Pick Up Your Reading Log for a Chance to Win Summer Reading Prizes

Join us for a summer full of fun, creativity, and reading! Library cards are free with your ID—kids can get their own too!

• Adult will pick up their free book bag and first reading log at the information desk on opening day.  Return those logs to the information desk to receive a new one (if you have filled it) and your entries for the prizes. An entry for every 3 things marked on their log - three programs, three books, or combo. Only adult or young adult books will count for the adult logs!  (and yes, audio books count too!)
• New this year: The Bookmobile will also have adult & children prizes at community stops—don’t miss it!

Be creative with Random Acts of Creativity: build, draw, sculpt, snap pics, or make LEGO films—then share your colorful creations with us on Facebook!

Book Club Picks at the Info Desk. 3D Printing & Digital Help at the Tech Desk. Magic, Music & Special Events all summer!

Pick up Your Reading Log from the Information desk at the library or print your own copy by downloading a pdf file to enter into Summer Reading Prizes! Summer Reading is always FREE and FUN at SCPL. Learn, Know, Gather & Grow in Colorful Ways—We can’t wait to see YOU!

Have your children or granchildren participate in the Summer Reading Program at your local public library for a chance to win a $529 college savings account! Plus, your library could win $500! Visit kysaves.com or call toll-free at 877-598-7878 to learn more.

See below for some Summer Reading events coming in June and July! For a complete list of events, please visit the Events Calendar.

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event
Sunday, 6/1 From 2-5 pm (All Ages; Drop-In)
Summer Reading 2025 is HERE!  Let us Color Our World together and celebrate all things bright and beautiful. Join us for our Summer Reading Kick-off party today from 2-5:00pm. Crafts, Prizes, Music & fun!

Nero's Fiddle in Concert
Sunday, 6/1 @ 2 pm
We are kicking off Summer Reading 2025 today and Nero's Fiddle will be here in front of our fireplace with some jaunty tunes to set your feet tapping.  Come out and pick up your adult book bag and log at the Information Desk, children's summer reading materials at the Youth Services Desk, and enjoy some good music while you do so.

Shining Light on Kentucky's Everyday Women Heroes
Thursday, 6/5 @ 6:30 pm
We are kicking off Summer Reading 2025 today and Nero's Fiddle will be here in front of our fireplace with some jaunty tunes to set your feet tapping.  Come out and pick up your adult book bag and log at the Information Desk, children's summer reading materials at the Youth Services Desk, and enjoy some good music while you do so.

Adults Poetry Club
Friday, 6/6 @ 5 pm
Hone your writing talent and learn from others who enjoy creating with words. Love poetry? Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this new monthly club is a space to share work, exchange feedback and connect with others who speak the language of verse.

The Colors of Safety: Family First-Aid in the Summertime
Thursday, 6/12 @ 10 am
Summertime is full of adventure and fun! Come learn about the importance of safety and the steps in making your family first-aid kit. In this program, we will talk about how to stay safe during different summer activities and what belongs in a first-aid kit for all occasions. All families, adults, and children are welcome! Registration required. 

Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Friday, 6/13 @ 11 am (Ages 3+)
Join the KY Reptile Zoo for a talk about various animals. 11:00am  Best for children over age 3y+. FREE. No Registration.

Science Heroes: Color Our World
Friday, 6/20 @ 11 am
Science & Storytelling Combined! Science Heroes bring a colorful story to life for children ages 4y+ by performing science experiments during the story! FREE. No Registration.

Revolutionary War in a Trunk
Sunday, 6/22 @ 2 pm
SCPL and the Big Spring chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are pleased to bring you a hands-on, interactive program that is fun for all ages! Geoff Baggett, Kentucky writer and Revolutionary War historian, brings an old wooden trunk full of interesting items and military equipment from the Revolutionary War period.

Renaissance Science Magic & Medicine in Harry Potter's World (Gallery Exhibit)
7/1-8/8 (During library hours)
We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Traveling Exhibition entitled: "Renaissance Science Magic & Medicine in Harry Potter's World" throughout July in our Gallery. Check our July calendar for a Harry Potter "Book Party" in honor of Harry's book-birthday, which is July 31st.

Scraps & Stories: Adults Collage Art
Thursday, 7/3 @ 4:30 pm
Discover the joy of collage in this relaxed, no-pressure craft session designed for beginners. We'll provide magazines, newspapers, scissors, glue, and colorful paper-Just bring your creativity! Cut, layer, and arrange to create your own unique piece of art. No experience needed-just come explore, express and enjoy. 

How to Write a Book: Authors Share Their Experience
Thursday, 7/10 @ 6:30 pm
Have you ever thought about writing and publishing a book?  Meet Authors Wes Blake and David Arnold. We will have a conversation with these two talented authors, learning about their creative process, the experiences in publishing and anything you wish to know about bringing your own stories to life.

