Nine Books for Bike to Work Week

The annual celebration of the average bicyclist is coming! Are you ready for Bike to Work Week (May 16-20)? The Dubuque Bike Coop is coming to Carnegie-Stout Public Library to answer your questions about biking and give you the basics on bike care. We hope to see you there on Monday, May 9 at 6 p.m.

In the meantime, we've put together a short reading list for cycling enthusiasts:

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
(YA Fiction Dessen) When Auden impulsively goes to stay with her father, stepmother, and new baby sister the summer before she starts college, all the trauma of her parents' divorce is revived, even as she is making new friends and having new experiences such as learning to ride a bike and dating.

Around the World on Two Wheels by Peter Zheutlin
(Biog Londonderry) For more than a century, the story of the audacious and charismatic Annie Kopchovsky and her attempt to circle the world by wheel has been lost to history. Who was this mysterious young woman on a bike? How did she manage, in the 1890s, to make a trip around the world by bicycle?

Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne

(796.64 BYR) Since the early 1980s, renowned musician and visual artist David Byrne has been riding a bike as his principal means of transportation in New York City. Byrne's choice was initially made out of convenience rather than political motivation, but the more cities he saw from his bicycle, the more he became hooked on this mode of transport and the sense of liberation, exhilaration, and connection it provided.

Gold by Chris Cleave

(Fiction Cleave) Cyclists Zoe and Kate are friends and athletic rivals for Olympic gold, while Kate and her husband Jack, also a world-class cyclist, must contend with the recurrence of their young daughter's leukemia.

A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar by Suzanne Joinson
(Fiction Joinson) In 1923, devout Eva English and her not-so-religious sister Lizzie embark on a journey to be missionaries in the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar.

Lanterne Rouge by Max Leonard
(796.62 LEO) Shares the lesser-known stories of last-place finishers in the Tour de France, recounting the inspirational and occasionally absurd events that shaped their efforts.

Life is a Wheel by Bruce Weber
(917.3 WEB) Riding a bicycle across the United States is one of those bucket-list goals that many dream about but few fulfill. In 2011 at the age of fifty-seven, New York Times obituary writer Bruce Weber made the trip alone and wrote about it as it unfolded mile by mile.

The Lost Cyclist by David Herlihy
(Biog Lenz) Herlihy's gripping narrative captures the soaring joys and constant dangers accompanying renowned high-wheel racer and long-distance tourist Frank Lenz in the days before paved roads and automobiles.

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury
(YA Fiction Bradbury) When best friends Chris and Win go on a cross country bicycle trek the summer after graduating and only one returns, the FBI wants to know what happened.

Staff Review: Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales

There are many sports I find enjoyable. The TV is always on during the Olympics; all my years in marching band and pep band created a love of football and basketball; watching some college sports live (Clarke men’s volleyball!) is fun. However, in many cases I would rather read or watch a movie about certain sports than see the actual event either live or on TV. For example I have always been fascinated by the 1919 “Black Sox” scandal, but really do not like watching a baseball game. Give me a summary in a book or a movie with a game montage and I’m a happy camper.

Perhaps that is why I was drawn to Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales. It is an oral history of the rise of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. The detailed story of the network from conception to its current standing as a worldwide source of sports on TV, in print and online is told by the people who lived it. Many sports are touched on in relation to how they came to be shown on ESPN such as football and basketball (both pro and college), baseball, hockey, soccer, NASCAR, the X games, and the Olympics. Of course there is much discussion of “behind the scenes” at the network providing a peek into contract negotiations with both individuals and companies as well as descriptions of the ESPN culture in Bristol, Connecticut.

An oral history is the perfect format for a story like this because it is presented only via direct quotes. There is some explanatory text but the story is told directly from the mouths of the speakers themselves. This format provides both sides of an argument – and there are many – or all aspects of a scandal – there are a few of those, too – without giving the authors editorial opinion. Note that because the title or description of each person speaking is only listed the first time they appear in the book, it can be challenging to keep everyone straight at the beginning.

Other oral histories include Live From New York about the development and rise of Saturday Night Live also by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller and The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts by Tom Farley and Colby Tanner.

 ~Emily, Adult Services

Boating and NASCAR Illustrated are our June Magazines of the Month

June is a perfect time of year for outdoor activities, which has inspired our selection for the magazines of the month: Boating and NASCAR Illustrated. That Father's Day is June 15th, and many fathers (including mine) enjoy both boats and NASCAR is an additional bonus.

