The Haltom City Public Library is honored to have a special, interactive exhibit on loan from the University of Texas at Dallas: Inside Out! Patrons, young and old, can place the pictures of the animals on the light pad, mounted to the table, and see the skeleton. We also have “bones” books next to the table for check out. The exhibit will be available through the summer. Check it out!

Janie & Travis Royal Historical Mural Dedication and Open House

A couple weeks ago, we introduced you to Janie & Travis Royal.  The mural was installed on Friday, April 8, 2016. It was designed by Jeff Naukam of the Bubble.

On Sunday, April 10, 2016, the library opened for a special open house and dedication of the mural.  Refreshments were lovingly provided (and mostly handmade) by Bette Bronstad, Teresa Cabano, Loretta Dubois, Terri Grizzelle, Ella Patterson, Donna Peterson, and Bonnie Richards.

Over 80 people came on Sunday to honor Travis and Janie at the open house and enjoyed an exhibit of his photographs and historical objects from the Birdville Museum.

 Library Director, Lesly Smith, gave a history of the mural project.

 Betty Porter, Director of the Birdville Museum and Birdville Historical Society gave a brief history of the Birdville community and the Birdville Historical Society.

Drew Sanders was in attendance and signing his new book, The Garden of Eden (place a hold a library copy).

The mural was made possible by the generosity of the following donors: Ann Bastable, Rodney and Pamela Bland, Jesse (Pat) Brown, Mona R. Brown, Frances Burns, Dr. Norman and Mary Ruth Ellis, Michelle Emery, Don and Terri Grizzelle, Bonnie Jean Hensleigh, Betty Kurecka, Pack Optical, Bonnie Richards, Susan Roach, Ricky J. and Linda R. Roberts, Travis Royal, Lesly M. Smith and David W. Young, Pamela Sonderer, and Patsy Newton Sullivan. 

First Finds! April New Book Spotlight

The first of the month = First Finds! Here is the latest installment of new and interesting books from the collection. 

      

The Last Armada: Queen Elizabeth, Juan del Águila, and Hugh O'Neill: The Story of the 100-Day Spanish Invasion by Des Elkin

"An account of the final great naval battle between England and Spain details General Juan del Águila's attempt to invade Elizabeth I's England, strategist Charles Blount's efforts to redeem himself against charges of treason, and Irish insurgent Hugh O'Neill's final effort to drive the English out of Ireland."-catalog

The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
"A warm, funny and acutely perceptive debut novel about four adult siblings and the fate of the shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives."-catalog

I'm Traveling Alone by Samuel Bjork
"From a bold new voice in international crime fiction, a chilling debut in which two detectives must hunt down a vengeful killer--and uncover the secret that ties each of them to the crime."-NoveList

Want more? Click on the "First Finds" label below to see more recommended books.

Janie & Travis Royal Historical Mural

On Sunday, April 10th from 2 – 4:00 p.m., the Haltom City Public Library is privileged to host a dedication and open house in honor of two long time library supporters, Janie and Travis Royal. The Janie & Travis Royal Historical Mural is being installed to commemorate the Royal's dedication to the library and the community.

There will be light refreshments provided by Donna Peterson and the Friends of the Haltom City Public Library. Mrs. Betty Porter, Director of the Birdville Museum and President of the Birdville Historical Society, will give a brief talk on area history.

All are welcome to join us in honoring this couple and their generosity to the library and the community.

Biography of Janie & Travis Royal

 Travis was born in Newark Texas to Dillard and Delora Royal on February 10, 1933.  Janie was born in Itasca Texas to George and Bertha Morrison on January 15, 1934.  They were married on June 6, 1952 and were together for 59 years. They lived in Haltom City for most of their marriage with the exception of Travis’ time in the Army in El Paso Texas.

Travis worked at Convair which is now known as Lockheed Martin after he was honorably discharged from the Army.   He was also attending Texas Wesleyan University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.  He received his degree in education and began his teaching career at W. T. Francisco Elementary.  He then went into Special Education working at Richland Jr and Richland High schools.  He transitioned to Special Services Consultant for BISD retiring after 31 years.

Travis was a Mensa member and avid amateur photographer.  He was awarded Best of Show from the City of Haltom City photo contest three times.  He was awarded Best of Show one time and three honorable mentions from the DFW International Airport Board Employee Art Show.  He was entered as a family member of an employee.

