Reading Challenge 2023
Hello, readers! Every year, I put together a big reading challenge for the staff here at the library. This comprises of 40+ prompts that they can use to help them…
More Graphic Novels You Can Read Right Now with Hoopla
A few weeks ago, I came to you with a list of graphic novels you could read online right now. If you liked what you saw and would be interested…
The Classic of the Month: The Time Machine
Welcome to our latest installment of The Classic of the Month! Today, we're going to look at one of the earliest examples of a science fiction novel, The Time Machine…
These Books Take the Cake!
I've always had a sweet-tooth. And sometimes, there's nothing that satisfies a sweet-tooth quite like a nice slice of cake. The book on this list may or may not be…
Please Don’t Eat Me! Stories of Friendship and Food
Oh no! Looks like someone's about to become lunch! In these silly stories, you'll find plenty of hungry predators looking for a bite to eat. But, when your favorite foods…
Six Graphic Novels You Can Read Right Now with Hoopla
Sometimes, there's nothing like a good graphic novel. If you enjoy graphic novels and hate having to deal with pesky holds lists, then these books just might be for you!…
The Fiendish Faces of Film
I first got hooked on horror films in high school. This was after a childhood of growing up with Scooby-Doo and Abbott and Costello meet the various monsters. My tastes…
Four Classic Vampire Stories (That Aren’t Dracula)
Count Dracula is probably the world's most recognizable vampire--and with good reason! This blood-sucking bad guy has been terrorizing generations of readers, ever since he first appeared on paper in…
Delicious Tales of Hungry Monsters
The picture books on this list all have one thing in common: there is a hungry monster looking for some sort of delicious, crunchable snack! Whether it's a tasty child…
Author Spotlight: Rafael Sabatini
For about two and a half years, my grandpa and I read together over the phone. What started off as a COVID quarantine activity soon took on a life of…
The Classic of the Month: The Devil and Daniel Webster
Welcome to the newest installment of The Classic of the Month! This month, we're going to be looking at one of my all-time favorite short stories, a tale of a…
This is Your Brain on Puzzles
Besides being ridiculously fun, puzzles are also incredibly good for your brain! If you want to improve your logic skills, sharpen your mind, and have a bit of fun in…
Buried Alive: Graveside Tales of Terror
I recently read the shocking Poe story, "The Premature Burial". And it got me thinking...which horror novels feature someone getting buried alive? Or what other stories in general feature such…
Sherlock Holmes Meets the Monsters
A few days ago, I shared a list: Sherlock Holmes vs. the Vampire. Today, I wanted to look at Holmes' adventures against other monsters. Unless something squeaks by me, there…
Sherlock Holmes vs. the Vampire
Say what you will about Sherlock Holmes--there is no denying the universal appeal of this most famous of detectives! In addition to the 56 short stories and four novels penned…
The Classic of the Month: Oh Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad
This month, we're going to look at a scary short story, instead of a full-length novel. This chilling little tale will not be a very long read (or listen, if…
Tales of Friendship, Love, and Hospitality
Hospitality is a very special gift. It's a giving of yourself, from your time, your resources, and your heart. The tales included below are all stories of hospitality in some…
Andy Serkis Reads Lord of the Rings
I've been a Lord of the Rings fan for years--in that I've seen the movies (extended editions!) at least half a dozen times, and I quote it often enough. But,…
The Classic of the Month: Don Quixote
Welcome to the Classic of the Month-- an ongoing series dedicated to putting the right classic into the hands of the right reader! This month, we're looking at a really…
Libby, Hoopla, and ComicsPlus: Which Should I Use and When?
Westlake Porter Public Library has a whole host of excellent Download and Stream options. From ebooks to movies, we have a little something for everyone. But, sometimes with this much…
Hoopla MEGAPACKS
Sometimes, when you find an author you really like, there's nothing better than just sitting down and reading as much as you can by that author, one title after another.…
The Universal Monsters
I'm a big fan of classic horror and the grouping of films about the Universal Monsters are my favorites. Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolf Man...I can't get enough of these big…
The Classic of the Month: Beloved
Not all ghost are found in horror stories. And sometimes, that horror runs so deep that it's not even scary anymore...just a sickening numbness that leaves you unable to cry.…
STEAM Week: Sand and Shells
My favorite place in the world has to be the beach. The warmth of the morning, the heat of the afternoon, and the cool of the night--it's always a lovely…