The Reading Public Library presents...
a Book Discussion
Thursday Oct 18th 2007
6:30 PM
Thursday Oct 18th 2007
6:30 PM
City Espresso
124 S. 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
To sign up,
call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
Friday, September 21, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows
City Espresso
124 S. 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
To sign up,
call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
James Oliver Rigney, Jr. (Robert Jordan) 1948 - 2007
May you shelter in the palm of the Creator’s hand, and may the Mother’s last embrace welcome you home.”For over 15 years I have been reading, rereading or anticipating the next release date of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. The universe he created was so intricately detailed that it seemed encumbered by the pages (and pages) of words describing it. The series is a great example of the the world building potential inherant in the fantasy genre but it also employs the much overused bildungsroman style that many fantasy authors seem to enjoy. When the protagonist is young and niave from a sleepy, backwater village, it's useful for the author to describe the sights and sounds as experienced by our wide-eyed soon to be actualized hero.
That being said, Robert Jordan has created a universe, full and robust, that will always hold a portal in my imagination.
While waiting for someone to finish A Memory of Light , we do have other fine examples of the fantasy genre to keep us occupied. The Malazan Book of the Fallen series, by Steven Erikson, is a gritty military story arc occupied by grizzled veteran soldiers, many of whom are missing various limbs, ethically dubious "good guys," and gods disguised as fools possessing a refreshingly dry wit. The Bonehunters, Book six of an anticipated 10 books was just released yesterday.
Another hefty series I've come to enjoy is George R. R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice. A Dance with Dragons, the fifth of seven books, is currently in the works. Martin's universe is modeled after medieval Europe, with knights in armor bearing coats of arms, small kingdoms with ruling families sharing complex genealogies warring with each other, and a good deal of political intrigue. There's not a lot of magic, but there are dragons. Martin also indiscriminately kills off his protagonists, while the "bad guys" are not always punished for their crimes.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Adult Summer Reading Program - And the winner is...
Congratulations to Valerie Bush for winning the grand prize of two tickets to an event at the Sovereign Center!
Thanks to everyone who took part in the program. We had 200 participants this year reading a total of 2181 books!
Thanks also to our generous sponsors:
Sovereign Center
Reading Phillies
Target
Alebrije Restaurant
Sam's Club
City Espresso
Reading Public Library
Thanks to everyone who took part in the program. We had 200 participants this year reading a total of 2181 books!
Thanks also to our generous sponsors:
Sovereign Center
Reading Phillies
Target
Alebrije Restaurant
Sam's Club
City Espresso
Reading Public Library
Monday, August 20, 2007
ASRP Comments
The Wild and Scenic Rivers of America by Tim Palmer
There is hope for the lifelines of our economy and the natural world.
Up Close and Personal by Fern Michaels
Trinity Henderson was conceived for the sole purpose of using her bone marrow to save her sister's life. Her mother, and I use the term loosely, gives Trinity to her forman and his wife to raise and never acknowledges Trinity as her daughter. Trinity suffers at the hands of her spoiled older sister and evil mother (you'll love hating this character). At age 15 someone or something causes Trinity to run away from home. Now 15 years later, friends from her childhood are searching for her. If they can find her before she turns 30, she'll inherit her biological father's fortune. Of course, if she's not found, her "mother" will inherit everything! Boo, Hiss!! Joing the search to find Trinity in Ferms Michaels' new book.
The Protector's War by S. M. Stirling
Good series.
The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
Liked the reincarnation theme.
Murder Shoots the Bull by Anne George
A lighthearted fun mystery - easy to read and to follow.
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
Full of surprises and intriguing characters.
A Load of Old Bones by Suzette A. Hill
Very British - Funny!
The Well-Tended Perennial Garden by Rosemary Alexander
Fab reference book.
Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James
James sets her story in 1780s England. As with her previous books, you soon realize this will be another "series" of stories about English duchesses or noble women wishing to become duchesses: just how manycharacters included in this book will have their stories told, only Eloisa James knows. If however, as in this book, her fiture characters play chess, I will surely nod off from boredom. Accoeding to James, the Georgian period was an exciting time for chess; many games of strategy and skill were played in private by men and women in their bedrooms. In this story, James spent so much time "playing chess" with her characters that the true hero and heroine (both non-chess players) took secondary positions. Once these two characters became an item, the story moved along rapidly. If you're a chess afficionado you'll enjoy the chess matches depicted; otherwise, skip the games and go straight to the sex scenes!
How to Sell Collectibles on eBay by Jennifer A. Ericsson
Helpful on a lot of question I had.
Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods
Not enough story.
Sin Querer Queriendo: Memorias by Roberto Gomez Bolanos
Me gusto mucho el libro!
White House Chef by Walter Sheib
Fascinating! Loads of tidbits of Presidents and their families living in the White House. Lots of recipes - although none worth making - ingredients would be hard to find. Sad and scary memories of cooking during 9/11 which was very interesting. Great book!
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
I liked this one very much and am glad it was our book club selection.
Hell Hath No Curry: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery with Recipes by Tamar Myers Oh, that Magdalena! Tamar Myers has written another funny, intriguing story.
There is hope for the lifelines of our economy and the natural world.
Up Close and Personal by Fern Michaels
Trinity Henderson was conceived for the sole purpose of using her bone marrow to save her sister's life. Her mother, and I use the term loosely, gives Trinity to her forman and his wife to raise and never acknowledges Trinity as her daughter. Trinity suffers at the hands of her spoiled older sister and evil mother (you'll love hating this character). At age 15 someone or something causes Trinity to run away from home. Now 15 years later, friends from her childhood are searching for her. If they can find her before she turns 30, she'll inherit her biological father's fortune. Of course, if she's not found, her "mother" will inherit everything! Boo, Hiss!! Joing the search to find Trinity in Ferms Michaels' new book.
The Protector's War by S. M. Stirling
Good series.
The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
Liked the reincarnation theme.
Murder Shoots the Bull by Anne George
A lighthearted fun mystery - easy to read and to follow.
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
Full of surprises and intriguing characters.
A Load of Old Bones by Suzette A. Hill
Very British - Funny!
The Well-Tended Perennial Garden by Rosemary Alexander
Fab reference book.
Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James
James sets her story in 1780s England. As with her previous books, you soon realize this will be another "series" of stories about English duchesses or noble women wishing to become duchesses: just how manycharacters included in this book will have their stories told, only Eloisa James knows. If however, as in this book, her fiture characters play chess, I will surely nod off from boredom. Accoeding to James, the Georgian period was an exciting time for chess; many games of strategy and skill were played in private by men and women in their bedrooms. In this story, James spent so much time "playing chess" with her characters that the true hero and heroine (both non-chess players) took secondary positions. Once these two characters became an item, the story moved along rapidly. If you're a chess afficionado you'll enjoy the chess matches depicted; otherwise, skip the games and go straight to the sex scenes!
How to Sell Collectibles on eBay by Jennifer A. Ericsson
Helpful on a lot of question I had.
Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods
Not enough story.
Sin Querer Queriendo: Memorias by Roberto Gomez Bolanos
Me gusto mucho el libro!
White House Chef by Walter Sheib
Fascinating! Loads of tidbits of Presidents and their families living in the White House. Lots of recipes - although none worth making - ingredients would be hard to find. Sad and scary memories of cooking during 9/11 which was very interesting. Great book!
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
I liked this one very much and am glad it was our book club selection.
Hell Hath No Curry: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery with Recipes by Tamar Myers Oh, that Magdalena! Tamar Myers has written another funny, intriguing story.
Monday, August 13, 2007
ASRP Comments
Set Sail for Murder by Carolyn Hart
Enjoyable - will go back and read entire series.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
Great ending to a great series. Enjoyed thoroughly. Glad one of my predictions was wrong! Was right about other two.
The Execution Channel by Ken Macleod
The future is now!
High Noon by Nora Roberts
Excellent – Started out a little slow but my opinion is this is her best yet! Interesting plot.
Few authors can handle romance and suspense as successfully as Nora Roberts does, and she certainly
Edith Wharton by Hermione Lee
Best biography book on Wharton by far!
Eye of the Beholder by David Ellis
Fantastic! Gripping.
Up in Honey’s Room by Elmore Leonard
A must read!
The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown
Well worth the wait! Enjoyed it more than Andrew Morton’s.
Lucrezia Borgia and the Mother of Poisons by Roberta Gellis
Gives you great descriptions of life in the 1500s and how Lucrezia got a reputation she may not have deserved.
Vineyard Stalker by Philip R. Craig
I enjoyed the latest J. W. Jackson mystery. Philip Craig’s writing reminds me of times I spent on the Vineyard in the past. He will be missed in future summers.
The Art of Detection by Laurie R. King
Very enjoyable. Never knew of the forts that guarded San Francisco Harbor - great mystery.
The Hunt Club by John T. Lescroart
A new set of characters for Lescroart, with cameo appearances by a couple of the old. Good plot but story could have told in less space.
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson
Top notch Alex Cross tale... but he didn't catch the wolf. Maybe next time.
Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer
Magical.
Liked it a lot. Was neat to hear the story from his point of view.
One Thousand White Women: The Journals of Mary Dodd by Jim Fergus
Arouses more sympathy for our Native Americans.
Raintree: Inferno by Linda Howard
Raintree: Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones
Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton
Three special friends from Alabama, authors Howard, Jones and Barton, brainstormed over a period of four years to create this trilogy of good wizards, the Raintree, vs. evil wizards, the Ansara, and their final battle for dominance in modern day America...
Each book involves a separate member of the Raintree royal family and his/her fight against a renegade group of evil wizards from the Ansara clan. The stories take place during the same time in June... the week before the summer solstice when the wizards gain extra power... sot he general story line and dialogue overlap (would have loved being a part of the authors' power lunches to iron out the wrinkles in plot lines, etc.)
Now, where this trilogy differs from others I've read is that Howard's Book 1 Inferno and Jones' Book 2 Haunted end as cliffhangers! You must read Book 3 Sanctuary to see how the stories end. So, I recommend you check out all three books, and start with Linda Howard's Inferno before reading the Jones and Barton books. If you're into paranormal romance, you'll enjoy this series.
Enjoyable - will go back and read entire series.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling
Great ending to a great series. Enjoyed thoroughly. Glad one of my predictions was wrong! Was right about other two.
The Execution Channel by Ken Macleod
The future is now!
High Noon by Nora Roberts
Excellent – Started out a little slow but my opinion is this is her best yet! Interesting plot.
Few authors can handle romance and suspense as successfully as Nora Roberts does, and she certainly
Edith Wharton by Hermione Lee
Best biography book on Wharton by far!
Eye of the Beholder by David Ellis
Fantastic! Gripping.
Up in Honey’s Room by Elmore Leonard
A must read!
The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown
Well worth the wait! Enjoyed it more than Andrew Morton’s.
Lucrezia Borgia and the Mother of Poisons by Roberta Gellis
Gives you great descriptions of life in the 1500s and how Lucrezia got a reputation she may not have deserved.
Vineyard Stalker by Philip R. Craig
I enjoyed the latest J. W. Jackson mystery. Philip Craig’s writing reminds me of times I spent on the Vineyard in the past. He will be missed in future summers.
The Art of Detection by Laurie R. King
Very enjoyable. Never knew of the forts that guarded San Francisco Harbor - great mystery.
The Hunt Club by John T. Lescroart
A new set of characters for Lescroart, with cameo appearances by a couple of the old. Good plot but story could have told in less space.
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson
Top notch Alex Cross tale... but he didn't catch the wolf. Maybe next time.
Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer
Magical.
Liked it a lot. Was neat to hear the story from his point of view.
One Thousand White Women: The Journals of Mary Dodd by Jim Fergus
Arouses more sympathy for our Native Americans.
Raintree: Inferno by Linda Howard
Raintree: Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones
Raintree: Sanctuary by Beverly Barton
Three special friends from Alabama, authors Howard, Jones and Barton, brainstormed over a period of four years to create this trilogy of good wizards, the Raintree, vs. evil wizards, the Ansara, and their final battle for dominance in modern day America...
Each book involves a separate member of the Raintree royal family and his/her fight against a renegade group of evil wizards from the Ansara clan. The stories take place during the same time in June... the week before the summer solstice when the wizards gain extra power... sot he general story line and dialogue overlap (would have loved being a part of the authors' power lunches to iron out the wrinkles in plot lines, etc.)