Boating is a magazine for powerboat enthusiasts and publishes ten issues every year, as well as a yearly boat buying guide. Each issue covers industry developments, reviews of boating gear and accessories, boating safety guides, fishing information, and DIY projects.

You can check out a copy from the library, or learn more on their website: www.boatingmag.com

NASCAR Illustrated is, as the title suggests, packed with full color photographs from NASCAR races. In addition to the pictures, there are profiles, interviews, and features to appeal to any NASCAR fan.

There are additional photos and videos available through their website: www.nascar-illustrated.com

September Magazines of the Month

It's another sports themed month for September's Magazines of the Month. The U.S. Open is in full swing, until the final matches on September 9th, and the first game of the NFL season will be on September 5th, and you can get the inside scoop on the worlds of tennis and football in the pages of Tennis and ESPN respectively.

Tennis is the official publication of the United States Professional Tennis Association, and produces eight issues every year. Their website has all the latest information on U.S. Open, up to date player rankings, information to help you improve your game, and more: www.tennis.com

ESPN is, unsurprisingly, the official magazine of the sports network ESPN. There's a new issue every two weeks, and they're probably most famous for their annual Body Issue, which features nude pictures of a variety of athletes from Olympians to linebackers. You can check out their website to learn more about all their features: insider.espn.go.com/insider/espn-the-magazine

Stop into the library to check out our display of football and tennis books and movies on the second floor!

August Magazines of the Month

Our magazines of the month for August are Adventure Cyclist and Runner's World. Two titles to inspire you to get out there and explore the many running and biking trails in the tri-states region! Or to keep you inspired on those days when the weather inhibits outdoor activity.

Adventure Cyclist is a publication of the Adventure Cycling Association, which was formed in 1973. The organization's focus is on bicycle touring in the United States, from local weekend trips to cross country expeditions. Over the years they've expanded coverage to international bicycle adventures, and they provide information, reviews, maps, and more on their website: www.adventurecycling.org

Runner's World began publication in 1966. The magazine started as a publication run from the Kansas home of Bob Anderson, but todayis published in 14 international editions (source). The magazine provides information, tips, and training plans to runners at all levels, and is available as part of our downloadable Zinio collection. You may also enjoy their website: www.runnersworld.com

Dubuque Tournament of Books: Sweet Sixteen

The madness begins! Welcome to Round One of the Dubuque Tournament of Books!

Voting for the first round will run from March 3rd - March  9th. Winners from round one will be announced on March 10th, when voting for the second round begins.

You have until March 8th to fill out a bracket and be entered for a chance to win a prize! Blank brackets are available at Carnegie-Stout Public Library, on our website as a pdf, and in the February 28th issue of 365Ink. Your bracket must be turned into the library by March 8th to be eligible to win.

Cast your votes for the first round below! Not sure which title to vote for? Check out this blog post.

Dubuque Tournament of Books: Meet the Contestants

Voting for the first ever Dubuque Tournament of Books begins on Sunday, March 3rd. There's still time to enter the contest with your picks for the winning books. Entry brackets are available in the February 28th issue of 365Ink, you can download one from our website, or you can pick one up at Carnegie-Stout. All entries must be returned to Carnegie-Stout by March 8th to be eligible for the drawing.

Of course we don't expect you to have had a chance to read all the entrants in the contest, so today we're providing you with a brief introduction for each title!

Wild: from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed 
Wild is a deeply personal and inspirational memoir about grief, hiking, and personal growth. This was the first title selected for Oprah's new book club, and was the topic of a Read Alike post on our blog. 

Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel 
Are You My Mother? is the second witty and intellectually challenging graphic memoir by cartoonist Alison Bechdel. Her first, Fun Home, will be the book under discussion at the April 9th meeting of Graphic Content here at C-SPL.

The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett
This stand alone novel by the prolific fantasy author is a thought-provoking exploration of parallel worlds told with Pratchett's trademark humor. The main character's journey starts out in a Madison, WI orphanage stretches to the bounds of reality.

Redshirts by John Scalzi
Scalzi is an award-winning author known for both his science-fiction and his blog. Redshirts is a darkly humorous and thought-provoking examination of many popular science fiction tropes with great appeal for any Star Trek fan.

Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
How could we not include the latest installment in Evanovich's hilarious mystery series featuring hapless bounty hunter Stephanie Plum? Be sure to check out our Janet Evanovich Read Alike list if you haven't. 

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 
Most readers hadn't heard of Gillian Flynn before the publication of her third novel, Gone Girl, but this suspenseful story of a dysfunctional relationship kept readers turning pages long into the night. Flynn's weeks at the top of the best seller lists earned her a Read Alike post as well.

