GPPL column: Have 20/20 in 2020, request new releases now!
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With the 2020 tax season officially underway, it’s a good time to share a money saving tip: get your entertainment fix at your local library! Whether you owe money and need to cut down on spending, or maybe you’re receiving a sizeable return and would like to squirrel it away for rainy day, using the library will help you save money because everything you borrow is free. You can even request materials that haven’t released yet, as long as a library in the system has ordered them. Here’s a list of some of the upcoming books, movies, and video games in 2020 that you might want to put a hold on now!
Books
‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ by Suzanne Collins
Out May 19, this new novel from the author of the best-selling “Hunger Games” trilogy sees us return to the familiar world and brutal competition. A prequel, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is told from the point of view of a teenage Coriolanus Snow as he becomes a mentor for the female tribute from District 12. The odds against him, can Coriolanus Snow lead his tribute to victory while fighting his own feelings and battles outside the arena?
‘The Glass Hotel’ by Emily St. John Mandel
Due to come out on March 24 this year, “The Glass Hotel” is a highly anticipated new novel from the Canadian author who brought us “Station Eleven” back in 2014. In “The Glass Hotel,” we are introduced to Vincent, a hotel bartender in Vancouver who happens to meet Johnathan Alkaitis, an international Ponzi scheme leader. A ripple effect occurs when the fake empire collapses, with many characters affected in different ways.
‘Darling Rose Gold’ by Stephanie Wrobel
Out March 17, this debut novel from Stephanie Wrobel focuses on a dark and twisted mother-daughter relationship. For most of her life, Rose Gold Watts believed she was extremely ill with severe allergies, debilitating muscular issues that required a wheelchair, and frequent stays at the hospital. Turns out her mother, Patty, was just a good liar. After five years in prison, Patty is released and asks to stay with Rose Gold. To everyone’s dismay, Rose Gold accepts. But Rose Gold isn’t a weak little girl anymore, and she has her own score to settle with her mother…
Movies
‘Queen and Slim’
Out on DVD March 3, “Queen and Slim” is a romantic crime drama that follows African-American couple Queen and Slim as they go on the run after killing a police officer at a traffic stop in self-defence.
‘Bombshell’
Out on DVD March 10, “Bombshell” is the biographical drama detailing the sexual misconduct of women employed at Fox News, and their stories as they work to expose the CEO of the network for sexual harassment.
‘Spies in Disguise’
Out on DVD March 10, “Spies in Disguise” is the animated spy comedy film that features the voices of Will Smith and Tom Holland. The story sees a secret agent accidentally transformed into a pigeon by a young scientist, and the two must work together to take down a cyber terrorist.
Video Games
‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’
Out March 20 on the Nintendo Switch, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is the latest installment in Nintendo’s “Animal Crossing” series. In this new iteration of the popular life simulation game, the player moves to a deserted island after Tom Nook, the adorable racoon shopkeeper, sells them a vacation package.
‘The Last of Us Part II’
Out May 29 on the PS4, “The Last of Us Part II” is an action-adventure survival horror game that continues the story of Joel and Ellie, five years after the events of “The Last of Us.” Polish up your stealth skills and get your bow and arrow ready to take on the infected in this zombie-filled world.
Library Events
Be Creative: Green Screen Fun
When: Wednesday, March 4 from 4-5 p.m.
Where: Sky Story Room
Have you ever wanted to float in space or swim in the ocean? Take a photo or video in front of our green screen, then add a background using the apps on our iPad or the software on our mobile Creative Station. Bring your own props and your imagination! For families and all ages.
Oscar Series: ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’
When: Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Willie Janssen Discovery Room
Join us on in March and April to view the nominees for the Best Picture at the Academy Awards. View some of the best movies of 2019 on the big screen. A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood’s Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.
Roaring Twenties Murder Mystery
When: Friday, March 20 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Rotary Community Room
Usher back in the ‘20s with a 1920s party! Step back into Prohibition era to help GPPL staff solve a murder mystery in the Library’s secret speakeasy. Part escape room, part murder mystery, and part social event, this fun Roaring Twenties theme is perfect for bringing out your inner sleuth. Costumes encouraged. Register online at gppl.ca or by calling 780-357-7455.
Hailey McCullough is the head of adult services at the Grande Prairie Public Library.
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