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Online Resources

How to Spend Your Kanopy Tickets This December!

by Public Service Associate Juliana

We’re heading into the second week of December and it’s time to get your watchlist in order! Kanopy recently rolled out their Home Viewing for the Holidays collection and I’m here to help you narrow it down.

Last year around this time I suggested Yuletide classics such as The Bishop’s Wife and The Holly & the Ivy.

This year I find myself compulsively drawn to films Kanopy categorizes with the tag, “Is it a Christmas movie?” I recently watched the independent film, Kisses, which I chose because I wanted to watch a coming-of-age film. I didn’t realize it takes place during Christmas, and I once I did, I realized I wanted more films in that vein — films set during the holidays but that aren’t really holiday themed. Everyone loves the Die Hard debate. Is it a Christmas movie, or not? It’s that type of film I’m seeking this year, films on the fringe of Christmas.

We all know the cinema we need leading up to the end of December, the ones we gravitate towards annually. Feast of the Seven Fishes, I’m looking at you. But what about the ones located in the periphery?

This list will allow you to indulge but in a way that’s holiday lite, or holiday adjacent. Sound like your vibe? I encourage you to consider the following.

“Is It a Christmas Movie?”

International
  • Umbrellas of Cherbourg (2 tickets) “An angelically beautiful Catherine Deneuve was launched to stardom by this dazzling musical heart-tugger from Jacques Demy. Winner of the Palm d’Or at the 1965 Canes Film Festival.”
  • Morvern Callar (2 tickets) “After her partner’s suicide, a mourning supermarket worker (two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton) and her best friend hit the road in Scotland. Cannes Film Festival winner. Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival.”
  • Mon Onkle Antoine (2 tickets) “Called one of the greatest Canadian films of all time, the film captures a bittersweet portrait of rural life and loss. Winner of Best Feature Film, Best Performance by a Lead Actor, and Best Direction at the Canadian Film Awards.”
  • Riders of Justice (2 tickets) “Markus begins to suspect his wife was murdered and embarks on a mission of revenge. Danish action comedy film, critically acclaimed.”
Independent
  • Kisses “A darkling, modern-day fairy tale and lyrical coming-of-age story, Irish filmmaker Lance Daly’s 2008 film “KISSES” is a small gem.” – James Verniere, Boston Herald
  • Tangerine (2 tickets) “Christmas Eve odyssey through subcultures of Los Angeles. Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival.”
  • New Year’s Day (2 tickets) “A man returns to his sublet apartment to find the previous tenants, three offbeat young women, still in residence with the belief they have the apartment until the end of New Year’s Day. From independent legend Henry Jaglom.”
  • The Merry Gentlemen (2 tickets) “A dark, romantic character-driven drama directed by and starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Keaton.”
Horror & Thriller
  • The Lodge (2 tickets) “In this atmospheric psychological horror, soon-to-be stepmother Grace (Riley Keough) retreats to a remote winter cabin with her fiancé’s two children (Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh), only for eerie events and buried traumas to surface as they become snowed in.”
  • The Dirty South (2 tickets) “When a ruthless, big shot (Dermot Mulroney) goes after the deed to her family’s bar, a bartender takes extreme measures to protect what is rightfully hers.”
  • Ben Is Back (2 tickets) “Academy Award winner Julia Roberts and Academy Award nominee Lucas Hedges deliver powerful performances in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.” 
Comedy
  • Nobody’s Fool (2 tickets) “Paul Newman earned an Oscar nomination plus Best Actor honors from the National Society of Film Critics and New York Film Critics Circle for his portrayal of Sully, a likeable working stiff who’s made a lifetime of bad decisions.” 
  • The Hudsucker Proxy (4 tickets) “With a nod to the rapid-fire movies of Frank Capra and Preston Sturges and lots of visual flair, filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (Fargo, The Big Lebowski) craft a comic “Hiya Bub!” to business success. You’ll love the Hud!”
Romance
  • Untamed Heart (4 tickets) “Adam rescues Caroline from a life-threatening situation on her walk home. Intrigued by her knight in shining armor, Caroline tenderly breaks through to his lonely world.”
  • The Apartment (4 tickets) “Jack Lemmon and Fred MacMurray co-star in this Billy Wilder classic that would go on to win five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.”
Western
  • The Proposition (2 tickets) “In this gritty Western written by acclaimed songwriter Nick Cave, a lawman apprehends a notorious outlaw and gives him nine days to kill his older brother.”
  • McCabe & Mrs. Miller (4 tickets) “A gambler and a prostitute go into business together in a grimy Western mining town as they cater to the vices of the morally bankrupt residents. But their success attracts notice by corporate interests that are too big and too ruthless for the pair to fight in this gritty romantic drama.”

