fbpx

All Bucks County Free Library Branches are Open for browsing and checkouts. Seating areas and study rooms are open.
To find answers to common questions about library services during the COVID-19 Pandemic, please take a look at our FAQ: buckslib.org/covidfaq

My Account | Catalog Make a Gift

Bucks County Free Library

Established 1956

Search the Catalog
Search the Website

All

Coding for Fun!

Have you ever had a problem with an app on your phone? Or an issue with something happening on your laptop? Or watched a street crossing sign work incorrectly on a busy road? Aside from being irritating, they all start with the same kind of problem. Something is wrong with their code.

Code, or coding, is not something that only hackers use in the spy movies. Coding is something ingrained into our everyday lives. It’s how our applications on our smart phones work, it’s how the self-checkout kiosks at the libraries work. It’s how the traffic signals and safe-to-walk signs, and so many other things work.

[Read more…] about Coding for Fun!

New Year, New Books!

Goodbye to 2020, welcome 2021!

If your last year was a doozy, no doubt you’re looking forward to a quiet, uneventful new year. Like me, you might be swearing off making New Year’s resolution – just getting through 2020 feels like enough of an accomplishment!

However, you don’t have to be a fan of resolutions to feel that itch for self-improvement that comes with marking the transition to a New Year. There are plenty of books out there to help you work towards your goals (or at least feel better about not making any), learn a new skill (or make a new friend), or just get your brain (and your breath) moving after a sluggish holiday season. Here are a few titles that we hope might spark some joy as we move into 2021!

Friendshipping: The Art of Finding Friends, Being Friends, and Keeping Friends – Jenn Bane and Trin Garritano

In Covid times (and modern times in general), making and keeping friends can seem more difficult than ever. In this primer for adult friendship from the besties behind the podcast of the same name, you’ll learn the tools you’ll need to make new friends and revitalize the quality of existing friendships. Do you want to know how to give a non-creepy compliment?  This is the book for you!

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art – James Nestor

There is nothing more essential to our health and well-being than breathing: take air in, let it out, repeat twenty-five thousand times a day. Drawing on thousands of years of medical texts and recent cutting-edge studies in pulmonology, psychology, biochemistry, and human physiology, Breath turns the conventional wisdom of what we thought we knew about our most basic biological function on its head. You will never breathe the same again.

Making with Meaning – More Than 20 Meditative and Creative Crochet Projects – Jessica Carey

The beginning of the year is a great time to start learning a new skill, or begin exploring a new style of art. Accompanied by essays focused on gratitude, creativity, and living with intention, this book invites you to take time to reflect while learning how to crochet with 20 different patterns and visual guidance. Jessica offers support and encouragement so that you can strengthen more than just your crochet skills as you explore this adventure.

Laziness Does Not Exist – Devon Price, Ph. D

2020 saw many of us pushing to learn new skills and cope in a world where the idea of work and productivity looked entirely different from what we had been used to. In this new title, the author offers science-based reassurances that productivity does not determine a person’s worth and suggests that the solution to problems of overwork and stress lie in resisting the pressure to do more and instead learn to embrace doing enough.

Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning – Tom Vanderbilt

Why do so many of us stop learning new skills as adults? Are we afraid to fail? Have we forgotten the sheer pleasure of being a beginner? Or is it simply a fact that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This book weaves comprehensive research and the benefits of being an adult beginner to show us how – and why – we should take the awkward first steps and learn something new!

Storey’s Curious Compendium of Practical and Obscure Skills: 214 Things You Can Actually Learn How to Do – How-to Experts at Storey Publishing

Have you ever wondered how to capture a swarm of bees? Predict the weather by the clouds? And just how do you darn a pair of socks, anyway? With this visual guide, you can learn how to do all those practical things you never had the gumption to do before: carve a turkey, create a butterfly garden, set up a dog agility course, keep a nature sketchbook, navigate by the stars, and more. Make 2021 the year you finally capture that swarm of bees with Storey’s Curious Compendium!

