Everything is Awesome!

Would you like to see an outright silly, but lighthearted movie this weekend? If so, why not come in to the Warsaw Community Public Library and grab the LEGO Movie! This movie is geared for all family members. It's loaded with enough juvenile humor to satisfy any child and packed with sufficient amount of pop culture references to attract older audiences. On top of the great cast, everything on the audio visual side of things is charming and awe-inspiring in equal amounts. Many of the high profile characters LEGO has licensed over the years make appearances, Batman, Superman, Spaceman, etc. The only one with a significant role is Batman, who, in my opinion, made the movie and is voiced uproariously by Will Arnett.

I won't give too much of the movie away but I will give you a short synopsis. The story centers on Emmet(Chris Pratt), an ordinary construction worker who lives an anonymous life in a bustling metropolis where everyone watches the same TV show, listens to the same "awesome' song, buys the same overpriced coffee and has their every move monitored by a city wide surveillance system. One day Emmet accidentally happens upon a mythical "Piece of Resistance." Thus begins an adventure of a life time.

The central theme if this imaginative, heartfelt movie is the battle between order and chaos. By the end of the movie we come to realize there is an inherent order in chaos if one looks for it. This is a movie that I feel almost anybody could enjoy. The only thing you have to worry about is the annoyance you'll begin to experience from having the "Everything is Awesome" song stuck in your head!( Just about as annoying as Frozen's "Let it go").

So if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the real world, march yourself in the Warsaw Community Public Library and pick up the recently released LEGO Movie, or if your child would like to experience the world of LEGO then bring them into our LEGO Club or Summer LEGO program, which is on July 5th and July 11th from 11AM-12:30PM. We also have a plethora of LEGO themed materials just waiting to be checked out! The library's hours are Monday-Tuesday 9AM-8PM, Wednesday-Friday 9AM-6PM, and Saturday 10AM-2PM. We are looking forward to seeing you!

The Most Dangerous Animal of All

I must admit I wasn't surprised when I heard early last week that a man has come forward claiming to know the identity of the infamous Zodiac Killer. Every few years someone comes forward with information on the identity of this boogeyman who terrorized San Francisco during the late 1960's early 1970's. Most claim the Zodiac Killer is their father!(Imagine how bad a childhood one must have had to even toy with this idea) Gary Stewart is no different than the other sleuths in naming his father, Earl Van Best, Jr. as well, however there is a slight difference in what Stewart claims as versus what others have claimed; he has quite a bit of substantial proof as to the identity of the Zodiac Killer and has documented his findings in a book entitled "The Most Dangerous Animal of All."

I am a true crime fan and the Zodiac case has always haunted me. I have read several books by people claiming some connection to this serial killer and generally have been unimpressed with their efforts in naming this elusive character that has escaped detection for more than 40 years. Gary Stewart's book is quite impressive. It is well written, professional and has a national publisher, HarperCollins, attached to it. (Anyone who has ever tried to get something published with a reputable publishing company know it is not an easy task).

Gary Stewart's story is compelling and it held my interest so much so that I couldn't put it down. The evidence that is laid out in the book comes down to a few key pieces that might be only circumstantial to some, nevertheless, it is worth taking a second look by the San Francisco Police Dept. Mr. Stewart has even gone as far as submitting a DNA sample to be compared to the DNA sample of the Zodiac Killer.

Mr. Stewart does take some liberties inserting his father's name in the historical narrative, even so, the documented evidence he provides is quite persuasive. I am normally a skeptic, and after finishing this true crime novel, I believe this text to be the most credible and believable account of the Zodiac Killer's identity, and this book will probably be as close as we will ever come to learning the true identity of the most fascinating case in the ledgers of unsolved crime. I recommend
giving it a shot! I dare say you will be thinking about it for a while after finishing the book.

Saving Mr. Banks

When Walt Disney's daughters begged him to make a movie of their favorite book, P. L. Travers' "Mary Poppins", he made them a promise, little did he know it would take 20 years to keep. Saving Mr. Banks is the story of how one of the most beloved films in movie history was made. However, the film's storyline isn't only about the wooing and securing of the Mary Poppins film rights it is also the story and the defining moment of P. L. Travers' childhood, which tells why Poppins was so near and dear to her.

