GPLD Blog

Social Security Overview

2008-09-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Tom Keough from the Social Security Administration will present on Wednesday, September 17 from 7-8 p.m. an overview of Social Security programs such as Retirement, Survivors, Disability Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Prescription Drug Subsidy program, followed by a Q&A session. This program is Free and open to the public.

Sign up at the Adult Services desk or call 630-260-1550 and ask for Adult Services. Walk-Ins are welcome!
-MA

Taste of Chocolate program

2008-09-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Kim from Kim’s Confections will talk about the history and types of chocolate on Tuesday, September 16 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. There will be samples for tasting. Come to this program if you enjoy chocolate! This program is FREE and open to the public.

Sign-up at the Adult reference desk or call 630-260-1550 and ask for Adult Services to get details. Walk-Ins are welcome!
-MA

YA on TV - Samurai Girl

2008-09-02T07:40:00.001-07:00

The Samurai Girl series by Carrie Asai has been adapted into a six-hour mini-series on the ABC Family channel. The three night event begins Friday, September 5th. For more details and to samurai-ize yourself, check out The Samurai Girl site.

The library owns all six books in the paperback series starting with The Book of the Sword.

- NB

Twilight Movie - Date Change and Other Updates

2008-08-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of bloodydisgusting.com.

It has been over a month since the Young Adult Librarian has posted any updates about the movie version of Twilight. Since that time, the release date has been moved up to November 21. This means that the library's Twilight program has also moved, and it is now on Wednesday, November 19 from 4-5 PM. Registration begins on November 12.

According to Cinematical, the filmmakers have reshot some scenes and added new scenes. Team Jacob fans can rejoice that the character will now be in more scenes. Team Edward, I think there will be plenty for you too.

You can also catch the actors who play Edward, Bella, and Jacob as they present an award at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7.

- NB

Robert Plant turns 60

2008-08-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Zepheads rejoice. Robert Plant, the onetime lead singer of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin, celebrates his 60th birthday today.

Plant, along with bassist John Paul Jones, drummer John Bonham, and guitar wizard Jimmy Page formed the band that would become Led Zeppelin in 1968. Legend has it that the band's name was chosen because certain parties thought the new band would be as successful as a "lead zeppelin" -- a failure. The legend continues that the spelling "L-E-D" was selected for fear that clueless Americans would pronounce "Lead" as L-E-E-D.

Led Zeppelin reigned as rock gods from 1968 until the death of John Bonham in 1980, when the group disbanded. Plant continued to produce new music as a solo performer and in various collaborations. Most recently he collaborated with bluegrass star Alison Krauss on the 2007 release Raising Sand.

Those of you who fondly remember the greatness that was Zeppelin or admire the enduring legacy of Robert Plant might want to check out a Cd from the library's collection. Personally, I'm leaning toward Physical Graffiti, but there are many more to choose from.

Browse our Led Zeppelin CDs
Browse Robert Plant CDs

Robert Plant - Wikipedia
Led Zeppelin - Wikipedia
First Photo: Robert Plant by Ella Mullins on flickr.com
Second Photo: Led Zeppelin at Chicago Stadium, Jan 1975 on flickr.com

jb

Presidential Politics and Faith

2008-08-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Rick Warren, well-known pastor and popular author of the best selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, is hosting a live television forum Saturday, August 16, 2008. He will discuss religion and faith with the leading presidential candidates, Barak Obama and John McCain. The event is being carried on CNN, Fox News Channel, and MSNBC.

The purpose-driven life : what on earth am I here for?
by Rick Warren is available in many formats at the Library

-a book: 248.4 War
-an audio book: CD Audio Books 248.4 War 8-Discs
-large print: Large Type 248.4 War
-en Español: Spanish 248.4 War
-or download it from home using your library card: MyMediaMall

Read more about the candidates in their own words

The audacity of hope : thoughts on reclaiming the American dream
autobiography, by Barack Obama
Bio Oba

Faith of my fathers
autobiography, by John McCain with Mark Salter
Bio Mcc

-LK

NEW International Language Books - Check them out!

2008-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Alfred Hitchcock's Birthday

2008-08-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Alfred Hitchcock's 109th birthday by checking out one of his movies on DVD.

North by Northwest
Psycho
Rear Window.
To Catch a Thief
Vertigo
Rope and The Man Who Knew Too Much are on order. The library will be purchasing Notorious and Rebecca on DVD in October.

You can also check out his biography Alfred Hitchcock : A Life in Darkness and Light by Patrick McGilligan.

-NB

Better Know a Culture

2008-08-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Coming soon, GPLD will subscribe to Global Road Warrior. The Global Road Warrior, an online database, is a comprehensive social/cultural, travel, and international business resource, covering 175 countries and territories. Content includes 11-million-plus words of editorial, over 6000 color photos, and 1575 country maps, all presented in a consistent 97-category framework for each country. This database is proving valuable to several educational cross disciplines and promotes cross-cultural understanding through comparative studies. For more information, visit
http://www.globalroadwarrior.com/.

--KEL

Young Adult Books at the Movies

2008-08-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 comes out today. Roger Ebert gave the movie three stars. Read his review. Watch trailers and clips on Yahoo Movies.

Also, check out the trailer of Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist on the Cinematical blog.

- NB

Twilight Tops for Teens this Summer

2008-08-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

The most reviewed books this summer in our weekly teen book review drawings were:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with 4 reviews

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn with 3 reviews

- NB

Stephenie Meyer on Good Morning America

2008-07-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

Stephenie Meyer was on Good Morning America today to promote the release of Breaking Dawn. You can watch interview on the web site.

The book is in processing, so put your hold on the title today.

- NB

July 30th is Paperback Day!

2008-07-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

On July 30, 1935, Penguin Books issued its first 10 modern paperbacks. Agatha Christie, Dorothy L Sayers, and Ernest Hemingway were the first authors published in this new format.

Celebrate paperbacks by reading one of their books or any paperback book!

-LP

Last week of Summer Reading!

2008-07-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

Get in the Game, Read!, Glenside's Summer Reading Program, ends on August 2nd. This week is the last week to claim your prizes. Hurry in so you don't miss out!

- LP

Poker Tournament

2008-07-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Library invites all poker players to compete in a no-limit Texas Hold'em tournament taking place at the library Saturday, July 26 at 9:30am. Players will compete for a 1st($25) and 2nd($10) place prize. This is a free tournament, no buy-ins required, and no gambling will be permitted. Please call 630-260-1550 to register!

