Thursday, April 14, 2011

Review of yesterday's Story time

The library came alive on Wednesday afternoon with the sounds of 15 children! Moody families visited the Crowell Library Juvenile collection and Curriculum Lab for the National Library Week Story Time.

Their visit began with snacks and coloring. Once everyone was settled on a blanket, they were entertained with 5 stories read by Elementary Education students and library employees. Some of the books read were: The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, and Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney.

After the stories were read, parents and children stayed for games and snacks.

Parents, children and library employees look forward to future story times in the Crowell Library!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Review of last night's Pre-Release Party for Litfin's THE GIFT

Last night over 50 people attended Dr. Bryan Litfin's Pre-Release Party for the second book in his Chiveis trilogy, The Gift. Students, staff, faculty, and the provost were welcomed to the lower level of the library by a slide show of images illustrating the Italian-setting of the novel, which was put together by Crowell Library's Music Library Assistant Jenny Greening. Antonín Dvořák's 1893 New World Symphony set the mood with adventurous crescendos and colorful motifs. In addition to the visual and auditory stimulation, guests' taste buds were enticed by Catering's Italian-inspired spread, including Bruschetta, sparkling white grape juice, polenta with cheese, and potato wedges sprinkled with walnuts and doused with sour cream on top.

At 7pm, Litfin gave some introductory remarks, including welcomes and thank you's. Those in attendence were then shown a trailer about the sequel to The Sword that is available on the book's website: http://www.chiveis.com/ Next he re-capped the premise and basic plot of the trilogy and then proceeded to show through power point the setting, plot, and character of The Gift.

Following this, Dr. Rosalie de Rosset joined the stage and interviewed Litfin, cordially asking literary criticism-type questions. Litfin's answers gave guests a greater understanding and insight as to the themes, purpose, process, and story of the book. The audience was then able to pose questions to the author. These dealt with what types of weapons would be used or introduced and if the reader would be kept abreast of the goings-on in Chiveis. Litfin answered some fully but others he kept a mystery referring those interested to the book for answers.

To end the evening, Litfin read a scene from The Gift in which Teo and Ana have a romantic-type date and in which Teo's position and character are challenged. (You'll have to read the book - no spoilers here!). Finally, everyone was invited to purchase a pre-release copy of the book, as well as The Sword, from LifeWay Christian Store at a discount. Litfin then signed copies and talked with the guests.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Review of last night's Salon du livre

The smells of crepes and sounds of baroque music enticed un-intending and intentional students alike to join the audience of Professor Mocuta's Salon du livre. Whip cream and berries adorned the crepes and café au laits steamed and countered the sweetness of the French dessert.

The library space bustled with talking as the dessert reception grew fuller in anticipation of the night's program. Some ignorant of the event at first scorned the noise, but were seen later indulging in the free dessert. Sugar and caffeine were definitely worth the inconvenience. Most others joined in the festivities, intrigued that the library space could be used in such a way - food and noise and a make-shift amphitheater?!?!

The furniture of the area had indeed been moved in a sort of amphitheater space. The 'stage' figured to the south of the area and featured a writing desk and twin chairs, paintings on easels, still life props, and an adjacent book exhibit.

Professor Mocuta and Theatre Y actors Melissa Hawkins, Kevin Smith and MBI actor Evan Hill joined the throng at 7. Mocuta introduced the Salon historically and also explained how it came to fruition here at MBI during this year's National Library Week celebration. Attendees were given biographies of Salon personalities, the portraits of whom were shown via slides on a screen.

The Salon moved from lecture to the reading of epistolary literature - correspondence written by the Habitués du salon. The letters most resonant were those written by Vincent Van Gogh to Gaugin and to his brother Theo about his art. We listened to Smith give voice to these words of struggle, definition, philosophy, religion, transcendence and art all while looking at the 'Starry Night' and 'The Café' images on a slide.

To close, Smith again impressed the audience with a monologue from András Visky's 'Backborn.' Unfortunately, time was running out and the audience dared not ask too many questions about the piece. Indeed, bewildered and inspired students alike left the library discussing the Salon. For this, it was a success and something to be repeated.

Library staff presented the actors with flowers and gift cards to Open Books. Professor Mocuta received potpourri and stationary.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Another National Library Week Event - Story time!

