Public

Leading the Western Literature Genre with Popular New Five Star Titles

Five Star Awards

Named “Best Old West Fiction Publisher” by True West magazine and earning a Lariat Award from the Western Writers of America, as well as honors for multiple titles from the Will Rogers Medallion organization, Five Star, an imprint of Gale, part of Cengage Learning, is leading the western literature genre. Recognizing excellence in Western literature and media, the Will Rogers Medallion Award Committee recently honored four titles from Five Star, including gold and silver awards, and True West magazine acknowledged a Five Star author and title in its latest “Best of the West” issue.

Read moreLeading the Western Literature Genre with Popular New Five Star Titles

Thanks Librarians

By William G. 

Every story has a beginning and mine began when my mother brought me to 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh PA. There she introduced me to the librarian. Taking me by the hand she said, “So young man, you like books”, followed by some serious questions. “What would you like to be? Who would you like to know? Would you like to visit the past, see into the future, or perhaps fly on the wings of a dragon?

Read moreThanks Librarians

I Hate Science Projects! But….

By Mike S. 

There’s no use pretending. I HATE science project questions!!!

My main gripe is that some kids fail to get the idea that a science project is about comparing different processes, methods, variables. The research literature you need has to do with what is already known about those variables, not about your particular combination of variables.

Read moreI Hate Science Projects! But….

Our 10 Plus Favorite Book Blogs

Book Blogs for Librarians

By Mary Kelly and Holly Hibner

Book blogs are everywhere. One of the best features of technology is when readers can share with other readers.  The love of books is shared by so many people across the web. These websites are great for everything from collection development, new releases, genre favorites and discussions.  However, literary types tend to get a bit stuffy. We prefer something less precious and more about the greater landscape of entertainment. Preferably with a bookish touch.

Read moreOur 10 Plus Favorite Book Blogs

Resources that Help Crafters Cultivate, Connect, and Create  

Knitting at your library

Marissa, whose interest in crafting was piqued by Pinterest, gets a great sense public library Resources for The Crafter of accomplishment in learning new skills and has even begun to sell her creations on a craft website and in a local shop that carries unique handmade items.

Erica Domesek, founder of PS I Made This and a judge on The Learning Channel’s Craft Wars, sees this as a strong trend among younger consumers, saying, “People are interested in making their lives more beautiful, more fun.” Homemade crafts offer a welcome respite from the proliferation of impersonal, mass-produced goods.

As crafting grows in popularity, thanks to enthusiastic sharing of craft ideas on social network sites and a renewed desire for handmade artistry, community members are looking for resources that can support their interests.

Read moreResources that Help Crafters Cultivate, Connect, and Create