December Staff Picks

blog Book Displays Book recommendations
Stephanie's Pick

Stephanie's Pick

Living Wreaths

Living Wreaths by Natalie B. Robinson

This is a very detailed and easy-to-understand book.  I found it enjoyable to read and feel confident that I can create living wreaths through the techniques and images displayed in this book.  Step-by-step instructions with pictures.  Great living wreath ideas to make throughout the year.  I definitely recommend it if you like to bring a little nature into your crafts.
Rachel's Pick

Rachel's Pick

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

This is one of the many wonderful, feel-good movies I watch with my family every Christmas season!
Mischelle's Pick

Mischelle's Pick

Band of Brothers

Band of Brothers

The story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, US Army. An elite rifle company that parachuted into France early on D-Day morning. They fought in the Battle of the Bulge and captured Hitler’s Eagle Nest. They suffered 150% casualties. Interviews with the survivors are included.
Intense and emotional.
Emma's Pick

Emma's Pick

Time Team

Time Team

Time Team is my all-time favorite History Show. It does a great job of showing what an actual archaeology dig is like and it’s a lot of fun to watch! You never know what the team is going to uncover. 
Montica's Pick

Montica's Pick

Eco Christmas Craft

Eco-Christmas Crafts

If you like to make crafts by recycling items you already have, this is a great book! Lots of ideas to decorate your tree or give away as gifts. 
 
Dennis' Pick

Dennis' Pick

Best Advice

Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Best Advice I Ever Heard

Why not finish out 2021 with these short stories of how a few brief words of wisdom can become life-changing.

These are feel-good stories, and aren’t we all searching for some good advice from time to time?

Amanda's Pick

Amanda's Pick

the outlier

Eco-Christmas Crafts

No matter what your assumptions, impressions or memories are of Jimmy Carter and his short presidency, this book will cause you to rethink them. It reaches beyond caricatures and cultural memes to reveal a person with a very dualistic nature which bled over into his politics–Carter was both a Democrat and a Republican, a Progressive and a Conservative, stubborn yet astute, naive but also infinitely wise. A sympathetic review but also one that doesn’t hold back criticism when it is warranted. A fascinating read!
Shelbi's Picks

Shelbi's Picks

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, performed by the Royal Ballet

The BEST rendition of the Nutcracker ever! Cozy up with this for a magical evening!
Socks

Socks by JD McPherson

Super good music for your holiday. I deeply relate with the songs “Bad Kid” and “Socks” but I love the entire album!
Mary's Picks

Mary's Picks

Mannheim Steamroller

Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas Song

Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit.
Here Comes Santa Paws

Here Comes Santa Paws by Laurien Berenson

A delightful holiday mystery solved only by a Christmas miracle.
The Christmas Cat

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

A fun light read for the Christmas season.  
Amber's Picks

Amber's Picks

Ivette's Pick

Ivette's Pick

This Time Next Year

This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens

Cute winter read that reminds you lots of others have bad luck, some even worse than yours!
 
Bear Stays up for Christmas

Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

My whole family loves this book! A great one to read to/with your littles for the holiday.
 
PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE USED SOLELY FOR ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, PUBLICITY OR REVIEWS OF THIS SPECIFIC MOTION PICTURE AND TO REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THE STUDIO. NOT FOR SALE OR REDISTRIBUTION.
book

The Polar Express

Brenda's Picks

Brenda's Picks

Crystal's Pick

Crystal's Pick

Mama's Boy; Preacher's Son

Mama's Boy, Preacher's Son by Kevin Jennings

This is a true inspiring story of Kevin who grew up in a trailer park in North Carolina. His father died when he was 8 and his mom believes in the power of education and works several jobs to support her family. Kevin endures severe abuse in school when he realizes he is gay – but eventually finds acceptance when he attends Harvard on a scholarship. He goes on to found GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educational Network – now a national education organization in 50 states. A wonderful book!
My Name is Anton

My Name is Anton by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Alone for the holidays – 18 yr old Anton is missing his brother who died in a tragic accident. While looking at the building across the street from where he lives – he discovers his neighbor Edith is in danger. Anton helps Edith escape from an abusive marriage and an unlikely friendship develops. Good story where the power of simple kindness keeps the reader engaged. 
Jingle All the Way

Jingle All the Way

A 1996 family film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as he tries to find the ultimate toy for his son. Panic sets in as he runs from store to store, causing a commotion throughout the town and making a friendly rivalry with a so-called “Mailman” played by Sinbad.
Dawn's Picks

Dawn's Picks

Stockings and Spells

Stockings and Spells by Nancy Warren

The Vampire Knitting Club decides to take part in Oxford’s Holiday Market, selling hand knit scarves, sweaters and their best-selling Christmas stockings. This series is a fun twist on the cozy mystery genre but can be read as a stand alone novel.

FIC War

Now That's What I Call Christmas Classics​

Now That's What I Call Christmas Classics

20 Christmas Classics from Bing Crosby, Nat “King” Cole, Dean Martin, Burl Ives and many others. My new favorite Christmas CD!

CD 781.723 Now

Emmanuel

Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship

The newest from Chris Tomlin, as great as always!

CD 781.723 Tom

Michael Buble Christmas​

Michael Buble Christmas

A fun peppy rendition of the Christmas classics by Michael Buble. I love this one so much I bought a copy for my personal music collection.

CD 781.723 Bub

71Dacpxk3DL._SL1500_

It's Christmas Time

Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit like Elvis. It’s Christmas Time Pretty Baby…

CD 781.723 Pre