The Call Me Ishmael Phone Book: An Interactive Guide to Life-Changing Books – Stephanie Kent

As a librarian, any book that inspires me to read more is sure to go on my holds list! The Call Me Ishmael Phone Book is an interactive illustrated homage to the beautiful ways in which books bring meaning to our lives and how our lives bring meaning to books. Carefully crafted in the style of a retro telephone directory, this guide offers you a variety of unique ways to connect with readers, writers, bookshops, and life-changing stories.

And remember, you can always check out a robust library of courses for FREE using Lynda.com and your library card. Maybe this year is finally the year you learn to play the ukulele!

Learn a New Language with Brainfuse HelpNow

Trying to learn a new language at home or through school? Make learning easy with Brainfuse HelpNow, a free library eResource that offers an online Language Lab to help you in your studies.

Check out this language vocabulary builder to get flashcards, games, quizzes, and spoken pronunciations for a wide variety of new languages. Each language offers modules that provide an extensive selection of lessons to help you learn and study new terminology.

[Read more…] about Learn a New Language with Brainfuse HelpNow

Kids Knit with KidLit

As the weather gets colder, it’s time to get cozy! And what could be cozier than a warm blanket, cuddly stuffed animals, and a good book? We’ve got you covered at the library! Here are some great books that teach kids how to knit, crochet, sew, and have fun with other textile arts. And once you’re ready to curl up under your own homemade blanket, why not enjoy a picture book or chapter book story that celebrates your new hobby!

How-to Books:
  • Knit, Hook, and Spin: A Kid’s Activity Guide to Fiber Arts and Crafts, by Laurie Carlson
    • From basic braiding and knot-tying, to making and using your own hand spindle, to knitting and crocheting clothes, this books gives step-by-step instructions and illustrations to help you complete over 70 fun projects in a wide range of textile and fiber arts.
  • Kids Knitting, by Melanie Falick
    • Kids of all ages can learn to knit through clear instructions and illustrations. Start with simple projects and build your skills by making things you can really use or wear.
  • Kids Learn to Crochet, by Lucinda Guy
    • A great intro to crocheting for younger kids. Learn the basics through fun projects like making pencil toppers, a simple bag, and even your own stuffed animals!
  • Kids Crochet, by Kelli Ronci
    • Older kids can learn beginner crochet skills, then take it further with more challenging projects to craft your own clothes and toys. Lots of photos and illustrations will guide you, and there are special instructions for lefties.
  • A Kid’s Guide to Sewing: Learn to Sew with Sophie & Her Friends, by Sophie Kerr
    • If Sophie can sew, so can you! Learn from a kid’s point of view how to use a sewing machine to make your own clothes and bags in styles to suit all kids.  
  • Stitch-by-Stitch, by Jane Bull
    • Ever wanted to try needlepoint or embroidery? Learn the basics of these decorative arts with lots of photos to guide you along the way.
Picture Books:
Chapter Books:

Read-a-Thon Wrap-up!

2020? 2020 who?

We here at BCFL Beanstack Headquarters* would like to offer a hearty congratulations to everyone who participated, fought, and struggled through our very first Read-a-Thon! Together, we read over 2,700 books in just over 3 months—how cool is that?

And, of course, a special shout-out to those happy few who managed against all the odds to read 50 whole books since September! That’s wild!

Without further ado, a GREAT BIG CONGRATULATIONS to:

Gracelynne A.

Karlie B.

Julian B.

Shannon C.

Ashleigh H.

Frankie H.

Joy K.

Ann L.

Penny M.

Dawn M.

Aarya N.

Ruby P.

Amalie W.

Amara W.

But you want to know what would be even more wild? Doing it all over again, of course! The same, but better! So, we are here to introduce to you:

BCFL’s Read-a-Thon 2021!

That’s right! Starting today, 1/1, join us on Beanstack for a year-long expedition into the depths of our TBR piles. New books, old books, comic books—anything goes! The goal is 100 books; do you have what it takes?

