Eight More Great Kanopy Films

You've probably heard about Kanopy, Carnegie-Stout's streaming movie collection and all of the independent films, documentaries, international films, and children's movies available. If you're not sure how to get started, visit the library's YouTube page to watch a video on how to use Kanopy.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all of the great films available on Kanopy and aren't sure what to watch first, I've gathered together another eight great suggestions you can watch this month! If you missed it, be sure to check out the earlier blog post Eight of the Best Films on Kanopy.

• Loving Vincent: In the first fully painted feature film, 2018 Oscar-nominated LOVING VINCENT tells the story of the mysterious and tragic death of the world's most famous artist, Vincent van Gogh.
• Melancholia: Acclaimed filmmaker Lars von Trier grapples with his own experiences with depression in this 2011 dark sci-fi drama and Palme d'Or nominee.
• Mister Rogers: It's You I Like: This 2018 documentary pays tribute to the beloved Fred Rogers and the nearly 900 episodes of his landmark children's television program first seen in 1968 on PBS that continues to resonate with children and adults alike.
• Moonlight: The 2016 Oscar-winner for Best Picture, this is a moving and transcendent look at three defining chapters in the life of Chiron, a young man growing up in Miami.

• Nebraska: This 2013 comedic drama about a father and his adult son on a journey to claim a million-dollar prize, from the Oscar-winning director Alexander Payne.
• Oldboy: Director Park Chan-wook's 2003 film of revenge features stunning plot twists and arresting action sequences. 
• Rashomon: Director Akira Kurosawa's 1950 film that investigates the nature of truth and the meaning of justice is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made.
• Robot & Frank: This 2012 film starring Frank Langella and Peter Sarsgaard is the story of an ex-jewel thief who receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.

-Sarah, Adult Services

Eight of the Best Films on Kanopy

Your Dubuque resident library card gives you access to all sorts of incredible online resources and digital collections, so many that it can be overwhelming sometimes. Carnegie-Stout Public Library staff are here to help, whether you have questions about how to get the technology to work or you need a suggestion for a book, movie, or music you might enjoy!

If you're a movie buff or a fan of educational documentaries, you should definitely check out Kanopy, Carnegie-Stout's streaming movie collection. Need help getting started? Visit the library's YouTube page to watch a video on how to use Kanopy. Not sure what Kanopy has to offer? Keep reading for a list with eight great films available now on Kanopy!

• Bill Cunningham New York is a 2010 documentary of the decades long career of New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham.
• A Cat in Paris is a 2010 nominee for the Academy Award for Best Animated feature about a Parisian cat, and a Parisian cat burglar.
• Florence Foster Jenkins is a 2016 film based on a true story of a woman who dreams of stardom, starring Meryl Streep in an award-nominated performance.
• The Hours is a 2002 film inspired by the works and life of Virginia Woolf, actress Nicole Kidman won the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance.

• Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a 2016 comedy from director Taika Waititi about a child and his uncle on a journey through the New Zealand wilderness.
• I Am Big Bird is a 2015 film about Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer responsible for creating Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
• Lady Bird is a 2017 film by director Greta Gerwig starring Saoirse Ronan in a Golden Globe winning performance as a teen struggling with her mother in her last year of high school.
• Midsommar is a 2019 horror film about an American couple who attend a Swedish festival that hides a sinister secret.

-Sarah, Adult Services

Celebrate Earth Day 2020

Earth Dec. 7, 1972, by the crew of Apollo 17 (NASA)

Wednesday, April 22 is the 50th annual celebration of Earth Day! Earth Day is a global day to recognize and support the importance of environmental protection proposed by UNESCO and popularized in the United States by Wisconsin's Gaylord Nelson.

One great way to celebrate, while maintaining appropriate social distancing, is to go for a hike on one of the excellent trails throughout the Dubuque area. Be sure to take the time to check the weather before you hike so you don't get caught in a spring shower! It's also a good idea to check with the appropriate parks agency to see if they have any guidance or restrictions at this time.

• City of Dubuque trails and maps
• City of Dubuque parks
• Dubuque County parks and maps
• State of Iowa parks

If the weather isn't cooperating, or you'd rather celebrate from the comfort of your own couch, you might enjoy using your Dubuque resident Carnegie-Stout Public Library card to watch an Earth Day related documentary on Kanopy. We've gathered together a short list of suggested titles below.

The Island President: Politics in the Maldives

(2011, 102 minutes) Nasheed, who brought democracy to the Maldives after decades of despotic rule, now faces an even greater challenge: as one of the most low-lying countries in the world, a rise of three feet in sea level would submerge the 1200 islands of the Maldives and make them uninhabitable.

