Wolfner NEWS, FALL 2019
John R. Ashcroft, Secretary of State
Click here for the audio version
Teen Writing Contest from October 15 to December 12, 2019
Wolfner Library is excited to announce an expansion to our Teen Poetry Contest. In 2019, you can submit not only poems, but also a form of short story that consists of between 300 to 1,500 words known as “Flash Fiction.” The submission period is October 15 to December 12, 2019. First place winners in poetry and flash fiction will get to choose either a Samsung tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard or an iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard. Visit wolfner/programs/teen-writing-contest or contact the Youth Services Librarian at 800-392-2614 to learn more about this program, obtain a release form, and, of course, submit a poem and/or flash fiction story. Thank you to our Friends of Wolfner Library for funding the prizes for this program!
Adult Winter Reading Program – Exploring American Regionalism!
Patrons selected American Regionalism as the theme for this year’s Adult Winter Reading Program by popular vote. We’ll explore the nation by diving into the various regions of our country. You may choose to read a mystery set in New England, a western exploring the Rocky Mountains, or learn about the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest.
The challenge is simple:
- Read 5 books set in different geographic areas and earn a prize for participating.
It’s up to you, but we will help you along the way. When you sign up, we’ll send you a log at the beginning of the program (in large print, braille, or electronic format) to track your progress. We’ll also have some suggestions and pre-loaded cartridges available with ideas about how to fulfill your personal challenge. As always, reader advisors can also help record your progress or give you additional ideas about what to read.
Our journey begins January 2 and will run through March 9. Registration will open on December 1, 2019, and continue through February 24th, 2020. The deadline for submitting the books read as part of the challenge will be March 16, 2020.
From my perspective…
Fall always reminds me of the start of school and the start of great things. Here on the Wolfner staff, we are looking at ways to improve our patrons’ experiences. Great ideas for improvement from patrons and the staff here are being considered and tried. As a network library of the National Library Service, we strive to provide great customer service while circulating books and magazines in braille or audio formats, delivered by postage-free mail or by download through BARD. Join us for programs, book clubs, the winter reading program, and just plain good books. Our readers’ advisors are looking forward to working with you. Why not give yours a call?
From your perspective…
- This is a wonderful program and she spent many hours enjoying audio books. (Pat from St. Louis)
- Several requests for the Ashes series from Wm. Johnstone. Wolfner sent this request on to the National Library Service for their list to be narrated. One of the other state’s recording studios has started production of the series.
- There have been multiple requests by patrons for books on those already blind learning skills used by the blind (as opposed to all NLS ones being more textbooks for rehab teachers). This request has been sent to NLS.
- This service has basically, changed her life since her poor vision has caused her to give up reading and most of her television. (Pam from Trenton, MO)
- Just a note to thank you for your selection of books on tape. I am on the 5th one and I like them very much. (Jerrie from St. Jo)
- Enjoyed listening to the book by Senator John Ashcroft, Lessons From a Father to His Son. Appreciated the many comments I have received about the Wolfner volunteer (name) who read my most recent book Breaking it Down and Connecting the Dots: Creating Common Ground Where Contention Rules. Thanks to Deborah Stroup for making this happen! (Peter from Columbia)
- Thank you so much for all the wonderful years! My mom listened to so many books. Brought her a lot of joy. Reading books was a blessing! (Clara from St. Louis)
- I hope that more people join us in the book club. There have been a few books that I didn’t care for, but that didn’t keep me from participating! The format is good. I also enjoy the Winter Reading Challenge! (Greg from St. Louis)
- Frances (Kansas City) says our books have been a life saver to her!
Book Club Announcement
All three book clubs will be on break for the holidays. The clubs will resume in February.
Books from Xavier Society for the Blind
The Xavier Society for the Blind has completed the conversion of their collection to digital talking book format. The Xavier Society provides more than 1,500 Catholic reading materials in audio and braille to the blind and visually impaired free of charge. For more information or to register for their services, visit their website at xaviersocietyfortheblind.org or call 800-637-9193.
New Patron Workshop
On Nov. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Wolfner staff will be hosting its second quarterly New Patron Workshop on our conference call line. To participate, please call Wolfner Library at 800-392-2614 and ask for Amy or e-mail [email protected] to register. Registered patrons will be given the conference call phone number. Following an overview of WolfPAC and BARD, all questions will be answered. Registration is limited to 25 patrons.
A Universe of Stories!
110 Wolfner Library patrons participated in this year’s “A Universe of Stories” Youth Summer Reading Club! 68 patrons completed the program, reading a total of 288,688 minutes! The Friends of Wolfner Library funded the program prizes. Congratulations to all who participated and completed this year! The 2020 summer reading club slogan will be “Imagine Your Story” with a focus on world mythology, fairy tales, and folklore.
Volunteer Profile
Naomi Vetter became a Wolfner volunteer in September, 2012. She began as a monitor and liked working in the recording program so much that she now also serves as a reviewer.
When asked if she had a favorite book she had worked on, Naomi responded, “John Drake Robinson’s Coastal Missouri and all his books on Missouri. So creative and funny!” When asked if there were any book(s) she hated, she replied, “No, although Variant did not end the way I had hoped, so at the end the reader was left wondering….. I guess you have to read the next book.”
