Notes From The Stacks October 2023

October is Family History Month, so there's no better time to embark on a journey into your family’s past. At Naples Regional Library’s Genealogy Room, we're here to help you uncover the fascinating stories and connections that make up your family's history. Whether you're a seasoned genealogist or just getting started, our Genealogy Room boasts a treasure trove of resources for you to access, and we're excited to share how you can make the most of them!

One of the many benefits of your Collier County Public Library card is the ability to access valuable online resources from the comfort of your home. Trace your ancestry with ease by visiting Heritage Quest’s website, where you'll find a comprehensive collection of U.S. Federal Census records from 1790 to 1950. You also have access to Ancestry.com to help you locate vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, access newspaper obituaries, and discussion boards where you can engage with fellow genealogy enthusiasts, giving you the opportunity to share insights, seek advice, and collaborate on your research. To gain access to the above sites and find a complete list of all of our online genealogy resources visit CollierLibrary.org/Find-it/Research.

When you visit our Genealogy Room in person at the Naples Regional Library, you’ll also gain free access to AmericanAncestors.org, a remarkable resource that boasts a staggering 1.4 billion names to help you uncover information about your ancestors. The Genealogy Room also houses a wealth of non-circulating genealogy books and periodicals, but it’s not just a collection of materials; it's also a space staffed by passionate volunteers from the Genealogical Society of Collier County. These dedicated experts are here to assist you on your genealogical journey and are available Mondays through Thursdays from 1 - 3 pm, but please note that appointments are required. You can make these appointments in person at Naples Regional Library or by calling us at 239-252-5135.

Did you know that on Saturday, October 14, 2023 there will be a solar eclipse? Hopefully we will have a sunny day in Florida so we can see this natural phenomenon clearly.  The sun will be approximately 55% covered. According to nasa.gov “The Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. It will be visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America. In the U.S., the annular solar eclipse begins in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT.”

Two of our branches are featuring some out-of-this-world programming!  If you're a fan of astronomy, be sure to mark your calendars for our Eclipse-themed crafts sessions. You can join us at the Estates Branch on Tuesday, October 10, or at the Headquarters Library on Friday, October 13.

Visit CollierLibrary.org/Events to learn more about these events as well as all of our other upcoming programming.

Are you a book lover or do you enjoy supporting your local authors? If so, you might want to mark your calendar for the 5^th Annual Local Author Book Fair. Brought to you by the Friends of the Library of Collier County, this event will be a great opportunity to meet and greet with local authors, learn about their latest books, and explore a wide range of genres. The fair will feature a diverse group of talented authors who will display their works and be available to sign copies for their readers. You can also chat with them about their writing process, inspiration, and journey to publication. Whether you are interested in children’s books, fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, or poetry, there will be something for everyone!

In addition to book vendors, the fair will also include engaging events for all ages. There will be two separate Storytimes and activities to follow in the morning, and two additional lectures in the afternoon – all put on by our talented local authors! Speaking of, keep an eye on our social media for interviews by librarians and fun facts about some of the amazing authors attending. Join us at Collier County South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway, Naples, FL 34113, on Saturday, November 18^th from 11:00am – 3:00pm! For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit event/FAQ page.

Visit CollierLibrary.org/Events to learn more about these events as well as all of our other upcoming programming.

Book Discussions

In-person Book Discussions
Twilight 18th Birthday Bash & Book Discussion
Thursday, October 5 @ 4:30 PM - Headquarters Regional Library 

Mystery Book Club

Monday, October 9 @ 2:00 PM - Headquarters Regional Library

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Wednesday, October 25 @ 10:00 AM - East Naples Meeting Room  

Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente 
Thursday, October 26 @ 2:00 PM - Headquarters Regional Library 

Virtual Book Discussions

The Senator's Wife by Liv Constantine

Tuesday, October 24 @ 2:00 PM on Facebook.com/colliercountylibrary

Tuesday, October 31 @ 2:00 PM on Zoom - link will be provided upon registration.

To learn more about or register for these book discussions, visit CollierLibrary.org/Events.

Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old: A Highly Judgmental, Unapologetically Honest Accounting of All the Things Our Elders Are Doing Wrong by Steven Petrow

For fans of David Sedaris and Nora Ephron, a humorous, irreverent, and poignant look at the gifts, stereotypes, and inevitable challenges of aging, based on award-winning journalist Steven Petrow's wildly popular New York Times essay, "Things I'll Do Differently When I Get Old."

The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully by Morrie Schwartz and Rob Schwartz

Who am I really? What have I done? What is important and meaningful to me? What difference does it make that I have lived? What does it mean to be truly human, and where am I on that scale?  
Morrie Schwartz, the beloved subject of the classic, multimillion-copy number one bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie, explores these questions and many more in this profound, poetic, and poignant masterpiece of living and aging joyfully and creatively.

Say Yes to What's Next: How to Age with Elegance and Class While Never Losing Your Beauty and Sass by Lori Allen

Lori Allen helps women rediscover their worth as she encourages them to age well with style and sass.

Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Aging by Dick Van Dyke

In Keep Moving, Dick Van Dyke offers his own playful anecdotes and advice, as well as insights from his brother, actor Jerry Van Dyke; his friend and creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Carl Reiner; and other spirited friends and family. Whether he's describing the pleasure he takes in his habitual visits to the grocery store; how he met his late-in-life-love Arlene; or how he sprung back, livelier than ever, from a near-death experience, Dick's optimistic outlook is an invigorating tonic for anyone who needs a reminder that life should be lived with enthusiasm despite what the calendar says.

It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning at Midlife and Beyond by Julia Cameron

Julia Cameron has inspired millions with her bestseller on creativity, The Artist’s Way. In It’s Never Too Late To Begin Again, she turns her eye to a segment of the population that, ironically, while they have more time to be creative, are often reluctant or intimidated by the creative process. Cameron shows readers that retirement can, in fact, be the most rich, fulfilling, and creative time of their lives.

Ageless Soul: The Lifelong Journey Toward Meaning and Joy by Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore is the renowned author of Care of the Soul, the classic #1 New York Times bestseller. In Ageless Soul, Moore reveals a fresh, uplifting, and inspiring path toward aging, one that need not be feared, but rather embraced and cherished. In Moore’s view, aging is the process by which one becomes a more distinctive, complex, fulfilled, loving, and connected person. 

On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old by Parker J. Palmer

Drawing on eight decades of life, the beloved writer, speaker and activist explores the questions of age through a series of meditations in prose and poetry that encourages adults of all ages to explore the way their lives are unfolding.

The Well-lived Life: A 102-year-old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age by Gladys McGarey M.D.

In a voice that is both practical and inspiring, Dr. McGarey shares her own extraordinary stories and eternal wisdom—from her early childhood in India and a chance encounter with Mahatma Gandhi to her life as a physician and a mother of six, to her survival of both heartbreak and illness. Dr. Gladys shares her inspiring vision for a healthier and more joyful future for us all, filled with “rich and complex truths that will resonate with readers’ hearts and minds” (Dr. Robert Waldinger, New York Times bestselling author).

The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-year-old Man by David Von Drehle

One of our nation’s most prominent writers finds the truth about how to live a long and happy life in the centenarian next door.

Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year Among the Oldest Old by John Leland

An extraordinary look at what it means to grow old and a heartening guide to well-being, Happiness Is a Choice You Make weaves together the stories and wisdom of six New Yorkers who number among the “oldest old”— those eighty-five and up.

The Art of Aging: A Doctor's Prescription for Well-Being by Sherwin B. Nuland

In his landmark book How We Die, Sherwin B. Nuland profoundly altered our perception of the end of life. Now in The Art of Aging, Dr. Nuland steps back to explore the impact of aging on our minds and bodies, strivings and relationships. Melding a scientist’s passion for truth with a humanist’s understanding of the heart and soul, Nuland has created a wise, frank, and inspiring book about the ultimate stage of life’s journey.

Your Best Age Is Now: Embrace an Ageless Mindset, Reenergize Your Dreams, and Live a Soul-Satisfying Life by Robi Ludwig

An award-winning author and nationally known psychotherapist contradicts long-ingrained beliefs to show that midlife is not the beginning of our decline, but is actually a time to pursue our dreams, providing specific advice on how to change our perception of—and make the best of—this next life phase.

Susan Petr is a full-time Children’s Librarian at Estates Branch Library. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Susan has been with Collier County Public Library for 24 years and has worked in almost every library in Collier County. If you have any questions related to children’s books, Susan is the one you want to ask! I sat down and asked Susan a series of questions, here are her answers:

- What’s the best part about working in the CCPL system?

Susan: “Something new and exciting happens every day.”

- What’s a philosophy you live by?

Susan: “Be Kind.”

- How would your co-workers describe you?

Susan: “Funny, friendly, and hardworking”

- If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be?

Susan: “Bill Gates”

- What’s a place on earth that you think everyone should see in person at least once?

Susan: “Paris”

- What’s your favorite memory at Collier County Public Library?

Susan: “Seeing kids read for the first time.”

- Best concert you’ve attended? Why?

Susan: “Barry Manilow. I got to go up on stage and sing with him!”

Next time you’re at Estates Branch Library, make sure to say hi to Susan!”

October is upon us, and this month we're offering a thrilling lineup of spooky programming!

To kick things off, on Thursday, October 5, celebrate Twilight's 18th birthday at the Headquarters Library. Join "Twilight experts" Mackenzie and Amy to learn about the book's history and movie adaptation, explore real filming locations in Washington, discuss the series, enjoy a Bella-inspired meal, and participate in trivia for a chance to win prizes. On Saturday, October 21, you won't want to miss our "Not so Spooky Magic Show" featuring the talented Magician, James Chartier, at the Estates Branch Library. The Golden Gate Library will be hosting Dr. Joel Ying from FGCU Storytellers on Thursday, October 26, for an evening of "Haunted Tales," where you'll hear a captivating mix of true stories and eerie folk tales. As we approach Halloween, South Regional Library invites you to bring your little ghouls and goblins on Saturday, October 28, for a "Halloween Spooktacular" filled with crafts and excitement. Also happening on Saturday, October 28, Headquarters Library welcomes you to their "Haunted Mansion" event, featuring spine-tingling stories, potion-making, mummy-wrapping, and even edible worms in dirt!

To register or learn more about these events, as well as the rest of our programming for this month, visit CollierLibrary.org/Events.