Trashed with Jeremy Irons

(2012, 94 minutes) Jeremy Irons sets out to discover the extent and effects of the global waste problem, as he travels around the world to beautiful destinations tainted by pollution.

Plastic China - The Lives of Recycling Plant Workers in China

(2016, 83 minutes) This film documents a plastic recycling facility in a small town dedicated to the business of processing plastic waste and examines global consumption and culture through the eyes and hands of those who handle its refuse.

My Life as a Turkey

(2011, 53 minutes) PBS Nature tells one man's remarkable experience of raising a group of wild turkey hatchlings to adulthood. After a local farmer left a bowl of eggs on Joe Hutto's front porch, his life was forever changed. Hutto, possessing a broad background in the natural sciences and an interest in imprinting young animals, incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. 

Ken Burns: The National Parks - America’s Best Idea

(2009, 697 minutes) This 12-hour, six-part documentary series by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan tells the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone.

There's a Snake on My Book!

Librarians spend a lot of their time with books. Reading about books, organizing books, purchasing books, thinking about books. When you spend that much time with books you start to notice patterns. Similar titles, similar stories, similar covers.

Lately, I've been noticing snakes.

• The Andalucian Friend by Alexander Soderberg
• Boy, Snow Bird by Helen Oyeyemi
• Dark Age by Pierce Brown
• Deviation by Luce D'Eramo
• The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
• Famous in Cedarville by Erica Wright
• Gun Island by Amitav Ghosh
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender
• The Remaking by Clay McLeod Chapman
• Trinity Sight by Jennifer Givhan
• The Water Museum by Luis Alberto Urrea

~Sarah, adult services

More Recent Romance

Carnegie-Stout Librarians love romance, and we know our readers do too. If you're looking for a good love story, keep reading for a few suggestions or check out these recent blog posts for even more!

• Love Stories to Warm Up a Cold Evening (12/13/19)
• Love, Sweet Love (2/1/20)

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

OverDrive eBook

A contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set among the tight-knit Muslim community of Toronto, Canada. Ayesha has set aside her dreams of poetry to pursue a teaching career and help support her family. Khalid will not sacrifice his respect for his family's traditions for the sake of a simpler social life, including his mother's dream of an arranged marriage. When an event at their mosque brings them together, Ayesha and Khalid find themselves reconsidering their preconceptions.

Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi

OverDrive eBook

This young adult romance is an enemies-to-lovers story featuring two incredibly driven young women: cheerleader Sana Khan and aspiring film-maker Rachel Recht. The sparks (and cameras) fly as these two learn to navigate the expectations of their families and their own dreams for the future. Drama-filled and uplifting, with tons of references for readers who are also film buffs.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

OverDrive eBook | OverDrive audiobook

This book contains spoilers for Hoang's first novel, The Kiss Quotient, so reader beware! Khai is content with the life he's built for himself and believes that he has what he needs. His mother isn't so sure, and takes it upon herself to find a bride for Khai. Esme has made some mistakes in her life, but she's working hard as a cleaner in a Ho Chi Minh City hotel to support her grandmother, mother, and young daughter. When she's given the chance to go to America for a potential arranged marriage, she takes the leap into the unknown.

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

OverDrive audiobook

In the years after she was left at the alter, Lina has built a successful wedding planning business with the support of her loving Brazillian family in Washington D.C. When she receives an unexpected chance to launch her career to the next level, she never expected it would require that she work a man she never thought she'd see again: Max, the infuriatingly handsome brother and best-man of the jerk who jilted her.

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

OverDrive eBook

A debut historical romance that doesn't shy away from the social issues of the late 19th century. Vicar's daughter Annabelle has earned her place as a student at Oxford, and she's joined the fight for women's suffrage. The Duke of Montgomery holds Queen Victoria's ear and his support would aid her cause, if only he didn't oppose her aims. Their passionate intellectual debate sparks a passionate attraction, but how could two individuals so opposed find happiness?

Love Stories to Warm Up a Cold Evening

I love a good love story any time of year, but there's something extra nice about curling up with a heartwarming read on a dark, cold evening. I've put together a list of a few of my recent favorites, and I hope you'll share yours in the comments!

I've included a rating scale of 1-4 fire 🔥 emojis to give you a sense of how explicit the physical relationship of the characters gets on the page.

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev
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With her newest book Sonali Dev has shifted away from her popular Bollywood romance series to create modern variations on Jane Austen's classics, starting with Pride and Prejudice. Trisha is a neurosurgeon from an incredibly rich and powerful family, DJ is a talented chef whose family has struggled for everything they have. There's romance, family drama, some interesting twists, but most memorable are the lusciously delicious food descriptions.


Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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I'm always a sucker for stories where enemies or rivals discover that they don't actually hate each other, and that all those sparks flying are True Love. McQuiston's debut is exactly that. For years Alex, son of the first female President of the United States, thought he hated Prince Henry, the younger son of the Queen of England. Of course, as the sons of such powerful people, it's going to be more than a little complicated to make things work.


Can't Escape Love by Alyssa Cole
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This is a novella, which means that it is currently eBook only and available to City of Dubuque residents through the library's OverDrive/Libby collection. It also means that this story falls smack in the middle of Cole's Reluctant Royals series, so be wary of spoilers for the other books in this series. Reggie is driven, fiercely independent, and unapologetically nerdy. Gus has a sexy voice, a love for puzzles, and is just breaking into the world of Escape Rooms. They met online, but in person their attraction proves to be impossible to resist.


The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
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Helen Hoang's debut novel is a enjoyable story about a fake relationship between two people who don't feel worthy of the real thing - yet. Stella is successful and accomplished, but Asperger's syndrome makes interpersonal relationships a challenge. Michael is the half-Vietnamese escort she hires to help her learn and improve her skills. I listened to the audiobook, and narrator Carly Robins is fantastic.


The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
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Jasmine Guillory's debut was one of my top three favorite reads for 2019 with what felt a perfect mix of sweet and spicy, humor and drama. Alexa and Drew meet when they get stuck in an elevator together, and then Drew impulsively asks Alexa to be his date at his ex-girlfriend's wedding. It's a fake relationship with an undeniable attraction, but the real conflict comes from how two accomplished professionals with established lives in different cities can make things work.


Intercepted by Alexa Martin
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If you'd asked me a year ago, I would've told you that sports romances weren't really my thing, but Alexa Martin convinced me that I was wrong. It helps that Intercepted doesn't require the reader to be a football expert to understand the story. Marlee has been dating Chris since high school, though they've had a few rough patches over the years. On one memorable break, Marlee had a one-night stand with Gavin, who just so happens to be the new quarterback for Chris's team. Plus Chris still hasn't #PutARingOnIt, which means Marlee is a second-class citizen when it comes to the mean girls club made up of the other players' wives.

June is Audiobook Month: Downloadable Audiobooks

June is Audiobook Month! There are only a few days left to celebrate in 2019, but Carnegie-Stout Public Library's collection of downloadable audiobooks are always available! If you've already installed the OverDrive app or Libby app, you're ready to go, but if you have questions about how to enjoy downloadable audiobooks, library staff are happy to help! To get you started, here are a few downloadable audiobook titles that you might enjoy:


Normal People by Sally Rooney
 Sally Rooney brings her brilliant psychological acuity and perfectly spare prose to a story that explores the subtleties of class, the electricity of first love, and the complex entanglements of family and friendship. The audiobook is narrated by Aoife McMahon




Shoot for the Moon by James Donovan
For the 50th anniversary, the epic story of Apollo 11 and the astronauts, flight controllers, and engineers who made it happen. Both sweeping and intimate, and based on exhaustive research and dozens of fresh interviews. The audiobook is narrated by Allan Robertson




A Dog's Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron
Lucas Ray is shocked when an adorable puppy jumps out of an abandoned building and into his arms. Though the apartment he shares with his mother, a disabled veteran, doesn't allow dogs, Lucas can't resist taking Bella home. The audiobook is narrated by Ann Marie Lee




Code Name Lise by Larry Loftis
The year is 1942, and World War II is in full swing. Odette Sansom decides to follow in her war hero father's footsteps by becoming an SOE agent to aid Britain and her beloved homeland, France. Five failed attempts and one plane crash later, she finally lands in occupied France to begin her mission.. The audiobook is narrated by Kate Reading

June is Audiobook Month: Speculative Fiction

June is Audiobook Month! To celebrate, borrow a Science Fiction audiobook from Carnegie-Stout Public Library's collection. Here are a few recent titles of science fiction and fantasy that you might enjoy:

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Brent Weeks writes dark and gritty fantasy novels. The Black Prism is the suspenseful first book in his Lightbringer series about the growing threat of war and the complicated ties of family and politics. The audiobook is produced by Graphic Audio, and includes a full cast of narrators and sound effects giving it the feel of a modern radio drama.



Indexing by Seanan McGuire
Seanan McGuire writes whimsical, yet gritty, urban fantasies with intriguing world-building and colorful characters. Indexing explores a world where fairy tales have the potential to become very real and dangerous. The ATI Management Bureau attempts to keep the world safe. Mary Robinette Kowal skillfully narrates by providing distinctive character voices and accents.