Sign up on buckscounty.beanstack.com and keep checking back for our monthly Challenge sprints to help you reach that 100-book goal!

PS: Have you checked out our curated selections on CloudLibrary lately? You might find a few ideas!

Good luck, and get reading!

*The linen closet. It’s the linen closet.

Let Your Creativity Blossom with Courses at Lynda.com

Unleash your creativity with these expert-led courses on the creative process, songwriting, photography, drawing, and more! Access these Lynda.com (LinkedIn Learning) courses for free by using your library card. Get started in our e-Library.

Creativity for All

All of us—from accountants to event planners—regularly perform creative acts. Our brains already have the built-in machinery to be wildly creative—some of us just need a bit of clarity on the process. This lively course provides you with precisely that. Get tips that can help you nurture your spontaneous impulses, reignite dormant creative powers, and leverage your innate creativity in all areas of your life.

[Read more…] about Let Your Creativity Blossom with Courses at Lynda.com

Stay Cozy! 5 Things to Do Inside with Your Family

December’s here, and that means staying inside where it’s nice and warm! Here are a few of our favorite suggestions on what to do this year to keep you and your family nice, cozy, and entertained.

Enjoy a Performance on Zoom!

The library has some exciting performers scheduled during the week of December 28, so if you’re home from school with nothing to do, register for a program, grab some snacks and hot cocoa, and watch the magic happen! This year you can enjoy a Virtual Cartooning Class on 12/28 at 2 pm, learn the Principles of Hip Hop on 12/29 at 2 pm, sing and dance with Music Play Patrol on 12/30 at 10 am and 2 pm, and make magic happen with Magician Ran’D Shine on 12/31 at 2 pm!  Gather your family together to learn, move, groove, and be wowed!

Make a Blanket Fort or Reading Nook

On a scale of one to cozy-tastic, this one is tops! Take the blankets and pillows off of your beds and take over a room in your house. Use chairs, tables, or twine to set up rooms, hallways, and corridors, throw a beanbag chair in there, bring the dog, the cat, or the hamster, and get comfy. Extra points for string lights or decorations! Then, bring your crafts, books, or digital device inside and make a day of it.

Earn Badges on Beanstack

If you’re not already hip to the Bean, get ready for fun! Beanstack is the library’s fun way to log your reading and earn badges by completing themed challenges. Each month we unveil new, seasonal badges that will engage you and get you reading outside your comfort zone. In December, you’ll be challenged to read a book by a Canadian author, read a picture book about soup, and more! Compete with your family members, or work together.

Make Homemade Playdough

If you’re slimed out on slime, turn to a classic!  Tinker Lab has a great recipe for homemade playdough, and in my experience playdough is always a (slightly messy) surefire hit. Challenge your kids to make the tallest stable structure that they can, make a menagerie of zoo animals, or make a robot that goes ‘boop!’

Read a Book

Well, we ARE the library! Reading a book on a cozy winter day inside is one of the best ways to spend time together. Whether you’re sharing your childhood favorites, or downloading Cloud Library books on your iPad, reading stories out loud together is one of the most important things that you can do as a family. Gather a stack of books, snuggle up under a blanket, and prepare to get cozy.

Another way to spend time enjoying reading together this winter? Start a family book club! Choose a book that the whole family can enjoy (or let your kids pick something they love and that you would never pick up on your own) and either read it out loud together or read it separately and take breaks every few chapters to discuss your feelings about what is happening.

No matter what you’re doing this winter, stay positive. Spring is just around the corner and 2021 is a new year with promises of lots of new, bookish fun!

The Library Can Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals

Everyone has questions about money:

  • Can I afford to retire early, on-time, or ever?
  • Should I rent or buy?
  • Am I saving enough?
  • Do I need a budget?

Anytime is a great time to learn more about money or to get your financial house in order. The library has books, videos, and on-line courses to help with any aspect of personal finance. Plus we have Consumer Reports Online to help you get the best value on needed purchases.

