Book Club's Reading Recommendations

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

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

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?

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

'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

‘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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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"

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

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

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

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...

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

Sushi in the Attic

Most females read V.C. Andrews' story "Flowers in the Attic"

when they are teens. But last Sunday 3 late blooming librarians

decided to catch up on what they missed in youth to discuss

the book over sushi.

What had we been missing all of these years? A sad tale

of forbidden love, child abuse and dysfunction! One librarian was so disturbed that she had bad dreams. Another librarian said she would have been more shocked if she hadn't seen the bad movie. We all agreed that we would have enjoyed it more

during our angst ridden teen years. We also wanted to know what happens in the next book but we didn't actually want to read the next book. So we settled for the synopsis provided by Wikipedia.

As for the sushi, it was delicious and something best appreciated as an adult.

LS

Women's Murder Club

Women's Murder Club premiers tomorrow night on ABC at 8pm. This television series is based on the best selling books by James Patterson. Check out one of those books today to familiarize yourself with the series.

F Mys Pat

1st to Die
2nd Chance
3rd Degree

4th of July

5th Horseman

6th Target

- LP

LOL @ Your Library!

Across the country, teens celebrate the power of reading during Teen Read Week™, October 14-20. This year’s theme is LOL!@ your library. The Glenside Public Library District offers exciting programs highlighting humor during this week for patrons in grades 6-12.

Teens can join our reading club beginning on October 11 to earn fabulous prizes, and they can attend a Create Your Own Bobblehead program on Tuesday, October 16 from 4-4:45 PM. Young adults can also tell jokes on Thursday, October 18 from 3-5 PM for a chance to win prizes.

If you are looking for a funny novel to read this week, check out the featured titles in the libary's display case.

-- NB

Happy Birthday, Nora Roberts!

Today is Nora Roberts birthday! Celebrate by reading one of her books! Try Angels Fall or Blue Smoke for a good romantic read. - LP

Grande Nonfat Chai Please

Can't get through the morning without your Venti Latte? Then you should pick up Michael Gates Gill's book, How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else.

In this short memoir, Gill contrasts the charmed life of his childhood and successful advertising career to that of his job as a Barista at a NYC Starbucks. After being fired from a high powered advertising firm, Gill's life falls apart. Soon, he finds that the only luxury he can afford is a latte from his local Starbucks. Luckily, fate brings Crystal, an energetic Starbucks manager, across his path, and, with her, a job.

Once working at Starbucks, Gill finds out that although he was once a corporate executive, he still has much to learn. This is a heartwarming tale of a man who finds out late in life what truly is important.

National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day

On Wednesday, October 10, bring your teddy bear to work to celebrate the joy and stress relief that these bears provide.

In honor of this day, read a book about these lovable stuffed animals which were named after Theodore Roosevelt.

Teddy Bear : A Loving History of the Classic Childhood Companion by Gustav Severin
688.724 Sev

A Tale of Two Teddies: The First Teddy Bears Tell Their True Stories by Kathleen Bart
J 688.7243 Bar

- NB

Love in the Time of Cholera

Oprah has picked her next book club selection: Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

The novel, published in 1985, is set in South America and follows a woman and two men and their tale of unrequited love that spans 50 years.

--KL

Remember to Dial 630

As of Sunday, October 7, 2007 everyone in the region will need to dial 1 plus the full 10-digit number to reach another 630 phone. Due to a shortage of numbers, a new area code will be introduced in the region. The new area code is 331 and will most likely be used for cell phone customers.

Don't worry, if you forget to dial the area code, you will get a friendly reminder of the transition!

There's Always Next Year...

With the Cubs out of the Playoffs, now is the time to console yourself by reading up on Cubs history and lore. Check out one of these books from the library and There's Always Next Year...

Murder at Wrigley Field
Troy Soos PB Mys Soo

The Cubs and the kabbalist : how a kabbalah-master helped the Chicago Cubs win their first World Series since 1908 : a novel
Byron L. Sherwin F She

Banks to Sandberg to Grace : five decades of love and frustration with the Chicago Cubs
compiled by Carrie Muskat 796.357 Ban

The Cubs fan's guide to happiness
by George Ellis 796.357 Ell

Chicago in the World Series, 1903-2005 : the Cubs and the White Sox in championship play
by Bruce A. Rubenstein 796.357 Rub

Few and chosen : defining Cubs greatness across the eras
by Ron Santo with Phil Pepe 796.357 San

Cubs journal : year by year and day by day with the Chicago Cubs since 1876
by John Snyder 796.357 Sny

When Chicago ruled baseball : the Cubs-White Sox World Series of 1906
by Bernard A. Weisberger 796.357 Wei

Cubs nation : 162 games, 162 stories, 1 addiction
by Gene Wojciechowski 796.357 Woj

-LP

September's Book Discussion

Book Club discussed Julie and Julia: 365 days, 524 recipes, 1 tiny apartment kitchen by Julie Powell tonight. If you could not attend the discussion, you can post your comments here about this book.

In general, everyone enjoyed the book. We liked the author's sense of humor and her adventurous spirit; however, we could have done without her over reliance on swear words. We really liked how the author wove details about Julia Child's life into the book. The book also prompted us to share details about our own cooking highs and lows.

We also really enjoyed sharing the delicious dishes that everyone brought in for our potluck. Potato dishes seem to be the theme of the night, but we had many wonderful desserts, also. It was quickly decided that a potluck and recipe exchange must be an annual occurrence.

http://www.glensidepld.org/PublicServices/AdultServices/Book%20Club%20Cookbook.pdf
Click here for theBook Club's Cookbook, filled with the delicious recipes from tonight's potluck.

Next month: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

Banned Books Week

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read!

Watch for the exciting displays at the Glenside Public Library during Banned Books Week, September 29-October 6.

You can learn more about Banned Books Week at the American Library Association website http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm.

--NB

Welcome to the new GPLD Blog!

Welcome to the GPLD Blog--a new way for the Adult Services staff to communicate what's new, important and exciting.

The Adult Services staff will post information related to programming, books, and print and online resources available here at the Glenside Public Library. We'll also post topics of interest from within the community and from around the world. For example, did you know that September 19 was International Talk Like a Pirate day?

Be on the look out for frequent updates and check back often!