Rainy Day Reads

When I lived in Chicago I frequently listed to radio station WNIB, which until 2000 played classical music.  The morning host for a time there was a gentleman named Obie Yadgar.  On rainy mornings Obie would give a brief weather report followed by the remark, "It's a good day to stay inside with a samovar of tea and a Russian novel."  I was usually on my way to work at the time and often thought, "Yes it is Obie," and it was all I could do to not turn the car around and head home.

Well, my friends, today is definitely one of those days.  I'm at work, so the samovar of tea is out, but here at the Wells Public Library we have plenty of Russian novels.  If Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Pasternak are not to your liking, maybe you'd like to read another good "rainy day read."  Here are some books that just might suit your rainy day mood.  They're dark, gloomy, and bleak - perfect for a day like today. And while not written by a Russian, many of them do reflect Tolstoy's observation, "All happy families resemble one another, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick and The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran.  I'll  be spending the weekend rereading these dark, yet compelling historical novels about difficult marriages.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This story of a race car driver narrated by his faithful dog is a poignant tale of love, loss, and loyalty.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.  If you haven't read this gripping psychological thriller do it now, before the movie comes out.  
Evidence of Love by Melissa McConnell. I read this thriller about a woman searching for her missing fiance who gets mixed up in some shady Washington dealings a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. 
The Punch by Noah Hawley. Hawley takes family dysfunction to new levels in this dark, yet occasionally funny story about two brothers, their mother, and their father's funeral.
The Tie that Binds by Kent Haruf.  Haruf's novels reflect the harsh, sparse, yet beautiful Great Plains of northern Colorado where they are set.  In his first novel he tells the story of a brother, a sister, and the father who controls their lives.  

That's my list, although I'm sure I could come up with many more suggestions.  If you'd like to read these or other books, just visit the MINERVA online catalog, or call the library at 646-8181.

Enjoy your weekend, and we'll see you at the library.

Summer Reading 2013

Summer has definitely come to Wells. What you see on the right are the shelves laden with books from other libraries that have arrived for our patrons to pick up.  

In the summer the number of books checked out more than doubles, and the library is filled with summer visitors who come in to use the internet, attend a library program, purchase a book from the ongoing Friends of the Library book sale,  or just cool off.

Summer is a great time for reading.  To me there's nothing better than sitting on my deck with a cold beverage and a good book.  It's a time when many of us try to tackle those books on our ever-growing "to read" lists.  Several years ago a friend of mine took advantage of the summer lull to finally read War and Peace.  This year, in addition to the books I need to read for our semi-monthly book discussions, I decided I would finally read Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.  This historical novel about Thomas Cromwell, the chief minister to Henry VIII, was a New York Times bestseller, and won the Man Booker Prize in 2009. It had been on my list since it came out, but  at over 600 pages it required a lot of time that I couldn't spare.  Last week I spent several hours waiting in airports and sitting on planes and took advantage of that to start it. I'm thoroughly enjoying it, and can't wait to finish so that I can pick up the sequel, Bring Up the Bodies.

For those of you who like a challenge, the library is also offering a summer reading program for adults.  Stop by the library and pick up a reading log.  Read 5 books of your choice and record them on your log, rating each book with 1-5 stars.  When you turn your log back in you'll receive a book bag and will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including gift cards from local merchants.

Finally, if you're finished all the books on your "to read" list (who am I kidding - I know that never happens), and need some suggestions of what to read next, stop in and ask a librarian.  We're always happy to make suggestions, and we do have some reading lists next to our new book shelves that you can pick up.  In addition, here are links to even more suggestions to add to your list.  Enjoy!

LA Times LA Times Summer Books 2013
NPR Summer Books 2013
Oprah's 2013 Summer Reading List

Summer Reading 2013

Now that Memorial Day is behind us we're gearing up for the summer.  Many of our summer residents have returned, and we're starting to see an increase in the number of items checked out each day.  

Our Book Discussion groups are also preparing for summer.  For the second year now, our May meetings focus on Reader's Choice.  Instead of the group reading one specific book, members are invited to come to the meeting with a list of 2 or 3 books that they've recently (or not so recently) read, and share them with the group.  At the end of the meeting I compile a list of the books they've suggested and send them out to the entire group.  This gives us all a list of books that we may want to read over the summer.

