Kyler Carpenter, Youth Services librarian, shares stories in the form of song three times a month at the library. Musical Storytime for Everybody is held the third Friday of each month. The 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month join Kyler for Sunnyside Up, a Saturday morning storytime that's sure to be more fun than watching cartoons. Details inside.

(Note: This is a sequel to A Senior on The Edge, which can be found here.)

Word was out. By the time I arrived, The Edge was packed with teens there to witness the second Open Mic Night of the season. This time we had dual MCs hosting the event: Alex, the amiable and engaging host from last month, and Savanna, a lovely young woman who seemed very much at ease in the spotlight.

First up was Caleb, who performed several instrumental numbers on the acoustic guitar. His...

In the Red Carpet Department we not only provide outreach services by delivering books, movies, and other library materials to the citizens of the Topeka and Shawnee County area who are unable to come to the library, but we are also constantly looking for ways to provide other services to our clientele. Jim, who is a member of the Red Carpet Staff, also plays the harp, and has begun harnessing this talent in a way that has proven to be beneficial to several members of the...

 
Dustin Silverman and Corey Swagerty entertained teens at the ending party for the Metamorphosis Summer Reading program. 

Sleep Through the Static by Jack Johnson 

For an album that was recorded entirely using solar power, Sleep Through the Static is surprisingly dark.  Jack Johnson, the laidback surfer-songwriter known for his mellow grooves, gets more serious on his new cd.  His lyrics tackle the subject of having and raising kids and laments about the state of the world today.  It’s definitely less catchy and bouncy than Jack Johnson’s previous records, but that’s not necessarily a bad...

Very few rock bands have had the ability to have such a prolific career to the same degree that U2 has.  U2 has achieved constant commercial and critical success over the years, including numerous Grammy awards, for the production of their 14 albums.  They have done everything on their own terms artistically and have knocked down the barriers that have limited what rock bands can and can not do.  By mixing their original sound with political ideology, U2 has been able to create...