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Marin County Free Library  -  E-Connect: MCFL's e-newsletter
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E-Connect: The Marin County Free Library's e-newsletter

Issue #42: February 2006

Printable version of this page
Library News What's New on the Library Website
Tax Forms . . . it's that time again
Inmate Literacy Services
News from the Book Place
At the Branches Programs, Exhibits, Book Clubs, and more
Featured Selections Upcoming Bestsellers
New Audio Books
eBook Collections
Music CD Collections
New DVDs and Videos
Kid's Corner : 2006 Award Winners
Other recommendations for reading, viewing, and listening




What's New On the Library Website

The Library has been expanding its collection of online resources (databases, newspapers, magazines, eBooks) for you lately, including two new additions which we are proud to announce!

Safari Tech Books Online
We’ve had this collection of eBooks for a while now, but it just grew by leaps and bounds! This collection now offers 1,800 high demand technology books—and we always have the latest editions! Books from publishers like O'Reilly Press, Sun Press, Microsoft Press, Prentice Hall, Adobe Press, and more make this collection indispensable to anyone working or playing in the technology field. Safari Tech eBooks are accessible on the Databases and eBooks section of our website. The collection is accessible from home for all MARINet library patrons (all public libraries in Marin). For details about accessing the resource from home, click here.

Associations Unlimited
This is a brand new subscription! Associations Unlimited offers an online version of the Encyclopedia of Associations series with data about over 456,000 organizations as well as IRS information about nonprofit organizations. It's great for finding out financial information about nonprofits, seeking groups in a particular subject area or in a particular location. Associations Unlimited is accessible on the Databases and eBooks section of our website.. The database is accessible from home for library users living within Marin County Free Library’s tax jurisdictions. For details about accessing the resource from home, .



Tax Forms . . . it's that time again

Starting your taxes early? Good for you! And because you're such an early bird, here are a few sites to help you with your tax preparation:

Your Marin County Free Library has a variety of resources to help you through the filing process, including eBooks and print materials available for check out, a selection of printed tax forms for distribution, and even AARP Tax-Aide volunteers eager to provide free tax preparation and assistance for low to middle-income individuals with special attention to those ages 60 and older. We have compiled a schedule of Tax-Aide Help around the county for your convenience. Ask your local Librarian for further information.

Here's hoping you get a nice big refund!



Inmate Literacy Services

San Quentin inmates San Quentin State Prison is home to Project R.E.A.C.H. – Reach for Education, Achievement and Change with Help – an inmate-to-inmate tutoring program co-sponsored by Marin Literacy and San Quentin’s Education Department.
Recently Literacy Program Director, Barbara Barwood, attended an event where Project REACH inmate tutors presented two checks in support of libraries and literacy. She commented, “It is such a pleasure to hear the inmate tutors’ pride when they talk of what their students have been able to do over the course of their tutoring sessions. And for the student inmates, improving their skills becomes a goal to strive for – in some cases, the first time that they have seen something positive happen in their lives. It was a humbling experience to feel the joy first hand.”

Project R.E.A.C.H. is sponsored by Inmate Literacy Services, just one component of Marin Literacy Program. Volunteers are trained as tutors and may choose to participate in one of Marin Literacy's special projects. If you’d like more information, are interested in volunteering, or would like to make a donation to support future programming, please call (415) 485-3318 or visit the Literacy website at http://www.marinliteracy.org.



News from the Book Place

1608 Grant Avenue, Novato
415-878-0212

Bargain Sunday is February 5 at The Book Place. Since Valentine's Day is coming up, our Bargain Sunday theme will be "Isn't It Romantic?" Book categories on sale will be romance, cooking, and entertainment. Other categories may be on sale as well, depending on what's left after our big blowout sale at the end of January. Come in on February 5, and check it 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 about the Friends and The Book Place, visit our website: http://marinlibraryfriends.marin.org



At the Branches

HOURS and LOCATIONS
Marin County Free Library branches are located throughout East and West Marin. Open days and hours of operation vary by branch. With 11 locations to choose from as well as 24/7 access on our website to reference assistance, the online catalog, databases, and eBooks you'll never be far from the information you need.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET CLASSES
The Marin County Free Library offers classes and one-to-one tutoring in computer basics, the Internet, e-mail, the Library’s online resources, Microsoft Word, Excel, and more. Please check our website for times, locations, and registration information.