Both the afternoon and evening groups gave such wonderful suggestions that I thought I'd pass them on so that everyone has a list of some really great books to read this summer. So here are the books your friends and neighbors here in Wells are recommending this summer:

Emily Arsenault – The Broken Teaglass
Julian Barnes – The Sense of an Ending
Chris Bohjalian –The Sandcastle Girls
Pearl Buck – The Good Earth
Anita Diament – The Red Tent
David Ebershoff – The 19th Wife
Lisa Genova – Still Alive, Left Neglected, Love Anthony
Drew Gilpin Faust – This Republic of Suffering
Gillian Flynn – Gone Girl
Tana French – Broken Harbor
Shilpi Somaya Gowda – Secret Daughter
Kathleen Grissom – The Kitchen House
Mark Helprin – A Soldier of the Great War
Janis Ian – Society’s Child
John Irving – A Prayer for Owen Meany
Peter Janney – Mary’s Mosaic
Rachel Joyce – The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Franz Kafka – Metamorphosis, The Trial
Philip Kerr – A Quiet Flame
Laurie King – The Beekeeper’s Apprentice (2 suggested this)

Anne Lamott – Some Assembly Required
David Lis – Conspiracy of Paper, Coffee Traitor, Ethical Assassin
Hilary Mantel – Wolf Hall; An Experiment in Love; A Place of Greater Safety
Kimberly McCreight – Reconstructing Amelia
K.D. McCrite – In Front of God and Everybody
Jennifer McVeigh – The Fever Tree

Debra Mogash – Tulip Fever
Erin Morgenstern – Night Circus
Edward Kelsey Moore – The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat

Kate Morton – The Forgotten Garden

Jojo Moyers – Me Before You
Sena Jeter Naslund – Ahab’s Wife

Bill O’Reilly – The Killing of Lincoln
Marge Piercy – Gone to Soldiers
Annie Proulx – The Shipping News
Alyson Richman – The Lost Wife 
(also a related children's story by Patricia Polacco – Christmas Tapestry)
Ransom Riggs – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Tom Robbins – Jitterbug Perfume
Gretchen Rubin – The Happiness Project, Happier at Home
B.A. Shapiro – The Art Forger
Kieran Shields – The Truth of All Things
W. Cleon Skousen – The 5000 Year Leap, The First 2000 Years
M.L. Stedman – The Light Between Oceans

Elizabeth Strout – The Burgess Boys

Paul Theroux – The Grand Railway Bizarre
Abraham Verghese – Cutting for Stone
Susan Vreeland – Clara and Mr. Tiffany
Jess Walter – Beautiful Ruins
Sarah Waters – The Little Stranger
Ben Ames Williams – Come Spring

Jennifer Worth – Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy and Hard Times

Also the novels of Barbara Pym 

Also Scandinavian Mystery writers – Jo Nesbo, Haakan Nessor

Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments section - I'll add them to the list.

Lunch and Learn

"If I should not be learning now, when should I be?

Lacydes (c.241 b.c.e.) 

When asked why he was learning geometry late in life

 

Here at the Wells Public Library we strongly believe in the adage, "You're never too old to learn," and we strive to make learning opportunities available to everyone. Here are a few examples of what's available in the next few weeks.
 
Last month we started a new series here at the library that we're calling "Lunch and Learn."  Held on the 1st Friday of each month at noon, it is an opportunity to take time out of your busy day and learn something new.  Last month, Traczie Bellinger from the Maine Audubon Society told us about the piping plovers here in Wells, and just today Carol Steingart and Alyssa Lyon presented a fascinating program on the amazing horseshoe crab.  I have learned so much already.  For example, did you know that the blood of the Horseshoe crab is used to detect the presence of bacteria in medical equipment?   I can't wait for next month's presentation on June 7th when Jim and Lee Anderson will be here  to inform us about their travels in China and the "stan" countries of Asia.  

If you can't make it to the Lunch and Learn programs, we have a couple of evening coming up this week.  This Tuesday, May 7th at 6:30 p.m., Sue Dahlgren Daigneault will talk about her recently published memoir, In the Shadow of a Mountain.  Sue's father, Ed Dahlgren was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Truman in recognition of his heroics in World War II.  But when he returned to post-war life in Maine, his war experiences continued to haunt him.  Years later he realized that he suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Daigneault wanted to tell her father's story not only as a way to honor him and to record the suffering of those who fought in World War II, but to help us become aware of the difficulties faced by soldiers of all wars.  I'm looking forward to hearing more of Ed Dahlgren's story and learning how it can help today's veterans.