Tom Hanks, who portrays, Walt Disney, is incredible, as always. His interpretation of Disney is said by those who knew the late Hollywood heavyweight to be spot-on, even down to his little mannerisms, which is awe inspiring due to the fact that is the first time Walt Disney has ever been portrayed on the big screen. Emma Thompson is sensational as the brittle, snobbish, control freak, P. L. Travers.(You can catch an audio glimpse of the real Mrs. Travers in action during the end credits of the movie) Collin Farrell's portrayal of Travers' troubled father will rip your heart out and leave it beating on the street!

Saving Mr. Banks is a fairly accurate, wholesomely square film about a wholesomely square film about a wholesomely square film. It is an old-fashioned feel-good live-action Disney movie for the modern age. Some cynics might say that it is entirely too sweet with an inaccurate storyline. I do agree that Mrs. Travers, for example, would probably hate this film, but I, on the other hand, think that a little bit of sugar mixed with fantasy helps the medicine go down and it clearly works! The film is an ode to the importance of good storytelling to readers and authors alike and a reminder that sometimes the past is best left in the past.

For those with a soft spot of Mary Poppins, however, it's a "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" treasure in its own right. So if you're feeling a little sweet why not come in to the Warsaw Community Public Library and check out Saving Mr. Banks, or if you're feeling a little nostalgic you might try Mary Poppins. Better yet why not grab P. L. Travers' "Mary Poppins" along with the Sherman brothers original music soundtrack of Mary Poppins and settle in for a weekend of reading!

It's All "About Time"

There seems to be a lack of feel good movies these days, don't you agree? Are you in the mood to forget about winter and sit back with friends and family and enjoy watching a unique fun film? Yes? Well have I got a film for you!

About Time is a rare movie that defies normal classifications. It is a romance mixed with a bit of fantasy, mixed with a dose of Sci-Fi with the end result being magical! It is a comedy about love and time travel. Tim is a young man who inherits a family trait that allows him to replay key moments in time and change them to his advantage. He can't change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life. So armed with this information, Tim sets out to make his world a better place. As the movie progresses, Tim learns some important lessons in life. He learns that no matter how hard you try you can't make someone love you and that the time you spend with the people you love are the most cherished moments in life. By the end of the film he has also come to understand that the real troubles in life are the things that never cross your mind and that also sometimes, terrible things must happen in order for life to change for the better.

Not all movies come with a message and if you are like me, you are pleasantly surprised when you come across a movie like this. The message in About Time is that you should always value your life, family and friends. And even though at times we find ourselves wishing we could go back and change a moment in our life the truth is the moment you are currently in is the most important, most significant in your life. Keep your eye on the present and enjoy every minute of every day as if it were your last...because it could very well be.

So if you are looking for a sweet, feel good thought-provoking movie that makes you want to be a better human, then rush right in to the Warsaw Community Public Library and pick up this little gem of a movie or another title that might pique your interest. It's free and where else could you get a better deal?

Winter Blahs? Make it a movie night!

Is the winter cold getting you down? Feel like you are stuck in the house with nothing to do? Why not come to the Warsaw Community Public Library and see the new collection of movies that have arrived at the library. In the mood for an independent film? The Spectacular Now is a wonderful honest portrayal coming of age film that deals with life, love, family and school. Miles Teller is incredibly genuine as the popular senior Sutter who lives in the moment, life of the party kind of guy who meets Aimee, played by Shailene Woodley, a good girl who assists him on getting his life and future on track.

Maybe you want an evening with the family and prefer a kid friendly film? We have those too. Despicable Me 2 and Monsters University are two sequels that I feel are just as good if  not better than their originals.

If you are looking for an Oscar worthy film, we definitely have what you need. The Butler tells the story of the White House butler who served eight presidents over three decades and how the dramatic changes that swept America affected his life and family. We also have Captain Phillips, a film about a 2009 incident where a group of Somali pirates boarded an American cargo freighter and after failing to gain control of the ship, took it's captain hostage. The captain is played by the ever talented Tom Hanks. Both of these films are phenomenal!

Perhaps, like me, you are a fan of Johnny Depp. We have a new film of his as well, The Lone Ranger. This film received quite a few negative reviews from critics but I have to disagree and say that I truly enjoyed this film. Johnny Depp was once again wonderful in his portrayal of Tonto. His comedic and dramatic timing was right on target, and his interpretation of Tonto was spectacular. Armie Hammer as the Lone Ranger was also outstanding and believable. By the end of the film his character had evolved into the Lone Ranger we all knew and loved as kids.