BOOKCLUBS
Marin County Free Library branches host a wide variety of monthly reading groups. Club members meet each month for a lively discussion about a particular book or theme. Please check our bookclub listing for locations, times, selections, and contact information.

STORYTIMES
The Marin County Free Library offers storytimes at each of the branches for children in various age groups. Please check our Storytimes page for times and ages.

BOOKMOBILE
The Marin County Free Library Bookmobile visits geographically isolated communities throughout the County. Most stops are made twice within a four-week period each month. Copies of the Bookmobile schedule are available at all County Library branches and on the Bookmobile’s webpage.

LIBRARY COMMISSION
  • Monthly Meeting
    Wednesday, February 8th, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
    The Library Commission serves as a resource body and liaison to the Board of Supervisors, the County Librarian, and the community, working to find ways and means of enlisting public interest in supporting and improving Library services. This month the Commission will meet at the South Novato Library, 6 Hamilton Landing in Novato.

MARIN LITERACY PROGRAM
  • Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation
    Tuesday, February 7th, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
    The Marin Literacy Program is looking for individuals to volunteer as tutors for adults who need to improve their reading, writing and English speaking skills. Attend this 1.5-hour orientation to find out more about the need for adult literacy instruction in Marin, the programs offered, what it is like to tutor an adult, and how you can make a difference in someone's life by tutoring. Please call 485-3318 to sign-up.


CIVIC CENTER
3501 Civic Center Drive #427, San Rafael, CA 94903 Directions. (415) 499-6057.
Open hours: M/W/F 10am-6pm; T/Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Closed Sunday.

  • Computer Tutoring
    Explore the Internet and learn the basics of setting up a free e-mail account, sending and receiving messages, and accessing e-mail. Learn to 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.
  • Storytimes
    Toddler Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:30 to 10:50 am. Ages 2 to 3 with a parent or caregiver.
    Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:00 pm Ages 3 and up.
  • The Brown Bag Book Club
    Wednesday, February 22nd, noon to 1:00 pm
    Each month the Book Club meets to discuss a new literary selection. The selection for February is The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk. Please check the library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. New members are always welcome! For more information, call Livia at 499-6058 or e-mail to llewin@co.marin.ca.us.


CORTE MADERA
The Corte Madera branch will be closed for recarpeting until February 6th.
707 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925 Directions. (415) 924-3515.
Open hours: M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday.

  • Computer Tutoring
    Hourly sessions every Monday, 11am to noon, 1-2 pm, 2-3 pm
    Bring your questions. Explore the Internet. Find information using Yahoo and Google. Learn the basics of setting up a free e-mail account and sending and receiving messages. To reserve a tutoring session, speak with a librarian at the reference desk or call 924-6444.
  • Storytimes
    Toddler Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 2 to 3 with a parent or caregiver.
    Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
  • Morning Book Club
    Wednesday, February 15th, 10:00 am
    Please join the Morning Book Club for tea and a lively discussion. The only requirement is that you read the book. Upcoming selections are:
    February 15: Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson.
    March 15: The Red Queen, by Margaret Drabble.
    For further information, contact the reference desk at 924-6444.

FAIRFAX
2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, CA 94930 Directions. (415) 453-8151.
Open hours: M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-6pm; Closed Friday and Sunday.
  • Internet Tutoring
    Free tutoring 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.
  • Storytimes
    Preschool Storytime, Tuesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 to 5. (Sep-May)
    Children’s Storytime, Saturdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
  • Book Club
    Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
    The Fairfax Library Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each month. The selection for February is The Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson. Please check the library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. If you'd like to purchase your book, BookBeat in Fairfax offers our member a 15% discount.
  • Friends of the Fairfax Library
    Thursday, February 23rd, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
    The mission of the Friends of the Fairfax Library is to build a partnership between the library and the community, to encourage public support, and to advocate for quality library service for all patrons of the Fairfax Library. Call 453-8151 for more information.
  • The Magic of Reading
    Saturday, February 25th, 11:00 to 11:45 am
    Combining illusion, comedy and audience participation, master magician Phil Ackerly presents The Magic of Reading to ages 3.5 and up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library.
  • Meeting Room Gallery
    Exhibit of paintings by Melissa Lyckberg.