Never used Kanopy before? It’s easy to set up an account with your library card. Sign up for an account today. You’ll love it.

Categories
Programs

Meet Your Heroes

by Public Service Associate & Content Coordinator Hannah

When I saw an email announcing that an author event featuring Meg Cabot still had tickets available, I did a double take. In my mind, she should always be sold out! So, I invited a friend, bought our tickets from the wonderful hosts at Westerville Public Library, requested the day off—it landed on my birthday, after all—and started counting down!

I first discovered Meg Cabot’s books on my older sister’s bookshelf. She would have been the target age group and probably would have let me borrow them too, but just in case, I’d sneak read. Ever since, I’ve had a soft spot for Cabot’s characters: flawed, funny, strong girls living life and facing extraordinary circumstances.

But if you’re anything like me, you might register for an author event and immediately wonder: is it okay to admit I haven’t read all their books? I debated rereading All-American Girl, brushing up on Princess Diaries trivia, and putting Enchanted to Meet You on hold before it hit me: there’s no pop quiz at the door. Meg Cabot, under her own name and at least three pseudonyms, has written more than 80 books! Sure, some fans might aim for total completion, but libraries welcome all readers.

And for the other practical questions:

  • Can I bring something for them to sign?
  • Do I need to dress up?
  • Is it acceptable to take photos?
  • What should I say if I get the chance to talk to them?
  • And how early should I arrive?

Most programs are casual, but specifics can usually be found in the event description, confirmation email, or announcements from library staff. Organization and helping people are kinda our thing, so feel free to call or send an email!

Met a #1 New York Times bestselling author with 25+ million books in print and she signed my book with genuine warmth. Thank you, public libraries!

After weeks of anticipation and nostalgia, the evening arrived—and we were greeted with a fun surprise: attendees received a tiara in a nod to Mia and Grand-mère. We found our seats in the well-appointed high school auditorium, where the energy was chill but everyone from young teens to lifelong fans was surprisingly engaged.

Cabot didn’t do a typical sit-down Q&A or panel. Instead, she delivered a slide-show-meets-stand-up talk that was conversational, funny, and personal. She shared how some personal trauma fueled her creativity, but in a way that made us laugh, reflect, and cheer for the creative process. When an audience member asked if she used AI, she joked, “No—I wrote my first book by hand at age 7. It was about a puppy in a tornado. And now AI just copies my love of em dashes!”

She also talked about her early love of sci-fi, especially Princess Leia from Star Wars, and how a librarian helped her discover fantasy novels. While Cabot wasn’t heavily involved in the first screenplay, we got behind-the-scenes tidbits from The Princess Diaries film adaptations—including the hilarious fact that very few people recognized her at the premiere! It was heartwarming to hear that she loved seeing her story come to life, especially the gentleman singing Genovia’s national anthem.

This event reminded me why author visits—and libraries—are so special. Their time, openness, and creativity are gifts we should honor. Meg Cabot has been a major voice in literature for decades, and hearing her speak gave me a deeper appreciation for her, her work, and her dedication to storytelling. What I’ll remember most? Her generosity with fans, hilarious stories, and the camaraderie in the room. I’m looking forward to seeing how today’s young readers connect with the forthcoming Princess Diaries graphic novel adaptations.

Tips for attending an author event:

  • You don’t need to cram or re-read everything.
  • Go with an open heart and curiosity.
  • Be respectful.
  • Bring a friend!

Explore upcoming author events at Bexley Public Library!

