(Combined fiction and nonfiction list from various sources, in no particular order, compiled by E-Connect staff. Blurbs are from the publishers' advance PR materials.)
All the following titles are due to be issued in January 2005. In some cases, the library hasn't yet ordered the title. If you would like to ask that any of the not-yet-ordered titles be ordered, please use this link: http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire. Thanks!
By Order of the President by W.E.B. Griffin
Griffin goes contemporary with this story of Maj. Carlos Guillermo Castillo, special assistant to the director of homeland security, who's sent to Africa to investigate the hijacking of a leased Boeing 727. The launch of a new series.
The Broker by John Grisham
Washington powerbroker Joel Backman doesn't know why the President has pardoned him after he's served only part of a 20-year sentence. And he doesn't know that the CIA is sitting around waiting to see who's going to knock him off.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Trust Ishiguro to deliver a moral challenge: his novel is set on an estate in England that serves as home to children cloned as organ donors and is narrated by a young woman about to become a donor herself. With a nine-city author tour.
Conviction by Richard North Patterson
A child's body is found floating in San Francisco Bay, and soon a man is convicted and sentenced to Death Row. But is he really innocent? That's what his pro bono lawyers think.
Twilight Whispers by Barbara Delinsky
The housekeeper's daughter still loves the heir. This hardcover edition of a 1987 paperback original joins several successful Delinsky reissues.
Survive!: My Fight for Life in the High Sierras by Peter De Leo
Another survival tale, told by a man who hiked away from his downed single-engine plane in the Sierra Nevada, enduring cold, rock slides, and 16 broken bones to get help for his friends. Hope he can endure the seven-city author hike.
The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty
Stuck without a publisher for this first novel, actor McLarty did an audio original with Recorded Books that Stephen King raved about in Entertainment Weekly. But how many people know that it was actually librarian Tia Maggio (Middleburg PL, VA) who brought the book to the attention of agent Jeff Kleinman? Maggio fell in love with the tape, used it in a book group (some listeners cried), and even got the author to come and read from the manuscript. "The characters are all so real," she explains of the book's appeal. Eventually, the book was sold to Viking for $2 million, with a Warner's deal and the sale of rights to 12 countries quickly following. Not bad for the gentle tale of washed-up Smithy Ide, who takes an impulsive bike ride across America to search for his sister. A 15-city author tour.
Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the new form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.
At the branches
New Russian Language Collection
The Civic Center Library now offers a small rotating book collection from the State Library for Russian speakers. There is a selection of fiction and nonfiction titles written in Russian. Please call our reference desk at 499-6058 if you would like more information about the collection.
Bedtime Stories for Gladly the Grizzly!
Ventriloquist Tonder Borders tells us his bear friend stories before he goes to sleep for the winter. Enjoy the magic tricks and puppets used in King Midas and Frosty’s Magic Hat. Tuesday, December 21, 2004, 4:00- 5:00 for ages 3 and up. Bring your favorite friend, bear or human. Space is limited; please no infants, toddlers or strollers. Sponsored by the Civic Center Friends of the Library. Free.
Computer Tutorials
Explore the Internet.
Use electronic information resources available through the library for finding magazine and newspaper articles, books to match individual reading interests, and business resources.
Get help with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Access library information from the Web-based catalog.
Ask a reference librarian or call 507-4049 for more information.
The Brown Bag Book Club
The Civic Center Library’s Brown Bag Book Club will meet December 8, 12 noon to 1 p.m. to discuss Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr. New members are always welcome! In January, the Book Club will return to meeting on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, call Becky or Livia at 499.6058 or e-mail to ldimare@co.marin.ca.us.
The Dome Gallery
In December, the Dome Gallery continues to exhibit vibrant images by local photographer, Edgar Angelone. Samples of Mr. Angelone’s work may be viewed at Edgar Angelone Photography.
In the Display Case
Also in December, the display case continues to feature colorful paintings featuring equestrian images by local artist, Rick Schooley.
Puppet Theater
Celebrate the holiday season at the Corte Madera Library! Puppet Art Theater will present "The Boy Who Cried Wolf": their holiday version of a favorite tale on Thursday, December 16, at 7 p.m. Children age 3 and up. Call 924-6382 for more information.
Introduction to Waterbirds of Richardson Bay
Introduction to Waterbirds of Richardson Bay, a slide show, Monday, December 6, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Annual Holiday Open House
Annual Holiday Open House, Saturday, December 18, 3-5 p.m.. Join us around the fireplace for cookies and klezmer featuring Julie Egger & Bob Reich of the Red Hot Chachkas.
Gladly the Grizzly’s Winter Tales
Gladly the Grizzly’s Winter Tales, with Puppeteer/Ventriloquist Tony Borders. Tuesday, December 21, 11:00 a.m., for children ages 3-8.
Book Club
The Fairfax Library Book Club meets the first Thursday of each month, 7-9 p.m.
Our theme for this quarter is the modern American West and Native Americans.