Janie worked as a Special Education Teacher’s Aide starting at O. H. Stowe Elementary and retired from South Birdville Elementary. 

Janie was an avid reader, great cook, and was a very strong person.  She was not easily intimidated by any situation.  Her favorite type of book was the mystery novel. Having exhausted the shelves at Haltom City Public Library of mystery novels she began reading all types of paperback books.  She would pick up a grocery bag full from the library and finish them in a week or less.  

They had two daughters, two grandsons, and eight great grandchildren.  Travis loved his wife and family very much.  He also loved his many friends, photography, and learning about new things.  He had a great affection for his cats Buddy and Charlie.  He was a lover of birds, squirrels, and flowers.  He never met a stranger and never had a bad word to say about anyone.  He was witty, funny, and charming. 

They loved to travel to Las Vegas and California.  Janie especially loved to travel to WinStar Casino.   They owned a house on Lake Graham where Travis enjoyed fishing and just enjoying the nature together with each other and family. 

Spring is here! Get outdoors! (But read these magazines first)

Are you the outdoorsy, active type?  There are many digital magazines available through Zinio to get you going - all FREE with your library card!

Backpacker
Published nine times a year, Backpacker is a magazine of wilderness travel, offering practical, "you can do it, here's how" advice to help you enjoy every trip. Filled with the best places, gear, and information for all kinds of hiking and camping trips, each issue delivers foldout maps and stunning color photography.

Bicycling
Since 1962, BICYCLING has been inspiring people to get more out of their cycling passion. Each action-packed issue is filled with proven secrets to go faster, stronger, longer. Increase your stamina; buy the best gear for your money; locate a great ride; improve your performance; perfect your technique; fuel your passion.

Boating
Boating is the world's foremost magazine for boating enthusiasts. Written by experts for those who love the sport, the editorial covers the waterfront -- from runabouts to sportfish convertibles to luxury showpieces, and everything in between.

Canoe & Kayak

Canoe & Kayak is the #1 Paddlesports resource for canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. Each issue is packed with destination reviews and features a different region of North America. In addition, you'll learn the latest paddling techniques, enjoy great photography from seasoned canoeists, and get our expert reviews of paddle and camping gear.

Outdoor Life

Our readers' hands-on spirit is reflected in the magazine's comprehensive gear tests and personal adventure stories. Whether shopping for a new rifle, searching for the hottest fishing holes this weekend or thirsting for exciting adventure tales, Outdoor Life is the ultimate resource.

Outside

Outside readers are passionately committed to leading an active lifestyle. Outside not only motivates readers to uncover and define their own personal day-to-day adventures, but also provides them with the tools, products and information to fulfill them.

At the time of this posting, back issues of Field & Stream are also available (October 2015 and before). 

The Haltom City Public Library is part of the North Texas Libraries on the Go consortium to offer great titles to you. 

New to digital magazines? Go to https://www.rbdigital.com/ntlog/ and click on "Create an Account." 

Contact the library if you need help.

Resource Spotlight: Learning Express Library

Today we are shining the Resource Spotlight on LearningExpress Library.

About LearningExpress Library

LearningExpress Library features nearly 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and eBooks to help all ages prepare for exams or improve skills.

LearningExpress can help with tests including GED, college admissions exams, citizenship exams, ACCUPLACER, ACT, AP, ASSET, ASVAB, CFAT, CLEP, COMPASS, GED, GMAT, GRE, HiSET, LSAT, MAT, MCAT, PCAT, PSAT, SAT, TASC, TOEFL, THEA, TOEIC, U.S. Citizenship, and WorkKeys.

LearningExpress also has job and career resources including job searching, exploring new careers, resume writing, interviews and preparing for occupational licensing exams; tools for improving reading, writing, math, and science; online courses in using computer operating systems, the internet, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

To access LearningExpress Library

1. Go to the Library's Hompage (http://www.haltomcitytx.com/departments/library)
2. Under the Resources list, click on LearningExpress Library.

Click here to access LearningExpress Library now!

Creating an account

Click on Register on the top right side of the screen to create a username and password. For future visits to the site, you can simply login as a Returning User with your email and the password you created at registration.