MARIN CITY
The Marin City branch will operate extended hours (M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday)through February 5th to support patrons during the Corte Madera closure.
164 Donahue Street, Marin City, CA 94965 Directions. (415) 332-6158.
Open hours: M/T 1pm-9pm; W/Th 10am-6pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday.
  • Computer Tutoring
    Free training in computer, Internet, and e-mail basics individualized to meet your interests and skill level. Please call 506-3168 to set up an appointment for a one-hour session.
  • Preschool Storytimes
    Wednesdays, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 3:30 pm Ages 3 and up.
  • Friends of the Marin City Library
    Saturday, February 4th, 10:00 am to noon
    The mission of the Friends of the Marin City Library is to build a partnership between the library and the community, to encourage public support, and to advocate for quality library services for all patrons of the Marin City Library. The Friends meet on the first Saturday of the month in the adult seating area of the library. Call 332-6158 for more information.

NOVATO
1720 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA 94947 Directions. (415) 897-1141.
Open hours: M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday.
  • Book Talk on Novato Cable Channel 27
    Watch "Book Talk" every Monday, 2:30 and 8:00 pm on Novato Cable Channel 27. Show is repeated each Monday, with a new show every month!
  • Storytimes
    Lapsit Storytime, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 18 to 36 months with an adult.
    Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3-6. Please arrive early to get a nametag.
    La Hora de los Cuentos en Español, Sábados a las 10:00 am. Para niños a partir de 3 años. (Spanish Language Storytime, Saturdays at 10:00 am)
  • Mystery Reader's Book Club
    Thursday, February 9th, 10:30 to 11:30 am
    The Novato Library Mystery Reader's Book Club meets the second Thursday of every month. The selection for February is The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, by Lilian Jackson Braun. A limited supply of books for the next month’s title will be available at the meeting prior. You may wish to check the library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. Librarians at any reference desk can also assist interested readers with placing holds on books, large print copies or audio formats.
  • Tuesday Afternoon Book Club
    Tuesday, February 21st, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
    Join us at the Novato Library for the Tuesday Afternoon Book Club. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month. The selection for February is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. In the coming months we will read The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant, and Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Discussion questions are provided. For additional information, please contact the Reference Desk at (415) 897-1143.
  • Wednesday Night Book Club
    Wednesday February 22nd, 7:00-8:00 pm
    Join us at the Novato Library for the Wednesday Night Book Club. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The selection for February is The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason. In March we will read Gilgamesh by Joan London and in April, Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. Discussion questions are provided.
  • Sneak Preview of "James and the Giant Peach"
    Saturday, February 11th, 11:00 am
    Come to the Novato Library for a sneak preview of the play "James and the Giant Peach", performed by The Masque Unit Junior Theatre of Marin. The full production of "James & the Giant Peach" will be on March 11th & 12th at 1pm & 3pm at the Showcase Theater at Marin Center.
  • How to Write Your Memoir workshop
    Saturday February 11th, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
    Have you been meaning to write the story of your life, but don’t know where to start? This workshop will focus on: techniques to begin your memoir; how to create gripping and powerful stories; and how to write about sensitive family issues.
  • Intermediate Internet - Beyond the Basics Internet Class
    Tuesday, February 14th, 1:00 to 3:15 pm
    You've got the basics of Internet navigation down. Now what? Come to the Novato Library's intermediate Internet class to go beyond the basics. You will learn to use email, manage bookmarks, and more. The volunteer instructor will present a lecture and demonstration on a large screen, followed by a question-and-answer session. Stop by the reference desk or call 897-1142 to reserve a space.
  • "What a World!" a play performed by Girl Scout Troop #275
    Saturday, February 18th, 11:00 am
    This upbeat play is about a bored girl, her faithful dog, and a visitor from outerspace who shows them there's plenty to appreciate in their everday lives. Children will enjoy this performance that includes lots of humor and singing! The play runs about 30 minutes long.

