New To The Children’s Library!
The Children’s Library is working on making finding the resources you and your child need easier!We have created a new section of books- Easy Non-Fiction.
This section of books features Non-Fiction titles that are perfect for beginning and struggling kids who are interested in more than Dr. Seuss. These books are perfect for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years old
We have also added to our DVD collection!
Here is a quick sample of the movies we have recently put out for circulation.
Charlie and Lola- Children’s television program based on the books by Lauren Child. Aimed a children between 3 and 7, the humorous Charlie, the big brother, and his little sister Lola use their imaginations and ingenuity to cure boredom and solve problems. Animated. (No Rating)
Heavyweights- The story of a ragtag group of overweight kids whose parents have had enough, and send them off to “Fat Camp”- which wouldn’t be so bad if it wouldn’t have been taken over by Tony Perkins (played by Ben Stiller). They kids and counselors rebel, and hilarity ensues. (Rated PG)
Aquamarine- Two teenage best friends (played by Emma Roberts and Joanna “JoJo” Levesque), facing separation, find a mermaid swimming in a pool at their beach club. She can stay in human form on land as long as she does not get wet, and begins looking for love. Based on the book by Alice Hoffman. (Rated PG)
Hercules- Disney’s 35th animated film. Taken from the gods as a newborn, adopted on earth, Hercules becomes an awkward teenage pillar of strength. Trying to fit in, he discovers his dad is Zeus and home is Mount Olympus -- if he can move from "zero" to true hero! Hercules teams with babyhood pal Pegasus, the flying stallion, and Phil -- a feisty personal trainer -- for the mission. But it's no easy task as he must match wits with Grecian beauty Meg and a comical hothead named Hades. With the help of Pain and Panic, Hades plans to rule the Universe with only Hercules standing in his way! (Rated G)
Pete’s Dragon- Get ready for a magical adventure filled with friendship, fun and heartwarming songs in the new Special Edition DVD of Walt Disney's classic family film Pete's Dragon, now with dazzling new bonus features! It's a Brazzle Dazzle Day when an orphan named Pete and his best friend, Elliott, an invisible dragon, wander into the seaside village of Passamaquoddy. Although Pete befriends the lighthouse keeper, Nora and her salty old father , the townspeople think he is behind the hilarous accidents that keep happening. But after a daring rescue, everyone believes in Pete's fire breathing buddy. (Rated G)
Princess Protection Program- A Disney Channel Original Movie. Carter (Selena Gomez) is a tomboy who lives with her dad, Major Mason , and works in his bait shop. She’s a fairly typical teenager who’s crushing on a boy who barely knows she exists, and she has a strong aversion to her shallow and ultra-popular classmates Chelsea and Brooke. Carter's dad works for the virtually unknown International Princess Protection Program and when he's called away on an emergency mission, he returns with rescued Princess-in-distress Rosalinda Maria Montoya Fiore (Demi Lovato) whose ascension to the throne of small island country Costa Luna is in peril thanks to militant dictator General Magnus Kane . While Carter and Rosie take an immediate dislike to one another, they eventually realize that they are not so different and they join forces against Chelsea and Brooke, becoming friends in the process. When Princess Rosalinda's cover is blown, it's Carter who engineers a dangerous plan that could make a huge difference in her friend's future and the future of Costa Luna. (Rated G)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Mystery Book Review
Sand Sharks
by Margaret Maron
In the 14th title of the Judge Deborah Knott mystery series, Margaret Maron has her attending a summer conference for the North Carolina District Court Judges in Wrightsville Beach, a place not far from Wilmington. She gets more than she bargained for, however, when a fellow attendee is murdered and Deborah is the one who stumbles of the body. It is not long before another judge is run down by a car whose driver sped off after striking the judge. The suspects in the first incident are numerous, as the victim was not a man of high principles, or ethics. As Deborah was a witness, and suspicion runs high that the two attacks are connected, she becomes involved in the search for the killer.
The author prefaces each chapter with a quote from a well-known jurist of past years. These quotes help to set the tone for each chapter with a bit of history. The gorgeous descriptions of the southern landscapes only add to the enjoyment. Marital infidelity and men with wandering eyes supply a theme running through the novel. Relationships, the good, the bad, and the ugly sides are used as a counterpoint to the issues the judges face in their courtrooms.
