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10 Ways to Spend Your Snow Day

Local schools have had a lot of delays and snow/cold days recently. Kids are usually bored by mid-morning but the Kenton County Public Library has you covered whether you can get to the library safely or stuck at home. We have 10 ways for your to spend your snow day: Programs! Programs! Programs! Check the Library program calendar to see what types of events are happening that day. The Library offers storytimes, kindergarten readiness, art and movie programs regularly. Can you get to the Library safely but don't want to get out of the car? Go to our website to put books, movies and video games on hold and pick them up at the drive-thru window. Or come on in and browse the shelves. Once you have your items, read as a family. DIY crafts all day long! You can check craft books out from the Library (reserve them online) or check out ideas from local bloggers like 365 Days of Crafts, A Little Moore, Carla Schauer Studio or A Bird and a Bean. There are several other great local crafting blogs around as well. Entertain the family with Hoopla. It allows you to INSTANTLY borrow digital music, e-books, TV shows and movies. Have a dance party using Hoopla or Freegal. Hoopla allows you to instantly borrow digital music and Freegal allows you to download and KEEP five songs per week. You just need your library card number and Internet access. . Visit the STREAM Center at the Erlanger Branch or the Maker Space at the Covington Branch. Kids will love the 3Doodler, 3D printer, snap circuits, Legos, craft supplies, button maker, Ozobots, Goldieblox and so much more at the STREAM Center. Just be sure [...]

By Gina Stegner|January 31st, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

12 Job Fair Tips

Whether you're attending a job fair at the Kenton County Public Library or another location, there are tips you should follow to get the most out of a career fair. 12 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Job Fair Bring several copies of your resume. If the fair is at the Library, you can arrive early to use the photo copier. Keep in mind others are probably doing the same thing so allow extra time. Dress appropriately. At minimum you should wear business casual but you might want to step it up depending on the organizations that will be at the fair. Have a game plan. Time could be limited so be sure to review the companies that will be present and prioritize the employers you're most interested in. Do your homework. Spend time researching background information on the organizations you are interested in so you can ask specific questions. Only take materials or samples from companies you are interested in. Some employers bring large quantities of print materials or freebies while others will only bring a few. Always ask before taking items. Prepare your "career pitch." Extend your hand, introduce yourself and be ready to talk about your career interests and goals. Be sure to emphasize your skills and experience that would be important to the company. This should be no longer than 30 to 60 seconds. Plan to follow up. Ask for the representative's business card and send a short thank you note to acknowledge them for taking time to speak with you but also so they remember you. Take notes. Personally, I like to write short notes on the back of the business card of the company I'm interested in [...]

By Gina Stegner|January 9th, 2020|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

13 Things to Know When Applying for FAFSA

I follow a couple "paying for college" Facebook groups. Those groups are always hopping on October 1, otherwise known as FAFSA Day (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). I must have seen the same 10 questions asked a hundred times each. So I thought I would write a post answering those questions. That way everything you need to know, or at least most of it, will be in one spot. The most commonly asked questions with the answers: 1. Do I have to fill out FAFSA if I know we won't qualify? - Most schools and many scholarships require FAFSA to be completed so you should probably just do it. FAFSA is also required for school loans. 2. The FAFSA application states "most men must register with Selective Service to receive Federal Aid." Does my son have to be registered for the Selective Service to apply for FAFSA? - If your son is 18 at the time of the application then yes, he must be registered. If he is not 18, he does not have to be registered at the time of application. Register here. 3. I created an ID for my child but it is now asking for the parent ID. What is that? - Both the student and one parent must each have a FAFSA ID. The application will be filled out with the student's ID. The parent ID is needed to electronically sign the application. 4. I'm not paying my child's college tuition or my student lives on his own, why does he need my financial information? - FAFSA doesn't care what the living arrangement is or who is paying. A student is not considered independent until they are 24, married, both [...]