Children of Moody employees, students, & alumni come join us in the library as Elementary Education majors read some of their favorite stories aloud.  Crowell Library staff, including Technical Services Librarian Lori Johnson, has prepared a bulletin board display featuring new children’s books and also an exhibit of Moody Publishers’ children’s books.  In addition to Story time, children will be able to participate in a writing activity, coloring pages and a beanbag toss game, as well as treats and give-a-ways.  Parents, fellow employees and students come and browse our re-organized picture, chapter and young adult book sections.  Library staff will be demonstrating the AccuCut® machine that cuts out letters, numbers and a variety of shapes that can be used for bulletin boards, posters, scrapbooks and many other projects.  It will be an opportunity to explore the Curriculum Lab and Juvenile collection to learn and discover more about its treasure trove of resources.

Friday, April 1, 2011

National Library Week 4/11-15, 2011

READ Posters
Print Communications Major, Amy Cronk, a Crowell Library Information Desk Assistant, photographed and designed 5 new READ posters of the following MBI professors: Dan Green, Karyn Hecht, Marcus Johnson, Bob & Pam MacRae, and Peter & Kelli Worrall. These will be posted around campus for National Library Week. Check them out to see what books they recommend to our students!

Food for Fines
Beginning on Monday, April 11, you can help yourself and someone else by trading food for fines! MBI’s Crowell Library will remove $5 in fines* for every non-perishable food item donated. All food will be donated to The Moody Church Compassion Ministries. Food for Fines will end on Friday, April 15.

Not sure what to donate? How about beans, chili, peanut butter, soup, canned vegetables, cereal, pasta, rice, tuna, canned fruit, jelly, pasta sauce, shelf-stable milk, stew, mac & cheese? We cannot accept open packages, homemade items, perishable foods, expired items, beverages, or anything in a glass container.

Donations will be accepted at the Circulation Desk for exchange Monday through Friday between 8:00AM – 8:00PM.

For more information, contact the Main Circulation Desk at x4136 or circulation@moody.edu.

*Fines cannot be removed or reduced for lost or damaged fees, overdue fines for Reserve items or printing charges. If you have questions about your fines, please contact the Circulation Desk. Maximum fine waived is $20 per person.

Book exhibits on first floor of library
Our library is a treasure trove of fascinating books. The Hidden Gems that will be displayed are some of the most beautiful art and photography books in our library. In addition, the display table will feature a series of guide books to the best items in specific categories such as best books, best paintings, best films, and best classical music.

Create Your Own Story @ Your Library: Come learn how to scrapbook, journal, and research your genealogy and also read fictional stories about these autobiographical creations. Highlights of the exhibit will be items from the archives including personal scrapbooks and Dwight Lyman Moody’s genealogy.

Salon du livre – Monday April 11 @ 7 PM (French Dessert 6:30-6:50 PM)
Come gather to enjoy dessert crepes and café au laits while the Salon concept is introduced through lecture and is demonstrated through dramatic readings of epistolary literature and book exhibits. Professor Mocuta will be our guide through the enriching landscape of this French institution, the ideals of which can be examined, contemplated, and enacted in our own lives today. Guest Actors from Theatre Y, Melissa Hawkins and Kevin Smith, and Moody Actor Evan Hill will perform. Refreshments will be provided by MBI’s Catering Dept.

Pre-Release Party for The Gift – Tuesday April 12 @ 7 PM
The Gift, the second book in the Chiveis Trilogy, “continues the search for the New Testament in a world where the Bible has been lost. After the finding of an Old Testament in The Sword, The Gift picks up the story of Teo and Ana. Exiled from their homeland and trying to survive in unknown and dangerous lands, they search for any record of the missing Testament.” Come to the Crowell Library’s pre-release party to learn more about the second installment to Professor Litfin’s adventure story. Professor de Rosset will interview him about the book, after which he will read a portion of the story to those in attendance.

Attendees will be eligible to purchase a pre-release copy of The Gift (publication date is April 30), which Professor Litfin can personalize for you at the end of the program. Staff from LifeWay will be selling a limited amount of copies at the event.

Italian-inspired refreshments will be provided by MBI’s Catering Dept.