A suprising finale and a host of new secondary characters make this title fresh for the reader of the complete series and enough background is given for someone new to Judge Knott's world. This makes a great read especially at the beach or while you are just dreaming about being on the sandy shore.
by Margaret Maron
In the 14th title of the Judge Deborah Knott mystery series, Margaret Maron has her attending a summer conference for the North Carolina District Court Judges in Wrightsville Beach, a place not far from Wilmington. She gets more than she bargained for, however, when a fellow attendee is murdered and Deborah is the one who stumbles of the body. It is not long before another judge is run down by a car whose driver sped off after striking the judge. The suspects in the first incident are numerous, as the victim was not a man of high principles, or ethics. As Deborah was a witness, and suspicion runs high that the two attacks are connected, she becomes involved in the search for the killer.
The author prefaces each chapter with a quote from a well-known jurist of past years. These quotes help to set the tone for each chapter with a bit of history. The gorgeous descriptions of the southern landscapes only add to the enjoyment. Marital infidelity and men with wandering eyes supply a theme running through the novel. Relationships, the good, the bad, and the ugly sides are used as a counterpoint to the issues the judges face in their courtrooms.
A suprising finale and a host of new secondary characters make this title fresh for the reader of the complete series and enough background is given for someone new to Judge Knott's world. This makes a great read especially at the beach or while you are just dreaming about being on the sandy shore.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Haley McKenna Banned Book Week Winning Essay
Independence is a trait that I desire, and at one time I thought of myself as being independent.
Reality showed me otherwise.
From the outside looking in people may have thought I was independent, but what they did no see was that everything I did; the jobs I had, where I lived, and how I spent my money was dictated by my family.
Even my dream of going to college was put on hold.
My twin sister married into money and was fortunate enough to have her education paid for by her mother-in-law, while I always had to work hard for everything. We did not have any other siblings, so it was up to us to take care of our mother. For the past five years it had been my responsibility to take care of her.
It is hard to admit, but my mother has been addicted to drugs for over ten years. Taking care of her had been hard on me, and became too much for me to handle. When I went out of town I left her the money to pay for the bills, but instead she spent all my money on drugs. I returned from my trip and found out that we only had one week until we had to move out of the apartment, and I lost everything: my car, apartment, furniture, etc.
I did not have any money left to find somewhere else to live, and within a week I was homeless. My sister, who once said she did not have room in her house to take in my mother, all of a sudden found room.
Being homeless was the best thing that happened to me. During this time, I realized how much of my life was controlled by my family, and I was ready to make a change to move away from them. Fortunately, a dear friend was kind enough to invite me to move in with her. Not knowing anyone but her and her boyfriend, I moved here to Cookeville, ready to start my life over.
I came to the library to find a book to read, and I picked up The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux. The central character Lillian Manville was a lot like me, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. Her husband controlled every aspect of her life, and even held her back from pursuing her dream of having her own business.
The changing point in her life was when her husband passed away and she had to leave her home and move to a new city. Like me, she did not know anyone; not even herself.
The timing of this book in my life was perfection. Reading how she overcame the obstacles put in her path by adjusting to a new town, finding her independence, and making a new life where she can be fulfilled, gave me hope that I will also overcome the obstacles put in my path.
Haley McKenna
Reality showed me otherwise.
From the outside looking in people may have thought I was independent, but what they did no see was that everything I did; the jobs I had, where I lived, and how I spent my money was dictated by my family.
Even my dream of going to college was put on hold.
My twin sister married into money and was fortunate enough to have her education paid for by her mother-in-law, while I always had to work hard for everything. We did not have any other siblings, so it was up to us to take care of our mother. For the past five years it had been my responsibility to take care of her.
It is hard to admit, but my mother has been addicted to drugs for over ten years. Taking care of her had been hard on me, and became too much for me to handle. When I went out of town I left her the money to pay for the bills, but instead she spent all my money on drugs. I returned from my trip and found out that we only had one week until we had to move out of the apartment, and I lost everything: my car, apartment, furniture, etc.
I did not have any money left to find somewhere else to live, and within a week I was homeless. My sister, who once said she did not have room in her house to take in my mother, all of a sudden found room.