Favorite Books Lunch

2008-07-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Several young adults attended a pizza lunch today to discuss the best books they read during summer reading. They had to write a book review of their favorite book in order to attend.

Books they reviewed:
A Child Called "It" : One Child's Courage To Survive by David J. Pelzer
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks : a Novel by E. Lockhart
The Fire Within by Chris D'Lacey
Keesha's House by Helen Frost
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Shiva's Fire by Suzanne Fisher Staples
Twilight and New Moon : A Novel by Stephenie Meyer

- NB

Twilight Teaser Trailer #2 and Interviews from Comic Con

2008-07-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

For those fortunate enough to see The Dark Knight on opening weekend, you might have seen the second Twilight trailer. If you did not see the movie, you can watch the trailer on yahoo movies.

Interviews from San Diego Comic Con:
You can also find an interview with Stephenie Meyer on Entertainment Weekly's web site.
Also interviews with the author, the director of the Twilight movie, and Rob Pattinson on MTV's site.
Entertainment Tonight has interviews on their web site as well.

Post updated on July 25.

- NB

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 8

2008-07-21T08:08:00.001-07:00

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson provides an interesting story about a girl who struggles to remember her past after waking from a coma. Jenna can recite the entire text of Walden but cannot remember her family or friends. After watching videos of her life, she starts to recall events; however, there are lingering questions. Why does she walk funny? Why does her grandmother go from loving her to loathing her? And, what exactly is locked in her mother's closet?

The author raising interesting ethical questions during her novel. Those who might not normally read science fiction might get caught up in Jenna's tale.

- NB

Happy Bastille Day!

2008-07-14T07:49:00.001-07:00

It's Bastille Day, the national holiday of France, which celebrates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 during the French Revolution.

What are some good ways to celebrate the holiday?

Eat French Fries (remember, they're not Freedom Fries anymore), make sure to call them pommes frites
Have a picnic with French bread, French wine, and French cheeses (Not sure about wine and cheese? May I suggest browsing Cheese & Wine: a Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying by Janet Fletcher.)
Watch a French movie (such as Indigenes or Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain)
Watch a movie about France (perhaps about the Revolution, such as A Tale of Two Cities or Les Miserables)
Read a classic French book like the Three Musketeers (or read it in French: Les Trois Mousequetaires)
Make today the day you start teaching yourself French! Perhaps study with the "language teacher to the stars" as you Speak French with Michel Thomas.

au revoir
jb

New Twilight Movie Clip

2008-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

The Twilight movie comes out exactly five months from today. A short clip featuring behind-the-scenes information on the Twilight movie will be included on the Penelope DVD. If you cannot wait, you can watch the clip courtesy of MTV.com.

Also, Twilight made the cover of Entertainment Weekly. The library does subscribe to this magazine. Some of the content is available on the magazine's web site here and here.

- NB

Summer Reading Poster Contest for Teens

2008-07-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Illinois Library Association and Illinois Reading
Enrichment and Development (iREAD) are sponsoring
a Poster Contest. This contest is artists entering grades 6-12. Posters need to demonstrate the theme “SCARE UP A GOOD BOOK”. The poster will be the basis
for the Young Adult iREAD Summer Reading
Program in 2010.

The poster should include images of books or something related to reading. All art and characters must be original, and the poster should be appropriate for hanging in public libraries. Poster size can be up to 19 inches by 26 inches.

Entry forms are available at the Adult Services Desk. Entries must be received by July 31st. The Glenside Library's winner will receive a prize and will go on to the district semi-finals.

The posters will become property of the Illinois Library
Association. The Statewide winner will be announced in October, 2008, and that winner will receive $1000 in prize money. For more information go to www.ila.org/iread.

-NB

Popular Young Adult Series

2008-07-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

New entries in your favorite young adult series are now on order.

Artemis Fowl : the time paradox by Eoin Colfer published July 15

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer published August 2

Brisingr by Christoher Paolini published September 23.

-NB

New Computer Use Policies in effect July 7, 2008

2008-07-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Beginning Monday, July 7, 2008 there will be a change in the Library's Computer Use Policy.

Patrons in good standing (less than $20.00 in fines) will be able to use Public PCs.

All that is needed is one of the following:

Valid Glenside Library card
Valid card from another Illinois library that is registered in our system

If you are over 18 and do not have a library card from Glenside or another Illinois library, you can still use a computer for up to two 60 minutes sessions per day if:

You are from out of state or a non US resident and have a valid state photo ID, passport, or consular ID
you live in an unserved/unincorporated area and have a valid photo ID

Patrons who are over 18 and do not have a library card or valid photo ID may use an Express Station PC for 15 minute increments.

Lost TV Show Book Club

2008-07-02T06:15:00.001-07:00

The TV show Lost has its own book club. Follow the link to find suggestions for some great books mentioned on the television program . These books can also be read for the summer reading program.

There is still time for patrons of all ages to join the reading program. Anyone in grades five or younger can join in Youth Services. Everyone grades 6 and above may join at the Adult Services Desk. Registration continues until July 12.

Happy reading!

-NB

Get Ready for the 4th!

2008-06-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Next Friday the United States celebrates its 232nd birthday! Commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by learning more about the symbols of our great nation. Check out:

The U.S. Declaration of Independence for Everyone by Jerome Agel & Mort Gerberg

The Care and Display of the American Flag by the editors of SharpMan.com

Long May She Wave: A Graphic History of the American Flag by Kit Hinrichs & Delphine Hirasuna

The Flag, the Poet, and the Song: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner by Irvin Molotsky

--KC

Programa de Lectura de Verano

2008-06-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

¡Bienvenidos!

Inscríbete en el Programa de Lectura de Verano para todas las edades.

Debes de mantener un récord de los libros que leas este verano para recibir premios.

La información está disponible en los Servicios de Adultos.

buenos libros para pasar el rato:

Celebrate Fairy Day

2008-06-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Fairy Day is celebrated on June 24th as a way to remember the magic people felt as children. The Fairy Visions website describes the day and ways to celebrate.

One way to celebrate this day is by reading a book featuring the fair folk.

Select Books:
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Good Faeries by Brian Froud
Tithe : a Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

- NB

New Twilight Movie Clip

2008-06-17T08:33:00.001-07:00

Mtv.com has a video showing a scene from the Twilight movie that is not in the book. The filmmakers also created a Cullen family crest, and each member of the Cullen family wears a piece of jewelry with the crest on it in the movie.

Looking for another vampire book to read while waiting for Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, try A.M. Jenkins' Night Road for a different take on vampires or "hemovores" as they prefer to be called in the novel.

