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Ancestry Library

Author: Ancestry Library Edition by ProQuest

The Ancestry Library Database permits Willard Library patrons to search for, print, and save census, birth, marriage, death, and immigration records; historical newspaper documents; maps; and much more. The database is only able to be accessed while in Willard Library, either on a public access terminal or on your personal wireless device (free WiFi is available at Willard Library).

Koch Studio Photograph Collection

Author: Koch Studio

From 1950 to 1983, Robert ("Bob") Koch operated a photography studio in Evansville. When he retired, Mr. Koch donated an estimated 15,000 senior high school portraits to the library, as well as 416 recently-developed images that depict businesses (including coal mines), streets, buildings, people, city views, Dade (Ellis) Park, and other subjects.

Celebration of Our Heritage 2008 Weinzaepflen/ Weinzapfel

Author: 2008 Reunion Committee

A family History of the Weinzapfel Family

The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation

Author: John F. Baker Jr
Publication Date: 2009-02-04

A descendant of Wes­syngton slaves, John F. Baker Jr., has written the most accessible and ex­citing work of African American history since Roots.

This fruit of more than thirty years of archival and field research and DNA testing spans 250 years. Baker has not only written his own family’s story but also includes the history of hundreds of slaves and their descendants, now numbering in the thousands throughout the United States. More than 100 rare photographs and portraits of African Americans who were slaves on the plantation bring this compelling American history to life.

African American Genealogical Sourcebook

Author: Paula K. Byers
Publication Date: 2005-01-01

RFH REF 929 Afri

As with all genealogical research, African American research begins with one’s self and works back one generation at a time. Back to a certain point, however, research becomes more focused on sources uniquely related to the African American experience, particularly in the 1800s. Beginners should start with page 15, “Basic Genealogical Research Methods and Their Application to African Americans” and then go to page 3, “Background Material—Things to Know Before You Begin.” These two chapters should provide a good foundation for a beginner in African American genealogy research.

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Computer Program.

Author: Clifford, Karen
Publication Date: 2001-01-01

RFH REF 929.1 Clif

For the beginning genealogist interested in Internet research, this is an excellent book to start with. It is generously illustrated, with an excellent first chapter full of good information on how the beginner can use strategies and resources to successfully achieve his/her goal. This book stresses the use of the computer for genealogy research and may be somewhat outdated; it refers to the floppy disk for storing data rather than the writeable CD, which is now the disk of choice.

Tracing Your Roots

Author: Consumer Guide
Publication Date: 1977-01-01

RFH REF 929.1 Trac

Amply supplied with photographs and charts that can be photocopied, this is a concise book offering basic information on beginning research, filling charts, and using resources. A quick read.

The How Book for Genealogists

Author: Everton, George B
Publication Date: 1964-01-01

RFH REF 929 How

A pocket-sized book with excellent information on getting started, especially the first chapter, “How to Begin.” In spite of its age, information on basic research is still valid and is never out of date.

The Genesis of Your Genealogy: A Simplified “Step-by-Step” Instruction Book for the Beginner in Genealogy

Author: Nichols, Elizabeth L
Publication Date: 1973-01-01

RFH REF 929.1 Nich

Think of this as a simplified self-help course in beginning genealogy, explaining terminology and demonstrating how to fill out charts, in a fun format

The Invader

Author: The Evansville Shipyard

Pearl Harbor galvanized Evansville in unprecedented ways. Chrysler, International Steel, and a host of other local businesses and industries combined with two newcomers, Republic Aviation and the Evansville Shipyard, to contribute enormously to the war effort. The production of over 100 LSTs at the Shipyard between 1942-1945 far exceeded the Navy’s original order for 28 and topped the output of other shipyards in the country. A complete set of the Shipyard’s monthly publication, The Invader, traces the extraordinary achievement of the workers there.

How to Trace Your Family Tree: A Complete and Easy to Understand Guide for the Beginner

Author: American Genealogical Research Institute
Publication Date: 1973-01-01

REF REF 929 Amer

A good overview for the beginning genealogist on the hows and whys of genealogical research. Shows charts and group sheets, and explains heraldry.