Finally, this Thursday, May 9th at 6:30 Library Assistant Kayla Thompson and I will be presenting "Playing with Pinterest."  If you're not familiar with this online bulletin board, it has become one of the fastest-growing websites with millions of members "pinning" all sorts of online information in an attempt to help organize their lives.  Pinterest is a place to find and store recipes, craft ideas, and home design plans.  You can even use it to help plan a wedding. If you're already pinning but want to find out some new techniques, or if you've never seen it and want to learn more, we'd love to have you join us.  We will also serve refreshments made from some of our Pinterest recipes.  We do ask that you register for this program so we know how many treats to prepare.

For more information on any of these programs, please call the library at 646-8181, or email me at cschilling@wellstown.org.  We look forward to seeing you at the library.

May Day at the Wells Public Library

It's hard to believe, but next week is the first of May.  Spring seems to be taking its sweet time getting here, but the past few days have been warm(ish) and sunny.  

The first day of May has been celebrated around the world for centuries with each culture and era observing the day in many different ways.

As a child in the Midwest our teacher had us make cone-shaped baskets  out of construction paper.  We were then instructed to fill the baskets with flowers and treats and place them on a neighbor's front step. Since then I've always enjoyed the idea of welcoming spring with flowers and celebration; especially the celebrations in Great Britain, where there's dancing around a Maypole, as seen here from the village of Lustleigh.

In some countries May Day is also Labor Day, and is observed as the International Day of the Worker.  This arose out of the Labor movements in the late 19th century, and in many place the day is marked with protests.  During the Soviet era it was a major state holiday in Eastern Bloc countries, and was observed with parades that demonstrated the military strength of the region.

Since 1958, May 1 has also been designated as Law Day here in the United States.  Not a legal holiday, it was established to "reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society."

In the State of Maine, lawyers and libraries have partnered together in a program called "Lawyers in Libraries," where local lawyers visit libraries to present information on the justice system.  On Wednesday, May 1 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. attorney Scott Geise will be here at the Wells Public Library to give a brief talk with time to take individual questions in private.  We are asking anyone interested in this to please register by calling the library.

On Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Owen Grumbling will be here to give a presentation on "Hitting the Trails in Wells!" Owen is the chair of the Wells Conservation Commission whose work has protected ecologically significant conservation lands that are accessible to the public for walking, hiking, and much more.  He will show you the beautiful places here in town that are waiting for you to explore.  If you want to learn more about the hidden treasures of Wells, please register for this event by calling the library.

Then, on Friday, May 3 at 12:00 p.m. marine educator Carol Steingart will be the presenter at our next Lunch and Learn program.  Her program, entitled "Green Eggs and Sand," is about the horseshoe crabs that lay their eggs on beaches along the Atlantic coast.  You're invited to bring a lunch as  Carol along with Alyssa Lyon describes the secret life of these "living fossils" and explains why they are so important in keeping humans free from disease.  We'll provide dessert and beverages; this program is sponsored by the Friends of the Wells Public Library.
 
This busy week will be capped off on Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 when artist Wyatt Barr will discuss his art which will be on display in the Weymouth Art Gallery during the month of May.  Wyatt is a Portland artist who specializes in large scale realistic portraits.  This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Wells Public Library.

As you can see there is a lot going on at the library next week.  We hope to see you soon.

Spring Break in Wells

Next week is Spring Vacation here in Wells, but at the Wells Public Library it's business as usual.

On Monday at 10:30 children ages 0-2 years along with their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for Mother Goose Storytime.  Children ages 2 and up along with their parents or caregivers are invited to Storytime on Wednesday at 10:30.

For a special vacation treat families are invited to our Piping Plover program on Wednesday, April 17th at 3:00 p.m.  Virginia Calvo and Cynthia Riley, volunteers who work to protect the piping plovers here in Wells during the spring and summer will read a book and present a craft to help us learn more about these beautiful, endangered birds.  We are requesting pre-registration, but it isn't required.  For more information, please contact Devin Burritt, 646-8181 or dburritt@wellstown.org.

