myLIBRO is NEW to Belmond Public Library!

With myLIBRO you can:

Search the catalog
You can search the catalogs for both Belmond Public Library and BRIDGES.

Access your account
Use the app's voice-enabled "virtual assistant" text chat interface to see your checkouts and holds for both physical and digital items, due dates, and items ready for pickup.

Manage multiple cards
Add multiple cards to your profile to manage the accounts of your children, spouse, or other loved ones.

Getting started is easy.
Download the app on Apple or Android.

After downloading, open the app and press 'get started':
1. Under library, select "Belmond Public Library"
2. Enter your full library card number. Don't know your number, give us a call (641-444-4160)
3. Enter your library PIN (the last 4 digits of your card number)
4. Tap "Sign In"

Once signed in:
• Tap the three vertical lines in the top left-hand corner to see menu options such as Settings and Quick Tour
• From the menu select Profile to display your library card as a scannable barcode
• Search the catalog using Search or My Account (see your checkouts and holds in My Account only)

Need more help? Check out the myLIBRO User Guide

If you have questions about myLIBRO or want assistance adding it to your phone or tablet, feel free to stop by or contact us at 641-444-4160.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Is myLIBRO the same as Libby?
A: No. myLIBRO is a separate app all together. Libby connects you to the BRIDGES library for all digital media and downloads. myLIBRO is a one stop all things your library. With myLIBRO you can manage your library account, view and renew all physical and digital checkouts, search our card catalog, put physical books on hold, view our calendar of events, receive library notifications, and more! 

Q: Will I still need Libby if I can read ebooks and listen to audiobooks on myLIBRO?
A. This is up to you. myLibro does give you access to the BRIDGES collection. You are able to listen to audiobooks and read your ebooks through the app. If you prefer the look and feel of Libby, continue to use Libby. 

Q: I can't log in. I don't know my library card number.
A: Contact the library and we can help you get set up with the app. Need some hands on help? Our staff can walk you through the app in person. Simply stop by the library and ask for assistance.

Get homework help and much more by visiting the link below!

https://landing.brainfuse.com/index.asp?u=main.Belmond.p.iowastatehn.ia.brainfuse.com

HelpNow offers a lot of great tools for all ages to help you in and out of the school year.
All these are available FREE OF CHARGE to all library patrons.

Live Tutoring: HelpNow offers live tutor access for homework help, skills building and test preparation where after taking a quiz, the user can connect directly to a live tutor from the test center without having to return to the main page. Because HelpNow is personalized, both the student and the tutor can access quiz questions to do an intensive test prep which may include loading lessons on the whiteboard. All live sessions are saved and can be replayed as well as shared with friends and teachers by email.  Using the CloudPack feature, students can store and upload MS Word, Excel, JPG, and other accepted file types directly onto the whiteboard.
 

Asynchronous Services: The Writing Lab and the 24/7 Center options give users the freedom to receive assistance at any time of the day without connecting with a live tutor.  Users can submit papers through the Writing Lab for a detailed feedback.  24/7 Center is for non-writing assignments such as math or science.  All reviews and comments from our tutors are found and stored in the Message Center which is found on the student homepage.

Study Tools: LEAP helps patrons build academic skills through targeted lessons, quizzes, and live, online tutoring. LEAP creates a learning plan based on a skills assessment that is taken at the beginning of the course. Flashbulb is a robust, learning resource where you can find flashcards or create your own. There are many ways this can be used.  Brainfuse students have created sets to use with their friends and teachers have created sets for their students to use.
 

Collaboration tools: For students who prefer to work independently and   form their own online study group, HelpNow offers a set of collaborative tools – MEET and Brainwave. MEET allows students to schedule their own online sessions using the Brainfuse MEET whiteboard which is specifically designed for a group setting.  Brainwave is a recordable whiteboard where students can draw, write on the whiteboard and chat then save and email it to others for feedback.   

Adult Learning Center
Adult Learning Center is the adult learners’ version of HelpNow™ where patrons can access High School Equivalency prep, US Citizenship test prep, resume assistance, Microsoft Office support, and Career Resources. The Writing Lab, Send Question, and Skills Building are also included in the Adult Learning Center suite. 

About Brainfuse™
Brainfuse is one of the nation’s leading online tutoring providers, serving a diversified client base of libraries, school districts and colleges/universities for over 18 years. With Brainfuse, users receive real-time tutoring from instructors via our proprietary online classroom.

Our popular winter and seasonal book bundles are back for 2023! Bundles are available to patrons with a valid library card through the month of December. Bundles contain books and activities especially chosen for you by our librarians. Books are checked out for a 3 week period. We have three bundles: Family, Picture Book, and Adult Fiction. Please specify what bundle you prefer and if you would like winter or holiday themed books. You also have the option to include a holiday DVD or a puzzle if you wish.

ADULT FICTION BUNDLE
3 books, activity sheets & goodies

PICTURE BOOK BUNDLE
6 picture books, kids coloring/activity books & goodies

FAMILY BUNDLE
6 picture books, 2 adult fiction books, activity pages and goodies

Reserve yours today by calling 641-444-4160, stopping by the library, or messaging us through our Facebook page.

            
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The Friends of the Belmond Public Library was formed in 1995.  They are an auxiliary group of the Library Foundation.  Their mission is to maintain an
association of persons interested in the library, to focus public attention on the library, to lend financial support, to coordinate volunteer efforts,
and help promote the programs and services of the Talbot Belmond Public Library. 

