Posted by Victoria on Friday, Mar 11, 2022
Almost 80 years ago Anne Frank, only 13 years old at the time penned her first diary entry that read, “I hope I will be able to confide everything to you, as I have never been able to confide in anyone, and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support.” This diary, published in over 70 languages is often one of the first books young people read about the Holocaust. Anne documents a first hand account of what life in hiding during German occupation in World War Two was really like for young people and she beautifully articulates her hopes, fears and advocacy for justice, making this book just as relevant today as when it was written.
Throughout the month of April, Teens are encouraged to read The Diary of Anne Frank. There are many ways to read the book; it is instantly available on Hoopla, or you can put a hold on a physical or sound recording here. There is no need to register for this program but if you would like your very own copy of The Diary of Anne Frank, the first ten teens to register will receive a free copy. Books can be picked up from the Teen Space at ICPL any weekday between 4pm and 6 pm starting 4/1. If you are unable to make it to the library, we can make sure to get the book to you and will contact you via the email you used to register.
On April 14th and the 28th, we will meet in the Teen Space at 4 pm- 5 pm to discuss the book and share ideas on Anne’s life and legacy. Then, on April 29th, we’ll meet at the Teen Space at 4 pm and walk to the Old Capitol museum to visit the travelling exhibit at attend the Anne Frank Tree Planting Program on the Pentacrest. We will walk back to the library after the tree planting.
Information on the tree planting can be found here.
You can attend one stand-alone event or as many as you would like.
About the Author
Victoria is the Teen Services Librarian.
Here in Iowa this August, cities across the state are breaking historical temperature highs. Though not taken on nearly as much as other extreme weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, and flash flooding, extreme heat is the number one killer. Prolonging its devasting effects with air conditioning not only places a band-aid on the problem but causes global temperatures to rise even more. Once thought as one-offs, extreme heat events have become the norm, are not going away and in fact, the author notes are becoming more "democratic;" disrupting all facets of our lives (think over-extended power grids and school closures.) While this is a disturbing book to read, if extreme weather will affect you (spoiler, it will,) then this is an absolutely necessary read. I love climate books that offer pragmatic solutions; albeit solutions that could be hard to swallow (think eating insects instead of that hefty steak). Author Goodell is astute at correlating global events in a logical way and in his over two decades of reporting on climate change, has become well-versed in connecting the dots of imminent disaster of a planet in peril if left unchecked. -Victoria