SOUTH NOVATO
6 Hamilton Landing, Suite 140A, Novato, CA 94949 Directions. (415) 506-3165.
Open hours: T/Th 1pm-8pm; W/Sa 11am-5pm; Closed Monday, Friday and Sunday.
  • Small Group Internet Tutoring
    Free training with an experienced computer professional who will individualize the training to meet your skill level. Tutoring sessions are by appointment. Please sign up in advance by calling 506-3168.
  • Storytimes
    Children's Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 to 5.
    Sing-Along Bilingual Storytime, Saturday, February 4th, 11:00 am. Come to the South Novato Library for a Spanish and English Preschool Storytime. Chicha reads and sings both languages fluently. Preschoolers and parents are encouraged to sing with Chicha.
  • South Novato Reading Club
    Thursday, February 23rd, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    The South Novato Library Book Club meets the last Thursday of each month. The selection for February is Mantrapped, by Fay Weldon. Please check the library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. For additional information, please contact the Reference Desk at (415) 506-3168.

WEST MARIN LIBRARIES (BOLINAS, INVERNESS, POINT REYES, SAN GERONIMO, STINSON BEACH)
  • New Hours for the Bolinas Branch
    Effective March 1st the Bolinas Library hours of operation will be as follows:
      Mondays, 2pm-6pm
      Wednesdays, 10am-1pm & 2pm-6pm (note change)
      Thursdays, 2pm-6pm & 7pm-9pm (note change)
      Saturdays, 2pm-5pm
      Closed Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
  • Storytimes For Children Ages 3-5
    Mondays, February 6th & 27th, 11:00 to 11:45 am at the Stinson Beach Library and 2:00 to 2:45 pm at the San Geronimo Valley Library
    Wednesday, February 8th, 11:00 to 11:45 am at the Inverness Library
    Thursday, February 9th, 11:00 to 11:45 am at the Bolinas Library
    Friday, February 10th, noon to 12:45 pm at the Point Reyes Station Library
  • Bilingual Storytime
    Thursday, February 9th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Point Reyes Station Library. Stories presented in English y en Español. Crafts and refreshments included.
  • Turning the Pages in the Library radio program on KWMR
    Wednesday, February 1st, 10:00 to 11:00 am
    The Library's own Dan Carr has a monthly radio program about the library. He and his guests share the inside scoop on what the library can do for you, local history, great books, music, and online services. Tune in to KMWR (live at 90.5 FM Point Reyes Station, 89.3 FM Bolinas).
  • Knitting Classes
    Thursdays, February 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd, 4:30 to 5:30 pm at the Point Reyes Station Library.
    Always wanted to learn to knit? A series of 4 classes will get you started on knitting basics. Learn to knit, purl and read a knitting pattern. We will provide needles and yarn but bring materials if you have some of your own. For school-age to adult. Classes are free.
  • "Homegrown" author's series: Doris Ober
    Monday, February 6th, 7:30 pm
    Doris Ober, Dogtown resident, is an independent editor and author's collaborator. Ober has worked with authors such as Randy Shilts and Terry Ryan.
  • Internet Class at the Point Reyes Station Library
    Friday, February 17th, 12:30 to 1:45 pm at the Point Reyes Station Library
    Volunteer Daniel Will-Harris conducts small group Internet tutoring on the third Friday of every month. Call 663-8375 during open hours to reserve a space.
  • Art Exhibits
    Currently on exhibit at the Inverness Library is a charming display of photographs provided by Maddie Moore, titled "Growing Up in West Marin."
    On display at the Stinson Beach Library through mid-February is the artwork of Michael Knowlton, Timmy Prael and Judy Molyneaux. Local artist, Knowlton, has curated a show of his work & that of 2 of his mentors: Prael & Molyneaux. The works are of vibrant images that celebrate the colorful light and life of West Marin. The three artists created a friendship that fostered the exchange of ideas traced through work, photos, notes and other memorabilia from the 70's through out the 90's.