Now, where this trilogy differs from others I've read is that Howard's Book 1 Inferno and Jones' Book 2 Haunted end as cliffhangers! You must read Book 3 Sanctuary to see how the stories end. So, I recommend you check out all three books, and start with Linda Howard's Inferno before reading the Jones and Barton books. If you're into paranormal romance, you'll enjoy this series.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
wikiHow
Here’s a website I recently stumbled upon while searching for, I must confess, reviews on anti-dandruff shampoos. It’s called wikiHow and it is an endeavor “to build the world’s largest, highest quality how-to manual.” One of the reasons I became a librarian is my desire to know how to do everything, so this could possibly be my Bible.
The project currently 23,076 articles on range of categories such as Arts & Entertainment, Cars & Other Vehicles, Finance & Business, Family Life, Home & Garden, Relationships, Sports & Fitness, and Teenagers. Do you want to know how to get out of debt? Are you dying to know how to cause a straw wrapper to wriggle like a worm? How to side manual (A side manual is when you ride your skateboard on two wheels, but on the side, not the back)? It’s all right here.
A reservation to consider is, as with any collaborative effort on the Internet such as Wikipedia or any other wiki, the inherent fact that anyone is able to add or edit the entries. Are the authors of the entry qualified to instruct you in the best, most efficient manner of, for example, making chainmail, applying false eyelashes, or shining stainless steel appliances? You decide.
The project currently 23,076 articles on range of categories such as Arts & Entertainment, Cars & Other Vehicles, Finance & Business, Family Life, Home & Garden, Relationships, Sports & Fitness, and Teenagers. Do you want to know how to get out of debt? Are you dying to know how to cause a straw wrapper to wriggle like a worm? How to side manual (A side manual is when you ride your skateboard on two wheels, but on the side, not the back)? It’s all right here.
A reservation to consider is, as with any collaborative effort on the Internet such as Wikipedia or any other wiki, the inherent fact that anyone is able to add or edit the entries. Are the authors of the entry qualified to instruct you in the best, most efficient manner of, for example, making chainmail, applying false eyelashes, or shining stainless steel appliances? You decide.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Online LibrarianCarl
WIKIPEDIA http://en.wikipedia.org
Publicly launched on January 15, 2001
What THIS SITE IS:
Wikipedia is an open source, community based, online encyclopedia. Most entries are open to the revisions and additions of anyone with Internet access. This grants an advantage in multiple viewpoints and currency but also allows room for errors of omission and spamming. Fortunately, Wikipedia has many levels of editorial oversight and control.
Positives: Current, revisable, links to other sources (both print and online), multi language capacities (Español), ever-changing “fluid” information base, hyperlinks, spawning of other projects:
- Sister projects: Wiktionary, Wikinews, Wikiquote, Wikibooks, Wikispecies, etc.
- Spinoffs: Citizendium, Scholarpedia, the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Life (~2008) etc.
- Specific Wikis: Marvel Database, Conservapedia, Wookieepedia, etc.
Who SHOULD USE THIS SITE:
Wikipedia is helpful for those seeking quick and dirty orientation on a topic, particularly trendy or current topics. It is also handy for web-links and bibliographies.
Librarian Note: Librarians should be as wary of Wikipedia as of any general encyclopedic information source. Being careful to always triangulate (double check with multiple sources) the information you gather.
Interesting FEATURE:
Check out the Reading Public Library’s new Wikipedia entry! Or create your own.
Bottom LINE:
Wikipedia is not the end stop in the research process (as no encyclopedia should ever be) but it can be decent beginning, a way station if you will. Particularly of value is the currency of certain entries; for instance I dare you to find and entry for Web 2.0 in your mother’s Britannica. Despite being flawed Wikipedia can be very useful if used wisely.
Helpful LINKS:
Instruction/Tutorials/Features
Wikipedia Help
What is a Wiki?
Extras
Internet encyclopaedias go head to head
Q&A with Jimmy Wales Wikipedia Founder
Any QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to make a comment by clicking on the comments link below or if you prefer to reach me by email.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Reading Public Library presents . . .
A Book Discussion
A Book Discussion
When: Thursday, August 16, 2007
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Espresso, 124 South 5th Street, Reading, PA
RSVP: The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
at Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth St., Reading, PA.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso
...
Remember...
...
an Adult Summer Reading program ticket for this title will be worth 2 chances for the prizes and attendance to this discussion will be worth another entry!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
ASRP Reviews
Images of America along the Route 100 Corridor Revisited by Patricia A. Stompf Blackwell
Interesting – Loved the old pictures and history of our local area
A Summer to Remember by Mary Balough
It’s entertaining, romantic and humorous in it’s portrayal of the “battle of the sexes.”
Too Late to Say Goodbye: A True Story of Murder and Betrayal by Ann Rule
Intriguing study of murder.
Lawman by Diana Palmer
Palmer has written over 100 books, and in all of her stories she follows the same formula. If you’ve read any of her books, you’ll recognize her style. Lawman is no different from any of her other stories… the names change, and the professions MIGHT change, but the settings remain similar as well as the conflicts. Why does she have such a following, you might ask? Maybe we all enjoy an occasional story that doesn’t require any special attention to detail and when it’s over, we close the cover and realize the it won’t be long before another “cookie cutter” romance will be published. If you enjoy watching movies or TV programs for the second, third, of fourth times, maybe Palmer is the author for you.
Double Take by Catherine Coulter
Coulter’s latest FBI thriller is packed with many of the same characters from her last book, Point Blank, and true to form, Coulter keeps the pages filled with suspense and slight touches of romance. FBI Special Agent Cheney Stone, (new to this story) interrupts the attempted murder of Julia Ransom along a San Francisco pier. Six months earlier, Julia’s husband, famous psychic August Ransom, was murdered, and the SF police are doggedly determined to pin the murder on Julia. However, this attempt on Julia’s life has all the earmarks of a “hit crime,” so Cheney brings in Coulter’s regulars, FBI Special Agents Savich and Sherlock for assistance.
At the same time these events are happening, Sheriff Dixon Noble from Virginia (also from Point Blank) is notified that his kidnapped and presumed dead wife has been sighted at a SF party married to a wealthy businessman. Watch what happens when all these FBI agents, police, hit men and doppelgangers converge on the streets of San Francisco. Someone should make a TV series around that title, huh?
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
She’s my favorite author and this book did not disappoint.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Neffenegger
Loved it! Quite unique idea – almost believable. Wonderful love story.