By Gina Stegner|October 2nd, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

2019 Oscars

I'm a huge Queen fan and I love the movie Bohemian Rhapsody so no surprise that I was thrilled when Rami Malek won best actor. Never seeing Mr. Robot, I was not familiar with Malek's work. I almost didn't see the movie, worried it wouldn't be a proper tribute to Freddie Mercury, who I believe no one can replace. But my husband and three of our children wanted to see it so we headed to the theater. I literally forgot at times that I wasn't really watching Freddie. They couldn't have picked a better actor than Malek to portray Freddie Mercury. I loved Malek's acceptance speech. He seemed truly sincere and appreciative. I have to say I was also excited to see that he and Lucy Boynton are dating in real life. Even though the movie is still in theaters, you can already check it out from the library. Of course there is a wait but hopefully it won't be too long since we have 39 copies. The original soundtrack on CD is also available for checkout. You can also stream the soundtrack through Hoopla with your library card number. Bohemian Rhapsody and Black Panther seemed to be the big winners of the night. Black Panther won for music (original score), costume design and production design. In addition to best leading actor, Bohemian also won for film editing, sound editing and sound mixing. I was surprised that A Star is Born didn't win more than original song (Shallow). I'll be honest, I haven't seen a lot of the other movies that were nominated so I can't speak to the actors in them or the films. I was really hoping Bohemian Rhapsody would win best picture [...]

By Gina Stegner|February 25th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|1 Comment

2019 Summer Reading – Universe of Stories

This year's Summer Reading Celebration is filled with exciting programs, fun prizes, social media giveaways and so much more! We are so excited about the theme: Universe of Stories and the super cool glow-in-the-dark T-shirts children can win just for reading! The program will run June 1-August 31. Children can pick up a booklog at any of the three branches - Covington, Independence or Erlanger or enter online. Read or listen to five books or 2.5 hours and win a book prize! After 10 books or 5 hours of reading, return the log to receive a glow-in-the-dark Universe of Stories T-shirt or a drawstring bag (while supplies last) and a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of three grand prizes: a technology basket, science basket or art basket. Keep reading for more chances to win the grand prizes! Teens who read or listen to any book or magazine or attend any program can enter online or at any of the three branches. One winner per branch will be drawn for weekly prizes. Adults who read or listen to any book or magazine or attend a book related program can enter to win prizes online or at any of the three branches. Prizes are awarded bi-weekly. The Summer Reading Celebration will kickoff on Saturday, June 1 with free Snappy Tomato Pizza at all three branches. The Covington Branch will feature Kona Ice, a video game truck, Hands-on Space Explorers and a Planetarium show! The Erlanger Branch will host a bounce house, face painting, Tech Toy Time, an iSpace presentation, Rocketry Workshop and more. The Independence Branch will offer a petting zoo, pony rides, the Cowboy in Space, Mark Wood and his out of [...]

By Gina Stegner|May 21st, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

4 Ways the STREAM Center Can Help with Your Cosplay Needs

Cosplay can have a more impactful meaning to different people, but in its most basic form it is wearing costumes in play (hence the mashing of words into one). I’ve seen cosplayers wear elaborate handmade outfits that have taken months to create, and store-bought costumes that they have saved up for. I’ve seen cosplay that has taken hours to apply and others that have been successfully taken from their own closest of street-wear. Easy or complicated- cosplay is what you make of it. 4 Ways the STREAM Center Can Help with Your Cosplay Needs! 1.) Detail your leather goods using our Glowforge laser engraver! https://glowforge.com/discover/t/38548/leather-grimoire 2.) Print an accessory for your furry companion with our 3-D printer! https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2839481 3.) Use our sewing machines for your costume! https://www.leatherfashionvalley.com/blog/sewing-cosplay-costume-made-easy 4.) Use our soldering iron to light it up! https://www.instructables.com/id/Tron-Costume/ Don’t forget that these items in our STREAM Center require a 30-minute training before you’re allowed to book the equipment to use them. Reserve a time to be trained here. Need an event to wear your cosplay attire? We will be hosting a Teen Cosplay Night at the Erlanger branch on Saturday, October 19th after hours from 6-8 PM! By LeAnn Long, Teen Librarian