Featured Selections

Upcoming Bestsellers


Place your request early and be one of the first to check out these new releases.
Annotations adapted from publishers' advance materials and the MARINet catalog.


book cover The Space Between Us by Thirty Umrigar
Devastating in its power, here is a searing novel that vividly captures the delicate balance of class and gender in contemporary India, as witnessed through the lives of an upper-middle-class Parsi housewife and her stoic, illiterate domestic worker.
book cover Memory in Death by J.D. Robb
Police Lt. Eve Dallas walks a tightrope between her professional duties and her private demons. When the twisted woman who tormented Eve's childhood tries to blackmail Eve's husband Roarke--and ends up dead--Eve and Roarke follow a circuitous, dangerous path to find out who turned the victimizer into victim.
book cover Hostage by W.E.B. Griffin
An American diplomat's wife is kidnapped, and her husband murdered before her eyes. Her children will be next, if she doesn't tell the kidnappers where her brother is--a brother who may know quite a bit about the burgeoning UN/Iraq oil-for-food scandal. There is an awful lot of money flying around, an awful lot of hands reaching out to grab it--and some of those hands don't mind shedding as much blood as it takes.
book cover Ivan's War : Life and Death in the Red Army, 1939-1945 by Catherine Merridale
Drawing on previously closed archives, interviews with veterans, and private letters and diaries, Merridale presents the first comprehensive history of the Red Army rank and file.
book cover Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
Shortlisted for the Booker award and set against the backdrop of the British Empire, this intriguing novel chronicles the lives of two boys--one falls prey to a series of pranks en route to a legal vocation, while the other (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) studies medicine before discovering a different calling entirely. It is years before their destinies are entwined in a mesmerizing alliance.
book cover Finishing School : A Novel of Suspense by Michele Martinez
The author of "Most Wanted" brings back savvy, sexy federal prosecutor Melanie Vargas in a case that opens with the murder of two teenage students at a posh East Side girls' school and will pit her against a very clever, very scary killer.
book cover Leonardo's Swans by Karen Essex
Two powerful sisters compete for the affections of Italy's most influential prince and for the larger prize, to be immortalized in oil by his court painter and engineer, Leonardo da Vinci. Sexy, inspiring, and intelligent, her story of love, intrigue, and art is truly unforgettable.
book cover Phantom by Terry Goodkind
The new novel of Richard and Kahlan is the direct sequel to "Chainfire." On the day she awoke remembering nothing but her name, Kahlan Amnell became the most dangerous woman alive. For everyone else, that was the day the world began to end.
book cover Blindfold Game by Dana Stabenow
A CIA analyst traces the sale of black market plutonium, realizing that a terrorist attack is under way on a valuable American target. He also sees that the Coast Guard cutter his estranged wife serves on is sailing right into the attack and the heart of an international crisis.
book cover Death Dance by Linda Fairstein
The bestselling author of "Entombed" goes behind the scenes of New York City's theater world--from Broadway to Lincoln Center--in this riveting Alexandra Cooper thriller rich with authenticity, history, and suspense.
book cover The Tent by Margaret Atwood
Chilling and witty, prescient and personal, delectable and tart, these highly imaginative, vintage Atwood mini-fictions speak on a broad range of subjects, reflecting the times with deadly accuracy and knife-edge precision.

Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.


New Audio Books

The following audio book titles have recently been added to our collection. A complete list of the MARINet libraries' audio CD & cassette holdings is available online via a quick search.

audio book cover The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova [CD and Cassette Format]
A young woman discovers an ancient book and a cache of old letters in her father's library, and thus begins her adventurous quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, a search that will span continents and generations, and a confrontation with the darkest powers of evil
audio book cover The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman [CD and Cassette Format]
From the author of Beruit to Jeruselum comes this brief history of the 21st century. A timely and essential update on globalization, its successes and discontents, illuminated by one of our most respected journalists
audio book cover 1491 by Charles C. Mann [CD Format]
Charles Mann takes us on a journey of scientific exploration. We learn that the Indian development of modern corn was one of the most complex feats of genetic engineering ever performed. That the Great Plains are a third smaller today than they were in 1700 because the Indians who maintained them by burning died. And that the Amazon rain forest may be largely a human artifact.
audio book cover Predator by Patricia Cornwell [CD and Cassette Format]
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is now freelancing with the National Forensic Academy in Florida. The teasing psychological clues lead Scarpetta and her team to suspect that they are hunting someone with a cunning and malevolent mind whose secrets have kept them in the shadows until now.
audio book cover A Crack in the Edge of the World : America and the Greatest California Earthquake of 1906 by Simon Winchester [CD and Cassette Format]
The definitive account of the San Francisco earthquake and a fascinating exploration of a legendary event that changed the way we look at the planet on which we live.

Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.


eBook Collections: Mysteries for Cold and Rainy Days

It’s cold. It’s rainy. I’d rather be in Hawaii (you too?). But that’s okay…there’s plenty of ways to distract ourselves from the nastiness outside—including listening to a thrilling mystery audio book!
Below are just a few of the many popular mystery downloadable audio eBooks from our Digital Books Collection. You can find more mystery books by searching the Library's Catalog! The Library offers a number of different e-book collections, all available from the Databases & eBooks webpage. For more information about these books, ask your friendly local librarian!

ebook cover Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Sidney Sheldon
All around the globe, people are being reported dead or missing. Why? Taut with suspense and vivid characterization, full of shocking twists, and with an unnervingly realistic premise, the long-awaited Are You Afraid of the Dark? is Sidney Sheldon at the top of his game.
ebook cover The Dead Sea Cipher by Elizabeth Peters
Dinah Van der Lyn hears the cries for help through her hotel room wall, cries in English in the middle of Beirut. "Help" is the only English word spoken. She thinks the men are simply drunk and fighting. Her mistake is the first step on an odyssey of terror that will take Dinah to the fabled cities of Sidon, Tyro, Damascus... And then Jerusalem, racing through the twisting streets not knowing if the man she is following will lead her to safety... or into a deadly trap!
ebook cover Fire Sale by Sara Paretsky
V. I. Warshawski may have left her old South Chicago neighborhood, but she learns that she cannot escape it. When V. I. takes over coaching duties of the girls' basketball team at her former high school, she faces an ill-equipped, ragtag group of gangbangers, fundamentalists, and teenage moms, who inevitably draw the detective into their family woes.
ebook cover Grievous Sin by Faye Kellerman
Peter and Rina are delighted with their newborn baby girl, but the scene at the Los Angeles hospital is a nightmare. A baby is kidnapped and a respected nurse vanishes along with her. Peter, his tough-talking partner Marge, and Peter's eager older daughter Cindy pursue a twisted path of hospital politics, misplaced passions, and tortuous mind games of guilt and redemption that bring them face-to-face with the most grievous sin.
ebook cover Long Time Gone by J. A. Jance
Bestselling master J. A. Jance brings back J. P. Beaumont - one of the most enduring and endearing characters in contemporary fiction - in a riveting story about a shocking, long-buried case of murder. Filled with all of the Jance trademarks - heart-stopping suspense, deeply drawn characters, local flavor, intelligence, and humanity - Long Time Gone is a crowning achievement in this bestselling author's career.

Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.


Music CD Collections

Below are featured chamber music selections highlighting world-renowned composers, chamber groups, and musicians.
A complete list of the MARINet Libraries' music CD, cassette, & record holdings is available online via a quick search.

CD cover Kronos Quartet performs Philip Glass
A Marin favorite, this 1995 recording exemplifies the Kronos' spirit of fearless exploration combined with their commitment to expand the range and context of the string quartet.
CD cover String Quintets of Luigi Boccherini
Selected string quintets for violins, viola, and violoncellos.
CD cover The Chamber Music of Claude Debussy
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center highlights Debussy's early and late compositions for flute, viola, and harp, along with two piano works recorded between 1995 and 1999.
CD cover Le Carnaval des Animaux by Camille Saint-Saëns
German recordings from the 1980's are accompanied by monologues that present each of 4 works, including Little Sad Sound by Alan Ridout.
CD cover Selected String Quartets of Franz Schubert
2 compact discs comprised of Schubert's last 4 quartets, including Death and the Maiden, Roasmunde.


Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.