In addition to these special programs, we'll be here to help you find books, information, or use our computers.  You're also welcome to come in just to read a newspaper or magazine, or to work on our ongoing jigsaw puzzle.

Welcome to Spring

Today's view outside the Children's Room

Today marks the second day of spring, but here in Maine we know that that date is arbitrary.  This was especially made clear to us this week when we had to reschedule our Irish History program due to the snowstorm.  

Therefore, we are holding our breath and hoping that Erin Bishop will be able to make it here on Thursday, March 28th at 6:30 p.m. to present her program on "The World of Mary O'Connell."  

The first week of April we are looking forward to two more spring-related programs.  On Thursday, April 4th at 6:30 p.m. Master Gardener Brian Smith returns to share some tips on "Growing Small Fruits and Berries." If you've always enjoyed strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries find out how you can grow these delicious treats in your own backyard.

On Friday, April 5th at 12:00 noon we are kicking off a new monthly program we're calling "Lunch and Learn."   Join us in the Weymouth Gallery the first Friday of each month and learn about a new subject. Feel free to bring a lunch to eat during the presentation.  We'll provide beverages and dessert.   This month  Maine Audubon biologist Traczie Bellinger will present a program on Maine's endangered shorebird, the Piping Plover.  Learn about the bird's natural history as well as the efforts and conservation methods used to protect the species.  

As you can see, even though it doesn't feel much like spring here, we're doing all we can to help you feel a bit warmer.  We hope to see you soon.

March Madness

March seems to have come in like a lion this year, but we're hoping that Spring is right around the corner (today's due date: March 29th!). March is also when we observe St. Patrick's Day, and basketball fans start filling out their brackets for the NCAA basketball tournaments, or "March Madness."  Here at the Wells Public Library we have a couple of programs to entertain, inform, and help you get through the last gasp of winter.

On March 19th at 4:00 p.m. children ages 5 - 9 are invited to attend our "March Madness Storytime."  Devin has planned a fun event involving sports stories and a sports-themed craft. Devin and Kayla are also featuring some of our children's books in our first "March Madness Match Up."  Come in anytime between March 19th and April 8th and select a book in order to determine the favorite book in the children's room. 

For those interested in Irish culture we invite you to "The World of Mary O'Connell" on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m.  Historian Erin I. Bishop, PhD will share the story of Daniel O'Connell, a young Irish barrister and politician, and his distant cousin, Mary O'Connell.  In 1800 the two began a clandestine correspondence that led to their marriage two years later, jeopardizing Daniel's inheritance.  Erin will explore through their story an intimate portrait of one woman and her family, providing us with a panoramic view of the fascinating social and domestic life of the 19th century Irish Catholic middle class.  Although I have an avid interest in history, I don't know much about Irish history, so I'm really looking forward to this program.

As always, these programs are free of charge, and are made possible by the Friends of the Wells Public Library (the Mary O'Connell program is co-sponsored with Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education).  Registration is not necessary.

A Celebration of Reading

March 2 marks the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.  Since 1997 the NEA has marked this date with "Read Across America" events in schools, libraries, and museums as a way to celebrate and encourage reading.

Here in Wells, Maine, the Wells Elementary School hosts a Celebration of Reading Day on the first Friday in March.  Guest Readers are invited to visit a classroom and read some of their favorite books to the students.  It's a day I always eagerly look forward to; the only problem being deciding which of my favorite books I would read.

Today I read to a great group of students in Mrs. Guerrette's 4th grade class and selected an excerpt from The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The Little House books were childhood favorites, and for many reasons The Long Winter is one of my favorites.  It recounts the events in the Ingalls family during the winter of 1880-1881, and how they nearly starved due to the fact that the trains couldn't get through with supplies (to read more about that winter, click here).

My favorite part of the book is towards the end.  It's April, and the blizzards continue to rage on. The family is subsisting on coarse brown bread, and is burning hay to keep warm.  Laura is dragging through the days of cold and hunger and darkness, but Pa keeps up a positive outlook for his family.  "It can't beat us!  It's got to quit sometime and we don't.  It can't lick us.  We won't give up."  Laura goes to bed a bit more optimistically, and in the middle of the night, 

"Laura heard the wind.  It was still blowing furiously but there were no voices, no howls or shrieks in it.  And with it there was another sound, a tiny, uncertain, liquid sound that she could not understand...The little sound that she heard was a trickling of waterdrops.  The eaves were dripping.  Then she knew...The Chinook was blowing.  Spring had come.  The blizzard had given up; it was driven back to the north."

