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