Redmond Library is undergoing some exciting changes that require closing our main building for a significant amount of time. A temporary Redmond Library is now open at 2127 S Highway 97. Through February 4, the hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Beginning Feb. 6, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

During this time the collection of books and materials in Redmond will be smaller than what the community is used to. You can still get any book the library owns by requesting the book online, or by using the ebook version from the comfort of your own home.

I have read so many amazing picture books this month that I want to share with the community. With the library’s current holdings in mind, I have limited my full list to those titles that are also available as an ebook. Here are a few, very special picture books that are newly available at the library.

”An American Story” by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare CoulterAuthor Kwame Alexander writes a story in verse that was inspired by an experience at his daughter’s school. Artist Dare Coulter uses charcoal, oil, sculpture and more to illustrate the past and present of the story of slavery in America and how it’s taught in the classroom. Ages 5-10.

”Build a House” by Rhiannon Giddens, illustrated by Monika Mikai

Simple, rhythmic text is paired with evocative pictures of a young family surviving slavery, the struggle of Reconstruction, and building a house that can keep them safe and secure. Giddens is a well-known musician, and the text is matched with her songwriting; there is a link in the book that will take you to her performance of the song, accompanied by Yo-Yo Ma. Ages 6-10.

”Go, Sled! Go!” by James Yang

This book takes a very limited amount of words and using them to hilarious ends. A boy on a sled runs into all sorts of trouble as he pummels down the mountain. This book can entertain the youngest of children, and also be read by a child just starting to read by themselves. Ages 3-7.

”My Fade is Fresh” by Shauntay Grant

A little girl wants a tight fade, and everyone in the barber shop tries to convince her to get something else. She sticks to her plan, though, and is delighted with the result. This book is a celebration of staying true to yourself. Ages 3-7.

”Too Early” by Nora Ericson

I’ve seen a lot of bedtime books, but this is a perfect, gentle, early morning book. I can feel the scenes, from the freshly brewing coffee, to the first rays of dawn, as the household’s young early riser starts her day. Ages 4-8.