Friday, August 30, 2013

Staff Picks: Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century

Book Jacket for: Anne Perry and the murder of the centuryAnne Perry and the Murder of the Century
by Peter Graham
2013

Two teenage girls in 1950s Christchurch, New Zealand develop a very close relationship, which is not unusual, but theirs is a particularly obsessive and controlling relationship. They are incredibly creative, writing stories and creating their own countries and religion. They call actors and imaginary characters that they create The Saints. This would all be very benign, except that they seem to take particular glory in power and regard kindness, compassion, etc. as weakness. 

The parents of the girls conspire to separate them, but they lie about it to the girls, not admitting their secret plan. But one of the mothers openly admits the plan to separate them. Because of her honesty, she is targeted by the girls as a mortal enemy. In a really gruesome scene (and remember, this is a true story!) the two girls bludgeon the woman to death with a brick in a local park. During the murder trial, the girls show no remorse whatsoever. 

One of the girls grows up to be the mystery writer, Anne Perry, and the other girl changes her name to Hilary Nathan and lives a life of religious solitude.

Marian
Librarian
Martinsburg Public Library

CALL NUMBER: 364.1523 Grah.P


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

American History Online

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the historic March on Washington, as well as Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

The image to the left was found using American History Online, an educational database free for use by any person with a Berkeley County library card. This one is especially helpful for high school students! You can find images like this one, videos, biographies, historical information, academic articles, and more! 

To find this database, just visit the library's website, go to our RESOURCES tab, and click on History. There you will find American History Online. Call the library at (304) 267-8933 for username and password information!

Photo citation: "March on Washington Viewed from the Lincoln Memorial." American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=afph0369&SingleRecord=True (accessed August 26, 2013).

Monday, August 26, 2013

ALA Annual Conference 2013


Colleague Kelly Tanksley and I had the opportunity to attend the American Library Association (ALA) Conference earlier this summer. I have attended several conferences, both on the state and national levels, but none have reached the magnitude of this conference.

This year's conference returned to its home base of Chicago, headquarters for the ALA home office. Held in the McCormick Center adjacent to the Hyatt-Regency, the conference reported nearly 23,000 attendees with over 700 companies represented by another almost 6,200 plus vendors. This surpassed the rather lack luster past two conferences.

The organization of this event was amazing! Registration took all of three seconds, then we were off to the convention. Row after row of vendors and authors filled the exhibit hall. Major themes of the event included streaming vs. downloading of books and movies, with the emphasis being on streaming.

When considering furnishings for either new or existing libraries, vendors see the need for moveable tables and bookshelves. This mirrors many communities' concept that libraries not only offer books and computers but serve as a meeting place as well. Libraries can no longer survive by only filling the traditional roles of providing print materials.

"Libraries not only offer books and computers but serve as a meeting place as well."

Circulation desks are downsizing as well. Many libraries are opting for self-checkout stations which have also been downsized. Self-checkout kiosks are the wave of the future.

The 3-D printer was of major interest to the many library professionals. Just feed in a concept document and have a 3-D product that can be held in one's hand.

As with any convention, networking is an important part of the activities. I finally met my original sales representative from Mango Languages, ran into our sales representative, Mike, from Overdrive, and had the good fortune to talk with Annette Murphy, owner of The Library Corporation and Tom Loy who works for its sister company Tech Logic.

My director, Pamela Coyle, once said that every librarian should attend an ALA conference once in his/her life. I beg to differ. More than one visit is necessary! The first conference provides the WOW factor. The second conference is when one is able to focus, understand, and absorb what the conference is all about.

Carolyn Leporini
Martinsburg Public Library

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Learn Languages with Mango!

Mango is an online language-learning system that can help you learn languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, Brazilian, Portuguese, German, Mandarin Chinese, Greek, Italian, and more.

To find Mango Languages from the library's website just click on Resources, then Educational Pursuits. You will find Mango Languages in the list of database links listed.

When you get to Mango Languages' main page, type your library card number in the box given. Click Start Learning. This will allow you access to language tutorials. You may also create a profile so that you can easily keep track of your progress as you learn.


As always, if you have questions or need help getting started, call us at the Reference Desk of MPL at (304) 267-8933. Hasta la vista!



