As we continue working from home, the staff has been rediscovering the resources available to MPL cardholders. Libby, Kanopy, Hoopla and RB Digital – we’d love to hear what you are discovering on our website!
Here are some of the things the staff is looking at this week. Click on the titles to download or reserve:
Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler – Anne Tyler’s latest book is about Micah, a creature of habit, whose world is turned upside down when a young man knocks on his door claiming to be his son. Other Anne Tyler titles available in Libby to try are A Spool of Blue Thread, Clock Dance and The Accidental Tourist.
Cheryl K., Reference
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson – The fascinating, true story of Winston Churchill’s time in office as Prime Minister during World War II. The book delves not only into Churchill’s professional life, but also his personal life. Excellent!
Linda G., Circulation
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – Bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France during World War II. Deeply moving – I’ve read it twice!
Debbie D.-Q., Programming
World War II is an incredibly rich backdrop for many novels. Here are some titles set during the war, available on Libby:
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk
The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Winter of the World by Ken Follett
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
Kanopy video streaming service is an eclectic collection of movies, documentaries and foreign films. If you’ve never explored it, now is the time. The collection contains everything from current movies – like Moonlight – to educational documentaries – like the Great Courses – to comedies like Big Night or Heartburn. When you’ve had a chance to explore, let us know what you’ve enjoyed. In the meantime, here are some recommendations from our staff:
Goya’s Ghosts – A movie about Napoleon’s invasion of Spain told through Francisco Goya’s eyes. Reminiscent of Les Miserables without the music. If you enjoyed that story, you’ll love Goya’s Ghost.
Liz T., Reference
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story – Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr was not only beautiful, she was also brilliant. Fascinating documentary about her invention that revolutionized telecommunications. As a companion, read The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. (Available on Libby)
Linda G., Circulation
OBIT – An insider’s look into the world of New York Times obituary writers. Fascinating!
Victoria C., Reference
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill – A formerly homeless street musician cares for abandoned parrots. His interaction with the birds was mesmerizing as they become his family. This movie can be watched by young and old alike.
Liz T., Reference
Hoopla – Stream or download movies, music, books and more
Hoopla has a wonderful collection of titles, including television shows. If you’re a BBC fan, Hoopla carries The Great British Baking Show, Death in Paradise, Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, Call the Midwife, Foyle’s War and many more.
This week I explored the music section on Hoopla, which has many different genres. I downloaded Claire de Lune from the classical section. Beautiful calming music during these crazy times!
Elaine N., Circulation
Emma – Jane Austen’s heroine brought to life by Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma meddles in everyone’s romantic life, but neglects her own. Perfect casting!
Stephanie C., Circulation
Some other romances available on Hoopla are Kate & Leopold, An Ideal Husband, Maid in Manhattan and Chocolat. What is your favorite genre?
Home Subscription Streaming Services:
Ozark (Netflix) – A financial advisor drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder money to appease a drug boss. Character-driven drama with lots of twists, turns and suspense.
Liz R., Reference
Bosch (Amazon) – The sixth season of this amazing detective drama started streaming last week. Based on Michael Connelly’s detective novels. The best reason to get Amazon Prime.
Stephanie C., Circulation
Podcasts
Your Own Backyard – This seven episode podast tells the story of the 1997 disappearance of Cal PolyTech student Kristin Smart. One of the best true crime podcasts I’ve ever listened to.
Liz R., Reference