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How To Books

Want to learn how to carve a bear out of wood, be a better parent, improve your grammar, re-upholster an old chair? These books can help. Here are just a few examples of "how to" books you might want to explore.

Show us what you learned how to do!

Maybe you learned how to build a birdhouse; or found a new dessert recipe that you liked; or even how to avoid housework (yes, we have a book about that!).

Those who choose to read a “how to” book for the Britton Summer Reading Club are invited to share what they learned on KCPLs Facebook page by either posting a photo of:

  • You with your project and the book you used
  • You and just the book you used

You may post your pictures through the end of 2013 in celebration of WV Reads 150.

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How to Get Things Really Flat: Enlightenment for Every Man on Ironing, Vacuuming and Other Household Arts

cover photo: How to Get Things Really Flat: Enlightenment for Every Man on Ironing, Vacuuming and Other Household Arts by Andrew Martin 648 M37h

First of all, this book isn't a spoof. Originally published in Britain in 2008, this is a witty, often surprising manifesto about how and why men should do housework "and a very useful guide for both the millions of men who shirk household duties and the women who live with them."

101 Clever Card Tricks

cover photo: 101 Clever Card Tricks by Cara Frost-Sharratt 793.85 F93o

This simple step-by-step guide makes magic easy, no matter what your age. Perform tricks that use mathematics and exercise your memory skills to perform mind-reading stunts. Inventive tricks using mobile phones will delight more experienced magicians looking for something new.

Lawn Gone! Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard

cover photo: Lawn Gone! Low-Maintenance, Sustainable, Attractive Alternatives for Your Yard by Pam Penick 712 P41L

A colorful guide covering the basics of replacing a traditional lawn with a wide variety of easy-care, no-mow, drought-tolerant, money-saving options that will appeal to today's busy, eco-conscious homeowner.

The Complete Guide to Treehouses: Design & Build Your Kids a Treehouse

cover photo: The Complete Guide to Treehouses: Design & Build Your Kids a Treehouse by Philip Schmidt 690.89 qS35c

The expanded edition of the 2007 edition features three all-new treehouses shown in complete step-by-step detail, along with full plans. Also includes an expanded inspiration section, offering a wider variety of unique and interesting treehouses that generate ideas and excitement. Sure, you can buy Black & Decker guides from your local retailer. But why not borrow this one for free from your local library instead?

Photojojo! Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas

cover photo: Photojojo! Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas by Amit Gupta 745.59 qG97p

A photo, an idea, and simple crafting skills are all you need to transform your pictures into useful, fun, giftable art. With clear DIY instructions, you can learn how to turn your forgotten photos into ingenious photo projects.

Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate

cover photo: Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate by John Kallas 581.632 K14e

The author, a noted authority on edible wild plants, makes it fun and easy to learn about foods you've unknowingly passed by all your life. Through gorgeous photographs, playful, but authoritative text, and ground-breaking design he gives you the knowledge and confidence to finally begin eating and enjoying edible wild plants.

Paper Made! 101 Exceptional Projects to Make Out of Everyday Paper

cover photo: Paper Made! 101 Exceptional Projects to Make Out of Everyday Paper by Kayte Terry 745.54 T32p

The author, an inveterate crafter who creates projects and styles photo shoots for magazines like Parents and Vogue Knitting, presents 101 different projects using paper products, most of which require supplies that can easily be found around the house or at a craft store and no special skills other than the ability to cut out shapes and use a hot-glue gun.

Food Blogging for Dummies

cover photo: Food Blogging for Dummies by Kelly Senyei 006.752 S47f

The only thing better than cooking and eating is talking about it! Combine your two loves - food and blogging - with this ultimate guide for food bloggers everywhere. Food Blogging for Dummies shows you how to join the blogosphere with your own food blog.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personality Profiles

cover photo: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personality Profiles by Allen R. Miller 155.2 M635c

This book discusses personality tests and their interpretation, personality disorders, how your personality determines your work, job and love life, and what you can do to improve your personality.

Sugarlicious: 50 Cute and Clever Treats for Every Occasion

cover photo: Sugarlicious: 50 Cute and Clever Treats for Every Occasion by Meaghan Mountford 641.86 M92s

Fully illustrated with gorgeous color photos and drawings, this charming book provides step-by-step instructions to transform simple baked goods into adorable, edible art.

Jerks at Work: How to Deal with People Problems and Problem People

cover photo: Jerks at Work: How to Deal with People Problems and Problem People by Kenneth L. Lloyd 650.13 L79j 2006

Popular syndicated columnist Ken Lloyd grapples with one of America's most popular (or unpopular) workplace topics and presents his practical, upbeat and professionally sound advice as an antidote.

How to Have a Perfect Christmas: Practical and Inspirational Advice to Simplify Your Holiday Season

cover photo: How to Have a Perfect Christmas: Practical and Inspirational Advice to Simplify Your Holiday Season by Helen Isolde 394.2663 I85h

The focus is comfort, good memories and a satisfied self in the wake of what could be lonely, hectic, frustrating moments. This book is the perfect antidote to an orchestrated Martha Stewart-like event.