So what are you waiting for? Shovel your way out and head to the Warsaw Community Public Library to pick up these or other great films. Why not spend the evening tucked in warmly with family and friends courtesy of the Warsaw Community Public Library?

Safety not Guaranteed

Every once in a while a movie comes along that pleasantly surprises you. Safety not Guaranteed is one of those films. Although made with relatively unknown actors, this cast of characters brings something fresh to the screen.

Safety not Guaranteed is a fairly understated & genuine film about taking chances. There is also an underlying message about regret and how we should cope with it, either by living with it, forgetting it, or changing it.

The movie begins at a Seattle magazine where the boss (Mary Lynn Rajskub) is looking for story ideas. Jake Johnson who plays Jeff suggests investigating a bizarre classified ad that reads:

"Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. Safety not guaranteed."  The three journalists who investigate this "time traveler" are all on different tracks in their lives as far as time goes. They're all on a journey of self discovery.

So many movies like this starts off strongly and then  peter out in a swirl of poor writing. However this gem was quite the opposite.As the movie progresses, little by little you find yourself rooting for the "crazy time traveler" and really hope that he travel back in time despite the fact it is obvious he will not. (Not a spoiler)


For me, Safety not Guaranteed struck a long and very deep note, as we are all unfortunately time travelers, but the opportunity to go back and repair however a bit cliched, is what we as humans have longed for since the beginning of time.

I love my Kindle!

I love my kindle, words I'd never ever in a million years thought I'd say. Well, my friends, it looks like I have finally crossed over into the 21st century of reading! For the past few years whenever someone has mentioned  how much they adore their kindle, or other ereader, I have gotten this look of horror on my face, isn't that blaspheme?(especially if you are a book lover?) How could anyone who enjoys curling up with a good book, curl up with an ereader?

I just didn't get it. I love the smell of a new crisp book, the way it feels in my hands as I turn the page. I love that when I am tired and ready for bed, and struggle to see the print because my eyes are glazing over, I place my book mark into my last page read and then lay it on my night stand and turn out the light.

I have been an avid reader since I was 6 years old. I love knowledge that comes with reading a book. I love the escapism that comes with reading a book. I realized a very long time ago that a library was my window to the world. I have read in my lifetime hundreds of books, from fiction to nonfiction. If I want to learn more about a topic, I read. If I want to learn more about an occurrence or happening, I read about it. If I am feeling sad, I read. If I am feeling happy, I read just because I can!

So by now you are probably wondering...why did I decide to get a kindle? Actually I didn't, a friend offered my hubby and me his, and we accepted.(A big thank you to Jared) So after about a week of it laying on my nightstand I decided to familiarize myself with it. Our friend had a few books already loaded on it and I decided to read one (Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury). When I first began it felt a little weird, it seemed cold, very stiff. However the more I read, the more I began to enjoy it. A few days later when I had finished the novel, my first thought was...WOW I need to get more books on this thing! My second thought was....WOW how am I going to afford this? One face palm later it dawned on me; I have a world of books at my fingertips every single day of the year! I work at a library! And the library has a collection of eAudio as well as eBooks.

Before this day I hadn't really thought much about our eBook collection. I looked upon it more as a nuisance than a great service, due to the fact I maintain the library's database and have to make sure that all eBook records are complete and correct.(Which isn't a horrible job, just time consuming)

I decided I needed to try to check out a few of these eBooks and see how difficult the process was downloading them to my kindle. After going to the eBook website and figuring out how to do it, I learned I was able to check out 10 items for 7 days. That first day I downloaded 4 different books that I had been wanting to read. I was able to use my library card number, peruse the catalog by marking all books available in kindle form and then choosing from a list I was able to download them and save the file to my pc and transfer them over to the kindle. With the four books loaded I was ready to roll.

At home that evening I created a monster. I read and read and read until I could no longer keep my eyes open. I was a little bit worried about closing up my kindle for the night, worried that I would lose my place, however the next day when I opened the kindle back up, it went right back to the page I was on the night before.(who needs a bookmark?)

I have to confess my kindle and I are rarely separated now. I have over 24 books loaded onto it, some are on loan, others I downloaded from free sites like www.gutenberg.org. Even Amazon offers some free books for download. Will I ever go back to a good old regular book? As long as I have my kindle the world may never know.