(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 June 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!
Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco
Having lost all his memories except for every book and poem he has ever read, rare-books dealer Yambro flees to the old family home to reconstruct his life—which spools by here in graphic-novel format.
Rage by Jonathan Kellerman
Just out of prison, where he served time for a child's murder, Rand Duchay is frantic to chat with Alex Delaware but misses his appointment—because someone has killed him.
Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank
Pitched as both literary fiction and high-class chick-lit, this follow-up to Bank's blockbuster The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing features feckless Sophie Applebaum of Surrey, PA.
Blinding Light by Paul Theroux
A blocked writer becomes a blind writer when he experiments with a hallucinogenic drug meant to inspire him.
Mr. Muo's Traveling Couch by Dai Sijie
After training as a psychoanalyst in the West, Mr. Muo returns home to China to rescue a girlfriend jailed for her political activities and winds up pedaling throughout the country trying to find a perfect bribe for the judge. In the spirit of the incomparable Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress.
Killing Time by Linda Howard
After the theft of a time capsule supposedly sealed until 2085, various contributors start dying.
Velocity by Dean Koontz
Bill Wile's nightmare begins when he discovers a note on his windshield demanding that he choose between the murder of a young schoolteacher and a charitable old lady. A companion to the author's Intensity.
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
Sing and Sign Storytime
May 16, 2004 10:30 a.m.
For children ages 0-4. Join us for 40 minutes of singing, dancing, books, instrument play, and sign language with Melissa Ayotte & Beebo the Bear from Sing and Sign.This event will repeat the third Monday of every month. Space is limited, arrive promptly! Sponsored by Civic Center Friends of the Library. Join us again on June 20th.
The Dome Gallery
Images of teens and twentysomethings grace the Dome Gallery in Michael Goldberg’s photography exhibit, “Everybody’s Children,” a selection of casual portraits taken by Mr. Goldberg at a Petaluma coffee shop in the winter of 2004 - 2005. “Everybody’s Children” runs through May 31.
The Exhibit Case
Helen Canin’s popular ceramic children’s storybook characters display continues to run through May.
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, business resources, and more.
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.
E-Mail Basics
Join a hands-on class in setting up a free e-mail account, sending and receiving messages, and accessing e-mail. Space is limited to two people per class.
Ask a reference librarian or call 507-4049 for more information.
The Brown Bag Book Club
On Wednesday, May 25, 12 noon to 1 p.m., the Book Club will discuss Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara. New members are always welcome!
For more information, call Becky or Livia at 499.6058 or e-mail to llewin@co.marin.ca.us.
Internet Tutoring
One-to-one Internet Tutoring May 2, May 9, May 16, and May 23
11:00 - 12:00, 1:00 - 2:00, 2:00 - 3:00
To reserve a tutoring session, speak with a librarian in person or by phone at the Corte Madera Library - Reference desk 924-6444.
Storytimes
Join us for storytimes!
Toddler Storytime--Wednesdays at 10:00 for 2 year-olds
Pre-school Storytime--Wednesdays at 11:00 for ages 3 and up
Fire Resistant Gardening
On Wednesday, May 25 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m the Fairfax Library will be presenting "Fire Resistant Gardening," a free program by Master Gardener Leila Sirk. The fall fire season is anxiety producing for homeowners, gardeners and all who value the rich wildlife of Marin County. Master Gardener Leila Sirk will tell us how we can plan our garden in ways that will protect our home from fire and make it safer for animals and birds. Plan and plant now to protect for the fall. This free talk is sponsored by the Marin Master Gardeners. The Fairfax Library is located at 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., in Fairfax. Call us at 453-8141 for directions.
Book Club
The Fairfax Library Book Club meets the first Thursday of each month, 7-9 p.m. The next selections will be these Classics:
May 5: Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
June 2: Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte
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, May 19, 7-9 p.m.
Marin City Library Book Discussion Group
May 17th, 7:00 pm
Marin City Library has started a new 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. This month, the theme is "Women and Family" and the group is reading A Fine Balance, by Rohinton Mistry.