Being homeless was the best thing that happened to me. During this time, I realized how much of my life was controlled by my family, and I was ready to make a change to move away from them. Fortunately, a dear friend was kind enough to invite me to move in with her. Not knowing anyone but her and her boyfriend, I moved here to Cookeville, ready to start my life over.
I came to the library to find a book to read, and I picked up The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux. The central character Lillian Manville was a lot like me, and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. Her husband controlled every aspect of her life, and even held her back from pursuing her dream of having her own business.
The changing point in her life was when her husband passed away and she had to leave her home and move to a new city. Like me, she did not know anyone; not even herself.
The timing of this book in my life was perfection. Reading how she overcame the obstacles put in her path by adjusting to a new town, finding her independence, and making a new life where she can be fulfilled, gave me hope that I will also overcome the obstacles put in my path.
Haley McKenna
"Looking At Countries" Series
Everyone likes to learn about life in other countries.
Here in the Children’s library we have a new series of titles:
“Looking at Countries”
Looking at Nigeria
Looking at Venezuela
Looking at Poland are some of tiles we have.
This series is on a 3rd grade reading level but offer lots of pictures, maps and charts for younger readers too.
Many adults like to read a J book for quick information, too.
Here in the Children’s library we have a new series of titles:
“Looking at Countries”
Looking at Nigeria
Looking at Venezuela
Looking at Poland are some of tiles we have.
This series is on a 3rd grade reading level but offer lots of pictures, maps and charts for younger readers too.
Many adults like to read a J book for quick information, too.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Read Beyond Reality
Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as Putnam County Library System celebrates Teen Read Week(TM), October 18 – 24, 2009. They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s theme, "Read Beyond Reality @ your library®." Teen Read Week(TM) is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association. This year’s theme encourages teens to read a wide variety of materials that are out of this world, just for the fun of it.
Literacy is a topic of both local and national concern, and falling test scores and lower graduation rates among teens today are a serious issue. Studies show a regular reading habit increases reading proficiency, and we agree. One of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect. Being around adults who are avid readers can counteract the latest statistics from The Nation’s Report Card, which indicate that in homes across America the number of different types of reading materials has decreased, and a smaller percentage of seventeen-year-olds saw adults reading in their homes.Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week(TM) at home. PCLS offers these ideas:
· Visit the public or school library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books. · Set aside time each night for the family to read.
· Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.
· Share your favorite book with your teen.
· Surf the web with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is YALSA's Booklist's page.
· Join a book discussion group at the school or public library.
Today’s teens seem to have less and less free time, and there are increasingly more activities for them to take part in during what little leisure time they have. That is why it’s important to encourage teens to set aside some time to read. PCLS hopes to increase teen literacy locally by offering a book discussion for teens during Teen Read Week(TM). PCLS libraries will be hosting a county-wide book discussion for teens on the book “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman. Register to attend our discussion and pizza party on Wednesday October 14th, 2009. Teens that register for the event and commit to attending the discussion will get a FREE copy of the book (pick up anytime at your library location)! Discussions will be held at the Cookeville, Baxter, and Monterey locations of the library system. Call your location for starting times of the event. Can’t wait to see you there!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Twilight Anyone?
I loved the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer!!! Who doesn't appreciate forbidden love, two prospective lovers to chose from, vampire lore, and teen angst? I think everyone can relate to the teen emotions that Bella goes through: first love, rejection, need for friends, and fear of an unknown future. Also, Bella is a strong role model for girls. She fights for what she wants, accepts responsibility, doesn't want to hurt anyone, and matures as time goes by. This series is an entertaining read for teens and adults alike.
PCL Tween Program!
Tween Program!
The Putnam County Library is pleased to have had such a great response to the Tween Program being offered!The program is for kids between 8 and 12, and is hosted by Sarah, one of the Children's Librarians.During our first meeting, the kids chose a name- Kids Of The P.C.L. We played a few Ice Breaker games, and they ate a TON of Pizza! Everyone had a great time!