New DVDs and Videos

The following DVD/video titles have recently been added to our collection. Complete lists of the MARINet libraries' DVD and video holdings are available online via a quick search.

movie cover The Constant Gardener [DVD Format]
In a remote area of Northern Kenya, activist Tessa Quayle is found brutally murdered. Tessa's companion, a doctor, appears to have fled the scene, and all the evidence points to a crime of passion. Based on the novel by John Le Carré.
movie cover Enron : The Smartest Guys in the Room [DVD Format]
Based on the book The Smartest Guys In The Room, this film recounts the astonishing business scandal in which executives of America's seventh largest company walked away with $1,000,000,000 while investors and employees lost everything
movie cover Hustle & Flow [DVD Format]
This recent release strikes an unprecedented balance between feel-good fare and unstinting urban drama, in what amounts to a powerful depiction of the pain and poignant struggle of a hustling drug dealer who connects with a small-time recording artist to rise in the world of rap.
movie cover The Greatest Game Ever Played [DVD Format]
This inspiring underdog drama recounts the true story of how Francis Ouimet, an unknown twenty-year-old amateur, defeated legendary pro golfer Harry Vardon at the 1913 U.S. Open, ending the era of golf's domination by privileged Brits.
movie cover A History of Violence [DVD Format]
Based on the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, this is the story of an average Indiana family man (Viggo Mortenson) who is thrust into the spotlight after a seemingly innocent act of self-defense at the diner he owns and runs.

Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.


Kid's Corner : 2006 Award Winners

The 2006 Newbery & Caldecott winners were announced last week. The two most prestigious awards in children’s literature, they are likened to the “Academy Awards” of children’s book publishing. The Newbery and Caldecott medals honor outstanding writing and illustration of works published in the United States during the previous year. Lynne Rae Perkins, author of Criss Cross, was awarded the Newbery Award, and Chris Raschka, illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, was awarded the Caldecott medal. For a complete list of award winners see The American Library Association website at <http://www.ala.org> and visit your local branch to check out past winners for a good rainy day read.

2006 Newbery Medal Winner:
book cover Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
Teenagers in a small town in the 1960s experience new thoughts and feelings, question their identities, connect, and disconnect as they search for the meaning of life and love.

2006 Newbery Honor Books:
book cover Whittington by Alan Armstrong
Whittington, a feline descendant of Dick Whittington's famous cat of English folklore, appears at a rundown barnyard plagued by rats and restores harmony while telling his ancestor's story.
book cover Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
By the time Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, 3.5 million children belonged to the Hitler Youth. It would become the largest youth group in history. Susan Campbell Bartoletti explores how Hitler gained the loyalty, trust, and passion of so many of Germany's young people. Her research includes telling interviews with surviving Hitler Youth members.
book cover Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
While attending a strict academy for potential princesses with the other girls from her mountain village, fourteen-year-old Miri discovers unexpected talents and connections to her homeland.
book cover Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson
The making of "Show ways," or quilts which once served as secret maps for freedom-seeking slaves, is a tradition passed from mother to daughter in the author's family.

2006 Caldecott Medal Winner:
book cover The Hello, Goodbye Window illustrated by Chris Raschka
Shows how much fun it can be to visit the grandparents.

2006 Caldecott Honor Books:
book cover Rosa illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Nikki Giovanni
Far from the cliche of Rosa Parks as the tired little seamstress, this beautiful picture-book biography shows her as a strong woman, happy at home and at work, and politically aware.
book cover Zen Shorts written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth
When Stillwater the bear moves into the neighborhood, the stories he tells to three siblings teach them to look at the world in new ways.
book cover Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride written and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
A (sort of) true story about the first hot-air balloon ride in France.
book cover Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems illustrated by Beckie Prange and written by Joyce Sidman
A collection of poems that provide a look at some of the animals, insects, and plants that are found in ponds, with accompanying information about each.

Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.



Other recommendations for reading, viewing, and listening

Looking for fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, local authors, audio books, or DVDs? Check out some of our most popular recommendations for adults, teens, and kids.


E-Connect staff:

E-Connect is an online publication distributed monthly by the Marin County Free Library.
Alysanne Taylor, Administrative Services Associate, editor.
Sarah Houghton, e-Services Librarian, webmistress.



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