Goddess Girls series

Author: Joan Holub and Glen Hanson
Publication Date: 2010-04-06

This 7 book series written by Joan Holub portrays characters from Greek mythology in a way that tweens (8-12 year olds) can have fun learning about them. The stories follow the day-to-day life of each of the godboys and goddessgirls Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, and Persephone, while they go to school to develop their mythical skills.
~Hannah Ganote~

Human Blend

Author: Human Blend
Publication Date: 2010-06-10

Human Blend is the perfect book for anyone between 12 and 18 years old who likes books about folklore. Laney has mysterious special abilities that keep her running away from men who want to harm her. She hides from them by changing her appearance and starts to live a normal life. She makes new friends and begins falling in love with a local boy, but her new friends are harboring secrets of their own that put her and the boy in danger.
~Hannah Ganote~

The Buddy Files Series

Author: Dori Hillestad Butler
Publication Date: 2011-09-28

The Buddy Files Series is an ongoing series of books about a dog named King, who is a canine detective. In the first book of the series, The Case of the Lost Boy, King’s family leaves him at the pound. As he makes a plan to escape the pound and find them, Conner and his mom rescue him. They are his new family and rename him Buddy. Before Buddy can resume his quest to find his former family, Connor goes missing and he must use his detective skills to find him! There are currently 5 books in the series. They are great books for young readers, especially ages 7 through 11.



~Hannah Ganote~

Scaredy Squirrel – Mélanie Watt

Author: Mélanie Watt
Publication Date: 2008-03-01

The best thing about this book is the humor. Mélanie Watt writes this book with such humor that every one who reads it can’t help but laugh out loud. The story is about a squirrel who is afraid of the unknown, among other things, and does not ever leave his tree. One day, his whole routine is turned upside down in one fell swoop. His routine will be forever changed because he learns something new. This book is full of fun details to hold your child’s attention and it also teaches a lesson about trying new things. This book is best for kids ages 7 through 14. Mélanie Watt also has a number of other books, including a couple more about Scaredy Squirrel.



~Hannah Ganote~

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy

Author: Mo Willems
Publication Date: 2008-04-01

If your child has ever begged you for a puppy, this is an awesome book to read them. It won’t necessarily deter them from continuing to ask you for one, but it might make them rethink their request. This pigeon claims she wants a puppy and that she will water it once a month and take puppyback rides on it, but once she sees what she’s getting into, she rethinks getting a puppy. This is a great book for children ages 6 through 12. Mo Willem has more books about Pigeon and a number of books starring a pig and an elephant. Any of his books are great for kids who have just learned how to read.


~Hannah Ganote~

The Kate Seston Matthews Collection

A native of New Albany, Indiana, Kate Seston Matthews spent most of her life in Pewee Valley near Louisville. In 1886, at age 16, she became interested in photography, which evolved into a career that spanned 70 years. She won many prizes for her work and is perhaps best known for her portrayal of characters from Annie Fellows Johnston's "The Little Colonel" books. The Matthews Collection contains nearly 500 prints and negatives.

Hatchet

Author: Gary Paulsen
Publication Date: 2000-05-01

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his was in a tiny airplane to visit his father after his parents’ recent divorce. The airplane is carrying only Brian and the pilot, and during the flight, the pilot has a heart attack and dies. Brian crashes the plane into a lake and is injured and stranded, but believes he will be rescued. All he has to survive is his hatchet and a will to live. He attempts to find berries and other things to eat, but he is not always successful. He eventually becomes better at using his hatchet to find food, but also has some encounters with wild animals. Physically surviving is not his only concern. He must go through some very emotionally trying times. This book is awesome, but there is violence and at times some very scary incidents. I recommend reading this book with your child if there are under the age of 10. Otherwise, this book would be best for kids ages 11 through 16.