December 2nd we will discuss Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, a book of extremely fine short stories, all set on or around the Spokane reservation in Washington State by Sherman Alexie.
All books are available through the Fairfax Library. Click on the title for each book to access the library catalog for reviews of the book or to place a hold using your Marin County Free Library card. If you'd like to purchase your book, BookBeat in Fairfax offers our members a 15% discount.
Internet Tutoring
Free training with experienced computer professionals who will individualize the training to meet your skill level. Call 457-5629 to set up an appointment for a one-hour session.
Friends of the Fairfax Library
Next meeting, Thursday, January 20, 7-9 p.m.
Marin City Library Book Discussion Group
The Marin City Library has a book discussion group, meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. It's free, of course, and drop-ins who have read the book are encouraged to attend.
Children's Holiday Puppet Show!
Tony Borders Presents: The Bear's Winter Tales
Tuesday, December 21st at 7pm
For ages 3 and up.
Intermediate Internet Class
In this free class, students will learn the basics about email, customizing Internet Explorer, and using Webpage bookmarks. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 1-3:15pm. See a reference librarian or call 897-1142 for reservations.
Book Display
Throughout December we will present a display of books for the holidays, including fiction and guides to entertaining. Look near the reference desk.
The Inverness Library is soliciting donations to replace the 18 year old carpet at the Library. Checks would be greatly appreciated and can be mailed to: Ann Taylor, Branch Manager POBox 1330 Point Reyes Station CA 94956
Bilingual Storytime
The bilingual storytime at the Point Reyes Station Library will be held Dec 9, 6:30pm to 8:30pm and will feature Ana Maria Ramirez and a guest reading Benito's Bizcochitos. The evening program will include crafts and refreshments.
Homegrown Programs at the Stinson Beach Library
All programs start at 7:30 p.m. Inquiries to Joan Hamerman Robbins 868 0835.
On December 6th, Sophie Webb, a biologist and artist, who has authored two books about Seabirds will be our guest. The books, which are in the children's section of the library would also be of interest to adults. They are " My season with penguins an Antarctic journal" and "Looking for seabirds journal from an Alaskan voyage."
On Jan. 24, Joanne Kyger and Donald Guravich will be our guests. They are authors of poetry and fiction. Kyger's most recent poems is "As Ever: selected poems; Guravich has a new fiction book, "Blue Chips.
On Feb. 28, Lloyd Kahn, author and publisher, will talk and present slides of his latest book, "Homework".
A few old classics and some new treats from Miss Kitty in the Civic Center Library.
Remember, the book is always better than the movie so curl up next to the fire and give your loved ones the best gift of all: reading.
The Bad Beginning (Book 1 of a Series of Unfortunate Events). by Lemony Snicket
After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune. This miserable series makes finding a mere lump of coal in your Christmas stocking a huge relief by comparison. Be sure and check out the author’s woeful website, too www.lemonysnicket.com.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
Most of us who reside in Marin County are resigned to power outages during the winter months. Read this wonderful chapter book by fire or candlelight and you’ll be doubly grateful when the power comes back on. In the year 241, twelve-year-old Lina trades jobs on Assignment Day to be a Messenger to run to new places in her decaying but beloved city, perhaps even to glimpse Unknown Regions.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch tries to stop Christmas from arriving by stealing all the presents and food from the village, but much to his surprise it comes anyway. Could Christmas be more than presents?
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus. Discreetly tuck a jingle bell in your pocket and jingle it at the appropriate point in the story.
Whatever Wanda Wanted by Jude Wisdom
Wanda's world is full of objects rather than people, but her perspective on life changes after a magic kite drops her on a desert island. A nice read to share before the holiday buying spree ensues.
New Essay & Photos in the California Room Digital Archive
Many residents of Marin are familiar with the Berger House, a beautiful home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s for Robert and Gloria Berger. Located in San Anselmo, the house has become an attraction for architectural historians and students. An essay about the Berger House, as well as four photographs of the house, have been posted on the Library's California Room Digital Archive. Come explore this wonderful architectural treasure of Marin!
The Book Place is now open on all Sundays, from 1 to 4 pm! Many of our customers have requested Sunday hours, and we are delighted to meet those requests. (The first Sunday of the month will remain Bargain Sunday, when the shop is open from 12-4 pm.)
December 5 is Bargain Sunday! Cookbooks, children's books, parenting books, and history books will all be 50% off. All holiday books, including holiday crafts, also will be 50% off. Hardback fiction will be $1.
Do some of your holiday shopping at The Book Place. We'll be happy to help you pick out something special for your friends and family. Gift certificates are also available in any denomination. If you can't decide what book would be appropriate, a gift certificate solves the problem!
Remember, The Book Place is operated by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization, and all profits are used for special programs, needs, and materials for the Marin County Free Libraries.
The Book Place
1608 Grant Ave; Novato
Tues/Thurs/Sat 10-4; Wed 12-4; Fri 10-8 pm; Sunday 1-4 (12-4 on the first Sunday of the month)
415-878-0212