As a Friend, you will have the satisfaction of supporting one of our most important educational institutions, playing an important role in making books and other materials available to the community. 
You will also have the opportunity to volunteer for various events and programs.

  You can join for as little as $5.00 per year as an individual, or $15.00 as a family.
If you are already a Friend of the library, please stop by today to renew your membership. 

Please contact the library with any questions. 
The library would love to have you as a Friend!

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec
Genre: Fantasy

The Weaver and the Witch Queen follows the story of Gunnhild and her two friends who are bound together by prophecy and, for two of them, a blood oath. Gunnhild is a flawed character, protective, obstinate at times, and angry. Her devotion to her friends is wonderfully solid. Oddney, with whom she has a blood oath, is interesting. She is often a voice of reason and has a sensitivity to her that I find appealing. Signy, Oddney's sister, is spirited and a strong character in her own right.

Gornichec's writing is very accessible. She does an amazing job of weaving the story, incorporating the characters, and covering various themes. I really liked the inclusion of diverse characters. The story takes place in the Viking era drawing on myths and legend; however, at times it feels modern day. I think this lends well to creating a story that would appeal to a wide group of readers. The world building is lacking somewhat, but the reader can easily fill in the gaps given the story and what is provided. The book jumps right into the story and has a really good even pacing. It kept me engaged while curious as to the future of the characters and their journeys. There is plenty of mystery and intrigue and just enough hints to keep the reader going. Overall, a great read with interesting likable characters and a solid story.

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Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment #1) by Rebecca Ross
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy 

Oh my goodness, this book! It reads like a WWII romance with a little bit of a fantasy twist. I went into the book with no expectations Normally, I would have passed it over based on the premise, but I'm so glad I didn't.

The story navigates between written letters and narrative. Iris and Roman's interactions and letters had me hanging on the cusp of anticipation for their budding romance and fearful understanding that things would go drastically wrong somewhere along the way. What really made the book for me is Ross' writing. It carried me like a wave through the story. I was all in. I may have hugged the book at certain times and threw my hands in the air angry ugly crying at others.

It's a hugely character driven book. Though the story is sprinkled with moments of action and magical elements, it doesnt exactly take front seat in the story. In addition, while there is a fantasy element, it actually feels very much like a historical fiction book. At times I even forgot there was a whole fantasy twist with the war being between gods. I honestly think the god element could have been missing from this book entirely and easily fallen into magical realism. Granted, I think that is one or the reasons I liked the book. Its pretty accessible and something I think readers who don't gravitate to fantasy would enjoy. The cliff hanger at the end will have me desperately waiting for book two. Overall, this is definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

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Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Romance

I loved this book! It was a one day read for me.

Elsie is a adjunct professor with a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. She's overworked and underpaid making extra cash through FAUX, an app that hires out fake girlfriends. When the opportunity of a lifetime arises, she quickly is thrown into the interview game for a professor position at MIT. The problem? One of the interviewers is Jack, the brother of one of her favorite clients. He is also the publisher of a paper that singlehandedly destroyed part of her mentor's career and caused a major rift between theoretical and experimental physicists.

The chemistry between Elsie and Jack is amazing. The banter back and forth is a lot of fun. The characters also show a lot of growth through the book. Elsie and Jack aren't the only ones that shine through this book, there are also a lot of amazing side characters that hold their own in the story. I honestly would love to take a glimpse into some of their side stories.

Like her other STEM-centric romances, Ali Hazelwood successfully balances science and romance. On the romance side, there is plenty of spice if you like your romance to have some heat. Hazelwood has a wonderful way of creating these moments with intimacy and combining it with additional insight into the characters.

I also liked Hazelwood's nod to the struggles of women in STEM. Like her previous novels, she points out the difficulties and sexism met by women in the STEM fields and academe. Some of this is pretty on the nose and predictable, but is worth mentioning. There is also a nod to the need for women to support other women in the field.

Overall, Love, Theoretically is a smart, fun, and swoon worthy romantic read. Elsie's disappointment and self actualization brought me to tears while the conversations and banter made me laugh. So far it's one of my top romantic reads of 2023.

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The Book that Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence
Genre: Fantasy

It might be the characters, the story, the writing, or simply fate but I absolutely loved this book. Lawrence draws on the magic of a library and books while driving home an important message about the dangers of knowledge when in the hands of people with nefarious motives. In addition, he notes that often people will search out knowledge that supports their argument and opinion as proof to the rightness while ignoring anything counter.

Ultimately, the story is about a boy and a girl, brought together across time to connect with each other. Livira is strong, tenacious, curious, and inventive. Evar is compassionate, kind, patient, and introspective. Through their stories and their worlds, readers are introduced to an ongoing war and made to question, along with the characters, if maybe the answer lays in understanding and tolerance rather than violence. While the story bounces between Evar and Livira's points of view, in the periphery are some really wonderful and interesting characters. Each of these relationships add to Evar and Livira's growth and identity.

While the character's added greatly to my overall enjoyment of the story, I also loved the twists and turns. There is a bit of a mystery of sorts but not in the who-done-it sense. I kept wondering as to the nature of the library, the mysteries it held, and the truth of Livira and Evar. There are a few twists and turns that really had me reflecting back to earlier in the story. I honestly might read this title again just to see if I can recognize the subtle hints that Lawrence gives to the true nature of their involvement.

In all, I think it's Lawrence's writing that caught me. While I loved the prose, I did find some redundancy at the beginning and at times I felt a little sideways at the time transitions between points of view. Eventually, I discovered that this might be intentional given the nature of the story. Regardless, this will definitely be a reread for me sometime in the near future.