Monthly Archives: December 2009

That Time of Year

books_many.jpgAh the end of the year. In the world of reading, the month of December sets off a frenzy of “best of” lists for every conceivable genre and style of book. If you like to compare these to your own reading list, one good website is the Largehearted Boy blog. If there’s a “best of” list online, it’s sure to be there!
The other thing that usually happens at the end of the December is queries as to “Reading Resolutions” for the following year. I recall my most successful resolution was the year I determined to read 2 nonfiction for every fiction title. It was a long, slow year of reading, but I must say it was more enjoyable than I anticipated (reading poetry isn’t “cheating” is it?) and I found a new appreciation for nonfiction writing. Of course I’ve had other resolutions that I haven’t kept up, like the year I decided to “read through the alphabet” (i.e. read a book by an author whose last name begins with “A”, then “B” and so forth). I know I didn’t make it to Z. And then just a few years ago I tried to limit myself to just checking out one book at a time, but I quickly found the lack of variety in my reading choices to be stifling so that didn’t last more than a few weeks.
I don’t really have a resolution for 2010 – do you? If nothing else, I hope you resolve to spend more time here with us at the Library!
mcs

First American Christmas Book?

sante-claus.jpgHere’s an online gem! The American Antiquarian Society has digitized one of just two known copies of The Children’s Friend: A New Year’s Present which is “believed to be the first American Christmas picture book.”
You can find it on their website (scroll down to see the book; open in “full screen” mode to really enjoy!)
I love this line about what Santa Claus will not leave children:
“No crackers, cannons, squibs or rockets
To blow their eyes up or their pockets.”
While good girls and boys might receive (among other items), “pretty books to store their mind, with knowledge of each various kind” -confirming once again that books always make great Christmas presents!
marlise

Books Make Great Gifts! ChristmasBox.gif

Once again we’ve polled the library staff for the titles of books, movies and music they suggest would make great gifts this holiday season! You can see our ideas online – and please add your own suggestions in the comments!
marlise

New Young Adult Display Area

Heading upstairs to the Mezzanine? Don’t miss our new display area especially for teens, now regularly featuring titles selected with young adult readers in mind. Just look for the frog sculpture and you will find items with the lavender “YA DISPLAY” label on the spine. Please feel free to check these materials out anytime. Our popular November display profiled nonfiction books for teens…keep watching for more featured collections!
stackofbooks.jpg
jdc