- NB, Twilighter and Young Adult Librarian

Remembering Tim Russert

2008-06-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sadly, the news media lost a talented member of its' community last week: Tim Russert. Take some time to enjoy and remember Russert by checking out his works:

Big Russ and Me (2004)

Wisdom of Our Fathers (2006)

--KEL

Stop by and See Us

2008-06-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

MyFace!

When you are social networking, don’t forget to drop by the library.
You can visit us on

FaceBook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glendale-Heights-IL/Glenside-Public-Library/12543834394?ref=s

or MySpace

http://myspace.com/glensidepld

See you there!

LS

Summer Reading Clubs for All Ages

2008-06-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Summer reading is almost here! There are reading clubs for every age at the Glenside Public Library District.

Children up to grade five register for the reading club in the Youth Services Department. Those in grades 6-12 register for the Young Adult Summer Reading Club at the Adult Services Desk. Adults also can have fun reading by joining the Adult Summer Reading Program at the Adult Services Desk.

Registration begins on Monday, June 9. Patrons have until July 12 to register. The reading programs end on August 2.

Hope to see you on Monday!

- NB

First Chapter of Breaking Dawn

2008-05-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive preview of the first chapter of Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer.

- NB

Attention Movie Lovers!

2008-05-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

Want to share your opinions on the latest movies you checked out from the Glenside Public Library? How about make friends with people who like the same movies as you?
Try the social networking site designed for cinephiles: Flixster.com. Flixster gives you recommendations, movie news, quizzes and much much more. So pop some popcorn,
log on and enjoy the site. Ask about the Library Movie Club at the Adult Services desk!

-LS

Win Cirque du Soleil Tickets at the Library

2008-05-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Win tickets to Kooza, the latest traveling Cirque du Soleil show courtesy of the library!

Adult cardholders (age 18 and over) are eligible to enter to win a pair of tickets to the performance on Wednesday, July 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are not exchangeable.

To enter, please come to the Adult Reference desk to fill out an entry form. Limit one entry per person. Entries will be accepted through Friday, June 13.

The winner will be notified by phone.

Not Just For Young Adults - Part 7

2008-05-15T15:27:00.001-07:00

The Magical Realism Edition...
For fans of Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and other authors of magical realism, Looking for Lucy Buick by Rita Murphy offers a young adult spin on this genre. Rocco wins a Buick in a game of poker, but when he gets it home, his sister Rhodi has a "feeling" and discovers a baby in the back seat. Lucy is raised by these adoptive aunts, and when the last one dies, she sets out to find her biological family. The aunts' ghosts appear to her to help guide her on her quest.

- NB

Twilight Movie Teaser Trailer

2008-05-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Teaser trailer has been released. Check it out on Cinematical
http://www.cinematical.com/2008/05/05/twilight-watch-the-twilight-teaser-trailer-do-you-like

The You Tube version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXk3ICrg5gA

It is also supposed to be on MySpace Tv, but the link did not work for me.

If you are over on MySpace, check out our library's page at http://www.myspace.com/glensidepld

- NB

The Edgar® Award Winners Announced

2008-05-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Mystery Writers of America announced the winners of the Edgar® Awards on Thursday night. These awards recognize the best in mystery writing.

Select Winners include...

Best Novel Down River by John Hart
Best First Novel In the Woods byTana French
Best Biography Arthur Conan Doyle : a Life in Letters by Lellenberg, Daniel Stashower and Charles Foley
Best Young Adult Novel Rat Life by Ted Arnold
Best Juvenile Novel The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh

For a complete list of winners go to http://theedgars.com/nominees.html

- NB

Found Art Jewelry Program

2008-05-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

There is still time to register for this jewelry making program!

Girls in grades 4-12 and interested women accompanied by participants can make a necklace out of found and recylclable objects. Mixed Media Artist, Dana Perea, will instruct an Art Workshop, using jewelry, collage, inspiring words and phrases, beads, rubber stamps and a potluck of found & recycled objects discovered by the artist herself. Danawill tap patrons’ insights into the possibilities of their surroundings by making a unique jewelry piece! Maximum class size is 20.

Saturday, May 3
1:30-3:00 PM

Registration begins on Thursday, April 17 in Adult Services

To learn more about making jewelry with found objects check out this book
Fabulous Jewelry from Found Objects : Creative Projects, Simple Techniques by Marthe Le Van

- NB

Stephenie Meyer

2008-04-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

Stephenie Meyer, author of the wildly popular young adult series Twilight, has a science fiction novel coming out soon The Host : A Novel. Although the book is marketed for adults, her older teen fans might enjoy it as well.

You can read more about the author in a Time magazine article. The library has a copy, and you can also read it online at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1734838,00.html

- NB

What They Play

2008-04-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Parents looking for information on videogames will love this website! Shopping for a cool new game your kids will love? Wondering what exactly is in that game that earned it a "M for Mature" rating? Visitors to www.whattheyplay.com can check out What's New, the Hottest Games Right Now, and the Most Popular Games by ESRB Rating. There's even a Gamefinder that lets you search by console, type of game, player age, and rating. So do your homework and then get playing!
--KC

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 6

2008-04-24T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sarah Dessen is one of the Young Adult Librarian's favorite authors. She writes wonderful realistic fiction. In her newest novel Lock And Key : A Novel , Ruby, abandoned by her mother, must go to live with the sister she has not seen in ten years. Throughout the novel, Ruby encounters interesting secondary characters as she learns to trust.

Although I did not enjoy it as much as my personal favorite The Truth About Forever, I would recommend the book to anyone looking for a good story about what it means to be a family and a friend.

- NB

New International Language Books - Check them out

2008-04-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

Support Teen Literature Day

2008-04-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Young Adult Library Services Association created Support Teen Literature Day to highlight the wonderful world of young adult novels. The organization has teamed with Readergirlz to donate books to hospitals. To find out more go to the Readergirlz web site http://readergirlz.com/issue.html.

How can you support teen literature?

Visit the Teen Area of the Glenside Public Library and browse the thousands of fiction titles in the collection.
Bring your teen to the library to show him or her all the services the library offers.
Buy a teen a young adult book.
Ask the Young Adult Librarian for a book suggestion.

- NB

Twilight Movie Updates

2008-04-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are as obsessed with Twilight by Stephenie Meyer as the Young Adult Librarian, here are some movie updates to hold you until the movie comes out on December 12.

