Online Language Learning @ DPL

Denton Public Library is proud to announce that it is now carrying the online language-learning software by Mango Languages. Free of charge to patrons, Mango Languages is a welcome addition to the library for those wanting to study a foreign language easily and at their own pace.

This premier online software program for libraries is a unique way to learn a foreign language. It combines linguistic expertise from across the globe with the latest software technologies, providing an easy-to-use interactive learning tool. Remote online access allows patrons to learn at their convenience. Mango also features a unique comprehensive teaching approach that actively engages audio and visual cues to assist users in language retention.

Mango Languages currently offers 12 language courses – Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Greek, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, ESL for Polish speakers, ESL for Spanish speakers, and ESL for Brazilian Portuguese speakers – with many more on the way.

Founded in 2007, Mango Languages employs top linguists and teachers to teach foreign languages effectively and easily across its proprietary software platform. Mango offers courses in Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Greek, Mandarin Chinese and English. Mango is used world-wide by travelers, heritage learners, students, language enthusiasts, corporations, and schools.  Learn more about Mango Languages at www.mangolanguages.com.

The Aurora Spaceship Crash of 1897: The “Smoking Gun” of UFOlogy

Come to the Emily Fowler Central Library on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 4:00 pm as Jim Marrs, Texas journalist and author of four New York Times Best Selling books, presents the definitive account of the Aurora spaceship crash of 1897, hailed by many as the “smoking gun” of the UFO issue. This well-documented case occurred long before any man-made craft flew in the Earth’s skies. Today, using the most modern scientific methods, questions concerning the reality of the Aurora spaceship crash have finally been answered. This program is co-sponsored by the Denton Area Paranormal Society.

Mo Willems Does it Again

According to Mo Willems, there are only three things we need to know about naked mole rats before reading his new story, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed:

 

1. They are a little bit rat.
2. They are a little bit mole.
3. They are all naked.

Now that we know these things, we can read about what happens when one naked mole rat named Wilbur discovers how much he enjoys getting dressed.  Being different, Wilbur must suffer the inevitable teasing from his peers, but things get a little more serious when the oldest, greatest, and most naked mole rat ever gets wind of Wilbur’s transgressions. Being a huge Mo Willems fan, I squealed with glee when I saw Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed on the Library’s shelf of new materials.  Willems can always be counted on for quality picture books, and his streak continues with Naked Mole Rat.   

He infused his latest work with his usual simple, easily-imitated illustrations and humor that both children and adults can appreciate.  I recommend Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed to children ages 4-8.

                                                                                -Dana Zakrzewski

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday!

Join us at the North Branch Library to celebrate the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss!  Watch the Guyer High School Speech Team perform Dr. Seuss medleys and Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!  Stay after the performance to play games, make Dr. Seuss-themed crafts, and eat delicious birthday cake.  The festivities start at 4 pm on Monday, March 2 at the North Branch Library, located at 3020 N. Locust.  This program is intended for children ages 4-10 and their families.

           

For more information, contact Dana Zakrzewski, Public Services Librarian at 940.349.8715 or at dana.zakrzewski@cityofdenton.com.

Teen Art Contest

Are you a teen artist waiting for a great opportunity to show off your skills?  In preparation for the 2009 Texas Summer Reading Club, the Denton Public Library is holding an art contest for teens in grades 6 – 12.  We want teens to design the bookmarks and posters that promote this year’s summer reading club. 

  Readers throughout the community will be inspired by your art!  Pick up a poster and or bookmark entry form at one of the Denton Public Library branches.  The finished product must be turned in to one of the three branches by Sunday, March 1.  Submission guidelines are included on the submission forms.

For more information, call Juli Gonzalez at 940.349.8741.

Dallas Cowboy Legend Pearson @ the North Branch

Former Dallas Cowboy and football legend Drew Pearson will be at the North Branch Library on February 25^th from 2-4 p.m. signing copies of his new book Remembering Texas Stadium. Co-author and longtime Dallas sports writer Frank Luksa will be joining him. The event is free and open to the public.

Drew was a household name for Cowboys fans in the ’70s and early ’80s, and helped his team win Super Bowl XII in 1978. He was one of the most talented wide receivers ever to play for the Cowboys, earning a reputation for his acrobatic catches in must-win situations. Drew is probably best known for his amazing catch of a pass from quarterback Roger Staubach in the final seconds of a playoff game with the Minnesota Vikings in 1975, the first ever to earn the term “Hail Mary Pass.”

Drew Pearson played in three Pro Bowls while being named All-Pro three times. He was voted to the NFL’s 1970 All-Decade Team and has been inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame. He currently resides in the Dallas area.

 The North Branch Library is located at 3020 North Locust Street in Denton, Texas.

 For more information, contact Kerol Harrod, Public Services Library Assistant, at 940.349.8758 or at kerol.harrod@cityofdenton.com.

In the Town All Year ‘Round

In the Town All Year ‘Round by Rotraut Susanne Berner will keep children occupied for hours and keep them coming back for more.  This semi-wordless picture book is divided into four parts, one for each season.  At the beginning of each section, we are introduced to a number of different characters we can follow throughout the season.  Each section consists of seven two-page spreads teeming with detail and interest.  Berner’s format gives In the Town broad appeal.  Younger children will enjoy taking in all of the action on each spread, while older children will pore over the details of each page and enjoy following the various plots that unfold.  I highly recommend In the Town to children ages 4-8.

                                                                                   -Dana Zakrzewski

Celebrating the Life of Punk Legend Lux Interior

The enigmatic and wonderfully weird frontman of the pioneering punk/rockabilly/garage band The Cramps passed away today at the age of 62. Born Erick Lee Purkhiser in 1946, Lux met future band mate and wife Poison Ivy (Kristy Wallace) while hitchhiking in California. The two moved to New York in 1975 and founded what would become the greatest “psychobilly” band of all time. If you’re a fan of cheesy Sci-Fi/Horror movies, retro Americana, or just having a good time, check out the two Cramps CDs available at the DPL:

 

(Click on the album covers below)

The Cramps- Bad Music For Bad People

The Cramps- Songs the Lord Taught Us

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lux Interior 1946-2009

 

-Stephanie

Newly Released DVDs you can put holds on…

1.  12 Rounds

  2.  Coraline

  3.  Duplicity

  4.  Friday the 13^th

  5.  Knowing

  6.  The Pink Panther 2

  7.  Push

  8.  Race to Witch Mountain

  9.  Street Fighter:  The Legend of Chun-Li

10.  Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail

11.  Waltz with Bashir

Access DPL’s Catalog On the Go!

The Denton Public Library is now providing a mobile catalog for their users-on-the-go!  Access the library’s catalog of materials from any internet-capable mobile phone or personal data assistant (PDA) by entering the new URL: http://library.cityofdenton.com/airpac. 

 Called the AirPAC, this new functionality offers users the ability to search the library catalog or view patron-related information, such as fines, holds, ILL requests, and items checked out in much the same manner as in the regular library catalog. 

 “This is another way for users outside of the library to access us virtually,” says Director of Libraries Eva Poole.  “We are going where our customers are!”

 For more information on this new resource, visit the Denton Public Library, call 940.349.8752 or see the library’s Web site at www.dentonlibrary.com.