Everything Bees: Introduction to Beekeeping, Honey, and Bee-Friendly Gardens
Sunday, 7/20 From 2-4 pm
Bees are an essential part of our food supply and the plant world and protecting them has become more important than ever.  This program, presented by Jessica Mayes with the Kentucky State Beekeepers Association, will introduce you to beekeeping, harvesting and marketing honey, or simply raising a bee-friendly garden.  You will also learn recipes and other uses for honey! 

Color Psychology and Us
Monday, 7/21 @ 5:30 pm
Color plays an important role in our everyday lives and has a big impact on our emotions or feelings. We encourage everyone to join us as we explore the world of Color Psychology. Experts from New Vista of Georgetown, Kentucky will come and talk about the psychology of color in this informal session. Please Register.

Decoupage Treasure Box
Thursday, 7/24 @ 6:30 pm
Create a treasure box with Michael using the Decoupage form of art. We provide the supplies, you provide the handiwork. Each patron will decorate a hinged wooden box with the decoupage form of artwork using tissue paper and Mod Podge to take home! We will also discuss a new trend in furniture decoration using the tissue and decoupage form of art, with a slide show and discussion. Please register.

Colors of Nutrition
Monday, 7/28 @ 4:30 pm
Do you have an interest in learning more about nutrition and health?  Would you enjoy learning about the benefits of nutritious, colorful foods?  This informational program will discuss the importance of nutrition and the wide rainbow of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.  Gain new knowledge and ask questions along the way. Please register.

Animal Enterprises Petting Zoo
Friday, 8/1 From 10 am-2 pm (All Ages)
Animal Enterprises brings the Petting Zoo! Goats, sheep, tortoise, alpaca, maybe a baby camel! Free- No registration. Drop by during the hours of 10 am until 2 pm in our front parking lot.

Testing Resources at your Local Library

It’s that time of year again, when our kids are getting ready to make that transition to college life, or your spouse has decided a new career choice is in order. Summer just does that to us- it offers us a new start! You may not know that Scott County Public Library has resources to help you ace that college entrance exam or prepare for that new career you’ve always wanted. Check out these testing resources available here at the library. They can help you prepare, get a great score, or build confidence to make that career leap you’ve always wanted!

ACT Prep  published by the Princeton Review

If it’s on the test, it’s in this book. The book contains techniques that actually work and powerful tactics to avoid traps and beat the American College Test (ACT).  It contains tips for pacing yourself and guessing logically. It contains everything you need for a high score- complete coverage of all test topics, including the multiple-choice and written portions, thorough review of the skills necessary to help you ace all five ACT sections, information on the ACT Online Testing option, superscores, and more.

You can practice your way to excellence with 6 full-length practice tests (4 in the book and 2 online) with detailed answer explanations. There is also a diagnostic answer key to determine which topics you are familiar with and which you will want to carefully review. You will have instant score reports for the online tests and essay checklists to help you grade the writing tests

Digital SAT PREP PLUS 2024   published by Kaplan

In January of 2022, the College Board announced a major revision to its Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT test). Instead of the pencil and paper test, the new test would be both completely digital and adaptive by section. This book is designed to help you achieve your highest score on this new digital SAT in early 2025 and beyond. After reading the introductory material, check out these domains of the material tested by the College Board on the new SAT; Algebra, Problem-solving and Data analysis, Advanced Math, Geometry and Trigonometry, Reading and Writing: Reading Skills, and Reading and Writing: Writing Skills. This book, published by Kaplan, has Proven Strategies (score boosting, tried and true strategies make study time efficient), Expert Feedback (detailed answer explanations and performance analysis help you improve with every question) and Targeted Practice (zero in on the skills and information you need to ace the SAT).

GRE PREP 2024    published by the Princeton Review

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a 3 hour, 45 minute exam that’s used to rank applicants for graduate schools.  The scored portion of the GRE consists of the following sections:

• One 30-minute Analysis of an Issue Essay
• One 30-minute Analysis of an Argument Essay
• Two 30-minute Verbal Reasoning Sections
• Two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning Sections

This book, published by the Princeton Review, has 5 full-length practice tests, proven techniques for success, and complete content review. The Princeton Review is going to make this whole ordeal a lot easier for you. They give you the information you need to do well on the GRE, including time-tested strategies and techniques.

GMAT Focus Premium   published by The Princeton Review

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test that business schools use as a tool to help decide whom they are going to accept into their MBA programs. It includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal, and Data Insights sections. This book will help you learn the famed Princeton Review test taking strategies, learn the specific skills you will need, periodically take simulated GMATs to measure your progress, hone your skills, and keep track of the application process. It contains techniques that actually work, everything you need for a high score, and allows you to practice your way to excellence. You’ll also find 3 computer-adaptive practice tests, 2 additional diagnostic tests, complete content review and premium online extras.