The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman
Fast read. Love the history of the Navajo Indians and their beliefs. Great mystery.
Memories of My Melancholy Whore by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Sad how someone can be so lonely.
When French Women Cook: A Gastronomic Memoir by Madeleine Kamman
Well written beautiful memoirs of growing up and food before World War II. Tons of recipes after each chapter… some good such as walnut cupcakes… oh la la. Others not so yummy… head of fish mashed well with mayo… yuck!
Prayers for the Dead by Faye Kellerman
Somewhat educational on Jewish and Catholic beliefs
Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel – Why Everything You Know Is Wrong by John Stossel
Very informative. Lots of Facts to back up what the author says.
Interesting – Loved the old pictures and history of our local area
A Summer to Remember by Mary Balough
It’s entertaining, romantic and humorous in it’s portrayal of the “battle of the sexes.”
Too Late to Say Goodbye: A True Story of Murder and Betrayal by Ann Rule
Intriguing study of murder.
Lawman by Diana Palmer
Palmer has written over 100 books, and in all of her stories she follows the same formula. If you’ve read any of her books, you’ll recognize her style. Lawman is no different from any of her other stories… the names change, and the professions MIGHT change, but the settings remain similar as well as the conflicts. Why does she have such a following, you might ask? Maybe we all enjoy an occasional story that doesn’t require any special attention to detail and when it’s over, we close the cover and realize the it won’t be long before another “cookie cutter” romance will be published. If you enjoy watching movies or TV programs for the second, third, of fourth times, maybe Palmer is the author for you.
Double Take by Catherine Coulter
Coulter’s latest FBI thriller is packed with many of the same characters from her last book, Point Blank, and true to form, Coulter keeps the pages filled with suspense and slight touches of romance. FBI Special Agent Cheney Stone, (new to this story) interrupts the attempted murder of Julia Ransom along a San Francisco pier. Six months earlier, Julia’s husband, famous psychic August Ransom, was murdered, and the SF police are doggedly determined to pin the murder on Julia. However, this attempt on Julia’s life has all the earmarks of a “hit crime,” so Cheney brings in Coulter’s regulars, FBI Special Agents Savich and Sherlock for assistance.
At the same time these events are happening, Sheriff Dixon Noble from Virginia (also from Point Blank) is notified that his kidnapped and presumed dead wife has been sighted at a SF party married to a wealthy businessman. Watch what happens when all these FBI agents, police, hit men and doppelgangers converge on the streets of San Francisco. Someone should make a TV series around that title, huh?
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
She’s my favorite author and this book did not disappoint.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Neffenegger
Loved it! Quite unique idea – almost believable. Wonderful love story.
The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman
Fast read. Love the history of the Navajo Indians and their beliefs. Great mystery.
Memories of My Melancholy Whore by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Sad how someone can be so lonely.
When French Women Cook: A Gastronomic Memoir by Madeleine Kamman
Well written beautiful memoirs of growing up and food before World War II. Tons of recipes after each chapter… some good such as walnut cupcakes… oh la la. Others not so yummy… head of fish mashed well with mayo… yuck!
Prayers for the Dead by Faye Kellerman
Somewhat educational on Jewish and Catholic beliefs
Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity: Get Out the Shovel – Why Everything You Know Is Wrong by John Stossel
Very informative. Lots of Facts to back up what the author says.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
2007 Adult Summer Reading Program
Listen to what your fellow library-goers are saying about what they are reading. There are so many books to choose from - in May the Main Library alone ordered approximately 119 new adult nonfiction books and 220 new adult fiction books. Whether you like Patterson, Turtledove, Evanovich, Oates or Picoult, there's something for everyone. And with prizes like Phillies tickets and merchandise, restaurant gift certificates, and tickets to Sovereign Center events; there's no reason not to pick up a stack of books and a stack of entry forms and start reading!
Murder at the Monk's Table by Carol Anne O'Marie
Good mystery! A very entertaining, easy, quick read.
You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
Really entertaining!
Cold Company by Sue Henry
Exciting adventure in wilds of Alaska.
Lisey's Story by Stephen King
Some parts predictable but a real tearjerker.
Velocity by Dean. R. Koontz
Thrilling and suspense filled.
Win-Win Ecology: How the Earth's Species Can Survive in the Midst of Human Enterprise by Michael L. Rosenzweig
Every little bit helps!
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Wonderful multilayered story of bullying and school violence.
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve
Excellent study of character and the family as character.
Carousel by Belva Plain
Interesting Story about families, relationships and secrets. Heartbreaking but also heartwarming.
All about Evie by Beth Ciotta
Recently divorced Evie Parish is over 40, an unemployed actress and desperate for a regular paycheck. While in her agent's office, an acting positionbecomes available on a couples only cruise ship. There are some risks involved if she takes the job, and there's no script to follow. Her role... Sugar Dupont, an ex-Vegas showgirl on her honeymoon with her wealthy husband, Charles Dupont. Charles, a senior citizen with trimmed beard, wired framed round glasses, a belly like the Pillsbury doughboy and a voice like Sean Connery. Wonder what Charles looks like without the makeup? I think Evie's gonna love this acting gig!
Diary of a Serial Killer by Ed Gaffney
Ed Gaffney, husband of bestselling aither Suzanne Brockmann, pens his third novel in the mystery genre. Gaffney was a defense attorney before the writing bug bit him and his "lawyerese" shows on each page. The "diary" of this serial killer is gruesome; the plot contains many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final pages. I would have enjoyed a longer epilogue to calm my nerves. This is a godd story and style for the male reader.
Murder at the Monk's Table by Carol Anne O'Marie
Good mystery! A very entertaining, easy, quick read.
You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore
Really entertaining!
Cold Company by Sue Henry
Exciting adventure in wilds of Alaska.
Lisey's Story by Stephen King
Some parts predictable but a real tearjerker.
Velocity by Dean. R. Koontz
Thrilling and suspense filled.
Win-Win Ecology: How the Earth's Species Can Survive in the Midst of Human Enterprise by Michael L. Rosenzweig
Every little bit helps!
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Wonderful multilayered story of bullying and school violence.
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve
Excellent study of character and the family as character.
Carousel by Belva Plain
Interesting Story about families, relationships and secrets. Heartbreaking but also heartwarming.