Every year about this time, I start to feel a little like Laura, thinking that I can't take much more of the snow and the cold and the dark.  But then, one day I leave at 5:00 and it's still light out.  The crocuses start peeking up at the edge of my foundation.   The wind still blows, but it's warmer and gentler, and the giant snowbanks in my backyard start to recede. Whenever the winter starts to feel a bit too long, I think of the Ingalls family, and appreciate the fact that despite the blizzards, I still live in a nice, warm house, and can get whatever food I need.  It also helps to remember that just when winter feels like it's gone on too long, the Chinook appears and takes it away.

I want to thank Mrs. Guerrette and her students for listening to me today.  It was a great pleasure to share one of my favorite books with you and to  remember that spring is just around the corner.

Valentines Day at the Library

Earlier this week I was looking at another library's website and I saw that they are doing an event called "Blind Date with a Book." A few minutes later Kayla came up to me and told me about this thing called "Blind Date with a Book."  After a bit of research we discovered that many libraries across the country are doing this in celebration of Valentine's Day.  It sounded like fun, so we thought we'd try it, too.

So, we have pulled several books from our shelves representing a variety of genres.  We wrapped them in pink paper so that you can't see the title or author, and have set them on a table near the front entrance.  All you have to do is choose a book, take it to the desk and check it out.  When you get home, unwrap your "date," and start reading.  

It's a great way to read a book that you might never have selected .  Who knows, you may discover a new favorite author.  And if the book doesn't grab you, no worries, just bring it back.  We'll keep this display up through Valentine's Day, so you'll have an opportunity to have more than one date if necessary.

For children we have planned a special Valentine's Day event.  On Thursday, February 14 we will have a special Valentine's Day Storytime at 4:00 p.m.  There will be themed books and an opportunity to create some beautiful cards and crafts.  No registration is necessary for this program, which is for children ages 5-8.

And while not directly related to Valentine's Day, there is one event coming up next week that you won't want to miss.  On Thursday, February 8 at 6:30 Kayla and I will be repeating our "Journaling through Art and Words" workshop.  We will provide writing prompts, to help you get started writing your family story, and then Kayla will teach some special art techniques to make your journal special.  Please bring a blank journal of your choice; all other art supplies will be provided.  If you're interested in this program, please contact the library at 646-8181.

The Mother of My Invention

Tomorrow evening the Wells Public Library is pleased to present author Patricia Taub, who will be discussing her memoir entitled The Mother of My Invention.  Taub, a former journalist and family therapist, describes  the last two years of her mother's life, and along the way relates the difficult relationship the two shared during Pat's lifetime.

Taub is the story of a daughter who was finally able see her mother in a different light - as someone who faced many struggles and challenges, and coped as best as she could.

The Mother of My Invention is a book that can help all daughters to see their own mothers as real people with real problems, and that what we can learn about them might help us to live better lives.

The program starts at 6:30, and registration is not required.  For more information please call the library at 646-8181.  We look forward to seeing you for what should prove to be a most enlightening talk. 

Talking about Books

The book I'm reading right now is The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas.   I've been a fan of Dallas ever since her first novel, Buster Midnight's Cafe.  I read Persian Pickle Club when it was first published in 1995, but I'm re-reading it in preparation for next Tuesday's Book Discussion Group.  

Cheryl Mills facilitating a lively discussion

The Wells Public Library currently hosts two Book Discussion Groups; our evening group has been meeting for about 6 or 7 years, and last fall we launched our afternoon group.  I have to say that Book Discussion day is my favorite day of the week.  What could be better than spending a pleasant couple of hours in a library talking about books with a group of people who enjoy reading as much as I do?

We co-sponsor the groups with Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education, and the Director of that program, Cheryl Mills and I work together to plan the discussions.  We try to select books that will appeal to a number of people, taking in to consideration such practical matters as availibilty of titles and length of the book.  Most of the books are contemporary fiction, although we also try to include a classic and a non-fiction title.  from time to time. We try to ensure that enough copies are available in the MINERVA online catalog in a variety of formats - audio, regular print and large-print.

