March 2012

In October of last year, my husband and I decided to plan a trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan. We planned to go in March of this year and the main objective (at least my main objective!) was to drive by and photograph several Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes along the way. When we initially started the planning I was mostly concerned with the weather. March comes in like a lion, goes out like a lamb and can be a down-right cranky, unpredictable, bear cub every other day in between. I had no idea if a snowstorm would stop us in our tracks before we even left Beloit. As the days leading up to our trip grew warmer and sunnier, I realized my biggest problem was going to be deciding whether or not I needed to pack shorts and sandals. I packed them both, along with a light jacket, just in case. Spring didn’t just sneak up on us this year; it threw us a surprise party two weeks before we even started thinking about it. Now that the party has started, be sure to stop in at the library for some of the great spring programs we have planned for you and your family. We’ve got story times, arts and crafts, Family Game Day and Night, and No Foolin’: A Big Read free book giveaway. We’re continuing our Book to Film Series and we’re even going to have a Poetry Slam for the teens. Visit us on Facebook or at www.beloitlibrary.info for program dates and times. In the meantime, grab one of these new books, head outside and enjoy the sunshine! At the Farmers’ Market with Kids: Recipes and Projects for Little Hands by Leslie Jonath and Ethel Brennan. From exploring the vibrant booths to selecting produce and tasting the unique flavors each season brings, the farmers market provides a fertile playground for kids and brings families together while building healthy habits and supporting sustainable eating. With age-specific tips that cater to children of all ages, plus 65 nutritious and kid-pleasing recipes to put your farmers market spoils to use, this cookbook makes it easy for everyone in the family to eat healthfully and live well. (Book Description) Gardening Vertically: 24 Ideas for Creating Your Own Green Walls by Noemie Vialard. Until recently the idea of vertical gardening was limited to growing climbing plants on walls and trellises, but it has been completely transformed in recent years through the impetus of Patrick Blanc, who invented the concept of the Vertical Garden, also known as the Mur Végétal, or Green Wall. Step-by-step photographs guide you through the different stages in the development of a wall like this for personal enjoyment. (Book Description) Garden Pools, Fountains and Waterfalls: Design Ideas and Installation Techniques for Natural Looking Water Features by the Editors for Sunset Books. Don’t be intimidated; jump right in to provide your garden with the soothing sights and sounds of water. The 5th edition of this Sunset bestseller lures you into the languid ease and peaceful beauty of water features with a richly expanded photo gallery. Then it backs up these great design ideas with step-by-step instructions for constructing ponds, fountains, and waterfalls. (Book Description)