July 17

The Summer Reading Program continues to roll with our weekly programs.  Thanks to all the volunteers who have been helping out at the craft tables for the younger children.  Only 10 days are left for the program. 

With all of the hot and muggy days, it makes good weather to read or watch a good movie.  Our circulation figures show that a lot of people have been doing that this summer. 

Are you having problems working on our computer?  On August 5, Beth is having a walk-in computer training session at 10:30 a.m.  So bring your laptop or come in and sign onto one of our computers and get some help with your problem.

As I was driving over the weekend the idea of how classic literature is being ignored.  Part of it is because we were forced to read something by Charles Dickens or Shakespeare  in high school and it has left a bad memory for many of us.  Yet most of the classics are still an enjoyable read today.  H.G. Wells the War of the Worlds and the Time Machine are a must read for anyone who likes science fiction as is Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and the Mysterious Island.  Frankenstein is a popular movie monster and it is based on the book by Mary Shelly written over 100 years ago.  Maybe you like something more in historical fiction?  A Tale of Two Cities is an exciting book set at the time of the French Revolution.  The Virginian by Owen Wister was the first western written and set the pattern for all westerns since.  One of the most overlooked authors of the 19th century is Robert Louis Stevenson.  He wrote novels, poetry and short stories.  What boy doesn't like prirates and has been captivated by Stevenson's famous Treasure Island?  Moms over the world have read from his, Child's Garden of Verses and the ultimate monster tale, The strange case of Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde has fascinated readers for generations.  I can go on about books that were number one best sellers like Henry Sienkiewicz's  With Fire and Sword, the first book in the Polish Trilogy.  The books cover the wars fought by Poland against Sweden, the Turks and Russia in the 17th century.  If you like Bernard Cornwell's books you would enjoy the works of Sienkiewicz. 

You may wonder where all this rambing is going.  In the fall I will be starting a book discussion group and we will read some of the classics from the 19th century and early 20th century.  We haven't set the day yet but it will meet at noon and participants will bring in their lunch.  The library will supply water and coffee.  We will eat our lunch and discuss the book or author of the month.  If you have ever thought to yourself, "I would really like to read some of the classics."  This is your chance.  More details will follow.

Write to you again next week