By Gina Stegner|September 17th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Choosing a College

You may remember a post I wrote last fall called How to Prep for Your Child's Senior Year. Well, my daughter Andi's senior year will come to an end in two months. We definitely weren't as prepared as I would have liked to have been but I am much more prepared for my son Joey, who is only a freshman. After college visits, tons of research and lots of tears, Andi has chosen a college and a major. Over the last two years, we have toured Illinois State University, Georgia State University, Thomas More College and Northern Kentucky University. We didn't really consider cost when choosing which schools to tour, knowing that she would receive some merit money and hopefully receive other scholarships. Thomas More and Northern Kentucky University were obvious choices because of location. ISU and GSU were picked based on her interests. Thomas More College Thomas More offers a beautiful campus and although it is private, it can be very affordable. The school is able to offer a lot of scholarships, which actually brought the tuition down to about the cost of NKU. Andi wasn't sure what her major would be when we toured but TMC does not offer what she ultimately chose. However, she ruled TMC out before even picking a major. Thomas More has about 1300 students, which isn't much bigger than Andi's high school. She wants something larger than that. Andi & Joey visiting ISU Illinois State University ISU was our first college visit. We actually chose ISU because they offer a recreational circus program that Joey is interested in. You can read about this visit here. Andi really didn't consider ISU but it was good to have [...]

By Gina Stegner|March 28th, 2017|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Tags: Be a norse, choosing a college, College visit, Georgia state university, illinois state university, merit money, NKU, Northern Kentucky University, scholarships, social work major, thomas more college|Comments Off

Covington Makerspace

The Covington branch has a makerspace? Why, yes they do! The Covington branch of the Kenton County Public Library makerspace currently consists of the following equipment that is available for the public to use. A 2.25” Button Maker A light box for taking quality photographs of your small but valuable possessions (either for insurance purposes or perhaps to list and sell them on an auction site such as eBay) A laminator that will handle business card sized paper up to standard 8.5x11 paper A large format printer. The printer can handle print jobs from 17 inches wide up to 24 inches wide. Its rolls of paper can be used for long, banner-like jobs as well (indoor only, sorry!) A high-quality photo printer for family photos, individual photos or even larger individual photos (up to 8x10) A 58-inch cutter (for trimming those poster prints you make with our large format printer) An assortment of office related items from 3-hole punches to paper cutters to a heavy-duty stapler A Cameo Silhouette paper and vinyl cutter for making fancy designs and imprints A heat press to make yourself or you family a fun design on a t-shirt, bag or even a baby onesie! A sewing machine for minor repairs or major projects. All these items are available to use by patrons, though some may require training by staff for best outcome. We have helped many patrons with advice on how to craft some interesting items and some patrons have become regular users of the above equipment. The Cameo Silhouette has been used to make paper crafts for parties, vinyl stickies to personalize water bottles as well as heat transfer images for clothing and bags. The heat press has [...]

By Gina Stegner|April 30th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Create Holiday Gifts at the Library

I love picking the perfect gift for each recipient. I love it even more when I can personalize the gift. The Maker Space at the Covington Branch and STREAM Center at the Erlanger Branch make this easy and inexpensive! The Covington Branch has a printer and heat press that allows you to make tote bags like this. You can also use the heat press on T-shirts, can Koozies, aprons and other fabric. You bring the item you want to print on. Use an image you found on a free site or a photo you have taken. It will cost less than $1.50 per item to print. The monogram on the mug in the picture above was also done at the Covington Branch on the Silhouette Cameo. The Erlanger Branch has this machine as well. Just bring your own mug. Each branch has sewing machines. The girls in this photo made these at the Erlanger Branch. Patrons do need to bring their own material. An embroidery machine is available at the Erlanger Branch. It is digital and very easy to use. Bring your own fabric and pay less than $1 for your thread and bobbin. Personalized buttons and key chains can make a really fun gift. You can draw your own design or use a digital image. The father in daughter in the picture below drew their [...]

