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March 29, 2007

April Staff Favorites

With April being National Poetry Month, several staff members have revealed their favorite poets along with their favorite volumes. An eclectic list from an eclectic staff!

The Collected Sonnets of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Edna St. Vincent Millay
--Priscilla re-reads this one often..

Shake Loose My Skin by Sonia Sanchez
-- Without missing a beat, Melissa recommended this poet of the Black Arts Movement when asked her favorite poet..

Mama's Promises by Marilyn Nelson Waniek
--Sally highly recommends hearing Ms. Waniek (aka Marilyn Nelson) read her poetry if the chance ever comes up. She is the current Poet Laureate of Connecticut..

Imagine the Angels of Bread by Martin Espada
--His publisher says Martin Espada "celebrates the bread of the imagination, the bread of the table, and the bread of justice" which is what drew Emily to recommend it..

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
--What poetry list would be complete without The Giving Tree? This beautiful and unforgettable parable is Lois' choice..

The Poetry of Robert Frost by Robert Frost
--Cathy finds Robert Frost very soothing and recommends reading one or two poems a day for maximum enjoyment..

Opened Gound by Seamus Heaney
--The visceral impact of his poetry should be savored slowly, Ruth says of her first choice (she had several!)..

Posted by SallyT at 01:49 AM

March 28, 2007

Odds and Ends

Can't get enough of Staff Favorites? Did you know you can access an archive of lists even older than October 2006? Here's the link for the next time you can't remember the name of the book you just know was on one of those lists: Archived Staff Favorites

We also maintain a display of books in the library that the staff has especially enjoyed. Remember Gone With the Wind? The Agony and the Ecstasy? We do!

If you haven't seen our new display table, come in and take a look - currently we are featuring the earlier work of the hot authors like James Patterson, Tami Hoag, and Christopher Bohjalian. We change the topic every couple of weeks, so we'll keep you posted on what will be there - and we are always open to suggestions!

The new Oprah book for this month is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This is a beautifully written, very dark, apocalyptic novel that doesn't extend much hope for civilization. If nothing else, it will make you feel lucky to be alive now. However, if you need an Oprah antidote, something that is pure froth, try Helen Fielding's Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination .

Posted by SallyT at 02:31 PM

March 14, 2007

Want a good Irish TV series to watch?

For lovers of BBC series television, Ballykissangel will really hit the spot. Maybe if you have had enough of the violence in The Departed and Babel, this will be a welcome change of pace.
"Set in the rural Irish town of Ballykissangel, the series tells the story of Father Peter Clifford and the local residents who are forced to come to terms with his youthful energy and down-to-earth style "
"Whimsical, enchanting...one of TV's most rewarding series."--San Diego Union-Tribune
"Every time I've watched 'Bally-K' over the years...I end up smiling."--Newsday
"A rich and gentle blend of drama, comedy and passion...sterling TV."--Green Bay Press-Gazet

Posted by SallyT at 03:57 PM

March 07, 2007

Yes, You Can Renew Express Books!

We have instituted a new policy to make it easier to read those really long express books. Now you may renew each title one time, effectively giving you two weeks. Just remember to actually renew it - online, by phone, or in person. And if you still a need a few days, the fine will only be $.50 / day instead of a $1.00 / day!

Posted by SallyT at 05:46 PM