by Brianna

How are those resolutions going?
Every new year, I try to establish a creative goal. And each year, I learn how to be more vulnerable and patient with my crafts. I’m not sure if you made a resolution or a yearly intention, but I ask you to consider enhancing your creative spirit. Reader, I am sure you’ve been through a lot the last two years, I know I have. Arts, crafts, and hobbies help us burn a little brighter. This year, how can you acknowledge the creative feeling within?
 
This is your invitation
You don’t have to run to the craft store (but I ain’t stoppin’ yah) to engage in a creative journey. Sometimes, you have what you need at home. A pen and paper (yes, draw on the back of receipts). Actually, you don’t need traditional art supplies to be creative, you could revamp your junk draw, or fold your clothes differently. Just find a space (big, small, or tiny) for you to make a mark and allow yourself to be in the moment of making and wonder. If you want to explore your options, check out the Oceanside library creative resource, Creativebug. Creativebug offers online video arts and crafts workshops and techniques. Learn how to paint, knit, crochet, sew, screen print, and more.
 
Creative Reads
Below are my favorite reads about the creative spirit. For example, you will think “that’s not about creativity” but it can be adapted to the practice. I hope you are able to find a gem in this list, and something that will nurture your creativity.
 
Let us know what you think about the selection! If you want to check these out, please reach out to our librarians and we can set you up with a curbside order. Don’t forget, we still offer our Book Tasting Service. Let us help you find the books that match your reading tastes! Fill out the form to get our personal librarian shopper.
 
 Recommended reading.

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
 
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
From thought leader Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability.
 
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
The book was written to help people with artistic creative recovery, which teaches techniques and exercises to assist people in gaining self-confidence in harnessing their creative talents and skills.
 
Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
A boy, his stuffed tiger, some tuna sandwiches and a really useful cardboard box — cartoonist Bill Watterson didn't need much to spin this heartfelt, gloriously loopy paean to childhood (and childhood imagination).
 
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
“Honest, raw, and revelatory” (The Washington Post), this wildly candid and compulsively readable book reveals how the mega talented Shonda Rhimes finally achieved badassery worthy of a Shondaland character. Best of all, she “can help motivate even the most determined homebody to get out and try something new” (Chicago Tribune)
 
For Every One by Jason Reynolds
Originally performed at the Kennedy Center for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and later as a tribute to Walter Dean Myers, this stirring and inspirational poem is New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds’s rallying cry to the [dreamers] of the world.
 
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
One of the world’s leading creative artists, choreographers, and creator of the smash-hit Broadway show, Movin’ Out, shares her secrets for developing and honing your creative talents—at once prescriptive and inspirational.
 
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits-smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you'll remember your own first love-and just how hard it pulled you under.
 
The Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international bestseller will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home—and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.
 
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Jon Klassen
A magical story spun with quirkiness and quiet humor. Annabelle finds some extra yarn in a box, so she knits, knits, and knits sweaters and more for everyone in and aro

The entire month of November is dedicated to the beauty, history, and preservation of Native American Heritage. So much of our culture originates from Native Americans- even a handful of our towns on Long Island are named after tribes! Take the time to celebrate and learn about Native American culture with these selected fiction titles. ​

Celebrate your FREADom: Banned Books Week 2021

    “Censorship is telling a man he can’t have a steak just because a baby can’t chew it.” -Mark Twain 

    This week is Banned Books Week! From Sunday, September 26th to Saturday, October 2nd is when we celebrate our freedom to read (even though everyday should be a celebration of reading!) and bring awareness to book censorship. Unfortunately, book censorship is not a thing of the past- many books are still challenged and banned from libraries, bookstores, and schools today! Common reasoning behind banning books include violence, profanity, homosexuality,  religious viewpoint (i.e. atheism), and sexual themes. 

    Click here to visit the American Library Association’s Banned and Challenged Books website!

    Check out the top 100 banned books, according to the American Library Association!

    Come check out our book display of frequently challenged books!
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At Oceanside Library, we are super excited to be hosting an amazing line up of authors this fall. Best selling authors Lisa See, Craig Davidson, and Ellen Meister will each be visiting us virtually in the next few months. They'll be discussing some of our favorite books and giving us a sneak peek as to what might be new to the shelves in 2021. These events are open to all! Visit our event calendar for the online links.
And don't forget to tell your friends and share with your bookclubs. Bookclubs that register with us, will have the chance to win an exclusive bookclub gift during our visit with Lisa See on October 8th. Click here to sign up!
Want to read some of these authors before they visit? No problem!   Browsing and borrowing and curbside pickup are available or give us a call and we'll be sure to help you get ready reading!