[Read more…] about The Library Can Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals

You’re Not Alone: YA books on Mental Health

The brain is a part in our body. It is a very important part of our body, but it is still, at the end of the day, a part of our body. Like any other part of our body, it can get hurt. Or something can be different about how our brains work, just like other parts of our body. Maybe it’s too much of one chemical and not the other, maybe it’s not enough of any chemical.

Having your brain work differently is perfectly okay and perfectly normal, not crazy.

However there remains a hefty stigma around mental health and mental disorders, around being crazy. Sometimes, it can make a person feel alone in a world where they aren’t. We read frequently to feel like we are not alone. These books featuring characters with mental health disorders will make you feel not alone at all.

(At the end of each brief review of the book, there contains a trigger warning about sensitive topics within the material. A trigger warning is notice to let you know what sorts of things are dealt with in these books. If something in the trigger warning might trigger you, make you upset or revisit memories you’d rather not, don’t read the book. Stay safe)

The Art of Starving  by Sam J. Miller (Anorexia and super powers?)

Matt argues with himself, that just because he isn’t eating, doesn’t mean he’s anorexic, does it? He also wants to know if through his starvation, he suddenly has superhuman powers? Could those powers be the key to finding out why his sister left? Through this debut novel from Sam J. Miller reads like a rulebook for the art of starving and for the art of recovering. 

(Trigger warning: discussion and actions on anorexia and bulimia, as well as delusions, or super powers)

The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf (OCD)

Set in 1969 Malaysia, Melati believes that she has been cursed by a djinn.  He torments her with visions of her loved ones dying; the only thing that appeases him is perfect counting, in groups of threes. When racial tensions spill over between the Chinese and the Malays, Melati is stuck between trying to find her mother or believing that the djinn is right.

(Trigger warning: OCD behaviors, anxiety, panic attacks, disbelief in diagnosis)

Darius The Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram (Clinical depression)

Darius does not feel like he belongs in his small town. Between bullies, parental disapproval, and clinical depression, it feels impossible to find his place. However, a chance trip to Iran, to visit his grandparents could change all of that.

(Trigger warning: depression, intrusive thoughts, and bullying)

Challenger Deep  by Neal Shusterman (Schizophrenia)

Caden Bosch is leading two separate lives.  In one he’s a regular kid starting to go through some unsettling changes in his head. His thoughts run away with him and he’s feeling out of control.  In the other, he is the journaling artist on a ship that’s headed for Challenger’s Deep, the deepest part of the Marianas Trench. On this ship, he is lured in by adventure and by potential mutiny. But which life is the life he truly leads, and which is the fantasy? 

(Trigger warning: anxiety, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts)

This is My Brain in Love by I.W. Gregorio (Depression and Anxiety)

Told in alternating perspectives, Jos and Will deal problems much bigger than their want to be a couple. Including, but not limited to: parental pressure, handling a failing business, fast and unrelenting change, tutoring siblings, and keeping grade points up for college. All that would be a lot for anyone to handle, but between anxiety and undiagnosed depression, it makes everything that much harder.

(Trigger Warning: anxiety, depression, mood swings, panic attacks)

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley (Agoraphobia)

Solomon has not left the house in 3 years, 2 months, and some days.  He likes it inside and stays there.  He is perfectly fine.

Lisa Praytor wants to get out of Upland.  She believes that by fixing Solomon, to get him to go outside, she can get into her goal college and escape this time.

But neither one of them thought that their friendship would be what changed everything.

(Trigger warning: agoraphobia, panic attacks, emotional distress)

(Don’t) Call Me Crazy edited by Kelly Jensen (Starting the discussion)  

This book of essays is full of great conversation starters, tales of growth and knowledge, and the strong feeling that you are not alone in the way that you’re feeling.  This book covers a lot of different mental health concerns and worries, from anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders and more.  If you’re feeling out of sorts, never crazy, reach for this to help you find some solace.

(Trigger warning: discussions of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, mental health, eating disorders, suicide, body dysmorphia, mania, and recovery)