Speak Pirate and Other Learning Tools

 

1-24-2025

The library staff meets every other month to update everyone on programming, policy changes, new procedures, etc. This month we explored a new online service for language acquisition called Mango Language. Offering 71 languages including American Sign Language, Mango offers two interfaces. The regular one for the majority of users and Little Pim for 0-5 year olds.

Following a link from our website, patrons create their individual accounts, select a language and begin learning. Miss Lisa has begun Italian in preparation for an upcoming vacation. She has learned essential phrases such as asking for a restroom as well as some cultural information. With only 5-10 minutes available for the staff’s exploration before the meeting ended and the library opened, we selected Pirate.

Yes, Pirate is one of the 71 languages and a great way to learn how to use the program. The first lesson on Ship Talk list Conversational and Grammar Goals such as Call Someone Names (not nice, but Pirates are not known for being so) and Use Me as a Possessive. Part of the lesson records the user repeating a sentence or phrase and playing it back with the original for comparison.

I did well with, “Blow me down, the ship’s becalmed!” That translates into “Oh my gosh, the ship isn’t moving!” for those of you less fluent in Pirate.

This language tool replaces Transparent Language which expires on January 31^st and is available from our website or through an app.

Less irreverent, but possible as entertaining, Prairie Lakes Library System once again received a MasterClass grant of 1,000 seats. Patrons may register for a seat which is good for 12 months and take classes. There are classes for career development and leadership skills, cultivating a healthy and active lifestyle. The class that most interests me is Matthew Walker, a neuroscience professor, whose class “Teaches the Science of Better Sleep.”

(Since I wrote this and visited the MasterClass website, Facebook is sending me adds for Halle Berry's class on menopause, so there's that class too.)

Sign up information is available for both services from our website on the Online Courses page.

The Friends of the East Troy Lions Public Library had their first general meeting for 2025 this past week. This is the meeting during which I try to be my most charming as it is when I present that year’s wish list. After a very successful play fundraiser, I knew that money was there for a big ask. As always, the Friends were more than generous. This week I’ll work on placing orders. Next week, I’ll reveal their generosity.

Reading Now: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore and  Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

Listening to Now: Echoes on the Fens by Joy Ellis (the latest Nikki Galena just came out on audio at New Year's)

Wicked, Bunnies & Stuffies, Oh My

 

1-17-2025

Two weeks ago, Libby had Wicked in audio format available for an unlimited number of patrons. As soon it was recommended to me, I jumped on board; however, not with enthusiasm. I read the book about 25 years ago also based on a recommendation. I didn’t like it then; I find I do now. The difference is probably in expectations.

The first time through I only had a vague idea it was Wizard of Oz fanfiction. In my mind it was similar to Susan Kay’s Phantom, also read about 25 years ago, which attempts to provide a very sympathetic backstory for Erik, the Opera’s most famous Phantom. That book was fluff and took great liberties with the characters. I expected a feel-good book that would make the Wicked Witch of the West sympathetic. While it does, there is much more politics involved than I was in way shape or form prepared to find.

This time through I was prepared for it.

The movie’s DVD release is scheduled for February 4^th. We have pre-ordered it for the library. While I normally like to put significant time between reading and watching what is reported to be the same story, based on the trailers that won’t be a problem with this one. They don’t seem to be very similar.

We Live in Time is the library’s most recent DVD acquisition, sort of. It’s actually on Blu-Ray. As a British production, it’s reported the first movie that allows Andrew Garfield to use his real accent. Florence Pugh is also allowed her. I don’t know if that’s a first. Emma and I saw it as a stop on the way back to her dorm this fall. Nothing like breaking up a three-hour drive with a two-hour movie. Well worth it though.

Our latest reoccurring program is Storytime with Mr. Nibbles. As a domestic rabbit, he is dependent on humans for transportation to the library. The result is a monthly program, but not a set schedule. February’s storytime will be Thursday, February 6^th at 3:15 pm. It will include stories and making Valentines. All ages are welcome.

The ETCSD scheduled teacher inservice for Monday, January 20^th. Our special program for that day is a stuffed animal clinic. Local residents (notice I didn’t specify children) are invited to bring their stuffies to the library. Veterinarians from Mukwonago Animal Hospital will provide free exams, while skilled library staff will perform minor repairs. It’s a drop in program running 10:00-11:30 am.

Reading Now: The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore

Listening to Now: Taste by Stanley Tucci

CandyLand and Sourdough Programs

 

1-3-2025

Happy New Year from the staff of the East Troy Lions Public Library.

The majority of us are nice and refreshed after several days off over the holidays. One exception may be Miss Maria whose family joined her at the library on Christmas Day to set up our life size CandyLand game. The fifty-nine people who came by to play the game seemed to really appreciate their efforts. A few adults without the pretense of children even stopped in. With three different versions of the boardgame, coloring sheets, and additional toys available, our programming space was the place to be on Friday and Saturday.  Staff and one of our volunteers spent a good portion of Monday packing it up safely so it will likely become a holiday tradition.

Next up for programming is Sourdough Made Simple on January 22, 2025. Margaret (Hill) Schultz from Blue Bird Custom Creations will run the program for her. Margaret is a local find. Her aunt Sue Loth connected us. She’ll run the same program twice first at 2:00 pm at the East Troy Intergenerational Community Center (IGET) and again at the ETLPL at 6:00 pm. The first provides an opportunity for stair free access. IGET is located in the back of the ETCSD’s business office, formerly Doubek Elementary. While the official address for the building is Beulah Avenue, access to the parking lot is actually from the Division Street side of the building. It is set back quite a way, so there is a sandwich board sign next to the driveway.

Participants will all receive a sourdough starter, so we are asking for advance registration. To do so simply call the library at 262-642-6262 and let us know which time slots works best. We do not have a limit, but would like to have numbers for Margaret by January 15^th.

Christmas books and movies are being packed up and stored until November. That will give us room for our Winter Reading Program prize drawing. We had requested participants wait until January to return their forms/grids. Now is the time to do so. The deadline of 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 11^th is here. Names will be drawn before the library opens on Monday, January 13^th.

Last January we replaced the Christmas book display with a puzzle swap.  Afterward the remaining puzzles (which seemed to at least double in number), were moved to a side room in the lower level for a permanent, if out of sight, swap. We now have so many that a new shelving unit was added to the program space for puzzles of 550 pieces or less. Those with 750 or more are still in the side room. This is a good time for puzzles. Stop in anytime and staff will be happy to show you where they are.

Reading Now: Along Came a Spider by James Patterson (My first Patterson book.)

Listening to Now: Wicked by Gregory Maguire