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Christmas at the library

We know 2020 has been so weird, but we're bringing some holiday cheer to you this month. Here is a sampling of some of the fun:

Write a letter to Santa—letters must be returned to the library by 7 p.m. Dec. 16 so we have time to get them to Santa and get a reply
Enjoy a special story time with Santa on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9
Pick up a Christmas stocking filled with treats for kids and teens from Youth Services Dec. 14-19 (supplies are limited)

See a full list of activities at the library and in Derby including Operation Holiday, on the special Christmas page on the library website by clicking the Read More button below. You'll also find a few Christmas coloring pages there as well.

Drawn to a Better World by Wichita Women Artists

The Derby Public Library and Arts Council invite the public to enjoy “Drawn to a Better World,” a new exhibit in the Gathering Space of the Library on view through Jan. 4, 2021. Creations from 18 members of the Wichita Women Artists illuminate the gathering space and community room.

The 51 pieces on display derive from various themes including pet portraits, foreign vistas, floral interpretations and abstractions; almost every art medium is represented. Oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, pastels and more entertain art lovers and offer brief distractions from the grayer days of fall.

For those wishing to enjoy from home, follow along via Derby Arts Council at Derby Public Library on Facebook. Due to restrictions related to Covid-19, an Artists’ Reception cannot be scheduled at this time. Art is available to view in person during the library’s operational hours. Anyone interested in purchasing an item, or learning more about displaying original work in the High Wall Gallery can contact Tami English at Derby Public Library at 788-0760.

Learn more about this show on the Arts Council's webpage by clicking the red "Read More" button below.

Glass Fishing Floats
by Carol Davis

Rainy Day Hi
by Cheryl Lindstrom

Library holiday closures this month

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 24-27, the library will be closed in observance of Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 31, the library will close at 5 p.m. for New Year's Eve
Friday, Jan. 1, the library will be closed for New Year's Day

Looking for someplace to discuss books? We've got you covered!

We have three active book groups here at the library that are open to everyone. If you love to read and talk about the books you read, pop in to one or more of the book groups!

Bemused Biblipohiles — meets at 1 p.m. Dec. 2. The title for December is American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. *The book club will meet in person in the Community Room.

Hauntingly Good Reads — meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 14. The title for December is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. *This month, the book club will meet via Zoom. Please contact Cori Dodds at cori@derbylibrary.com for a link to the meeting.

Joyful Page Turners — will not meet in the month of December. The book chosen for January is Let Him Go by Larry Watson, and will be discussed on Jan. 28.

Bemused Bibliophiles meets during the day and reads popular books that have been on the bestseller list. Hauntingly Good Reads meets in the evening and explores all kinds of books that have a supernatural/magical/unexplainable kind of bent—we look far beyond the traditional vampires, ghosts and witches.

Joyful Page Turners is the most enduring book club at the library—it's been meeting regularly since May 2000! Books selected for this book club include just about everything: classics, modern bestsellers, non-fiction, and more.

Click the red "Read More" button below to visit the book club page on the library website, where you can find lists of books each book club has read.

Hours remain through December

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday

Please wear a mask and social distance while visiting the library.

Can You See a Little Bear?
by James Mayhew

This book was recommended to us by Youth Services Coordinator Carri. Amelia instantly took to this book, and we literally read it over 20 times. Every page starts with a rhyme about an animal and asks if you can see what the little bear is doing. There is also a little mouse on each page that is hiding somewhere, so Amelia really enjoyed trying to find it! I love to just watch her diligently look at everything on the pages, it really opens your eyes to see things you wouldn’t normally look at when reading a children’s book.

Amelia's rating:

Hedy Lamarr: An Incredible Life
by William Roy and Sylvain Dorange

First Line: Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, it’s time for our mystery celebrity.

Summary: Hedy Lamarr, once considered to be the most beautiful woman in the world, was an actress and an inventor. She was born and grew up in Austria. However, when Europe seemed to be on the brink of world war, she fled to England and then the United States. Upon arrival she started her career in Hollywood. She starred in blockbuster films, married multiple times and lived the life of celebrity. But she also had a secret. She was a scientist. She loved inventing things and learning about the world around her.

My Thoughts: Several years ago, I read The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, where I learned about Hedy Lamarr for the first time. It was a wonderful story about a fantastic woman. She was greatly overlooked for her inventions and only remembered for her looks. I love that people are now realizing her greatness.

I loved this version of her life. Graphic novels are becoming a form of literature that I have been more open to recently. I loved the artwork. It was all beautifully done and had lots of detail. Sometimes I find myself overlooking the art in a graphic novel but this one I took my time to look longer at the scenes before turning the page. If you are looking for a quick read and want to learn something new then this is perfect for you.

FYI: This title is available only on Hoopla.

Release date: Nov. 6, 2018

Ashley's rating:

Best of Me
by David Sedaris

First Line: I’m not the sort of person who goes around feeling good about himself.

Summary: A collection of previously published essays and stories from David Sedaris. He covers everything from short stories, family drama and the loss of a sibling. His stories range from serious to hilarious.

My Thoughts: Several years ago, I fell in love with David Sedaris and his work. I have read all his books, listened to his holiday collection multiple times, and spent hours waiting to see him at Watermark. Ninety percent of these stories were ones I had previously read but I was pleasantly surprised to find a few that I had not experienced yet.

It was great to rediscover some of his early stories that I had forgotten about. I laughed just as hard this time around as I did the first time. Even though Sedaris is considered a humorist he also brings a lot of heart to his work. The way he talks about his family makes me appreciate my own family. Everyone has quirks and life can be crazy but we all love each other and will be there for one another.

I think that this was exactly what I needed at the end of 2020. Focusing has been difficult this year. A book of short stories and essays are perfect for my attention span lately. And the laughs help as well! Thank you, Mr. Sedaris!

Release date: Nov. 3, 2020

Ashley's review:

Need a BookFix?

If you're struggling to find a book you want to read, let us help! The library is now offering personalized book recommendations through the BookFix form on our website.

Just fill out the form, and we'll send you a customized list of several books we think you'll like. And it works for kids, too! Parents, grandparents or caregivers can fill out the form for kids, and someone in our youth services department will find books just for them.

Clock the red "Read More" button below to get to the BookFix request form.

Book recommendations for kids and teens

The Reader's Advisory for the Youth Services department also includes lists of books based on theme, award winners and Umbrella Books (books about difficult topics). If you need some inspiration on what books to borrow for your child, check these out! To see these lists and more, click the red "Read More" button below.

Wanting a more individualized list? Use the Book Fix form (click the red button above) and we will put together a list just for your child.

Passport Update!

Routine service: 10-12 weeks
Expedite service: 4-6 weeks (with an additional $60 fee)
Passport Hours:
- 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday
- 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

For more information click on the "Read More" button below.

Christmas at the library

Drawn to a Better World by Wichita Women Artists

Glass Fishing Floats by Carol Davis

Rainy Day Hi by Cheryl Lindstrom