Big Changes Coming for Our Library System

Many of you probably know already that the Champaign and Urbana libraries are getting their own circulation system. If you haven't heard about that yet, you can get more details here.

This will have some effects on Monticello library patrons. First, no one with a Monticello card will be able to use the Champaign or Urbana libraries between Nov. 1 and Dec. 7. Then, starting Dec. 8, you can bring your library cards and photo IDs to Champaign or Urbana to be entered into their new circulation system. Then you will be able to borrow items from Champaign and Urbana directly.

However, interlibrary loan delivery will be changed. We strongly advise against dropping Champaign or Urbana items off here in Monticello, because we won't be able to check the items in. They will be put in transit back to Champaign or Urbana, which could take many days, and they will be checked in only after they arrive back, meaning you could end up with late fees. The same goes for Monticello items being dropped off in Champaign or Urbana.

Also, if you want to request something that belongs to Champaign or Urbana, you will have to place a special order with a librarian here if you want it delivered to Monticello. Once you are registered in the new circulation system at Champaign/Urbana, you will be able to access their catalog online and place requests, but you won't be able to get them delivered directly to Monticello.

Quick Updates

I've been so busy today getting ready for the Fairy Tale Ball on Saturday! I hope lots of you can come out and dress up as fairy tale characters. We'll have lots of fun stuff to do and things to eat, and when you're done you can go down to the library and get lots of stuff to read. What could be better?

This year's Teen's Top Ten list has been released. Check it out here. I'm glad to say we already own five of the 10 books listed, but I've read only 3 of them so far. I'll have to work on getting the other 7 read.

I've been telling people lately about Goodreads, which is a great website for all kinds of readers. Make book lists, give ratings and recommendations, and lots more! You can see my profile here.

Scary Stories!

I've been getting into the spirit of the season and reading a bunch of scary stories! I finally picked up the Prinz Honor book The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancy, and I read about 150 pages of it. I ended up putting it aside not because it's badly written, but because there's a LOT of blood & guts and I'm not a big fan of the character of the doctor. Kids who liked Cirque du Freak and maybe fans of the Last Apprentice series should probably give this book a try, though.

I'm also reading Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore. So far it's a fairly good ghost story, and will go over pretty well with fans of her first series, Maggie Quinn: Girl vs. Evil. However, I don't like Amy Goodnight (the main character in Texas Gothic) as much as Maggie Quinn, because I think Amy crosses the line between feisty and just plain mean too often. It's a light, breezy read, with an element of romance running through which compliments the spooky bits nicely. Fans of Meg Cabot's Mediator series will like it.

Don't forget, we're only 6 days away from the Fairy Tale Ball, so if you haven't signed up yet and you want to come, now's the time.