Friday, August 16, 2013

Read-A-Likes: Janet Evanovich

Janet Evanovich 
If you enjoy reading Janet Evanovich, you might also enjoy the following authors' books...

Tim Cockey
"With its blue-collar Baltimore setting, engaging and quirky characters, outrageous situations, and conversational tone, Tim Cockey's Hitchcock Sewell Mysteries offer a great alternative for Janet Evanovich fans. Just be warned that instead of a female bounty hunter, you'll be getting a charming and smart-mouthed bachelor...who happens to be an undertaker." Shauna Griffin

Try...
Book Jacket 
Murder in the Hearse Degree
M? C666mu

Sarah Strohmeyer
"Bubbles Yablonsky, Sarah Strohmeyer's hairdresser/reporter/sleuth, emerges from Lehigh, Pennsylvania, to rival Stephanie Plum. Strohmeyer knows urban neighborhoods and uses them, as Evanovich does, to reveal a cast of quirky secondary characters. There's a little romance here and plenty of action, not to mention the requisite smart-mouthed dialog." Krista Biggs  

Try...
Book Jacket 
Bubbles in Trouble
M? S919bu 

Laura A. H. DiSilverio
"Readers who appreciate Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books for the zany humor that lightens the mystery may like new author Laura DiSilverio. She also writes humorous mysteries featuring a quirky and likeable female protagonist." Rebecca Sigmon

Try...
Book Jacket 
Swift Justice
MYS Disi.L 

Tori Carrington
"Both authors write contemporary romance as well as very popular mystery novels set in ethnic neighborhoods. Regardless of genre, these are character-driven, upbeat and humorous works with engaging settings, quirky supporting characters, and independent, outspoken women." Lynne Welch 

Try...
Book Jacket 
Foul Play
M?C318fo

David Rosenfelt 
"David Rosenfelt's Legal Thrillers featuring dog-loving New Jersey attorney Andy Carpenter have the snappy banter, fast-paced story lines, humor, and intriguing characters that make Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books so appealing. There's even a love interest!" Shauna Griffin

Try...
Book Jacket 
Down to the Wire
MYS Rose.D 

Mary Kay Andrews
"Those who enjoy Mary Kay Andrews for her humorous, strong-willed, yet often flawed female characters will enjoy the stand-alone novels of Janet Evanovich. While Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series also features this type of main character, her stand-alone novels are more in keeping with Andrews' humorous, romantic tales." Nanci Milone Hill

Try...
Book Jacket 
Hissy Fit
F A568hi 

(Recommendations from NoveList Plus readers.)

Friday, August 9, 2013

A Book That Shaped Me!

Don't forget! There's still time to write an essay for the "A Book That Shaped Me" essay contest! Details below... 

The Library of Congress and DC Public Library Present: A Book That Shaped Me - Summer Writing Contest 2012

About the Contest
The “A Book That Shaped Me” Summer Writing Contest encourages rising 5th & 6th graders to reflect on a book that has made a personal impact on their lives. The contest is administered through local public library systems in the Mid-Atlantic region, and top winners are honored at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in September on the National Mall.



When does the contest run? 
May 17, 2013 – August 12, 2013


Who can participate? 
Rising 5th & 6th Graders (students who will be entering 5th or 6th grade next fall).


How to enter?
Write a short essay on a book that has had a personal impact on your life.


Books have the power to shape us by changing the ways we think and feel. Think about a book that made a difference in your life. It could be your favorite book, one that you read at school or as part of this year’s summer reading program. How did it make you feel? Did it change the way you see yourself, your family or the world? Choose one book – it can be fiction or nonfiction – and write a short essay about how it had a personal impact on your life.

  • Write a one-page essay.
  • Use examples from the book to make your points.
  • Your essay will be judged on content, structure (spelling and grammar) and creativity.
  • Your essay may be typed or hand-written.

Submit your essay in-person by Monday, August 12, 2013 to a participating public library (that would be the Children's Department at Martinsburg Public Library!) in the Mid-Atlantic region, along with a completed contest entry form containing your parent or guardian’s signature.

(Information from http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/kids-teachers/booksthatshape/)

Thursday, August 8, 2013

NBL Back to School Story Time

Join us at North Berkeley Library on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM for a special BACK TO SCHOOL story time! 

This event is appropriate for children of all ages. Participants will take part in a craft where they will make a big pencil...but you can't write with it!

