• Monthly Meeting
  Wednesday, May 10th, 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 Stinson Beach Library, 3521 Shoreline Highway.

• Advisory Board Meeting
  Tuesday, May 2nd, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
  The Marin Literacy Program Advisory Board meets the first Tuesday of every other month at the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E. Street, in San Rafael. The Board serves to supplement funding, provide community advice, and educate Marin County businesses and residents of the need for adult literacy services in the community. For further information, please call 485-3318.
• Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation
  Wednesday, May 3rd, 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.
• 2006 Marin Human Race
  Saturday, May 13th, 7:00 to 11:30 am
  Please join the Marin Literacy Program and other lovers of literacy at the Marin Center Fairgrounds in supporting the 24th Annual Marin Human Race. Additional information and registration applications are available on the Human Race website.

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 Excel. 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.
• Acupressure for Wellness
  Tuesday, May 9th, noon to 1:00 pm
  Corliss Chan talks about acupressure and how we can use it to enhance our health. Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the skin surface to activate the body's self-balancing abilities. Acupressure can help your body relax. When your body relaxes, your mind and spirit relax as well, creating a peaceful state within you. Come join us as we explore acupressure as a way of health and learn how to locate some major acupressure points.
  
• Civic Center Library Friends Annual Meeting
  Wednesday, May 17th, noon to 1:00 pm
  The Friends of the Civic Center Library will hold their annual meeting at the Civic Center. The featured speaker will be Oral Historian, Marilyn Geary. Light refreshments will be provided.
  
• The Brown Bag Book Club
  Wednesday, May 24th, noon to 1:00 pm
  Each month the Book Club meets to discuss a new literary selection. The selection for May is The Magnificent Ambersons, by Booth Tarkington. In June we will read Islands in the Stream, by Ernest Hemingway. 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.

• Internet 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.
• Getting the Most Out of Your Library Online
  Tuesdays at 10:00 am
  Through the Library's website you can read magazines and newspapers, explore photo albums of Marin history, find information in many subject areas, chat online with a librarian to ask a question, and more. Call 924-6444 to register.
• Using the Online Library Catalog
  Thursdays at 1:00 pm
  Librarians will teach you to look for library materials, search for specific material types such as DVDs or CDs, request items to be held for you, keep a list of things you have checked out, and more. Please call 924-6444 to register.
• Storytimes
  Toddler Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 2 to 3 with a parent or caregiver. (Sep-May)
  Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
  
• Morning Book Club
  Wednesday, May 17th, 10:00 am
  Please join the Morning Book Club for tea and a lively discussion. The only requirement is that you read the book and come prepared to talk with other avid readers about it. Upcoming selections are:
  May 17th: Losing Julia, by Jonathan Hull.
  June 21st: Daughter's Keeper, by Ayelet Waldman .
  This group will break for the summer (July-September). For further information, contact the reference desk at 924-6444.
  
• Creating Digital Memory Books
  Thursday, May 18th, 7:00 pm
  Teens, bring in your digital images and learn how to create your own personal memory books. Please call 924-6444 to sign up. Advance registration is required.

• 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.
• Author Reading
  Tuesday, May 2nd, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
  Amy Racina will read from her recent book, Angels in the Wilderness. This first person account describes how she survived for four days and nights in the wilderness with both of her legs broken before her dramatic rescue and arduous recovery. It is a story of courage and hope. Meet the author and hear her story.
• Book Club
  Thursday, May 7th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
  The Fairfax Library Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each month. The selection for May is The Grace that Keeps this World, by Tom Bailey. 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, May 18th, 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. The Friends meet on the third Thursday of the month in the community room of the Fairfax Library. Call 453-8151 for more information.

• Computer Tutoring
  Free training in computer, Internet, and e-mail basics individualized to meet your interests and skill level. Please call 332-6157 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, May 6th, 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.

