The Benning Branch of the D.C. Public Library was erected at 3935 Benning Road N.E. as the sixth in a series of branch libraries funded under the D.C. Public Works Program. The building was designed by architect Clark T. Harmon in cooperation with the...Read more
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
What staff had to say about it:
From the same author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, this book is a blend of history and horror that picks you up by the throat and does not let go.
What it’s about:
While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for saving a Union and freeing millions of slaves, his valiant fight against the forces of the undead has remained in the shadows for hundreds of years.
Also check out the book trailer!
Nowadays, it does seem as a children’s librarian that there is a growing trend to use picture books as bibliotherapy, especially when it comes to discipline. Daniel Zalewski, a features editor at the New Yorker, discusses this at length in his essay “The Defiant Ones,” in the October 19, 2009 issue. Zalewski reviews a fine sampling of titles (that the library owns) that reflect the current parenting zeitgeist in an age where “a favorite way of inculcating discipline is the reading of picture books.”
Many new picture books portray a world turned upside down; it’s a world where the child runs the show. The parents in these books have no choice but to throw themselves at the mercy of their children’s mischief. Parents are presented as concerned, frustrated, bewildered, but clearly not in charge. This is a world where parents are more likely to obey their children. It was not always so. “The parents in picture books used to be tougher.” Zalewski cites older “tougher” authors the likes of Russell Hoban, Robert McCloskey, Ludwig Bemelmans, Dr. Seuss, The Reys,…
Zalweski ends by recommending the books of contemporary author Kevin Henkes for children’s misbehavior. Of Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, he comments, “Henkes’s book is squarely traditional in its message, yet in the context of modern picture books its confidence in the idea that your children are capable of sympathy—even moral growth—feels positively radical.” No matter what one feels, the essay reminds us just how much books for the very young do matter; they matter very, very much. And books help children create a framework of understanding and expectation of their place in the family.
March is Women's History Month! To celebrate, the Chevy Chase Branch Library has a display on Women of the Ancient World, featuring books on this topic. View a video of part of the display.
Looking for something to read after Junie B. Jones? Take a look at this list compiled by Rhona Campbell.
These are in order from easiest to most difficult to read… 2nd-4th grade level:
… and don’t forget Ramona (Beverly Cleary) – even if she’s not contemporary!
Chevy Chase Library is proud to announce its March film series "Epic" Epics. We will be screening three award-winning epic films:
March 5: Titanic (1997) 193 minutes
March 19: Lawrence of Arabia (1962) 221 minutes
March 26: Doctor Zhivago (1965) 194 minutes
All films will start at 1 p.m., with a 15-minute intermission. Hope to see you there!
Polish composer Frederic Chopin was born on Feb. 22, 1810, making this month the 200th anniversary of his birth. Fans of Chopin's music may be pleased to see our display of books about the life and music of Chopin, which will remain on display until they are all checked out!
The DC Library now offers the first two books in the popular "Quirk Classic" series: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. Both books are "mash-ups" that add supernatural elements (namely zombies and sea monsters) to Austen's original text (and they blend together surprisingly well).
Both books are also available as audiobooks. Download Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, or download Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. Both books are read by actress Katherine Kellgren, whose hilariously deadpan take on the material is definitely worth a listen.
Fans of the "Quirk Classics" series may also want to check out a panel discussion at the Smithsonian featuring Seth Grahame-Smith and Ben Winters, the co-authors of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, respectively. Find out more about the discussion.
On Saturday, February 20, the Chevy Chase Library was pleased to host the City Year Volunteers.
What is City Year?
"City Year unites young people of all backgrounds
for a year of full-time service, giving them skills and opportunities
to change the world." - from City Year's Homepage
After a tour of the library, the members broke off into teams for their assignments. In a little over two hours, they shelved almost 1,500 books, helping out with the backlog from the recent snowstorms. In addition, 10 library cards were issued, books checked out, and much chocolate consumed. This was a great experience, and the staff looks forward to working with them again.
Interested in volunteering at the library? Not sure how, or what you can do? Check out our volunteer page!
On Saturday the library celebrated Mardi Gras with floats (book carts), arts & crafts, bead tossing and refreshments.
Here are some happy patrons celebrating Mardi Gras in the library on Saturday:
Literacy Skill
Vocabulary development is knowing the names of things, feelings concepts and ideas.
Best Practices
The best practices for early literacy programming in libraries have been established based on current brain and educational research. When these strategies are implemented with story times at your library, children's foundations for reading success are enhanced.
At Chevy Chase Library we use singing, fingerplays, following directions with music, and reading books aloud to children to help develop vocabulary with new words introduced.
Sample Books
Some examples of good books that support vocabulary development are:
At Home
Use these picture books as a jumping off point for conversations. Say the names of things in the pictures. Use harder words or new words with similar meanings.
Ask questions that start with "who, why, how, and where."
Remember to keep it short and fun, and enjoy the time with your child.
5625 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, DC 20015
Phone: 202-282-0021
| Monday | 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 9:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