By Gina Stegner|November 21st, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Every book has the potential to be the perfect book

Nothing makes me happier than a patron coming up to the desk, excited over a new book they discovered. Except, of course, when they come back and tell me how much they loved it! A love of books is a must for working at a library, and it then feeds into a new obsession: readers’ advisory. Readers’ advisory is basically getting the right fiction or nonfiction book into a reader’s hands (or onto their e-reader). This can happen over time, with your librarian seeing what you check out and making recommendations occasionally based on that, or it could be a request from you at that time for them to find items based on your current wants and needs. As a reader myself, I use readers’ advisory every day, whether I’m at work or not. Loving a book, then scouring to find out what others recommend reading next until the author writes another. Or (le gasp!) maybe the author no longer writes due to ending a series or retiring for various reasons. Even the most voracious reader, however, doesn’t always have time or energy to go to the library, or maybe wants to be able to find books with ease. In that case, what’s needed is a simple lesson in readers’ advisory! You start with a simple series of questions, trying to figure out what would satisfy that book tooth. (There’s such a thing as a sweet tooth, shouldn’t there be one for people who yearn for books?) 1) Mood This is the most important question. Do you want something by a tried and true author, or are you wanting to dip your toes into a new genre? Do you want something scary, romantic, hopeful, sad? [...]

By Gina Stegner|April 23rd, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Exploring Michigan

The library can be a great resource for planning your next vacation to anywhere in the world. Our staff can help you find travel books to your destination and can direct you to some online vacation resources. You can also checkout items from the library that you might want/need on your vacation. You can check out a Canon DSLR camera to capture your vacation memories and we also have a metal detector that I wish I would have placed on hold because that would have been something fun to do while on the beach. The wifi hot spots we have available for checkout can be great for a long car ride with kids. We also have different lawn games available for check out which would be great additions to a camping trip or a stay at the beach. You can visit our Library of Things for a complete list. Here are some photos from my family’s vacation to South Haven, Michigan. I highly recommend this vacation spot to anyone who enjoys the sand but dislikes salt water. It’s the best of both worlds. You can dig your feet in the sand and avoid the salt water. The kids had a blast running along the beach and kicking sand in the air. Lake Michigan is cold at the beginning of June but that didn’t stop the big kids from jumping in! David (left) & Collin (right); cousins/best buds. Beach Frisbee anyone? A lawn game from the library would also have been a great addition to our vacation. Pier at North Beach Downtown South Haven is a shopper’s paradise. Also, if you are a connoisseur of food [...]

By Gina Stegner|August 1st, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Family Oral History — The Power of Stories, Rituals and Resilience

Between Thanksgiving and the end of the year we spend a lot of time thinking about family, planning get-togethers, cooking and buying gifts – all for the ones we love best. As Americans we tend to focus on the future and not the past. But this is a great time of year to slow down and remember -- and learn from -- those we love. There’s research that shows that children who know their family’s history – both the happy times and the challenging ones – are more resilient, confident and happy than children who don’t (see The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler). He calls it a “…strong intergenerational self. They know they belong to something bigger than themselves.” Mr. and Mrs. Gisellie Baker with (left to right) Cindy (2), Priscilla (3), Paul J. (2), Richard (2), Anthony (5). Photograph Courtesy of Faces and Places. “The most healthful narrative … is the oscillating family narrative. ‘Dear, let me tell you we’ve had ups and downs in our family. We built a family business. Your grandfather was the pillar of the community. Your mother was on the board of the hospital. But we also had setbacks. We had a house burn down. Your father lost a job. But no matter what happened we always stuck together as a family.’” --Bruce Feiler Should you decide to take part in a Family Oral History, here’s a few things to consider: Keep others involved Starting a family oral history project takes a bit of preparation and time. There’s a lot of things you need to think about so take some time to put together a plan. But you can do [...]