Categories
Game Spotlight

Spooky Fun for Everyone

by Public Service Associate Paul

“I don’t know if anyone’s out there or if anyone will find this. I think I’ll just talk for a while then leave this recording here before I go. Maybe I should leave a note with it. I think that I’ll listen to it a few times just to hear a voice. Even if it’s my own.”

Do you like to tell spooky stories around the campfire? What if I told you instead of taking turns with your family or friends, you could all work together to craft a story and that you could do it from the comfort of the inside of your home! Well, you can and it’s all with the help of a game called Ten Candles written by Stephen Dewey. 

Continue reading “Spooky Fun for Everyone”
Categories
Bexley History

Bexley Public Library Day !

By Community Outreach Librarian Leah

Did you know that September 30th is Bexley Public Library Day? Last year during our centennial celebration, Mayor Kessler proclaimed September 30, 2024, and every year moving forward, as “Bexley Public Library Day.” This was a generous way to establish our official birthday and to honor the Library’s long and positive legacy in our community. Our centennial year encouraged learning about the history of Bexley Public Library, for staff, patrons, and the community. Test your knowledge of these historical BPL facts!

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Categories
Video Games

Malfunctioning Ethics: Art Theft, Bungie, and Marathon

By Public Service Associate Paul

Left: Marathon (1994 art) | Right: Marathon (2025 art)

Buckle in, there’s a history lesson coming, but I promise it’s going somewhere…
It’s May 1991, thousands of American troops are preparing to return from deployment in the Gulf War, the Queen of England visits Congress for the first time, and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System is readying to hit shelves. Meanwhile, following his graduation from the University of Chicago, Alex Seropian founded his own gaming company named Bungie Software.

Continue reading “Malfunctioning Ethics: Art Theft, Bungie, and Marathon”
Categories
Reading Life Recommendations staff favorites

Questions for Your Consideration and Inspiration (Part 2)

I recently read a New York Times “By the Book” interview with Louis Sachar (for free with my library card!) and I found myself thinking how much I would love to ask my coworkers some of these questions. There were so many responses I decided to post it in two parts. Enjoy!

Continue reading “Questions for Your Consideration and Inspiration (Part 2)”
Categories
Reading Life Recommendations staff favorites

Questions for Your Consideration and Inspiration (Part 1)

by Public Service Associate Juliana

I recently read a New York Times “By the Book” interview with Louis Sachar (for free with my library card!) and I found myself thinking how much I would love to ask my coworkers some of these questions. There were so many responses I decided to post it in two parts. Enjoy!

Continue reading “Questions for Your Consideration and Inspiration (Part 1)”
Categories
Writer-in-Residence

Write Where You Are: Reflections from Bexley Public Library’s Inaugural Writer-in-Residence

by BPL Writer-in-Residence Cynthia Amoah

A farewell note from Cynthia Amoah, celebrating libraries, language, and the creative power of community.

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Categories
Bexley History Programs

Bexley Day

by Community Outreach Librarian Leah

Did you know that Bexley was founded on August 10, 1908? For the past two years, BPL and Bexley Historical Society have partnered to present Bexley Day programs. Historical Society trustee, Larry Helman, has presented: Celebrate Together: Bexley Day with Larry Helman and Celebrating Bexley Day – The Development of Main Street. Former BPL Local History Librarian, David Distelhorst, also presented on Mapping Bexley from Wilderness to Village. These programs present a wide variety of historical information about the city of Bexley and its founding. 

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Categories
Book Spotlight

Book Spotlight: The Witch’s Daughter

by Public Service Associate Juliana

The Witch’s Daughter: My Mother, Her Magic, and the Madness that Bound Us by Orenda Fink (2024)

Today’s book spotlight features a memoir I gravitated towards as if it was magnetic. I noticed it on the new shelf in the library lobby and felt literally pulled to examine it closer, drawn to the arrangement of pressed flowers on the cover, the unmarked sheet music background, and the black cursive typography of the title that appears to be scribed with a paintbrush. The title itself beckoned me; The Witch’s Daughter sounds like the stuff of dark fairytales and straight away inspired interest and intrigue.

Continue reading “Book Spotlight: The Witch’s Daughter”