~Hannah Ganote~

Judy Moody Series

Author: Megan McDonald

Judy Moody is a spunky adventurous young girl. She loves to try new things! There are 8 books in the series and in each one, she tries something new (and sometimes wild) and learns something about herself as well. Some of the book titles are Judy Moody Saves the World, Judy Moody Declares Independence, and Doctor Judy Moody. Any young girl would enjoy these books and they are great for children ages 6 through 10

Hannah Ganote

Levi Strauss Get a Bright Idea: A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants

Author: Tony Johnston
Publication Date: 2011-09-13

Johnston’s “fairly fabricated” story of the invention of blue jeans is humorous, educational, and very cleverly illustrated by Stacy Innerst. The book is intended to be read by children ages 4 and up, but it is truly an entertaining book for adults as well. It begins by sharing a particular concern of individuals who came to California during the Gold Rush: disintegrating pants. Their pants are torn apart by the hard work. Many have to mine in rags, and some even have to mine naked (or “in the vanilla,” as Johnston hilariously puts it). This is when Levi Strauss appears with his nearly indestructible tent fabric that eventually becomes the fabric for blue jeans. The illustrations for the book are particularly unique; Innerst uses old Levi’s for her canvas, driving home the blue jeans theme on every page. The end of the book even provides a brief, more accurate telling of the invention of blue jeans for any curious readers. This book is inventive, hilarious, educational, and highly recommended.

Carc Schuster ~

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On: Things About Me

Author: Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp
Publication Date: 2011-11-01

Though this book may appeal more to those who have seen the YouTube videos in which Marcel made his debut, Marcel himself is so wonderfully quirky that even those unfamiliar with the videos are bound to love this adorable little shell. The book is simple—nothing more than a walking, talking shell taking his readers through a day in his strange life. But being such a small shell in such a big world provides Marcel with challenges that most readers might not consider. For example, where does such a small individual sleep? Why, between two pieces of bread—his “breadroom,” as he hilariously refers to it. What does he do for fun? Sometimes, he climbs a sandal wearing a pistachio for a helmet. The book is filled with funny little quips like these that delight readers and make Marcel undeniably lovable. Nothing is lost in translation from videos to book; the paintings on each page have all of the liveliness of their YouTube counterparts. The book is recommended for ages 5-8, but it can certainly be appreciated by older and perhaps even younger readers, particularly if they have seen the YouTube videos, which are also highly recommended.

Proof of Guilt

Author: Charles Todd
Publication Date: 2013-01-29

When the clues in a hit-and-run investigation lead him to two families famous for producing and selling the world's best Madeira wine, Scotland Yard's Ian Rutledge is pitted against his new supervisor, who has his own suspect.

And the Mountains Echoed

Author: Khaled Hosseni
Publication Date: 2013-05-21

Presents a story inspired by human love, how people take care of one another, and how choices resonate through subsequent generations.

The Sound of Broken Glass

Author: Deborah Crombie
Publication Date: 2013-02-19

While investigating the murder of a well-respected barrister who was found dead at a seedy hotel in Crystal Palace, Detective Inspector Gemma James and her partner, Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot, begin to question everything they think they know abouttheir world and those they trust most.

Sleeping in Eden

Author: Nicole Baart
Publication Date: 2013-05-21

The lives of a middle-aged doctor and a love-struck young woman intersect across time in Sleeping in Eden, Nicole Baart's haunting novel about love, jealousy, and the boundaries between loyalty and truth.

Storm Front

Author: Richard Castle
Publication Date: 2013-05-21

When high-level bankers around the world are being tortured and murdered by his old nemesis Gregor Volkov, Derrick Storm is called in by the CIA to figure out who Volkov is working for and why.

Smarty Bones

Author: Carolyn Haines
Publication Date: 2013-05-21

When a contentious professor makes claims about the identity of a woman found in a mysterious Mississippi grave and implicates wealthy Zinnia families of having ties to a related scandal, Sarah Booth Delaney is hired by a group of society ladies to clear their names only to discover another body in the professor's hotel room.

A Chain of Thunder

Author: Jeff Shaara
Publication Date: 2013-05-21

The best-selling author of A Blaze of Glory presents a first installment in a new trilogy inspired by the Siege of Vicksburg that follows Ulysses S. Grant's successful cross of the Mississippi in May 1863 and his reluctant decision to surround Confederate soldiers and citizens in a ring of Federal entrenchments to starve them into surrendering.

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