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JULIE’S DIGITAL LIBRARY PICKS

Julie Bulger Staff ID Photo

Julie Bulger

Reference Assistant

When the library is closed it’s always reassuring that there are services still accessible with your library card no matter where you are. Thanks to our eBook collection through the Blue Ridge Download Consortium (BRDC) and the new Hoopla media service, I have plenty of options to stay entertained. Check out our Downloadable Media page for more information on how to access these services if you haven’t tried them yet. In the meantime here are some titles I’ve enjoyed that are available through these platforms.

Books (available on Hoopla or BDRC as noted)

The Queens of Animation, by Nathalia Holt: This was a riveting read about the women who worked for Walt Disney Studios in their animation department and their struggles and contributions on the films we know and love today. I really enjoyed reading the stories behind the making of these Disney films along with the history of the Disney company. Added bonus: when you’re finished with this book you may find yourself wanting to rewatch a bunch of Disney films. (eBook available through the BRDC/Libby app)

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The Lady From the Black Lagoon, by Mallory O’Meara: Little is known about the artist who designed the costume for one of the most well-known movie monsters. This book is about the life of Milicent Patrick, who was one of the first female animators at Walt Disney and who would go on to design the iconic look for the Creature in The Creature From the Black Lagoon. It also chronicles the author’s challenges in telling Milicent’s story, since a jealous colleague took credit for her work and almost left her legacy forgotten. This book made for a great and unintended companion piece along with The Queens of Animation. (eBook and audiobook available through Hoopla. Audiobook is also available through the BRDC/Libby app)

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The Pendergast series: It was about a year ago I was introduced to this long running book series, and thankfully I can keep on making my way through it thanks to our eBook collection. This series centers around the eccentric FBI Special Agent Pendergast and the unusual cases he investigates that usually involve serial killers. Once I start a new book in this series I just can’t put it down until it’s done! If you are currently reading books in a series, don’t forget to check if your titles are available through the BRDC and the Libby app.

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Movies (available on Hoopla)

Tragedy Girls: A horror comedy about two high school BFFs who run a true crime blog and are willing to do whatever it takes to get followers, even if it means they have to commit murders themselves to get the best scoop. This movie has dark humor and some great gore scenes, and definitely check this out if you like ‘80s horror slasher films. Normally I don’t gravitate toward blood-and-guts type movies, but I really enjoyed Tragedy Girls.

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All Square: John is a small-town bookie who’s having trouble collecting his outstanding debts from the locals. He decides on a way to make money by taking bets on the local little league baseball games after befriending his ex-girlfriend’s 12-year-old son. While these bets start out as a payday for John, they eventually lead to chaos in the community. This drama premiered at the SXSW film festival a couple of years ago and it’s a surprise gem that isn’t getting enough attention.

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The VelociPastor: Ok, so there’s plenty of low-budget flicks available on Hoopla, so which of these are worth your attention? Enter The VelociPastor, a movie that was made on a shoe-string budget, and it shows. This movie has a priest who receives a curse that turns him into a dinosaur, drug-dealing ninjas, and a crazy plot with a whole bunch of bad special effects. It’s so bad it’s good. This movie made me laugh hard and brought me joy because it’s so silly.

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