Storytimes
Join us for storytimes at the Marin City Library every Wednesday at 11:00 am, 12 noon, and 3:30 pm. For ages 3-6.
Organics for the Home Gardener
Organic gardening practices promote healthy gardens and healthy communities. Join Carole Dillon-Knutson of the Marin Master Gardeners for an exploration of the basic principles of organic gardening. Learn about the cultural practices that contribute to gardening success, including soil-building techniques, the effective use of organic fertilizers, and how to minimize weeds with mulch. Sat., May 21,11am, at the Novato Library. Free. Call 897-1142 for more information.
Teen Library Officers
Teen Library Officers are working to improve services to teens at both Novato libraries. Our next meeting is Mon., May 16, 3:30pm, at the Novato Library. The group is open to all Novato residents or students ages 12 to 19. Join us!
Beginning Internet Class
In this free two-hour class, volunteer Peter Haas teaches novices about Internet basics and gives out information on useful Web sites and online tutorials students can use to learn more after the class. Tues., May 10, 1:00-3:15pm. See a reference librarian or call 897-1142 to reserve a spot.
Storytimes
The children's librarians present lapsit storytimes for ages 18 to 36 months (with an adult) every Tuesday and Weds. at 10am. Preschool storytimes for ages 3 to 6 are offered Weds. and Saturday at 11am. For more information, call the children's desk at 897-1143.
Worm Composting 101
Master Gardening offers “Worm Composting 101” on Thursday, May 5, 6:30 pm with Jennifer Kinion at the South Novato Library. We all know how to recycle glass bottles and aluminum cans, but did you know that fruit and vegetable scraps can be recycled too by feeding them to red worms? It's easy and the worms create a nutrient-rich fertilizer that plants love. It's a great way to recycle kitchen waste that would otherwise go into our landfills. Participants will learn how to set up and maintain a worm bin, and how to use worm castings as a garden and houseplant fertilizer.
Feng Shui Gardening
May 24, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Feng Shui is about balance and harmony through the interplay of the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Master Gardener and Feng Shui Consultant Terumi Leinow will help you bring a whole new perspective on garden design and how to work with Feng Shui principles to create a magical garden!
Sing-along Bilingual Storytimes
May 4, 2:30-3:30 pm
Join us for a sing-along bilingual storytime for ages 3-7. Sing with Chicha for a fun time with music and books! Sing-along bilingual storytimes also happen the last Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am.
Reading Club
South Novato Library Reading Club will meet on May 26th at 6:30pm. May's book choice is The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Click on the title to access the library catalog for reviews of the book or to place a hold using your Marin County Free Library card. New members are always welcome. June’s choice is Confessions Of A Master Jewel Thief by Bill Mason. For more information, call Helen at 506-3168.
Bilingual Storytime at the Point Reyes Library
May 12th from 6:30-8:30 PM
Ana Maria Ramirez and guest will read Cuckoo. Crafts and refreshments will be included. All ages are welcome.
Herman Berlandt Poetry Reading at the Stinson Beach Library
May 23rd at 7:30 PM
The Stinson Beach Library will host Herman Berlandt, Bolinas poet and ad-hoc director of the International Poetry Museum, to be established in San Francisco. Berlandt will talk about poetry and will read from his many books of poetry. The program is organized by Joan Hamerman Robbins and is sponsored by the Bolinas-Stinson Beach Library Improvement Society. For more information contact Joan at 868-0835.
Student Art Display at the Stinson Beach Library
The art works of the students of the Bolinas/Stinson Beach schools are on display at the Stinson Beach Library through the month of May. This yearly exhibit includes fabulous works in clay, metal, paper and wood. It is always a wonderful and dynamic show. The art programs at the schools are of award-winning distinction.
Big Jabe by Jerdine Nolen
Momma Mary tells stories about a special young man who does wondrous things, especially for the slaves on the Plenty Plantation.
