Fill your brain with random trivia! We feature a new trivia question in each edition of the library email newsletter.
December 18, 2018
Trivia Q. How many sides do snowflakes have?
Trivia A. Snowflakes have different designs, but they almost always have six sides. If you aren’t getting enough snowflakes outside, check out some books on making snowflakes or a book on the science of snow.
December 4, 2018
Trivia Q. What U.S. city holds the Guinness World Record for the most snow angels made simultaneously?
Trivia A. On Feb 17, 2007, in Bismarck, North Dakota, 8,962 people laid on the Capitol grounds and made snow angels to break the record of 3,784 previously held y Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. Find other winter activity ideas.
November 20, 2018
Trivia Q. What is the most popular side dish at Thanksgiving?
Trivia A. According to thedailymeal.com stuffing is the most popular side dish at Thanksgiving. Find fabulous recipes for stuffing and other holiday favorites in our cookbooks.
November 6, 2018
Trivia Q. When did the U.S. start celebrating Veterans Day?
Trivia A. In 1954 Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all of America’s veterans. Armistice Day was established on Nov 11, 1919, which was the first anniversary of the ending of World War I. The library has several events this fall in conjunction with the 100 year anniversary of the end of WWI including the art exhibits Over There: Americans Abroad in World War I and Kansans Go to War, and the 2Book Topeka books are both mysteries set at the end of WWI.
October 23, 2018
Trivia Q. What is the most popular Halloween costume for 2018?
Trivia A. According to Google Frightgeist, which tracks searches for Halloween costumes, so far this year the most popular costume nationally is Fortnite (a popular video game) followed by Spider-man, unicorn and dinosaur. If you need help making your costume check out one of our many books on costumes. We even have a book to help you make a costume from duct tape.
October 9, 2018
Trivia Q. What is the official state sport of Alaska?
Trivia A. Dog mushing is the official state sport of Alaska. We have lots of books about Alaska if you want to learn more. We also have an Alaska travel kit if you are planning a trip.
September 25, 2018
Trivia Q. What is the most popular cat name?
Trivia A. According to cuteness.com Bella is currently the most popular cat and dog name. Check our catalog for books about pet care.
September 11, 2018
Trivia Q. How does Hawaii rank in size to the other U.S. states?
Trivia A. Hawaii is the 8th smallest state in the U.S. Learn more about Hawaii or check out some fiction with a Hawaii connection.
August 14, 2018
Trivia Q. What was jazz trumpeter and singer, Louis Armstrong’s nickname?
Trivia A. Nicknamed “Satchmo,” Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) is regarded as one of the most influential musicians in jazz music. His nickname is a shortened version of “satchel mouth,” which refers to the size of his mouth. Learn more about Louis Armstrong or check out his music.
July 31, 2018
Trivia Q. How many young adult books does the library have?
Trivia A. Between books, ebooks and audiobooks we have 14,973 books classified as young adult available for check out. We have it all — adventure, dystopian, fantasy, graphic novels, horror, historical fiction, humor, nonfiction, poetry, paranormal, romance and science fiction.
July 17, 2018
Trivia Q. What was Blackbeard’s real name?
Trivia A. Edward Teach. Check out books and movies about Blackbeard and other pirates.
June 19, 2018
Trivia Q. Which cartoonist who’s machine makes the easy outrageously difficult was born on July 4, 1883?
Trivia A. Rube Goldberg – Contests are held annually for students to build Rube Goldberg Machines to create the most difficult and entertaining way to complete a simple process.
June 5, 2018
Trivia Q. How many official constellations exist?
Trivia A. In 1922, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognized 88 constellations, 48 of which were recorded by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in his book ‘Almagest’ written around 150 AD. Check out a book to learn more about constellations.
May 22, 2018
Trivia Q. What was the first movie soundtrack album commercially available?
Trivia A. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first commercially available movie soundtrack album. Check out movie soundtracks and other music digitally though Hoopla or on CDs.
May 8, 2018
Trivia Q. How many materials are returned to the library on most weekdays?
Trivia A. Between 4,000 and 5,000 books, movies and CDs are returned to the library on most weekdays. Find out if the book, movie or music you are looking for has been checked back in.
April 24, 2018
Trivia Q. What percent of Americans take a summer vacation?
Trivia A. Approximately 45% of Americans take a summer vacation. Check out our travel neighborhood for guides to help you plan your next vacation.
April 10, 2018
Trivia Q. Approximately how many items fit on each of our bookmobiles
(Alice or Sherlock)?
Trivia A. The Alice and Sherlock bookmobiles each hold upwards of 6,000 items. Odds are good we’ll have a book, movie or magazine you want.
March 27, 2018
Trivia Q. What flower can live for up to 100 years and is the official state flower of Indiana?
Trivia A. Peonies are the official state flower of Indiana and can live up to 100 years. They come in every color except blue and in ancient times were believed to relieve headaches. Learn more these wonderful flowers in librarian Kim Sain’s article and David Michener’s book Peony: The Best Varieties for your Garden.
March 13, 2018
Trivia Q.What is the most popular dog breed in the U.S.?
Trivia A. According to the American Kennel Club Labrador Retrievers were the most popular dog breed in the U.S. in 2016 (most recent year available). Labs have been number one for at least four years. German Shepards are number two and Golden Retrievers and number three.
February 27, 2018
Trivia Q.What percent of marriages are destination weddings?
Trivia A. According to TripSavvy 24% of marriages are destination weddings. Check out a list of recommended resources for destination weddings.
February 13, 2018
Trivia Q.What year was the first publicly funded kindergarten started in the U.S.?
Trivia A. Susan Blow opened the first publicly funded kindergarten in the U.S. in St. Louis in 1873. Read more about the history of kindergarten in Kindergarten & Cultures: The Global Diffusion of an Idea.
January 30, 2018
Trivia Q. What year was the first virtual reality prototype developed?
Trivia A. The first virtual reality prototype was developed in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland. Check out lots of fiction that involves virtual reality including our current 2Book Topeka reads, Ready Player One and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library.
January 16, 2018
Trivia Q. Who was the first woman to run for U.S. president?
Trivia A. Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for U.S. president in 1872. Learn more about Woodhull and other fearless women.
Jan 2, 2018
Trivia Q.On average how cold does it get in the Bahamas?
Trivia A. 70 degrees is the average cold temperature in the Bahamas. From Sept.-May temperatures average 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the year is a bit warmer with temperatures between 80 and 85 degrees. If you are looking for trip to a warmer climate this winter, check out our travel collection. We have travel kits for several locations.