It’s been a glorious warm reprieve and start to November before winter sets in. I’d be remiss not to mention that November is Picture Book Month. It’s an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November. Dianne de Las Casas, an author and storyteller is its founder. Every day in November, they share a picture book champion who explains why they think picture books are important.

As we read more digitally in this age, there’s nothing like the physical page turn of a beautiful picture book to enjoy with the child (or adult!) in your life. If you’ve caught me in the children’s department recently, it’s more than likely with a book about bears in my hand. Bears and winter seem to go together. We have a couple of great new (bear) books in the collection:

In “The Invisible Bear” by Cécile Metzger, author and illustrator, a simple act of kindness brings two unlikely friends together. It’s a sweet and whimsical book about a bubbly lady who cultivates colorful plants, listens to music, and likes to chat.

“How to Catch a Falling Star” by Heidi Howarth and illustrated by Daniel Howarth, has a splendid cover that nabbed my attention. It’s so darling. As Bear seeks the last leaf of autumn to fall because he wants to make a wish, he is joined by other animals who don’t know why it’s so special to him.

“It is (Not) Perfect” by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, is about two fuzzy creatures who happily are putting the finishing touches on their sandcastle and start to furiously think and incorporate one more thing that might make it perfect.

A couple of updates for the library. The Library Board approved a change to the behavioral policy within the last few months. Smoking is not allowed within 30 feet of library entrances. The only entrance to the library currently is the southwestern one by the outside book drop. A friendly reminder that clear water and coffee in a covered container are permitted in the library except at computer workstations and the Memory Lab.

Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, support, and flexibility as we ensure the safety of library patrons and staff. As always, we look forward to seeing you in the library!

The New Ulm Public Library is located at 17 North Broadway. We are currently open Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. We will be closed November 26, 27, and 28.