Naomi worked at the Missouri House of Representatives as a Legislator Assistant for 23 years. Prior to that she substitute taught in Jefferson City Public School system for a few years.
When asked about other activities she enjoys, Naomi’s response was: “Monitoring and Reviewing at Wolfner is my favorite activity, but I also help with our church funeral dinners. In previous years I volunteered as Cub Scout Den Mother, 4-H Club project leader, various school associated projects and sang bass in The Heart of Missouri Sweet Adelines for 16 years.”
Naomi also wants to share that she and her husband, Louie, have seven children and five grandchildren. “Sadly, we lost a son in 2015. His three children are a blessing to us. Our children, having found places to live in the US far from Missouri, gave Louie and me an opportunity to widely travel the US. We have also traveled to all seven continents. I love Mark Twain’s quote, ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.’ This is so true.” Her other hobbies include sewing, oil painting, yard work, bridge and other card groups, and traveling with friends when the opportunity arises. Naomi concluded, “I really am enjoying retirement and am thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at Wolfner.”
New Books From the Wolfner Recording Studio
Books for Adult Readers
Blue & Gray Cross Current by Suzanne and Dan Chilton DBC16306 Exploits of a family in the river bottoms of the south-central Ozarks during the Civil War.
Board Stiff by Elaine Viets DBC16327
Twelfth book in the Dead-end Job Mysteries series
The Code of the Hills by Nancy Allen DBC09755
First book in a new mystery series set in the Missouri Ozarks.
The Golden Lane: How Missouri Women Gained the Vote and Changed History by Margot McMillen DBC16318 A history of the women’s march that took place in St. Louis during the Democratic Convention of 1916.
Harvest of Blessings by Charlotte Hubbard DBC16317
Book 5 in the Seasons of the Heart series.
I'm a Humdinger, and You Can Be One, Too by Jean Carnahan DBC16328
Essays exploring the mysteries and delights of parenting and grandparenting.
Lead Me Home by Theresa Hupp DBC16291 Caleb McDoughall leaves Boston to follow the Oregon trail, joining a wagon train in Missouri.
Lessons from a Father to His Son by John D. Ashcroft DBC16316 Senator John Ashcroft writes about the values and spiritual principles he learned from his father.
Missouri Mystic by Jon Mundy DBC09697 The author, an ordained Methodist minister, opens up to a mystical dimension beyond traditional Christianity.
Molly Brown from Hannibal, Missouri by Ken Marks DBC16293 Who knew that the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown’ grew up in Missouri?
Paris, Tightwad, and Peculiar: Missouri Place Names by Margot Ford McMillen DBC16312 A history of baffling, mundane, and hilarious names found in Missouri.
Books for Younger Readers
MASL Award Books
Show Me Award nominees, 2019-2010
Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins DBC16336; Bruce's Big Move by Ryan T. Higgins DBC16335
Mark Twain Award nominees, 2019-2020
The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie DBC16294; Joplin, Wishing by Diane Stanley DBC16281;
Truman Award nominees, 2019-2020
Lost Boys by Darcey Rosenblatt DBC16307; To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough DBC16298
Gateway Award nominee, 2019-2020
A Short History of the Girl Next Door by Jared Reck DBC16329
Children’s Books
Class Picture Day by Margaret McNamara DBC16339 Emma has to wear an eye patch for her class picture. For grades K-3.
Little Critter Sleeps Over by Marcer Mayer DBC16340 Little Critter goes to spend the night at a friend's house where a butler opens the door. For preschool - grade 2.
Missy the Show-Me Mule by Nancy Tuminelly DBC16343 Introduces young readers to the state of Missouri through stories about the state animal on a big adventure! For grades 2-4.
Public Outreach Events
- 16th Annual Show Me Summit on Aging and Health, September 9 – 11, Chateau at the Lake, Branson
- Mo Tech Fest, Kansas City, September 12, Zona Rosa
- Senior Forum, St. Louis City License Collector, September 20
- ADAM Annual Conference, September 23, Hannibal
- MO-Case, September 22 – 24, Tan Tar A
- MLA (Missouri, October 2 – 4, Kansas City
- MCB, October 4 – 6, Kansas City
- Missouri Optometric Association, October 4, Lake of the Ozarks
- Senior Savvy Expo, October 11, St. Louis
- ILRC Networking, October 16, Jefferson City
- MOAER Conference, October 21, St. Louis
- Rehabilitative Services for the Blind, October 23, Sikeston
- Children’s Vision Summit, November 2, Jefferson City
- Missouri School Counselor’s Summit, November 3-5, Tan-Tar-A
- Missouri State Teacher’s Association Conference, November 14-15, Columbia
Upcoming Holidays
Just a reminder to patrons, Wolfner Library will be closed on the following holidays:
Nov. 11, 2019 Veteran’s Day
Nov. 28, 2019 Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 25, 2019 Christmas Day
Jan. 1, 2020 New Year’s Day
Jan. 20, 2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Announcement!
Wolfner is offering an Author Visit via conference call this winter. Wolfner is inviting a Missouri author whose book our recording studio has recorded and made into a digital book to speak with you. Stay tuned for details!!!