During our second meeting, the kids each received a copy of the book we are reading, "Three Cups Of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. We discussed it a little during our third meeting, and everyone seems to love it! If you have not read the book, I suggest reading it- it's a tale of struggle, loss, healing, and triumph over many obstacles. We have a copy in the Adult Section, and the Young Reader's Edition in Children's. Soon, we are going to be holding a bake sale, to raise money to help families in other countries. We are hoping to earn enough to buy several farm animals and medical kits, as well as basic necessities for people who have so little.
October 30th, we will be having a Halloween Party! Food, Games, and Guitar Hero! If you're interested, please come to the Children's Library, and ask for Sarah. Permission slips MUST be filled out in advance. Everyone is more than welcome to wear a costume or pajamas.
The Putnam County Library is pleased to have had such a great response to the Tween Program being offered!The program is for kids between 8 and 12, and is hosted by Sarah, one of the Children's Librarians.During our first meeting, the kids chose a name- Kids Of The P.C.L. We played a few Ice Breaker games, and they ate a TON of Pizza! Everyone had a great time!
During our second meeting, the kids each received a copy of the book we are reading, "Three Cups Of Tea" by Greg Mortenson. We discussed it a little during our third meeting, and everyone seems to love it! If you have not read the book, I suggest reading it- it's a tale of struggle, loss, healing, and triumph over many obstacles. We have a copy in the Adult Section, and the Young Reader's Edition in Children's. Soon, we are going to be holding a bake sale, to raise money to help families in other countries. We are hoping to earn enough to buy several farm animals and medical kits, as well as basic necessities for people who have so little.
October 30th, we will be having a Halloween Party! Food, Games, and Guitar Hero! If you're interested, please come to the Children's Library, and ask for Sarah. Permission slips MUST be filled out in advance. Everyone is more than welcome to wear a costume or pajamas.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
American Girl Series at PCL!
New American Girl Series
It’s 1974 and Julie Albright is a fun-loving San Francisco girl who faces big changes—she’s moving away from her best friend, Ivy Ling, and starting over at a new house and school. But soon enough, Julie learns how to create a few changes of her own.
From coming to terms with her parents divorce, saving endangered eagles, helping a deaf friend get more out of school, and celebrating the Bicentennial it’s all in Julie’s six-book series. All six titles are available for checkout in the PCL children’s library.
It’s 1974 and Julie Albright is a fun-loving San Francisco girl who faces big changes—she’s moving away from her best friend, Ivy Ling, and starting over at a new house and school. But soon enough, Julie learns how to create a few changes of her own.
From coming to terms with her parents divorce, saving endangered eagles, helping a deaf friend get more out of school, and celebrating the Bicentennial it’s all in Julie’s six-book series. All six titles are available for checkout in the PCL children’s library.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A Note from Our Librarian
Hi Library Lovers,
My name is Nelda and I work in the Reference and Adult Services. I have been at the library for several years. I look forward to getting up and coming to work each day. One reason I feel this way is that, everyday, I make at least one person very happy by helping him or her find something that he or she is looking for. Sometimes, this is a certain book. Sometimes, it is information regarding a community event. Sometimes it is an answer to a reference question. Sometimes, just listening for a few minutes because he or she has recently gone through a tragedy helps make that person's day a bit better. I love knowing that I create a little joy in people's lives through my job. Come to the library and bring a friend with you.
My name is Nelda and I work in the Reference and Adult Services. I have been at the library for several years. I look forward to getting up and coming to work each day. One reason I feel this way is that, everyday, I make at least one person very happy by helping him or her find something that he or she is looking for. Sometimes, this is a certain book. Sometimes, it is information regarding a community event. Sometimes it is an answer to a reference question. Sometimes, just listening for a few minutes because he or she has recently gone through a tragedy helps make that person's day a bit better. I love knowing that I create a little joy in people's lives through my job. Come to the library and bring a friend with you.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Teen Reads
This Just In: New Titles for TeensWe’ve got some great new titles for summer, just for teens! These brand new releases include mystery, Christian fiction, chick lit, fantasy, comedy, romance, and graphic novels. Check one out today, or place a hold though our online catalog, and start reading…
Adored: an it girl novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Beautiful Disaster: a Privilege novel by Kate Brian
Nightmare’s Edge by Bryan Davis
Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel
Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell In Love by Lauren Tarshis
The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede
Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
The Sorceress by Michael Scott
The Lost Books series by Ted Dekker (in graphic novel format)
Blade: playing dead by Tim Bowler
Happy Summer, and Happy Reading!