The Twilight Moms have pictures from the set http://twilightmomsforums.freeforums.org/4-14-tmi-s-w-bella-and-edward-at-multnomah-falls-w-video-t5892.html

ET Online has a clip from the set
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/04/60435/index.html

MTV also has a clip with interviews with the actors
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1585325&vid=224215

You can also keep posted by visiting Stephenie Meyer's own web site. There is a movie page http://stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_movie.html

- NB

Pizza, Pop and Paperbacks

2008-04-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

PIZZA, POP, AND PAPERBACKS
Grades 5-7
Thursday, April 17
4-5 PM
This program introduces Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko. This book is about a boy and his autistic sister who live on Alcatraz island in 1935 because their father works for the prison.

Free copies of the book will be distributed to each participant at the program.
Registration begins April 10 in the Youth Services Department.

There are a few spots still available.

To learn more about the children who grew up on Alcatraz try

Children of Alcatraz : Growing Up on the Rock by Claire Rudolf Murphy.

- NB

April 14, a Titanic day in history

2008-04-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

On this day, April 14, in 1912, the Cunard liner Titanic struck the iceberg that would ultimately sink her the following day. Why not commemorate this historic day? Here are some possibilities:

Swoon with Kate and Leo and enjoy that Celine Dion song while watching the 1997 James Cameron film, Titanic.

Learn the Secrets of the Titanic while watching the first team to photograph the sunken ship.

Listen to the Titanic film music on Back to Titanic.

Read the classic book about the disaster, A Night to Remember, by Walter Lord.

Toast the doomed ship and her lost souls with a tall, iceberg--okay, ice-cube--filled cocktail. Get a recipe from the downloadable ebook 1000 Best Bartender’s Recipes.

-jb

National Library Week Contest for Teens

2008-04-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Patrons in grades 6-12 may enter the National Library Week Word Search Contest. Word searches will be available at the Adult Services Desk from April 13-19. Everyone who completes the word search gets a small prize. One winner will be selected from all correct entries to receive a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card.

- NB

Something good from the oven

2008-04-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

For those who love to bake (and eat), the library has some delicious new arrivals.

King Arthur Flour has produced some of the most well respected and easy to use books on baking. These new cookbooks feature not only delicious recipes but simple directions and common sense tips. The three titles just in are; the Baker's Companion, Whole-Grain Baking, and the Cookie Companion.

Also just in are the highly regarded Bread Baker's Apprentice by Peter Reinhart and The Bread Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum.

-jb

Poem for April 3

2008-04-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

Hear "He ate and drank the precious words..." by Emily Dickinson

UPDATE: As you may have noticed, the player has been moved to the left side of this page. Check back for more poems.

A Poem for April 2

2008-04-02T18:24:00.001-07:00

April is National Poetry Month and we here at Glenside would like to celebrate it by providing you with a poem read by one of our staff members. Today's selection is

"The Prairie States"

by Walt Whitman

Here this and other podcasts on our Gcast podcast page.

Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90

2008-03-24T07:45:00.001-07:00

The literary world lost a giant last week when famed science fiction/fact author Arthur C. Clarke died last Wednesday, March 19, in Sri Lanka. Clarke was probably best known for the novel 2001: A Space Odyssey, which was also a landmark film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Among his other classic novels were Childhood's End and Rendezvous with Rama. He also had a distinguished history of scientific achievement, including working on the development of radar, while serving with the British Royal Air Force in the Second World War.

View a timeline of Arthur C. Clarke's publications at Worldcat Identities.

View the Associated Press obituary of Arthur C. Clarke.

- jb

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 5

2008-03-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Young Adult Librarian is Going to Italy Editon

Two brothers flee to Venice when their aunt only wants to adopt the younger one in The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. With nowhere to go, they find protection with Venice's Thief Lord, who has secrets of his own.

Venice provides a wonderful setting for this story which combines fantasy and adventure with realistic problems.

The library also owns the movie version of The Thief Lord on DVD, but you will want to read the novel first.

- NB

On the move: International Language Books

2008-03-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

International language books are easier to find in the Glenside Public Library. They are now shelved near the entrance to the Adult Services department. Besides a large Spanish language collection, there are books in Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Polish, Russian, Bulgarian, French, Italian, German, Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tagalog, Tamil, Thai, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Libros en español están ahora en los estantes cerca de la entrada a los Servicios para Adultos. Además de libros en español, hay libros en árabe, farsi, chino, polaco, ruso, búlgaro, francés, italiano, alemán, hindi, urdu, gujarati, tagalo, tamil, tailandés, japonés, coreano y vietnamita.

I Want an Economic Stimulus

2008-03-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Quite a few people are looking forward to an economic stimulus payment this summer. Many of those people have questions about the process, such as:

How do I know if I’m eligible?
How much will I get?
When will my check arrive?

For answers to these and a multitude of other questions, you can visit the Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center, a website provided by the IRS. Of particular interest is a payment schedule. Payments will begin on May 2 and the last two digits of your social security number determine when your payment will be sent.

For complete information visit the Payments Information Center here.

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 4

2008-03-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day Edition

Set in Ireland and inspired by real events, A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd provides the haunting story of Shell, a fifteen year-old girl who grows up too soon. After her mother dies, Shell takes care of her younger siblings, deals with her father's alcoholism, and finds solace in prayer.

When a dead baby is found, Shell must decide whether to reveal her secrets or allow someone else to be under a cloud of suspicion.

-NB

Seniors Ride Free

2008-03-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Starting today, residents living in the RTA service region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties) who are over the age of 65 are eligible for free rides on fixed routes operated by the CTA, Metra and Pace. Seniors must have the senior reduced fare card to get a free ride. Simply locate the nearest registration site near you to obtain a fare card.

-KEL

2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

2008-03-14T07:23:00.001-07:00

This week the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its new 2008 members. This year, the following performers will join the ranks of The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Supremes, The Rolling Stones, Santana and many others for their “contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock and roll”:

John Mellencamp
Leonard Cohen
Madonna
The Dave Clark Five
The Ventures

For more information, visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum’s website at www.rockhall.com. To hear the music of these great artists and other Hall of Famers, visit the library to browse our collection of over 8,800 CDs!
--KC

Check Out the Academy Award Winning Song

2008-03-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

"Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova won the Oscar for Best Song at the 80th Academy Awards. This mesmerizing song is available on the movie's soundtrack Once Music from the Motion Picture and on the duo's CD The Swell Season.

The library owns a CD by Glen Hansard's band The Frames called Dance the Devil if you are interested in hearing more of his music.

You can also check out the DVD of the movie Once .

