You are welcome

 Did you know that there are over 100 places to sit down in our library?  

And that there are 13 computers available for you to use, as well as free wi-fi?

 There are thousands and thousands of books, movies, games, puzzles, software, magazines, periodicals, services, and so much more… all for YOU!

Did you also know, that your librarians love to help you find what you are looking for?  If we don’t have it, chances are we know another library that does!  So just ask. 

 Do you ever notice how clean and tidy your library is? It takes around 3 hours, give or take, just to vacuum the carpets!  We also make the outside of the building pretty, too!  Pretty soon you will see a few hundred tulip bulbs spring forth.

We strive hard to make your library a clean, comfortable, attractive, organized and well stocked place.  We want you to feel a sense of welcome everytime you step into these doors.

 After all, this is YOUR library!

The Virtual Book Club

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things is chatting with people about the books they’re reading. The informal Book Club, as it were.  It’s a great way to find out about books you might never pick up and read otherwise. So when I found this Blog at the Kent District Public Library, I knew I had found the perfect fit for me:  joining an Online Book Club right from the comfort of my own desk. (minus the cookies)  I am always on the look out for a ‘new’ author or to discover a ‘new’ series of books and this provides the perfect opportunity!  Even better, you don’t actually have to join in the discussion if you don’t want, you can just lurk and find out what might suit you.  I was especially intruigued by the Center Stage where you have the opportunity to meet with and ask questions of your favorite authors.  Awesome!

Another possibility for you is at this website: Goodreads.  I joined this to keep up with my daughters-in-law.  They both read widely and I never have enough time to find out what they’re reading right now and this gives me a great opportunity.  There are also virtual book clubs, and other odd assortment of book activities available.  It’s a great way to keep a list of what you’ve been reading and share it with the world at the same time!

And just to put a bug in your ear about upcoming conversations that center on books, be sure to read Anne Tyler’s Digging to America. It is the 2008 All Iowa Reads book, and October Sky by Homer Hickam which is the One Book One Siouxland book.  More on these later.

Paperback Overlook

When I’m travelling I must have a paperback to read. (as opposed to the hardback) Planes, trains or automobiles, it makes no difference, it must be a paperback. Something about the book needing to fit in a small carry on bag, or sit in a smaller space makes it more attractive! Because of this quirky little preference, I often pick books by the cover rather than the author. For me, it’s “living dangerously” as I often choose authors that I know nothing about, and what’s more, I’ve never heard anyone say anything about them either.  I have been disappointed many times.  But for my last trip I chose Michael Connelly’s newest book in paperback The Overlook.  What a lovely murderous read that was!  If you’re a mystery, suspense fan you might already be clued into Connelly and detective Harry Bosch but for me, it was a great initiation.   The story is about potential terrorism, great quantities of missing Cessium-a major ingredient in nuclear weapons, FBI and LAPD turf battles, a murdered scientist, and the race to find out who killed him.  This book was a page turner.  When I wonder what the characters I’m reading about might be doing while I’m not reading, I know I have a good book!  I plan to read more of Connelly’s books and would recommend them to you as well!

Crafts, Crafting, Handicrafts, Crafty

             

March : National Craft Month. At least the month is good for more than just little leprachauns and green beer, kite flying and ugly last minute winter storms.  Now this is something you can actually DO something about.    Take up the hobby that you’ve always thought you’d like to try!      

In these waning months of winter a new project might be just what you need to get you through till spring!  We have a great display of craft books available on our front table with lots of ‘crafty’ ideas!  There’s the knitting phenomon that’s going on right now and that means there’s lots of support out there for those of you who are beginners. (Not to mention a lot of new books).  Other crafty ideas abound, limited only by your imagination.  So while you wait for spring fill your time with some handi work! 

Daylight Shifting Time

This year, the 2nd Sunday of March (March 9) we will change our clocks to Daylight Saving Time. (Remember: Spring forward)The term is inaccurate since no daylight is actually saved.  And it’s questionable as to whether Daylight Saving Time even saves the energy that everyone shouts so loudly about!  The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed the dates for the beginning and ending of Daylight Saving Time and Congress can change things back to the way we used to do things it if after careful study they find that it doesn’t really save us any energy. (Have you ever seen congress change a law back?)

Interesting stories abound about the effects of Daylight Saving Time.  It has resulted in riots, draft dodging, miscues about bombings and accidents, and congress’s efforts to help the candy companies at Halloween! Who would have thought!

And be careful! Out dated equipment such as VCR’s may need to be manually changed since the rule affecting DST has changed since most of these machines were programmed.

Want to know more? Sieze the Daylight, written by David Prerau describes Daylight Saving Time from its beginnings.