Adored: an it girl novel by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Beautiful Disaster: a Privilege novel by Kate Brian
Nightmare’s Edge by Bryan Davis
Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel
Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell In Love by Lauren Tarshis
The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
Thirteenth Child by Patricia Wrede
Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce
The Sorceress by Michael Scott
The Lost Books series by Ted Dekker (in graphic novel format)
Blade: playing dead by Tim Bowler
Happy Summer, and Happy Reading!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Summer Reading Program Update
Summer Reading Program has begun with a full house of artists on May 30, 2009 for our kick-off and Craft Day.
Please view our galley of art in the downstairs meeting room.
This week the Upper Cumberland Regional Library Puppet and Story Time show will be appearing for 4 shows.
These shows will be on Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday June 10 at 10 am and 1 pm each day.
Register for this event and many others in the Children’s Library. Registration is ongoing and you can register anytime the library is open.
Please view our galley of art in the downstairs meeting room.
This week the Upper Cumberland Regional Library Puppet and Story Time show will be appearing for 4 shows.
These shows will be on Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday June 10 at 10 am and 1 pm each day.
Register for this event and many others in the Children’s Library. Registration is ongoing and you can register anytime the library is open.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Summer Reads...For Grown-Ups!
Summer Reading isn’t just for kids…there are lots of great books out there this season for adults too!
Take the time to check out National Public Radio’s site where they are featuring Summer Books 2009. You can find a variety of suggestions from NPR’s critics, including fiction, mystery, poetry, and even cookbooks. The site even offers excerpts from various titles, including S. J. Bolton’s Awakening (St. Martin's), a thriller of a yarn sure to keep summer doldrums away, and In Other Rooms, Other Wonders, a new collection of stories by Pakastani-American writer Daniyal Mueenuddin.
Also, don’t forget that Putnam County Library also has lots of new titles to choose from arriving weekly – check out a best-seller or try a debut novel! Our online catalog gives you the power to search strictly for new titles – just click on the green tab titled “New Items” to start your search.
Happy Summer!
Take the time to check out National Public Radio’s site where they are featuring Summer Books 2009. You can find a variety of suggestions from NPR’s critics, including fiction, mystery, poetry, and even cookbooks. The site even offers excerpts from various titles, including S. J. Bolton’s Awakening (St. Martin's), a thriller of a yarn sure to keep summer doldrums away, and In Other Rooms, Other Wonders, a new collection of stories by Pakastani-American writer Daniyal Mueenuddin.
Also, don’t forget that Putnam County Library also has lots of new titles to choose from arriving weekly – check out a best-seller or try a debut novel! Our online catalog gives you the power to search strictly for new titles – just click on the green tab titled “New Items” to start your search.
Happy Summer!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Summer Reading Program Registration!
May 30, 2009 Saturday
Be an artist @ your library!
Kid’s Craft Day and Summer Reading Program registration begins 10 am to 3 pmDownstairs Meeting Room!
All children welcome!
Open house style arts and crafts!!
Refreshments and fun!!!
Be an artist @ your library!
Kid’s Craft Day and Summer Reading Program registration begins 10 am to 3 pmDownstairs Meeting Room!
All children welcome!
Open house style arts and crafts!!
Refreshments and fun!!!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Finding A Good Mystery
Hello to all,
How to find new mysteries and keep track of all those pesky series…
Here are some of my favorite tools:
A wonderful webpage is www.stopyourekillingme.com. Not only do they have author, title and characters listed they have location index, job index, history index and so much more. Do you want to read a mystery set in Alaska in during an August heat wave, love mysteries with a medicinal edge to them, have been hunting for a book about a psychic interior decorator- here are the answers. A great site to explore that includes awards winners, upcoming publications, author links and book reviews.
Another tool I love is a list-serv named Dorothy-L, www.dorothyl.com
Here a eclectic collection of readers, authors, book sellers, librarians, wanna be authors and quirky characters post their views of the mystery book world (sometimes we segue to films also). I receive these postings once day in digest form. New authors can be discovered here. And a wide range of views on a mix of mystery books, publishing business, and other book/mystery topics.