See you there!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Summer Reading THANK YOU and UPDATE

THANKS
Another exciting Summer Reading Program is winding down! We've had a ton of fun this summer and hope that you have too!

We really enjoyed seeing some old friends again. Thanks to Tony M. for singing with us, reading to us, and helping us make musical instruments!


We had so much fun building bridges last year that we decided to do it again. Thank you, Miss Dana, for teaching us about West Virginia bridges and helping us build suspension bridges! 


Our friends from the Apollo Civic Theatre came to sing for us again this summer, and we loved hearing selections from their performance of Annie. They also brought the dog playing Sandy to visit, and some of our R.E.A.D. dog buddies came, too!

We would also like to send out a big thank you to the Friends of Hedgesville Public Library for their generous donation!

To round off July, the Maryland Zoo visited again with some awesome wild animals.

This summer was all about West Virginia's Sesquicentennial, so we had some wonderful new activities and presenters to celebrate all things local! For West Virginia Day, the West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center came to show us a bald eagle, an owl, and a turkey vulture. We loved seeing the traveling museum from Dinosaurs Rock, touching fossils, and digging for treasure! After we built our bridges with Miss Dana, we learned about West Virginia legends and made our own Mothmen. Since coal is so important in our state, we loved having author Stacie Hutton read her book, Shovelful of Sunshine, and help us with coal-related activities. 


WHAT'S NEXT
We still have a few more things in store! 

The Summer Reading book sale will run from August 1-18, 2013. Bring in your reading lists, get your tokens, and shop away! We will also have a for-cash sale set up at this time. 

Our final program, Smooth Moooves, is at 10:00 AM on August 8, 2013. This is our fourth Healthy Lifestyles program with Jill Speelman, and we have had so much fun with her this summer! You can also do any craft you missed on August 8. 

STORY TIMES
As always, S.O.S. with stories and crafts for all ages will be every Saturday at 10:30 for the rest of the summer. Rising 5th and 6th graders have until August 12 to enter the "Book that Shaped Me" contest, and kids of all ages can still get Magic Tree House Reading Passports.

Thanks to everyone who came to our programs, checked out our books, and helped us have such a fun summer!

Friday, August 2, 2013

Summer's End Book Sale

nplibrary.org



Summer's End Book Sale
August 1 - 18, 2013
Martinsburg Public Library (Main Floor)

Hardbacks  2/$1.00
Paperbacks  3/$1.00
Miscellaneous  2/$1.00   


Thursday, August 1, 2013

August 2013: From the Director's Chair

Libraries and Lighthouses: Beacons of Light

On August 7, 1789, through an Act of Congress, the federal government took over the maintenance of our nation's lighthouses. Two-hundred years later on August 7, 1989, Congress designated this date as National Lighthouse Day. The day honors and commemorates these beacons of light which throughout history have guided sailors to a safe harbor, especially during times of inclement weather. As with many aspects of history, the role of the lighthouse has diminished with the growth of more modern technology; however, they remain an important part of maritime history.

Many people feel the same way about libraries: that their reason to exist has diminished in this age of instant messaging and news, constant streaming of videos, and smart phones, etc. Many people see libraries as old fashioned and as useless as horse and buggy whips.

What is forgotten in this technology vs. libraries discussion is the concept of guidance. Libraries and librarians have always played an important part in guiding people to information that is accurate, factual, and relevant. Librarians guide children to information that assists with school work or to topics which fascinate the child, thus instilling in them a lifelong love of reading.

"Libraries and librarians have always played an important part in guiding people to information that is accurate, factual, and relevant."

Libraries and librarians are more essential than ever in a world of unverified and sometimes deliberately misleading information. Attempting to navigate this world of conflicting ideas and data is as difficult as ships navigating the rocky shores during a thunderstorm. If a person does not possess the skills to navigate this world of information, they may lose job opportunities, limit educational prospects, and/or miss out on the joy of reading a book and expanding one's horizons. Librarians teach these necessary and important skills everyday!

"Libraries remain the universal symbol of free access to information."

Just as lighthouses remain the universal symbol of safe harbor to ships and the communities that rely on the sea, libraries remain the universal symbol of free access to information and materials which level playing fields and make everyone an ambassador of education and learning!

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