Finding a resource

You can search for a resource in the Find Resources search box at the top.
OR
You can browse the Learning Centers.

Learning Centers

Adult Learning Center
This center offers busy adults the resources to improve their basic skills in reading, writing, and math, prepare for the GED® test, or become a U.S. citizen.

Career Center
Are you preparing for a professional exam? Are you curious about a particular occupation or looking to improve your workplace skills? Choose the Career Center and begin your path to a bright future.

School Center
The resources here can help students in elementary, middle, and high school prepare for important tests, get extra help with assignments, and boost their skills in important subjects.

College Prep Center
Getting into college is an important step to building a strong future. First, you must do well on your college admission tests and write a personal essay that highlights your special talents. Use this center to get the resources you need to achieve your college preparation goals.

College Center
This center provides valuable resources that help college students strengthen their academic skills, prepare for placement tests, and get ready for graduate school entrance exams.



Recursos en español
Este centro ofrece a los adultos que están muy ocupados los recursos para mejorar sus habilidades básicas, ganar sus credenciales de GED® o ser ciudadano estadounidense.


Job & Career Accelerator™
Whether you’re looking to find a new job in your current field or pursue a career in an exciting new industry, Job & Career Accelerator™ has the powerful tools and expert guidance to help you through every step of the process.


Computer Skills
Video courses are the fastest and easiest way to learn how to use a computer. Use the materials in this center to learn the basics of computers, from searching the Internet to using popular programs for word processing, creating spreadsheets and databases, implementing design, and more.


High School Equivalency Center
Earning a high school equivalency credential can open the door to better income, a more fulfilling job, and a college education. If you are preparing for the GED® test, HiSET® or TASC™ exams, our practice tests, interactive tutorials, and eBooks will help you reach your goal.

First Finds! March New Book Spotlight

The first of the month = First Finds! Here is the latest installment of new and interesting books from the collection.

Blood Brothers: the fatal friendship between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith
Genre: Collective Biographies
"Draws on previously untapped sources to illuminate the secret friendship and disastrous estrangement between Cassius Clay and Malcolm X, sharing insights into Malcolm's alleged role in shaping Clay's double life as a patriotic athlete and Islamic reformer." Library Journal's starred-review proclaims Blood Brothers provides "significant contribution to serious studies of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and the Nation of Islam." - NoveList



The Soul of an Octopus: a surprising exploration into the wonder of consciousness by Sy Montgomery
Genre: Nature Writing
Nominated for a National Book Award, The Soul of an Octopus explores the intelligence of octopuses. "Octopuses have varied personalities and intelligence they show in myriad ways: endless trickery to escape enclosures and get food; jetting water playfully to bounce objects like balls; and evading caretakers by using a scoop net as a trampoline and running around the floor on eight arms. But with a beak like a parrot, venom like a snake, and a tongue covered with teeth, how can such a being know anything? And what sort of thoughts could it think? The intelligence of dogs, birds, and chimpanzees was only recently accepted by scientists, who now are establishing the intelligence of the octopus, watching them solve problems and deciphering the meaning of their color-changing camouflage techniques." - NoveList

A Doubter's Almanac by Ethan Canin
Genre: Literary Fiction
Starred reviews keep coming for this tear-jerker of a novel by best-selling author Canin. "Milo Andret, the genius who solved the Malosz Conjecture and won the Fields Medal for mathematics, had an unusual, even eerie mind from birth, but not until he moves to Berkeley in the 1970s to pursue a Ph.D. does he realize the extent of his singular talents. From the drug-soaked enclaves of beatnik California to the verdant lawns of Princeton University, from turbo-charged Wall Street to the quiet woods of Michigan, his reputation as one of the century's most brilliant thinkers forms the backbone of a sweeping, epic story about family, love, passion, and Milo's fraught relationship with his son. "-- Provided by publisher.


The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson
Genre: Mainstream Fiction
"After a childhood on the road, and being placed in foster care when her mother went to prison, Paula Vauss grew up to become a tough divorce attorney. Her life is thrown into chaos by an astonishing revelation and a cryptic message from the mother she has not seen in years. With the discovery that she has a sister, Paula has to figure out how to put her family back together."




Are you curious about the difference between Literary Fiction and Mainstream (General) Fiction? This article tries to clear it up.

Click on the "First Finds" label below to see more recommended books.