Introducing Bibliopolis: Minneapolis Branch!

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Today I am pleased to present to you the never-before seen video of the making of Bibliopolis: Minneapolis Branch, featuring the library-building-and-decorating powerhouse, Rhee & Rhee. I am beyond proud to see our love of reading spreading far and wide, and super excited to have this sister branch (library plant?) at our Gracepoint Minneapolis church. The video speaks for itself, so without further delay…

The Making of…Bibliopolis: Minneapolis Branch! from hemilykim on Vimeo.

My favorite parts, in no particular order:

  • The photos of all our readers!
  • The hot chocolate station
  • Mr. Sketch’s cameo
  • The moving ice cream carton and bowls
  • Hanging chair (A wee bit envious over here at Gracepoint Berkeley church!)

What say you? Any encouraging words? Exclamations of glee? Any of you in our other Gracepoint churches inspired to start your own branch? Chime in and give a shout out to Bibliopolis: Minneapolis Branch! (Minneopolis, perhaps?) 

Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

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It’s a fine line between Ordinary and Extraordinary. Here at Gracepoint Berkeley church, I’m happy to be part of increasing the momentum of a culture shift, where reading is not only cool, it’s a given. Today’s picture is so mundane to me, but when I take a step back, I recognize the (Extra)ordinary in it. These middle school guys could be lost in the myriad Internet wormholes out there, playing video games, or just otherwise metaphorically or literally rolling around doing nothing. Instead they’re voluntarily coming to a library for independent reading. They don’t get community service points or extra credit for this. We don’t do any special programs. I have classical music playing, and pretty much leave them alone. We just read. (I actually get the most reading done during my times with these guys, so I personally look forward to it. Which some might find extraordinary in and of itself!)

Middle school guys totally in the zone — the auto reading zone — reading books that they *chose* to come to Bibliopolis to read. For an hour! (And some come early, just because.)

What’s your verdict: Ordinary or Extraordinary? 

 

Reading Testimonial: This “One’s” for Me!

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Today’s “Reader Testimonial” comes from Irene, new mom, staff with Koinonia Berkeley at Gracepoint Berkeley church, and as you’ll find out, a social worker by day.

OnefortheMurphys_low-ResJust wanted to share a bit about my experience reading the book One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. I am not much of a reader. I don’t read unless it’s mandatory, for the most part. But Emily suggested this book for me as a professional recommendation.  And it had me in tears as I read.

Working as a social worker in the child welfare system, this story about a child navigating her way through the system really struck home. The author was able to give light to the child’s emotional challenges and the reality of being in such a painful and tumultuous situation. The story helped give voice to the many clients I have worked with over the years. And it helped me to experience a renewed excitement for reading. As a professing non-reader, I was encouraged by the suggestion that fit my interest. And it was an easy read, and so engaging that I just couldn’t put it down!

Emily here: This is a favorite among many readers, young and old alike. And despite the semi-girly cover, and the female protagonist, this is a favorite among young men too! Almost everyone who has read this book has cried or gotten choked up. This is classified as a “middle grades” book, so it’s appropriate for 5th grade and up…all the way up! 🙂

For fans of One for the Murphys, Hunt’s newest novel is called Fish in a Tree, which is also awesome! It’s also awesome that it is available at Coscto, though of course, here at Bibliopolis, we do try to support independent bookstores, such as Books Inc. 🙂

Have you read One for the Murphys? If so, what did you think? Any youth out there want to write a youth book review for Fish in a Tree?