ASVAB Prep Plus   published by Kaplan

The ASVAB is used by the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and National Guard to emphasize the importance of mission preparedness. You are on your way toward being well prepared to take the ASVAB test that is a prerequisite for enlisting in one of the services. The United States Military Entrance Processing Command administers the ASVAB for all the services.

Your Kaplan book contains:

• Full-length diagnostic test
• Tools to help you plan your studies
• Chapters that cover each of the subject tests
• Two full-length practice tests
• 500 flashcards to help you remember important concepts for the technical subtests

If you want to see more actual tests for additional preparation, ask our information staff about the online practice tests we provide for many of these standardized exams.  Whether you’re preparing for college, grad school, or a career change, these resources at Scott County Public Library can help make your educational or career change much less difficult. It’s easy to be prepared, confident, and knowledgeable!

Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Raining Cats and Dogs in April!

April is here and as they say,” April Showers Bring May Flowers.”  But often it just brings dreary days and heavy rains. I would always laugh as my grandmother used to say, “It’s raining cats and dogs out there!”  On those long rainy days in April, why not curl up with a good mystery about cats and dogs?  Check out these little charmers!

Kittens Can Kill;  A Pry Marlowe Pet Noir Mystery
by Clea Simon

The dead don’t keep pets, so when animal behaviorist Pru Marlowe gets a call about a kitten, she doesn’t expect to find the cuddly creature playing beside the cooling body of prominent Beauville lawyer David Canady. Heart attack? His three adult daughters angrily blame drug interactions, feline allergies-and each other. And begin to feud over their father, his considerable estate, and that cute ball of fluff. While the cause of death is pending, each sister has an axe to grind-with arguments that escalate when David’s partner reads out the will. Pru’s sensitivity to animals, which caused her to flee the cacophony of Manhattan for the quiet Berkshires, adds further problems. The local vet is overwhelmed as the animal hospital’s money runs out. There’s a needy Sheltie and some invasive squirrels, too. But the dead man’s kitten, his former partner, and his troublesome family keep drawing animal psychic Pru back in.

Hair of the Dog; A Dan Mahoney Mystery  
by Susan Slater

It sounds like some work and mostly play when United Life and Casualty sends its investigator Dan Mahoney to Florida. Five greyhounds-all heavily insured- were lost in a fire at the Daytona dog track. So simple. Five dogs dead by smoke inhalation, bagged, tagged, and cremated. Papers all in order. Ashes in specialty urns on the desk of Dixie Halifax, track and casino co-owner. In jail, a young employee charged with arson to cover a murder he’s accused of committing.

Working this case is not as complicated for Dan as having his mother Maggie move into the FBI’s favorite mob slob haven in nearby Palm Coast, while his fiancée Elaine Linden on sabbatical, works on a PI license. Perfect- the FBI can set Maggie up to spy on her boyfriend who may be laundering cash in some geriatric mafia scheme.

Best in Snow
David Rosenfelt

Christmas has come home early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a storm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow-white Christmas and all that-but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day. When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor.  The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now the young reporter- and prime suspect- is in need of a lawyer.  Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow in this latest Christmas mystery in the best-selling series from David Rosenfelt.

What the Cat Saw
by Carolyn Hart

Ever since the death of her fiancé, Nela Farley has found herself plagued by a sixth sense. She understands the thoughts of cats when she looks into their eyes. Nela knows that what she’s experiencing is completely irrational and tries to convince herself that she is simply transferring her own thoughts that she doesn’t want to face. When her adventurous sister, Chloe, goes on a trip and asks for a favor, Nela welcomes the distraction and agrees to substitute at Chloe’s job for a charitable organization. Chloe has arranged a place for her sister to stay, but when Nela shows up, she encounters the previous owner’s cat and get a flash of thought; “ dead…dead and gone…She loved me…skateboard on the step…”

Nela wants to ignore what the cat saw, but the idea that the death of former tenant Marian Grant wasn’t an accident is something she can’t ignore. As Nela begins to do some research into Marian’s life, strange events begin to occur, all seeming to lead back to the Haklo Foundation. But when a detective becomes suspicious of Nela’s sister and a second murder occurs, Nela realizes she’ll have to make the most of her unwanted ability and figure out what’s really going on, before she meets her own untimely end.