Cheryl and I also share the responsibity of facilitating each discussion, spending extra time preparing for the group by researching background information and preparing questions for discussion.  During the discussion the facilitator is not only there to ask questions, but to make sure that everyone has a chance to participate and that the discussion doesn't stray too far off topic.

Occasionally one of the members will let me know they aren't going to be there because "I just didn't like the book."  I always encourage them to come anyway, because it's interesting to get that different perspective.  Some of our best discussions have been when there are dissenting views on the book, and one of my favorite discussions was a couple of months ago when I immensely disliked a book that everyone loved.  It's great seeing people get passionate over stories and ideas, and I find myself re-energized after every discussion.

We invite all of you to join us and see for yourself how invigorating a Book Discussion can be.  For more information about dates and times as well as a list of the upcoming titles, please visit the Book Discussion page of our website.

 If you would like more information just  give me a call - 646-8181.

Hannah Hill's Sampler

In 1985 the library received a very special  donation from Leonard and Barbara (Hill) Berry of New Castle, New Hampshire.  Most of you are probably familiar with the large Grandfather clock that stands next to the Check-out Desk; if not by sight, then by sound as it chimes (mostly) on the hour.  

But very few people are aware of the framed sampler that hangs in the Director's office.  This sampler was made in 1827 by twelve-year-old Hannah Hill, who lived in Wells with her family.

From January 12 through March 2 you will be able to view this lovely sampler at the Saco Museum as part of its exhibit "I My Needle Ply With Skill": Maine Schoolgirl Needlework of the Federal Era.  Along with the exhibit, the Museum has planned several related programs, including a "Stitch In" by the Embroiders'  Guild of America, and "Stitching for Beginners and Beyond.  For more information about this exhibit, please visit sacomuseum.org.

IN March, after the sampler returns  to its permanent home here in the library, if I'm in my office, please feel free to stop by and take a look at this treasure from Wells history.

A Short List of the Wells Public Library's Most Popular Titles of 2012

As 2012 winds down we're taking a look back at some of the most popular books of the year. A few weeks ago I posted some of the "Best Of" lists that abound this time of year, but now I'm going to focus on the books that were popular here in Wells.

Probably the most popular book of the year was, and continues to be, Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. Published last June, the last time I checked there are 354 people throughout the Minerva system still waiting to read it.  Fortunately, there are over 100 copies, so the wait shouldn't be too long if you haven't had a chance to read it yet.

Other fiction titles that were popular in 2012 include Mission to Paris by Alan Furst, Defending Jacob by William Landay, The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, A Wanted Man by Lee Child, The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny, Home Front by Kristin Hannah, Lone Wolf by Jodi Piccoult,and Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand.  The Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, and Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead were popular this summer. Janet Evanovich's two books,Notorious19 and Wicked Business were also popular, as were the several books published by James Patterson this year.  And we can't forget the enormous popularity of the 50 Shades of Grey series by E.L. James.  

Nonfiction titles that were popular this year include the memoirs When We Were the Kennedys by Maine author Monica Wood, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, and Lots of Candles Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen. Other popular memoirs were Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling, and Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson. Another non-fiction book,  Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain has been growing in popularity since it was published earlier this year.

These are only a few of the thousands of books checked out this year; we'd love to know what your favorites were in 2012.

Happy New Year, and here's hoping that 2013 brings you health, wealth, and a few more good books to read.

ebooks at the Library

A Nook Color ereader device.

This article came through on my Facebook page this morning, and I thought it was interesting because  it discusses what libraries are doing to prepare for the expected post-holiday flood of new ereader owners.  Here at the Wells Public Library we've been ready for  some time now to help you with your ereader and ebook questions.

First, a bit of explanation.  An ereader is the device on which you read your ebook. While you can download and read books on your PC or laptop, most people read them on smaller devices, such as  a Kindle, Nook, or  iPad.    By ebook, I'm referring to the actual content, or title of the book. 

You can get ebooks for your ereaders in a couple different ways.  You can either purchase them (via Amazon or Barnes and Noble), or you may borrow them through the Wells Public Library Overdrive subscription. There are a few places where you can access free ebooks, for example, Project Gutenberg.org

The process of setting up and loading books on to most ereaders can be a bit frustrating to first-time users.  That's why the staff here at the library is more than happy to help you get up to speed.  We do suggest that you give us a call and ask to set up an appointment, though.  That way we can make sure that we allow enough time to answer all your questions and make sure that you're comfortable with your device.  And, if you get home and realize you have more questions, we're also available for follow-up visits.