By Local History|December 5th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post, History, KCPL, Local History and Genealogy|Tags: genealogy, History|Comments Off

Five Ways to Learn Your Family History

Holiday gatherings are a great source of family fun. They can also be a great source of family information to help you learn more about your history. Here are five things you should do at your next family gathering so those family memories last forever: Think about what you want to learn. Where did grandma meet grandpa? Where was great-great cousin Lou born? What war did great uncle Joe serve in? Make a list of questions ahead of time and be sure to ask: birthplace, names of parents and siblings, where they lived, churches attended, burial locations, marriages, occupations, military service, public service, schools attended, etc. Not only will you get valuable information, you’re sure to hear some entertaining stories! Create a list of family members. Sit down with some of the older members in your family and ask them to list names of their brothers, sisters, grandparents and so on as far back as they can remember. Make sure to write down all the names and details like place of birth if possible. Even better, use your smartphone or tablet to record members of your family talking about it. Share and share alike. You may find that someone else in your family is working on your genealogy as well. Share what you’ve learned. Genealogy is a great way to connect with others and sharing family data, research tips, and resources can go a long way in making contacts and/or finding those missing pieces. If you have extended and far away family, use social media to let them know what you’re doing and ask if they have anything to add. Create a Facebook group where you post family history and invite your family to join. [...]

By Local History|November 21st, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Genealogy Ice Breaker Questions for Holiday Family Gatherings

The holidays are a great time to discuss family history! Photograph courtesy of Faces and Places! Family gatherings over the holidays are a great time to talk about family history. We've crafted a list of fun genealogy based ice-breakers to get the discussion started at your next family gathering. What was the fastest mode of transportation when you were born? What was your mom, dad, grandparents favorite dessert? Do you have the recipe? Why do you think they liked it? What school subject was your favorite and why? How did you spend your summer vacations when you were growing up? Who in the family do you think you look like and why? Where and when did you first go to see a movie? Do you remember what was playing? Who went with you? What sports were important to your family? What sports were your siblings better or worse at? Why did you marry your spouse? What do you remember about your great grandparents? How did you come to choose the names of your children? Do you “remember when Joe got his head stuck in the railing and..."? Ask about a funny family story or memory! What was the biggest news story during your life? We'd love to hear how your relatives answered these questions! You can comment on our blog, or post to any of our social media accounts!

By Local History|December 19th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Giving to the Library

Did you know that there are many ways to give to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation? You can support the Library Foundation through Kroger Community Rewards, Amazon Smile, shop for a cause at boonsupply.com and via the general donation page. You can also sponsor a book, brick or wall tile in honor of someone (makes a great gift option for those who love the Library!). General giving: If you would like to make a donation to the Library Foundation, please click here to use a credit card. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation and either drop off at any Library location (Covington, Erlanger or Durr in Independence) or mail to 3095 Hulbert Dr., Erlanger, KY 41018. Please fill out the this document when donating with either cash or check (link to order form online). Say Cheese…Amazon Smile When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates to your favorite charitable organization. If you shop at amazon, you can select the Kenton County Public Library Foundation as a recipient to a percentage of your purchase price. Learn more at, smile.amazon.com. Honoring One Through a Book Know a reader? Honor their life, legacy or love of books by putting a book plate in a book of their liking. For a $25 donation, Library staff will work with you to identify the perfect book which will be marked with a special nameplate on the inside cover. Click here to complete online with credit card. If you prefer to pay with cash or check, please download this form and either mail to the library or bring it with you on your next visit. Support [...]

