, plays, essays or short stories. 

If you think that you've heard the name Sonia Manzano before, then you would be right. Most recognized for her role as Maria on the acclaimed television show, Sesame Street, Manzano has written her first novel The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano.  Set in 1969 Spanish Harlem readers are introduced to14 year old, Rosa Maria Evelyn del Carmen Serrano.  Rosa is caught at a crossroads between recognizing and understanding the traditions of her Puerto Rican neighborhood - El Barrio, and a desire to "fit-in" and just be like everyone else.  She doesn't even want to be called Rosa anymore, she prefers Evelyn because it is "the least Puerto Rican-sounding name" she could have.  Just as Evelyn begins to redefine herself, she is met with two unexpected challenges, the arrival of her intensely proud Puerto Rican Abuela and the community activism of a group of students, the Young Lords. With her newfound ideals in question Evelyn has to decide whether she will embrace who she truly is, or if she will change to fit who she believes she should be. This fast-paced, coming of age story definitely keeps the reader turning the page.  Manzano delivers a great work of fiction with rich historical context that expertly weaves fact and fiction.  

At Richland Library we’re always looking for ways to improve your library experience.  We love listening to your recommendations and making changes whenever we can.

New arrivals have made their way to your library’s shelves!