Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90

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

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

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.

LK

I Want an Economic Stimulus

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.

jb

Not Just for Young Adults - Part 4

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

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

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

"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

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

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