WCLS

Readeo book chats allow people who are separated geographically from the children in their lives to share storytime together.  This could be a military parent stationed abroad, or who travels often on business, or aunts, uncles, and grandparents who only get to see nieces, nephews and grandchildren infrequently.  Both parties need an Internet connection and a webcam; on the screen, they can see each other and turn book pages together.  You can try it for free, or subscribe by month or year.  For more information, check out "The Story Behind Readeo" video and the video that shows an actual book chat on the "How It Works" page.

It's Oscar season! And that means Tinseltown's best and brightest will be out to celebrate this year's best performances in film on March 7th. Whether you're excited to see who takes the Best Director prize this year or just hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrity in a designer gown, this is a night you won't want to miss. A book to get you in the mood? Lisa Fitzpatrick's The Art of Avatar: James Cameron's Epic Adventure, a companion to the movie that's among this year's nominees for Best Picture. The book includes more than 100 images that designers used to create this groundbreaking film.

While traveling through Prague, Michelle Enemark and Dylan Thuras discovered the library inside Strahov monastery (second oldest monastery in Prague) and were shocked into a "library-induced euphoria."  Inspired, they gathered pictures of other awesome libraries around the world and collected them on their website - Curious Expeditions: Traveling and Exhuming the Extraordinary Past.  Regal, lofty, magical - these architectural works of art ooze culture and history.  Soak up more beautiful library images in The Most Beautiful Libraries in the World.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson--a historian and scholar--launched an initiative, now known as African American History Month, to bring widespread attention to the contributions and struggles of black people throughout America's history. Take some time this month to learn about the people who have helped shape this country but who have often been overlooked in its history books.  Read a biography of an African-American author ...  or about the rich history of the Harlem Renaissance ... perhaps some poetry ... a history of the Civil Rights movement ... or America's journey through slavery.  Whatever your curiosity, you can find it in our catalog or by asking staff at your local library branch.