- NB

Teen Tech Week Surveys

2008-03-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

Teens can share their opinions about technology at the following survey sites:
Smart Girl

The Young Adult Library Services Association Survey

There is still time to celebrate Teen Tech Week. Check out a book from the special display or sign up for one of the Young Adult Programs: Goth Sock Monkeys on Thursday, March 6 and the Flickr Class on Saturday, March 8. Information about these programs are in an earllier post.

- NB

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 3

2008-03-03T11:02:00.001-08:00

Teen Tech Week Edition

In Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini, Jeremy, a high school nerd, has no self-confidence especially when it comes to girls. He hears about a "squip", a computer device that when swallowed gives you advice. After swallowing the "squip", the voice of Keanu Reeves begins to tell Jeremy how to act.

Soon Jeremy's popularity grows, but he eventually learns that techonology can be harmful when not used responsibly.

- NB

Teen Tech Week 2008 - Tune in @ your library

2008-02-28T09:03:00.001-08:00

The Young Adult Library Services Association created Teen Tech Week to make teens and their parents aware of the technology offered in libraries and to help teens become responsible library users. This year's theme Tune In @ your library focuses on music and music-related technology in libraries.

The Young Adult Department is offering several programs during Teen Tech Week, March 2-8, for patrons in grades 6-12.

GAMING AFTERNOON
Tuesday, March 4
DDR – 3-4 PM
Guitar Hero – 4-5:30 PM
Registration begins on February 26

GOTH SOCK MONKEYS
Thursday, March 6
4-4:45 PM
As part of Teen Tech Week, create your own sock monkey.
Registration begins February 28.

FLICKR CLASS
Saturday, March 8
Beginning at 2 PM
This class will serve as a basic introduction to the popular online service. It will cover account creation, uploading pictures, organizing photos, and sharing with friends. The class will also teach patrons about tags, searching, and online privacy.
Register now at the Adult Services Desk

- NB

Beagles are Top Dog

2008-02-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

These small dogs have been making big news lately with a Beagle, Uno, being named best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show earlier this month. Interested in learning more about these great family dogs? Check out what GPLD has to offer on the topic:

The beagle /Wilcox, Charlotte J 636.753 Wil

Beagles / Stone, Lynn M. J 636.7 Sto

Beagles : everything about purchase, care, nutrition, handling, and behavior /Parent, Lucia E.
636.7537 Par

Interested in adding a Beagle to your family? Check out local shelters or rescues.

--KEL

Mmmmmmmmm, that’s good blog!

2008-02-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

The 2007 Food Blog Awards spotlight some of the best food writing in blogland. And there is some seriously good food writing going on in blogland. 2007 marks the 4th annual FBA and the second year they have been awarded by the Well Fed Network, an amalgamation of 15 separate food blogs. The first two FBAs were awarded by the Accidental Hedonist, but the awards process is much the same.

Here are some highlights from the 2007 awards:

Food Blog of the Year: 101 Cookbooks
This is the creation of San Francisco writer and designer Heidi Swanson. When she discovered that her cookbook collection numbered over 100, Heidi decided it was time to focus on those recipes she loved best. Her blog is all about the recipes, most featuring simple natural foods.

Best Food Blog (Family/Kids): Lunch In a Box
Features dishes suited to box lunches. The author is an American who formerly lived in Japan, and the dishes and suggestions often have a decided Asian flare, including advice on picking a bento box to carry your lunch.

Best Food Blog (Rural): Farmgirl Fare
Farmgirl Fare is about much more than recipes. It includes writing about food and country living on the author’s 240 acre Missouri farm. While it’s fun to read about the donkeys, sheep, and farm happenings, be sure to check the recipes, including the baked goods. Especially the baked goods.

Go to the full list of 2007 Food Blog Award winners.

In parting, I’d like to recommend one food blog, a personal favorite, which was not an award recipient. Coconut & Lime won Best Food Blog (Original Recipes) in 2006. Unfortunately, that category was not part of this year’s awards.

Bon Appétit.

jb

One Book, One Glenbard

2008-02-20T12:09:00.000-08:00

Author Alex Flinn will be visiting all four high schools in District 87 next week to talk about her novel Breathing Underwater. Community members are invited to join the author and other readers at a discussion and book signing on Monday, February 25 at 7:00 PM at Glenbard West High School, 670 Crescent Boulevard, Glen Ellyn.

- NB

Hershey's Kisses Chosen as Best Chocolate

2008-02-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

Patrons in grades 4-8 sampled and rated five milk chocolates at Glenside's Chocolate Tasting Party on Tuesday, February 12. Hershey's kisses dominated the competition and was their pick for best chocolate.

First Place - Hershey's Kisses
Second Place - Dove
Third Place - Fanny May Solid Milk Chocolates
Fourth Place - Palmer
Fifth Place - Russell Stover Private Reserve

Learn more about chocolate and candy by checking out these books:
The book of chocolate
Candyfreak : a journey through the chocolate underbelly of America by Steve Almond
Chocolate : riches from the rainforest by Robert Burleigh
Death by chocolate : the last word on a consuming passion by Marcel Desaulniers

- NB

E-mail Fundamentals program

2008-02-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 1, 2008
9:30-10:30 a.m.

This class will teach participants how to create an E-mail account and cover its fundamentals.The program is FREE and open to the public. Sign up at the Adult Reference desk or call 630-260-1550 and ask for Adult Services.
-MA

WHICH GROUNDHOG IS RIGHT?

2008-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

It's Groundhog Day! Will we have an early spring or six more weeks of winter? It depends on which groundhog you ask! Punxsutawney Phil from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania saw his shadow, indicating we’ll have six more weeks of winter. However, Jimmy the Groundhog of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin did not see his shadow, thereby predicting an early spring. Let’s hope that since we’re closer to Sun Prairie that Jimmy is right!

--KC

Guess the Academy Award Winners Contest

2008-01-31T09:12:00.001-08:00

Glenside patrons can enter our Academy Awards contest for the chance to win a $20 gift card to Cinemark Theaters. One entry will be selected from the all the correct entries received. Ballots are available in the Adult Services area of the library.

Contest ends at 5:00 PM on Oscar Sunday, February 24.

For a complete list of nominees check out http://www.oscar.com/nominees/

Also to learn more about the Academy Awards try these books:

65 years of the Oscar : the official history of the Academy Awards

75 years of the Oscar : the official history of the Academy Awards

Variety's 75 Years Of Glamour On The Red Carpet

- NB

Remembering Margaret Truman

2008-01-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

Margaret Truman Daniel died yesterday. Margaret wrote wonderful mystery novels set in Washington DC. These books were filled with insider details of our capital that only the daughter of a President could know. Celebrate her life by reading one of her book in the Capital Crimes Series. Murder on K Street was her last book.