Good Reads a quick and almost painless way to record what you have read and what you are planning to read. In the past to track my reading and my purchasing of books I have keep lists in composition books, used various book journals, used word/access/excel documents and wrote what I read on planner/calendar. My findings tell me I like reading much better than writing or list making. But I do like to know if I have read book # 7 in a series or do I need to interlibrary loan it. Good reads is easy to use and you can keep it simple.
My final tool is interlibrary loan. Your library can borrow items for you from almost any library. Here at PCL we do not charge for this service (we do limit you to 1 request per week) What a great way to share resources.
Dale
How to find new mysteries and keep track of all those pesky series…
Here are some of my favorite tools:
A wonderful webpage is www.stopyourekillingme.com. Not only do they have author, title and characters listed they have location index, job index, history index and so much more. Do you want to read a mystery set in Alaska in during an August heat wave, love mysteries with a medicinal edge to them, have been hunting for a book about a psychic interior decorator- here are the answers. A great site to explore that includes awards winners, upcoming publications, author links and book reviews.
Another tool I love is a list-serv named Dorothy-L, www.dorothyl.com
Here a eclectic collection of readers, authors, book sellers, librarians, wanna be authors and quirky characters post their views of the mystery book world (sometimes we segue to films also). I receive these postings once day in digest form. New authors can be discovered here. And a wide range of views on a mix of mystery books, publishing business, and other book/mystery topics.
Good Reads a quick and almost painless way to record what you have read and what you are planning to read. In the past to track my reading and my purchasing of books I have keep lists in composition books, used various book journals, used word/access/excel documents and wrote what I read on planner/calendar. My findings tell me I like reading much better than writing or list making. But I do like to know if I have read book # 7 in a series or do I need to interlibrary loan it. Good reads is easy to use and you can keep it simple.
My final tool is interlibrary loan. Your library can borrow items for you from almost any library. Here at PCL we do not charge for this service (we do limit you to 1 request per week) What a great way to share resources.
Dale
Friday, May 8, 2009
Teen Summer Reading Program at the Putnam County Library!
Express Yourself @ Your Library
Calling all teens! Area teens are invited to “Express Yourself @ Your Library”, the Putnam County Library’s teen summer library program, June 1st-18th. Teens are invited to come to the library and read for prizes, as well as to take part in special events offered throughout the month, including our “One Summer, One Book” event.
Special events this summer at the Cookeville library will include a Guitar Hero tournament, creative writing sessions, jewelry-making, and many more crafts and activities. Beginning May 18th, teens in middle school and high school can register for the summer program and to attend these free events. Teens will also be given activity logs to record any books they read and library events they attended in order to earn points toward prizes. Teens who attend all PCL teen programs will receive a special prize!
At our final program event, the “Express Yourself” party on June 18th, we’ll host our book club discussion of the “One Summer, One Book” title How to Steal a Dog, and afterwards provide pizza, video games, and suggested reads for the rest of your summer. Contact the Cookeville library to RSVP at 526-2416.
“Express Yourself @ Your Library” teen summer library program is sponsored by the Friends of the Putnam County Library and by a donation from Dr. Lisa Whiteaker.
“One Summer, One Book”
Teens all across Putnam County will be reading the same book this summer! By participating in the Putnam County Library’s teen summer library program “Express Yourself @ Your Library”, teens will have the opportunity to read the same book, and at the end of this summer’s events, participate in a discussion of the book with others just like them! The book selected for this year is How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor. In this book teens will read about Georgia Hayes, a girl desperate to hold her struggling family together who is inspired after she spots a poster offering a $500 reward for the return of a missing dog. All she has to do is "borrow" the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward!
Upon registering for the teen summer library program at any library location (Cookeville, Baxter, Monterey, or Algood) teens will receive a registration packet and a free copy of the book. Contact your local library branch for registration dates and book discussion dates.
Book Talks
Hello to all,
This Tennessee rainy weather has been keeping me out of my gardens but on the plus side has made for extra reading time.
Although I enjoy many types of mystery novels and short stories this weekend historical mysteries hit the spot along with some home made vegetable soup.