By Robin Klaene|April 10th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

How to Avoid Reading Slumps and Bad Grades: Tips for Busy Bookworms

Between school, work, a social life, and other responsibilities, sometimes reading can get tossed to the side or postponed indefinitely. Here are some tips and tricks to help you continue reading while living your busy life to the fullest. Don't force yourself to read. For some people, goals such as "number of books per year" or "number of chapters per night" are helpful to organize their reading and make it a priority, but you know yourself best. If those goals will only stress you out or distract you from other responsibilities, then don't worry about them. Reading is supposed to be fun (unless it's an assignment, then it's fun AND mandatory) so don't turn it into a chore. Similarly, if you start a book and you decide you don't find it interesting, don't read it! I generally go through 1/3 or ½ a book before I give up on it. If it hasn't piqued my interest (or shown me why I should read it anyways) by then, it probably never will. Try audiobooks or podcasts. These you can listen to while driving, doing chores, working, etc. I even listen to them as I fall asleep at night. Audiobooks are available on your phone/computer through companies like Audible or iTunes, or for free here at the library. Podcasts can be found online or on your phone as well and are typically free. eBooks. They aren't for everyone, but eBooks are certainly useful. They're easier to carry, and you probably always have your phone on you, so if you happen to have some downtime but didn't prepare by bringing a book? Your handy dandy phone is there with the latest thriller! You don't have to have a specific device for this, smartphones are enough with Apple's Books, Android's [...]

By KCPL Staff|August 7th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

How to Prep School Lunch

Life is busy as a mother of four boys between the ages of 2 and 10 and stepmom of a teen girl. For the past two school years I allowed my boys to get lunch at school since it is provided for free to all students. I thought this was a great way to save money and assumed they were getting a decent meal but they always came home starving. They would eat a such a large snack that they didn’t want dinner but would be hungry again by bedtime. The school offered free breakfast and lunch over the summer and since my children were attending a summer program, I allowed them to eat there. Again, they would come home hungry. I know my children are bottomless pits, but this was over the top. I discovered the portions were more snack size than meal size. Lunch included a choice of two cheese filled bread sticks, a Trix yogurt or two pieces of sliced cheese, as well as milk, fruit and a vegetable. This just wasn’t enough to get them through the day. This year is full of changes for my family, which includes a new school. Their new school doesn’t offer free meals for everyone, so breakfast is 75 cents and lunch is $2. The menu is very similar to their old school, so I decided they will be packing most days since full bellies, allowing them to focus on learning, is important to me. In the past, we let them pack for themselves, but they would take at least 10 minutes to do so and what they chose wasn’t always the best lunch. This year [...]

By Gina Stegner|September 4th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Isn’t it Pinteresting?

If you love to learn new things, subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Isn't it Pintersting? Crafts, Cooking, Travel, Technology??? We have something for everyone. Our staff and local experts are recording new videos all the time, so take a moment to subscribe on YouTube or Pinterest.

By frilling|July 13th, 2015|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Tags: apps, diy, pinterest, Videos, youtube|Comments Off

Kentucky Gives Day & the Library

Did you know that Tuesday, May 14 is Kentucky Gives Day? Kentucky Gives Day is an opportunity for Kentuckians (near and far) to come together to make donations to Kentucky charities in an effort to raise as much money as possible in 24 hours. If you would like to give of your time, talent or treasure, please consider the Kenton County Public Library. There are several ways to give: Volunteer The Library's Volunteer Program seeks to provide opportunities for volunteers to make meaningful contributions to the operations of the library, help to expand and enhance library services, strengthen ties to the community and build public awareness of the diverse services provided by Kenton County Public Libraries. To find out more about the Library's volunteer program, click here. Friends of the Library The Friends of the Kenton County Public Library is a volunteer membership group that supports the Library primarily through used book sales. Future book sale dates are: August 11-17 at the Covington Branch library September 23-29 at the William E. Durr Branch library December 1-7 at the Erlanger Branch library General giving: If you would like to make a donation to the Library Foundation, please click here to use a credit card. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to the Kenton County Public Library Foundation and either drop off at any Library location (Covington, Erlanger or Durr in Independence) or mail to 3095 Hulbert Dr., Erlanger, KY 41018. Please fill out this document when donating with either cash or check (link to order form online). Say Cheese…Amazon Smile When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates to your favorite charitable organization. If you [...]