- LP

Friday Night Knitting Club Book Discussion

2008-01-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

Last night, Book Club discussed The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. Because this book describes the lives of the members of a knitting circle, we combined our book discussion with a knitting demonstration. One member, Kat D., led our group through the various knitting techniques, from the slip knot to the knit stitch. In addition to Kat, those members who had knitted before shared their skills with those new to the craft. If you couldn't make our discussion last night, Kat made this instructional video on knitting.

Next Month: When Madeline was Young by Jane Hamilton

-LP

Rebecca Caudill Award 2009 Nominees

2008-01-29T11:49:00.001-08:00

The Rebecca Caudill Award is an award given every year to the book voted the best by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools. The master list of the 2009 nominees has been announced.
http://www.rcyrba.org/pdf/2009MasterList.pdf

Most of the titles are available for immediate checkout at the Glenside Public Library District.

- NB

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 2

2008-01-21T12:05:00.001-08:00

Airman by Eoin Colfer is one of the best books that the Young Adult Librarian has read recently. After being falsely accused of treason, Conor Broekart serves a harsh sentence at a diamond mine. He plots a daring escape using his knowledge of flying machines.

The book reminded me of The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Both books have a strong main character who escapes from a prison and must decide how much he will let the experience change him.

- NB

Reference Databases Accessible from Home

2008-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

If you've found it difficult to access GPLD's selection of databases at home, times have changed.

Patrons can now access the databases from a tab on the online catalog's main screen. Once into the database page, patrons can browse GPLD's offerings via an alphabetical listing. If accessing the databases at home, GPLD cardholders will be prompted to enter in their library card number and PIN.

Michael L. Printz Award Announced

2008-01-14T09:47:00.000-08:00

The Michael L. Printz Award is for excellence in literature for young adults. The 2008 winner is The White Darkness : a Novel by Geraldine McCaughrean.

Four honor books were named as well: Dreamquake : Book Two of the Dreamhunter Duet by Elizabeth Knox, One Whole and Perfect Day by Judith Clarke, Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins, and Your Own, Sylvia : a Verse Portrait of Sylvia Plath by Stephanie Hemphill.

You can read the American Library Association's press release about these and other award winners at http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/january2008/announce08.htm

- NB

Fearless Fourteen- Release Date Announced!

2008-01-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

Attention all you Stephanie Plum fans: The Release Date for the next book in the series, Fearless Fourteen, is June 17, 2008!

Sign up for GPLD's Automatically Yours service and the library will place your name on hold for this book when it is published, so you won't have to worry.

Since June is 5 months away, get your Stephanie Plum fix now by reading Plum Lucky, the newest "between the numbers" book by Janet Evanovich. In this St. Patrick's Day tale, Diesel is back to help Stephanie rescue Grandma Mazur. Grandma Mazur took some money from a "leprechaun" with ties to the mob and, as always, Stephanie finds herself up to her teased hair in trouble.

-LP

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 1

2008-01-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first in an on-going series of entries from the Young Adult Librarian focussing on young adult books that adults might also enjoy.

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray is the final book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, but you will want to start with the first book A Great and Terrible Beauty . Gemma, a school girl in Victorian England, can travel between this world and another called the Realms. She has a great deal of magic within her, and she does not know whom she should trust as several groups also want her powers. This popular series will appeal to adults who like fantasy with complex female characters.

- NB

Adult Winter Reading Starts Today!

2008-01-07T09:09:00.000-08:00

Snow is Falling, Books are Calling: Adult Winter Reading starts today and runs until February 24Th! So, sign up today at the Adult Reference Desk for a chance to earn prizes just for reading!!!

- LP

Our space on MySpace

2008-01-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

GPLD is now on MySpace.
Check out our page at
http://www.myspace.com/glensidepld

Also check out these MySpace safety tips

http://www1.myspace.com/misc/safetyTips.html

LS

Tax Forms Now Available

2008-01-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Federal and State Tax Forms are now available at the library. The following can be found in the Adult Reference area:

Federal
1040 and Instructions
1040A and Instructions
1040EZ and Instructions
1040X and Instructions
Schedules A, B, C, C-EZ, D, E, EIC, SE
Schedule 3
2106 Instructions
Form 3903
Form 4562 and Instructions
Form 8283 and Instructions
Form 8606 and Instructions

Other federal forms are available via the IRS.

State

1040 and Instructions
1040ES
505-I
1040x and Instructions
2210 and Instructions

Schedules CR, ED, M, NR

Other state tax forms are accessible via the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Please call or stop by the Adult Services desk if you need any further assistance locating the necessary forms.

--KEL

Book Club's Reading Recommendations

2007-12-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

During our December meeting, Book Club discussed the Snow Goose by Paul Gallico. After discussing this "gem" of a book, to quote one book club member, book club shared with each other their picks for the best books they read outside of book club this year. Not all these books were published this year, but these books are all ones that members of Book Club had read this year. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz F Mys Lut
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons F Sim
Life of Pi : a novel by Yann Martel F Mar
Harry Potter and the deathly hallows by J.K. Rowling JF Row
A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini F Hos
The pillars of the earth by Ken Follett F Fol
For One More Day by Mitch Albom F Alb
Blaze by Richard Bachman F Bac
Suite française by Irène Némirovsky F Nem
1,000 places to see before you die by Patricia Schultz 910.202 Sch
Mister God, this is Anna : a true story by Fynn F Fyn
The omnivore's dilemma: a natural history of four meals by Michael Pollan
394.12 Pol
Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski
In the garden trilogy (Blue dahlia, Black rose, Red Lily )by Nora Roberts PB Rob
Linda Winstead Jones witch trilogy (Star Witch, Sun Witch, Moon Witch) PB Jon

Join us in January for The Friday Night Knitting Club in which we will have our combination Book Discussion and Knitting How-to!

- LP

Safety suggestions for using public computers

2007-12-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

If you use public computers, whether in our Library or another library, school, internet café, or any public venue, there are some precautions that you can take to safeguard your personal information. The suggestions listed below, written by Neil J. Rubenking, are from the December 4, 2007 issue of PC Magazine (p. 115).

It may not always be possible to follow all these steps because public PCs often have some or all of these activities locked down to prevent tampering and maintain uniformity and stability among all workstations. You can always ask about the settings on Public PCs to determine whether tasks like these are being done for you. Here at the Library, many of these options are not available, but we use IE Privacy Keeper software, which automatically cleans up browser history once you are done surfing the net.