• 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 and up.
  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)
• Introduction to the Internet Class
  Tuesday, May 9th, 1:00 to 3:15 pm
  Have you been wanting to drive along the great "information highway" but don't know where to get your "license"? Come and join us at the Novato Library for a free one-session lecture and demonstration Internet class taught by volunteer instructor Peter Haas. You will learn how to get connected, how to use search engines, how to find online tutorials for "hands-on" practice and much more. Stop by the reference desk or call 897-1142 to reserve a space.
• Mystery Reader's Book Club
  Thursday, May 11th, 10:30 to 11:30 am
  The Novato Library Mystery Reader's Book Club meets the second Thursday of every month from 10:30 - 11:30 am. Everyone is welcome! 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 audios. For additional information about this event, contact the Reference Desk at (415) 897-1143.
• Novato Teen Library Officers Meeting
  Monday, May 15th, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
  Come help to improve the Library! Open to all Novato residents and students in 7th-12th grades. For additional information about this event, contact the Reference Desk at (415) 897-1143.
• Tuesday Afternoon Book Club
  Tuesday, May 16th, 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. Everyone is welcome. The selection for May is The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. In the coming months we will read Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Discussion questions are provided. For additional information, please contact the Reference Desk at (415) 897-1143.
• Wednesday Night Book Club
  Wednesday, May 24th, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
  Join us at the Novato Library for the Wednesday Night Book Club. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Everyone is welcome. The selection for May is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Discussion questions are provided. For additional information, please contact the Reference Desk at (415) 897-1143.

• 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 and up.
  Sing-Along Bilingual Storytime, Saturday, May 6th, 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, May 25th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
  The South Novato Library Book Club meets the last Thursday of each month. New members are welcome. For additional information, please contact the Reference Desk at (415) 506-3168.

• Storytimes For Children Ages 3-5
  Mondays, May 8th & 22nd, 11:00 to 11:45 am at the Stinson Beach Library and 2:00 to 2:45 pm at the San Geronimo Valley Library.
  Tuesdays, May 9th & 23rd, 11:00 to 11:45 am at the Inverness Library.
  Wednesdays, May 10th & 24th, 11:00 to 11:45 am at the Bolinas Library.
  Fridays, May 12th & 26th, noon to 12:45 pm at the Point Reyes Station Library.
  
• Bilingual Storytime
  Thursday, May 11th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Point Reyes Station Library. Stories presented in English y en Español. Crafts and refreshments included.
  
• KWMR Radio Program: Turning Pages in the Stacks
  Wednesday, May 3rd, 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).
• Internet Class at the Point Reyes Station Library
  Friday, May 19th, 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.
• Homegrown authors series: Walter Murch
  Monday, May 22nd, 7:30 pm
  Walter Murch, Bolinas resident, author of In the Blink of an Eye: a Perspective on Film Editing, and one of the most admired and respected Oscar-winning filmmakers of our time will discuss his work (Cold Mountain, The English Patient, and Apocalypse Now...just to name a few) .

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.

	Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado The harrowing personal story of the hero of the international bestseller "Alive" gives a day-by-day account of what happened during the 1972 Andes plane crash and its aftermath. Parrado shows how he coped with the stresses; how he kept from giving up; and where he found strength to climb out alive.
	Overthrow: America's century of regime change from Hawaii to Iraq by Stephen Kinzer Starting with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and continuing into our own time, the United States has not hesitated to topple governments that stood in the way of its political and economic goals. Here Kinzer tells of the audacious politicians, spies, military commanders, and business executives who took it upon themselves to depose monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers.
	The Jesus Papers: Exposing the greatest cover-up in history by Michael Baigent His bestselling book, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, became an international publishing phenomenon and was one of the sources for Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. Now, with two additional decades of research behind him, Baigent presents explosive new evidence that challenges everything we know about the life and death of Jesus.
	Barbra: The way she is by Christopher P. Andersen Christopher Andersen taps into important sources - eyewitnesses to Streisand's remarkable life and career - to paint a startling portrait with behind-the-scenes details of the artist's brilliance, her obsessive drive for perfection, and Callas-sized ego.
	Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods A Stone Barrington novel. It seems that Dick Stone, a quiet family man who doubled as a CIA agent, methodically executed his wife, daughter, and then himself - or did he? With the help of his ex-partner, Dino, and his friend Holly Barker, Stone must piece together the elusive facts.
	Seeing by José Saramago What begins as a satire on governments and the sometimes dubious efficacy of the democratic system turns into something far more sinister. A singular novel from the author of Blindness.
	Digging to America by Anne Tyler This luminous novel brims with tender observations about what it is to be an American, and about Iranian-born Maryam Yazdam, who after 35 years in this country must finally come to terms with her "outsiderness".
	Circle of Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini When two members decide to leave the fold, the Elm Creek Quilters must buckle down and choose a new pair, knowing full well their decisions will have a profound impact on their legacy. The top candidates include history lover Maggie, chef Anna, the groundbreaking Russ, the deeply gifted Karen, and the soulful Gretchen.
	My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme Written just before her death, Julia notes, "This is a book about some of the things I have loved most in life: my husband, Paul Child; la belle France; and the many pleasures of cooking and eating. Those early years in France were among the best of my life. They marked a crucial period of transformation in which I found my true calling, experienced an awakening of the senses, and had such fun that I hardly stopped moving long enough to catch my breath".
	Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark Rivaling Clark's debut, Where Are the Children?, this suspenseful thrilling, chilling tale of kidnapping, murder, and telepathyis is certain to send terror into the heart of any parent.

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.

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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.

	Gone by Jonathan Kellerman [CD and Cassette Format] The abduction of two art students turns out to have been faked, but the murder that follows is very real.
	False Impression by Jeffrey Archer [CD and Cassette Format] When an aristocratic old lady is brutally murdered in her English country home on the night before September 11, 2001, it will take all the resources of the FBI and Interpol to work out the connection between her death and a priceless Van Gogh, which is stolen that night.
	Death Dance by Linda Fairstein [CD and Cassette Format] Assistant DA Alexandra Cooper has always been fascinated by the stage. When a world-renowned Russian ballerina is murdered at the Met shortly after her performance, Cooper quickly launches into an investigation, eager to go behind the scenes. Soon she discovers that the clues--and the suspects--are as complex as the corridors that zigzag throughout the great opera house.
	Sea Change by Robert B. Parker [CD and Cassette Format] Jesse Stone investigates the murder of a woman who is found in a cove near Paradise, Massachusetts. This leads to a world of wealth and depravity centered on a couple of yacht owners from Florida.
	Tomb of the Golden Bird by Elizabeth Peters [CD and Cassette Format] Amelia and her husband Emerson are on the brink of one of the greatest archaeological finds in history--the tomb of King Tut. But the path to discovery is strewn with dangers, and Emerson's half-brother Sethos might be more involved than he admits.

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.

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eBook Collections

The Library offers a number of different e-book collections, all available from the Databases & eBooks webpage. Below are featured e-resources from the "for Dummies" series available in our NetLibrary Collection. For more information about these books, ask your friendly local librarian!

	Creating Web Pages for Dummies by Bud E. Smith and Arthur Baebak This bestseller shows people how to create their first Web page using simple HTML techniques and adding images to create a look and feel. Updated sections cover Weblog technology as well as how to work with GeoCities as a free Web space provider.
	Cleaning & Stain Removal for Dummies by Gill Chilton Inside you'll find a section on stain removal and a room-by-room guide to buffing up everything from curtains to carpets to cars. With practical shortcuts designed to reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning, this friendly guide offers fresh ways to keep your home and your possessions looking immaculate.
	Preventing Identify Theft for Dummies by Michael J. Arata, Jr. Easy-to-follow, straightforward advice on understanding identity theft, minimizing risk, maintaining vigilance, choosing who to share personal information with, selecting hard-to-guess PINs, determining victimization, reviewing a credit report, charting a course of action, resolving credit problems, reclaiming good credit, and much more.
	eBay Timesaving Techniques for Dummies by Marsha Collier Time is money after all. This great e-resource (free to checkout with your library card) pays off with insider tips and over 60 step-by-step techniques for finding items to sell, setting up your sales pages, pricing items to move, getting the word out about your business, collecting payments, shipping your item, and taking care of all the paperwork
	Wireless Networks for Dummies by Barry Lewis and Peter T. Davis Details what it takes to plan a wireless network, set it up, make it work, and keep it safe. Explains how to perform a site survey and explore issues such as selecting the right standard, mode, access point, channel, and antenna. Also covers how to install clients, set up roaming, and guard against risks and threats such as war driving, jamming, hijacking, and man-in-the-middle attacks