The Bunyans by Audrey Wood
Paul Bunyan, his wife, and their children do some ordinary things which result in the formation of Niagara Falls, Bryce Canyon, and other natural monuments.
Library Lil by Suzanne Williams
A formidable librarian makes readers not only out of the once resistant residents of her small town, but out of a tough-talking, television-watching motorcycle gang as well.
Paul Bunyan: a Tall Tale by Steven Kellogg
Recounts the life of the extraordinary lumberjack whose unusual size and strength brought him many fantastic adventures.
Peg and the Whale by Kenneth Oppel
Peg, a big strapping seven-year-old lass who has caught everything else in the sea, joins the crew of the whaling ship Viper and sets out to catch herself a whale.
Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs
Along with other amazing feats, Angelica Longrider, also known as Swamp Angel, wrestles a huge bear, known as Thundering Tarnation, to save the winter supplies of the settlers in Tennessee.
Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen
Unusual from the day she is born, Thunder Rose performs all sorts of amazing feats, including building fences, taming a stampeding herd of steers, capturing a gang of rustlers, and turning aside a tornado.
Folktales
Big Men, Big Country by Paul Walker
A collection of American tall tales featuring such legendary characters as Davy Crockett, Paul Bunyan, and Pecos Bill.
Master man: a tall tale of Nigeria by Aaron Shepard
A boastful strong man learns a lesson harder than his muscles when he encounters one of Nigeria's superheroes in this Hausa tale which explains the origin of thunder.
Mike Fink: a Tall Tale by Steven Kellogg
Relates the extraordinary deeds of the frontiersman who became King of the Keelboatmen on the Mississippi River.
It is not often enough that we sing the praises of our core of volunteers. This dedicated group of almost 500 individuals support the library by shelving and mending books, tutoring adult literacy, sorting donated materials, creating booklists, gardening, and much more. In 2004, their time equated to over $1.2 million, not including the efforts of our Friends, Library Commission, and Foundation members.
photograph by Janice Hughes
This year, the Library was especially proud to have one of our own, Mr. W.C. “Bill” Schober, selected as the Outstanding Civic Center Volunteer of the Year. Twice a week, Mr. Schober settles in at the Novato Branch to clean and repair an endless supply of audio and visual materials for the Library’s collection. With great patience he unwinds, re-winds, untwists, and untangles tapes, frequently preserving entire sets of materials by saving one tape.
It doesn’t take long for a volunteer like Mr. Schober to find his or her niche in the Library. To discover the many ways your time can make a difference, please contact one of our 11 library branches or call the Literacy Program at (415) 485-3318.
Students in Marin County can chat live online with a Professional Tutor, for free!
The service is available every day of the week from 1-9 pm for homework help in grades 4-12, in Math, Science, Social Studies, & English.
Just go to http://www.asknow.org and click on Homework Help! When you're connected with a librarian, ask to be transferred to a tutor.
For homework help from a friendly local librarian, you can Instant Message the Library! We have screen names on AOL, MSN, and Yahoo. We're available 3-5 pm Monday-Friday, and sometimes we're on at other times as well. Ask us a question--we like it!
News from The Book Place
1608 Grant Avenue, Novato
415-878-0212
Come into The Book Place to find inexpensive books in all subject areas. If you need to have a gardening question answered, we have the books for you! Need to write a grant? We have books that explain the process. Going on vacation? Come in and pick up some beach reading, or find a couple of paperbacks to read on the airplane. Our prices are so cheap, you can read it and leave it behind for someone else to enjoy!
Don't forget our Kids' Club. Children age 14 or under can get their "passport" stamped each time they buy a book. With 12 stamps, they can get a free book!
Are you a member of a book club? We have multiple copies of many recent books at excellent prices. Come in and check them out!
The Book Place is operated by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization devoted to raising funds for the libraries. You can help by volunteering at the store (call Nancy Montgomery, 883-5628), by becoming a member of the Friends (call Ginny Schultz, 883-5488) and by donating books and buying books at The Book Place. For more information, visit our website: http://marinlibraryfriends.marin.org