All about Evie by Beth Ciotta
Recently divorced Evie Parish is over 40, an unemployed actress and desperate for a regular paycheck. While in her agent's office, an acting positionbecomes available on a couples only cruise ship. There are some risks involved if she takes the job, and there's no script to follow. Her role... Sugar Dupont, an ex-Vegas showgirl on her honeymoon with her wealthy husband, Charles Dupont. Charles, a senior citizen with trimmed beard, wired framed round glasses, a belly like the Pillsbury doughboy and a voice like Sean Connery. Wonder what Charles looks like without the makeup? I think Evie's gonna love this acting gig!
Diary of a Serial Killer by Ed Gaffney
Ed Gaffney, husband of bestselling aither Suzanne Brockmann, pens his third novel in the mystery genre. Gaffney was a defense attorney before the writing bug bit him and his "lawyerese" shows on each page. The "diary" of this serial killer is gruesome; the plot contains many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final pages. I would have enjoyed a longer epilogue to calm my nerves. This is a godd story and style for the male reader.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Reading Public Library presents . . .
A Book Discussion
When: Thursday, June 21, 2007
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Espresso, 124 South 5th Street, Reading, PA
RSVP: The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
at Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth St., Reading, PA.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso
When: Thursday, June 21, 2007
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: City Espresso, 124 South 5th Street, Reading, PA
RSVP: The program is free, but pre-registration is requested.
To sign up, call 610-655-6355, or visit the Reference Desk
at Reading Public Library, 100 South Fifth St., Reading, PA.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Online LibrarianCarl
IMDB www.imdb.com
Founded: United Kingdom (Online 1993, Incorporated 1996, Bought by Amazon.com 1998)
What THIS SITE IS:
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a free online database that collects information about movies, actors, TV shows, and video games. What began in the late 80’s as an online community’s attempt to list movies with the latest pretty actress soon blossomed into a legitimate database powerhouse. With 6.3 million individual film/TV credits this is the largest accumulation of data about films on planet earth. Don’t believe me? Check out IMDb’s Statistics Page.
Positives: Information is kept up to date and mistakes corrected; Coverage goes back to virtually the beginning of film (see the video); Search interface allows for various field types (titles, names, companies, etc.) as well as an advanced “power” search
Negatives: The navigation and display of information can be clumsy and confusing for the unfamiliar; Commercial ads (but hey it’s largely a free site this is to be expected)
Who SHOULD USE THIS SITE:
IMDb’s primary use is as database for movies, TV shows, and video games. Entertainment fans will delight in the cutting edge content and ranking schemes offered. Information professionals will rejoice in the search capacities and depth of information available.
Supplemental to IMDb’s capacities as a straight database it also offers current openings, reviews, links to video trailers and previews, movie & TV news, message board, showtime & ticket finder, rankings, links to purchase the item under review, optional personal account, and many other features.
Librarian Note: The multiple search fields and power search allow the information professional to quickly narrow down which film or movie and what edition the patron is interested in even with only partial information. The rankings and sorting features allow for further recommendations of genres, types, and specific related movies, shows, and video games. Also, by clicking on “movie connections” for any given film one can quickly ascertain sequels, prequels, or other related spin offs.
Interesting FEATURE:
One of the hardest tasks of any information professional is to make recommendations and this becomes even harder when one is not familiar with the particular item or type of item under consideration. When it comes to films one helpful tool is the recommendations available on IMDb.
These suggestions for similar films can be found by clicking on the “recommendations” link found under “Awards & Reviews” in the left hand toolbar for each entry in the IMDb. You can also directly access this through the Recommendation Center.
Bottom LINE:
This should be everyone’s first choice for finding movie information online. IMDb’s secondary draw is as a source of information for TV shows and video games and should not be overlooked. The database’s additional features (message boards, rankings, etc.) are just icing on an already rich cake.
Helpful LINKS:
Instruction/Tutorials/Features
Search Tips
IMDb Index
IMDb Browse
IMDb Section Browsers
Extras
Wikipedia Entry
Any QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to make a comment by clicking on the comments link below or if you prefer to reach me by email.
Monday, April 16, 2007
National Library Week
To celebrate National Library Week, we are hosting three contests with chances for great prizes!
Contest #1
1. You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
2. Answer as many trivia questions as you can on an official answer sheet. Obtain your questions and andswer shhet at the Reference desk. You must return the questions to the Reference Department when you hand in your answers.
3. Answers must be turned in to the Reference Department by 5:00 pm on Friday, April 20, 2007.
4. First prize is a $25 Boscov's gift certificate. Second prize is a $15 Boscov's gift certificate, and third prize is a $10 Boscov's gift certificate.No purchase is necessary, but you must have a library card to enter.
5. All decisions of the judges are final.
2. Answer as many trivia questions as you can on an official answer sheet. Obtain your questions and andswer shhet at the Reference desk. You must return the questions to the Reference Department when you hand in your answers.
3. Answers must be turned in to the Reference Department by 5:00 pm on Friday, April 20, 2007.
4. First prize is a $25 Boscov's gift certificate. Second prize is a $15 Boscov's gift certificate, and third prize is a $10 Boscov's gift certificate.No purchase is necessary, but you must have a library card to enter.
5. All decisions of the judges are final.
Contest #2
“Why I Love the Reading Public Library” Contest
You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
In 25 words or fewer, tell us why you love Reading Public Library. Simply fill out the entry form and turn it in at the Circulation Department. The deadline for entering is April 20, 2007.
All entries become the property of Reading Public Library and will not be returned. In addition, parts or all of the entries may be used in publicity releases, etc. and will include the writer's name Three entries will be chosen as first, second, and third place winners based on originality and creativity.
First prize is a $25 Boscov's gift certificate. Second prize is a $15 Boscov's gift certificate, and third prize is a $10 Boscov's gift certificate to Boscov's.
No purchase is necessary, but you must have a library card to enter.
You must be at least 18 years old to enter.
In 25 words or fewer, tell us why you love Reading Public Library. Simply fill out the entry form and turn it in at the Circulation Department. The deadline for entering is April 20, 2007.
All entries become the property of Reading Public Library and will not be returned. In addition, parts or all of the entries may be used in publicity releases, etc. and will include the writer's name Three entries will be chosen as first, second, and third place winners based on originality and creativity.
First prize is a $25 Boscov's gift certificate. Second prize is a $15 Boscov's gift certificate, and third prize is a $10 Boscov's gift certificate to Boscov's.