The Blessings of the Animals  
True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats
by Philip Gonzalez and Leonore Fleischer

Many thousands of readers shared the joy of The Dog Who Rescues Cats, the amazing true story of Phillip Gonzalez and his miracle dog, Ginny. Millions more watched their story on television news and talk shows.  Since their first book, Phillip and Ginny have been hard at work, carrying out their most incredible rescues- and their lives have changed in wonderful ways. The Blessing of the Animals is the story of their remarkable successes, from the back alleys of their Long Island cat-feeding stations to the backstage corridors of the Sally Jessy Raphael show. Phillip and Ginny have become the world’s most popular cat-rescue team.

When Phillip adopted Ginny from a local animal shelter, he knew right away that she was no ordinary dog. Ginny’s amazing sixth sense enabled her to sniff out abandoned and disabled cats, and before long Phillip had devoted his life to rescuing and caring for cats in need. Today they feed over one hundred outdoor cats and have brought twenty into their own home; one is blind, one is deaf, one has no rear paws, but they are all part of the family.

So the next time the rains put a damper on your activities this month, settle in and cuddle up with a good book from Scott County Public Library!

Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

DIY Around the House

With the harsh winter weather behind us and spring rolling into our lives, we begin to think of cleaning out those closets, straightening up the garage, etc.  Perhaps you’ve thought it might be a good time for those home repairs you’ve been wanting to do.  With better weather comes the opportunity to fix this and fix that around your home. At Scott County Public Library, we are a great resource for help as you approach those spring DIY projects. 

Make It Right
by Mike Holmes

Your home renovation doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It doesn’t need to cost twice as much or take twice as long as you expect. Mike Holmes will walk you through a renovation from start to finish. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience and expertise, Mike will help you…

• Find a reliable contractor who will “make it right”
• Ask the right questions and anticipate the right answers
• Understand the legalities of renovation, including building codes
• Avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes
• Learn about new materials and techniques that save time and money

Home Improvement 101; Your Everyday Guide to Caring for Your Home
Black & Decker Publishers

If you’re a new homeowner or a rookie do-it-yourselfer, you need Home Improvement 101. From the corner of the basement to the peak of the attic, we’ll give you the inside story on what makes your house tick-and how to keep it ticking. We’ll show you the tools and supplies you actually need and how to handle almost any cleaning, maintenance, or repair task your house can throw at you. From fixing creaks and leaks to unclogging drains to removing stains-it’s all here. Hundreds of projects and tips show you how to protect your most valuable investment- your home

• Replace your light fixtures
• Replace broken glass
• Fix a leaky dishwasher
• Replace furnace filters
• Regrout ceramic tile
• Repair cracked concrete
• Replace a light switch
• Clean stained hardwood floors
• Repair damaged walls
• Rehang roof gutters
• Install a new sump pump
• Fix a running toilet
• Install new weatherstripping            

The Smart Approach to Home Renovation
by Susan Boyle Hillstrom

Are you thinking about remodeling but a little unsure of what to expect? The Smart Approach to Home Renovation explains what you need to know and do before getting involved. It also provides great ideas-and before and after stories- for renovating or adding more living space, including kitchens and baths, family rooms, bedrooms, outdoor living spaces, and exterior makeovers.

• Dramatic Before and After Projects
• More than 250 color photos of kitchens, baths, family rooms, bedrooms, porches, patios, decks, AND exterior makeovers
• Complete coverage of the important planning aspects of a remodeling, including how to finance the project
• Case Studies- real remodeling stories from real homeowners who offer their firsthand advice
• A comprehensive resource guide that directs you to important industry sources and manufacturers

How to Fix Anything: Essential Home Repairs Anyone Can Do
Popular Mechanics, Publishers

This handy guide covers the essential household repairs that homeowners need to know.  From easy fixes like tightening loose door hinges to more involved projects such as bleeding your brakes, you’ll learn how to handle issues in any room in the house, garage, and yard as well as simple lessons in plumbing and electricity. Throughout the book, Popular Mechanics Senior Home Editor Roy Berensohn answers questions about the trickiest fix-its, including how to deal with recurring ceiling cracks and get rid of a garbage disposal stench that just won’t go away. You’ll also find unexpected hacks, like using grass clippings to fix a flat bike tire or a golf tee to fill a stripped screw hole.

Learn how to …

• Stop a running toilet
• Silence squeaky wood floors
• Clean a dirty showerhead
• Bring your laptop’s touchpad back to life
• Unstick a stuck drawer
• Fix a cell phone that won’t charge

Whole House Repair Guide
Family Handyman, Publishers

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a long-standing neighborhood icon, your home needs attention-and we can help. You can fix it with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. 850 Photos and Illustrations show you exactly what to do. More than 125 Pro tips give you an insider’s edge. More than 100 Instant Fixes that solve problems in 20 minutes or less.

