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<p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="128" height="128" style="width:1.3333in;height:1.3333in" src="cid:image004.png@01DB51EE.C1BBD3A0" align="left" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]>Whether
they are crossword, jigsaw, or logic, there has been much written about the value of solving puzzles. Studies suggest that puzzles can improve memory retention and problem-solving skills, reduce stress, and even help develop fine motor skills. Several articles
from the <a href="https://mel.org/az.php">MeL eResources</a> such as <a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=6814263e-689b-3114-ada9-c8e54f140413">
Finding Your Focus</a> in <i>Harvard Men’s Health Watch</i> and <a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=dfe02a43-0964-3958-b7e8-c82de00b3255">
Do We Ever Stop Learning</a> in <i>Popular Science</i>, both publications in <a href="https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-hxh">
Health Source – Consumer Edition</a>, speak to solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles as a way to exercise our brains and stay mentally fit. In addition to articles about the healthful value of tackling a good puzzle, MeL eResources include other puzzle-related
content. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Digital Puzzles<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/home?subacct=O6106">World Book Kids</a> has
<a href="https://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/home?subacct=O6106#games">5 different types of puzzles</a> for young learners to enjoy, including jigsaw and crossword. The digital jigsaws are among the most challenging, as they very much replicate the real thing
and include a timer for those who like some added competition. There are also a handful of crossword puzzles that test students in the areas of explorers, geography, math, and medicine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>eBooks<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The EBSCO eBook collections are full of many puzzle-packed titles. In the
<a href="https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e700xna">
eBook Public Library Collection</a>, check out the <a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=041f564f-099f-30f7-bc9d-987bf51af678">
Whodunit Puzzles: Mysteries for the Super Sleuth to Solve</a>, <a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=6212dadc-5d24-3d32-970b-4ae2302d4794">
60-Second Brain Teasers Pencil-Free Puzzles: Short Head-Scratchers From the Easy to Near Impossible</a>,
<a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=392957f6-8ae8-36ba-a204-a8beb78d8aeb">
60-Second Brain Teasers Crime Puzzles: Short Forensic Mysteries to Challenge Your Inner Amateur Detective</a>, and
<a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=50372c40-84b8-3201-a075-636cd1baf784">
Wooden Puzzles: 20 Handmade Puzzles and Brainteasers</a>. In the <a href="https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebsco-e862xna">
eBook High School Collection</a> enjoy the <a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=1119c3ed-7a05-3a7f-aa0e-9ab0df91b4b6">
Joy of Jigsaws: A Puzzler’s Guide and How to Make Your Own</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Puzzle Crafts<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you’re feeling crafty, the long list of wooden puzzle patterns from publications such as
<i>Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine</i>, available in <a href="https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebscoprofile-hcrc">
Hobbies & Crafts Source</a>, offer full-color patterns that even the novice craftsperson can follow. A couple of examples include the
<a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=a8b85217-7e8d-3481-b62c-afe766adde15">
Sunflower</a> and <a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=998fa33c-7cc3-399c-875c-21ab82f69946">
Octopus</a> wooden puzzles. For those who both quilt and love crosswords, be sure and check out the
<a href="https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=0bc72bd7-72d6-3ed0-8954-46299c87b78a">
Crossword Puzzle Quilt</a> pattern from an issue of <i>Quilter’s World</i>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the 21<sup>st</sup> of December we will celebrate Crossword Puzzle Day and kick off the winter puzzle season. To read more about crosswords and to access a curated list of online resources and
<a href="https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/095-108-s2-crossword-puzzle.pdf">
16 puzzles</a> you can print and solve right now, explore the <a href="http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=ebhigh">
Britannica High</a> <a href="https://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/crossword-puzzle/28009">
crossword puzzle</a> entry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact
</b><a href="mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org"><b>melerhelp@mcls.org</b></a><b> for help.<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brought to you by <b>Ann Kaskinen</b> from the MeL Team. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Want more information on MeL?<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span> Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><a href="http://mel.org/" target="_blank" title="http://mel.org/">http://mel.org</a>,
or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via <a href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new" target="_blank" title="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new">GovDelivery</a>. We encourage
you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The MeL project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Ann Kaskinen</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">MeL Engagement Specialist, K-12</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">Midwest Collaborative for Library Services</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">517-325-5333</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:kaskinena@mcls.org"><span style="color:blue">kaskinena@mcls.org</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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