The three books I read last weekend were:
Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mystery “Murder on Washington Square” Book 4
Rhys Bowne’s The Molly Murphy series “Murphy’s Law” Book 1
Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher “Murder on the Ballarat Train” Book 3
Each of these authors is accurate with historical details and nuance of the locations. Thompson and Bowne books are placed in New York City at the turn of the century (1901)
The protagonists are strong, likeable, and independent young women from very different backgrounds. Thompson’s heroine, Sarah Brandt is an upper class young woman that has turned her back on her privileged upbringing and has chosen instead to work as a midwife. In “Murder on Washington Square” Nelson, the son of Sarah’s friend and neighbor is afraid he has gotten his mistress in a delicate condition, and asks Sarah to talk with the woman.
In “Murphy’s Law” Bowne’s heroine Molly Murphy is newly emigrated from Ireland. Molly left in Ireland after the local laird’s son attacked her. Molly, fearing arrest, made her way to London to become lost in the big city. Through a series of events she makes her way to NYC and the Ellis Island immigration station.
Both authors show the tension, hopefulness and rough conditions of the immigrants in New York at that time and since both women become friends with a local policeman the corrupt Tammany Hall politics scene is part of the backdrop of these quick pace mysteries. I enjoy that in each series historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, NYC Police Commissioner are brought in as part of the background of the stories.
Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher (fry-knee) is an Australia flapper in the 1920’s. Phryne is wealthy, fashionable, strong and independent. She has many talents including being a pilot and is versed in the martial arts. In “Murder on the Ballarat Train” Phryne and Dot, her servant and friend are napping during the trip. She wakes up to a car full of chloroform fumes.
When she pulls the emergency brake to stop the train and breaks the windows to let fresh air the real reason for the diversion is found.
Learning about the roaring 20’s down under is great fun and while Phryne is a bit more outrageous then Molly or Sarah, all three women’s stories include a wonderful sense of time and place with a diverse mix of supporting characters who entertain and educate the reader about life in the early 20th century.
Dale Stapp
This Tennessee rainy weather has been keeping me out of my gardens but on the plus side has made for extra reading time.
Although I enjoy many types of mystery novels and short stories this weekend historical mysteries hit the spot along with some home made vegetable soup.
The three books I read last weekend were:
Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mystery “Murder on Washington Square” Book 4
Rhys Bowne’s The Molly Murphy series “Murphy’s Law” Book 1
Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher “Murder on the Ballarat Train” Book 3
Each of these authors is accurate with historical details and nuance of the locations. Thompson and Bowne books are placed in New York City at the turn of the century (1901)
The protagonists are strong, likeable, and independent young women from very different backgrounds. Thompson’s heroine, Sarah Brandt is an upper class young woman that has turned her back on her privileged upbringing and has chosen instead to work as a midwife. In “Murder on Washington Square” Nelson, the son of Sarah’s friend and neighbor is afraid he has gotten his mistress in a delicate condition, and asks Sarah to talk with the woman.
In “Murphy’s Law” Bowne’s heroine Molly Murphy is newly emigrated from Ireland. Molly left in Ireland after the local laird’s son attacked her. Molly, fearing arrest, made her way to London to become lost in the big city. Through a series of events she makes her way to NYC and the Ellis Island immigration station.
Both authors show the tension, hopefulness and rough conditions of the immigrants in New York at that time and since both women become friends with a local policeman the corrupt Tammany Hall politics scene is part of the backdrop of these quick pace mysteries. I enjoy that in each series historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt, NYC Police Commissioner are brought in as part of the background of the stories.
Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher (fry-knee) is an Australia flapper in the 1920’s. Phryne is wealthy, fashionable, strong and independent. She has many talents including being a pilot and is versed in the martial arts. In “Murder on the Ballarat Train” Phryne and Dot, her servant and friend are napping during the trip. She wakes up to a car full of chloroform fumes.
When she pulls the emergency brake to stop the train and breaks the windows to let fresh air the real reason for the diversion is found.
Learning about the roaring 20’s down under is great fun and while Phryne is a bit more outrageous then Molly or Sarah, all three women’s stories include a wonderful sense of time and place with a diverse mix of supporting characters who entertain and educate the reader about life in the early 20th century.
Dale Stapp
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