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.

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Music CD Collections

Below are featured selections from our collection that celebrate voices in harmony. A complete list of the MARINet Libraries' music CD, cassette, & record holdings is available online via a quick search.

	Charlotte Church Soprano, Charlotte Church, joins the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to produce these sacred songs.
	On the Transmigration of Souls by John Adams A New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center's Great Performers co-commission in honor of the heroes and in memory of the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001.
	Viaggio Italiano by Andrea Bocelli Pop vocalist rising to record tenor arias.
	Chant by Santo Domingo de Silos Gregorian chant from a Spanish Benedictine monastery.
	Canticles of Ecstasy performed by Sequentia The early-music ensemble, Sequentia, produces a heavenly harmony of hymns (in Latin) from the 900-year-old music of Hildegard of Bingen.

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.

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New DVDs and Videos

The following 2006 Academy Award winning 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.

	Brokeback Mountain [DVD Format] A touching story of the relationship between two ranch hands who work hard, marry, and have kids - because that's what cowboys do.
	Walk the Line [DVD Format] Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon star as two country music stars in love, tracing Johnny Cash from childhood to his early attempts at a music career.
	Memoirs of a Geisha [DVD Format] In 1929 Kyoto, an impoverished girl named Chiyo is trained in all the artistic and social skills required to survive in her society. As a renowned geisha, she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue.
	King Kong [DVD Format] An over-ambitious filmmaker takes a down-on-her-luck actress on an exploratory expedition to a remote island where the actress finds compassion and the true meaning of humanity with an ape named Kong.
	Capote [DVD Format] In 1959, Truman Capote was a popular writer for The New Yorker. When he learns about the horrific and senseless murder of a family of four in Halcomb, Kansas, Capote and his partner travel to the town to do research for an article. As Capote digs deeper into the story, he expands the project into what would be his greatest work, "In Cold Blood."

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.

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Kid's Corner: Books for Boys

Want to know what little boys are really made of? Here are a few special picks from our Novato Children's Librarian, Sandy Duzak.

	Barry, Boyhound by Andy Spearman To the confusion of his friends and family, Barry starts chasing squirrels, eating food off the floor, and otherwise acting like a canine after a flea bite turns his human brain into that of a dog.
	Ice Drift by Theodore Taylor Two Inuit brothers must fend for themselves while stranded on an ice floe that is adrift in the Greenland Strait.
	Three of Diamonds by Anthony Horowitz A collection of 3 Diamond Brothers mysteries in which 2 boys bungle their way through a search for a missing philanthropist, find themselves in a Parisian prison, and are stranded on a Scottish island with a murderer!
	The Ghost's Grave by Peg Kehret Apprehensive about spending the summer in Washington state with his Aunt Ethel, 12 year old Josh soon finds adventure when he meets the ghost of a coal miner. A deliciously spooky adventure!
	Free Baseball by Sue Corbett Eleven-year old Felix becomes a bat boy for a minor league baseball team, hoping to someday be like his father, a famous Cuban outfielder. The story wraps up nicely as the team manager helps Felix and his mother come closer together, and solve the mystery of what happened to his father in Cuba.

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.

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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.

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E-Connect staff:

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

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Past Issues

For past issues of the newsletter, click here.