Olivia Claus by Kama Einhorn                 My Penguin, Osbert                by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel       A Simple Christmas on the Farm                   by Phyllis Alsdurf                                               Christmas-themed                                               Easy Reader books                                               Great pictures                                               Reviewed by                                               Connie Bennett     For anyone who is a fan of Olivia and her family, Olivia Claus is a Christmas "must"!  In this holiday story, items are mysteriously disappearing; first, Olivia's monkey, Mathilda, then Dad's snowflake sock, then her brother's missing piece from his new puzzle.

 The Inheritance Games                   By Jennifer Lynn Barnes                                Young adult fiction                                Mystery                                Reviewed by Connie Bennett     This young adult book begins, "When I was a kid.

Families who will have students in college for the 2023-2024 school year can take the first step in the financial aid process now.The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, for 2023-2024 became available on Oct.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Western Governors University (WGU) has launched a new scholarship for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their spouses who are interested in furthering their education.

Ringo's Tombstone                                    By W.R. Hardwood                                                                                                        Large Print                                                                                                        Western                                                                                                        Reviewed by                                                                                                                      Connie Bennett          As this story opens, with a traditional feeding and watering of the horse and the last of the coffee on the campfire, John Ringgold faces an age-old dilemma.

Murder She Wrote                          The Fine Art of Murder                                            By Don Bain                                                              Large Type Fiction                                                              Murder Mystery                                                              Reviewed by Connie Bennett          What fun this book was to read! It is part of an easy-going best selling series from a few years back and was actually based on a Universal Television series by the same name.

The Benton County Community Foundation will celebrate Community Foundation Week, November 12-18, to recognize the increasingly important role that community foundations play in strengthening localities and addressing community needs.

The Last Kids on Earth          By Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate                                                              Junior Fiction; ages 8-12                                                              Reviewed by Connie Bennett        Attention Parents and other gift-givers! If there is a kid in your life who loves to read, or one that loves comedy-science fiction, here's a suggestion! I just discovered, through interaction with some young patrons, this awesome series at Vinton Public Library about monsters and zombie plagues!        Now in its third season, there is a Netflix Original series based on the book, which has gained a following of young readers of apocalyptic action novels.

Program Provides Education on College Financing and PlanningA program offering $1,000 scholarships is now open to Iowa high school seniors. Students not only have a chance at much-needed funds for college but can also learn ways to reduce college loan debt through the program.

Three Suggestions for Young Readers                                           Easy Readers                                           Picture books                  Reviewed by Connie Bennett    Since these books are all short, sweet, and perfect for this time of year, I've included them in a group review of wonderful stories that you will want to read aloud, or have read to you by your early reader!    The first suggestion is Go To Sleep, Groundhog! by Judy Cox.