Rubenking’s suggestions from PC Magazine:

Before you start, turn off dangerous browser settings. In Internet Explorer’s Options dialog click the Content tab, click the Settings button in the AutoComplete pane and uncheck all the boxes. In Firefox’s Options dialog click the Privacy tab and uncheck all the boxes under History and Cookies, then click the Security tab and uncheck all the boxes under Passwords.

Be careful not to visit any financial Web sites by clicking hyperlinks received in your Web-based e-mail. The sites they bring you to might be fraudulent, and the public computer may not have antiphishing software enabled. If you need to visit a bank or other financial Web site, type the URL yourself.

Before entering any sensitive data on the public computer, make sure there’s no active malicious software on the system by running a quick scan from www.nanoscan.com. Keep in mind that no software will detect a hardware keylogger, so limit your sensitive transactions to those that are utterly essential.

When you’re finished with the browser, erase your tracks. In Firefox, press Ctrl-Shift-Del and check all the boxes, then click OK. In IE select Delete Browsing History from the Tools menu and click Delete all.

When you are all done, launch My Computer, right-click the icon for the hard disk, and click Properties. Click the Disk Cleanup button and wait for the list of choices. Make sure that Recycle Bin and Temporary Files are checked and that Compress old files is not checked. Then click OK to clean up.

- JB

Bio of Best Band Ever

2007-12-10T13:57:00.001-08:00

The Replacements were hailed as “The Last Best Band of the ‘80s” by Musician magazine, and in my opinion, they are the best band ever. Yet, many people have never heard of them. In some ways the Replacements were a band ahead of their time. Now, people can discover or re-discover this great band, by reading The Replacements : All Over But The Shouting : An Oral History by Jim Walsh.

I do not usually read biographies because I do not like to have my illusions shattered, but I really enjoyed this one. Jim Walsh presents the good and bad about the Replacements through snippets of interviews with the band members, people who knew them, people telling how they first discovered them, and even people who disliked the band. The book inspired me to listen to all their CDs for the umpteenth time and to search out my concert t-shirt.

The library owns six of the Replacements albums on CD and the two Best Of compilations if you are in the mood for early alternative rock.

-- NB

Where the heck is this CD?

2007-12-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most frequently heard questions at the Adult Services reference desk is: “Where is this CD?” The person will then hand us a piece of paper with something like “CD D PAV” written on it. Okay, they’ll say, CD makes sense and PAV is for Pavarotti, but what is the D for?

The Library categorizes all its CDs using something called ANSCR, the Alpha-Numeric System for Classification of Recordings. Actually our music call number uses three parts: CD (for, you guessed it, Compact Disc); the ANSCR category (D is for Vocal music); and three letters that describe the recording (either the first three letters of the author/composer/performer or the title of the recording). So, CD D PAV describes a recording of vocal music by Luciano Pavarotti, such as Italian Wedding Favorites.

The important thing to remember is that all these CDs are shelved in alphabetical order, from CD B (Operas) to CD SFX (sound effects). If you need a CD Z, that’s a children’s recording—you’ll find it in Youth Services.

So what are among the most common categories? Here’s a sampling: MA—Popular music, MC—Country, L—Soundtracks, ML—Latin pop. And by the way, if you’re putting together a party this month, be sure to take a look at CD R—that’s holiday music.

-- JB

Give Back this Holiday Season

2007-12-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

'Tis the time of year for giving, but what about giving back to community and those that are less fortunate? Giving DuPage wants to make volunteering as easy as possible and has compiled a list of family and youth-friendly activities.

Print copies of the Holiday Giving Guide, Giving DuPage's volunteer guide, are available at the Adult Services Desk. Guides are also available online from http://www.givingdupage.org/. Check the website to locate a volunteer opportunity by zip code, area of interest or by type of volunteer opportunity.

Warm someone's heart this holiday season--give back!

--KEL

Holiday Music @ Your Library

2007-12-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the season for holiday entertaining, so set the mood with music CDs from the Library! We have a wide variety of Christmas CDs available for your listening pleasure, including childhood favorites, contemporary artists, religious and secular, classical, and instrumental. We also offer CDs featuring songs for celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Come browse our collection and get into the holiday spirit! CDs may be checked out for one week and renewed if not in high demand.
--KC

Get that kid a safety seat!

2007-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

We've all seen it while driving: a child kneeling and looking out the back window or a parent driving with a child on their lap. If you are concerned about the safety of the children you see while on the road, why not Be a Buckle Buddy?

This state-sponsored program will track down the owner of the car via the license plate number. Once the information is received, the owner of the vehicle will be sent a packet with a brochure about car seat safety, car seat safety for children with special needs, and an IDOT brochure about the Illinois' Child Passenger Protection Act. No legal action will be taken against the owner of the vehicle.

--KEL

Let it Snow

2007-11-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Snow , cold and ice can make it hard for some patrons to visit the library.
If you or someone you know is a resident of Glendale Heights or Glen Ellyn Countryside and cannot get to the library our Homebound Program may be able to help.

This program delivers books, DVDs and more to residents who cannot get to the library

due to illness, physical limitation, pregnancy, recent parenthood or transportation difficulties .

If interested please call the Glenside Library at 630-260-1550 and ask for Lisa.

South African Import Entertains

2007-11-21T13:24:00.000-08:00

Set in South Africa in 1990 , this young adult novel is told via the diary of 13 year old John Milton. Quickly nicknamed "Spud" upon arrival at his boarding school, Milton becomes friends with the rest of the boys in his house. Van de Ruit's novel follows the adventures of Spud and the rest of the Crazy Eight as they muddle their way through their first year at school. Young Spud humorously relates his life at school and at home and introduces readers to a quirky cast of characters (all seemingly with their own nicknames) that
entertain with their antics. Life is never dull as Spud is always up to something. Join him and the Crazy Eight as they take secret late night swims, investigate a school haunting, experience first kisses and blooming young love and deal with embarrassing family members.

Spud,by John Van de ruit, was a bestseller in South Africa and should translate well here in the U.S.

--KEL

Win Phantom of the Opera Tickets!

2007-11-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

Stop by the Adult Reference Desk to enter a drawing for TWO FREE TICKETS to the December 18 performance of the Phantom of the Opera! The winner will be drawn on November 30. Tickets are non-transferable and must be used for this performance.