To lower the cost of owning your home …

• Prevent small problems from becoming big expenses
• Save money by repairing appliances yourself
• Maintain your driveway, roof and deck to maximize longevity
• Fix plumbing leaks and stop wasting water
• Stop costly drafts with new weatherstripping

With these wonderful resources, you can be assured that your fix will fill you with pride and preserve the value and beauty of your home.

 Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Great Novels and their Movie Counterparts

A great novel becomes a classic; a great novel becomes a film. But sometimes these films are not considered to be equal to the book. Occasionally, the movie lives up to the billing, and in fact, takes the novel to a better place. If you haven’t read the book, see the film, if you haven’t seen the film, at least read the novel. These are some of the wonderful contemporary classics, novels and films, that you can obtain here at Scott County Public Library.

Forrest Gump

Six foot six, 242 pounds, and possessing a scant IQ of 70, Forrest Gump is the lovable, surprising savvy hero of this classic comic tale. His early life may seem inauspicious, but when the University of Alabama’s football team drafts Forrest and makes him a star, it sets him on an unbelievable path that will transform him from Viet Nam hero to world-class ping-pong player, from wrestler to entrepreneur. Now Forrest is telling all in a madcap romp through three decades of American history. In the film, Forrest is a former college football All-American kick returner, Viet Nam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, champion international ping-pong player, businessman, and philanthropist whose accomplishments and pursuits bring him to experience critical events in the 20^th century, and meet various significant people including Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and U. S. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon.

He exudes a compassionate, optimistic, and tenacious attitude in the face of countless setbacks. Thriving from the strong upbringing of his mother, he strives to help every person he meets despite his strong naivete and some people’s negative perception of him due to his lack of intellect. He has been named one of the greatest movie characters of all time.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

An international bestseller and the basis for a hugely successful film, Ken Kesey’s One flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was one of the defining works of the 1960’s. A mordant, wickedly subversive parable set in a mental ward, the novel chronicles the head-on collision between its hell-raising, life-affirming hero Randle Patrick McMurphy and the totalitarian rule of Big Nurse. McMurphy swaggers into the mental ward like a blast of fresh air and turns the place upside down, starting a gambling operation, smuggling in wine and women, and egging on the other patients to join him in open rebellion. But McMurphy’s revolution against Big Nurse and everything she stands for quickly turns from sport to a fierce power struggle with shattering results. With One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey created a work without precedent in American literature, a novel at once comic and tragic that probes the nature of madness and sanity, authority and vitality.  Greeted by unanimous acclaim when it was first published, the book has become an enduring favorite of readers.

The Devil Wears Prada

Andrea Sachs, a smalltown girl fresh out of college lands the job “a million girls would die for.” Hired as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the high-profile, fabulously successful editor of Runway magazine, Andrea finds herself in an office that shouts Prada! Armani! Versace! at every turn, a world populated by impossibly thin, heart-wrenching stylish women and beautiful men clad in fine-ribbed turtlenecks and tight leather pants that show off their lifelong dedication to the gym. With breathtaking ease, Miranda can turn each one of these hip sophisticates into a scared, whimpering child.

The Devil Wears Prada gives a rich and hilarious new meaning to plaints about “the boss from Hell.”  From sending the latest, not-yet-in-stores Harry Potter to Miranda’s children in Paris by private jet, to locating an unnamed antiques store where Miranda had at some point admired a vintage dresser, to serving lattes to Miranda at precisely the piping hot temperature she prefers, Andrea is sorely tested each and every day-and often late into the night- with orders barked over the phone. She puts up with it all by keeping her eyes on the prize; a recommendation from Miranda that will get Andrea a top job at any magazine of her choosing. As things escalate from the merely unacceptable to the downright outrageous, however, Andrea begins to realize that the job a million girls would die for may just kill her. And even if she survives, she must decide whether or not it’s worth the price of her soul.

The Color Purple

A powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literature, The Color Purple depicts the lives of African American women in early twentieth-century rural Georgia. Separated as girls, sisters Celie and Nettie sustain their loyalty to and hope in each other across time, distance, and silence. Through a series of letters spanning twenty years, first from Celie to God, then from the sisters to each other, the novel draws readers into a rich and memorable portrayal of black women-their pain and struggle, companionship and growth, resilience and bravery.

Deeply compassionate and beautifully imagined, The Color Purple breaks the silence around domestic and sexual abuse, carrying readers on an epic and spirit-affirming journey toward transformation, redemption, and love.

Other acclaimed movies derived from awesome novels include…

• The Notebook
• Water for Elephants
• Sense and Sensibility
• The Princess Bride
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower
• The Hunger Games
• Little Women
• The Longest Ride

These and so many others are now available at Scott County Public Library. Come see us!

 Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Handmade Christmas Gifts to Make the Holiday Sparkle!