Building Stories by Chris Ware  
Ware's unconventional take a graphic novel captured the attention of many critics, landing Building Stories on several Best of 2012 lists (as well as Andrew's Graphic Novels for People Who Don't Read Graphic Novels post). Melancholy and complex, the way the reader approaches the 14 pieces changes the experience.

Batman: Court of the Owls by Scott Snyder
Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, and Jonathan Glapion team up for a new look at an old comic book favorite: Batman. If you've never read a Batman story, this gritty murder mystery would be a good volume to start with.

50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James 
Everyone and their mother has heard of the self-published erotica turned #1 best seller that is the 50 Shades trilogy. This steamy read has convinced legions of readers to explore their inner goddess, or maybe just given them the giggles. This was the 2nd place choice in our November voting.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day
The popularity of 50 Shades brought long time steamy romance author Sylvia Day to wider recognition due to the similarities in her Crossfire trilogy: a dominant business man, a young woman just starting her career, and their steamy (and somewhat kinky) passion. Bared to You has also spent significant time on the best seller lists.

Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly 
Librarians across Iowa will tell you that Bill O'Reilly and coauthor Martin Dugard's dramatic exploration of President Kennedy's assassination is a popular title. A follow-up to their earlier Killing Kennedy, readers shouldn't doubt the host of Fox News Channel's O'Reilly Factor's continuing popularity.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
This beautifully researched book about life in one of India's slums by journalist Katherine Boo was the winner of the 2012 National Book Award for Non-Fiction. You can read more about this book in Sarah's staff review.

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling 
The first novel from the author of the wildly successful Harry Potter series was bound to receive attention. The Casual Vacancy is a character-driven and darkly humorous novel of small town politics with not a single wizard. It also tied for 5th place in our November voting.

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
Bring up the Bodies is the sequel to Mantel's Man Booker winning Wolf Hall, the first two novels in a proposed trilogy about the life of Thomas Cromwell in King Henry VIII's court. In fact, Mantel was also awarded the Man Booker for Bring Up the Bodies. She is only the fourth novelist to receive two, and the first woman.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Wein's haunting novel about friendship in WWII received a Printz Honor for 2013, as well as being a C-SPL staff pick for the best books of 2012. Suspenseful, with moments of dark humor, and a powerful twist near the end, this is a great pick for readers old and young. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
John Green's witty take on first love, and winning online presence, has earned him a wide readership. The bittersweet romance between two teens who meet at a cancer support group had most readers laughing and weeping by turns. Don't miss our March 12th meeting of Let's Talk Books, where Amy will be leading a discussion of this book!

Be sure to check back here on Sunday to cast your votes for the first round of the Dubuque Tournament of Books!

The Hockey News, December's Magazine of the Month

The Hockey News is Carnegie-Stout's Magazine of the Month. Founded in 1947, it remains one of the best sources for hockey information. Don't get checked into the boards without checking out the latest issue from Carnegie-Stout. The NHL might be in the penalty box, but The Hockey News can give you the stats on the excitement on the rink and off. You can take a look at their website for the latest updates.

Luckily Dubuque hockey fans don't have to go far for their fix. The Fighting Saints are having yet another fantastic season! You can keep up on the action on their website or Facebook page, but we recommend cheering them on in person.

Four! Golf Digest & Golf Magazine are September's Magazines of the Month

In honor of the 2012 Ryder Cup - the biennial golf event that pits the best pro golfers of the U.S. against the best of Europe and hosted this year in Medinah, Illinois, Sept. 28-30 - we've selected Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as our Magazines of the Month.

Both periodicals offer news and commentary from the professional golf world, plus tips and advice on improving your own game, the best courses to play and how to find the right equipment. And, of course, fashion tips for style-conscious golfers.

Stop down at the library and check out these two magazines and you can also pick up some great books and DVDs about golf as well!

Spotlight on the Olympics

Today is the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, you can follow the action at the official website: www.london2012.com or through NBC: www.nbcolympics.com

In honor of the excitement, Swimming World Magazine has been our  magazine of the month for July, and we've gathered together a few books (and a few DVDs) that capture the Olympic spirit for today's blog post.

Gold by Chris Cleave
The highly anticipated* third novel by Chris Cleave, author of Little Bee, delves into the world of competitive cycling. Grueling training, years of rivalry and competition have been the basis Kate and Zoe's friendship. At 32, the London Olympics will likely be their last chance to win gold, but would a win be worth?
*Well, at least I've been waiting anxiously.

Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
This character-driven story is set before and during the 1994 Rwandan genocide and was awarded the Bellwether Prize. Jean Patrick trains hard to escape his rural Tutsi village and compete in the Olympics. Though the violence to come is unsettling, Ms. Benaron’s novel also humanity's capacity for beauty and goodness.

Swimming by Nicola Keegan
Ms. Keegan's first novel, Swimming, captures the refuge and escape that can be found in the pool. Pip is a born swimmer, and turns to the water early to escape her turbulent, often destructive family, and her own awkward youth. Pip achieves success at the highest levels, competing in the Olympics during the '80s, but finds it difficult to define herself outside the water. Ms. Keegan writes with humor and a real understanding of what it means to be a swimmer, but her use of profanity may not be for all readers.

The Games by Ted Kosmatka
Mr. Kosmatka's page-turner of a first novel is set in a near future world where the Olympics are dominated by an event where genetically engineered creatures fight to the death, a set up ripe for disaster. The bloody action, moral questions, scientific detail, and intriguing characters hold appeal for fans of Michael Crichton in particular.

Movies and Documentaries
Dare to Dream (DVD 796.334082) A documentary of the U.S. Women's Olympic soccer team of 2004.

One Day in September (DVD 796.48) A documentary about the murder of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Games.

Chariots of Fire (DVD Feature) Story of two English runners that were both driven by different means to win the Olympics. One used his faith in God, and the other his hatred of Anti-Semitism.

Charlie Chan at the Olympics (DVD Feature) This mystery pits Charlie Chan against international spies who are using the Berlin Olympic games as the perfect cover for cold-blooded murder. The detective is aided by his son who just happens to be on the U.S. swim team.

Miracle (jDVD Feature) Based on the true story of the most famous team in the history of American sports: the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Follow from the team's selection process to the ultimate victory over Finland for the gold.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Swimming World Magazine is July's Magazine of the Month

The Summer Olympics start at the end of this month, with the opening ceremony on July 27th, which means a renewed popularity for track and field, gymnastics, and swimming.

You can keep up to date on all the preparations and excitement of the London Olympics on the official website:
www.london2012.com

In honor of Olympic Fever, we've selected Swimming World Magazine as our Magazine of the Month. Swimming World Magazine has been in publication since 1960, and on their website you can browse a collection of all their cover images, as well as current articles, videos, and more

Michael Phelps is probably the most recognized name in swimming today, and he'll be trying for a spot on the 2012 Team, along with Dara Torres, Janet Evans, Amanda Weir, and dozens of other hopefuls. Because the Olympic Swim Team Trials are in progress, you'll want to check the results at USA Swimming to see if your favorites have made the cut

Carnegie-Stout also has a number of books on swimming that you might want to check out. From books for the competetive swimmer to books on swimming throughout life, from infancy to retirement.

And I can't write about swimming without mentioning Ben Lecomte and his ongoing quest to swim across the Pacific Ocean. You can follow his journey through his website: www.thelongestswim.com

Super Bowl XLVI

Are you ready for some football?!

Whether you're a die-hard football fan or not, odds are you know the Super Bowl is coming up. You might even know who's playing this year. The Super Bowl has become ingrained in American culture, from the game itself to the media hype surrounding it.

This year the New England Patriots face off against the New York Giants (not to be confused with the former baseball team of the same name, as I may or may not be guilty of) February 5th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST. This year's halftime show features performances by Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas, The Who, Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2 (whew!)

And, of course, there are the Super Bowl commercials, the airing of which has become an event of its own. Portions of this this year's ads have already been leaked online, and the debate over the greatest Super Bowls ads of all time rages on.

To help your pre-game prep, we've collected some of the many books the library has about football. We've even selected a range of the books just about the Pats and the Giants, written by former players, coaches, historians and fans. Finally, test your Super Bowl knowledge at the source.

And if you're not a fan, there are alternatives, such as The Puppy Bowl VIII, a new episode of "Downton Abbey" on PBS or fight hunger in your community by participating in The Souper Bowl of Caring.

Good luck to both teams, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

July's Magazine of the Month is "Bicycling"

July's Magazine of the month, "Bicycling," was selected for the two big road cycling events happening this month: Le Tour de France and RAGBRAI.

The 98th Tour de France starts tomorrow, July 2nd, and runs through the 24th. One of the biggest events in cycling, many of us in America are most familiar with Lance Armstrong's impressive record of seven wins. Mr. Armstrong officially retired from competitive cycling earlier this year amid accusations of doping. Le Tour has long been dogged by controversy; in 1904, several riders were disqualified after being accused of riding in cars or trains.

