Charles W. Eliot once wrote:  “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends: they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.”

John Jermain Memorial Library has been running a winter book club for adults.  We thought why should the kids have all the fun.  So the adults who choose to join sign up- turn in titles as they complete their books [you choose your own books].  They say whether or not they would recommend the book.  This year our club ran from January 3, 2007 until April 3, 2007. The book club title is “So Many Books-So little Time.”  Each week the people who have added books to their list have their names put in a drawing and someone wins  a prize on the Friday.  This year we have had 12 weekly winners.  Names are available at the Library. Everyone who participated and has read ten books will receive a prize bag.  I think that all who have joined this year have enjoyed participating.  We have doubled our numbers from last year.  We are looking forward to next year for a bigger & better book club.  Maybe you will join us?

A library is a treasure trove of information.  We say it in so many ways that libraries are not big dusty old rooms with old dusty books.  It is information central.  It is a vibrant buzzing place that is here to help the person who walks in the door find what they need and enrich their lives.  It is also a great place to go if you are visiting somewhere to find out the place you shouldn’t miss while your there &the best place to eat.  Libraries usually are staffed with people well aware of the area so they are great resources. Give it a try-guarenteed you won’t be disappointed!

We are increasing the number of books on cd that you may borrow from the library.  I often write reviews of adult, teen and children’s audiobooks for several journals.  It always amazes me that a wonderful book can be made less so if the reader is not accomplished.  Evident expression, a strong sense of pacing, and the ability to change tones are essential in a good reader.  George Guidall is probably the king of all readers, having recorded thousands of books for the company called Recorded Books.  I just listened to the latest MC Beaton Hamish Macbeth mystery which had a reader who brilliantly handled the Scottish accents.  I know Scotland very well and he was so precise as to speak with a Glaswegian accent for those characters, the Highland intonations, and the upper class BBC Britain accents.

Often, it is the books for children and teens that feature the most inventive and exciting readers.  The Lemony Snicket books are narrated by Tim Curry who is nearly on par with Harry Potter narrator Jim Dale.  Did you know that Jim Dale gets those huge Harry Potter books the same time we all do and he has a weekend to read the latest one and come up with accents for the multitude of characters Rowling uses.

If you need any recommendations, I’d love to talk audiobooks with you!

Allison

Have you ever noticed when you come into the Library on the first floor there is a table by the return section of the counter.  The circulation staff puts up displays of books, music & videos.  Currently they have a humor selection.  There are more books located behind the desk just past the magazines.  It is always enticing to look at what someone else is thinking about.  More than one time I’ve walked away with a something I never would have thought about and enriched an evening or two. Remember the next time you are in- take a look!

Did you ever wonder where movie actress Ava Gardner, America’s “Mayor”Rudy Giuliani , Golfer John Daly might be found together? How about Science Fiction writer Terry Brooks, mystery writer Michael Connelly & fiction writer Nora Roberts do you know where they all might be accessible?  OK last one- looking for information on “Worst Pills Best Pills”, and/or “Made to be Broken” The 50 Greatest Records and Streaks in Sports History.”  Just a few steps into the doorway of John Jermain Library go left or right.  If you turn left you come upon the new fiction collection and if you turn right you find new non-fiction and new biographies.  You may find what you didn’t know you were looking for.  We would love for you to come in and browse.

As I sit in my office doing work, I can hear the beautiful strains of music from India, played for children by a local artist.  One never knows what new book or sound or idea will jump out during a visit to the library.  In fact, I think I shall play hooky for a few minutes and go outside my office to enjoy the soothing and evocative sounds.

Holidays for many are right around the corner.  Those who celebrate Passover and or Easter the library is a great resource for recipes, decorations, crafts or even a good book to relax with once the work is done. Come in and see us and let us help you make this a wonderful holiday. 

This is the time of year alot of people start thinking about vacations.  The library has a wonderful selection of travel books.  We have travel magazines.  Our reference librarian is wonderful connecting people with information they don’t know is available.  Come on in and let us help you.

April 15 is on a Sunday this year and that is coming up fast.  The Library has forms and instructions.  Our reference librarian can also go on line for forms if we don’t have them.  So if your puzzled about where to find a form -Please come in and let us help you!