For those of you who haven't made the jump to ebooks yet, the library has some ebook readers available for check out.  We have one Kindle, and a Nook color that may be checked out with a valid Wells Public Library card for 2 weeks.  We've already loaded books on them, so all you have to do is check it out and start reading.    A list of what books are on each device is below.  And if you're not ready to borrow one, but just want to take a look and see what the fuss is about, stop by our ereader table near the Reference desk.  You can sit down and play with a Kindle or Nook while in the library.
 
Our aim is to assist readers to access books no matter the format.  So, if you are the new owner of a new ereader and need a bit of help getting started, or if you'd like to ask about checking out an ereader, just give us a call at 646-8181. 

These books are available for checkout on our Kindle device:
Austen - Emma
Flynn - Gone Girl
Hoffman - Lost in Translation
Patterson & Karp - NYPD Red
Skloot - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Taylor - Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Tolkien - The Hobbit 

These Books are available for checkout on our nook color device:
Betty Crocker - Betty Crocker Cookbook
Child -  A Wanted Man
Collins - The Hunger Games
Gabaldon - Outlander
Kipling - The Elephant's Child: How the Elephant Got His Trunk
Roberts - The Welcoming
Tolstoy - Anna Karenina  
 

End of the Year Lists

Well, the year is winding down, and in the library world that means that everyone, and I do mean everyone is coming out with its list of the year's best books.  

First up is The New York Times with a list of the 100 Notable books of 2012.  I was sorry to see that out of the nearly 70 books I've read this year, only 2 of them, The Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, and Canada by Richard Ford are on this list, although I am on the waiting list for Ian McEwan's Sweet Tooth.

If you need anymore lists, the blog Largeheartedboy has created a list of all the Best of lists for 2012.  This list will be updated every day as more lists are available.

So, if you're out of something to read and need  ideas, or if you're in the mood to be overwhelmed by all the books you haven't read yet, check out these pages to get more ideas.

Later this week I'll post a few of my favorites for the year, and during the month I'll post some of the staff favorites, as well as the most popular books among our patrons this year.

Hedgehogs, Pajamas, and Climate Change

The Wells Public Library will be closing out September with a wide variety of programs for all ages and interests.

First, on Tuesday, September 25th at 1:15 we will kick off our new Afternoon Book Discussion Group.  This group is in addition to our popular evening group, and is designed especially for those unable to attend in the evenings.  Our selection this month is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.  I still have about 100 pages left, and must admit that it's been a bit of a struggle at times, but am  enjoying it.  If you're interested in joining this group, call me or email me: cschilling@wellstown.org, or 646-8181 ext. 206.  We promise to end our discussion by 2:45, so if you need to pick up your child from the elementary school you'll have plenty of time to do so.

Later that evening, you may want to put the kids in their pj's, grab a stuffed animal and come to the library for our Pajama Storytime at 6:30 p.m.  Devin will have great stories and songs to get everyone ready for a good night's sleep.

For our last program of the month, join us on Wednesday, September 26th at 6:30 for a program on "Climate Change and You."   Wells resident Joe Hardy, an environmental educator, will give an overview of the issues involved , and will share tips on things we can do to reduce the impact of climate change.  I'm looking forward to hearing what Joe has to say on this topic.

Of course, these programs are in addition to our regular weekly programs:Mother Goose Storytime on Mondays at 10:30, Toddler Time on Wednesdays at 10:30, Stories and More on Wednesdays at 1:00, and our Knitting and Crochet Group on Fridays at 10:30.

All these programs are free of charge; for more information please contact the library at 646-8181.  

Have a great weekend, and we hope to see you at the library.

Wii Night

On Tuesday, September 18^th at 6:00 the Wells Public Library will be hosting a Wii Family Game Night. Bring your friends, parents, and siblings to participate in Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resorts. In addition, two Nintendo 3DSs  will be available that evening for cooperative Mario Kart play. 

Many of you may not be aware of this, but the library currently owns two Nintendo 3DS devices.  They may be checked out with a valid Wells Public Library card for 1/2 hour of in-library use.  We also have a small collection of Nintendo DS games that may be checked out for a 1 week loan period.