It’s already Christmas time again? Where did this year go? If you’re like most people, the holidays have a way of sneaking up on us. Once October gets here, it’s a quick, downhill sleigh ride to Christmas. Here at Scott County Public Library, we have a way to make your holidays special and stress free! Check out these sources to stimulate your brain and perhaps make your family’s holiday a bit more memorable!

Quick and Easy Christmas; 100 gifts & decorations to make for the festive season
by Search Press Studio

This fabulous book brings together 100 great Christmas projects from the best-selling Twenty to Make series. Christmas is a wonderful time to kick-start your crafting! From imaginative handmade gifts to stunning, reusable decorations, this book contains 100 fabulous projects for the festive season- all carefully selected from Search Press’s best-selling series. Each craft has a handy techniques section to get you started and all the projects are quick and easy to make, providing all the inspiration you need to make Christmas extra special.

Classic Christmas Crochet; Traditional Danish Holiday Decorations and Gifts
by Heidi B. Johannesen and Pia H. H. Johannesen

Capture the spirit of the season with compelling simplicity in this classic, coordinated selection of crochet patterns rooted in Danish history and yuletide lore. From steadfast holiday staples like shining bells and personalized stockings, to friendly Scandinavian elves and the elegant woven hearts first popularized by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, everything you need to handmake all trappings of a quintessential Christmas is right here at the end of your hook. This book features a range of difficulty levels, allowing novice crocheters to keep it quick and straightforward, while seasoned veterans can craft tin soldiers, toy drums and more. Delights of every shape and size, from snowflakes and Christmas trees to full-size stockings ready to hold piles of holiday treats!

Best of Christmas Ideas: A Better Homes and Gardens book

Christmas homes are filled with joy and laughter. Make the season bright with these inventive decorating schemes, seasonal accents, festive tables, quick holiday flourishes, and seductive sweets- all filled with the Christmas spirit. The cool thing about this book is how it is filled with various designers’ best ideas. Bring the country charm into your home by utilizing regular household items or go all-out elegant with a silver color scheme that takes your breath away! Chapters include Color Me Happy, Wreaths from the Seasons, Holiday Cake Pops, Creative Cookies, Reindeer Games, and so much more!

Artful Christmas; 30 Elegant Craft Projects
by Susan Wasinger

From a nostalgic vintage Toy Catalog Garland to playful Modern Graphic Felted Ornaments, this assortment of projects and ideas with a beautiful aesthetic showcases an elegant approach to the Christmas season. Using a variety of simple techniques, you can lend some heartfelt and merry creativity to the festivities by making:

• an air-dry Pressed Clay Wreath that wonderfully textured and sophisticated.
• a luxurious yet earthy Wool-on-Linen Table Runner.
• a Sand-painted Ornament that has a suede-like texture.
• a sculptural, easy-to-stitch Color-Blocked Gift Bag, and more.

Step-by-step instructions and how-to photos will guide the way!

Also, be sure to check out Creativebug on our website!  There are tons of great holiday crafts there with easy-to-follow instructions! They are instructional both for the novice and the experienced crafter. Get inspired!

So no need to stress about the season. Visit us at the library and you’ll find so many resources to help your home be Merry during the holiday season!

Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Thrillers in a Series

I wanted to take this month’s blog to recognize a couple of fantastic series that we have here at Scott County Public Library. I am the type of reader who loves a suspenseful thriller- perhaps it is a madman trying to blow up New York City, a serial killer on a psychotic rampage, or a nuclear attack that could change the world as we know it. And I love a good strong protagonist whose dedication, intelligence, and hard work can save the world. Check out these thrillers which are part of a series… Once you read the first, it is only the beginning!!!!

Stillhouse Lake
Series by Rachel Caine

Gina Royal is the definition of average- a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor-the ultimate warrior mom.

With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.

But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake- and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed- or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she has learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.

Heartsick, etc.
by Chelsea Cain

In Chelsea Cain’s bestselling series debut, Portland detective Archie Sheridan has spent years tracking Gretchen Lowell, a beautiful serial killer. In the end she was the one who caught him, but after torturing him for days she mysteriously let him go and turned herself in. Since then she has been locked up, leaving Archie damaged but alive in a prison of another kind-addicted to pain pills, unable to return to his old life, powerless to get those ten horrific days or Gretchen off his mind.

When another killer begins snatching teenage girls off the streets, Archie has to pull himself together to head up a new task force, but  even then he can’t stop the killer without getting information from Gretchen-an encounter that may destroy him yet.

With Susan Ward-a hungry young newspaper reporter profiling Archie and his team-Archie, the killer, and Gretchen enter into a dark and deadly game. Each novel in Chelsea Cain’s scorching series leaves readers wanting more of the twisted and destructive relationship introduced in Heartsick.