No purchase is necessary, but you must have a library card to enter.
All decisions of the judges are final.
Contest #3
Enter a drawing to win an MP3 player! Details to follow.
Join us in our celebration of National Library Week!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Internet Book List
I just found this website, so I haven't explored it very extensively; but it looks like it might be something to rival Amazon in searching for fiction titles and information. According to the About page, "its purpose is to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible database of books, since Patrik considers the Book to be humanity's greatest creation." There's a bold statement.
The database is designed to search by title, author, genre, and rating. It is particularly easy to search information about books in a series, a function I find lacking on Amazon.
The forums are also quite interesting and extensive. There are forums for general discussion of books; author, book and convention announcements; discussion of movies, music and cultural trends; specific official and unofficial author discussion forums; and more.
Explore and enjoy!
The database is designed to search by title, author, genre, and rating. It is particularly easy to search information about books in a series, a function I find lacking on Amazon.
The forums are also quite interesting and extensive. There are forums for general discussion of books; author, book and convention announcements; discussion of movies, music and cultural trends; specific official and unofficial author discussion forums; and more.
Explore and enjoy!
Kurt Vonnegut 1922 - 2007
So it goes...
More about his life and writings at Wikipedia.
List of works available through RPL:
Novels
Player Piano (1952)
The Sirens of Titan (1959)
Mother Night (1962)
Cat's Cradle (1963)
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (1965)
Slaughterhouse-five (1966)
Breakfast of Champions (1973)
Slapstick (1976)
Jailbird (1979)
Deadeye Dick (1982)
Galapagos (1985)
Bluebeard (1987)
Hocus Pocus (1990)
Fates Worse Than Death (1991)
Collections
Welcome to the Monkey House (1968)
Palm Sunday: An Autobiographical Collage (1981)
Bagombo Snuff Box: Uncollected Short Fiction (1999)
God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian (1999)
More about his life and writings at Wikipedia.
List of works available through RPL:
Novels
Player Piano (1952)
The Sirens of Titan (1959)
Mother Night (1962)
Cat's Cradle (1963)
God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater (1965)
Slaughterhouse-five (1966)
Breakfast of Champions (1973)
Slapstick (1976)
Jailbird (1979)
Deadeye Dick (1982)
Galapagos (1985)
Bluebeard (1987)
Hocus Pocus (1990)
Fates Worse Than Death (1991)
Timequake (1997)
Man Without a Country (2005)
Collections
Welcome to the Monkey House (1968)
Palm Sunday: An Autobiographical Collage (1981)
Bagombo Snuff Box: Uncollected Short Fiction (1999)
God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian (1999)
Monday, April 09, 2007
Local Author Glenn Shrom at City Espresso
Reading Public Library presents...
Local author
Glenn Shrom
discussing his book
Getting Past the Culture Wars: Regarding Intelligent Design
Come and meet the author and learn more about the debate over Intelligent Design.
The author will have copies of his book available for sale and signing at the event.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
6:30 - 7:30
City Espresso
124 South Fifth Street, Reading
The program is free but registration is requested. To sign up, call 610-655-6355 or stop by the Reference Desk of the main branch at 100 South Fifth Street.
Refreshments are available for purchase from City Espresso.
Local author
Glenn Shrom
discussing his book
Getting Past the Culture Wars: Regarding Intelligent Design
Come and meet the author and learn more about the debate over Intelligent Design.
The author will have copies of his book available for sale and signing at the event.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
6:30 - 7:30
City Espresso
124 South Fifth Street, Reading
The program is free but registration is requested. To sign up, call 610-655-6355 or stop by the Reference Desk of the main branch at 100 South Fifth Street.
Refreshments are available for purchase from City Espresso.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Family Craft Night with the Royals
Craft night was a complete success; everyone had a wonderful time. Big thanks to the Royals for participating!
How the Library Changed My Life
This contest is for female patrons whose businesses were helped by using the library. To enter, simply submit your story (700 words) about how the library has helped to make your business a success.
Woman's Day magazine editors will select the winning entries, that will be featured in the March 2008 issue of Woman's Day.
ALA is collecting the stories until May 10. Go to this web link for details:
http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/campaign/sponsorship/womansdaymagazine/smallbus.htm
Woman's Day magazine editors will select the winning entries, that will be featured in the March 2008 issue of Woman's Day.
ALA is collecting the stories until May 10. Go to this web link for details:
http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/campaign/sponsorship/womansdaymagazine/smallbus.htm
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Books in the Public Domain
I was looking up some information on what materials are included in the public domain when I came across the article "How to Determine Whether a Work is in the Public Domain." Written by a professor of law at the University of Arizona, the article is a clear and concise explanation of the process; moreover, it is a reference for some of the more famous or familiar works both in and out of the public domain.
Within the article, there is also a link to a a listing of over 25,000 books available on the Web, called The Online Books Page. It includes materials from the Google Print Library project as well as individuals' efforts at digitization. It's quite an accomplishment and definitely worth examining.
I added it to my link list for future investigation.
Within the article, there is also a link to a a listing of over 25,000 books available on the Web, called The Online Books Page. It includes materials from the Google Print Library project as well as individuals' efforts at digitization. It's quite an accomplishment and definitely worth examining.
I added it to my link list for future investigation.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Spring Forward!
Though we may not be able to start our spring planting until the middle of May (I always used Mother's Day as my green light), I'm already paging through gardening catalogs, ordering seeds, constructing complicated planting schedules, and looking through all the gardening and landscaping books the library purchased last year. So here's my list.
Adams - Art of Garden Photography
Alexander - Essential Garden Maintenance Workbook
Armitage - Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens
Bartley - Designing the New Kitchen Garden: An American Potager Handbook
Beck - Best Garden Plants of Pennsylvania
BH&G - Water Gardens, Pools, Streams and Fountains
Christian - Great Decks and Outdoor Living
DiSabato-Aust - Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques
Freeman - Spare Time Gardener
HGTV - Curb Appeal
Miracle Grow - Instant Gardens
Miracle Grow - Beautiful Perennials
NH&G - Decks
Ortho - All About Building Waterfalls, Ponds, Streams
Ortho - All About Sprinklers and Drip Systems
Ortho - All About Garden Pools and Fountains
Rice - Encyclopedia of Perennials
Smith - P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden: Creating Compelling Color Themes
Stanley - Complete Patios and Masonry
Steinberg - American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn
Weishan - Victory Garden Companion
Wiley - Shade: Planting Solutions for Shady Gardens
A few of my favorites are P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden with its many photographs of fabulously lush gardens; Rosemary Alexander's Essential Garden Maintenance Workbook - not a lot of photos, but packed full of practical information; and DiSabato-Aust's Well-Tended Perennial Garden, an essential reference tool for the care of perennials, newly revised with more full color photos.