The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie is known for writing fantasy stories filled with adventure, gritty violence, and sex. His writing is sometimes referred to as “grimdark fantasy,” and will appeal to fans of Game of Thrones. The Blade Itself is the first in a series filled with dark humor and less-than-honorable protagonists. Steven Pacey’s audiobook narration provides impressively distinct character voices.



Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer
This is historian Ada Palmer’s thought-provoking first novel. Too Like the Lightning takes the philosophies of the 18th century Enlightenment and creates a distant science-fictional future. Jefferson Mays narrates the audiobook and he provides distinct voices for the various characters.

June is Audiobook Month: Science & Innovation

June is Audiobook Month! To celebrate, borrow a Nonfiction audiobook from Carnegie-Stout Public Library's collection. Here are a few titles on scientific exploration and human achievement that you might enjoy:

The Tangled Tree by David Quammen
David Quammen specializes in writing nonfiction about science and travel, and the occasional thriller novel. The Tangled Tree is an accessible and engaging account of recent discoveries in biology and evolution. Jacques Roy narrates the audiobook with crisp, yet unhurried, professionalism.




Paper by Mark Kurlansky
Mark Kurlansky is known for his carefully researched and richly detailed accounts of unexpected topics. In Paper, Kurlansky explores the ways that this seemingly boring product has shaped human history. Andrew Garman narrates the audiobook with a command of the facts that aids, rather than distracts, from the interesting details.



Spooky Action at a Distance by George Musser
Journalist George Musser has created an accessible book on a complicated topic: nonlocality, or quantum entanglement, a question that has interested physicists since Albert Einstein labeled it as “spooky action at a distance.” The audiobook is narrated by William Hughes with energy and a crisp delivery.




Science of the Magical by Matt Kaplan
Journalist Matt Kaplan explores the scientific truths behind our myths of the supernatural, from ancient Vikings to Captain America. This fascinating book is a great pick for fans of Mary Roach. The audiobook is narrated by Eric Michael Summerer with confidence and a skill for pacing.

June is Audiobook Month: Fiction & History

June is Audiobook Month! To celebrate, borrow a Fiction audiobook from Carnegie-Stout Public Library's collection. Here are a few novels that explore how our ties to the past change our lives that you might enjoy:

Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce
This is a heartwarming story of a young woman finding her way into adulthood during the tumult of the Blitz in WWII London. Emmy dreams of becoming a journalist, but ends up as a typist with a woman’s magazine that has a distinctly unhelpful advice column. Young British actress Anna Popplewell’s (The Chronicles of Narnia) narration is a good match for the plucky Emmy.


Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Memoirist Rooney’s first novel, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, is a moving story of one woman’s life. On December 31, 1984, Lillian Boxfish sets out on a walk across Manhattan and recalls her 85 years of life, her career, loves, and losses.  Xe Sands’s expressive and compelling narration is a perfect match for this moving story.


Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Multiple award-winning author Barbara Kingsolver’s writing is character-driven and often political in both her novels and nonfiction. In Unsheltered, she explores the connections and parallels between a contemporary woman facing unemployment and the science teacher who lived in her New Jersey home nearly 150 years earlier. Kingsolver skillfully narrates her audiobooks herself.



Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson
Multiple award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson is best known for books for children and young adults. This lyrical novel for adults, Another Brooklyn, is the story of August, who returns to Brooklyn after her father’s death and finds herself remembering her childhood. Robin Miles skillfully captures the voices and moods of this haunting novel.

June is Audiobook Month: Lived Experiences

June is Audiobook Month! To celebrate, borrow a Nonfiction audiobook from Carnegie-Stout Public Library's collection. Here are a few memoirs and biographies that you might enjoy:

All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung
Nicole Chung shares her story of growing up with her white adoptive family in Oregon and her journey to connect with her identity as a Korean American. This candid and moving memoir is narrated by Janet Song, an accomplished narrator and film actor.




The White Darkness by David Grann
David Grann is a journalist who has written several bestselling works of narrative nonfiction. The White Darkness tells the story of a 2015 solo-expedition retracing Shackleton’s Antarctic exploration by a descendant of the original expedition. The capable Will Patton narrates the audiobook in his recognizably gruff yet warm style.


American Like Me by America Ferrera
Actress America Ferrera is the editor of this candid and heartwarming collection of essays describing the immigrant experience from well-known individuals including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Issa Rae, Michelle Kwan, and Roxane Gay. The audiobook is narrated by America Ferrera, some of the essayists, and a few professional audiobook narrators.



A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa
Ishikawa is the son of a Korean father and a Japanese mother, and in 1960, his family moved from Japan to a rural village in North Korea. After 36 years of hardship, he fled North Korea and faced the challenge of reintegrating in Japan. A candid, heartwrenching story, the audiobook is narrated by Brian Nishii with both clarity and passion.