By Robin Klaene|May 13th, 2019|Categories: About Us, blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Kids Learn New Hobbies at the Library’s Maker Camp

Alice and Maggie Hair have a new hobby thanks to Maker Camp at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library. The twins attended the Maker Camp - Rug Weaving program in June. They learned how to make their own looms and weave. They loved it so much that they had their mom Sarah help them make looms at home. Maker Camp is offered every Thursday in July, August 2 and August 9 for children ages 7 and older from 6-7:30 pm in the STREAM Center at the Erlanger Branch. Each week has a different theme: July 5th - Print Making July 12th - Build a Tiny House July 19th - Playdough Test July 26th - Circuits, Circuits and More Circuits! August 2nd - Balloon Hovercraft August 9th - Paper Roller Coaster Maker Camp is a great way to beat the heat or the rain. The children will learn a new skill while having fun and the rest of the family can pick up a few books and movies. Visit kentonlibrary.org for more information.

By Gina Stegner|July 2nd, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Last Minute Gift Idea – Instant Pot Review

I do not like to cook. At all. Ever. It takes too long and then cleanup is a pain. I know half of America loves their Instant Pot, so I thought I’d give it a try. But in all honesty, I was nervous about it blowing up in my face. My colleague, Gina, assured me that with all the safety mechanisms that’s not typical. She offered to show a few of us how to use it. I opted to try to make a pot roast. I’ve made one in the crock pot but in the morning when I’m in a rush it’s not convenient, even if I do most of the prep in advance. I looked through the cookbook, “Skinnytaste: One and Done” by Gina Homolka. Sounded promising, until I realized I was looking at a crock pot version. With a quick search online, I found an Instant Pot pot roast with similar ingredients. The first few steps were easy… sauté meat and such, assemble, etc. Plus, I did it all in the Instant Pot pan. It was the pressure-cooking part that was a little confusing. Gina walked me through the digital menu and showed me how to make sure the venting mechanism was in the right spot. Once I figured that out, it was underway. It was to take about 45 minutes once it got up to full pressure. From there my recipe called for the pot to self-vent so the meat would get more tender. I kept having to check on it because after it vented, I needed to take everything out and add cornstarch to make a gravy. There was no way to figure out how long this would take (it ended [...]

By Gina Stegner|December 18th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Library of Things

Telescopes, binoculars, yard games…not what you typically associate with a library. However, that is not the case at the Kenton County Public Library. The Library is broadening its collection of items they provide to the public and are calling it the Library of Things. You might be wondering “what are these things and how can I get them?” The easiest way to check out all that’s offered is to go to the catalog and type in Library of Things. There are nearly 600 items available however you can narrow down your search. To the left of the screen are some categories to search or you can just scroll through the offerings. While there is something for just about everyone in the Library of Things (DSLR camera, giant Jenga-like game, old school gaming systems) here are the top ten requested items: Top 10 Most Requested Items on Hold Super Nintendo entertainment system : classic game console Sega genesis : classic game console Orion SkyQuest XT4.5 Dobsonian Reflector telescope KCPL Wifi Hotspot Maker kit #03 [kit] : Virtual Reality kit Maker kit #02 [kit] : ozobots STREAM kit : ACE 300 metal detector Atari flashback 7 : classic game console deluxe STREAM kit : Canon DSLR camera and tripod Maker kit #05 [kit] : code & go robot mouse Top 10 Most Checked Out Items Wifi Hotspot Portable DVD Player Brother Sewing Machine GoSports Giant Toppling Tower Toss Boss Larger Ring Toss Game CD Player Rollors Baden Champions Series Bocce Ball set Original Molkky ZINK Zero Ink hAppy Smart App Printer RPG Kit Ukulele Kit To place these items on hold, or check out if they are available, all you need is a [...]