Adams - Art of Garden Photography
Alexander - Essential Garden Maintenance Workbook
Armitage - Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens
Bartley - Designing the New Kitchen Garden: An American Potager Handbook
Beck - Best Garden Plants of Pennsylvania
BH&G - Water Gardens, Pools, Streams and Fountains
Christian - Great Decks and Outdoor Living
DiSabato-Aust - Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques
Freeman - Spare Time Gardener
HGTV - Curb Appeal
Miracle Grow - Instant Gardens
Miracle Grow - Beautiful Perennials
NH&G - Decks
Ortho - All About Building Waterfalls, Ponds, Streams
Ortho - All About Sprinklers and Drip Systems
Ortho - All About Garden Pools and Fountains
Rice - Encyclopedia of Perennials
Smith - P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden: Creating Compelling Color Themes
Stanley - Complete Patios and Masonry
Steinberg - American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn
Weishan - Victory Garden Companion
Wiley - Shade: Planting Solutions for Shady Gardens
A few of my favorites are P. Allen Smith's Colors for the Garden with its many photographs of fabulously lush gardens; Rosemary Alexander's Essential Garden Maintenance Workbook - not a lot of photos, but packed full of practical information; and DiSabato-Aust's Well-Tended Perennial Garden, an essential reference tool for the care of perennials, newly revised with more full color photos.
SALUD EN ESPANOL
Recently the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania added a new database to POWER Library. Salud en espanol contains all the Spanish language resources previously found within Consumer Health Complete and is a valuable health information resource.
To locate the Salud en espanol, click on the POWER Library icon, and enter your library card number. The database is in the Health/Science category.
Salud en espanol covers reports and studies relating to various issues of health and well-being, diseases, and treatments.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Family Craft Night with the Royals
Join the members of the Reading Royals Hockey Team for stories, crafts, food, and fun.
Meet the players up close and personal!
Family Craft Night will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at 7:00 PM
at the Northeast Branch, 1348 North 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604.
Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Online Librarian
Carl
Google www.google.com
Founded: Menlo Park California (September 27, 1998)
What THIS SITE IS:
Google is one of many search engines available and because of its overwhelming popularity it has almost become synonymous with the Internet. Two Stanford students began the Google search engine in 1996 as a graduate research project. Soon after Google took off and now, according to Nielsen NetRatings, is used in virtually half of all Internet searches. The Google brand has expanded vigorously and now includes products far beyond a mere search engine, such as email (gmail), directory, online documents & spreadsheets, etc.
Positives: Simple interface; relatively large search results; consistent innovation and development of new and interesting products
Negatives: Search Engine results are not evaluated for quality; popularity and ease of use can obscure search limitations, see Research Beyond Google
Who SHOULD USE THIS SITE:
Those searching for common topics, those beginning an exploratory first search, or those who are looking to take advantage of Google’s specific search features (e.g. advanced search) or products (e.g. gmail). It is important to keep in mind that while Google’s coverage is broad it can lack precision for uncommon or specific topics. And like practically all search engines it does not rank sites by quality nor does it take into account the deep recesses of the invisible web (the topic of the invisible web to be covered in a future article).
Librarian Note: Library professionals will appreciate this site for its ability to quickly generate answers to ready reference questions and to be used to orientate or inform searchers about a novel topic. Other useful tools (calculator, dictionary, etc.) and multimedia search capacities (pictures, videos, etc.) can be helpful as well.
Interesting FEATURE:
One of the most powerful ways to search with Google that is often overlooked is the use of Google Syntax. Searching this way can be done using the Advanced Search or by directly keying what Google calls “search operators" in the search basic window.
For instance, say you want to use the Google Search Engine to find information about prairie dogs but you only want see what the National Geographic web site has to say on the topic.
As an example type prairie dog site:nationalgeographic.com in the basic Google search window.
The results of prairie dog site:nationalgeographic.com would be a search only within the www.nationalgeographic.com website for the subject of prairie dogs. This formula of search term(s) site:web_site_to_be_searched.com can be used for any subject and any site. Also note that these search operators can be used to limit and control searches by site, by format, and a whole assortment of other parameters and functions, see Google Syntax for more options.
Bottom LINE:
Google is simply the best freely available general-purpose search engine on the Web today. (In addition it offers a wide variety of tools, software, and multimedia)
Helpful LINKS:
Instruction/Tutorials/Features
Google Guide
Google Cheat Sheet
Google Products
Extras
20 Great Google Secrets
Official Google Blog
Unofficial Google Forum
Librarians
Google Librarian Central
Google as Ref Desk Tools (Ready Reference)
Any QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to make a comment by clicking on the comments link below or if you prefer to reach me by email.
Carl
Google www.google.com
Founded: Menlo Park California (September 27, 1998)
What THIS SITE IS:
Google is one of many search engines available and because of its overwhelming popularity it has almost become synonymous with the Internet. Two Stanford students began the Google search engine in 1996 as a graduate research project. Soon after Google took off and now, according to Nielsen NetRatings, is used in virtually half of all Internet searches. The Google brand has expanded vigorously and now includes products far beyond a mere search engine, such as email (gmail), directory, online documents & spreadsheets, etc.
Positives: Simple interface; relatively large search results; consistent innovation and development of new and interesting products
Negatives: Search Engine results are not evaluated for quality; popularity and ease of use can obscure search limitations, see Research Beyond Google
Who SHOULD USE THIS SITE:
Those searching for common topics, those beginning an exploratory first search, or those who are looking to take advantage of Google’s specific search features (e.g. advanced search) or products (e.g. gmail). It is important to keep in mind that while Google’s coverage is broad it can lack precision for uncommon or specific topics. And like practically all search engines it does not rank sites by quality nor does it take into account the deep recesses of the invisible web (the topic of the invisible web to be covered in a future article).