You may ask why the library offers these programs and services, since they don't seem to be related to traditional library services. Much research has been done over the past several years to determine the value or damage caused by video games, and most of the results have been positive.  It has been demonstrated that video games help promote problem solving, how to follow directions, how to creatively attack a problem without fear of failure, and to learn from your mistakes.

As Jane McGonigal, author of Reality is Broken : Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World wrote in  The Huffington Post;

 "When we play a good game, we get to practice being the best version of ourselves: We become more optimistic, more creative, more focused, more likely to set ambitious goals, and more resilient in the face of failure. And when we play multiplayer games, we become more collaborative and more likely to help others. In fact, we like and trust each other more after we play a game together -- even if we lose! And more importantly, playing a game with someone is an incredibly effective way to get to know their strengths and weaknesses--as well as what motivates them. This is exactly the kind of social knowledge we need to be able to cooperate and collaborate with people to tackle real-world challenges."

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jane-mcgonigal/video-games_b_823208.html

If you want to learn more about this topic, McGonigal's book is available through the MINERVA online catalog.  For more information, you can always contact Devin Burritt, our Youth Services Librarian. He may be reached at dburritt@wellstown.org, 646-8181, ext. 202, or just stop by the Youth Services desk and talk to him in person.

Also, feel free to stop at the Check Out desk and check out one of our devices for yourself.  In addition to all the positive qualities listed above, they're just plain fun.

Storytimes!

For most of the country, Labor Day means back to school.  Here at the Wells Public Library it also means that our regular Storytimes resume.  Devin and Kayla are busily planning stories, songs, and crafts to entertain our youngest members.

Our Mother Goose Storytime on Mondays at 10:30 is for the very youngest children - ages 0 through 2 years and a caregiver.  This lapsit storytime features very simple books, rhymes, and bouncing songs.  

Toddler Time is designed for children ages 2 - 3 and their caregivers, and meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:30.  In addition to listening to great stories, children will sing songs, learn new rhymes and sing and move to lively music.

Stories and More meets on Wednesday afternoons at 1:00.  Children will hear stories, learn  songs and  rhymes, and complete a craft.  

In addition to these weekly events, we will also be adding a monthly Family Pajama Storytime for children birth to 5 years.  The first of these events will be on Tuesday, September 25th from 6:30-7:00.  Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals and come in their PJs for songs and stories.

Storytimes are a great way to introduce your child to reading and literacy through books, rhyme and music.  It's also a good opportunity to meet other families and children in the community. 

These programs are all free of charge and registration is not required.  For more information contact the library at 646-8181.  

 

Goodbye, Summer

Today is the Friday before Labor Day.  If you check a book out of the library today, the due date is September 21, the last day of summer. To librarians, it seems time is always flying; today it's still a warm August day with flip flops and iced coffee,  but by the time you finish your book and bring it back, we'll be wearing sweaters and drinking apple cider.

Here at the Wells Public Library, we're starting to catch our breath after a busy summer.  We enjoyed seeing everyone come in to the library to pick up the latest best-sellers, use the internet and wi-fi, attend a great program for adults and children,  or take part in the Summer Reading Program.  

Some of the highlights for me were the Fancy Nancy program featuring 30 young ladies in their fanciest outfits; the Friday afternoon Lego Club; our tribute to long-time Friend Norman Wilkinson; and the August Book Discussion of The Great Gatsby, complete with costumes and  a Roaring Twenties party. 

Another special part of this summer was our Teen Volunteer program. Twelve junior and senior high students were an invaluable part of the summer reading program as they helped prepare crafts, assisted with programs, and handed out prizes to the Summer Reading participants.  All of the teens who participated were  enthusiastic and helpful, and we enjoyed getting to know them better.

More than 300 children and teens, and 141 adults participated in our Summer Reading Program this year.  Thanks to those local businesses whose donations made summer extra special for some of our children and adults: Mike’s Clam Shack, Maine Diner, Joshua’s, Subway, Scoop Deck, Dairy Queen, Wells Beach Resort Campground, Wells House of Pizza, Wonder Mountain and Aw-Comon-In. 

We would also like to especially thank the Friends of the Wells Public Library for sponsoring the performers who enriched our summer and for providing incentives for our young readers.

Now that the end of summer is only 3 weeks away, we're starting to put together our fall programs. We'll have more on that later; for now, feel free to check our website to see a little of what we have planned.

Have a great weekend; we hope to see you soon.