Blindsighted (Grant County series)
by Karin Slaughter

The sleepy town of Heartsdale, Georgia, is jolted into panic when Sara Linton, the town’s pediatrician and coroner, finds Sibyl Adams, a young college professor, dead in the local diner. As well as being viciously raped, Sibyl has been cut; two deep knife wounds form a lethal cross over her stomach. But it is only when Sara starts to perform the postmortem that the full extent of the killer’s brutality becomes clear. Police chief, Jeffrey Tolliver-Sara’s ex-husband-is in charge of the investigation, and when a second victim is found crucified only a few days later, he must face the fact that Sibyl’s murder was not just a personal attack. What he is dealing with is a sadistic rapist-turned-killer who is terrorizing rural Grant County. Jeffrey is not alone in his search. Lena Adams, the county’s sole female detective, wants to see justice done since her sister was the first victim. Sara, too, cannot escape the terror. A secret from her past could hold the key to finding the killer-unless he finds her first.

So check out some of the wonderful series of mysteries and thrillers that grace the shelves of Scott County Public Library. They will leave you wanting more…and more…

Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

True Crime and Justice

America has always been fascinated with true crime. Sometimes it’s a morbid curiosity for the details…and sometimes it’s the detective in us determined to solve the case. Here at Scott County Public Library, we have lots of true crime treasures-ones that will leave you breathless in their details and struggling to find justice in a sometimes unjust world. Whether ripped from the headlines or delivered from obscurity, check out these great reads!

Twentynine Palms: A True Story of Murder, Marines, and the Mojave  
by Deanne Stillman

North of the town of Twentynine Palms is the world’s largest Marine Corps base: south is Joshua Tree National Park. In 1991 it all collided when two young girls were savagely murdered by a troubled Marine who had recently returned from the Gulf War. One girl was about to turn 16, the other twenty-one. How did they come to find themselves in a certain apartment on a certain night in Twentynine Palms? What family and cultural legacies dogged them and ultimately sealed their doom? How are America’s children faring in the shadow of military outposts among those who are sworn to protect the country?

Murder in the Name of Honour: The True Story of One Woman’s Heroic Fight Against an Unbelievable Crime   
by Rana Husseini

Chewing gum, laughing at a joke in the street, wearing make-up or a short skirt, choosing a boyfriend or husband, or being raped by a brother. All have been cited as ‘honorable’ motives for murder.

Rana Husseini’s hard-hitting and controversial examination of honor crimes is a fearless, groundbreaking account of a topic that can no longer be ignored. Claiming the lives of 5,000 women every year, the practice is common in many traditional societies around the world, as well as in migrant communities in Europe and the USA- where the incidents are becoming increasingly frequent.  These so-called ‘honor killings’ are usually carried out by a relative as an act of purification to restore the family’s honor. Rana Husseini includes the personal stories behind many high-profile cases that have recently hit the news as well as many of the unreported tragedies.

American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21^st Century
by Maureen Callahan

The names of notorious serial killers are usually well-known; they echo in the news and in public consciousness. But most people have never heard of Israel Keyes, one of the most ambitious and terrifying serial killers in modern history. The FBI considered his behavior unprecedented. Described by one prosecutor as “a force of pure evil” Keyes was a predator who struck all over the United States. He buried “kill kits”-cash, weapons, and body-disposal tools-in remote locations across the country. Over the course of fourteen years, Keyes would fly to a city, rent a car, and drive thousands of miles in order to use his kits. He would break into a stranger’s house, abduct his victims in broad daylight, and kill and dispose of them in mere hours. And then he would return home to Alaska, resuming life as a quiet, reliable construction worker devoted to his only daughter. In American Predator Callahan takes us on a journey into the chilling, nightmarish mind of a relentless killer and to the limitations of traditional law enforcement.

The Devil’s Rooming House; The True Story of America’s Deadliest Female
Serial Killer    
by M. William Phelps

A silent, simmering killer terrorized New England in 1911. As a terrible heat wave killed more than 2,000 people, another silent killer began her own murderous spree. That year a reporter for the Hartford Courant noticed a sharp rise in the number of obituaries for residents of a rooming house in Windsor, Connecticut, and began to suspect who was responsible: Amy Archer-Gilligan, who had opened the Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids four years earlier. “Sister Amy” would be accused of murdering both her husbands and up to sixty-one of her patients with cocktails of lemonade and arsenic; her story inspired the Broadway hit Arsenic and Old Lace.

The Devil’s Rooming House is the first book about the life, times, and crimes of America’s most prolific serial killer. In telling this fascinating story, M. William Phelps also paints a vivid portrait of twentieth-century New England.

It is the gripping tale of a legendary, century-old murder spree.