Librarian Note: Library professionals will appreciate this site for its ability to quickly generate answers to ready reference questions and to be used to orientate or inform searchers about a novel topic. Other useful tools (calculator, dictionary, etc.) and multimedia search capacities (pictures, videos, etc.) can be helpful as well.
Interesting FEATURE:
One of the most powerful ways to search with Google that is often overlooked is the use of Google Syntax. Searching this way can be done using the Advanced Search or by directly keying what Google calls “search operators" in the search basic window.
For instance, say you want to use the Google Search Engine to find information about prairie dogs but you only want see what the National Geographic web site has to say on the topic.
As an example type prairie dog site:nationalgeographic.com in the basic Google search window.
The results of prairie dog site:nationalgeographic.com would be a search only within the www.nationalgeographic.com website for the subject of prairie dogs. This formula of search term(s) site:web_site_to_be_searched.com can be used for any subject and any site. Also note that these search operators can be used to limit and control searches by site, by format, and a whole assortment of other parameters and functions, see Google Syntax for more options.
Bottom LINE:
Google is simply the best freely available general-purpose search engine on the Web today. (In addition it offers a wide variety of tools, software, and multimedia)
Helpful LINKS:
Instruction/Tutorials/Features
Google Guide
Google Cheat Sheet
Google Products
Extras
20 Great Google Secrets
Official Google Blog
Unofficial Google Forum
Librarians
Google Librarian Central
Google as Ref Desk Tools (Ready Reference)
Any QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to make a comment by clicking on the comments link below or if you prefer to reach me by email.
Online LibrarianCarl
The Internet is the world's largest library. It's just that all the books are on the floor.
~ John Allen Paulos
What THIS IS:
This is to be a series of articles about various online resources. The focus will primarily be on free web sites and basic concepts and tools that accompany Internet reference and research.
Who I AM:
My name is Carl and I am a newly appointed reference librarian at the Reading Public Library main branch. I earned my undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the Pennsylvania State University and my Master of Science in Library Science from the Clarion University of Pennsylvania. My interests include computers and the Internet, art, and philosophy.
Who SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN THESE ARTICLES:
These articles are intended for beginner to intermediate online researchers, information professionals, and Internet users. These articles will be particularly useful for those Internet users who are unfamiliar with the breadth of online reference resources readily available online.
Bottom LINE:
In each Blog article I will be examining the best Internet sites for reference and information seeking. Along the way I will be discussing major concepts and ‘tricks of the trade’ for researching information online.
Any QUESTIONS?
Please feel free to make a comment by clicking on the comments link below or if you prefer to reach me by email.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The release date for the final Harry Potter book was just announced! It look like we'll find out Harry's fate on July 21.
Check back here to find out when you will be able to place a hold on one of our copies.
Fansites:
The Leaky Cauldron
Hogwarts Herald
MuggleNet
J.K.Rowling Official Site - I love this site - Very Myst-like with the graphics and the ambient sounds of cars and barking dogs
MSNBC - Find out the odds on Harry dying in the final book
Check back here to find out when you will be able to place a hold on one of our copies.
Fansites:
The Leaky Cauldron
Hogwarts Herald
MuggleNet
J.K.Rowling Official Site - I love this site - Very Myst-like with the graphics and the ambient sounds of cars and barking dogs
MSNBC - Find out the odds on Harry dying in the final book
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation - Book Discussion
Reading Public Library presents...
The Greatest Generation
by Tom Brokaw
Thursday, March 8, 2007
7:00 - 8:00 P.M.
at The Manor at Market Square
803 Penn Street, Reading, PA
RSVP
The program is free, but registration is requested
To sign up, please call 610-655-6355 or stop by the Reference Desk of the Reading Public Library at 100 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
TAX TIME! Forms Available Feb 2
It's time to start thinking about income taxes again. Paper copies of tax forms and instructions will be available February 2, 2007: until then, you may visit the various federal, state, and local sights to get a head start.
Internal Revenue Service
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
City of Reading Earned Income Tax Form (Loads a little more slowly - pdf files)
Berks County Earned Income Tax Forms (pdf files)
For assistance in filing out your federal income taxes you may visit the Local Taxpayer Assistance Center at 201 Penn Street or contact the office at 610.320.5154. Appointments are not necessary, but assistance is need-based. Assistance with state tax forms is not available.
For more information on assistance with filling out your state income taxes, contact the Pennsylvania Taxpayer Assistance office on 625 Cherry Street at 610.378.4401. This service is free for the state forms only.
The people at Kiplinger's, those trusted personal finance advisors and business forecastors, have some interesting (maybe not so much interesting, but pertinent and quite possibly valuable) links, calculators, and articles on their website.
Internal Revenue Service
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
City of Reading Earned Income Tax Form (Loads a little more slowly - pdf files)
Berks County Earned Income Tax Forms (pdf files)
For assistance in filing out your federal income taxes you may visit the Local Taxpayer Assistance Center at 201 Penn Street or contact the office at 610.320.5154. Appointments are not necessary, but assistance is need-based. Assistance with state tax forms is not available.
For more information on assistance with filling out your state income taxes, contact the Pennsylvania Taxpayer Assistance office on 625 Cherry Street at 610.378.4401. This service is free for the state forms only.
The people at Kiplinger's, those trusted personal finance advisors and business forecastors, have some interesting (maybe not so much interesting, but pertinent and quite possibly valuable) links, calculators, and articles on their website.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Book Discussion - Murder Shoots the Bull
Reading Public Library presents...
Murder Shoots the Bull: A Southern Sisters Mystery
by Anne George
Thursday, February 15, 2007
6:30 - 7:30 P.M.
at City Espresso, 124 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA
RSVP
The program is free, but registration is requested
To sign up, please call 610-655-6355 or stop by the Reference Desk of the Reading Public Library at 100 South Fifth Street, Reading, PA.
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso
Wendy Crutcher of The Mystery Reader says this about the novel:
Read the Entire ReviewMurder Shoots the Bull is perhaps one of the most
amusing cozies I have read in a long time. Every chapter brought a smile to my
face or made me laugh out loud, largely due to the dynamic duo of Patricia Anne
and Mary Alice. George has their relationship down to a science, creating
sisters that are totally different from one another, yet their interaction and
exchanges have a distinctly authentic feel.
The Southern Sisters Mysteries include:
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