July 24th is the start of the 39th RAGBRAI, or the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. There has been far less controversy here in Iowa, perhaps because the event is non-competitive. The 2011 route will run 454 miles in total, starting in Glenwood and finishing in Davenport. As a recent transplant to Iowa, I was surprised to find a warning about the legal drinking age on the official riders' guide, but delighted to hear about all of the delicious food offered along the route. Best of luck to any readers who will be braving the roads this year!

You may also enjoy our post for Bike to Work Day, which includes a booklist of selected cycling titles available at Carnegie-Stout, among other links.

Father's Day

This Sunday, June 19th, is Father's Day! Maybe you'll be taking a Dad in your life fishing, out for a nice meal, or calling home to say, "Thanks." For those of us not quite ready for the holiday, or for the Dads among our readers, we have some reading suggestions available at the library!

Haven't yet picked out a card for Dad? We have several books to help you make your own cards in the craft section! Try The Complete Guide to Card Making (745.5941 BEA), The Complete Guide to Greeting Card Design (741.6 SZE), or Ultimate Cardmaking (745.5941 BEA).

The talented (and speedy!) knitters among our readers might want to check out Knitting for Him (746.432041 STO) or Men's Knits (746.432 KNI).

Or if you're just looking for a good book, check out these reading lists:
Books on Fatherhood, books by fathers and about fathers funny, touching, historic, and modern.

Books for Dad, this list is based on the reading interests of the fathers I know, with Grilling Cookbooks, Triathlons, NASCAR, Butterflies, and More.

Don't forget to check out the library's magazine collection!
NASCAR Illustrated
Men's Journal
Golf Magazine
Fine Woodworking
GQ
Boating World
Outdoor Life
Sports Illustrated
Men's Health
The Hockey News
The Family Handyman

Bike to Work Day

You may, or may not, be aware that May is National Bike Month, and this week is National Bike to Work Week. Never fear, if you didn't brave the streets of Dubuque with a bicycle this week, Friday is National Bike to Work Day!

We've put together a list of books on bikes, bicycling, and bicyclists you can check out at Carnegie-Stout, and we also subscribe to Bicycling Magazine.

Dubuque 2.0 and The Telegraph Herald have information about Bike to Work Week online, and tips for biking throughout the year.

And just for fun, a bit of searching turned up this video from McGraw-Hill's Dubuque office.

March Madness Baby!

The signs of March Madness are starting to appear as teams vie for a chance to be one of the lucky 68 to make it to the NCAA Basketball Tournament and become the National Champs.

March Madness Checklist:

• Fill out your official bracket (Men's) by National Bracket Day on March 14th. The Women's bracket will be available soon at http://www.ncaa.com/sports/basketball-women/d1 .
  

• Start boasting about how great your favorite team is and tell everyone they are going all the way to the finals.
  

• Make sure extended cable packages have been explored and/or purchased.

• Clear your social schedule until April 5th.
  

If you are new to March Madness check out one of the following books to educate yourself on what all the hoopla is about.

NCAA March Madness: Cinderella, Superstars and Champions from the NCAA's Final Four (includes a DVD with incredible tournament action!)

How March became Madness: how the NCAA tournament became the greatest sporting event in America

Round 1 begins on March 15 and the Championship game with be played on April 4th. For any and all information on the teams and schedule visit the official NCAA website at www.NCAA.com.

For more basketball related books and DVD's visit the Recommendations desk on the first floor to pick up a list of items available at Carnegie-Stout Public Library.

May the best (or your favorite) team win!

Brian Cooper on Ray Schalk

Brian E. Cooper's new biography of Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk is now available at Carnegie-Stout Public Library.

Described as "the yardstick against which all other catchers were measured," Ray "Cracker" Schalk played for the Chicago White Sox from 1912 to 1928. Schalk was one of the "honest players" with the "Black Sox" during 1919 World Series.

Brian Cooper is Executive Editor of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald. His previous biography of Dubuque County native Urban "Red" Faber is also available at Carnegie-Stout.

For more info, a recent 45-minute audio interview with Brian Cooper is available online via Iowa Public Radio's The Exchange (August 24, 2009).

Congratulations, Brian!

On this day in Iowa

July 10, 1838

The game of nine-pins (a German variation of bowling) is prohibited in Fort Madison, as it is found to be "attended by a great noise" and produces "idleness and dissipation."

From Deep Roots: Iowa Heritage Calendar 1976 by Beth Ann Conklin.