Murder in Brentwood    by Mark Furman

For O. J. Simpson to get away with murder, an innocent cop-a brilliant detective-had to be destroyed. That was the cynical strategy of the Simpson “Dream Team,” and it worked. But as certainty about Simpson’s guilt grows, so does outrage about the scapegoating of Mark Fuhrman. Now the L.A. detective tells his side of a story in a damning expose.

We uncover not only the bloody glove, but also explosive, never-used evidence recorded by Fuhrman and his partner at the scene, but astonishingly, never presented at trial. A crucial clue in Simpson’s own bathroom may hold the secret of the murder weapon. Most shocking of all, the murderer left behind a bloody fingerprint. Why was this critical evidence never used?

Fuhrman reveals such fascinating eyewitness details in his own role as one of the ‘shooters’ prepared to take Simpson down at the end of the Bronco chase, and Simpson’s incriminating reaction upon being informed of his arrest.  Fuhrman’s own hand-drawn maps of the crime scene and his reconstruction of the murders leave no doubt about what really happened on June 12, 1994.

So, you see, the library is filled with great gems of the uncertain world in which we live. Great trials, great cases, great interest.  Come check us out!Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Gentle Yoga Flow

Grab your yoga gear and head to the Scott County Public Library for a mindful practice on the mat.  This yoga flow centers on gently building strength, flexibility, and balance as we practice a moving meditation.  It is aimed for beginners, but those familiar with yoga are welcome to attend as well. Please bring a water bottle, mat, and any other yoga props you would like to use, as well as wear comfortable clothing. This program is by registration only and slots fill up fast, so please remember to register. Join in on this healthy and active fun!

Chair Yoga

Chair Yoga is an excellent way to gently stretch and strengthen the body. This yoga class is suitable for all levels, especially for those with limited mobility.  Please bring a water bottle and any other yoga props you would like to class.  

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a moving meditation conducted through a sequence of gentle movements that promote harmony between mind and body.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.

Waiver Needed (Inside SCPL)

This program contains physical activity that has risks associated with participation. You will be asked to sign an Accident Waiver & Release of Liability form before you can participate.

A Novel Idea Book Discussion

A Novel Idea Book Discussion. Join us the first Wednesday of every month at 5:00 p.m. for this casual book discussion where we read a mixture of everything and talk about the books we love.

Book Talk

Book Talk. Join us for this casual book discussion which discusses both fiction and non-fiction works. You are welcome to bring your own lunch to enjoy while we chat. 

Horror Book Club

Horror Book Club. Join us as we discuss our favorite horror novels and authors, in the casual book discussion led by associate professor of English Literature Gerry Adair of BCTC.

Military History Group

The Military History Group is a bimonthly discussion group.  Please come prepared to offer your own knowledge of history and contribute toward making this an interesting session.

A Close-Knit Community: Knitting Club

A Close Knit Community: Knitting Club.  Would you like to learn how to knit and create spring and summer-weight shawls, baby blankets or gifts for the holiday season?  Do you already know how to knit and want to join forces with other knitters to share creativity, learn new skills, exchange yarn and needles?  Well, A Close-Knit Community Knitting Club is for you!  Bring your own yard, needles and skills or just bring yourself and use our needles and yarn.  If you need knitting instruction we will get you started!  If you want to learn a new stitch, how to make lace or more advanced techniques, we will teach you those too.  Registration is recommended. 

Sit & Stitch

Sit & Stitch.  Do you need a break and are looking for somewhere calm and soothing?  Sit & Stitch is a time specifically to bring your current needlecraft project (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, tatting, crewel, etc.) to work quietly with others.  

Recording Studio Orientation

Disclaimer(s) Accessibility

SCPL makes every reasonable effort to provide equal access to all patrons. Please call 502-863-3566 at least 72 hours prior to an event to arrange for accommodation. All facilities and meeting rooms are ADA compliant.

Visit our Recording Studio to learn more.

Discover! Program

Discover! Programs are designed with consideration for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Registration is required - participants' caregivers need to be present and register for the class as well. Ages 16 and older.

Sounds from SCPL

Find Your Roots

Additional resources are available by visiting our Electronic Resources page.

All Appoinments Are Fully Booked

AARP Tax Aid 

AARP Tax Preparation.  The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be providing free tax preparation services at the Scott County Public Library in 2025. Tax preparation will begin on February 6th and continue each Thursday through April 11th, except for March 27th. They will not be available on Thursday, March 27, but will have hours on Saturday March 29. Hours will be 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This service is by appointment only and requires an email address.

Beginning January 16, 2024, you can call 502-219-6447. Please leave a phone number and email address, and an AARP volunteer will return your call to schedule your appointment.

You can also make your own appointment by using the QR Code. Please visit their site for a list of documents you should bring to your appointment at “aarpfoundation.org/taxaidedocuments”.