Check out the library's collection of Phantom of the Opera related materials:

The Phantom of the Opera Original Cast Recording (CD)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera (DVD)

The Phantom of the Opera (DVD)

The Phantom of the Opera (VHS)

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (CD Audiobook)

--KEL

Death and Potato Pancakes

2007-11-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

Two librarians enjoyed fine food and discussion at the Christkindlmarket at Oak Brook Shopping Center. As both librarians read the futuristic romantic suspense novels by J.D. Robb (aka Nora Roberts), their conversation turned to the latest book in the series Creation in death . Both enjoyed the novel, but thought that the author needs to stop repeating the same arguments/conflicts between the characters that she used in earlier novels. Still, the series remains fresh, and J.D. Robb is able to blend favorite supporting characters and intriguing new characters into the plot. Although it is not necessary to have read previous books in the In Death series, those who have not experienced the relationship between the Irish billionaire and the steely Lieutenant will want to devour the first book Naked in death .

Bonus Book: For those who read the series, check out J.D. Robb’s short story “Eternity in Death” in the anthology Dead of night .

-- NB

Societal elements clash in Perotta's latest novel

2007-11-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

Liberals and Evangelical Christians clash in Tom Perotta’s latest novel The Abstinence Teacher. When conservative parents complain the sex ed teacher, Ruth Ramsey, gets a little too graphic with her students, the school district institutes abstinence education. Against her will, Ruth goes along with the school district and institutes the new curriculum with mixed results. Meanwhile, Tim Mason, an ex-druggie born again Christian, riles the parents of his girls’ soccer team by praying after a game. Perotta creates wonderfully fleshed out characters that practically walk off the page.

This book is suggested reading for those that like smart fiction novels that touch on contemporary or controversial issues. Also suggested for readers that enjoy strong character development.

Children's Book Week

2007-11-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Rise Up Reading! Celebrate Children's Book Week at the Glenside Public Library District, November 12-18, 2007. Throughout the week the Youth Services Department will have fun activities and events that celebrate the joy of reading. So drop in and join in the fun!
-CC

Paws for Reading

2007-11-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Children in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade and their family members are invited to make a 15 minute appointment to read to Julie Schroeder's certified therapy dog, Buddy.

Saturday, November 17, 2007 1:00-2:00 pm (Registration begins November 10)

Saturday, December 8, 2007 1:00-2:00 pm (Registration begins December 1)

Sign up at the Youth Services Desk or call 630-260-1550 for more information.
-CC

The Next Salinger?

2007-11-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

Young Adult novels about lonely and confused teenage boys are often compared to J.D. Salinger's masterpiece The Catcher in the Rye. Rarely do these books live up to this comparison; however, Someday this pain will be useful to you by Peter Cameron actually suceeds on many levels. Like Holden Caulfield, James Sveck struggles to find direction in his life and is at times unable to connect to the world around him. Both stories feature interesting supporting characters and memorable settings.

Other suggestions if you like Salinger:
Spud by John van de Ruit YF Van - being referred to as "the South African Catcher in the Rye
Rats Saw God by Rob Thomas YF Tho Y PB Tho

-- NB

Shutter Island Book Club Discussion

2007-10-31T14:23:00.000-07:00

Last night, we discussed Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. Mostly everyone liked the book, but we all interpreted it differently. It was a fascinating, thrilling read- perfect for the Halloween season. If you have read the book, feel free to post your thoughts on it here.

Next Month: The Living by Annie Dillard

-LP

Experience "The War"

2007-10-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Did you miss the PBS presentation of Ken Burns’ The War? This seven part documentary about World War II is now available on DVD and can be checked out here at Glenside. The film focuses on ordinary Americans from four different towns and shows how the war touched the lives of every family in the country. The moving stories of both soldiers and civilians are presented. The companion book The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 by Geoffrey C. Ward is also available.
--KC

2007-10-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

El venir pronto a la Biblioteca!

Inglés sin Barreras

"Inglés sin Barreras es el método de inglés con más éxito en los Estados Unidos. Inglés sin Barreras se centra en las necesidades específicas de las personas de habla hispana que residen en los Estados Unidos. La ortografía, pronunciación y acentos que se enseñan en este método son los que se usan en los Estados Unidos. Podrá escuchar discos compactos, mientras se relaja, hace las labores domésticas o conduce su automóvil. Más fácil, cómodo y práctico, imposible. Inglés sin Barreras le presenta situaciones de la vida real. Por lo tanto, se familiarizará palabras y frases que podrá utilizar inmediatamente."

LK

Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton & Me

2007-10-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Patti Boyd proves herself a class act by not making her autobiography "Wonderful Tonight" a tell all. Which is exactly why it left me dissatisfied and in search of some dirt. She was muse to two rock legends and inspired the songs "Something" and "Layla" two of the greatest rock love songs of all time. Caught in a love triangle with her husband George Harrison and his close friend Eric Clapton, she was the central figure in one of rockdoms most notorious love triangles. The tale is one of rock legend. Surely she has a passionate story to tell. Ms. Boyd is not a professional writer and despite her use of a co-author her story is told with no dramatic tension even though she lived a real life soap opera. Nontheless, Patti does have an important story to tell as a survivor of emotionally abusive relationships. She amazingly holds no grudges against her two self absorbed and distant ex-husbands. If she did, she would probably not be the well adjusted woman that she comes across as today.

Eric Clapton's own book Clapton: the Autobiography is out now and should prove an interesting counterpoint to Boyd's story.

LS

Character Counts! Week / Red Ribbon Week

2007-10-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

October 21-27 is Character Counts! Week and Red Ribbon Week. You can help a child learn more about good character by checking out these books from our library.

Caring counts by Marie Bender
J 177.7 Ben
Fairness counts by Marie Bender
J 179.9 Ben
Good citizenship counts by Marie Bender
J 323.6 Ben
Honesty counts by Marie Bender
J 179.9 Ben
Respect counts by Marie Bender
J 179.9 Ben
Responsibility counts by Marie Bender
J 179.9 Ben

The library also has videos about character in the Parents section of the library.
Let's teach character! VHS Parents J 179.9 Cha
Kids for character choices count! VHS Parents J 155.2 Kid

-- NB

Still Laughing...

2007-10-17T06:18:00.000-07:00

There is still time to celebrate Teen Read Week ™ LOL@Your Library!

Tomorrow, October 18, is Make a Librarian Laugh Day at the Glenside Public Library. From 3-5 PM, teens can tell the Young Adult Librarian a joke and earn a small prize. All the patrons who tell a joke will be entered in a drawing to win a gift card. The library has many joke books like Laugh your head off : great jokes and giggles by Mike Artell if you are stumped for a good joke.

Teens can also vote for next year's Teen Read Week™ theme at http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenreading.cfm.

-- NB