By Robin Klaene|August 16th, 2018|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Local Military Display at Durr

This May visitors have a chance to explore a bit of local military history on display at the William E. Durr branch. The display features an array of World War II memorabilia, much of which is on display for the very first time. Visitors can see a range of items including medals, such as a Purple Heart medal belonging to Warren John Richardson, Coxswain, US Navy. Mr. Richardson was born in Covington and lived in both Latonia and Ludlow. Mr. Richardson served on the USS Arizona and was killed during the December 7th, 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. A special framed photo of Mr. Richardson can be seen on display at the library. Other items on display are those relating to Karl DeBord. Mr. DeBord was born in Olive Hill, KY and lived in various residences throughout Kentucky and Ohio prior to joining the military. Mr. Debord was killed in 1945 at Iwo Jima. On display, are photos and information on Mr. Debord as well as the original telegram notification of his death, original letters/certificates, and his medals including a Purple Heart. Additional items on display include photos, maps, uniforms, brochures, and other military paraphernalia. This display is on loan through the generosity of Mr. Robert Snow. Mr. Snow is a Naval veteran, recognized military historian, and unit historian for the Sons of the American Legion. He maintains a collection that includes items from the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korean and Vietnam conflicts, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Mr. Snow’s displays have been featured in a number of different locations including Kroger and the Behringer-Crawford Museum, as well as a variety of military institutions. Mr. Snow resides in Taylor Mill with his [...]

By Jessica Slone|May 14th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post|Comments Off

Love Hallmark Holiday Movies? Try These!

If you are a Hallmark movie junkie, you probably know that some of your favorites are also books! Can you find true love in a mall? In this book made into a Hallmark movie, yes. Check out The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans. Two strangers meet and agree to help each other out during the holidays by acting as a couple. They agree on "rules" of their arrangement but after getting to know one another, will they be able to keep their "Mistletoe Promise"? Wrapped Up in Christmas Janice Lynn A gift of warmth to heal two hearts… Sarah Smith in Pine Hill, Kentucky has had her heart broken in the past. She pours herself into her work at church and into special projects-like making a quilt for a wounded warrior. Bodie Lewis is lost. All he's ever wanted was his career as an Army Ranger, but he was injured in an explosion that killed his brothers in arms. In the hospital, he receives a handmade quilt. Later, he sets out on his final mission: to find and thank its maker. Bodie expected Sarah to be an elderly lady, not a lovely young woman. When she mistakes him for a handyman, he doesn't immediately set her straight. Instead, he sets about repairing the home she's turning into a bed and breakfast. Sarah's presence and the spirit of the small town bring Bodie something he thought he'd left far behind on the battlefield: hope. Christmas In Evergreen Nancy Naigle A snowy small town. A snow globe that grants wishes. A love that's meant to be. Evergreen, Vermont is about to be in the rearview mirror of Allie Shaw's vintage red pickup truck. It's [...]

By Nicole Frilling|November 26th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off

Mirth and Merriment in the Erlanger Display Cases

We would like to invite you to stop by the Erlanger Branch and browse our front lobby display cases. We’ve turned them into a winter wonderland with all sorts of animals frolicking in the snow. Kids of all ages, as well as kids at heart, will enjoy the frosty vignettes of furry critters enjoying their frozen fantasyland. While in the building, be sure to fill out an entry form, located at the circulation and children's desks, for a chance to win a copy of the children’s book The Mitten. The drawing will be January 2, 2020. While looking at these charming beasties, we hope you will take notice of the beautiful children’s books on display. We’ve featured some animal tales with snowy settings. Be sure to ask a staff member for help if you see one (or more) you would like to check out – we encourage you to take them home with you. What better way to pass the time than with a fun book on a cold, winter day? If you are looking for additional fun activities, we have lots of festive events lined up this month at all our locations. Browse our calendar to see the complete list. We wish you glad wintry tidings! Written by: April Ritchie April is the Patron Experience Coordinator at the Erlanger Branch. She loves creating memorable experiences for library visitors.

By April Ritchie|December 18th, 2019|Categories: blog, Featured Post, KCPL|Comments Off